Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless Review: Low Latency Earbuds With Good Hybrid ANC for RM515

One of the biggest shortcomings of wireless earbuds – especially for mobile gamers – is high latency, creating a disconnect between what’s on the screen and the actual audio. If you’re looking for wireless earbuds that can solve this issue, consider the Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless.

Launched in Malaysia just earlier this month, the Cetra is said to offer low latency for the best gaming experience. Throughout my time with the wireless earbuds, they do deliver on this promise, and the Cetra has decent hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) as well.

Of course, it still has some shortcomings here and there, and I’ll get to that in this review of the ROG Cetra.

What It Is

The Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless, like with other ROG-branded products, is catered to gamers; more specifically, mobile gamers. This being a pair of gaming-centric earbuds, its low latency is certainly one of the Cetra’s most important features; the hybrid ANC is more of a cherry on top.

Aside from ANC and low latency, the Cetra is said to return up to 5.5 hours of use on a single charge. Paired with the charging case, it has a total battery life of 27 hours. It also has an IPX4 rating, so while it’s not exactly water-resistant, it can survive some water splashes.

For the Malaysian market, the Cetra is priced at RM515; a reasonably good price tag for a pair of wireless earbuds with ANC, hybrid or not.

The Good Stuff

Naturally, the best selling point of the ROG Cetra is its low latency in Gaming mode, which can be activated in the Armory Crate app; it can also be switched on by tapping and holding the left earbud’s touch sensor. With the feature activated, Asus said the Cetra’s latency “nearly matches that of wired earphones.”

Needless to say, this is quite a bold claim, and it’s a claim the Cetra actually delivers on! While the latency isn’t great out of the box, activating Gaming mode does improve the latency quite a bit. While I wouldn’t say the latency is as good as wired earphones, I do have to say the Cetra got close – really close.

As for the hybrid ANC of the ROG Cetra, it’s not bad. It can eliminate low frequency rumbles relatively well, but it can’t quite cancel out human voices. But hey, at this price point, I’d say the Cetra has above average ANC performance. It would be unrealistic to expect, say, the same level of ANC as the
Sony WF-1000XM4
.

And then we have the audio quality of the Cetra, which is good enough for most folks. The mid-bass, for one, is strong and sufficient, even if it’s not particularly “tight.” Generally, these earbuds have a dark, warm sound signature, and unless you’re an audiophile, you’ll find the Cetra’s audio quality to be just fine.

Last but not least is the design of the ROG Cetra. Even though it has the typical “gamer aesthetic,” I do think it looks quite sleek. I also like the fact that the charging case has some neat lighting effects, especially the pixelated ROG logo on the inside of the case.

The Bad Stuff

Compared to other wireless earbuds in the market now, the battery life of the ROG Cetra True Wireless leaves much to be desired. Granted, I did manage to get Asus’ quoted battery life of 4.8 hours with ANC activated (5.5 hours with ANC off), but these figures are not exactly impressive.

Aside from that, I’m also not a fan of the Cetra’s silicone tips. They don’t feel as robust as they should be, and the seal isn’t very secure either. Yes, I’ve tried all of the tips that were provided with the earbuds. I did eventually manage to get the Cetra to sit securely in my ears, but not without some fiddling around.

My last gripe with the Cetra is the lack of better water resistance. Its IPX4 rating does protect it from some water splashes, but if it had more robust water protection, it would’ve been a better all-rounder.

Is It Worth It?

For RM515, I would say the Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless is worth it. It does deliver low latency as promised, not to mention serviceable ANC performance, a bassy sound signature, and sleek looks (in my opinion). You can do a lot worse than these earbuds at this price point.

Yes, the Cetra’s battery life and silicone tips could be better, but these shortcomings may not matter to some folks. For the latter, it’s easily addressed with third-party silicone tips, though it would’ve been ideal if the earbuds came with better tips in the first place.

Nonetheless, RM515 for the ROG Cetra is a good buy; even more so if you can get it
at a lower price
.


Nothing Phone 1 Official With Transparent Design – Coming to Malaysia From RM2,399

After much hype and buzz, the Nothing Phone 1 is finally unveiled, and it’s just as the leaks have indicated. There’s the transparent, see-through back design, a
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ chipset
, and a unique LED notification system. There is one surprise though: it’s confirmed for the Malaysian market.

On
Nothing Phone 1’s pre-order page for Malaysia
, three variants of the phone are listed, though the 8GB + 128GB configuration does not have any pricing. Instead, the 8GB + 256GB model is the most affordable model with a RM2,399 price tag. If you need more RAM, there’s the 12GB + 256GB variant for RM2,699.

For that kind of money, the Nothing Phone 1 features the aforementioned Snapdragon 778G+ chipset with 5G connectivity, which should be more than capable to provide a fast, zippy user experience. This is complemented by the phone’s equally speedy 6.55-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.

Other specifications of the Nothing Phone 1 include a dual camera system (50MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide angle), a 16MP selfie camera, an IP53 rating, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a reasonably big 4,500mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.

No word yet on exactly when the Nothing Phone 1 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia. But given that the
pre-order page is up
, we reckon it’s only a matter of time before the Phone 1 can be purchased on our shores. What do you think of its RM2,399 starting price? Let us know in the comments section below!


Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro Review: Premium, Handsome Smartwatch for RM1,399

Over the years, the design of smartwatches have evolved quite a bit, to the point where the line between a smartwatch and a traditional wristwatch is blurred. This is especially true for the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro; more specifically, the Titanium version you see in this review.

Not only does it have the aesthetics of a sleek, premium wristwatch, the GT 3 Pro is also a reasonably capable smartwatch with long battery life, even if some of its features are limited. Nonetheless, if you’re in a market for a handsome (and large) smartwatch, the GT 3 Pro should be in your shortlist.

What It Is

There are two variants of the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro for the Malaysian market. The one featured in this review is the more affordable 46mm Titanium model for RM1,399. The 43mm Ceramic version, on the other hand, costs RM1,599 (leather strap) or RM2,399 (ceramic strap).

Beyond the different size and material, both versions of the GT 3 Pro share the same hardware. These include a 1.43-inch 466 x 466 circular AMOLED display – which is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire glass – IP68 water and dust resistance, a 5 ATM rating, and up to 14 days of battery life in typical use, though it goes down to eight days in heavy use.

Aside from that, the GT 3 Pro also runs on HarmonyOS 2.0, and it can even be paired with iOS devices.

The Good Stuff

Let’s start with the design of the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro, which is definitely my favourite aspect of the smartwatch. At a glance, it looks just like a classy traditional wristwatch, thanks to the titanium case and grey leather strap.

Suffice to say the GT 3 Pro feels and looks like a premium smartwatch, and I love the reflection that the sapphire glass gives off, not to mention its beveled edges. Really, there’s no denying that this is one of the most handsome smartwatches in the market now – in my opinion, anyway.

Further complementing the looks of the GT 3 Pro is its bright and vibrant AMOLED screen. The different watchfaces look great on this smartwatch, and even the always on display is legible outdoors.

Naturally, the GT 3 Pro also has robust tracking capabilities. It can track my heart rate, blood oxygen level, stress level – it does so by measuring heart rate fluctuations – sleep quality, and even skin temperature! These are not groundbreaking tracking features by any means, but they are certainly nice to have.

Of course, I enabled all of these tracking capabilities on the GT 3 Pro, and I’m surprised that the smartwatch can still return respectable battery life. On average, it can easily last over a week, which is in line with Huawei’s quoted battery life of eight days with heavy use. It’s neat that I don’t have to charge the watch every day.

The performance of the GT 3 Pro is worth a mention as well. Although Huawei doesn’t mention the processor powering the smartwatch, it can provide a smooth, responsive user experience. Running on HarmonyOS 2.0, the interface of the smartwatch is quite intuitive to navigate around as well.

The Bad Stuff

As much as I like the aesthetic of the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro, it does have a few shortcomings. Compared to other smartwatches – especially
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4
 – the GT 3 Pro has a very basic notification system. While the watch does get notifications from a paired device seamlessly, I cannot interact with them at all.

In this sense, the GT 3 Pro is no better than, say, a fitness band. Notifications from apps that the smartwatch don’t recognise are also lumped together, which can be a little messy to go through.

Aside from that, the GT 3 Pro can be too bulky for some folks too at 46mm; even the slightly smaller Ceramic model with its 43mm case is still quite sizeable. With that in mind, you may want to check out the smartwatch in person to see if it will suit your wrist.

Last but not least is the asking price of the GT 3 Pro. Starting from RM1,399, it’s certainly not an affordable smartwatch, especially in a market where you can get a pretty capable wearable for half the price.

Is It Worth It?

Although the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro does not come cheap, it
is
 a smartwatch with a premium appeal. It looks sleek, it feels great, it has long battery life, and its tracking capabilities are similar to what other smartwatches offer.

Granted, the GT 3 Pro doesn’t have the most complete notification system, and its bulky nature may be a dealbreaker. But that doesn’t change the fact that this is a good-looking, premium smartwatch – this point alone can be worth its RM1,399 starting price to some folks.


14 – 20 July Fuel Price: RON 97 Further Down 5 Sen – Now RM4.75 Per Litre

Great news: the price of RON 97 is going down yet again this week by 5 sen! Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are all maintained, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.

For the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.75 per litre (down from RM4.80). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.

These prices will be in effect from 14 to 20 July 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.


2022 Honda HR-V Lands in Malaysia – 4 Variants, 3 Engines, Honda Sensing Standard, RM115k to RM141k

The highly anticipated 2022 Honda HR-V has finally been launched in Malaysia. For our market, the B-segment SUV is offered in four different variants with three engine options, and the sleek new model now starts at RM114,800.

That price tag is for the base S model of the HR-V with a 1.5L NA engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque. A tier up is the E variant with a 1.5L turbo mill (181PS/240Nm) for RM129,800, followed by the V trim with the same turbo engine for RM134,800. These models are all packed with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

As for the range-topping HR-V RS, it costs RM140,800 with an e-HEV hybrid powertrain and e-CVT. The electric motor – which is used most of the time – does 131PS and 253Nm of torque, while the NA Atkinson-cycle petrol engine outputs 107PS and 131Nm of torque. It’s worth noting that the petrol unit functions as a generator, and it only drives the car directly at higher speeds.

These prices for the new HR-V are on-the-road without insurance, and sales tax is included. Of course, if you placed your booking by 30 June last month, you can enjoy lower prices. In this scenario, you’ll only have to pay RM110,386 for the S, RM124,971 for the E, RM129,848 for the V, and RM137,091 for the RS.

Do note that to secure these tax-free prices, you’ll also have register your HR-V by 31 March 2023 next year.

Now, let’s talk about the 2022 HR-V itself. Honda Sensing is offered across the board, which includes Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Auto High Beam (AHB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low Speed Follow (LSF), and Lead Care Departure Notification (LCDN).

Other equipment of the new HR-V include LED headlights, six airbags (four for the S trim), and an 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Naturally, the higher-end V and RS models get more features, including 18-inch wheels (17-inch for the S and E), front LED sequential turn signals, 8-way driver power seat, leather upholstery and steering wheel, Honda LaneWatch camera, as well as support for Honda Connect.

It’s also worth noting that the RS variant gets a powered tailgate and auto front wiper.

The 2022 Honda HR-V is now available for booking, though the waiting period is now over 12 months long with 20,000 bookings already recorded. Nonetheless, it’s entirely possible you can get the SUV sooner, depending on which model (and dealership) you choose.


2022 Honda HR-V – Over 20,000 Bookings, 12 Months Waiting Period

At the launch event of the
2022 Honda HR-V
, the Japanese carmaker revealed that it has received over
20,000 bookings
 for the B-segment SUV. Aside from that, the company also confirmed the
12 months waiting period
 for the new model.

Among the four variants of the updated HR-V, Honda Malaysia said the V model is the most popular one, accounting for over 60% of total bookings. This is followed by the RS (20%) and E (13%) trims, while the base S model is the least popular option despite being the most affordable.

Honda Malaysia expects to sell 1,600 units of the HR-V per month. But with over 20,000 bookings already recorded, we reckon the carmaker’s monthly sale of the SUV will be limited by how many units it can produce in the time period.

The Japanese carmaker assures customers that it will deliver the 2022 Honda HR-V in a timely manner. If you placed a booking for the SUV by 30 June, do note that you’ll get to enjoy the tax-free prices, which can
save you up to RM4,952
.


OnePlus Nord 2T With MediaTek Dimensity 1300 Now in Malaysia From RM1,899

OnePlus has been relatively quiet in the Malaysian market, so it’s quite refreshing to see the company launch two smartphones on our shores, including the OnePlus Nord 2T. Sporting a MediaTek Dimensity 1300 chipset with a rather sleek-looking design, it’s quite an interesting upper mid-range phone.

Two variants of the OnePlus Nord 2T are offered in Malaysia. The base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage goes for RM1,899, while the more generous 12GB + 256GB configuration is priced at RM2,099. As for colour options, the 128GB model is only offered in Jade Fog, while the 256GB variant is available in Grey Shadow.

The Nord 2T in Grey Shadow

The Nord 2T in Jade Fog

Other specifications of the Nord 2T include a 6.43-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP mono), a 32MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging, and OxygenOS based 12.1 on Android 12 out of the box.

The OnePlus Nord 2T will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 19 July onwards. To recap, the 8GB + 128GB base model in Jade Fog costs RM1,899, while the 12GB + 256GB configuration in Grey Shadow goes for RM2,099.


OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite With 120Hz Display Also Launched in Malaysia for RM1,199

Aside from the Nord 2T, the more affordable OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite have also been launched in Malaysia. As a budget-friendly offering, it sports a more modest set of hardware while retaining the same design language as the higher-end Nord 2T.

Only one configuration of the Nord CE 2 Lite is offered in Malaysia for RM1,199. For that kind of money, it features 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage further expandable with a microSD card slot. Two colour options are available: Blue Tide and Black Dusk.

Hardware wise, the Nord CE 2 Lite features a 6.59-inch 1080p LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 16MP selfie camera, a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, as well as OxygenOS 12.1 based on Android 12 out of the box.

Just like the Nord 2T, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite will also be available in Malaysia from 19 July next week. Priced at RM1,199, it’s worth checking out if you’re shopping for a budget-friendly phone, especially if you also want the fuss-free software experience of OxygenOS.


Booked the 2022 Honda HR-V By 30 June 2022? You Stand to Save up to RM4,952

The
2022 Honda HR-V
 has just been launched in Malaysia today, though bookings for the B-segment SUV were opened on 9 June. If you booked the new HR-V by 30 June last month, good news: you stand to save up to RM4,952.

That’s because all passenger cars booked by 30 June 2022 will be
eligible for sales tax exemption
, provided that said cars are registered by 31 March 2023 next year. If you fulfill these criteria, you can get the new HR-V without sales tax included.

Refer to the table below to see how much you can (potentially) save.

2022 Honda HR-V
Current Price (with SST
)
Price (without SST
)
Price difference
1.5L S
RM114,800
RM110,386
+RM4,414
1.5L E (Turbo)
RM129,800
RM124,971
+RM4,829
1.5L V (Turbo)
RM134,800
RM129,848
+RM4,952
1.5L e:HEV RS
RM140,800
RM137,091
+RM3,709

We got these tax-free prices from Honda Malaysia itself, and if you get the V trim of the HR-V, you can save a whopping RM4,952. Curiously, the range-topping RS model gets the least amount of discount despite being the most expensive variant.

Of course, given that the waiting period for the 2022 Honda HR-V is
over 12 months now
, it’s possible not all customers who booked the B-segment SUV by 30 June can enjoy the tax-free prices. Nonetheless, Honda Malaysia assures customers that it will deliver the new HR-V in a timely manner, so fingers crossed.


Singapore Trials Online Application for Malaysian Driving License Conversion

If you’re a Malaysian residing in Singapore, good news: you can now send in an application online to convert your Malaysian driving license to a Singapore license. Foreigners who have resided in the country for more than 12 months are required to do so to continue driving in Singapore.

This is a trial to reduce waiting and transaction times at the Traffic Police headquarters, said the Singapore Police Force in a news release as reported by
CNA
. Those who want to convert their Malaysia driving license to a Singapore license can send in their applications online
through this link
.

Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive an email asking for supporting documents. Your request will then be processed within 14 days, and you will be given an appointment to visit the Traffic Police headquarters to complete the process.

While you are still required to head to the Traffic Police headquarters to get your Malaysian driving license converted, having some of the process done online will certainly save precious time. Again, you can submit your application for the license conversion
right here
.


Nothing Phone 1 Registered With SIRIM – Available in Malaysia Soon?

Although the
Nothing Phone 1’s Malaysian pricing
 have been revealed, its actual availability here still remains a mystery. Well, it has just passed through SIRIM, so there’s a good chance the phone will be launched in Malaysia soon.

In our routine search through SIRIM, the Nothing Phone 1 was registered with the certification body just yesterday on 14 July under Zitron Fulfilment. All electronics have to be certified by SIRIM first before they can be officially sold here, so it’s not far-fetched to assume the Phone 1 will be sold here soon.

Retailing from RM2,399 in Malaysia, the Nothing Phone 1 features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ chipset with 5G connectivity, which should be more than capable to provide a fast, zippy user experience. This is complemented by the phone’s equally speedy 6.55-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.

Other specifications of the Nothing Phone 1 include a dual camera system (50MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide angle), a 16MP selfie camera, an IP53 rating, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a reasonably big 4,500mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.

There’s no official word yet on the Malaysian launch of the Nothing Phone 1. But given that the phone has been registered with SIRIM already, we reckon it’s only a matter of time before it’s launched on our shores.


Nothing Removes 2 Configurations of Nothing Phone 1 in Malaysia – Only 1 Variant Available?

Now this is interesting. At launch, three different variants of the Nothing Phone 1 were listed on the
Malaysian pre-order page
 of the phone. But now, two of them have been removed from the listing, which seems to suggest that only one variant of the phone will be offered in Malaysia.

The two variants of the Phone 1 that were removed are the 8GB + 128GB and 12GB + 256GB configurations; the latter even had a RM2,699 price tag. Now, only the 8GB + 256GB model is left on the pre-order page, which is listed at RM2,399.

Current listing of the Nothing Phone 1

Previous listing of the Nothing Phone 1

Anyway, for that kind of money, the Nothing Phone 1 features a Snapdragon 778G+ chipset with 5G connectivity, which should be more than capable to provide a fast, zippy user experience. This is complemented by the phone’s equally speedy 6.55-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.

Other specifications of the Phone 1 include a dual camera system (50MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide angle), a 16MP selfie camera, an IP53 rating, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a reasonably big 4,500mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.

Given that the product listing of the Nothing Phone 1 has been updated – and the fact that the phone is
certified with SIRIM
 already – it’s likely the phone will be launched in Malaysia very, very soon. After all, the Phone 1 is set to be available in selected markets from 21 July.


7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Dioko Review: Technically-Accomplished $99 Planar IEM

Tired of budget single dynamic driver IEMs? Then perhaps a change in driver type will shake things up. Planar magnetic-driven IEMs, for example, were ahead of their time…and also something of a joke. Not only was the tuning of early planar IEMs subpar, there was also the matter of supplying enough power to these power-hungry drivers.

Fast forward to 2022, “planar” is now the buzzword of the year, and ChiFi manufacturers are racing to release products utilising the driver technology. But have planar IEMs actually matured enough? Are they now a good alternative (or even replacement) to “mere” dynamic driver IEMs?

Well, the 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Dioko aims to answer these questions, while also going for only $99.

What It Is

The Salnotes Dioko is a 14.6mm planar driver IEM tuned by Crinacle, the guru of graphs himself. This means you’ll be getting a balanced tuning as defined by an experienced, high-profile individual in the audio space. This actually marks Crinacle’s sixth collaboration with an audio brand, but it’s his first product with a planar-magnetic driver.

The Dioko is not 7Hz’s first planar IEM either: that would be the much revered Timeless. While it’s not a perfect IEM, the Timeless was quite well-received by the audio community, which might have contributed to the eventual release of the Dioko.

However, the much anticipated launch of the Dioko was met with an unfortunate predicament. Early units of the IEM were installed with incorrect tuning filters, under-dampening the mids and highs. Over 150 early units of the Dioko had this issue, and affected customers were promptly sent replacement filters to rectify the blunder.

Although the filter replacement process is fairly simple – Linsoul even released
an instructional video
 on how to do this – there was no physical way to tell whether or not a particular unit of the Dioko was affected. We know that the mids and highs are under-dampened in the affected units, but those without proper measuring equipment (most people, basically) are left to guess and speculate if their own unit sounds “correct.”

And even if you think you bought the Dioko later enough to not be affected by the issue, the damage was already done; the paranoia is already set.

Aside from that, the task of ear tip rolling and seeking out ones that play well with the unique (read: weird) shape of the Dioko was also an annoying process. In fact, despite being packaged with a rather extensive amount of tips in wide and narrow bore variants, none of them fit my ears well enough to stay put and provide a good seal.

Only when I found a random pair of no-brand, transparent silicone tips in my storage that I was able to get the right fit with the Dioko. If it’s any consolation, at least the IEM comes in a rather nice faux-leather case to house the precious gemstone-looking earphones.

How Does It Sound?

The sonic differences of a planar driver compared to a dynamic one are immediately apparent when you hit the play button. There’s a certain quality and speed in the bass of the Dioko, and certain crisp in the treble that just presents itself clearly and organically.

The tone of the Dioko is unabashedly bright, so dwellers of the dark that prefer to bask in warmer sound signatures should look elsewhere. Unfortunately, I belong in that dark camp, so the Dioko shines a little too bright for my taste. But shine, it certainly does.

The technicalities of the Dioko is, in a word, astonishing. Every instrument presents itself before you without reservation and in high fidelity. Depending on the music you’re listening to, this transparency might even be too overwhelming for some. You might hear cymbals you weren’t aware of, or hear strings you never knew in a new timbre or quality.

It’s a new sensation, if you will.

Bass

The sub-bass of the Dioko is tight and precise, but it does roll-off fairly quickly. It doesn’t help that the mid-bass is also on the lighter side and, in my opinion, a little lacking for genres like pop and rock. But as mentioned before, the quality and presentation of the “planar bass” is still unique and worth listening to.

Mids

My sentiment of there not being enough bass follows through to the mids of the Dioko. Both male and female vocals tend to sound a bit thin and a tad bit recessed. Like a distraught child, there is a desire for intimacy, for more attention. The child calls and beckons, but to no avail.

This is a pity, as the child is pure of heart – as pure as the vocals of the Dioko. This IEM makes up for the lack of weight by producing a natural timbre and breathiness in the vocals. Instruments also sound full and organic, but the amount of detail presented might be sensory overload to more sensitive listeners.

Highs

As previously mentioned, the Dioko is a
bright
IEM, too much so for my liking. That being said, it does offer superb clarity and treble resonance that lives up to the planar name. Snaps and cymbals are exceptionally crisp and sparkly, though busier tracks tend to be a bit fatiguing and even borderline sibilant.

Blackpink’s Whistle is a good example as the snaps present throughout the song are crisp, but there’s an almost unnatural quality to it.

Soundstage

The soundstage of the Dioko resembles the shape of its shells…if you turn them sideways. There’s quite a bit of horizontal depth, which works well with the transparency and clarity of instruments. Vertical depth and height, however, are quite compressed with a mostly “in your head” sound experience.

Comparison to 7Hz Timeless

Of course, I also got a unit of the Timeless to see (or rather, listen) how it fares against the Dioko. The Timeless has a slightly smaller – by 0.4mm, to be precise – 14.2mm planar driver as well as a N52 magnet, instead of an N55 one on the Dioko. The former’s shell is also quite a bit different from the funky, purple jewel-like shell of the newer IEM.

This difference in shape translates to a more forgiving fit with the Timeless, while the Dioko took me a lot more time and effort to get the right fit, though your mileage may vary.

In terms of sound quality, the Timeless is somewhat identical to the newer Dioko, just…twice as dynamic. There is less sub-bass roll-off with the Timeless, followed by a bump in the mid-bass. It also has much more sparkle in the treble, which is (unfortunately) accompanied by sibilance.

I already think the Dioko can be too overwhelming for some, so needless to say, the more energetic Timeless can even sound “shouty” to some folks. Basically, the Dioko is a tamer, more relaxed version of the Timeless with less bass and less treble, which could be just what you’re looking for.

Another difference between the Timeless and Dioko is the sensitivity of the two IEMs. Although the Dioko is only 1.2 ohms higher than the impedance of the Timeless, it is much harder to drive in my testing. Pairing the Dioko with either the Fiio Q3 or Fiio E10K saw both DAC/Amps pushing their respective knobs 70% of the way. The Timeless, on the other hand, sat at a comfortable 50%.

However, I do find both Fiio devices to be a little less clean than what I would like, with a “fuzzier” treble presentation. But the E10K does provide a pleasant hint of warmth to the inherently bright Dioko, and as a fan of warmer sound profiles, I really dig this.

Is It Worth It?

Despite its shortcomings, the 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Dioko goes for
only $99 (about RM440) on Linsoul
, making it
the most affordable
 planar IEM in the market now. In fact, it costs more than half the price of the 7Hz Timeless, which is
listed at $220
 (approximately RM980). This level of technicality at
this
 price point is incredibly attractive, even if I’m not a huge fan of the Dioko’s sound profile.

If you’re curious about the “planar sound” hype, then the Dioko might just be the perfect starting point, especially if you had enough of IEMs with dynamic or balanced armature drivers. Besides that, it is also tuned by Crinacle himself, so if you’re a fan of his tuning, it’s a completely valid reason to get this IEM.

Yes, the Dioko has a quirky aesthetic with an odd shell design that makes it hard to find a good fit, but that doesn’t change the fact that this is a technically-accomplished planar IEM…for cheap. This alone can be a good enough reason to buy it.

Li Jin Soh contributed to this review.


Proton X50 Prices up by RM6,500 With SST – Now From RM84k to RM110k

More than half a month after the tax holiday ended on 30 June, Proton finally revealed the new prices of the Proton X50 with SST included. With the reintroduction of SST, the B-segment SUV sees a price hike of up to RM6,500.

Of course, that price difference is for the range-topping Flagship model of the X50, which is now priced at RM109,800. The Premium trim, on the other hand, sees a RM5,600 price increase, bringing the total to RM98,800. This is followed by the Executive and Standard variants, which are up by RM5,000 and RM4,600 respectively.

Proton X50
Current Price (with SST
)
Price (without SST
)
Price difference
1.5T Standard
RM83,800
RM79,200
+RM4,600
1.5T Executive
RM89,800
RM84,800
+RM5,000
1.5T Premium
RM98,800
RM93,200
+RM5,600
1.5 TGDi Flagship
RM109,800
RM103,300
+RM6,500

Now, if you placed a booking for the X50 by 30 June last month, the new prices you see above will not affect your order. Of course, this is assuming your car is
registered by 31 March 2023
 next year as announced by the Malaysian government. If you fulfill these criteria, you can still enjoy the tax-free prices.

Do note that these new prices of the Proton X50 with SST included briefly appeared on the
product page of the SUV
; the pricing details have been taken down since, curiously enough. Rest assured, we’ll update this article if there are any changes worth noting.


Nothing Phone 1 Launching in Malaysia 20 July for RM2,399

We finally got word on the Malaysian launch of the Nothing Phone 1! The premium mid-ranger will make its debut here later this week on 20 July, and it’s likely the phone will only be offered in one configuration.

After all, two variants of the Phone 1 were removed from the
Malaysian pre-order page
 last week. Both the 8GB + 128GB and 12GB + 256GB configurations are no longer listed, and the latter even had a RM2,699 price tag.

Right now, only the 8GB + 256GB model is left on the pre-order page, which is priced at RM2,399.

Current listing of the Nothing Phone 1

Previous listing of the Nothing Phone 1

Anyway, for that kind of money, the Nothing Phone 1 features a Snapdragon 778G+ chipset with 5G connectivity, which should be more than capable to provide a fast, zippy user experience. This is complemented by the phone’s equally speedy 6.55-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.

Other specifications of the Phone 1 include a dual camera system (50MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide angle), a 16MP selfie camera, an IP53 rating, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a reasonably big 4,500mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.

The Nothing Phone 1 will be launched in Malaysia this Wednesday on 20 July. Given that the phone is set to be available in selected markets the very next day on 21 July, there’s a good chance the Phone 1 can also be purchased here on the same day.


2022 Perodua Alza Debut Set for 20 July – From RM62k to RM75k

Perodua finally revealed the launch date of the 2022 Perodua Alza. Set to debut here later this week on 20 July, the MPV is offered in three different variants, and it is estimated to retail from only RM62,000.

Of course, that’s the price for the base X variant of the new Alza. The mid-tier H model, on the other hand, has a tentative pricing of RM68,000. As for the range-topping AV trim with all the bells and whistles, it’s estimated to go for RM75,000.

Aside from pricing, Perodua also revealed several key specifications of the 2022 Alza. These include a 1.5L engine paired with a D-CVT gearbox – likely the same powertrain found in the
latest Myvi
 – an impressive quoted fuel efficiency of 22km per litre, and even a 360-degree camera.

Of course, the latter is exclusive to the highest-end AV Alza. The range-topping model also gets six airbags, while the other two variants get four airbags. Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) are offered with the new MPV too, but only the AV model gets the full kit, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep control, blind spot monitor, and an electronic parking brake with auto brake hold.

The 2022 Perodua Alza will be launched here on 20 July this Wednesday. We’ll find out then its full list of specifications alongside the finalised pricing.


Hoyoverse Opens New Headquarters in Singapore

Hoyoverse, the developer of
Genshin Impact
 and Honkai Impact 3rd, just opened its new headquarters in Singapore. Built on a 28,000 square feet site, the Singapore office is said to be a key hub for Hoyoverse’s global distribution and operation efforts.

The Singapore headquarters is not Hoyoverse’s first one outside of China. The company has set up offices in other parts of the world, including Montreal, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Seoul. With the opening of its new headquarters in Singapore, Hoyoverse “will add hundreds of jobs by the end of 2022.”

“Our team in Singapore will play a crucial role in broadening our global development and service network,” said the co-founder of Hoyoverse, Forrest Liu. “We’re eager for more creative minds from diverse backgrounds to join us in building the future,” he added.

Speaking of which, Hoyoverse is currently looking to fill a number of roles for its new headquarters in Singapore, including experts in game development, engineering, marketing, product, operations, function, and project management. You can browse through the Hoyoverse’s job openings
right here
.


MacBook Air (M2) Hands-On: The Exemplary Productivity Laptop

MacBooks have always been some of the best productivity laptops in the business, and this remains true for the latest M2-powered MacBook Air. Sporting a new design, an even faster M2 chip, as well as a taller, larger display, it is now a more complete productivity laptop.

Of course, that also means the new MacBook Air demands a premium. With a RM5,499 starting price, it is markedly more expensive than its predecessor, which retails from only RM4,399. But after spending a brief time with the M2 Air, I’m certainly a fan: it’s easily one of the most refined laptops in its class.

First, let’s get the specifications of the MacBook Air M2 out of the way first. As mentioned, it features Apple’s blazing fast M2 chip, which is said to be up to 1.4x faster compared to the M1 model. Despite offering better performance, it still retains the laptop’s impressive battery life of up to 18 hours.

Aside from that, the M2 Air also gets a larger, brighter 13.6-inch Liquid Retina notched display with 500 nits of brightness. Measuring 11.3mm thin with a 1.24kg chassis, this is certainly a thin and lightweight laptop as well. I definitely wouldn’t mind lugging it around in my backpack. Oh, it also gets the MagSafe charging connector back.

Two main variants of the MacBook Air M2 are offered. The RM5,499 base model features an M2 chip with an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, 8GB of unified memory, and 256GB SSD storage. A tier up is the RM6,699 model, which offers a faster 10-core GPU and a 512GB SSD; this is the more practical configuration, in my opinion.

Off the bat, the notched screen of the M2 Air is quite…well, jarring to look at. But in normal use, it’s really not that bad. It blends in with the menu bar, and when playing videos or running apps in full screen, the notch basically disappears. Honestly, I don’t mind it at all, and I love the minimal bezels surrounding the screen.

As for the new Air’s screen quality itself, it is definitely above average. While the 13.6-inch 2560 x 1664 display isn’t the highest resolution panel in today’s market, its bright, vibrant colours with wide viewing angles do make for a pleasant viewing experience.

Performance wise, I haven’t used the M2 Air long enough to assess how well the M2 chip can keep up with my daily tasks. But in my short time with the laptop, it does feel very fast and responsive, though this has always been one of the winning qualities of macOS.

Speaking of performance, the powerful M2 chip in the new Air is cooled passively; that is, there’s no fan inside the chassis of the laptop to cool the chip. It will be interesting to see how much this would affect the performance of the chip, though the benefit of this fanless design is a
completely silent
 laptop with no system noise.

And then there’s the build quality of the MacBook Air M2; one area where Apple has always delivered. Needless to say, the Air feels very well-constructed. The chassis has absolutely no creaking with added pressure, the hinge is smooth, and I can easily open the laptop’s lid with only one finger.

But it doesn’t matter if a laptop is well-built if its input devices are subpar, especially for a productivity laptop. Well, thankfully, the M2 Air has a
fantastic
 keyboard and trackpad. While the keyboard doesn’t offer particularly long key travel, its low actuation force, cushioned bottom out, and good tactile feedback make for a very comfortable keyboard to type on for long periods of time.

Same goes for the trackpad. I really appreciate just how wide it is, not to mention the fact that it is very accurate. Naturally, gestures work seamlessly too. It’s no secret that MacBook trackpads are very refined, and I absolutely don’t see the need to use a physical mouse with the new Air.

Well, unless I want to do some gaming.

All in all, I’m very impressed with the MacBook Air M2, but I do have one qualm with the design of the new laptop. Now, even though its thinner than the M1 Air at its thickest point, I still prefer the tapered design of the older model. It gives the illusion of a thinner laptop, and the more rounded, proportional chassis of the new Air makes it feel…not as thin.

Nonetheless, the M2 Air is definitely a more refined laptop overall with a bigger, brighter display, faster performance, and a sleeker-looking design, though I personally prefer the design of the previous model. Even though the new Air is also costlier now with a RM5,499 starting price, I’d argue the improvements are worth paying for.

Of course, only a full review of the MacBook Air M2 can really shed some light on whether or not it can really justify the higher price tags.


PlayStation Plus Extra & Deluxe Trials Available for New Users in Malaysia

Now this is interesting: PlayStation has quietly added a trial period for its new PlayStation Plus tiers. This applies to both the Extra and Deluxe tiers, which give players access to a slew of titles. Of course, there are some caveats to the offer.

For one, the trial period to PS Plus Extra or Deluxe is only limited to seven days. On top of that, the trial can only be redeemed by new users. If you’ve claimed a free trial to the subscription service before, this offer will not be available on your account.

Do note that this isn’t a completely free trial. After the seven-day trial have ended, your subscription will be renewed to the plan you have selected in the initial sign-up process. Of course, you can cancel the plan before the free trial ends to avoid getting charged.

Nonetheless, the free trial to the PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe plans would be great for gamers who want to try out the games that are included in the subscription service. This includes Stray, which has just been released today
for RM129
 – it’s free to play for those who are subscribed to the Extra or Deluxe plan.


Proton X50 Finally Receives ACO Tech’s ATLAS Infotainment System via OTA Update

Launched back in June last month,
ACO Tech’s ATLAS
 (ACO Tech Local Automotive Services) infotainment system is now available on the Proton X50. It is the first Proton model to receive the new system, and the B-segment SUV will get it via over-the-air (OTA) update.

Touted as an infotainment system made by Malaysians for Malaysians, ATLAS will be offered on a slew of Proton models. Aside from the X50, the
facelifted Iriz
,
Persona
, and the new
2022 Proton X70
 will also get ATLAS sometime in the future.

Spotify
 is said to be added to the infotainment system sometime this quarter as well, so it should be available by September 2022.

Based on Android 10, ATLAS has a distinctively different – and more practical – user interface than Proton’s GKUI system. It has customisable widgets on the home screen, offline navigation, and even voice command features that can differentiate between the driver’s and front passenger’s voices.

According to ACO Tech, it may take up to 14 days for all units of the Proton X50 to receive the OTA update for ATLAS. So if your X50 haven’t received the new update yet, don’t worry: the SUV will get the new infotainment system in due time.


Keychron V1 Review: Fantastic Starting Point for Only $54

The mechanical keyboard scene has grown immensely over the past couple of years, and so did Keychron. From the release of its first premium keyboard about a year ago – the
Keychron Q1
 – we now have the Keychron V1: a very budget-friendly keyboard with some key features of an enthusiast-level board.

Just how affordable is the V1? Well, it starts
at only $54
, which comes up to about RM240. Of course, given its low asking price, it doesn’t have the best typing experience or sound profile. But for those who are new to the custom keyboard scene, the V1 is a great starting point, especially if you’re on a tight budget.

What It Is

At a glance, the Keychron V1 is a 75% keyboard that looks very similar to the Q1, just in a plastic body; ABS plastic, to be specific. Evidently, the V1 has some design cues of the more premium Q series keyboards, which is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, I’d argue this design works better on the V1 – more on this further down this review.

Aside from its ABS plastic body, the V1 also features a steel plate, a hotswap PCB, support for QMK/VIA to easily change the mapping of the keyboard, screw-in stabilisers, and…a tray mount design. Yes, it would’ve been better if it was gasket-mounted like the Q series keyboards, but hey, the V1
is
 a far more affordable offering.

Speaking of affordability, the V1 starts at only $54 for the barebone kit. The fully assembled model – which includes Keychron K Pro switches of your choice and double shot PBT OSA keycaps – costs just $74 (around RM330). You can also add $10 (approximately RM45) to get a knob installed on the top right corner.

So at this price point, how good can the V1 really be? Well, let’s find out in the next section.

The Good Stuff

What I absolutely love about the Keychron V1 is the fact that it has an ABS plastic case. Thanks to this, it has absolutely no case ping, which is one of my biggest qualms with Keychron’s Q series keyboards. With the absence of case ping, the sound profile of the V1 is actually quite pleasant.

More importantly, it doesn’t have the cheap, plasticky sound profile of a typical pre-built keyboard; this fact alone puts the V1 above most mainstream keyboards. In fact, I’d argue the V1 has a low-pitched, almost thocky sound profile. It’s certainly not a clacky keyboard, in my opinion.

The stock screw-in stabilisers of the V1 are quite good too. Not only are they nice and secure – typical traits of a screw-in stabiliser – they are also lubed reasonably well out of the box to eliminate rattling and ticking, though the backspace does tick ever so slightly.

Thankfully, putting in a bit more lube to the wire solves this issue, and given that this is not a particularly difficult mod to do, I’m quite happy with the stock stabilisers of the V1.

As with most recent keyboards from Keychron, the V1 comes with VIA and QMK support, though VIA doesn’t recognise it out of the box. Instead, users will have to head to the
V1’s product page
 and grab the JSON file for the keyboard to work with VIA. While this may sound troublesome, it’s really not that difficult to do.

Last but not least is the design of the V1, which I quite like. Though it looks very similar to the Q1, this slightly translucent Frost Black colourway gives it a very nice aesthetic, in my opinion. It’s nice that I can see some of the keyboard’s internals with this colour option.

Of course, if you’re not a fan of this translucent design, you can opt for the Carbon Black opaque colourway instead.

You may have noticed that I haven’t talked about the typing feel of the V1 yet. Let me elaborate on this in the following section..

The Bad Stuff

Because it uses a tray mount design, the Keychron V1 is a
stiff
 keyboard to type on. There’s absolutely no flex whatsoever, and it can even feel harsh to some folks in longer typing sessions. If you like a stiff typing experience, then you may consider this to be a positive, but it’s certainly not a quality I look for in a keyboard.

The default steel plate of the V1 also stiffens up the typing feel even more. If Keychron had used a softer plate material such as polycarbonate, it’s possible the V1 won’t feel quite as harsh to type on. It could possibly make the keyboard sound lower-pitched too, not that the V1 is a clacky board by any means.

And then there’s the build quality of the V1. Don’t get me wrong, it feels solid in my hands, but I’m not thrilled by the screws that hold the tray mount system of the keyboard. As these screws don’t use metal thread inserts, they visibly strip the threads on the plastic case.

In repeated disassembly, it’s possible these threads will be completely stripped, rendering the screws…well, useless. Granted, you won’t be disassembling the keyboard too often, but this is an issue worth pointing out.

Is It Worth It?

Retailing from only $54, the sheer affordability of the Keychron V1 alone makes it a worthwhile purchase. It’s not a compelling keyboard just because it’s affordable; its other features are genuinely good too, including a low-pitched sound profile, QMK/VIA support, and pretty sleek looks.

If you’re keen to get the Keychron V1, it is now available for purchase on
Keychron’s online store
. To recap, the barebone version costs just $54, while the fully assembled model – which bundles Keychron K Pro switches of your choice and double shot PBT OSA keycaps – starts at $74.


2022 Perodua Alza Unleashed – 3 Variants, Android Auto, AEB Standard, From RM62,500

After a slew of teasers, the 2022 Perodua Alza has finally been launched in Malaysia. Its final prices are slightly higher than the estimated pricing, but given that over 30,000 bookings of the MPV have been placed, it’s evidently a highly sought-after model.

Three variants of the new Alza are offered: there’s the base X model (RM62,500), mid-range H trim (RM68,000), and the highest-end AV variant (RM75,500). Both the X and AV trims are RM500 more than the estimated pricing, and these prices are on-the-road without insurance.

Yes, sales tax is also included in the prices listed. If you’ve booked the car by 30 June, you can enjoy lower tax-free prices on the MPV.

Just like the facelifted Myvi, all variants of the 2022 Alza is powered by a 1.5L DOHC engine that outputs 106PS and 138Nm of torque; slightly higher figures than the Myvi. Paired with a D-CVT transmission, it has an impressive quoted fuel efficiency of 22km per litre. Autonomous emergency braking and six airbags are also standard across the range.

Of course, as the range-topping model, the Alza AV comes with several exclusive features. These include a 360-degree camera, an integrated dashcam, electronic parking brake with auto brake hold, support for Android Auto, as well as the full capability of Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA). It consists of adaptive cruise control, lane keep control, and blind spot monitor.

Deliveries of the 2022 Perodua Alza will begin today, so some lucky buyers will get their brand new MPV by the end of the day. Perodua assures customers who have placed their bookings by 30 June will receive the Alza by 31 March 2023 next year to enjoy tax-free prices.


2022 Perodua Alza – 30,000 Bookings, Orders by 30 June Will Be Delivered by 31 March 2023

The
2022 Perodua Alza
 is here, and the national carmaker revealed at the launch event that a whopping
30,000 bookings
 have been placed for the new MPV. Perodua said this is the highest amount of orders it has ever received for a new model.

“This achievement was due to several factors, chief among them was that customers wanted to take full advantage of sales tax exemption initiative which expired on 30 June 2022,” said the president and CEO of Perodua, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

He further elaborated that of the 200,000 bookings the national carmaker currently hold, nearly 15% of that figure is made up of the 2022 Alza. On top of that, over 4,000 customers converted their orders of the previous generation Alza to this 2nd gen model even before bookings were open for it.

“We assure our customers who booked their all-new Perodua Alza on or before 30 June will receive their vehicle before the 31 March 2023 deadline,” Dato’ Zainal said. This way, early birds will get
tax-free prices on the MPV
.


Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Happening 10 August – Z Flip 4 & Z Fold 4 Expected

Samsung just confirmed its next Galaxy Unpacked event. Set to take place next month on 10 August, the event will likely see the introduction of the Korean company’s latest foldable phones: the Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4.

After all, the upcoming Unpacked event is dubbed “unfold your world,” and the teaser image seems to show the side profile of a foldable flip phone too. It looks strikingly similar to the
Galaxy Z Flip 3
, so chances are, the Z Flip 4 will share the same design as its predecessor.

If the Z Flip 4 makes its debut at the Unpacked event, there’s a good chance the Z Fold 4 will also be launched at the same time. The two phones were introduced together last year, so there’s no reason the same wouldn’t happen this year.

Nonetheless, we’ll just have to wait until 10 August next month to see if Samsung will unveil the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4. You can also register your interest for the event
here
 and get a RM200 Samsung e-voucher that can be used to pre-order the next Galaxy phone.


2022 Perodua Alza – 65% Bookings Are For RM75,500 AV Variant

It appears Malaysians are more inclined to get the highest-end option when shopping for a new car.
We saw this trend
 with the new
Honda HR-V
, and now, the same thing is happening with the
2022 Perodua Alza
. According to Perodua, 65% of total bookings for the MPV consist of the range-topping AV variant.

Given that Perodua has collected over 30,000 bookings of the Alza, almost 20,000 customers are opting for the most expensive AV trim, which is priced at RM75,500. The national carmaker did not specify booking numbers for the base X and mid-range H models, which go for RM62,500 and RM68,000 respectively.

Compared to the two more affordable models, the Alza AV has a number of exclusive features, and customers are certainly willing to pay for them. These include a 360-degree camera, an integrated dashcam, electronic parking brake with auto brake hold, support for Android Auto, as well as the full capability of Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA).

ASA for the AV variant of the Alza consists of adaptive cruise control, lane keep control, and blind spot monitor. While ASA is also offered on the X and H models, it’s only limited to pre-collision braking, pre-collision warning, and pedal misoperation control.

Aside from that, the new Alza is powered by a 1.5L DOHC engine that outputs 106PS and 138Nm of torque; slightly higher figures than the same engine found in the
latest Myvi
. Paired with a D-CVT transmission, it has an impressive quoted fuel efficiency of 22km per litre.

Deliveries of the 2022 Perodua Alza will begin today, so some lucky buyers will get their brand new MPV by the end of the day. Perodua assures customers who have placed their bookings by 30 June will receive the Alza by 31 March 2023 next year to enjoy
tax-free prices
.


Video: Watch How the 2022 Perodua Alza Handle a Crash Test – 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Rating

Safety is one area Perodua puts a lot of focus on, so it’s no surprise that the new
2022 Perodua Alza
 got the full 5-star rating in the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia (ASEAN NCAP). In the crash test, the MPV received an overall score of 81.64 points.

Under ASEAN NCAP’s current testing protocol, the Alza was tested in four categories. It got 36.20 points in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), 16.88 points in Child Occupant Protection (COP), 18.57 points in Safety Assist (SA), and 10 points in Motorcyclist Safety (MS).

With an overall score of 81.64 points, the new Alza meets the requirements for a 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating.

“The new Perodua Alza is Perodua’s second model assessed under the ASEAN NCAP protocol for 2021-2025. Despite ASEAN NCAP’s latest requirements for safety in its current protocol, Perodua has indeed rose to the occasion by installing several key safety assist technologies as standard fitment in all its variants,” said the director-general of MIROS, Dato’ Dr. Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim.

“As such we are proud that Malaysian’s local manufacturers have been progressive in vehicle safety by adhering to ASEAN NCAP’s strict requirements,” he added. You can look at the full report of the 2022 Alza’s crash test by ASEAN NCAP
over here
.


21 – 27 July Fuel Price: RON 97 Further Down 10 Sen – Now RM4.65 Per Litre

Great news! The price of RON 97 is going down yet again this week by 10 sen. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are all maintained, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.

For the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.65 per litre (down from RM4.75). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.

These prices will be in effect from 21 to 27 July 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.


Nothing Phone 1 Goes on Sale in Malaysia 1 August From RM2,399

The Nothing Phone 1 has just been launched in Malaysia, and we finally got word on the Malaysian availability of the phone. The premium mid-ranger can be purchased here from 1 August onwards, and two variants of the Phone 1 are offered locally.

However, only one model is available for purchase on 1 August, which is the 8GB + 128GB configuration of the Phone 1 for RM2,399. The higher-end 12GB + 256GB model, on the other hand, will only arrive here in mid to late August next month for RM2,699.

For that kind of money, the Nothing Phone 1 features a Snapdragon 778G+ chipset with 5G connectivity, which should be more than capable to provide a fast, zippy user experience. This is complemented by the phone’s equally speedy 6.55-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.

Other specifications of the Phone 1 include a dual camera system (50MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide angle), a 16MP selfie camera, an IP53 rating, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a reasonably big 4,500mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.

The Nothing Phone 1 will be available for purchase in Malaysia from 1 August onwards on Shopee, Lazada, SenQ, TMT, DirectD, and Satu Gadget; limited drops will also be offered through Crossover. To recap, the 8GB + 128GB model goes for RM2,399, while the RM2,699 12GB + 256GB variant will only go on sale here in mid to late August next month.


Oppo Reno 8 Pro With MediaTek Dimensity 8100-MAX & MariSilicon X NPU Lands in Malaysia for RM3,499

Oppo just launched a new premium mid-range phone in Malaysia, the Oppo Reno 8 Pro. What sets this phone apart from its competition is Oppo’s very own MariSilicon X Imaging NPU, which promises “flagship-level portrait camera experience.”

Only one variant of the Reno 8 Pro is available in Malaysia. Sporting 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, it is priced at RM3,499. Early pre-orders are also bundled with up to RM1,436 worth of freebies, and two colour options are offered: Glazed Green and Glazed Black.

In the camera department, the Reno 8 Pro comes with a triple camera system made up of a 50MP primary shooter, an 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. Its selfie camera, on the other hand, features a 32MP sensor.

Other specifications of the Reno 8 Pro include a MediaTek Dimensity 8100-MAX chipset, a 6.7-inch 2412 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a rather generous 4,500mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging, and ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12 out of the box.

The Oppo Reno 8 Pro is now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM3,499 until 29 July. To recap, early birds will receive up to RM1,486 worth of freebies, which include a one-year screen damage protection, a gift box worth RM399, as well as My Oppo Members Privilege worth up to RM888.


Oppo Reno 8 Also Launched in Malaysia – Dimensity 1300, 90Hz AMOLED, RM2,399

If the
Reno 8 Pro
 is out of your budget, consider the more affordable Oppo Reno 8, which has also been launched in Malaysia. Though it doesn’t have the Pro model’s MariSilicon X Imaging NPU, it does share the same design language as the higher-end phone.

For the Malaysian market, the Reno 8 is offered in only one variant; it’s packed with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for RM2,399. It is also available in two colour options: the eye-catching Shimmer Gold you see here, and Shimmer Black if you want something more understated.

Other specifications of the Reno 8 include a MediaTek Dimensity 1300 chipset, a 6.4-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 32MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery with 80W fast charging, and ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12 out of the box.

The Oppo Reno 8 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 29 July for RM2,399. Every pre-order will come with up to RM1,376 worth of freebies, including an Oppo Enco Air 2 wireless earbuds, a one-year screen damage protection plan, as well as My Oppo Members Privilege worth up to RM888.


ShopBack PayLater Now in Malaysia – New Users Can Get 25% Discount on First Purchase

ShopBack just launched its very own buy now, pay later (BNPL) service in Malaysia. Dubbed ShopBack PayLater, the new feature comes after the company’s acquisition of Hoolah, a BNPL platform.

Of course, ShopBack PayLater is built into the ShopBack app itself, and it allows users to split their payments into three zero-interest monthly instalments. PayLater transactions are also instantly approved, though your initial spending limit will depend on your spending history.

In our experience, the initial spending limit for PayLater can be anywhere between RM1,600 to RM4,000.

At the moment, ShopBack PayLater is offered at over 2,000 online merchants, including JD Sports, Zalora, Malaysia Airlines, Royal Sporting House, Jakel Malaysia, and more. The BNPL service is also available at physical retail stores if you prefer that over online shopping.

To celebrate the launch of ShopBack PayLater, new users can get 25% off on their first PayLater bill, though the discount is capped at RM25. To start using ShopBack’s new BNPL feature, you can download the app from the
Apple App Store
 and
Google Play Store
.


2022 Ford Ranger Arrives in Malaysia – 6 Variants, RM109k to RM169k, Raptor in Q4 2022

Ford’s Malaysian distributor, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), just launched the 2022 Ford Ranger in Malaysia. The new pickup truck is offered in six different variants, including the higher-end WildTrak model. The range-topping Ranger Raptor is also coming here, but only in Q4 2022.

First up, prices. The most affordable Ranger XL starts at RM108,888, while the XLT goes from RM124,888. Both of these models are offered with a 2.0L diesel engine in single turbo configuration that outputs 180PS and 405Nm of torque. 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions are offered for these two models.

The Ranger Raptop will arrive here sometime in Q4 2022

The Ranger WildTrak

The Ranger XLT Plus

And then we have the more powerful XLT Plus (from RM142,888) and WildTrak (from RM168,888) variants of the Ranger, which feature the same diesel engine, but with a bi-turbo system that puts out 210PS and 500Nm of torque. Instead of a 6-speed gearbox, the XLT Plus and Wildtrak gets a 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Ranger features a number of distinct changes. There’s the reworked T6 platform for improved ride quality, an aggressive exterior, a more modern interior, as well as support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Aside from that, the Ranger also gets a more complete advanced driver assist system, though only the Wildtrak gets it. These include adaptive cruise control with stop and go, cross traffic alert, reverse brake assist, and evasive steer assist. The WildTrak is also the only model to get a 360-degree camera.

The 2022 Ford Ranger is now available for viewing at Pavilion Bukit Jalil Exhibition Centre ahead of its showroom debut. You can check out the new pickup truck there until 24 July this Sunday, and although walk-ins registrations are welcomed, keep in mind that slots are limited.


Nothing Phone 1 Hands-On: Can It Live Up to the Hype?

There’s no phone quite as hyped up as the Nothing Phone 1 in recent memory. The unconventional, “glyph” LED notification system on the transparent back panel of the phone is heavily marketed, and for good reason: it does give the phone a very unique aesthetic.

But beyond this one feature, the Phone 1 can also be seen as
nothing more
 – I’m sorry, I had to do the pun – than a regular upper mid-range smartphone, though it does have a premium appeal. With that in mind, is the Nothing Phone 1…worth the hype? Let’s find out.

Without a doubt the see-through back panel of the Phone 1 with the glyph lights is the device’s best selling point. It really differentiates the phone from the rest of its competition, and if you want a device that stands out, the Phone 1 is an easy choice.

Whenever you get a notification or a phone call, the Phone 1’s glyph lights will light up. There are even different notification sounds that are linked to a specific glpyh lighting pattern. This level of customisability is surprisingly fun to explore, even if it’s ultimately a…well, novelty.

Yes, the Phone 1’s LED notification system is very eye-catching, but how often do you place your phone on a surface with the screen facing down? It’s not very practical to do so, especially if you enabled the always on display of the device.

Nonetheless, I do like the overall design language of the Phone 1. Not only does the transparent back panel gives it a sleek aesthetic, I really dig the flat sides of the device too. It’s an ergonomically-sound design choice as it offers more surface area to get a good grip on the phone.

Under the hood of the Nothing Phone 1 is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ chipset with 5G connectivity. Though it’s not the fastest chip in the market, it’s still able to provide a fast, zippy user experience. It’ll be interesting to see how well it can run demanding games like
Genshin Impact
.

Further enhancing the user experience of the Phone 1 is its 6.55-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The high refresh rate makes every single motion look extra fluid, and the OLED panel itself is also pleasant to look at with vibrant colours, reasonably good brightness, and of course, deep, true blacks.

As for battery life, the Phone 1 is packed with a reasonably big 4,500mAh battery. This should translate to above average battery life, especially with the power efficiency of the Snapdragon 778G+ chipset. The phone also supports 33W fast charging; not the fastest charging rate, but not exactly slow either.

Last but not least is the camera performance of the Phone 1. It features a dual camera system made up of a 50MP primary sensor and a 50MP ultra-wide angle shooter; yes, there’s no telephoto lens, unfortunately enough. Aside from that, it also has a 16MP selfie camera.

Under good lighting, the Phone 1 can take good-looking shots, as you can see in the sample shots below. The camera interface is quite responsive as well, though switching between different lenses takes longer than expected.

50MP ultra-wide angle (50MP mode)

50MP primary (50MP mode, 1x)

50MP primary (50MP mode, 2x)

Of course, the true test of a camera’s capability lies in its low light performance, which I haven’t had the chance to try out yet with the Phone 1.
Based on early

reviews though
, I’m not particularly optimistic about the camera’s low light performance.

Now, prices. For the Malaysian market, two variants of the Phone 1 are offered here. There’s the 8GB + 256GB model for RM2,399, and a more practical 12GB + 256GB variant for RM2,699. However, the latter will only be available here sometime in mid to late August next month.

These prices are certainly quite steep for a mid-ranger, though you’re really paying for the unique looks and premium appeal of the Phone 1.

So is it worth it to pay that much for
just
 a mid-range phone? Well, only a full review of the Nothing Phone 1 can shed some light on this, though I am excited to see how well the phone can serve as my daily driver. It’ll also be interesting to see exactly how hard it would be to get the phone in Malaysia.

After all, the Phone 1 was quickly sold out in its first sale on Crossover’s website earlier this week, and the next round of (confirmed) sale is happening on 1 August. Given all of the hype that’s been built up for the phone, it may prove to be difficult to secure a unit.

The hype surrounding the Nothing Phone 1 is something that many brands struggle to replicate, and there’s no denying that Nothing’s marketing team did an excellent job here. But whether or not the Phone 1 itself is good…is a question that can only be answered in a full review.


LETSHUOER Z12 Pre-Orders Now Open – Planar IEM Tuned by Z Reviews From $159

Here’s yet another planar IEM tuned by a well-known figure in the audiophile scene. This time around, it’s the LETSHUOER Z12, a limited edition IEM based on the LETSHUOER S12. What makes the Z12 different (aside from its bright blue and red colour scheme) is the fact that it is tuned by Z Reviews himself.

This is actually Z Reviews’ first-ever collaboration with an audio brand. Compared to the tuning of the original S12, the limited edition Z12 – only 500 units are available worldwide – features boosted sub-bass. More specifically, a 2dB boost for frequencies below the 50Hz range.

Aside from that, the Z12 is also said to have a V-shaped tuning, which makes for a more exciting, more dynamic sound profile. This being a planar IEM, it should be technically-accomplished as well, and its aluminium build gives it a premium appeal too.

The LETSHUOER Z12 is now
available for pre-order on HiFiGo
 from $159 (about RM705). Again, only 500 units of the Z12 are available worldwide, so you may want to place your order quickly to secure a unit. Shipping will commence from 1 August next month.


Truthear x Crinacle Zero – Dual Dynamic IEM With True Subwoofer for $50

Here’s yet another Crinacle collaboration shortly after the release of the
7Hz Salnotes Dioko
. The Truthear x Crinacle Zero is a dual dynamic driver IEM, which may not sound particularly impressive. But what sets it apart from other similar offerings is the fact that it has a
true subwoofer
.

The Zero has two dynamic drivers: 7.8mm and 10mm. The former is your standard affair driver, but the 10mm driver is the interesting one, as it acts as a subwoofer. This means the driver is only audible below the 200Hz frequency range.

On top of that, the Zero is also quite an affordable IEM with a $50 (about RM220) price tag.

Based on
Crinacle’s frequency response graph
 of the Zero, it does look like a bassy IEM. It’s tuned to the Harman target curve as well, which is said to be a sound signature preferred by most folks. Aside from that, the Zero is also manufactured by HeyGears, the same company that produces the Moondrop Blessing 2 and Moondrop Variations.

If you’re keen to pick up the Truthear x Crinacle Zero, you can do so from
ShenzhenAudio
,
AliExpress
, and
Amazon
. No Malaysian-based audio retailers – to our knowledge – are carrying the Zero at the moment, though some may have the IEM in stock in the near future.


Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered for PC Supports DualSense Haptics – Coming 12 August 2022 for RM249

Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
 for PC is set to arrive next month on 12 August. Ahead of the game’s launch, Sony revealed some new details on the upcoming game, including a wide range of graphical settings and support for the PS5’s DualSense controller.

That’s right, PC gamers can enjoy the refined haptics and adaptive triggers of the DualSense controller in Spider-Man Remastered. Given that this was previously only available on the PS5, it’s quite a big deal. However, the DualSense controller has to be in wired mode for the features to work.

Aside from that, there are also a wide variety of graphical settings for the PC version of Spider-Man Remastered. These include ray-traced reflections, Nvidia DLSS and DLAA, as well as support for a wide variety of display ratios, including 21:9 ultrawide and 32:9 panoramic. Beyond that, the game is also bundled with The City That Never Sleeps DLC.

Pre-orders for Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered are now open on
Steam
 and the
Epic Games Store
 for RM249. Every purchase of the game ahead of its launch on 12 August will come with a number of freebies, including early unlock of three suits and the Spider-Drone combat gadget.


Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ Review: Fast, Very Affordable 165Hz WQHD Gaming Monitor

Gaming monitors with fast and high resolution panels have steadily dropped in price over the years, and the Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ is one such product.
Retailing as low as RM1,489 now
, this gaming monitor offers a fast 165Hz refresh rate, along with a sharp WQHD resolution.

Of course, as with any monitors, the VG27AQ does have some shortcomings, such as its HDR performance and black levels. But for folks who want a reasonably high resolution 1440p gaming monitor with a fast refresh rate, the VG27AQ should be in your shortlist.

What It Is

The TUF Gaming VG27AQ is a 27-inch 1440p IPS gaming monitor with a fast 165Hz refresh rate. It also supports HDR10 and variable refresh rate (VRR), so it is Nvidia G-Sync Compatible. In my time gaming with this monitor, this feature does manage to minimise screen tearing.

Unlike most gaming monitors at this price point, the VG27AQ offers excellent adjustability. The stand supports swivel, tilt, height adjustment, and even pivot. Suffice to say it is very easy to get a comfortable viewing angle with this monitor.

Another neat feature of the VG27AQ is the fact that it has a pair of 2W speakers! Unfortunately, the audio quality is…not great. I’ll get back to this later.

The Good Stuff

Let’s get this out of the way: gaming on the Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ is an absolute blast. The panel’s fast 165Hz refresh rate and VRR support make for a very pleasant gaming experience with no noticeably screen tearing. As far as I can tell, this monitor has low input lag as well.

This is really thanks to Asus’ Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB SYNC) technology. According to the company, this allows the VG27AQ to achieve a 1ms response time. Basically, it’s perfect for gamers who want all the competitive advantage they can get.

Panel quality of the VG27AQ is great as well. It has vibrant colours, contrast is good, and its viewing angles – as with most IPS screens – are wide too with minimal colour shifting. That being said, this isn’t exactly the best monitor for content consumption; more on this in the next section.

Anyway, the 1440p resolution of the VG27AQ is worth a mention too. In the past, you could only get a 1080p monitor at this price point. It’s certainly great that consumers can now get a higher resolution panel (without sacrificing refresh rate) at a lower entry price.

Last but not least is the VG27AQ’s
very intuitive
 on-screen display (OSD). Thanks to the addition of a joystick on the back of the monitor, it’s seamless to navigate through its OSD to access whatever settings I want to. It’s worth noting that this one simple hardware is not offered on many, many monitors, especially at this price point.

And that brings us to the best,
best
 selling point of the VG27AQ: its sheer value for money. You can now get this gaming monitor
for only RM1,489
, and given its feature set, you’re really getting your money’s worth here.

The Bad Stuff

So I’ve mentioned the TUF Gaming VG27AQ is not great for content consumption, but why? Well, it lies in the IPS screen of the monitor. Compared to, say, a VA panel, blacks on this IPS display can appear grey; this is an inherent weakness of the latter. If you’re in a dark room, this issue is especially evident.

Despite the fact that the VG27AQ supports HDR10, the actual HDR performance…isn’t great. The screen itself doesn’t get bright enough to bring out highlights in HDR content. That being said, the brightness level is more than acceptable in gaming and normal use; just not for HDR content.

Last but not least are the speakers of the VG27AQ. While it’s convenient to have these speakers built into the monitor itself, the audio quality leaves
much
 to be desired. It is tinny, there’s no bass, and the maximum volume is…very soft.

Suffice to say you should get proper speakers for content consumption.

Is It Worth It?

Despite its shortcomings, the Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ is a great buy. After all, you can now get it
for only RM1,489
. Given all of the features that you’re getting for that kind of money, its value proposition is
very good
, especially from an established brand like Asus.

Aside from its sheer value for money, the VG27AQ is also fantastic for gaming with low input lag, high refresh rate, and good display quality, even if it’s not ideal for HDR content. If you want a fast, affordable gaming monitor from an established brand, the TUF Gaming VG27AQ fits the bill.


Huawei MateBook X Pro Updated With Intel 12th Gen Chip & New Colours – Coming to Malaysia 19 August 2022

At Huawei’s Smart Office launch in Bangkok, Thailand, the Chinese company introduced a slew of products for the APAC region, including the new Huawei MateBook X Pro. Now powered by Intel’s 12th gen processor, it also features two new colourways.

The MateBook X Pro you see here is the Ink Blue model, which features a unique matte, almost rubbery finish. This gives the magnesium alloy chassis of the laptop a premium look and feel. If you’re not a fan of the Ink Blue colourway, there’s the White version.

As mentioned, the new MateBook X Pro comes with Intel’s 12th gen processor; more specifically, a Core i7-1260P chip. This 12-core processor looks to be the only option for this premium laptop. Aside from that, it’s also a slim, lightweight laptop with a 15.6mm chassis that tips the scales at 1.26kg.

Other specifications of the MateBook X Pro include a 14.2-inch 3120 x 2080 touch-enabled display with a 90Hz refresh rate – the 3:2 aspect ratio is great for productivity tasks – Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, and a 60Wh battery.

The brand new Huawei MateBook X Pro will be coming to Malaysia on 19 August 2022 next month. Given its premium appeal, expect it to carry an equally premium price tag.


Huawei MateBook D 16 Pre-Orders Open in Malaysia – 12th Gen Intel, 3 Variants From RM3,699

At the Huawei APAC Smart Office launch in Bangkok, Thailand, the company also launched the Huawei MateBook D 16 for the region. On top of that, pre-orders of the laptop are also now open in Malaysia.

Three variants of the MateBook D 16 are offered for the Malaysian market. The base model with an Intel Core i5-12450H processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD goes for RM3,699. If you want more RAM, you can upgrade the RAM capacity to 16GB for an extra RM300, bringing up the price to RM3,999.

As for the range-topping Core i7-12700H configuration with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, it’s priced at RM4,799. For that kind of money, the MateBook D 16 offers a large 16-inch 1920 x 1200 display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, so it’s not as narrow as a more conventional 16:9 panel.

The taller 16:10 aspect ratio of the D 16’s display will come in handy for productivity tasks, as you get more vertical screen real esate to work with. Other specifications of this laptop include Intel UHD Graphics or Iris Xe integrated GPU, a 1080p webcam, a 60Wh battery, and Windows 11 Pro out of the box.

The Huawei MateBook D 16 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 5 August 2022. The Core i5 8GB + 512GB model costs RM3,699, while the Core i5 16GB + 512GB variant goes for RM3,999. The highest-end Core i7 16GB + 512GB configuration, on the other hand, is priced at RM4,799.


Huawei MatePad Pro 11 Official – 120Hz OLED, Snapdragon 888/870, Malaysian Pre-Orders Open 19 August

Here’s another brand new product launched at the Huawei APAC Smart Office event in Bangkok, Thailand. The Huawei MatePad Pro 11 is a premium Android tablet, and it is set to arrive in Malaysia as early as next month in August 2022.

Interestingly, the MatePad Pro 11 is offered with two different chipsets: a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, or a Snapdragon 870. Both of these chips are not particularly new offerings from Qualcomm, though they should still be able to offer a reasonably high level of performance.

Other specifications of the MatePad Pro 11 include an 11-inch 2560 x 1600 OLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, and HarmonyOS 3.0 out of the box. Of course, it can also be paired with a magnetic keyboard and stylus.

The Huawei MatePad Pro 11 will be available for pre-order in Malaysia on 19 August 2022 next month. It will go on sale the following week on 27 August.


Huawei MateBook 16s With Intel Core i7-12700H Arrives in Malaysia for RM6,799

Yes, Huawei unveiled yet another laptop for the APAC region today at its Smart Office 2022 launch. This is the Huawei MateBook 16s, which is positioned between the more affordable MateBook D 16 and the premium MateBook X Pro; it’s also available for pre-order in Malaysia now.

Only one variant of the MateBook 16s is offered in Malaysia. Featuring an Intel Core i7-12700H processor paired with 16GB of RAM and a very generous 1TB SSD storage, the productivity laptop is priced at RM6,799 locally. Early birds who pre-order the MateBook 16s will also get freebies worth RM1,700.

Compared to the MateBook D 16, the MateBook 16s has a number of higher-end hardware. Its display, for one, is a sharper 16-inch 2520 x 1680 panel with a taller 3:2 aspect ratio. This is an ideal aspect ratio for productivity tasks, as it allows users to show more information on the display.

Rounding out the specifications of the MateBook 16s are Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, a 1080p webcam, an 84Wh battery, a fingerprint sensor built into the power button, and Windows 11 Home out of the box.

The Huawei MateBook 16s is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 5 August 2022 for RM6,799. To recap, early pre-orders will come with RM1,700 worth of freebies.


Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 Also Arriving in Malaysia August 2022 – Co-engineered With Devialet

Aside from the MateBook X Pro and MatePad Pro 11, the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 is also coming to Malaysia in August 2022 next month. Co-engineered with Devialet, the wireless earbuds feature active noise cancellation (ANC) too.

Two drivers are found in each buds of the FreeBuds Pro 2. There’s a standard 11mm dynamic driver, and a “planar diaphragm driver” – it’s said to be the first wireless earbuds with such a driver setup. According to Huawei, the ANC of these earbuds is also able to cancel out sounds between the 50Hz to 3000Hz frequency range.

As for battery life, the Freebuds Pro 2 can last up to 6.5 hours on a single charge with 30 hours of total playback with the charging case. But with ANC activated, the battery life is limited to 4 hours and 18 hours respectively. It comes with IP54 dust and water resistance rating as well.

The Huawei Freebuds Pro 2 will be available in Malaysia sometime in August 2022 next month. No word yet on exactly how much it’ll cost for the Malaysian market, but for context, it retails at 199 euro in Europe – that comes up to about RM900.


Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 Unboxing & Hands-on – Premium Wireless Earbuds With ANC & Neutral Tuning

Huawei has really expanded its product offerings in recent years. From smartphones, tablets, to laptops, the Chinese company also introduced several audio products, including the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2. The wireless earbuds were launched in the APAC region just a couple of days ago.

Co-engineered with French audio brand Devialet, the FreeBuds Pro 2 is positioned as a premium, flagship pair of true wireless earbuds. It’s set to arrive here in Malaysia sometime in August next month, so if you’re keen to get it, here’s our unboxing and hands-on of the FreeBuds Pro 2.

Packaged in a simple square box, the FreeBuds Pro 2 is the first thing you see when you open up the box. Well, you’ll see the charging case, to be specific. The Huawei and Devialet branding are shown on a square, glossy patch on the case, and though it look a little out of place, I do think it gives the product a premium touch.

Underneath the charging case of the FreeBuds Pro 2 in the packaging are your usual documentations. It also comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging (the charger itself isn’t provided) as well as two extra silicone ear tip: small and large. The medium-sized tips are pre-installed to the earbuds.

Flip up the lid of the FreeBuds Pro 2’s charging case – it also closes with a satisfying click in one smooth motion – and you’ll see the earbuds themselves. Unlike the (mostly) matte charging case, the earbuds have a very glossy finish, which is a fingerprint magnet.

On top of that, the glossy earbuds are also quite slippery to get a hold of. Just trying to get them out of the case is quite a challenge because of this. But I have to admit: it looks nice and premium. I’m also a fan of the Huawei branding on the stalk of the earbuds; it’s tastefully done, in my opinion.

Now let’s talk about the specifications of the FreeBuds Pro 2. Two drivers are found in each buds: there’s a standard 11mm dynamic driver, and a “planar diaphragm driver.” According to Huawei, these are the first wireless earbuds to feature such a driver setup.

Given its premium appeal, the FreeBuds Pro 2 naturally features active noise cancellation (ANC). In fact, it’s said to be capable of cancelling out sounds between the 50Hz to 3000Hz frequency range. We don’t exactly have the equipment to test this, but the ANC does work quite well – more on this later.

As for battery life, the Freebuds Pro 2 can last up to 6.5 hours on a single charge with 30 hours of total playback with the charging case. However, with ANC activated, the battery life is limited to 4 hours and 18 hours respectively. It comes with IP54 dust and water resistance rating too.

So…how well does the FreeBuds Pro 2’s ANC work? Surprisingly good! I’ve tested it on a flight, and the ANC is strong enough to silent the aircraft’s engine noise. That being said, the ANC also has the “deafening” effect, though the sensation is reduced when I play some music.

As for audio quality, the FreeBuds Pro 2 is…okay. It has a relatively neutral tuning, though some would describe this as a “boring” sound signature. Yes, these wireless earbuds may sound flat to some folks, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Sure, the FreeBuds Pro 2 does not have particularly strong bass or sparkly treble, but the neutral tuning also means there’s no bass bloat that bleeds into the mid, which would’ve made for a muddy sound profile. It is not a “shouty” pair of earbuds either with highs that are pulled back quite a bit.

Technicality of the FreeBuds Pro 2 is not too shabby either. It can retrieve details well, it has quite a “sharp” attack – plucked strings sound very satisfying, for example – and instrument separation is reasonably good too. However, I do wish its bass was a bit tighter and more controlled.

All in all, the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2 is a pair of true wireless earbuds with sleek looks, effective ANC, as well as a neutral sound profile that offers a laid back, relaxed listening experience. On top of that, it also looks and feels premium, even if the earbuds’ glossy finish collects fingerprints quite easily.

If you’re keen to get the FreeBuds Pro 2, you won’t have to wait too long: it’s set to arrive in Malaysia sometime in August 2022 next month. No word yet on exactly how much it’ll cost for the Malaysian market, but for context, it retails at 199 euro in Europe – that comes up to about RM900.


28 July – 3 August Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 10 Sen Again, Now RM4.55 Per Litre

Here’s a bit of good news for the week: the price of RON 97 is going down yet again by 10 sen. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are all maintained, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.

Until 3 August next week, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.55 per litre (down from RM4.65). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.

To recap, these prices are applicable from 28 July to 3 August 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.


Honda Malaysia Sold 39k Cars in 1H 2022 – On Track to Achieve 80k Annual Sales Target

Honda Malaysia recently revealed its sales performance for the first half of 2022. Between January to June this year, the Japanese carmaker sold over 39,000 cars; a 60% improvement compared to the same period in 2021.

Thanks to this impressive sales figure, Honda Malaysia said it is on track to achieve its 2022 sales target, which is set at 80,000 units. Given just how popular its range of models are – the
2022 HR-V
 alone, for one, received over 20,000 bookings – we reckon the carmaker may even exceed its target.

Not surprisingly, Honda’s top three best-selling cars are perennial names in their respective segments. The company’s most popular model (accounting for 39% of total sales) is none other than the
City sedan
, followed by the
City Hatchback
 and
Civic
 at 23% and 18% respectively.

“The positive acceptance of Honda models helped to boost our sales performance this year,” said the managing director and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Hironobu Yoshimura. “We saw high demand in
terms of bookings in the run up to the end of sales tax exemption on 30th June 2022, where
more than 105,000 bookings were received in the first six months this year,” he added.

It’s worth noting that Honda Malaysia
promised to launch one more all-new model
 later this year, which is widely believed to be the 2022 Honda BR-V. Once the seven-seater MPV is unveiled on our shores, it’s likely the carmaker’s sales will see further improvement locally.


Monokei Standard – Custom Keyboard Designed in Malaysia & Singapore From RM610

Now this is interesting. Enter the Monokei Standard, a custom keyboard designed right here in Malaysia and Singapore. Monokei typically makes high-end, costly keyboards, but not the Standard: it starts at only RM610, which is really quite affordable for a custom keyboard of this calibre.

For starters, the Standard is a gasket-mounted pre-built keyboard, which is great. Typically, more affordable keyboards use a simpler, more conventional tray mount system, which makes for a stiffer typing experience.

According to Monokei, the gasket strips and polycarbonate plate of the Standard will provide a cushioned, firm typing experience.

As for the case of the Standard, it is made from injection-moulded ABS plastic to bring down its cost. The custom keyboard also features a hotswap PCB, Cherry screw-in stabilisers, Monokei’s own Series 1 double shot PBT keycaps, and three switch options: Cherry MX Red, MX Silent Red, and MX Brown.

Oh, did we mention that the Standard is also a wireless keyboard? That’s right, it supports both Bluetooth – with a quoted battery life of up to 30 days from the 1,000mAh battery – and USB-C to USB-C connection for those who prefer to use the keyboard in wired mode.

The Monokei Standard is now available for pre-order until 16 September; fulfilment is expected to start sometime in November 2022. If you’re here in Malaysia, you can get it
from Ana tomy with a RM610 starting price
. Alternatively, you can check out other regional vendors that carry the Standard
right here
.


Thin & Light 2022 Acer Swift 5 With 12th Gen Intel Chips Now in Malaysia From RM4,699

The thin and light 2022 Acer Swift 5 productivity laptop is now available in Malaysia. Powered by Intel’s latest 12th gen processors, the new Swift 5 also has a number of other improvements, including a larger, taller screen, and a trackpad made from recycled plastic.

Dubbed OceanGlass trackpad, this is the same one used in the
Swift X
. Despite the fact that the Swift 5’s trackpad is made out of recycled plastic, it still feels quite smooth to the touch. At least, that was the case with the Swift X.

Of course, the new Swift 5 also sports Intel’s latest 12th gen processors with Iris Xe integrated graphics. Three different variants of the laptop are offered in Malaysia, starting with the RM4,699 base model with a Core i5-1240P processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage, and a 14-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS display.

A tier up is the Core i7-1260P configuration of the Swift 5 with more RAM and SSD at 16GB and 1TB respectively; this particular model is priced at RM5,999. As for the range-topping variant, it has the same hardware as the aforementioned model, but it swaps out the display for a higher resolution 2560 x 1600 IPS panel for RM6,599.

Other specifications of the Swift 5 include a 14.95mm slim chassis that tips the scales at 1.2kg, a fingerprint reader built into the power button, and up to 10 hours of battery life.

The 2022 Acer Swift 5 is now available for purchase in Malaysia from RM4,699. Those who purchase the laptop before 30 September will also get a number of freebies, including a sleeve case, a backpack, and RM120 worth of TNG eWallet credit. You can also get a RM100 discount if you get the Swift 5 at the Acer Day roadshow in Pavilion Bukit Jalil until 7 August 2022.


4 – 10 August Fuel Price: RON 97 Down 5 Sen, Now RM4.50 Per Litre

The price of RON 97 continues its downward trend this week: it’s set to go down by 5 sen per litre. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are all maintained, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.

For the next seven days, the price of RON 97 is set at RM4.50 per litre (down from RM4.55). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.

These prices will be in effect from 4 to 10 August 2022. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.


Sony INZONE H9 Wireless Gaming Headset With ANC Now in Malaysia for RM1,299

Launched globally just a couple of months ago, the Sony INZONE H9 wireless gaming headset – the range-topping model in the INZONE lineup – is finally available for purchase in Malaysia. It joins the more affordable INZONE H7 and INZONE H3, which were
already available for purchase
 locally last month.

First, a quick recap on the prices of these gaming headsets. The most affordable INZONE H3 costs RM439, while the INZONE H7 is priced at RM1,099. As for the highest-end INZONE H9, it goes for RM1,299, and it naturally comes with all the bells and whistles.

From left: INZONE H3, INZONE H7, INZONE H9

The INZONE H9

For that kind of money, the INZONE H9 features active noise cancellation, 360 Spatial Sound (only for PC), up to 32 hours of battery life, and of course, a boom microphone that can be flipped up to mute. The H9 also supports the PS5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech.

If you’re keen to get the Sony INZONE H9 for PC gaming – or even for your PS5 – you can do so through
Sony Malaysia’s online store
. To recap, the wireless gaming headset is priced at RM1,299 for the Malaysian market.


OnePlus 10T Official With Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 & 150W SUPERVOOC – Coming to Malaysia 1 September

It’s been a while since we’ve seen a T device from OnePlus, but here it is. The OnePlus 10T is the latest device from the Chinese phone maker, and it comes with a number of intriguing features, including the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and a blazing fast 150W SUPERVOOC charging.

Thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, the 10T should be able to offer speedy, flagship-class performance. Speaking of speed, the 150W SUPERVOOC fast charging also promises “a day’s power” in only 10 minutes of charging; it can get the phone’s 4,800mAh battery from 1% to 67%.

Other specifications of the 10T include a 6.7-inch 2412 x 1080 Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (50MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, and OxygenOS based on Android 12 out of the box.

The OnePlus 10T will be coming to Malaysia on 1 September next month, with a local price reveal happening on 18 August. For the sake of comparison, the phone starts at $649 (about RM2,890) in the US for the 8GB + 128GB model, while the higher-end 12GB + 256GB configuration goes for $749 (approximately RM3,335).


Perodua Receives 24,265 Orders in July 2022 Despite Return of SST – 9,000 for New Alza

Perodua continues to record strong booking numbers despite the reinstatement of sales tax on new car orders from 1 July 2022. Last month alone, the national carmaker recorded 24,265 bookings; 9,000 of them were for the
2022 Perodua Alza
.

With that in mind, bookings for the new Alza now stands at a whopping 39,000 units. Given that Perodua was only aiming to sell 3,000 units of the MPV every month, it’s clear that demand for the updated Alza exceeds the company’s expectations.

Even though Perodua’s booking numbers look good, its sales actually went down last month compared to June 2022. “Our month-to-month sales were reduced by 13.3% to 18,346 units in July compared with 21,164 units registered in June this year,” said the president and CEO of Perodua, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

According to Zainal, this is attributed to “lingering issues in the automotive ecosystem last month, which include shortage of labour and residual semiconductor supply availability.” He added that Perodua is working closely with the government to overcome the labour shortage by early August.

Once that’s settled, Perodua expects its production to resume in full from this month onwards. If you’ve been eagerly waiting to receive your new Perodua car, you may not have to wait too long now.