Genshin Impact 3.7 Arrives 24 May – Underwater Gameplay Teased for Fontaine

Hoyoverse is expanding Genshin Impact’s Genius Invokation TCG quite a bit in the upcoming Version 3.7 update. Over 60 new cards will be added to the card game once the update is live, and the developer is even teasing a new underwater gameplay for the upcoming nation of Fontaine.

That’s right, it looks like Genshin Impact will be getting underwater gameplay once Fontaine is added to the game. Interestingly, a character from Fontaine, Charlotte, will also appear in the new update’s event storyline. Chances are, Fontaine is coming to Genshin Impact very, very soon.

Aside from that, Kirara – a new 4-star Dendro character – will be playable in Genshin Impact 3.7 as well. Hailing from Inazuma, the sword user’s Elemental Skill allows her to create a Dendro shield or transform into a rather cute “Urgent Neko Parcel” that deals Dendro damage when she hits opponents.

Of course, a slew of in-game events will also take place in Genshin Impact 3.7, and most of them revolve around the Genius Invokation TCG tournament dubbed King of Invokation Grand Prix. If you’re a fan of the card game, you’ll definitely find the new update entertaining.

Genshin Impact 3.7 will go live on 24 May later this month. Kirara will be featured in the first phase of the event wish alongside Yoimiya’s and Yae Miko’s rerun banners, followed by Kaedehara Kazuha’s and Alhaitham’s reruns in the second phase.


Oppo A98 Now in Malaysia for RM1,399 – 67W Charging, Snapdragon 695

Oppo just launched a new mid-range phone in Malaysia, the Oppo A98. Sporting 67W fast charging with a rather generous 5,000mAh battery and 120Hz display, the A98 is quite a sleek-looking phone too.

For the Malaysian market, the A98 is offered in the sole 8GB + 256GB configuration for RM1,399. Available in two distinct colours (Dreamy Blue and Cool Black), every pre-order of the phone until 18 May will come with freebies worth up to RM377, including an Oppo Band and a pair of wireless earbuds.

For that kind of money, the A98 offers the aforementioned 5,000mAh battery with support for fast 67W charging. It also features a 6.72-inch 1080p LTPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, a triple camera system (64MP primary + 2MP depth + 2MP microlens), as well as a 32MP selfie camera.

To recap, the Oppo A98 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM1,399. More details on the mid-range phone can be found on
Oppo’s official website
.


Samsung Galaxy A54 Review: The Mid-Range Benchmark

The mid-range smartphone market is a highly competitive segment largely dominated by devices from China with great value propositions. In this regard, the Samsung Galaxy A54 isn’t the most compelling option in this crowded market – it doesn’t exactly offer the best hardware for the money.

But what the Galaxy A54 lacks in value for money is made up by its refinement and feature set, which not many phones in this segment can rival. It has a bright, vibrant display; a capable camera system; and most of all, an IP67 dust and water resistance. Most
flagship
 phones don’t even have this rating.

Of course, the A54 still has some shortcomings here and there, but for the most part, it’s certainly a mid-range phone worth considering.

What It Is

Display
6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED (2340 x 1080), 120Hz
Chipset
Samsung Exynos 1380 2.4GHz octa-core
GPU
Arm Mali-G68 MP5
RAM
8GB
Storage
256GB, expandable
Camera (rear)
50MP f/1.8, PDAF, OIS
12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide)
5MP f/2.4 (macro)
Camera (front)
32MP f/2.2
Battery
5,000mAh with 25W fast charging
Dimensions
158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm
Weight
202g
OS
One UI 5.1 based on Android 13
Connectivity
5G
LTE
NFC
Bluetooth 5.3
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4/5GHz)
USB Type-C
Price
RM1,899

Priced at RM1,899 with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, the Galaxy A54 sits at the higher-end of the price range in the mid-range market. But for that kind of money, you
are
 getting a high quality Super AMOLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, which is one of its winning qualities.

What’s not so great are the A54’s lack of a telephoto camera and Exynos 1380 processor. At this price point, I expect a more sophisticated camera setup and processor, though the phone isn’t exactly inadequate in these two areas. I’ll elaborate more further down the review.

The Good Stuff

What immediately stood out to me when I first held the Samsung Galaxy A54 in my hands is its build quality; it is surprisingly solid despite the phone’s plastic frame. It does not feel cheap at all, which can be attributed to the smooth glass back of the device as well.

The plastic build of the Galaxy A54 has one added advantage too: it makes for a lightweight device. Tipping the scales at 202g, paired with its relatively compact form factor, I can use the phone quite comfortable with only one hand.

Next, we have the Galaxy A54’s 6.4-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display, which is easily one of the best screens I’ve seen on a mid-range phone. While it’s not a particularly high resolution panel, its image quality is great with vivid colours, wide viewing angles, and of course, very deep blacks; perfect for content consumption and gaming.

Speaking of which, the 120Hz refresh rate of the A54’s Super AMOLED display lends to smooth-looking animations too. This is great for mobile games that can take advantage of the high refresh rate, though not many games can actually run at this frame rate on the Exynos 1380.

Don’t get me wrong, the Samsung-made Exynos 1380 is more than fast enough to provide a seamless user experience in day-to-day use. It’s only in more demanding mobile games like
Genshin Impact
 where the chip starts showing its limits. The Exynos 1380 can’t quite manage 60fps in Genshin Impact even with some tweaks to the graphics settings, though the game is still largely playable.

Less demanding games like
Marvel Snap
 runs great on the Galaxy A54

As for the camera performance of the Galaxy A54, I’m quite happy with it. The triple camera system is made up of a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 5MP macro lens. While I wish it also had a telephoto camera, at least I can snap good-looking shots with the A54.

That being said, the camera – especially the 12MP ultra-wide sensor – does noticeably struggle in more challenging lighting conditions. But compared to other mid-range phones, I’d say the Galaxy A54 still delivers above average image quality. I certainly don’t mind using the camera as my daily driver, even if the camera interface feels a tad too sluggish for my liking in low light situations.

12MP ultra-wide

50MP primary

12MP ultra-wide

50MP primary

12MP ultra-wide

50MP primary

12MP ultra-wide

50MP primary

12MP ultra-wide

50MP primary

12MP ultra-wide

50MP primary

50MP primary

Last but not least is the IP67 rating of the Galaxy A54. While the average consumer is unlikely to submerge the phone underwater every other day, it’s good to have peace of mind that the phone isn’t prone to water damage.

Again, the fact that not many flagship-tier phones (let alone mid-rangers) have this dust and water resistance rating is definitely a plus point for the Galaxy A54.

The Bad Stuff

For a phone with a sizeable 5,000mAh battery, I expected the Galaxy A54 to deliver longer battery life. Granted, with an average screen on time of about five hours and 30 minutes, the phone doesn’t have “bad” battery life per se, but it should have been better for a phone this size with such a battery capacity.

And then there’s the lack of a telephoto sensor on the Galaxy A54. With its RM1,899 price tag in mind, it is not far-fetched to expect the addition of a telephoto lens for a more versatile camera system. I mean, even the camera interface has the option to do 2x zoom, which is just digital zoom that doesn’t offer particularly great image quality.

Is It Worth It?

All things considered, the Samsung Galaxy A54 is still a fantastic mid-range smartphone. It may not offer the best value for money, but its refinement in various aspects and its overall feature set are hard to beat. You
will
 find faster phones with better battery life at this price range, but whether or not those phones can rival the A54’s display quality, camera performance, or build quality is an entirely different question.

To me, the Galaxy A54 easily sets the benchmark for a mid-range smartphone. Unlike its competition, Samsung isn’t focusing on offering sheer value for money in this highly competitive segment with the A54, and in my opinion, the Korean company made the right call.


PRISM+ Q Ultra Google TVs Land in Malaysia – Affordable 4K QLED TVs From RM2,299

PRISM+ launched a new lineup of 4K smart TVs in Malaysia, and it brings a slew of improvements over
last year’s Q Pro TVs
. The new PRISM+ Q Ultra series now features brighter 4K QLED panels, and all three models – from 55-inch to 75-inch – run on Google TV too.

Let’s start with pricing. The most affordable 55-inch Q55 Ultra is priced at RM2,299, while the 65-inch Q65 Ultra goes for RM3,299. If you want the largest 75-inch Q75 Ultra, it will set you back RM4,499. According to PRISM+, these prices are up to 35% lower when compared to similar models from traditional brands.

The biggest upgrade the Q Ultra series brings is certainly the 4K QLED panel. Not only does it support HDR10+ now, it also features Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. On top of that, the smart TV runs on Google TV too, promising improved user experience and personalisation compared to Android TV.

Other specifications of the Q Ultra TVs include Filmmaker Mode – it automatically detects and supports a content’s original format, as the company puts it – three HDMI 2.0 ports, HDMI ARC, two USB 2.0 connections, and of course, built-in Chromecast.

“As a brand, PRISM+ is always looking to make premium technologies accessible to the masses,” said the country director of PRISM+ Malaysia, Eric Kam. “The introduction of our 4K QLED displays to our TV lineup marks yet another milestone in our history as we seek to bring affordable home cinematic experiences to greater heights,” he added.

The PRISM+ Q55 Ultra (left) compared to the
Q55-QE

The PRISM+ Q75 Ultra

The PRISM+ Q Ultra series will be available for purchase in Malaysia later today on
PRISM+’s website
,
Shopee
,
Lazada
, as well as its retail stores in
Sunway Pyramid
 and
IOI City Mall
. To recap, the Q55 Ultra starts at RM2,299, while the larger Q65 Ultra and Q75 Ultra retail at RM3,299 and RM4,499 respectively.

It’s worth noting that every purchase of the new Q Ultra TVs also comes with complimentary subscriptions to several streaming services, including Viu, Durioo+, WeTV, and meWATCH.


Honkai: Star Rail Jing Yuan Banner Arrives 17 May With Tingyun, Sushang, March 7th

The second phase of
Honkai: Star Rail
‘s event warp for Version 1.0 of the game has been revealed! Set to drop tomorrow on 17 May, the banner will feature none other than Jing Yuan, and his event warp includes Tingyun – a very sought-after 4-star character – Sushang, and March 7th.

Not surprisingly, the increased “drop rate” of these featured characters in Star Rail share the same rules as
Genshin Impact
. In the case of Jing Yuan, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be him. If you got a different 5-star unit, the
next
 5-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Jing Yuan.

Since Star Rail’s pity system for character banners ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character every 90 warps – again, similar to Genshin – you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Jing Yuan. This rule is also applicable to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it’s a little bit more random.

Basically, when you’re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Tingyun, Sushang, or March 7th. If you’re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.

Jing Yuan’s “Swirl of Heavenly Spear” event warp will be available in Honkai: Star Rail tomorrow on 17 May at 6PM Malaysian time. His banner will be offered until 6 June, and we can expect the Version 1.1 update of Star Rail to be released not long after that.


GWM Opens First Flagship 4S Centre in Subang USJ

Great Wall Motor (GWM) just opened its first-ever flagship 4S centre. Located in Subang USJ, the three-acre dealership – a collaboration between the carmaker and Superhub Auto – offers an all-in-one experience hall with various facilities.

Naturally, the GWM flagship 4S centre offers sales, service, spare parts, as well as body and paint facilities. It also has a rather cozy lounge area for customers to relax while waiting for their vehicles to be serviced, along with a showroom that showcases various GWM models on sale now, including the
Ora Good Cat
.

The body and paint facility

The service area

“We are delighted to introduce our flagship 4S centre with an all-in-one experience hall at USJ, a testament to our commitment to delivering excellent service and customer satisfaction,” said the managing director of GWM Malaysia, Mike Cui.

Aside from that, Mike also reiterated the Malaysian availability of two models in the near future: the Haval H6 SUV and GWM Cannon pickup truck. “With our expanding network and aspirations to launch the Haval H6 and GWM Cannon this year, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to offer more quality products in Malaysia,” he added.

The GWM flagship 4S centre is now operational at
LOT 61711, PLOT A, Persiaran Subang Indah
. Alternatively, you can also navigate to GWM USJ; the dealership is open every day from 9AM to 6PM.


Renault Zoe EV Finally Launched in Malaysia – 395km Range, 2 Variants, From RM165k

TC Euro Cars (TCEC) just launched the new Renault Zoe EV in Malaysia. Initially previewed on our shores in August last year, the EV promises up to 395km of range on the WLTP cycle; a respectable range for the fully electric hatchback.

Pricing for the Zoe EV starts at RM165,000 for the base Zen R110 model with modest outputs of 110PS and 225Nm of torque. As for the Intens R135 variant, its electric motor offers 135PS and 245Nm of torque for RM179,000; slightly higher than the estimated RM175,000 pricing.

Both models come with a three-year or 100,000km warranty, while the battery is covered under an eight-year or 160,000km warranty with a minimum capacity of 70%.

Both variants of the updated Zoe feature Renault’s new 52kWh Z.E. 50 battery, which is said to be a 25% improvement over the previous generation’s battery without actually increasing its physical size. It can also be charged from 0-100% in three hours with a 22kW charger; nine hours and 30 minutes with a 7.4kW charger instead.

As for range, the Zoe R110 has a quoted range of up to 395km, while the R135 (with its added power) offers slightly less range of up to 386km. Other standard equipment of the new Zoe include full LED headlights with C-shaped DRLs, an Easy Link 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as four airbags.

The higher-end Intens R135 also gets combination leather and cloth upholstery, along with a reverse camera.

According to TCEC, the first shipment of the new Renault Zoe EV has been fully taken up. The next shipment is expected to arrive sometime in June or July 2023, so if you’re keen to get the EV by then, place a booking as soon as you can.


Coway Refreshes Brand Identity in Malaysia – Offers Air-Conditioner & Massage Chair

To celebrate its 17th anniversary here in Malaysia, Coway refreshed its brand identity with a new logo and an expanded product lineup. While the brand is mainly known for its range of water and air purifiers, Coway now sells mattresses, air-conditioner, and even massage chair too.

It’s worth noting that Malaysia is actually the only market where Coway offers the air-conditioner and massage chair. The
air-conditioner
 is offered on a rental basis from RM100 a month, while the
massage chair
 can also be rented on a monthly basis (RM145) or bought outright (RM8,199).

“2023 has been great for us at Coway Malaysia. On top of celebrating the 17th year of serving the Malaysian market, we are honoured to be part of many life-changing moments in the Malaysian households with our products and services,” said the managing director of Coway Malaysia, Kyle Choi.

“And now, we are launching our refreshed brand identity which represents our dedicated commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, as well as our vision to empower Malaysians to live healthier and happier lives,” he added.

If you’re keen to check out Coway’s new product offerings – there are quite a number of them now – head on to its
official website
.


Infinix Note 30 & Note 30 Pro Coming to Malaysia 24 May With 68W Fast Charging

Infinix is set to launch to new smartphones in Malaysia next week, the Infinix Note 30 and Infinix Note 30 Pro. This confirmation is quite interesting, since the two phones have not been announced for any market yet. Chances are, Malaysia is set to be one of the first countries to get the new Note 30 series.

Given that the Note 30 and Note 30 Pro are not launched yet, key specifications of the two phones are still…well, under wraps. However, Infinix did tease that the Note 30 series will feature 68W wired charging or 50W wireless charging. On top of that, there’s support for reverse charging as well.

Leaks and rumours surrounding the two phones give us some of their hardware details too. The Note 30, for one, is said to be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 810 chip, while the Note 30 Pro comes with a faster Helio G99 SoC. Both devices are said to feature a 1080p display too.

The full specifications of the Infinix Note 30 and Note 30 Pro should be unveiled come 24 May next week once they are launched in Malaysia. Of course, local pricing of the two phones should be revealed then too. Given that Infinix had always offered affordable devices here, we reckon the Note 30 and Note 30 Pro will be budget-friendly.


18 – 24 May Fuel Price: RON 97 Stays at RM3.35 Per Litre

Another week, another fuel price update, and RON 97 continues to remain at the same price. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.

To recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.

These prices will be in effect from 18 to 24 May next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.


Deal: Nintendo Switch OLED Price Drops to New Low (RM1,249)

It’s been quite some time since the
Nintendo Switch (OLED Model)
 was launched, so not surprisingly, the portable console is quite a bit more affordable now. Previously going for
as low as RM1,299
, you can now get the latest and greatest Switch
at only RM1,249
.

Well,
RM1,248.88 to be specific
. This deal is offered by Shopee Mall retailer GameStop, which is quite a reputable game store in Malaysia. Both the White and Neon colour options are in stock at the aforementioned price, and they are official Maxsoft units with a one-year warranty.

Of course, if you want the special edition models, you do have to pay more. The Pokemon Scarlet/Violet and Splatoon 3 variants are priced at RM1,438.88, while the newer The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom version is listed at RM1,482.88.

Compared to its predecessor, the new OLED Switch features a larger 7-inch OLED panel with thinner bezels. It also has double the internal storage at 64GB, and the stand sees a design revision as well. Instead of the original Switch’s fragile-looking stand, this new Switch uses a much sturdier, wider stand that is also adjustable.

Other changes introduced in the new OLED Switch include a new dock with a wired LAN port, “enhanced audio” from the system’s onboard speakers, and between 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life – the same quoted battery life as its predecessor.

If you want to get the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model)
for only RM1,249
, you can do so from GameStop on Shopee. Not sure if it’s worth upgrading from an older model? Then check out our comparison
between the new OLED Switch and the original one
.


Beats Studio Buds+ Official for RM699 – Translucent Design, 36 Hours Battery Life

Just earlier this month, we spotted the
Beats Studio Buds+ in SIRIM’s database
 ahead of its launch. Fast forward to today, the wireless earbuds have now been unveiled, complete with a sleek translucent design. Of course, the Malaysian pricing of the Buds+ has been revealed too.

Priced at RM699 on our shores
, the Studio Buds+ is offered in three distinct colourways: Transparent, Ivory, and Black/Gold. Obviously, the transparent design is the most eye-catching option – in our opinion, anyway – allowing you to see the internal components of the earbuds quite clearly.

Anyway, aesthetics aside, the Studio Buds+ promises “up to 1.6x more active noise cancelling” when compared to its predecessor. It also offers up to 36 hours of use when paired with the charging case, along with a custom two-layer transducer that’s said to deliver cleaner bass and low distortion.

While we have the Malaysian pricing of the Beats Studio Buds+ already (RM699), its exact availability locally still remains to be seen. Given that it’s been registered with SIRIM already, we reckon the Studio Buds+ will be available for purchase here very soon.


MBSJ Adds Honda Civic FE Patrol Car – Mid-Tier V Model With 1.5L Turbo Engine

It appears another Honda Civic model is added to Malaysia’s law enforcement. While the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM)
gets the previous generation Civic FC
, the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) receives the latest
Honda Civic FE
. It’s the mid-tier V model too instead of the base E variant.

The Civic FE was delivered to MBSJ by Shared Auto Cars, a Honda dealership based in Shah Alam. The C-segment sedan will be used by the city council for patrol and enforcement traffic escort duties, and it has a rather striking livery with the MBSJ crest featured on either sides of the car.

Under the hood of the Civic FE in V trim is none other than a 1.5L turbo engine that outputs a respectable 182PS and 240Nm of torque paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It also gets pretty sizeable 17-inch alloy wheels. To put this into context, the base E model rides on smaller 16-inch wheels, while the fancier RS variant features 18-inch alloys.

It wasn’t mentioned how many units of the Honda Civic FE were delivered to MBSJ. If you frequently visit Subang Jaya, there’s a good chance you’ll see the white Civic around the city.


OnePlus Nord Buds 2 Review: Plenty of Bass for Only RM329

It’s easy to find an affordable pair of wireless earbuds in the market now. But finding one that is…well, actually good, can be quite a challenge. I’ve used the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 for quite some time now, and I’m happy to report that it sounds great while still providing excellent value for money.

Of course, as with any product, the Nord Buds 2 does have a number of shortcomings, such as a proprietary ear tip design and lacklustre active noise cancellation (ANC). But for wireless earbuds that are
this
 affordable, it’s easy to look past these drawbacks.

What It Is

For the Malaysian market, the Nord Buds 2 retails at RM329 with two colour options: Lightning White (pictured here) and Thunder Grey. For that kind of money, the wireless earbuds feature a single 12.4mm driver that’s said to deliver “rich sound” and impactful bass.

Aside from that, it also has five or seven hours of battery life on a single charge with ANC enabled and disabled respectively – extended to 27 hours or 36 hours with the charging case – Bluetooth 5.3, and IP55 water and dust resistance. A decent spec sheet for a pair of wireless earbuds at this price point.

The Good Stuff

One of the best qualities of the Nord Buds 2 has to be its bass quality. There’s ample amount of sub-bass with a nice, satisfying punch to it. If I had to nitpick, I wish the bass sounds more textured, though there’s no denying that these earbuds can produce a good amount of kick in the low-end.

I appreciate the warm sound profile of the Nord Buds 2 as well, thanks to the elevated mids. Vocals have a good amount of body to them, and in the treble region, there’s no unpleasant peaks to speak of either. You don’t have to worry about fatigue listening to these earbuds for an extended amount of time.

I’m also quite surprised by the battery life performance of the Nord Buds 2. On average, it can last me about five hours on a single charge with ANC enabled, which lines up quite well with OnePlus’ estimate. While this isn’t class-leading battery life by any means, it’s certainly above average and more than long enough for my particular usage.

I’m quite a fan of the Nord Buds 2 overall design too. The shape of the earbuds fit comfortably into my ears, and their lightweight nature – each buds weigh only 4.7g – helps with comfort in long listening sessions too. I didn’t find either earbuds to be uncomfortable throughout the review period.

Last but not least is the sheer affordability of the Nord Buds 2. Priced at only RM329, you’re getting a pair of wireless earbuds with good audio quality and above average battery life, not to mention a pretty darn comfortable fit. Granted, the budget-friendly nature of the earbuds does come with several downsides, which I’ll get to in the following section.

The Bad Stuff

My biggest qualm with the Nord Buds 2 is its ANC performance, which is…not great. While it can silent low frequencies quite well – such as the noise of an engine or air-conditioner – it doesn’t provide much isolation beyond that.

The touch controls of the Nord Buds 2 are also quite finicky. They’re not as responsive as I would’ve hoped, and I don’t love the fact that I cannot adjust the volume with the touch controls. Given that it can recognise touch and hold inputs, volume adjustment should be possible.

And then there’s the proprietary ear tip design of the Nord Buds 2. Even if three different ear tip sizes are provided with the earbuds, there’s a chance some folks won’t get the best fit with any of them. This could’ve been easily solved with third-party ear tips if the earbuds had a more standard design.

Is It Worth It?

Still, for only RM329, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2’s excellent value proposition can outweigh these shortcomings. Of course, it still depends on whether or not you can tolerate them, especially in regard to its ANC performance.

If you want an affordable pair of wireless earbuds with plenty of bass, reasonably long battery life, and a comfortable fit – though your mileage may vary – you can’t really go wrong with the Nord Buds 2. It is certainly one of the better budget-friendly earbuds in the market now.


Asus ROG Ally Coming to Malaysia July 2023

Previously, Asus Malaysia confirmed that the Asus ROG Ally will be arriving in Malaysia sometime in Q3 2023. Well, the Taiwanese company got a more specific timeline now: the handheld gaming PC is coming to our local market as soon as July 2023.

This bit of news was posted by Asus Malaysia on Facebook. The post also mentioned that the prices of the ROG Ally seen online – likely listed by parallel importers – are not the actual pricing of the device “in a good way.” With that in mind, there’s a good chance the official pricing of the Ally will be quite competitive.

Compared to its main competition, the Steam Deck, the ROG Ally’s value proposition is really,
really
 good; it
starts at only $599
. Not only is it a more powerful handheld machine, it also has a number of advantages, including a higher resolution 7-inch 1920 x 1080 display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, has lower resolution 60Hz panel, though it has a taller 16:10 aspect ratio.

Aside from that, the ROG Ally can also be connected to the (proprietary) ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure for higher fidelity gaming. It’s said to run on Windows 11 as well, so it’ll be interesting to see how this would impact the battery life of the handheld gaming console.

Other specifications of the Ally include up to 16GB of LPDDR5 dual-channel RAM and 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD – this is said to be upgradable – a microSD card slot for further storage expansion, as well as a lightweight chassis that tips the scales at 608g.

To recap, the Asus ROG Ally is expected to be available in Malaysia in July 2023, which is just a couple of months away. If you’d like to learn more about the Ally, check out our written hands-on
right here
 – we also have a video of the handheld gaming PC right below.


Confirmed: Nothing Phone 2 Will Use Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 to “Remain Accessible”

The Nothing Phone 2 will be launched sometime in summer 2023 – between June to September – and it was previously revealed that it will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 series chipset. Well, we now know exactly which chip from the series Nothing is using for the Phone 2.

According to the founder of Nothing,
Carl Pei
, the Phone 2 will be using last year’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip. Even though the Phone 2 isn’t using the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, this is quite a change over the Snapdragon 778G+ chip used in the
Nothing Phone 1
.

The Nothing Phone 1

Of course, Pei also explained why the Phone 2 is set to use the older Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. He said it comes down to ensuring that the phone “remains accessible while delivering a significantly improved experience compared to Phone 1.” Well, fair enough.

It was teased earlier this month that the Nothing Phone 2 is retaining the see-through design of its predecessor. It’s becoming the brand’s signature design language, so it only makes sense for the new phone to continue offering this feature as a unique appeal.

To recap, the Nothing Phone 2 is set to be launched between June to September 2023. With that in mind, it’s entirely possible Nothing’s new smartphone will arrive as early as next month, though we reckon it will make its debut sometime in July instead, just like the Nothing Phone 1 last year.


Spy Shot: Proton S50 Spotted With ADAS Camera – Level 2 Autonomous Driving?

Now that the
Proton X90
 has been launched, focus now shifts to the Proton S50 sedan, which has been spotted on Malaysian roads yet again. Based on the Geely Emgrand – and rumoured to be launched by the end of this year – the test mule looks to be sporting a camera for ADAS, so there’s a chance the new sedan will be capable of level 2 autonomous driving.

These images were shared by
The Ajerul
 on its Facebook page. Aside from the camera that’s visible at the top of the S50’s windscreen, we can see a glimpse of the Infinite Weave grille as well. This is also notably a right-hand drive model, so local development of the sedan looks to have progressed quite a bit.

The S50 is widely speculated to be a replacement of the Proton Preve. If it follows the same dimensions as the model it’s based on (the Emgrand), it will measure 4,638mm long, 1,820mm wide, and 1,460mm tall. That makes it 95mm longer and 34mm wider than the Preve, assuming Proton retains the same dimensions for the localised model.

Under the hood, the Emgrand is powered by a 1.5L NA engine (114PS/147 Nm) in China, though it’s possible the S50, once localised for the Malaysian market, will feature a 1.5L TGDi engine instead. After all,
Proton foreshadowed that two of its new models
 will feature the 1.5L turbocharged engine that offers up to 177PS and 255Nm of torque.

Given that the 1.5L TGDi engine is used for the X90 – though it’s also paired to a mild hybrid system for higher output – the S50 is a good candidate for the turbo mill. It’s worth noting that the sedan shares the same B-segment Modular Architecture (BMA) as the
Proton X50
 too, so it could use the engine without issue.

The Geely Emgrand

Nonetheless, we reckon the Proton S50 won’t be introduced so soon, given that the X90 was launched just a couple of weeks ago. But once the S50 makes its debut here, it will be the first Geely-based model from the national carmaker that is not an SUV. This is certainly an exciting proposition, in our opinion, as we haven’t seen a properly premium sedan from Proton for quite some time now.


MSI Opens New Store in Mid Valley Megamall With TMT

There’s a new MSI retail store in the Klang Valley area. Located at the popular Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur, the concept store is a partnership between the Taiwanese company and Thunder Match Technology (TMT).

To celebrate the launch of the new concept store today on 19 May, MSI is running a number of neat promotions that offer up to RM7,000 of rebate. Some of them include the Modern 14 laptop for RM999 – discounted from RM1,999 – or even the Optix G24C4 curved gaming monitor for only RM199 instead of RM879.

Beyond the promotion, the MSI store itself carries quite a number of products from the brand. Whether you’re looking for a new gaming laptop, monitor, or even desktop, the store should have it on display for customers to try out.

If you’re interested to visit the new MSI concept store, you can do so over at Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur. It is located at S-079 on the second floor of the shopping mall.


Samsung Malaysia Optimising Its Foldable Phones With Local Companies & Universities

Although we’re seeing more foldable smartphones enter the market, It is still a relatively new form factor, which opens up room for optimisation. To improve the user experience of its foldable phones – namely the
Galaxy Z Fold 4
 and
Z Flip 4
 – Samsung Malaysia is working with several local companies and universities to reach this end.

Some of the partners in this initiative include Maxis, AmBank, FamilyMart, Pay4U, and ZUS Coffee. These companies optimised their respective apps to work well on Samsung’s range of foldable devices, taking advantage of screen expansions and multi-angle fold usages; unique features of a foldable phone.

Of course, Samsung will be adding more partners in the coming months, including Gigi Coffee, Golden Screen Cinemas, TGV Cinemas, and Zapp. The Korean company will also be collaborating with local universities on a hackathon for students to pitch their foldable app ideas. That’s pretty neat.

“In our bid to mainstream foldable smartphones, we are collaborating with homegrown brands to create unique, local Galaxy Z experiences on their apps that Malaysians use on a daily basis, and bring it closer to their hearts,” said the head of product marketing at Samsung Malaysia, Luke Au.

“We invite more local organisations to be a part of this industry collaboration and deliver better experiences to their customers,” he added.


This Is the SINGAKBD Unikorn SE – In-Stock Sale, Less Than 60 Units

The next in-stock sale for SINGAKBD’s very popular Unikorn custom keyboard – and likely the last for 2023 – is happening very soon with the SINGAKBD Unikorn SE. This is set to be the fourth in-stock sale of the 60% custom keyboard, and as usual, it will be done through a raffle.

Now, unlike
previous in-stock sales

of this keyboard
, the Unikorn SE is a much more limited model. Less than 60 units will be up for grabs in the upcoming raffle, and it has a more unique-looking weight design on the bottom of the keyboard along with a light blue finish.

Do note that those who won the previous Unikorn R2.2 raffles
are allowed
 to join this round of sale for the Unikorn SE. Given that anyone can join the raffle – combined with the fact that very limited units are available – this will be a tough raffle to win.

Nonetheless, details on the SINGAKBD Unikorn SE’s raffle will be revealed in the near future. No pricing details have been detailed yet either, but for the sake of comparison, the regular Unikorn R2.2 went for RM1,950. Check out SINGAKBD’s
official Discord channel
 for any updates on the Unikorn SE.


Photo Essay: ATO Keyboard Meetup 2023 in Malaysia

There was another keyboard meetup in Malaysia! This time around, it was held at ATO Gaming Cafe in TTDI, Kuala Lumpur. Quite a number of exciting keyboards were brought over by enthusiasts and brands, and even more exciting prizes were given out.

Of course, several vendors were at the keyboard meetup too, including Mecha Store, Hex Keyboards, Sun Cycle, Silkey, and Iconlabs, which came all the way from Vietnam. If you missed the keyboard meetup last weekend, here’s what went down!

One of the most exciting keyboards that was at the keyboard meetup is a prototype of the polycarbonate SINGAKBD Kohaku. It was brought over by SINGAKBD itself, and it’s said to be available as an in-stock keyboard (about 100 units) sometime in the middle of this year; quite exciting.

Aside from that, there were other intriguing keyboards too, such as a SINGAKBD Unikorn with a sweet-looking patina. There’s also a Thermal SEQ2,
Geonworks W1-AT
, Owlab Mr. Suit, and even Axiom Studios’ Typ 60, which was shown at Mecha Store’s booth.

Just look at the patina

Speaking of which, let’s talk about the vendors that were at the keyboard meetup. Mecha Store and Hex Keyboards shared a booth, and a number of products were sold there, including switches, deskmats, stabilisers, and carrying cases.

Besides Mecha Store, there were also
a number of familiar brands
, such as Silkey (it sells customisable cables), Sun Cycle, ThreadyKeycaps, KeebsProject, Zomgkey, and Iconlabs based in Vietnam. The latter had a presentation about its store and user base since its inception too.

Last but not least were the prizes – sponsored by several brands like SINGAKBD, Keybot, and Iconlabs – that were given out at the keyboard meetup. Some of these prizes were given to visitors through lucky draws, and the rest had to be won through contests that ran during the event.

Of course, there was a typing speed competition; two of them, in fact. One is with a standard keyboard, while the other judges who can type the fastest on a
split ergonomic keyboard
. There was also a “guess the switch” competition, where contestants have to guess nine different switches correctly on a keyboard based purely on typing feel and sound.

It’s always good to see a large-scale keyboard meetup happen locally. It gives hobbyists and keyboard enthusiasts alike the opportunity to try out various keyboards…while also winning some prizes, if they’re lucky enough or can type really, really fast. Here’s hoping more keyboard meetups will be held on our shores!


Click & Brew’s New Store in George Town, Penang Opening on 18 June

Click & Brew, a keyboard cafe located in George Town, Penang, is set to open its brand new store next month on 18 June. Compared to the previous outlet, the new retail space looks quite a bit bigger – and very “Instagrammable” – over the previous one.

The cafe gave us a look of its new store with rendered images last month. There’s the cafe component of the…keyboard cafe, and of course, a keyboard corner is present too. It looks like there are stairs leading up to a second floor as well; definitely a big retail space!

The exact location of the new Click & Brew store is at
45, Lebuh Melayu in George Town
. If you’re familiar with the previous store at 4, Lebuh Acheh, the new location is about a 400m walk that will take around five minutes.

While the grand launch of the new Click & Brew store is happening on 18 June, it will actually open its doors a week earlier for a soft launch. The new store certainly looks quite exciting, and it’s great to see the keyboard cafe move to a bigger space, which will certainly benefit the local keyboard community.


Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro Now in Malaysia – Rugged Tablet (With S Pen) for RM3,299

There’s a new rugged tablet in Malaysia from Samsung. Sporting an S Pen, a removable battery, and even the ability to be used without a battery installed – it needs to be plugged in, of course – the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro is made for businesses who need a durable tablet on the go.

For the Malaysian market, the Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro is priced at RM3,299. For that kind of money, it features an IP68 dust and water resistance (this applies to both the tablet and S Pen), along with a MIL-STD-810H certification. The tablet can withstand drops of up to 1.2m as well with the protective cover on – 1m if it’s dropped without said cover.

Other specifications of the Tab Active 4 Pro include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset paired with 4GB of RAM, 64MP of expandable storage, a 13MP rear camera, an 8MP front-facing shooter, and a 7,600mAh removable battery.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM3,299. Interested businesses who want to get the tablet can get in touch with Samsung’s authorised distributors, including
M-Link System, SNS Network, and Tri-e Marketing
.


Infinix Note 30 & Note 30 Pro Launched in Malaysia – Up to 68W Charging From RM699

Infinix just launched its latest range of budget-friendly smartphones in Malaysia. The new Infinix Note 30 series is made up of three devices: Note 30, Note 30 5G, and the range-topping Note 30 Pro. However, for the Malaysian market, only the Note 30 and Note 30 Pro are available here.

First, prices. The Note 30 retails at only RM699 in Malaysia, while the Note 30 Pro goes for RM899. Both devices feature 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage, and early birds who purchase
either phones

on Shopee
 tonight at 12AM – based on what we gathered – can get the phones for RM649 and RM829 respectively.

The Infinix Note 30 Pro

As its name suggests, the Note 30 Pro is the highest-end device in the series. It comes with a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (108MP primary + 2MP + 2MP), a 32MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 68W wired charging; it can also do 15W wireless charging.

The more affordable Note 30, on the other hand, also features the same Helio G99 chipset, though it has a less sophisticated triple camera system headlined by a 64MP main sensor. It also has a 6.78-inch 1080p LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 16MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 45W wired charging.

The Infinix Note 30

The Infinix Note 30 and Note 30 Pro will be available for pre-order in Malaysia from tomorrow on 25 May. To recap, the Note 30 and Note 30 Pro are priced at RM699 and RM899 respectively on our shores, and it’s worth nothing (again) that early birds can get the two phones
at a discount

on Shopee
 tonight.


Editing WhatsApp Messages Now Possible – Only up to 15 Minutes

Sent a WhatsApp message with a typo? Well, you don’t have to delete it anymore just to send a new one. The messaging service recently added the ability to edit messages that were sent, making it easier to correct typo or add more context to messages after you hit send.

Of course, there are a couple of caveats to the new feature. For one, you can only edit a message that were sent within 15 minutes. Aside from that, there’s no edit history either, though messages that were edited will be labeled as such on the messaging service.

Despite its limitations, we reckon it’s still a feature many WhatsApp users will find useful. Naturally, the messages and edits you make on the messaging app are protected by end-to-end encryption, so there should be no security concern.

The ability to edit messages in WhatsApp has been rolled out globally, but at the time of writing, we cannot edit our messages on the messaging app yet. Rest assured, WhatsApp said that the feature should be available to everyone in the coming weeks.


25 – 31 May Fuel Price: No Changes, RON 97 Stays at RM3.35 Per Litre

Another week, another fuel price update, and RON 97 continues to remain at the same price. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.

To recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.35 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.

These prices will be in effect from 25 to 31 May next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.


2023 Samsung Neo QLED TVs Land in Malaysia – Starts at RM5,999

Samsung just launched its latest range of QLED TVs in Malaysia. The 2023 Samsung Neo QLED TV lineup is made up of 8K and 4K models, with sizes ranging from 55-inch to a whopping 85-inch to meet the demands of different customers.

Let’s start with the Neo QLED 8K TVs. Available in three distinct models (QN700C, QN800C, and QN900C), these 8K TVs offer up to 120Hz refresh rate with the exception of the QN700C, which is limited to 60Hz. They also feature Quantum Matrix Technology Pro – though the QN700C doesn’t get the Pro branding – for more precise lighting control, thanks to the panel’s Quantum Mini LEDs.

Pricing wise, the QN700C starts at RM15,199 (55-inch), while the QN800C retails from RM17,699 for the 65-inch model. As for the QN900C, the most affordable 65-inch variant costs RM21,699, going all the way up to RM43,699 for the 85-inch model.

Next, we have the Neo QLED 4K TVs, which is headlined by the QN95C. Not only does it have a fast 144Hz refresh rate and Samsung’s Quantum Matrix Technology, it also comes in four sizes: 55-inch (RM11,199), 65-inch (RM13,399), 75-inch (RM19,199), and 85-inch (RM24,199).

If you want something more affordable, there’s the Q80C with a RM5,999 starting price for the 55-inch model. For that kind of money, it features a 100Hz refresh rate, Direct Full Array technology for better contrast, and a Neural Quantum Processor 4K – the same one found in the higher-end QN95C – for content upscaling.

The 2023 Samsung Neo QLED TVs are now available for purchase in Malaysia. To celebrate the launch of the new QLED TVs here, Samsung is bundling various soundbars with every purchase of selected models. More details on the launch promotion can be found
here
.


Samsung Bespoke Top Mount Freezer Fridge Now in Malaysia From RM3,199

Aside from launching its new range of
 Neo QLED TVs
 on our shores, the Korean company also unveiled the Samsung Bespoke Top Mount Freezer fridge in Malaysia. The main selling point of this fridge is its design – it is offered in a number of different colourways and material.

Three different sizes of the Bespoke Top Mount Freezer is available in Malaysia. The 404L and 427L models are priced at RM3,199, while the larger 476L version goes for RM3,399. Depending on which colourway you choose, the material of the doors can either be a glossy glass finish or a matte, smoother cotta surface.

The matte cotta version (left) next to the glossier glass model

Aside from its unique exterior, the Bespoke Top Mount Freezer fridge also comes with a feature dubbed Optimal Fresh+. It is a compartment in the bottom half of the fridge that ensures food “stays fresh for twice as long,” as the company puts it.

The Samsung Bespoke Top Mount Freezer fridge is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM3,199 (404L and 427L) or RM3,399 (476L). More details on the sleek-looking fridge can be found on
Samsung’s official website
.


PlayStation Returns to the Portable Gaming Market (Sort Of) With Project Q

It’s been rumoured that PlayStation is coming back to the portable gaming market for quite some time now, and earlier today, Sony revealed Project Q. While it’s not a standalone gaming console – so no, it’s not a successor to the
PlayStation Vita
 – it does allow gamers to stream games from the PS5 to the device.

Basically, Project Q takes advantage of the PS5’s Remote Play feature. Both the PS5 and the handheld device have to be connected to the same WiFi network for this to work, and Project Q itself is said to feature an 8-inch HD screen with all of the features of the DualSense controller.

Beyond Project Q, Sony also unveiled a pair of PlayStation-branded wireless earbuds. It is said to work with PS5 and PC – it can also connect to smartphones via Bluetooth – and it features a new wireless technology that allows for “lossless audio” and low latency.

According to Sony, this is just a sneak peek at Project Q and the PlayStation wireless earbuds. More information will be revealed in the future, though the company said that Project Q will be launched later this year.


Honkai: Star Rail Teases 3 New Playable Characters – Luka, Kafka, Blade

It’s been almost a month now since the release of Honkai: Star Rail, and Hoyoverse is teasing quite a number of characters leading up to the game’s
Version 1.1 livestream
. The studio previously teased Kafka and Blade, and today, a completely new character, Luka, has also been revealed.

Kafka and Blade, not surprisingly, are 5-star characters, while Luka is a 4-star character. Their respective elements have also been revealed: Kafka wields Lightning, Blade is a Wind character, while Luka is a Physical unit.

Kafka
On the Interastral Peace Corporation's wanted list, Kafka's entry only has two things — her name, and a single sentence: "Likes collecting coats." Little is known about this Stellaron Hunter aside from her being one of Destiny's Slave Elio's most trusted members.
In order…
pic.twitter.com/RFBhuREIUX
— Honkai: Star Rail (@honkaistarrail)
May 24, 2023

Blade
A swordsman who abandoned his body to become a blade. Birth name unknown.
He pledges loyalty to Destiny's Slave, and possesses a terrifying self-healing ability.
Blade wields an ancient sword riddled with cracks, just like his body and his mind.
#HonkaiStarRail

pic.twitter.com/rCQxRJiZWF
— Honkai: Star Rail (@honkaistarrail)
May 23, 2023

Luka
An optimistic and carefree fighter with a mechanical arm. Skilled in mixed martial arts and is a Wildfire member.
From the fight cage to the battlefield, and from a fighter to a warrior, Luka uses his strength to protect the people of the Underworld.
He wishes to bring hope…
pic.twitter.com/vbBq00Uamd
— Honkai: Star Rail (@honkaistarrail)
May 25, 2023

Chances are, all three of these characters will be playable in Star Rail sooner or later, though it remains to be seen exactly when. There is a chance they will be added to the game in Version 1.2, given that the
teaser image
 for the game’s Version 1.1 livestream features Silver Wolf, Luocha, and Yukong, who are likely to be playable in Star Rail 1.1.

Nonetheless, we’ll just have to wait for the Version 1.1 livestream of Honkai: Star Rail to know for sure. The stream will begin at 7:30PM on 26 May tomorrow
on YouTube
.


Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red Review: Project Red Doesn’t Disappoint

Crinacle – one of the most recognisable names in the IEM scene – has teased Project Red for quite some time now. So when he finally unveiled the Truthear x Crinacle Zero Red, there’s a lot of excitement surrounding the new IEM.

Not surprisingly, the Zero Red has a dual dynamic driver setup – just like the
original Zero
 – with a true subwoofer, and it remains pretty affordable with a
$54.99 (about RM255) price tag from SHENZHENAUDIO
. But what’s changed with this version of the Zero is a new, “more palatable” tuning, as Crinacle puts it.

The results? A very, very competitive IEM that sounds fantastic, especially at this price point. Granted, the Zero Red does have its drawbacks, but I imagine most folks will be very happy with the tuning and bass performance of this IEM. Without further ado, let’s get to the review of the Zero Red.

What It Is

Packaging of the Truthear Zero Red is basically the same as other IEMs from the company, including the original Zero and the
Truthear Hexa
. There is (naturally) another anime waifu pictured on the box, along with a decent synthetic leather carrying pouch.

Tip selection remains extensive. There are options for narrow and wide bore tips in small, medium, and large sizes, along with a medium-size foam tips. The wide bore ear tips should provide more treble emphasis, while the narrow bore and foam tips boost the low-end at the cost of less air in the treble region. My impressions of the Zero Red in this review is with the narrow tips installed.

Before we get to the meat of the review, I do have some (small) qualms with the Zero Red. The all-black 2-pin cable, for one, is thin and quite prone to tangling up. The nozzle of the IEM is also quite large, so if you’ve got smaller ear canals, wearing the Red for an extended amount of time can be a tad uncomfortable, as it was for me.

Nonetheless, I do like the overall design of the Zero Red. It feels well-built – though the shell’s glossy finish does make it quite slippery – and the red faceplate looks great. In my opinion, it is more aesthetically pleasing than the blue faceplate of the first Zero.

How Does It Sound?

Simply put, the Truthear Zero Red has a relatively neutral sound signature with a good amount of bass boost; even more so with the “Bass+” impedance adapter (10Ω) installed, which is bundled with the IEM. While the Red doesn’t strictly follow the Harman in-ear target curve like the original Zero, it does have a “Harman-esque” tuning to my ears with a warm sound profile, which I personally quite like.

Bass

In the low-end, the Zero Red offers quite a bit of sub-bass, but not much in the mid-bass region. Bass impact is good, but it’s not particularly tight or deep. Don’t get me wrong, it can still offer a satisfying amount of bass, but compared to other IEMs with a similar driver setup such as the
QKZ x HBB Khan
, the Red is not quite as hard-hitting.

However, with the impedance adapter installed, the Zero Red’s bass reproduction can almost get to the same volume as the Khan, though treble fidelity is negatively affected as a result; to my ears, at least. I’ll compare the Red to other 2DD IEMs further down the review.

Mids

Male vocals sound warm and laid-back without any “boominess” with the Zero Red. As for female vocals, they sound “lush” and slightly forward. In essence, note weight sounds just right and natural; it is neither too thick nor too thin. All in all, I’m a fan of the Red’s performance in the mids.

Highs

If I were to describe the Zero Red’s treble performance in two words, it would be warm and smooth. On slower songs, treble sounds smooth and laid-back, so depending on your preference, this could be a positive or negative, as some may find this sound profile to be a tad boring and lacking in energy or dynamics.

It’s also worth noting that on busier, instrument-heavy tracks, the Zero Red can sound a bit harsh and borderline shouty.

How Does the Zero Red Compare to Other 2DD IEMs?

Unfortunately, I do not have the original Truthear Zero to compare with the Zero Red, but I do have access to the aforementioned Khan and
7Hz Legato
. Both of them feature a similar dual dynamic driver setup – with one of them acting as a subwoofer – as the Red.

The QKZ x HBB Khan

Let’s start by comparing the Zero Red to the Khan. Out of the two IEMs, the Red sounds more resolving and detailed, lending to a “cleaner” sound signature. However, the Zero Red also sounds less exciting compared to the more energetic Khan, which is quite a bit more affordable too with a $39.99 (about RM185) price tag.

As for the Legato, it has a much,
much
 more boomy bass than the Zero Red, making it ideal for folks who want a very bass-heavy IEM. That being said, the Red’s tonality is more natural and pleasing to my ears
by a mile
, not to mention the fact that it’s far more affordable than the $109 (around RM500) Legato as well.

The 7Hz Legato

I’d also like to touch on the impedance adapter of the Zero Red. At first, I liked the IEM better with it, but I find myself missing the more balanced sound of the Red on its own after some time. To me, the adapter makes the treble sound a bit grainier and less natural. Of course, the impedance adapter makes the Red harder to drive too, which is something to take note of.

Is It Worth It?

The strength of the Truthear Zero Red is its tuning, which doesn’t come as a surprise for an IEM tuned by Crinacle. It’s a well-tuned IEM with a pleasing, neutral sound signature with boosted bass. This makes it great for a wide range of genre, but if you listen to more hip-hop, then the bassier Khan and Legato might be better options. However, do note that both of them are not as resolving or as detailed as the Red.

With its affordable $54.99 price tag and a tuning that’s suitable for various genres, the Zero Red is very easy to recommend for folks that want a budget-friendly pair of IEMs with great value for money. If that sounds compelling to you,
grab the Zero Red
.

Li Jin Soh contributed to this review.


Unboxing MTG March of the Machine: The Aftermath Epilogue Boosters & Collector Boosters

Magic: The Gathering’s four-part Phyrexian storyline has come to an end with the
March of the Machine
 set last month. But there is still the epilogue with the March of the Machine: The Aftermath, a mini-set that follows the…aftermath of the climactic battle.

With the release of Aftermath, Wizards of the Coast sent us a box of Epilogue Boosters and Epilogue Collector Boosters of the set to check out. If you’re interested to pick up either one of these two products, here’s our unboxing!

Let’s start with the Epilogue Boosters. Unlike regular Set Boosters, Aftermath’s Epilogue Boosters is a five-card pack, which makes sense, given that the whole set is only made up of 50 cards. Anyway, in every Epilogue Booster, there are two non-foil uncommons, one non-foil rare or mythic rare, one traditional foil card of any rarity, a Booster Fun card of any rarity, and an ad/token card.

It’s worth noting that for the foil card slot, it will be a rare or mythic rare card in one in six boosters. There are 24 packs in a box of Epilogue Boosters, so you’ll get (at least) four rare or mythic rare foil cards. This rule applies to the Booster Fun slot too, and there’s also a chance it will be a foil card.

The Booster Fun treatment for Aftermath is similar to the previous set (March of the Machine). It has either the featured character’s homeworld treatment, or for “de-sparked” Planeswalkers, a treatment from the plane that they ended up on.

The contents of an Aftermath Epilogue Booster

Next, we have Aftermath’s Epilogue Collector Boosters, which is a six-card pack; one extra card compared to the standard Booster. It is made up of one traditional or Halo foil uncommon, one foil-etched uncommon, one traditional foil rare or mythic rare, one non-foil traditional foil extended art rare or mythic rare, a traditional foil or Halo foil rare or mythic rare with a Booster Fun treatment, one foil-etched rare or mythic rare, and one traditional foil double-sided token.

Compared to the traditional foil treatment, foil-etched cards looks quite different. They have a more eye-catching aesthetic where specific parts of the cards have extra shimmer, so to speak. It’s worth noting that foil-fetched, Halo foil, and extended art cards are exclusive to the Collector Boosters.

And that’s our unboxing Magic: The Gathering’s latest March of the Machine: The Aftermath’s Epilogue Boosters and Collector Boosters. If you’re keen to check out this new mini set, give your
nearest game store
 a visit.


Honkai: Star Rail Version 1.1 Arrives 7 June With Silver Wolf, Luocha, Yukong

The first version update for Honkai: Star Rail, Galactic Roaming, is coming on 7 June. Once the Version 1.1 update is live in the next couple of weeks, three new playable characters will be added to the game: Silver Wolf, Luocha, and Yukong.

Naturally, both Silver Wolf and Luocha are 5-star characters, while Yukong is a 4-star unit. Silver Wolf’s event warp will go live first once the update is released, and her banner will be paired with Dan Heng, Asta, and Serval. As for Luocha, his event warp features Yukong, Pela, and Qingque.

It’s worth noting that Yukong can be obtained through an in-game event in the Version 1.2 update in the future.

Aside from the three new characters, a number of events will be available in Star Rail, including a daily login event dubbed Gift of Odyssey that will reward a total of 10 Star Rail Special Passes. You can also get a free 4-star Nihility Light Cone (Before the Tutorial Mission Starts) by completing an event mission.

Honkai: Star Rail Version 1.1 will drop on 7 June 2023. To recap, Silver Wolf’s event warp will be available once the update is live, followed by Luocha’s banner with Yukong a few weeks later. There are also
four
 different codes you can claim now – CS75WMP976AK, ZTPTNMTX8LUF, 8A6T6LBFQ4D3, DB7A64BW8LC7 – to get a total of 400 Stellar Jades and other goodies.

You can redeem the codes
over here
 until 28 May tomorrow at 12PM.


Acer at Computex 2023: Acer Predator Triton 16, Swift Edge 16, Connect Vero W6m Mesh Router

We’re at Computex 2023! As usual, big brands are here at the annual trade show, including Acer. The Taiwanese company launched several new products at the event, including the Acer Predator Triton 16, Swift Edge 16, and the eco-friendly Connect Vero W6m mesh router.

We managed to spend some time with these new products at Acer’s booth in Computex 2023. If you’re keen to get any of them – even though we don’t know exactly when (or if) they will be coming to Malaysia – here’s what you need to know!

Acer Predator Triton 16

First up is a large, reasonably powerful gaming laptop, the Acer Predator Triton 16. Featuring Intel’s latest 13th generation Core i9-13900H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, it’s really quite a capable gaming machine. On top of that, it also has a 16-inch 2560 x 1600 display with a fast 240Hz refresh rate.

Other specifications of the Triton 16 include up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage in Raid 0 configuration, an RGB keyboard (naturally) with per-key lighting, along with a 2.4kg chassis. It also measures only 21.9mm at its thickest point, so it’s certainly a slim gaming laptop.

The Predator Triton 16 is expected to arrive in North America sometime in September 2023 with a $1,799 price tag, which comes up to about RM8,290.

Acer Swift Edge 16

Next, we have a refresh of the
original Swift Edge
. Now dubbed Acer Swift Edge 16, the new laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor with integrated AMD Radeon 780M Graphics. It also has a 16-inch 3.2K OLED panel with a faster 120Hz refresh rate now.

Aside from that, the Swift Edge 16 remains a very lightweight, slim laptop. After all, it tips the scales at only 1.23kg, along with a 12.95mm side profile. While it’s still quite a large laptop – given that it has a sizeable 16-inch display – there’s no denying that it is a lightweight, thin machine.

Set to arrive in North America in July 2023, the Swift Edge 16 starts at $1,299 (about RM5,985) in the region.

Connect Vero W6m Mesh Router

Last but not least is the Acer Connect Vero W6m mesh router. It carries the company’s Vero branding, so it’s no surprise that the W6m has some eco-friendly features. Its ABS plastic chassis, for example, is made up of 30% PCR plastic. It also has an eco mode that optimises power consumption by “regulating the sleep time of connected devices,” as Acer puts it.

Beyond that, the W6m mesh router also supports the WiFi 6E standard. It is a mesh router too, so you can purchase multiple units of the W6m and connect up to four of them to a seamless mesh network to eliminate WiFi dead spots in a given space.

As mentioned, there’s no word yet on the Malaysian availability of these three Acer products. But given that the Taiwanese company has a prominent presence in Malaysia, we reckon there’s a good chance the two laptops – and maybe even the mesh router – will be launched on our shores in due time.


The Acerpure Aqua Can Purify Tea Into Water, And It’s Coming to Malaysia Soon

Acer has been expanding its product offerings in Malaysia for quite some time now with its Acerpure products, and soon, the Taiwanese company will be bringing in a water purifier to our local market. Enter the Acerpure Aqua: a 3-in-1 water purifier that not only looks good, but is also very functional.

One of the advantages of the Acerpure Aqua – though it also depends on the user – is the fact that no piping is required to install it. The water purifier draws water from an 8.7L two-sided water tank, which is then filtered with a four-step filtration system.

To show just how effective the Aqua’s filtration system is, Acer actually used black tea as the water source. The purified tea looks just like water, which is pretty darn impressive.

Of course, the Acerpure Aqua’s filters can be easily replaced by users too. What we also like about the water purifier – aside from the fact that we can see the filtered water through the see-through window – is the fact that we can set the water to a specific temperature. This ranges from as low as 10°C to 95°C.

While we were told that the Acerpure Aqua is coming to Malaysia, no specific timeline was given. Rest assured, the water purifier is said to be coming “very soon,” and we’ll definitely keep a close eye on its local availability.


The Acer Predator Extreme Electric Scooter Is Incredibly Fun & Fast

Aside from its latest range of laptops, routers, and even water purifier, Acer also showed off a rather interesting product at Computex 2023: a Predator-branded electric scooter. This is the Acer Predator Extreme, and not only does it have an aggressive styling, it’s quite a capable scooter too.

Unlike “conventional” electric scooters, the Predator Extreme looks to have a rather sophisticated dual suspension system with a peak power output of 700W. Acer also said that the scooter’s “sturdy build” allows riders to perform stunts with it, such as doing wheelies, jumps, and even curb hops.

Performance wise, the Predator Extreme has a max speed of 25kmph (due to regulations). While that doesn’t sound particularly fast, the scooter’s 29Nm of torque does allow for quick acceleration from standstill; it was quite intimidating when we took it for a ride. As for range, its 36V battery offers up to 22km of range on a single charge.

At the moment, pricing and availability of the Acer Predator Extreme have not been revealed yet, so it’s hard to say if the electric scooter will even be offered in Malaysia. Nonetheless, if the Predator Extreme does eventually arrive on our shores, we’ll definitely keep you updated.


Acer (Currently) Has No Plans to Enter Handheld Gaming PC Market

With the release of the
Asus ROG Ally
, many were wondering if other big, notable brands will also release a handheld gaming PC of their own. We posed this question to Acer, and we were told that at the moment, the Taiwanese company has no intention to release a competitor to the ROG Ally or Valve’s Steam Deck.

This confirmation came from the COO and president of IT products business at Acer, Jerry Kao, in a group interview. According to him, demands for handheld gaming consoles are not quite there yet for the company to enter the market. “We have to find the right timing,” as he puts it.

Jerry Kao (centre)

We approached Kao after the group interview for further clarification, and he added that Acer – through the Acer Gaming division – is the official distributor of the Steam Deck in Taiwan. With this in mind, the company is certainly familiar with the demand of the handheld gaming console, even if it’s only limited to Taiwan.

So for the foreseeable future, we won’t be seeing any handheld gaming PC from Acer, even though the AMD Ryzen Z1 series chips that power the ROG Ally will be offered to other brands in due time. But hey, the handheld gaming PC landscape could change rapidly in the near future, so it’s still possible we’ll see an ROG Ally or Steam Deck competitor from Acer.


The MSI Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Looks Fast Standing Still

At Computex 2023, MSI introduced a rather intriguing gaming laptop, the MSI Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. As its name suggests, this limited edition laptop is a collaboration between the Taiwanese company and the very recognisable Mercedes-AMG brand.

Naturally, the Mercedes-AMG branding can be found throughout this special edition Stealth 16. The top lid of the laptop features the two brands’ logos, the bottom bezel of the display gets the same treatment, and even the power button has been replaced with a “start engine” key.

Aesthetics aside, the Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG is a capable gaming laptop. After all, it can be configured with Intel’s latest 13th generation Core i9-13900H with a reasonably fast Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU. Paired with the bright and vibrant 16-inch 3840 x 2400 OLED display, gaming on this laptop should be very enjoyable, even if the display is limited to 60Hz.

Other specifications of the Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG include up to 64GB of DDR5 5200MHz RAM, two M.2 SSD slots that can accommodate NVMe PCIe Gen4 drives, a SteelSeries-branded keyboard with per-key RGB lighting, as well as a relatively lightweight 1.88kg magnesium-aluminium alloy chassis.

Pricing wise, the MSI Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport starts at a cool €3,299, which comes up to about RM16,340. No word yet on the Malaysian availability of this limited edition gaming laptop.


ProjectD Outlaw – Ducky’s Take on a Premium 65% Custom Keyboard for $299/$399

Ducky is a very recognisable name in the pre-built keyboard market, which is why the company’s new project – aptly dubbed ProjectD – is particularly interesting. Essentially, it is Ducky’s take on a premium custom keyboard, a product segment that is uncharted territory for the brand.

The first product in the ProjectD series is the Outlaw, a 65% keyboard with a slew of customisation options. As many as
four
 different plates – FR4, polycarbonate, POM, and metal – are bundled with the keyboard, which are placed in a rather nice carrying case. The bottom case of the Outlaw can either be aluminium or carbon fibre too; very interesting.

Not surprisingly, the Outlaw also features a gasket mounting system, which looks to provide a reasonably good amount of flex for a comfortable typing experience. It has a rather pleasant, “solid” sound profile too, thanks to a plethora of foams that come with the keyboard.

Pricing wise, we were told that the Outlaw will be priced between $299 to $399, which is about RM1,380 to RM1,840. Obviously, this is not an affordable keyboard, and it is contending with “proper” custom keyboards at this price point.

But based on our brief hands-on with the Ducky ProjectD Outlaw, we do think it has the potential to be just as good as a custom keyboard. It will go on sale sometime in Q3 or Q4 2023, and we were told that more keyboards will be added to the ProjectD series in the future – perhaps these upcoming models will use different layouts (and maybe even different build material) too.


First Apple Store in Malaysia Reportedly Opening in February 2024 at The Exchange TRX

An Apple Store in Barcelona

Remember the
leaked image
 of what appears to be a physical Apple Store in construction right here in Malaysia? Well, according to a
report by Bloomberg
, the store in question will in fact be located at The Exchange TRX, and it’s estimated to be opened sometime in February 2024 next year.

The Bloomberg report added that Apple will also be opening more stores throughout Asia Pacific. These include India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and China. However, it’s worth noting that some of the Apple Stores in certain markets are only in the proposal stage at the time of writing.

Of course, as per Bloomberg’s report, the Apple Store in Malaysia is not in the proposal stage anymore. The Apple outlet at The Exchange TRX looks to be quite finalised, even if the February 2024 launch window is just an estimate.

Things could certainly change leading up to the launch of Malaysia’s first Apple Store. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye for any relevant development. It’s definitely exciting for Malaysia to get an Apple Store, which is quite a bit different than the physical outlets currently operated by Apple Premium Resellers on our shores.


KLC Nori Spring Rider With Unique Spring Mount System Available July 2023 for $179

At Computex 2023, we came across KLC Hobbyists’ Playground at Zalman’s booth, and the brand showcased (arguably) the most exciting keyboard at the trade show, the KLC Nori Spring Rider. Set to go on sale sometime in July 2023, the budget-oriented keyboard offers a unique spring mount system.

While most custom keyboards now feature a gasket mounting system of sorts, the Nori Spring Rider uses a unique “coil spring suspension” system. The result? A soft, comfortable typing feel with a good amount of flex. It also has a rather muted sound profile, which can be attributed to the various foams installed in the keyboard.

The Nori Spring Rider has a rather elaborate packaging

The Spring Rider’s chassis is made from plastic, which is not surprising given the keyboard’s affordable nature. It also comes with an aluminium plate, pre-lubed Gateron Yellow Pro V2 switches, along with the popular Linworks double shot ABS keycap set. Yes, it will be fully assembled out of the box.

Other specifications of the Spring Rider include a hotswap PCB to easily swap between different switches – perfect for beginners who want to try out different switches – wireless capability via Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz dongle, and per-key RGB complete with RGB underglow.

According to KLC, the
Nori Spring Rider
 will be available for pre-order sometime in July 2023 through Drop with a $179 price tag, which comes up to about RM820. Several international vendors will open orders for the affordable keyboard too, including Mecha Store for both the Malaysian and Singaporean markets.


15-inch MacBook Air Unleashed – 11.5mm Thin, 18-Hour Battery Life, From RM6,199

Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference just kicked off, and the Cupertino company revealed a brand new hardware, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air. Sporting a large 15.3-inch display, a side profile of only 11.5mm thin, and up to
18 hours
 of battery life, the new MacBook Air is touted as “the world’s best 15-inch laptop.”

Naturally, the 15-inch MacBook Air is powered by Apple’s latest M2 chip. Its aforementioned 11.5mm chassis also makes this machine the world’s thinnest 15-inch laptop, as the company puts it. Of course, tipping the scales at 3.3 pounds (about 1.5kg), it’s relatively lightweight too.

Other specifications of the 15-inch MacBook Air include a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with up to 500 nits of brightness, a 1080p camera, a six-speaker sound system, up to 24GB memory with 2TB storage, as well as four colour options: Midnight, Starlight, Space Grey, and Silver.

The 15-inch Apple MacBook Air is set to be available in selected markets from next week onwards, though this doesn’t include Malaysia. Nonetheless, for our local market, the new 15-inch laptop starts at RM6,199. We’ll be sure to post an update once the local availability of the 15-inch MacBook Air has been announced.


13-inch MacBook Air (M2) Receives RM300 Price Cut in Malaysia – Now Starts at RM5,199

With the introduction of the
15-inch MacBook Air
, Apple also updated the pricing of the 13-inch MacBook Air in Malaysia. The M2 variant of the smaller laptop now starts at RM5,199, which is a respectable RM300 price cut. As for the more affordable M1 model, it still retails from RM4,399.

To recap, the M2 MacBook Air retains the thin and light design of its predecessor. With a 11.3mm thin chassis, this is without a doubt a portable laptop. Tipping the scales at only 1.2kg, this is a very much a lightweight laptop too.

Aside from its portable nature, the new MacBook Air also gets a large 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display – complete with a notch – a very respectable battery life of up to 18 hours, as well as up to 24GB of memory and 2TB SSD storage. There’s also the much-loved MagSafe charger.

To recap, the 13-inch MacBook Air now starts at RM4,399 and RM5,199 for the M1 and M2 models respectively. Both 13-inch laptops will be sold alongside the new 15-inch MacBook Air, which
retails from RM6,199
.


Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding Director’s Cut Is Coming to Mac

Apple has been steadily improving the gaming capability of the Mac platform, and it’s getting a big new game soon. At WWDC 2023, Hideo Kojima announced that the acclaimed Death Stranding Director’s Cut is coming to Mac sometime this year.

The game is said to be available for pre-order on the Mac App Store soon. Kojima further added that future games from his studio – including the
sequel to Death Stranding
, perhaps – will also be made available for Mac.

Needless to say, it’s quite a big deal for a high-profile game developer like Kojima Productions to support the Mac platform. It’ll be interesting to see just how well Death Stranding would run on a Mac, especially on the new
15-inch MacBook Air
 powered by Apple’s M2 chip.


Apple Vision Pro Official – Apple’s New AR Headset for $3,499

After much rumours and leaks, Apple’s new AR headset is here. Enter the Apple Vision Pro, which is “the first Apple product you look through and not at,” said the CEO of Apple, Tim Cook. Of course, the AR headset can be controlled with a user’s eyes, hands, and even voice.

That means there is no need for a physical controller for the Vision Pro, though Bluetooth accessories can be paired to the headset for more precise controls. Aside from that, it’s primarily positioned as an AR device rather than VR, but users can use the dial on the right side of the headset to switch between augmented and virtual reality.

Apple is also working with several companies to take advantage of the Vision Pro, including Disney. Disney+, for example, will be available on the AR headset on day one. The streaming service looks to offer a more immersive viewing experience with the Vision Pro, such as showing various HUDs with relevant information of the content that’s being shown.

Hardware wise, the Vision Pro features curved MicroOLED panels with 23 million pixels across two displays (one for each eye). This is said to be sharper than, say, a 4K panel. On top of that, AR headset is also powered by Apple’s M2 silicone alongside a new chip, R1, for sensor processing.

Oh, there’s also a new authentication feature dubbed Optic ID. As its name suggests, it uses your iris to authenticate your identity; very neat.

Now, pricing. The Apple Vision Pro retails at a cool $3,499, which comes up to about RM16,015. Unfortunately, it’s only set to be available in the US at the moment in early 2024, so it’ll be a while before the sleek new AR headset arrives in Malaysia.


Mac Studio & Mac Pro Refreshed With New M2 Ultra Chip – From RM9,499 in Malaysia

Apple’s Mac Studio and Mac Pro have just been refreshed with the Cupertino company’s fast M2 chips. The Mac Studio is configurable with both the M2 Max and (brand new) M2 Ultra chips, while the Mac Pro is only offered with the M2 Ultra SoC. With these two product updates, the Mac’s transition to Apple’s own silicone is now complete.

Pricing wise, the new M2-powered Mac Studio now starts at RM9,499 for the M2 Max model with 32GB memory and a 512GB SSD. If you want the faster M2 Ultra variant instead, the base configuration will set you back RM18,999, which features 64GB memory and a 1TB SSD.

As for the Mac Pro, the tower form factor starts at RM32,999, while the rack version retails from RM34,999.

Beyond the M2 Ultra chip upgrade – which is said to be Apple’s largest and most capable SoC ever – it’s worth noting that the Mac Pro features some big upgrades internally. It now comes with six PCIe Gen 4 slots and eight built-in Thunderbolt ports; six on the back, another two on top of the machine.

While the Malaysian pricing of the M2-powered Mac Studio and Mac Pro has been announced, it remains to be seen exactly when the two Macs will arrive on our shores. We’ll be sure to keep a close eye on the local availability of the new Mac Studio and Mac Pro.


Realme C53 With 33W Fast Charging Arrives in Malaysia for RM599

The Realme C53 has just been launched in Malaysia. We are one of the first markets to receive the brand new budget-friendly phone, and according to the Chinese company, the C53’s 33W fast charging is touted as a segment-first.

For the Malaysian market, the Realme C53 is offered in the sole 6GB + 128GB model for RM599. That comfortably puts it in the budget segment, and it is available in two distinct colours: Champion Gold and Mighty Black. Quite…grandiose names.

For that kind of money, the C53 features the aforementioned 33W fast charging. It also comes with a Unisoc Tiger T612 processor, a 6.74-inch 1080p IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (50MP primary + black and white sensor), an 8MP selfie camera, and a 5,000mAh battery.

The Realme C53 will be available for purchase in Malaysia from tomorrow onwards on 7 June. For only RM599, it’s a phone worth looking into if you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone.


The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless Has Some Smooth Switches, And It’s Coming to Malaysia

While we were at Computex 2023, we managed to drop by Asus’ booth for the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless keyboard; yes, it’s a mouthful. Nonetheless, we tried out the keyboard briefly at the trade show, and we’re quite impressed with the overall refinement of the Strix Scope II.

More specifically, we were surprised by the performance of the new ROG NX Snow linear switch. Pre-lubed out of the box, it feels very smooth with a reasonably pleasant sound profile. The box design of the stem minimises wobble too, which provides a more stable typing experience.

As for the Strix Scope II itself, it has a number of interesting features. These include wireless connectivity (naturally) via Bluetooth or the 2.4GHz ROG SpeedNova dongle, a hotswap PCB, a scroll wheel, an 1800 layout – or a 96% layout, as described by Asus – and a number of sound-dampening foams.

We were told that the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless will be made available in Malaysia, though no specific timeline was given. Nonetheless, if priced this, this wireless keyboard could be worth considering for the smooth,
smooth
 ROG NX Snow linear switch.

In fact, I wouldn’t mind purchasing the switch on its own if Asus ever decides to do so.


Realme Smart TV 4K Lands in Malaysia for RM1,599 – Early Birds Get RM500 Discount

Aside from launching the affordable
Realme C53
 smartphone on our shores, the Chinese company also brought in a new smart TV, the Realme Smart TV 4K. The best selling point of the Android TV is definitely its sheer value for money, especially for a 50-inch 4K TV.

Although the Realme Smart TV 4K is offered in both 43-inch and 50-inch models, only the latter is available in Malaysia. Priced at RM1,599, early birds who purchase the smart TV by 8 June this Thursday can get it for only RM1,099 – that’s a whopping RM500 discount.

As mentioned, the Realme Smart TV 4K is an Android TV, so it features built-in Chromecast, Google Assistant, and of course, access to the Google Play Store. It also has a 50-inch 3840 x 2160 LED panel with a rather impressive 97.2% screen-to-body, thanks to its 2.6mm thin bezels.

The Realme Smart TV 4K is now available for purchase in Malaysia through Realme’s official Shopee store
for RM1,099
; this promotional price is valid until 8 June. Once the offer has ended, the 4K TV will retail at RM1,599.


Photo Essay: We Visited INPAD, a Custom Keyboard Store in Taipei, Taiwan!

While we were in Taiwan for Computex 2023, we were exploring the city when we came across INPAD, a custom keyboard store in Taipei. Not only does it carry a huge selection of keyboard parts, the retailer also has several popular custom keyboards on display.

Needless to say, we thoroughly enjoyed our time at the store, given that there aren’t that many custom keyboard stores like INPAD here in Malaysia. Nonetheless, here’s what the outlet looks like, along with the various keyboards, keyboard parts, and a number of other products the retailer carries.

What immediately caught our attention when we walked into INPAD is its collection of custom keyboards. These include the
Mode Envoy
 – we really like this keyboard’s sound profile –
Meletrix Zoom75
, and Cub Studio’s Cub65, which
we recently reviewed
.

Naturally, you can put the keyboards through their paces in a typing test with the provided PC nearby. INPAD also runs groupbuy for these keyboards for the Taiwanese market, so it makes sense for the retailer to feature them in its store. We imagine folks who want to try out a specific keyboard before joining the groupbuy would love this.

Of course, a number of more readily available keyboards can also be found at INPAD. Whether you want a Glorious or Ducky model, the store has a wide selection of keyboards to choose from. There are even switch testers throughout the retail space for customers to try out.

Speaking of which, INPAD has a very respectable selection of switches from various brands, new and old. The usual suspects are Gateron, Kailh, SP-Star, and Cherry. What surprised us quite a bit is the fact that INPAD already has the
Geon Black switch
 in stock too.

And then we have the slew of keyboard parts INPAD carries. We saw TX stabilisers neatly organised on a shelf, several intriguing keycap sets – such as Wuque Studio’s GR Irish keycaps – various switch springs, and even deskmats.

Beyond keyboard specific-products, INPAD has a number of other PC peripherals too. In fact, when you first walk into the store, you’ll see various headphones and mice on the store shelves first. Even some PC parts are available here.

If you’re a keyboard hobbyist – and you’re ever in Taipei, Taiwan – it’s definitely worth visiting INPAD. The store is located at
Zhongshan District
, and we look forward to our next visit!


The MSI Spatium M570 Pro Is a Blazing Fast PCIe 5.0 SSD With a Built-in Fan

There’s no denying that MSI makes some of the best PC hardware, and the latest MSI Spatium M570 Pro showcased here at Computex 2023 exemplifies that. Not only is it a very,
very
 fast PCIe 5.0 SSD, it also features a built-in fan for improved thermal performance.

Two variants of the Spatium M570 Pro are offered. There’s the Frozr version with a
massive
 passively-cooled heatsink, and the Frozr+ model with the aforementioned built-in fan – more specifically, an MSI Torx 5.0 fan – and ARGB lighting for even better thermals.

The MSI Spatium M570 Pro Frozr+

Despite the different cooling solution, both variants of the Spatium M570 Pro offers the same level of performance. In MSI’s testing with the CrystalDiskMark benchmark tool, the Spatium M570 Pro can go up to 14,200MBps in sequential reads, while sequential write speeds are recorded at 12,000MBps.

In Raid 0 configuration, the Spatium M570 Pro records even higher speeds. As shown by MSI at its booth in Computex 2023, the SSD can do up to 22GBps sequential reads and 23GBps sequential writes while it’s running in Raid 0. That is
incredibly
fast.

The MSI Spatium M570 Pro Frozr in Raid 0

Given the high level of performance that the MSI Spatium M570 Pro brings, it won’t come cheap, though MSI has not revealed the pricing of the SSD yet. We’ll find out once it is launched sometime in Q3 2023 in three different capacities: 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB.


Hands-on With the HyperX Cloud III & Cirro Buds Pro at Computex 2023

After many, many years, HyperX finally launched a successor to its highly popular Cloud II gaming headphones. Aptly dubbed HyperX Cloud III, we managed to try out the new gaming headphones back at Computex 2023 last week, along with the new HyperX Cirro Buds Pro wireless earbuds.

Let’s start with the Cloud III. Compared to its predecessor, the new headphones has a brighter sound profile. The emphasised treble should be able to highlight in-game footsteps and voices better, making the gaming-centric headphones ideal for, well, gaming.

Besides that, the Cloud III seems to have more detail, but this comes at the expense of less bass; to our ears, anyway. Nonetheless, the headphones remain very comfortable with soft, plush earpads, and we love that the removable mic doesn’t have the sponge foam head anymore, which had a tendency to fray after some time.

We were told that a wireless version of the Cloud III is in the pipeline too, so expect a Cloud III Wireless (?) to be available sometime in the future.

As for the Cirro Buds Pro, it sounds…decent. It’s not a particularly resolving pair of wireless earbuds, and it sounds a tad thin to our liking. But to the Cirro Buds Pro’s credit, it’s quite feature-packed, boasting noise cancelling, up to 35 hours of battery life – when paired with the charging case – Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, and a game mode that lowers latency to 90ms.

The HyperX Cloud III is now available for purchase in Malaysia for RM399, while the HyperX Cirro Buds Pro will be launched at a later date. We’ll find out then just how much the wireless earbuds will be priced at.


Vortex at Computex 2023: M0110, M0110A, Model M SSK, Model Mini

If you’ve been in the keyboard hobby for a while, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Vortex. It is the company behind the much-loved Pok3r keyboard, and at Computex 2023, the brand brought showed off several new keyboards. These include the M0110, M0110A, Model M SSK, and a (very) early unit of the Model Mini.

What initially caught our eye at Vortex’s booth is the M0110, which was available for pre-order through
Rebult Keyboards
. It’s a gasket-mounted keyboard with support for VIA and QMK; a rare feature for a pre-built keyboard. It can also connect to a device wirelessly via Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz dongle, and it requires two AA batteries to operate.

Next, we have the Model M SSK. It’s touted as a homage to the classic IBM Model M SSK, so it has a more vintage aesthetic. Just like the M0110, the Model M SSK features a gasket mount design, QMK and VIA support, as well as an FR4 plate. It also has a full aluminium case.

Speaking of the M0110, there are actually two more versions of the keyboard: M0110A and M0110A-1800. The M0110A features a 60% layout with the addition of a numpad, while the M0110A-1800 (as its name suggests) has a 1800 layout. Both of them also comes with an aluminium chassis and a gasket mount design, though they don’t have wireless capability.

Last but not least is the Model Mini, an upcoming 60% keyboard from Vortex with VIA/QMK compatibility. Only the aluminium chassis is shown at the booth, so chances are, it’ll be some time before the Model Mini is ready for release.

The Vortex M0110 and Model M SSK are expected to be available by the end of June 2023 this month, while the M0110A and M0110A-1800 will arrive slightly later.


8 – 14 June Fuel Price: No Changes, RON 97 Maintains at RM3.37 Per Litre

Another week, another fuel price update, and after a 2 sen price increase last week, there’s no price change to RON 97 this time around. Of course, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are unchanged as well, given that their ceiling prices have been reached.

To recap, the price of RON 97 continues to be set at RM3.37 per litre for the next seven days. RON 95, on the other hand, remains at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.

These prices will be in effect from 8 to 14 June next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week for fuel price update.


MSI Optix MAG321QR-QD Review: Fantastic 170Hz QHD Gaming Monitor for RM1,799

The gaming monitor market in Malaysia, especially in the sub-RM2,000 range, is quite competitive. Plenty of brands offer monitors with great value for money in this price range, so it can be tough to stand out in this segment. But for the MSI Optix MAG321QR-QD, it has plenty of qualities to love.

Retailing at RM1,799, the MAG321QR-QD has all the features of a capable mid-range gaming monitor. It has a fast refresh rate, a rather large (and great-looking) 31.5-inch QHD IPS panel with quantum dot technology, as well as support for Nvidia G-Sync Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium to minimise screen tearing.

While this gaming monitor does have some drawbacks here and there, its value proposition more than makes up for them. Without further ado, let’s get to the review of the Optix MAG321QR-QD.

What It Is

One of the main highlights of the Optix MAG321QR-QD is its 31.5-inch 2560 x 1440 IPS panel with quantum dot technology. According to MSI, the quantum dot layer allows for better colour accuracy, higher colour saturation, and wider contrast ratio.

Beyond that, the MAG321QR-QD has a fast 165Hz native refresh rate too, which can be overclocked to 170Hz if you want the extra 5Hz. Connectivity wise, the gaming monitor features two HDMI 2.0b ports, a DisplayPort, a USB Type-C connection – it supports the DisplayPort standard with 15W charging – two USB-A ports, and a USB-B slot.

The Good Stuff

When I first started gaming on the MSI Optix MAG321QR-QD, I’m impressed with the quality of the QHD IPS panel. Not only can it get quite bright with a peak brightness of 400 nits, it can produce punchy, vibrant colours as well – with wide viewing angles – to further enhance the gaming experience. The quantum dot layer certainly makes a difference here.

While we’re on the topic of panel quality, the MAG321QR-QD is actually quite decent for video editing, thanks to its (relatively) good colour accuracy. While I wouldn’t say it’s ideal for creative professional – this is a gaming-centric monitor, after all – it will be serviceable for more…casual editing, if you will.

Naturally, motion clarity of the MAG321QR-QD is also great, thanks to the high 170Hz refresh rate. As far as I can tell, the Nvidia G-Sync Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium support can minimise screen tearing quite well too, even in fast-paced games.

Good response time is paramount for a gaming-centric monitor, and in the case of the MAG321QR-QD, it feels responsive enough to not hinder my gaming experience. Granted, I’m not a competitive gamer, but MSI’s quoted 1ms response time does seem to hold water here.

Adjustability of the MAG321QR-QD is reasonably good too. It has tilt, swivel, and height adjustments, though it cannot be pivoted. Nonetheless, it’s still quite easy to get a comfortable viewing angle with this gaming monitor.

Another feature that I really like about the MAG321QR-QD is its on-screen display (OSD). It uses a joystick on the back of the monitor to navigate through the menu, which is far more intuitive to use than buttons.

Overall, I really enjoy using the MAG321QR-QD for both gaming and general use; the RGB light bar on the back of the monitor is a nice touch too. That being said, this monitor does have some drawbacks that are worth highlighting.

The Bad Stuff

Ghosting is a bit of an issue with the Optix MAG321QR-QD. While I don’t notice it in my usual gaming sessions – again, I’m no professional gamer – slight ghosting can be seen in
UFO Test’s ghosting tool
. If you’re sensitive to ghosting, it’s worth keeping this in mind.

Aside from that, the unit I’m testing here does have a slight light bleed at the lower right corner of the screen. This is more pronounced in darker scenes, though it is not particularly bad by any means. Again, still a point worth highlighting.

My last qualm with the MAG321QR-QD is the lack of pivot adjustment. While this isn’t exactly an important feature for gaming, it would be nice to have the flexibility of using the monitor in portrait mode for different usage scenarios.

Is It Worth It?

All in all, I still think the MSI Optix MAG321QR-QD is an easy gaming monitor to recommend, especially for folks who are looking for a relatively large 31.5-inch QHD gaming monitor with a reasonably high 170Hz refresh rate. It may not have a sharp 4K resolution or a blazing fast refresh rate beyond 200Hz, but for only RM1,799, you’re getting good value for your money.

Plus, MSI is a very reputable brand in the PC hardware market, so you know you’re getting a solid product in the Optix MAG321QR-QD. You won’t have to worry about poor aftersales support either – the Taiwanese company is a very established brand, even in Malaysia.


Acerpure Aqua Water Purifier Coming to Malaysia 15 June for RM3,599

Back at Computex 2023 last week, Acer confirmed that the Acerpure Aqua 3-in-1 water purifier is coming to Malaysia. Fast forward to today, we now have an official launch date: the sleek-looking water purifier will be launched on our shores next week on 15 June.

While the local launch of the Acerpure Aqua is taking place next week, the
product page of the water purifier
 is actually live already on Acer Malaysia’s official website. It is listed at RM3,599, which is slightly lower than the 24,800 TWD (about RM3,725) price tag of the Aqua in Taiwan.

However, it is possible this price is merely a placeholder until the Aqua is launched here on 15 June.

Anyway, one of the advantages of the Acerpure Aqua – though it also depends on the user – is the fact that no piping is required to install it. The water purifier draws water from an 8.7L two-sided water tank, which is then filtered with a four-step filtration system.

To show just how effective the Aqua’s filtration system is at its booth in Computex 2023, Acer actually used black tea as the water source. The purified tea looks just like water, which is pretty darn impressive.

Of course, the Acerpure Aqua’s filters can be easily replaced by users too. What we also like about the water purifier – aside from the fact that we can see the filtered water through the see-through window – is the fact that we can set the water to a specific temperature. This ranges from as low as 10°C to 95°C.

To recap, the Acerpure Aqua will be launched in Malaysia next week on 15 June. We’ll find out then if the RM3,599 price tag is just a placeholder or the actual pricing of the water purifier.


Honkai: Star Rail Comes to PS5 in Q4 2023 – No PS4 Version (Yet?)

At the Summer Game Fest 2023, Hoyoverse dropped a new trailer for
Honkai: Star Rail
. Not only does the video showcase Luka’s gameplay – a new 4-star character expected to arrive in the next version update – it also revealed the availability of the game on the PlayStation 5.

As the video below shows, Star Rail will launch on PS5 sometime in Q4 2023. Unfortunately, there’s no mention of a PS4 version, though it’s entirely possible the game will arrive on the console sometime in the future. After all, Hoyoverse said that Star Rail will be made available on the PlayStation platform, not just the PS5 specifically.

Anyway, PS5 launch window of Star Rail aside, Luka is also shown off in the video trailer. He’s a 4-star character who deals physical damage, and given that the 4-star Resolution Shines As Pearls of Sweat Light Cone features his artwork, he is likely a Nihility unit.

To recap, Honkai: Star Rail is expected to be available on PS5 sometime in Q4 2023, so that’s between October to December this year. As for the next version update of Star Rail – which is when
Luka, Kafka, and Blade
 are expected to be playable – it should drop sometime in July.