Razer BlackShark V2 Review – The Ultimate Esports Gaming Headset?

Unboxing the Razer BlackShark V2
Razer BlackShark V2 Review – Box

Let’s kick off the Razer BlackShark V2 Review with the unboxing. Inside the box of the Razer BlackShark V2, you are expected to find the following items:
Razer BlackShark V2 Review – Box content
User guideA message from Razer CEO Min-Liang TanCarrying pouchUSB sound cardDetachable microphoneThe Razer BlackShark V2 gaming headset itself
It’s worth noting that we initially received the BlackShark V2 X, which comes with the same things with the exception of the USB sound card. That one also has Razer stickers and an audio splitter included, which isn’t present here. There is no detachable mic for that one as it isn’t detachable on the V2 X.
Appearance
Razer BlackShark V2 Review – The headset
The Razer BlackShark V2 is certainly a new look for Razer’s lineup of gaming headsets. It looks kinda like those headsets you see being worn by helicopter pilots. You can adjust the headset to fit your head but it’s not on the headband. Instead, the earcups are held by a metal rail system which you can pull upwards or downwards for that.

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Razer BlackShark V2 Review – Coloured Razer logo
Looking at the earcups themselves, they have a matte black finish with the green Razer triple-headed snake logo. On the V2 X, the Razer logo has no colour. You may see a bit of fingerprints after a bit of time using them, but it’s not that noticeable and I would hardly call it a fingerprint magnet. You can find the non-detachable cable, a volume dial, and the microphone port on the left earcup.
Razer BlackShark V2 Review – Ear cushions
The earcups have an oval shape to match your ears more naturally. For comfort, it uses the ultra-soft breathable memory foam ear cushions, which is rather plush. It also connects to the headband via the aforementioned metal rail system along with a light green wire. When the metal rail goes all the way down, the cable does seem to stretch a little bit.
Due to the same metal rail system, you can’t fold the headset. This means bringing it around with you isn’t exactly convenient. It’s not a large headset by any means, so it’s still pretty okay, but it would be super convenient if it could at least fold for easier storing. You’d definitely make use of the carrying pouch included in the box if you want to bring it outside.
Razer BlackShark V2 Review – Headband
Moving on to the headband, you have the Razer text on the top, and it also has ample cushioning on the bottom, which will rest on the top of your head. The cushioning materials appears to be similar to the earcups, but it feels a little softer. There’s no leather or faux leather here, in case you were wondering.
Razer BlackShark V2 Review – Detachable microphone
Unlike the V2 X, the microphone on the Razer BlackShark V2 headset is detachable. This is especially useful if one fine day, the microphone dies out on you. All you need to do is simply find a replacement instead of buying a new one. One smart design choice worth pointing out is that it has a mic icon right where the wind shield ends so you know which side the microphone is facing in case you twist it around.
Overall, the Razer BlackShark V2 is a good looking gaming headset with clever design choices and brings a breath of fresh air to Razer’s lineup of gaming headsets in terms of aesthetics. The colour scheme fits in nicely with the brand’s theme with its black and green combo, and I personally feel that it’s one of the better looking gaming headsets around.
Specifications
ConnectivityUSB Sound Card + 3.5mm WiredCableRazer Speedflex CableDriversRazer TriForce Titanium 50mm DriversTitanium-coated diaphragmMicrophoneRazer HyperClear Cardioid Mic with USB Sound CardNoise-cancelling6mmRemovable micAdvanced mic control featuresIsolationAdvanced passive noise cancellationEarcupUltra-soft breathable memory foam ear cushionsAudio TechnologyTHX Spatial AudioAdvanced audio control featuresWeight262g
User Experience
Connecting to Devices
Razer BlackShark V2 Review – Razer USB Sound Card
The Razer BlackShark V2 gaming headset can be connected to devices in two different ways; 3.5mm audio jacks directly or USB via the included sound card. This means it’s compatible with a wide range of devices, including the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, and even smartphones.
For the PlayStation 4 and PC, you can use either the USB sound card or the 3.5mm connector. In the case of the PS4, the 3.5mm connector must be used on the controller while the USB sound card will be connected to the console itself. We don’t have an Xbox One to test it out but we are certain that if it has trouble using USB audio, you can still use it by connecting to the controller.
Razer BlackShark V2 Review – Connecting to Nintendo Switch
As for the Nintendo Switch and smartphones, you will need to use the 3.5mm audio jack. If your smartphone doesn’t have it, then you will need a USB-C to USB-A adapter to make use of it. In the case of iPhones, it will be Lightning to USB-A adapter.
If you need something to complement your mobile gaming experience, check out our review of the Razer Kishi by clicking right here.
Sound
Razer BlackShark V2 Review
Given the precedent that Razer has set with the likes of the Kraken series, I was genuinely surprised as to how natural and well-balanced the audio is on the Razer BlackShark V2 gaming headset. It has more emphasis on the highs but the mids and lows were also great and not muddy. This is great for gaming as it will give you a better feel of your surroundings.
I believe this is made possible thanks to the new Razer TriForce Titanium 50mm drivers. Even at max volume, you don’t get any harsh distortions so you can enjoy smooth audio without worries. I personally wouldn’t go that high of a volume but if you want to, you can do so comfortably.
Razer BlackShark V2 Review – Volume dial
Speaking of volume adjustments, the volume dial on the left ear cup is very useful to have. All you have to is simply turn it and one smart thing Razer included is a feedback that let’s you know when it has reached 50%. This gives you an idea as to how much more you can adjust.
The THX Spatial Audio feature doesn’t exactly give you a complete and proper surround sound experience but it does expand the sound stage somewhat so you have a better feel of directional audio. It does so without making in-game audio sound weird, which is great. As for whether you should use THX Spatial Audio or not is still subjective, but it’s there if you ever need it.
Comfort
Razer BlackShark V2 Review – Wearing the headset
The Razer BlackShark V2 is a lightweight gaming headset. Coupled together with good cushions and you get yourself a pretty comfortable gaming headset that you can wear for hours on end. It doesn’t feel like there’s anything pressuring my skull so I have no worries of headaches.
Razer BlackShark V2 Review – Cushion comparison
The longest I wore this in a single run is 5 hours, and I’m surprised that it didn’t get uncomfortably hot or warm. In fact, it felt noticeably warmer within a couple of hours of using the V2 X. The ear cushions definitely played a big role here so if you’re particular about that, I’d go for this one over the X variant without hesitation.
Razer BlackShark V2 Review – Razer Speedflex cable
It’s also worth pointing out that it uses the Razer Speedflex cable. With its minimized cable drag, it does feel like I’m wearing a wireless gaming headset in that regard. Just make sure to remember that it’s a wired one as you might find yourself going away from your gaming stations and forgetting that the headset is still plugged in.
One thing I don’t particularly like is the metal rail system to adjust the headset. It’s not exactly smooth and can be a bit tricky to get it to the exact level that you want. I would personally prefer adjusting the headband itself for better reliability.
Microphone
Razer BlackShark V2 Review – Mic test on Razer USB Sound Card
With the Razer BlackShark V2 designed as the ultimate Esports gaming headset, communication is a key area of focus. As such, Razer has taken feedback from the previous headsets and vastly improved the microphone quality here.
However, your experience may vary depending on how you connect the headset. I noticed that when using via the USB sound card, my voice sounded a bit more tinny and hollow. It’s still clear and doesn’t really pick up on environmental noise, but it lacks some depth to it.
Razer BlackShark V2 Review – Mic test on 3.5mm audio jack
When connecting directly via the 3.5mm audio jack however, there is some notable improvements. The microphone is able to produce better lows, thus resulting in more depth in your voice. It’s still as clear as ever, and doesn’t simply pick up on environmental noise. It’s not a huge difference between the two, so I wouldn’t stress out about it. Just use whichever connector that is more convenient for you.
Software
Razer BlackShark V2 Review – Razer Synapse
As it is a Razer gaming peripheral, you can make use of the Razer Synapse software to make some adjustments here and there. You will receive a prompt on the software to set your default playback device to THX Spatial Audio instead of the usual Razer USB Sound Card. In case you’re confused, basically one is for stereo audio and the other is for the expanded sound stage.
You do have your usual stuff with equalizer settings, toggling specific options like vocal clarity, bass boost, and sound normalization. At this point, this is the bare minimum you should expect from a gaming headset. You also have the option to tinker around with the THX Spatial Audio settings, but I personally left it on Auto as it already does a good job on its own. It’s nice to have an interface that let’s you adjust these with ease.
What I really enjoy is that there are a good number of adjustment options for the microphone as well. You can adjust your microphone volume, sensitivity (which acts as a noise gate), enable mic monitoring, and toggle specific options like ambient noise reduction and vocal clarity. The best part here is the mic equalizer, as it can really boost the voice quality produced by the microphone. The Mic Boost preset works well as it is but you can do your own custom equalizer setting as well.
Razer BlackShark V2 Verdict
Razer BlackShark V2 Review
The Razer BlackShark V2 Esports gaming headset is one of the best I’ve used so far. It’s also a major step up for the company when you compare it with all their other gaming headsets. You get natural and well-balanced audio, it’s comfortable to use for long hours, good microphone quality, THX Spatial Audio, good customization options, and compatible with a wide variety of devices in an attractive package.
There’s really not much to complain about the headset. I personally don’t like the metal rail system to adjust the headset, the earcups may collect a bit of fingerprints, and it would be better if the headset cable itself was detachable. Realistically, all of these might not even be an issue for you. At just RM599, it’s a gaming headset that works great and is worth the money.
As we’ve reached the end of our Razer BlackShark V2 review, I would like to award it with our coveted Gold Pokdeward.

Big thanks to Razer APAC for sending us this headset for the purpose of this review.
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[MWC2019] HUAWEI To Build HUAWEI AppTouch — A New Digital Services Platform For Global Carriers

HUAWEI has announced at MWC 2019 that they will build a new digital services platform of HUAWEI AppTouch for global cariers, based on existing services.
With it, carriers can provide users with more and better digital content cloud services that includes games, videos, music, information flow and etc.
The Vice President of Mobile Services HUAWEI Consumer Business Group, Jervis Su, has given introduction to the strategic positioning of the brand’s new cloud platform for AppTouch and has said “HUAWEI will continue to provide support for carriers’ digital transformation, with innovative, streamlined business solutions that address customer’s pain points and problems, broaden business boundaries and help customers succeed in business.

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HUAWEI AppTouch integrates global digital content ecosystem resources and channel resources, and will become an important part of their Mobile Services.
Up to today, the platform has already been serving more than 60 carriers in over 40 countries. It’s been revealed that current monthly paid users on the AppTouch exceed 20 million.
Among the benefits of HUAWEI AppTouch includes;

Globalized ecosystem – Through AppTouch’s aggregration of various contents, carriers can easily access the global ecosystem resources by single-point cooperation with HUAWEI
Cloud-based deployment – AppTouch enables carriers to quickly deploy new digital services
Multi-channel promotion – Integrates global top marketing channels to help quickly reach users
Localized operations – HUAWEI local employees are responsible for marketing and operations to enable local operations in different countries

HUAWEI AppTouch will be officially be released during the Digital Game Conference (DGC) in Dubai which is on the 5th of March 2019.
Pokdepinion: Seems like it makes it convenient for carriers to get access to contents. I wonder how well will the platform be received here in Malaysia..
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Go wide with the LG G6 for just RM2999, the first smartphone with a 18:9 display is finally officially available in Malaysia!

If you were eyeing the LG G6 and you are holding out to get it when it arrives officially in Malaysia, you will be glad to know that LG Malaysia has brought it here. LG’s latest flagship will be yours for just RM2999 and it comes in three colors, Astro Black, Ice Platinum and Mystic White.

For the uninitiated, you will be getting a 5.7″ QHD+ (2880 x 1440) FullVision display which makes the LG G6 the first smartphone sporting the extra-wide 18:9 aspect ratio in the world. Despite being longer, the LG G6 features optimized ergonomics, designed for single-handed usage. That’s not all, as the LG G6 also features supports Dolby Vision as well as HDR 10 for wider dynamic range to get the best viewing experience when streaming HDR video content from Netflix, Amazon and more content providers that offer the option.

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Mobile photography enthusiasts will also remember the LG G5’s dual rear camera setup, which offered a wider field of view (FoV) than any other smartphone did. The LG G6 sees a return of the wide-angle lens, now boasting a 125-degree wide FoV. LG also opted for both the standard and wide-angle camera to feature 13MP sensors. Wider selfies are also possible thanks to the 100-degree FoV 5MP front camera.
The LG G6 is powered by a Snapdragon 821 chipset, which is a decision forced by Qualcomm and Samsung’s deal regarding the Snapdragon 835. Mated to 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 64GB of UFS 2.0 storage, expandable via microSD cards up to 2TB, the LG G6 offers plenty of space for your photos. Keeping the lights on is a 3300 mAh battery. All of that is packed into a metal frame with a high gloss back. For those who lead a more rugged lifestyle, the LG G6 is IP68 rated, promising water resistance in up to 1.5m of water for up to 30 minutes.
That’s enough talk for today. Get your LG G6 from the first week of May onwards at selected LG authorized retailers and get a free flip case worth RM174, while stocks last!
Pokdepinion: The LG G6 is one of the pioneers of the extra-wide display trend, but I feel saddened that they had to give up on their modular ambitions that they started with their LG G5. I believe that they could have polished their modular system, as it definitely held a lot of potential.
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Xbox Series S specifications reveal a much weaker GPU

Microsoft is expected to release an Xbox Series X and a Series S, with the latter slated to be a more affordable option for gamers. It appears that the Xbox Series S is going to be cheaper for a reason, as it will pack a much weaker GPU, with slower clocks and less than half the compute units (CU) of the Xbox Series X’s Navi RDNA 2 GPU.

Microsoft will apparently keep the same 8-core Zen 2 CPU running at 3.8GHz, but the GPU will see a large chunk lobbed off. Instead of the 52 CU GPU that the Xbox Series X will sport, the Xbox Series S will only come with 20 CU. Adding salt to the injury is that the GPU in the Xbox Series S will run at 1.55GHz, significantly lower than the Xbox Series X’s 1.825GHz.

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It will be equipped with 10GB GDDR6 RAM and PCIe 4.0 storage, similar to the Xbox Series X, but you will not get an optical drive. According to the rumors, the Xbox Series S will be targeted at 1440p 60FPS gaming, which is a very practical resolution to target. I am not sure if that already includes stuff like Radeon Image Sharpening, but if the GPU can handle 1440p without RIS, then 4K with RIS is going to be a non-issue.

The Xbox Series X is slated to launch in November 2020, and it is currently uncertain whether Microsoft will release the Xbox Series S together with its bigger brother.
Source
Pokdepinion: I am really looking forward to how will the Navi 2X perform in the desktop segment…
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Durian e-Fiesta on Shopee lets you feast without worrying about getting scammed!

Now, I didn’t know that there were durian scams going around. Apparently there are scammers taking advantage of our love for durians out there, but you can stay safe from the pandemic and scammers, by getting your durian in the Durian e-Fiesta, hosted on Shopee in collaboration with FAMA.
As you would expect, all transactions on Shopee are protected by Shopee Guarantee, which ensures that you won’t be scammed. I am not exactly sure if it includes the quality of the durian, which is definitely a lot more subjective, but at least you will surely be getting durian.
FAMA has worked with sellers to ensure that there will be a nice assortment of durians, ranging from the “flagship” Musang King all the way to the good ol’ durian kampung. The latter should be perfect for those who are feeling a lil’ homesick during the currently extremely extended MCO period with no end in sight. Together with FAMA, Shopee managed to help 211 durian sellers ready themselves for the Durian e-Fiesta campaign.

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Starting tomorrow until 31st July, you can check out the Durian e-Fiesta via the Shopee mobile app or their landing page, where you can collect 50% off vouchers, RM15 off with a minimum spend of RM60 and RM30 off with a minimum spend of RM100. There will also be limited quantities of Musang King, D24 and Kampung durians up for grabs from as low as RM0.77 at 12am daily during the Durian e-Fiesta, so make sure not to miss out!
Pokdepinion: I miss eating durian at home with my family…
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[TGS 2018] Malaysian Game Developers Studio Kamii Showcases 2 Upcoming Games

Did you know that we have some talented homegrown game devs that have made it to the international stage? Introducing Studio Kamii who is now at TGS 2018.
Malaysian Game Developers Studio Kamii Showcases 2 Upcoming Games at TGS 2018

When you think of Tokyo Game Show 2018 (TGS 2018), chances are that you’re looking at companies like Square Enix, Capcom, and Bandai Namco. These are some of the biggest names in the videogame industry, but did you know that we have a Malaysian games development studio showcasing their creations at the expo?

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Introducing Studio Kamii, an indie games develiopment studio based in Malaysia who is showing off two of their upcoming games, Neva Logik and To-Gather Island.

Neva Logik is a 3rd-person action role-playing game (RPG) that is set to be released for PC and console. It is set in a European medieval fantasy world and is deeply influenced by the myths folklore commonly found in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. The game is said to feel like a mixture of the 3D Legend of Zelda games and Dark Souls. The game is currently in its alpha stage so there is still some development work needed before it will be released.

The other game being developed by Studio Kamii is To-Gather Island, which is an adventure game with elements of survival. Players will have to survive on an island by gathering resources, hunting, fishing, cultivating the land, and do whatever that’s necessary to make the place as hospitable as possible. Players will also be accompanied by a friendly golem that will help you survive the ordeal. The game will also be available on PC and console. You can check out the teaser video for the game right above here.

At TGS 2018, Studio Kamii has a booth showing off both Neva Logik and To-Gather Island with the latter game having a playable alpha demo. With the help of MDEC and Matrade, Studio Kamii was able to present their creation to a wide audience ranging from publishers, investors, game developers, service providers, media and students. They even presented it to the Minister of Communications and Multimedia Gobind Singh Deo.
The reception they got at the expo was generally warm, with some even requesting To-Gather Island to be released on mobile (Android and iOS). At the moment, they are looking to gain as much feedback as possible so they can work on improving the game even more.

If you happen to be at TGS 2018, or if you know someone who’s there that might be interested to check them out, Studio Kamii will be having their booth at Hall 1, Malaysian Pavilion.
Pokdepinion: Great to see our homegrown talents reaching the international stage. We could not be more proud of them.
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Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL launched — get a big notch and a big chin, or THICC bezels, starting from RM3317

There are few smartphones that garner as much buzz as the Google Pixel series. The very first Google Pixel became the top camera smartphone on DxOMark. Then the second one repeated the feat again. With a single camera when the competition were touting two cameras. The latest Google Pixel 3 hasn’t appeared on DxOMark yet, but we can expect great photography chops.

For starters, it comes with a 12.2MP f/1.8 dual pixel camera with OIS and EIS. There’s also a spectral + flicker sensor. However for some odd reason it doesn’t do [email protected]. The competition has definitely moved on, and [email protected] is like a pre-requisite of flagships. No idea what’s Google doing here.

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The two devices feature what you would expect from a flagship in 2018. A Snapdragon 845, 4GB RAM, up to 128GB of storage, IP68 ingress protection and also wireless charging. Even the popular notch is available, but only if you opt for the larger Pixel 3 XL. Due to Google’s insistence in delivering a stereo sound that’s apparently tuned by a Grammy award winner, you get thick bezels that make no sense. Or a thick notch which makes even less sense.
On the bright side, you get a 6.3″ OLED display if you pick up the Pixel 3 XL, and a 5.5″ OLED one if you choose the Pixel 3. The former also offers a higher QHD+ resolution, versus the FHD+ resolution on the latter. Both displays offer full 24-bit color depth and HDR support.

Of course, no Pixel would be complete without the latest features from Google. They are made by Google after all, duh. The Pixel 3 devices come with the new Google Assistant feature which will allow Assistant to talk to people you don’t feel like talking to. Like the nice waitress who will reserve your table at that nice restaurant. Oh well. Luckily it’s only limited to Pixel users in the U.S. For now.
The Pixel 3 is priced from $799 (~RM3317), while the Pixel 3 XL is priced from $899 (~RM3738). That’s for just 64GB of storage, and no expandable storage. Opting for the 128GB variant will push the price further up. You do get years of unlimited storage on Google Photos though. The devices will be available in Just Black, Clearly White and Not Pink. What’s not pink? It could be any color other than pink, but it’s some sort of gold-beige hue. Meh.
Pokdepinion: There literally is no reason to make a notch if you are going to make it that big, Google.
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GIGABYTE GP-P850GM and GP-P750GM optional return and exchange program is now available

If you have been hanging out in YouTube recently, you would probably be aware of GamersNexus’ testing of the GIGABYTE GP-P850GM and GP-P750GM power supplies. In their testing, the power supplies failed repeatedly in a rather dramatic fashion. If you are now living in fear of your power supply going out in a similar way, well, you can return and exchange it if you want.
For starters, GIGABYTE assures users that their power supplies are designed to meet industry standards, with over power protection (OPP) set to 120% to 150%. That translates to 1020W to 1300W for the GP-P850GM, and 900W to 1125W for the GP-P750GM.
On top of OPP, GIGABYTE’s power supplies are also equipped with other standard safety features like over-current protection (OCP), over-voltage protection (OVP), under-voltage protection (UVP), over-temperature protection (OTP) and short circuit protection (SCP).

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However to allay any more worries about their power supplies’ safety, GIGABYTE is stepping up to the plate and adjusting the OPP limits in upcoming revised GIGABYTE GP-P850GM and GP-P750GM to the range of 110% to 120%, which should ensure better reliability.
GIGABYTE GP-P850GM, GP-P750GM return and exchange program
If your GIGABYTE GP-P850GM and GIGABYTE GP-P750GM are included in the following serial number ranges, you can apply to return and exchange your power supply for one of the newer, revised models that have a lower OPP limit.

Model
Serial Number Range

GIGABYTE GP-P850GM
SN20343G031011 to SN20513G022635

GIGABYTE GP-P750GM
SN20243G001301 to SN20453G025430

If your PSU’s serial number is in the range above, we would highly recommend reaching out to your local GIGABYTE Service Center to arrange for a replacement, as the power supply is the heart of your system, and a failure might damage other components along with it.
Pokdepinion: Hopefully the turnaround time is quick on the return and exchange service!
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HUAWEI MatePad Pro Bundle Is Back This 7 July

HUAWEI Malaysia is bringing back the HUAWEI MatePad Pro bundle package back this 7th of July in conjunction with their HUAWEI Mid-Year Sale.
HUAWEI MatePad Pro bundle is back

The bundle can be purchased at just RM2,399 on the 7th of July 2020. With the package, you will get the MatePad Pro, Smart Magnetic Keyboard as well as a complimentary HUAWEI M-Pencil that’s worth RM299.
To add to that, you will also be getting 50GB of HUAWEI Cloud Storage, three months access to HUAWEI Video and also three months of WPS Office Premium.

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The HUAWEI MatePad Pro comes with 10.8-inch HUAWEI FullView Display that offers a 2K screen. You will get to utilize HUAWEI Share where it allows you to take full use of Multi-screen Collaboration that syncs your HUAWEI smartphone and the MatePad Pro on the tablet’s display.
Do check out on the HUAWEI Mid-Year Sale right here.
Pokdepinion: Well it’s definitely a worthy deal if you’ve been eyeing the HUAWEI MatePad Pro. Getting it a cheaper price, wouldn’t want that?
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[CES 2022] Intel Arc GPUs are shipping to partners, XeSS to debut in Death Stranding Director’s Cut on PC

Intel announced that they are shipping Intel Arc graphics to their OEM partners. Among their partners include Acer, ASUS, Clevo, MSI, GIGABYTE, as well as less known PC brands like Haier and NEC. There are more than 50 new mobile and desktop PCs set to feature Intel Arc, which is great for gamers and content creators who are looking for more choices beyond what’s available in the market.
Intel Arc shipping now, Intel XeSS to debut in Death Stranding

Along with that announcement, Intel also shared that they are currently working with game developers and publishers to implement their XeSS AI-driven upscaling technology. Among the first games to adopt Intel XeSS will be Death Stranding Director’s Cut, which was also one of the first games to feature NVIDIA’s DLSS. Aside from Intel XeSS, Death Stranding Director’s Cut will also feature optimizations to take advantage of the 12th Gen Intel Core processors’ hybrid architecture.

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Intel is confident that the list of games featuring XeSS will just continue to grow. Studios committed to supporting the technology include 505 Games, Codemasters, EXOR Studios, Fishlabs, Hashbane, IOI, Illfonic, Kojima Productions, Massive Work Studio, PUBG Studios, Techland, Ubisoft and Wonder People.
Intel Deep Link to feature in DaVinci Resolve

Remember the Intel Deep Link that Intel introduced with the Intel Iris Xe MAX discrete graphics? Well, it will continue to enhance content creation with the Intel Arc graphics architecture, as software like DaVinci Resolve will be able to take advantage of Deep Link Hyper Encode, to use both integrated and discrete graphics to simultaneously accelerate encoding of the same video stream. DaVinci Resolve is optimized for Intel Arc graphics and next-gen Quick Sync technologies.

Intel also appears to be right on schedule, which means that we will get to see Arc-based products pretty soon!
Pokdepinion: I think Intel won’t be bringing out the big Intel Arc guns yet during the initial launch…
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MasterCase H500P launched in Malaysia; optimized for high airflow with dual 200mm RGB fans

The MasterCase H500P builds on the successful High AirFlow (HAF) series with huge 200mm fans and support for up to 360mm radiators.
This case has got many fans!
Cooler Master has launched their latest MasterCase H500P here in Malaysia. The MasterCase H500P features a new futuristic look that is a stark departure from the HAF series’ rugged military-inspired aesthetics.

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No case in 2017 will be complete without RGB illumination, and the MasterCase H500P comes with two massive 200mm fans that feature RGB lighting. Aside from looking good, it also delivers tonnes of airflow to cool your components. If that’s not enough, the top of the case can also accommodate two 200mm fans. If you want to go down the custom liquid cooling route, the MasterCase H500P can house up to two 360mm radiators, one in the front and the other in the top vent.
To show off your hardware, the MasterCase H500P comes with a light-grey tinted tempered glass side panel for a clear view to the insides of the case. Regardless if you went with a RGBae setup or a clean single-colored lighting build, the MasterCase H500P will showcase it in all its glory.

With such a wide tempered glass panel, the last thing you would want are ugly cables snaking through your case. Cable management can be very cumbersome, so the MasterCase H500P features a customizable PSU shroud and removable cable cover panels to hide away the nasty mess.

The MasterCase H500P also comes with support for vertical mounting of your graphics card without having to cut anything in your case. Watch the pretty fans spin behind the tempered glass panel and forget all about fidget spinners. The riser cable is sold separately though.
The MasterCase H500P is available at RM639, at all Cooler Master authorized resellers.
Pokdepinion: The MasterCase H500P looks amazing with its chunky structural design. The potential for some serious airflow is also great for those who want to run all the latest high-end hardware.
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Samsung Galaxy Note 5 might be early

Samsung might release the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 early this year to get the jump on Apple’s upcoming iPhone 6s launch. Usually Samsung will release their latest Galaxy Note around the first week of September, but last year’s unveiling of the Note 4 at Berlin on 3rd September 2014 and the iPhone 6’s launching on the 9th of September 2014 may have affected sales of the Note 4 enough for Samsung to move the event earlier to prevent Apple from stealing the limelight.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 will be unveiled in August according to sources at The Wall Street Journal. Details are still unclear about the Note 5 but we are sure they will leak out bit by bit as we approach the launch.

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This may also be a step to boost up their sales once again as reports of disappointing financial results due to Samsung misjudging the popularity of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and the Samsung Galaxy S6. Samsung has predicted to sell 4 Galaxy S6s to be sold for each Galaxy S6 Edge but the curvier sister was more popular than the S6, resulting in a supply shortage of the S6 Edge.

SOURCE: TweakTown

Pokdepinion: While I don’t really like Samsung phones in general, I am more interested in their Note line-up as compared to any other model they launch. The Note line-up with the S Pen functions, just seems a step above all the other phones in the market. I have tried the S Pen. Some will say it’s a gimmick few people use, but I am sure as a student I will be using it quite a lot just to jot down some short notes or stuff like that.
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ASUS ROG Strix SCAR III (G531GW) Review — the perfect laptop for hardcore RGB enthusiasts

Introduction

I personally reviewed the ROG Strix SCAR. I am also the proud owner of a ROG Strix SCAR II. So this year ASUS has just launched the ROG Strix SCAR III, with the latest 9th Generation Intel Core processors and an all-new design, which ASUS collaborated with BMW Designworks to develop. Aside from a new processor and new design, there’s also quite a bit of new hardware that ASUS baked into the latest installment of the ROG Strix SCAR series. Let’s see them, shall we?
Unboxing

ASUS improved massively upon the design of the box, which bodes well for what comes in it. I really like the contrasting colors, spot UV on the text and lines for contrast. I don’t usually appreciate boxes but this is surely one of the prettiest I have come across.

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On the inside we see more UV coating. ASUS designed the box to raise the ROG Strix SCAR III as you open the box, making it easier to lift out of the box. Also, extra style points.

The box contains all the necessities, and then some. The ROG Keystone comes in a separate keychain thingy. Although the ones that came with the older laptops does seem more functional than this which only serves as a way to show off the Keystone. And of course, there’s the ROG Gladius II, one of my personal favorite mice.
Appearance

The lid is finished in the Republic of Gamer’s signature brushed aluminum. The ROG Strix SCAR III sports a gunmetal grey finishing, while the ROG Strix HERO III sports a darker midnight black finish.

In case you were wondering, the stepped area extending behind the lid serve as additional intakes for the cooling system. The design is quite unique, and does remind me of the design of ASUS’ higher end gaming laptops like the ROG Chimera G703, but sleeker. Much sleeker.

Just like its predecessor, we see slim bezels around three sides of the screen. The lower bezel is still relatively huge though, and instead of the ROG “eye”, you get the ROG Strix branding. I prefer the ROG eye though.

The carbon weave pattern on the palm rest area also features a contrasting finish like the lid. It’s definite much better looking than the ROG Strix SCAR II’s camo patterns. Not to mention much more professional. There’s no mistaking this for a gaming laptop though with the aggressive lines and vents. ASUS also dropped the highlighted WASD cluster, which was one of the key differences — pardon the pun — between the ROG Strix SCAR and ROG Strix HERO series.

The underside of the ROG Strix SCAR III is probably the most impressive I have seen so far on any laptop. They even printed out ROG branding on the intake mesh to differentiate it from other laptop brands. The wavy surface isn’t made up entirely of vents though, with few cutouts above the fans to let air in.

While it might have not looked particularly impressive when it was powered down, turning it on was a whole different story altogether. The ROG Strix SCAR III features a skirt of wonderful RGB lights around the sides and the front edge. ASUS also threw in per-key RGB backlighting for the ROG Strix SCAR III, a first in the ROG Strix laptop lineup. Paired with the ROG Gladius II, the ROG Strix SCAR III is a light show to behold.

ASUS definitely decided to drop any form of decency and just go all out with the RGB effects on the ROG Strix SCAR III. And I would say that I definitely support this move, as it serves to further differentiate the ASUS gaming laptop lineup. If you desire a more subtle look, there’s the ROG Zephyrus lineup for you. But if you want to go all out, just this once, the ROG Strix series is definitely shaping up to be a great choice for RGB enthusiasts.
ROG Strix SCAR III Specs

CPU
Intel Core i7 9750H, 6C/12T @ 2.6 GHz, 14nm
Max Turbo Boost:
1 core: 4.5 GHz
6 cores: 4.0 GHz

RAM
1 x 16GB DDR4 2666 MHz (one slot vacant)

GPU
Intel UHD Graphics 630
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 8GB GDDR6 (115W TGP)

Storage
512GB Intel 660p PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe SSD

Software
Microsoft Windows 10 Home

Connectivity
Intel Wireless-AC 9560 (2×2 MIMO, max. 1733 MHz)
Bluetooth 5.0
1 x USB 3.1 (10 Gbps) Type-C (support DisplayPort)
3 x USB 3.0
1 x RJ45 LAN jack

Display
15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) display, IPS-level, 240 Hz, 3ms, 100% sRGB
1 x HDMI 2.0b

Audio
2 x 4W speakers
1 x 3.5mm combo jack

Power
66 WHr Li-po battery
230W power adapter

Dimensions
360 x 275 x 24.9 mm

Weight
2.57 kg

The highlight of the ROG Strix SCAR III is probably the new Intel Core i7 9750H. While the single core boost and base clocks see a 500 MHz and 400 MHz increase, respectively, the all-core boost only sees a meager 100 MHz bump. So while we may expect to see much higher single-core scores, don’t expect to see much multi-core performance gains. And with software nowadays designed to take advantage of more cores, you probably won’t see much advantage in real world situations.
Performance

The storage performance needs no explanation. ASUS has used the Intel 660p SSD rather frequently in their laptops. The performance is no match for a higher end PCIe Gen3 x4 SSD, but given that this one is included, and there’s 512GB of space, I can’t really complain.

CPU performance is great, but that’s somewhat to be expected given the higher boost clocks. But, for some reason, ASUS is very conservative with the boost here. Within 30 seconds of Cinebench R15’s CPU benchmark, the clocks dropped down to 3.2 GHz, and stayed there until the completion of the multi-core run. The single-core test sees the i7 9750H run at up to 4.4 GHz, a bit short of the 4.5 GHz maximum single-core boost.
ASUS’ previous embedded controllers (EC) were seemingly designed to allow the CPUs to boost as much as thermals allow, but this time it looks like they are now playing a lot closer to Intel’s guidelines. Which is a good thing as there is no way that the ROG Strix SCAR III can dissipate over nearly 90W (as seen in HWiNFO) of heat when put under a sustained load.
          3DMark Port Royal          Superposition            3DMark Time Spy
The GPU performance is as expected of a GeForce RTX 2070. In Superposition and 3DMark benchmarks, the GeForce RTX 2070 is currently the fastest system we have tested so far. Having a faster CPU does help too, especially in the 3DMark tests.

Now that we are done with the synthetic benchmarks, let’s take a look at gaming performance. The single channel RAM configuration does have quite a bit of an impact on the performance. However it is a problem that I am OK with, as the lower performance from the single channel RAM can easily be solved by throwing in another stick of 16GB DDR4 2666 MHz RAM. Of course, it incurs additional costs, but having 8GB x 2 out of the box means you will have to sell both 8GB sticks when you finally feel like you need more RAM, and as RAM prices drop, you might find yourself having a hard time selling two 8GB sticks.
These slits above the keyboard area also serve as cool air intakes.
Cooling on the ROG Strix SCAR III appears to have improved, in addition to ASUS’ EC programming being much more conservative now. Instead of being only limited by thermals, ASUS now drops clocks after a set duration. Most of the time, you will be seeing the i7 9750H run at around 3.2 GHz, thus keeping its cool. It will still hit 92°C in transient spikes, but instead of staying there, the CPU will clock down rather quickly, maintaining an average temperature of around 78°C. The GeForce RTX 2070 hit 75°C when raytracing features are used in Battlefield V, and that was the highest temperatures we have seen on the GPU. The fans do make a fair din when they spin at full tilt, so be prepared to put on some headphones.
Being a laptop, the ROG Strix SCAR III has to be put through out battery life test as well. The battery here is pretty huge at 66 WHr. It’s the exact same size as the one in the ROG Strix SCAR II, but unlike the GeForce GTX 1070-toting GL504GS, the ROG Strix SCAR III here has NVIDIA Optimus. So instead of dying out after just 2 hours away from the plug, the battery can sustain the ROG Strix SCAR III’s life for a smidgen more than 3 hours. This was with me working on this article in Edge, with multiple tabs open and also Armoury Crate running in the background, and all the lights on the ROG Strix SCAR III turned on at their lowest setting.
User Experience
Plenty of vents for cool air to enter and hot air to exit…
You definitely won’t mistake the ROG Strix SCAR III for a portable device. It’s nearly 25mm thick and weighs a pretty hefty 2.57 kg. It’s not impossible to carry around, but throw in the power brick and you are looking at a payload in excess of 3 kg. The power brick weighs around 530g, in case you missed our livestream about the ROG Strix SCAR III. The texture on the bottom does help with grip a little when you aren’t lugging it around in a bag, but you aren’t going to want to carry it by hand for much.

Coming from my personal ROG Strix SCAR II which I use for daily jobs on the go, the ROG Strix SCAR III’s keyboard is quite a let down. The footprint has actually increased due to the extended area behind the screen, but they have shrunk the keyboard to presumably make space for the design cues and ROG Keystone. So now it does not have a numpad, despite being just as wide as the previous generation, and they also cut down on the size of the arrow keys. I thought this was supposed to be a gaming laptop? The keys themselves seem to have been slightly improved, with a noticeably more tactile typing experience. Oh and did I mention that there is per-key RGB backlighting now? Meanwhile, the touchpad still features separate clickers, which is my favorite design. Tracking is good, but with the included ROG Gladius II, I have admittedly used the touchpad a lot less than I usually would.
Thanks to the rather impressive airflow design of the ROG Strix SCAR III, I also had no issues with warm palm rests or hotspots in the keyboard area. It’s comfortable to use even when gaming, which is not something every laptop can promise. The hotkeys at the top are also very convenient, placing volume and Hyperfan controls just above the keyboard.

Looking up from the keyboard, we see the screen. The display here on the ROG Strix SCAR III is really the fastest panel I have ever used. 240 Hz looks really fluid even when you are just browsing around in Windows. If you are a gamer who plays shooters that rely on quick reactions, the extreme refresh rate will also come in handy. ASUS also made sure that you aren’t sacrificing on colors, as the ROG Strix SCAR III promises 100% sRGB coverage as well. If you are worried about battery life, there’s also a quick toggle in the Armoury Crate software to drop the panel to 60 Hz. From my experience, the 240 Hz display doesn’t really impact battery life either, so there’s that.
Matching the great visual experience are a pair of 4W speakers. You wouldn’t need much more than 50% loudness on most well-produced music and movies. They are that loud. By default, there’s just a hint of bass, with a strong emphasis on the mid tones. Firing up Sonic Studio III gave me a much better experience though. Sonic Studio III massively transformed the sound, toning down the mids to allow the bass to shine a bit more. Overall, great stuff for some built-in speakers.

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The ROG Keystone is designed to be some sort of quick profile switcher powered by NFC, whereby upon pairing, you can quickly switch to the programmed profile when the ROG Strix SCAR III detects the Keystone. It can also unlock a secret Shadow Drive, which supposedly allows you to hide files away in the aptly named Shadow Drive until you slot in the ROG Keystone. ASUS promises more features to come, but as of now, it does seem a bit too gimmicky. Also, it didn’t actually work properly for me. For starters, the ROG Strix SCAR III doesn’t properly detect the ROG Keystone. I had to restart for the system to detect the presence of the Keystone. And the Shadow Drive remained unlocked for all to see. I suspect these are software teething issues that should be ironed out in upcoming updates to the ROG Armoury Crate.
          The main screen is just an awesome sight for geeks            Profiles that can be linked to your ROG Keystone.              RGB controls, because we can’t live without them.            Select where you want the lights active and where you don’t.              ROG Keystone pairing.            Shadow Drive
Now, the ROG Armoury Crate is an awesome piece of software. I really love it, and I wished really hard that my ROG Strix SCAR II would support it. Alas, only the latest laptops from ASUS Republic of Gamers offer it. Aside from my annoyances with the ROG Keystone, the software was great. The fan profiles were linked to system power profiles, making for an easy one-click switch between a meek, low-power mode to a roaring high performance setup. But what I just mentioned can be toggled via the dedicated Hyperfan switches, of which there are two on the ROG Strix SCAR III for some inane reason. Armoury Crate comes in handy when you want to switch up your RGB lighting, but unfortunately you can’t take full advantage of the per-key RGB lighting. For that, you will have to wait for the AURA Creator software which is yet to be released. You can still set it to Rainbow mode and just feast your eyes on the smooth color transitions across the keyboard though.

LAN, HDMI 2.0, USB 3.1 Type-C and the power connector
Moving on, let’s take a look at the array of I/O options on the ROG Strix SCAR III. The right side has been dedicated to cooling and also the ROG Keystone, so there are no ports there. ASUS makes use of the additional space on the rear end of the ROG Strix SCAR III, putting the power connector, Gigabit LAN port, HDMI 2.0b port and also a USB 3.1 Type-C port which supports the DisplayPort protocol there. I like the power connector on the back, as it means that it won’t get in the way of your peripherals and other connections.
3 USB 3.0 ports, separate 3.5mm mic-in and outputs
The left is home to three USB 3.0 ports. Just nice, I would say, but more is always welcome. Compared to the previous generation however, ASUS actually downgraded the I/O options. The ROG Strix SCAR II offered a miniDP port as well as offer a USB 3.1 Type-A port in place of a regular USB 3.0 port. Oh, and there’s no built-in card reader here, so if you plan on editing photos you took with your camera on the ROG Strix SCAR III, you will have to get a USB card reader.
Conclusion
For RM7999, ASUS is offering quite a lot of bang for your buck with the ROG Strix SCAR III. The hardware under the hood is amazing, with the latest 9th Generation Intel Core i7 9750H, a GeForce RTX 2070 and last but not least, a 512GB SSD. How many other laptops offer that much SSD storage out of the box? And that 240 Hz display is definitely worth highlighting, as it manages to deliver such insane refresh rates without sacrificing on full sRGB gamut coverage.
Aesthetics wise, I would say they have nailed it with the aggressive gamer-centric design language, which I find a real turn on. Much RGB, very like. The more conservative EC programming also paints it in a more favorable light when it comes to temperatures, although we could probably extract more performance if it was a tad more relaxed. The improved cooling system can most probably handle it, as we see clocks of around 3.2 GHz and yet it was just hitting around 78°C after the initial Turbo Boost burst. ASUS did great with the ROG Strix SCAR III, and I really love it.
Just loving those RGB lights…
Of course, I won’t let it by without nitpicking though. I don’t agree with ASUS on their move to drop the numpad. I am really trying to find issues at this point, as I use a tenkeyless keyboard with my desktop. The ROG Keystone has some potential, and I remain hopeful to see ASUS add more features to better take advantage of it. The single channel RAM is quite a huge bottleneck, so that should be the first upgrade you should spend on. With that said, the ROG Strix SCAR III is one glorious gaming laptop with or without the ROG Keystone, which is why I am giving it the Gold Pokdeward, our highest accolade.

Our thanks to ASUS Malaysia for provisioning the ROG Strix SCAR III (GL531GW) for review purposes.
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HUAWEI places $700 million order with TSMC — but TSMC might not be allowed to make them

HUAWEI has reportedly placed an urgent order worth $700 million with TSMC to produce current-gen 7nm and next-gen 5nm chips, fully occupying TSMC’s production capacity. However TSMC might not be allowed to manufacture them, depending on when the order was placed.
This is due to the US’ tightened sanctions against HUAWEI, with the US administration announcing a ban to cut off the Chinese tech giant’s supply of chips from chipmakers using equipment made by US-based companies. This ban was in effect immediately after it was announced, although chips already in production can be shipped to HUAWEI within 120 days from 15th May.
So if the order actually came in before the ban, HUAWEI might be able to still get their supply of chips to launch with the HUAWEI Mate 40 series. With that said, there has been reports that TSMC has stopped new orders from HUAWEI, with TSMC also mentioning that they will be “following the US export rule change closely”.

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TSMC has just recently announced a new chipmaking plant in Arizona, US, worth a total of $12 billion. The new plant will be ready for production on the 5nm process node by 2024. In light of this ban, TSMC is expected to apply for a license to continue trading with HUAWEI, although at the rate the licenses get approved, HUAWEI might be affected by a lack of chips to power their smartphones in the coming months.
Pokdepinion: Well the US government does seem really intent to put the final nail in the coffin for HUAWEI… Let’s see what’s going to happen next.
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Digi Extends 300Mbps Fibre Internet Plan For RM100/month Offer

Digi’s offer for 300Mbps from as low as RM100 per month has been extended to the 31st of July 2021 and for you to grab.
Digi extends Digi Fibre 150 promotion

The Digi Fibre 150 (DF150) plan offers a high-speed 300Mbps from as low as RM100 per month when you pair it with a qualifying Digi Postpaid plan.

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It provides user the convenience of combining their Postpaid and Fibre accounts in a single bill which makes it easier to track the monthly commitment and payment.
Digi has said that this offer is to support the new normal routines of working, studying, and playing at home due to the pandemic situation that the country is facing.
Aside from that, Digi Postpaid customers can enjoy the lowest entry fee for Digi Fibre plans with rebates of between RM15 to RM30 per month when they choose to pair it with qualifying Postpaid plans. With the promotion, you can increase your saving up to RM50 per month.
If you are interested in signing up or looking for more details, you may head to the link right here. For more on the latest tech and gaming news plus reviews, do stay tuned to Pokde.net.
Pokdepinion: That doesn’t like a bad deal to be honest. I’m just wondering on the usual factor: coverage. Hopefully it’s available at a lot of place in the country.
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ASUS launches three new ZenBooks powered by the 10th Gen Intel Core processors

ASUS’ new lineup of ASUS ZenBook laptops have arrived in Malaysia. Consisting of the new ASUS ZenBook 13, ZenBook 14 and ZenBook 15, the new ASUS ZenBook series are powered by the latest 10th Generation “Comet Lake” Intel Core processors and feature the updated ScreenPad 2.0.

ASUS claims up to a 95% screen-to-body ratio thanks to frameless NanoEdge displays to deliver a small footprint while still serving up ample screen space. That coupled with the lightweight chassis of the ASUS ZenBooks lets ASUS offer some of the most portable laptops they have ever made.
ASUS ZenBook Specs

Model Name
ZenBook 13 UX334F
ZenBook 14 UX434F
ZenBook 15 UX534F

Colour
Royal BlueIcicle Silver
Royal Blue
Royal Blue

Processor
Intel® Core™ i5-10210U Processor 1.6 GHz (6M Cache, up to 4.2 GHz)
Intel® Core™ i7-10510U Processor 1.8 GHz (8M Cache, up to 4.9 GHz)

Operating System
Windows 10 (64bit)

Display
13.3’/ 250nits/ FHD 1920×1080 16:9/ Anti-Glare/ NTSC: 72%/ Wide View
14.0’//Narrow border /300nits /FHD 1920×1080 16:9 /Glare /NTSC: 72% /Touch /Wide View
15.6’/ Narrow border/ 350nits/ UHD 3840X2160 16:9/ Glare/ NTSC: 72%/ Wide View

Total Memory
8GB on board (up to 16GB)
16GB on Board (MAX)

Storage
PCIEG3x2 NVME 512GB M.2 SSD
PCIEG3x4 NVME 1TB M.2 SSD

Video Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce MX250 with 2GB GDDR5
NVIDIA GeForce GTX1650 MAX Q with 4GB GDDR5

IGPU
Intel UHD Graphics 620

Video Camera
HD IR/ RGB Combo Camera
HD IR Camera
HD IR Camera

On Board Wireless
802.11ax+Bluetooth 5.0 (Dual band) 2*2

Card Reader
Micro SD
Micro SD
Standard SD

USB Port
1x USB 2.01x USB3.1 Type A(Gen2)1x USB3.1 Type C(Gen2)
1x USB3.1 Type A (Gen1)1x USB3.1 Type A (Gen2)1x USB3.1 Type C (Gen2)

Interface
1x Headphone-out & Audio-in Combo Jack1x HDMI
1x Headphone-out & Audio-in Combo Jack1x HDMI1x USB3.1 – Type C(Gen1)1x smart card Reader

Audio
Built-in Speaker, Built-in Array, Microphone, Harmon Kardon validated speakers

Weight (KG)
1.27Kg
1.26Kg
1.65Kg

Dimension (CM)
30.2(W) x 18.9(D) x 1.83~1.83(H) cm
31.9(W) x 19.9 (D) x 1.69 ~1.82 (H) cm
35.4(W) x 22.0(D) x 1.89~1.89(H) cm

AC Adapter
ø4.0, 65W AC Adapter, Output: 19V DC, 3.42A, 65W , Input : 100~240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
ø4.5, 120W AC Adapter Output: 19V DC, 6.3A, 120W , Input : 100~240V AC, 50/60Hz universal

Battery
50WHrs, 3S2P, 6-cell Li-ion
50WHrs, 3S1P, 3-cell Li-ion
71WHrs, 4S2P, 8-cell Li-ion

Keyboard type
Illuminated Chiclet Keyboard with ErgoLift

Supplied Accessories
 ASUS Sleeve

Price
RM4399
RM4499
RM6499

The new ASUS ZenBooks are now available in the market.

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Pokdepinion: The 1.26kg ASUS ZenBook 14 looks pretty sweet!
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[MWC2019] HUAWEI Mate X vs Samsung Galaxy Fold — by the numbers

The HUAWEI Mate X is the second foldable smartphone to launch this week, with the Samsung Galaxy Fold being the first. Of course with these two devices launching so close to each other, with the same key feature, they will inevitably be pitted against one another. So let us help you with finding which one is the better foldable smartphone among these two.
Display

The HUAWEI Mate X comes with a larger 8″ 2200p display which folds to effectively give you two 6+” displays. These displays are on the outer side, allowing you to do take advantage of them for portrait photography or selfies with the rear-facing Leica triple camera setup.

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Samsung on the other hand packs two distinct displays. An outer 4.6″ HD+ display and an inner 7.2″ 1440p display. One has massive bezels, and one has a corner notch. The HUAWEI Mate X wins by sheer screen size, resolution and also usability. Who still wants to use a 4.6″ HD+ display in 2019?
Winner: HUAWEI Mate X
Software

While the HUAWEI Mate X does come up ahead in terms of its display hardware, software might be another matter altogether. We saw Samsung boast a triple-app multitasking with the Samsung Galaxy Fold’s inner display, while HUAWEI only showcased a dual-app multitasking when unfolded.

Being able to take advantage of the bigger display via software is definitely going to be one of the key highlights moving forward, so HUAWEI probably has some work to do. One thing with software however is that updates can change the entire user experience, so we aren’t really worried about a device that’s launching a few months from now.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Fold
Network
HUAWEI packed the HUAWEI Mate X with their latest Balong 5000 modem, which promises up to 4.6 GHz speeds on sub-6GHz 5G network. The currently available Qualcomm X50 and Exynos 5100 modems offer up to 2.3 Gbps downlink speeds.

We aren’t sure which modem will the Samsung Galaxy Fold come with, but both Qualcomm’s and Samsung’s current solutions offer a slower maximum theoretical downlink speed. If they pack Qualcomm’s latest X55 5G modem, then we will be looking at 2.5 GHz, which is just a bit more than half of what HUAWEI can offer.
Winner: HUAWEI Mate X
Battery

The HUAWEI Mate X comes with a dual-battery setup, totalling up to 4500 mAh. The dual-battery configuration supports by HUAWEI’s 55W SuperCharge fast charging technology. 55W is no joke, as entry-level laptops often come with 45W chargers.

Samsung also comes with a dual-battery setup, but tops out at just 4380 mAh. While Samsung didn’t reveal the maximum charging rate that the Galaxy Fold supports, we can quite safely assume that it will be the same 15W charging that Samsung has offered for a very long time by now. Samsung does offer wireless charging, so it would be a little more convenient to rejuice the Galaxy Fold. When it comes to sheer charging speed though, the Mate X will run circles around Samsung Galaxy Fold.
Winner: HUAWEI Mate X
Pricing and Availability

This is where Samsung takes the lead, quite literally. Samsung claims to offer the Samsung Galaxy Fold starting this 26th April, with a starting price of $1980 (~RM8069). Of course, the Samsung Galaxy Fold is available in both 5G and 4G variants, so the 5G variant might actually cost a bit more.

The Mate X is only available with a 5G modem in tow. It touts a later availability date of sometime in mid-2019, and the higher price tag of €2299 (~RM10626) does not help. While European pricing is usually a tad higher than US pricing, HUAWEI still has the later launch date to contend with.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Fold
So between these two, which one do you prefer? Let us know!
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Xiaomi will let users try out Windows 10

Microsoft’s partners with Xiaomi to offer a Windows 10 Technical Preview ROM for the Xiaomi Mi 4.

Microsoft released an official statement: “As part of the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft will partner with Xiaomi to offer Windows 10 free downloads to a select group of Xiaomi Mi4 users. Xiaomi Mi4 users will get the ability to flash their phones with the new Windows 10 OS and provide feedback to Xiaomi and Microsoft on their experience. This partnership will allow Xiaomi and Microsoft to get direct user feedback and continue to improve the experience for China. Microsoft is thrilled to see Xiaomi embracing Windows 10 and offering this great value to their customers. We’re excited to see the feedback we receive from this audience.

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Xiaomi is a leading phone manufacturer in China undergoing significant global expansion. We are excited to partner with them in China and jointly gather feedback from Chinese users on their experience with Windows 10 to jointly collaborate on product and services development for the platform.
Availability will be announced in the months to come”.
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Review – Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Improvised

I fell in love with Sony’s MDR-1000X when I first tried them on, and ever since then, Sony’s wireless cups have been my companion one after another. Upon first glance, Sony’s latest release, the WH-1000XM5 headphones, are an appealing package. Sony, a respected and reputable brand in the audio industry, has developed a series of impressive ANC headphones over the years, including the MDR-1000X that I mentioned earlier and this fifth iteration seems to be following suit. I’ve spent considerable time with these headphones, scrutinizing them from all angles, and I’m finally ready to share my experience. This will be a roller-coaster review, so just bear with me.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Specifications

Drivers
30mm Neodymium Drivers

Frequency Response
4Hz – 40,000Hz
20Hz – 20,000Hz (Bluetooth, 44.1kHz Sampling)
20Hz – 40,000Hz (LDAC 96kHz Sampling, 990kbps)

Headphone Type
Closed, Dynamic

Connector
Wired
USB-C
Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plugWireless
Bluetooth 5.2 with A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP

Audio Formats
SBC, AAC, LDAC

Wireless Range
10m

Noise-cancelling
Yes, Auto NC Optimizer

Battery
Up to 30 hours
Up to 40 hours without noise-cancelling

Weight
250g

Colour
Black and Silver

Sony WH-1000XM5 Design

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Design-wise, the WH-1000XM5 aligns with the latest trends and tastes, sporting a sleeker and more streamlined appearance. The smaller headband and simpler earcup design hint at minimalistic aesthetics, encapsulating a contemporary appeal that many tech-savvy users appreciate. The headphone is swathed in a polished, all-black finish with the only color addition being a gold label on the right earcup, which adds a subtle dash of visual intrigue. If you know me in person, at this point, you would know my infatuation towards red/gold with black color scheme. They’re undeniably fashionable, and wearing them gave me a certain sense of modern sophistication. Optionally, you can choose the midnight blue or platinum silver to match your fashion statement.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Features Highlight

The headphones are equipped with an interesting mix of both touch controls and physical buttons, providing a varied and flexible user experience. This flexibility is quite accommodating, as it caters to a range of user preferences, from those who prefer the tactile feedback of buttons to those who enjoy the smooth operation of touch controls. Of course, this is not something out of the blue if you are already familiar with Sony’s WH1000XM series headphones.
Examining the build quality, it’s clear that Sony has invested considerable effort into the construction of the WH-1000XM5. The headphones feel robust and well-constructed, with no evident faults or weaknesses. However, a minor downside to the material choice is that the plastic earcups do tend to attract fingerprints, which can slightly mar the pristine appearance of the device.

The decision to abandon the foldable design could be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it adds to the durability and overall robustness of the headphones. On the other, it detracts from their portability. The implications of this design choice will largely depend on your lifestyle; for frequent travelers or commuters, this could potentially be a drawback. My personal opinion? I’m all in with Sony’s decision here. I’m spending quite a dime for these pairs and durability would be my utmost requirements.

Comfort is a crucial factor for any headphones, and the WH-1000XM5 fares reasonably well in this regard. The headband, although slimmer than previous models, didn’t give me any discomfort. I found I could wear them for about an hour without any notable fatigue. The earpads are also quite soft and spacious, accommodating even larger ears comfortably. But again, your mileage may vary depending on individual sensitivity and preference.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Audio Quality
Moving on to the crux of any headphone review—the sound quality. The Sony WH-1000XM5 adopts a more mainstream sound profile, placing a significant emphasis on bass. If you’re someone who enjoys the resonating thrum of deep, pulsating bass, this will likely be music to your ears. The presence of bass is indeed pronounced and pervasive, infusing tracks with a sense of depth and robustness.
However, this heavy bass orientation can sometimes overshadow the mids and highs, resulting in a slightly skewed audio representation. The treble region occasionally comes across as recessive or even aggressive, indicating some inconsistency in the tuning. These fluctuations can sometimes make the listening experience feel a bit uneven, especially when it comes to more complex or layered tracks.

In terms of technical prowess, the soundstage of the WH-1000XM5 is somewhat limited. The perceived width and depth of the musical environment never truly transcends the confines of the headphones. This might slightly dampen the immersive quality of the audio experience for some listeners.
Let me disclaim my notes here. I’m all about deep bases and punchy notes but I’m speaking on behalf of audiophiles who are a tad particular about every single beat that hits their eardrums. It’s this colorful touch that Sony adds to their headset that piques my hearing interest every time. When it comes to audio, it’s hard to define what’s right or wrong so I’m keeping things entirely to facts. Besides, if you really want to squeeze the best out of the WH1000XM5 as the go-to headset, I highly recommend hi-fidelity music apps like Tidal Music that certainly elevates the experience up a notch; albeit at a monthly subscription model.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Active Noise Cancellation

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology incorporated in the WH-1000XM5 deserves a special mention. Sony has long been a pioneer in this field, and the WH-1000XM5’s ANC capability is a testament to this. It effectively neutralizes most external noise, with the exception of sudden or particularly loud sounds. This noise-canceling feature is particularly beneficial in busy urban environments or during long flights.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Battery Life
Battery life is another strong suit of the WH-1000XM5. With ANC activated, these headphones can deliver around 30 hours of playtime on a single charge. This long-lasting battery capacity certainly lends these headphones a degree of dependability, especially for users who are constantly on the go or frequently away from charging points. I’m not exaggerating my numbers here. Draining the battery just to test out the headset was not the best moment for me – and that’s a very good thing!

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—the price point. Sony has placed these headphones in the high-end bracket, with a price tag of RM1,799. Considering the sound profile, the design aesthetics, the brand reputation, and the advanced features, few might consider this to be a justified price.
However, in terms of pure audio performance, the emphasis on bass and the inconsistent tuning in the mids and highs may leave some users wanting more. Especially when considering the price point, the overall audio quality and performance should ideally be beyond reproach. Unfortunately, the WH-1000XM5 falls short of this ideal in some aspects.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Verdict
To summarize, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a set of headphones that offer a fair amount of desirable features—stylish design, solid construction, effective noise cancellation, and an ample battery life. They appeal to the bass-loving demographic with their emphatic low-end and might be a worthy consideration for those who appreciate a warmer sound signature, like myself. However, the hefty price tag and some of the sonic shortcomings might deter discerning audiophiles looking for a balanced, natural sound representation.
In conclusion, your decision to invest in the WH-1000XM5 headphones should take into account your personal preferences, lifestyle, and budget. These headphones do bring a lot to the table, but they also leave a few things to be desired. If you value a bass-heavy sound profile, a contemporary design, and solid noise cancellation, and you are willing to overlook a few minor shortcomings, the WH-1000XM5 headphones could be a worthy companion.

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Chrono Cross has a very strong cult following, with people still talking about it 22 years later. We might be in for a treat soon as a Chrono Cross remaster might be in development. Here’s what you need to know.
Chrono Cross Remaster Might Be In Development

During a recent episode of the Xbox Era podcast, known leaker Shpeshal Nick has mentioned of a Chrono Cross remaster coming to modern gaming systems. This is particularly interesting as an NVIDIA leak back in September 2021 also listed Chrono Cross remaster, alongside Final Fantasy VII Remake, Final Fantasy 9 Remake, Final Fantasy 16, and Final Fantasy Tactics / Tactics Ogre.

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The one game that seems odd in that list is Final Fantasy 9 Remake, which could simply be there as placeholder, but every other game seems plausible. There are games in that leak that have been released, most notably the Actraiser remake, which adds credibility to it.
In the off chance that it’s true, the best time to announce the Chrono Cross remake would be at The Game Award 2021, which will be taking place on 9th December 2021. As for when it can be launched, it would either be Christmas or early 2022.
Interestingly, Chrono Cross celebrated its 22nd anniversary on 18th November this year, and Chrono Trigger had a Nintendo DS port on 20th November 2008. Moreover, Chrono Trigger is now available on PC via Steam. It would be great to see a remaster of the game pop up on PC sooner or later.
Source
Pokdepinion: This would be a good way to relive my childhood memories. I remember seeing my brother playing it, and then being somewhat confused by the major plot twist of the game. I hope it ends up being real.
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Cooler Master MWE series redefines affordable power supplies; 80 Plus efficiency from just RM169!

Durability, reliability and stability are usually not words that come together in the same sentence as affordability. But that’s what Cooler Master is set to change with the announcement of three members of the new MWE family, the MWE 400, MWE 450 and MWE 500.

The MWE series of PSUs are designed with cost effectiveness in mind, without sacrificing on safety and reliability. Cooler Master specifically designed this series to offer a safer and more robust option for builders with cost constraints. With a three-year warranty, the MWE series offers peace of mind.

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The MWE series is engineered to be eco-friendly as well, with an active PFC design and forward topology, offering 80 Plus efficiency while maintaining PFC standards under all conditions. ROHS compliance ensures that the PSUs is manufactured with a minimal environmental footprint.

Higher operating temperatures may make other PSUs sweat, but not the MWE series of power supplies. Built with better capacitors and internal components, the MWE series of PSUs are capable of consistent performance at operating temperatures of up to 40°C. While these components are able to withstand higher temperatures, at normal operating temperatures of 25°C, the power supplies provide a higher threshold of safety, promising a longer lifecycle with consistent power output with the better components built into the MWE series by Cooler Master.
The Cooler Master MWE 400 is priced at RM169, the MWE 450 at RM189 and the MWE 500 is priced at RM209.
Pokdepinion: Power supplies are often the most overlooked component. Many PC builders skimp on to save costs when building their systems. With affordable yet high quality PSUs like these, they can save money while ensuring the stability of the power delivery to their pricey components.
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Blizzard Announces Overwatch Anniversary 2018 Event – New Legendary Edition Revealed

Looks like we’ll have some more new content dropping in for the game as Blizzard has officially announced the Overwatch Anniversary 2018 event as well as a new Legendary Edition for the game.
Blizzard Announces Overwatch Anniversary 2018 Event

You’ll have a brawl!
Past brawls and cosmetics are back for Overwatch Anniversary 2018.
The celebration begins May 22! 🎉🎂 pic.twitter.com/C58AFSvfOs
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) May 14, 2018

After last year’s one-year anniversary in-game event which saw the addition of new emotes, skins, and more, many fans have been speculating about what Blizzard has planned for this year’s event. Well, today Blizzard started putting those rumours to rest as they have officially released the details on Overwatch Anniversary 2018.

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Starting 22nd May 2018, players will be able to obtain all previously released Brawl modes and seasonal cosmetic items, meaning if you wanted to earn the Halloween or Christmas versions of characters, you’ll once again be able to do so.

You’ll have a brawl!
Past brawls and cosmetics are back for Overwatch Anniversary 2018.
The celebration begins May 22! 🎉🎂 pic.twitter.com/C58AFSvfOs
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) May 14, 2018

In addition to that, a ton of new content will be added to the game, including a brand new Deathmatch map called Petra, as well as new skins for all characters, and dancing emotes for Doomfist, Moira, and Brigitee.
Finally, the famed developer also announced that they will be running a free weekend from 25th May 2018 to 29th May 2018. On top of that, a brand new edition of the game will be hitting digital stores from the first day of the free weekend. Titled the Legendary Edition, it’ll come with the base game, of course, as well as 15 extra skins, all which will be a variety of Legendary, Epic, and Origin skins.
Overwatch was released back in 2016 and is available for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Battle.net.
Pokdepinion: Well, it’s good to see that Blizzard is still consistently putting out new content for the game and the new Legendary Edition might not only entice new customers, but also existing ones.
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Sony Wins 19 iF Design Awards – PlayStation 4 Pro nabs gold along with three other Sony products

Congrats Sony

Sony has recently announced that they have been awarded 19 iF Design Awards for 2018, equaling Sony’s tally from last year. However, they’ve one upped themselves (literally) from last year with four Gold iF Design Awards this year as opposed to last year’s three, winning an additional one Gold award.

“What are the iF Design Awards and why is it such a big deal?” some of you readers might ask. Well, the iF Product Design Awards first started way back in 1954 by the iF International Forum Design GmbH and for nearly 70 years their aim was to draw attention to particularly well-designed industrial products. In doing so, they wanted to communicate the importance of design and all it can achieve: for users, for brands and for societies. Now the iF Design Awards is recognised as a symbol of design excellence around the world with over 5,000 submissions from 70 countries every year.

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The four Sony products that were awarded the prestigious Gold iF Design Awards are the BRAVIA A1 Series TV, the DPT-RP1 digital paper, the Xperia XZ1 smartphone as well as the ever popular PlayStation 4 Pro video game console.
Check out the iF Gold Award winners down below as well as the jury comments on said products.

OLED 4K Television: BRAVIA A1 Series

“Sony has achieved an ultraminimalist masterpiece: a television like a work of art, equipped with innovative sound technology. The sheer quality of fit and the innovation with sound coming through the screen astounded us, allowing for an absence of visible speaker system.”
Digital Paper: DPT-RP1

“Nearly identical to real paper, this digital paper has an excellent surface feel. A super lightweight product, the selection of materials is excellent for such a high-tech device.”
Smartphone: Xperia XZ1

“Congratulations to Sony for the puristic Xperia design, which stands out among the crowded mobile market. Masterful manufacturing combined with thoughtful detailing and a holistic approach to materials and colors. This phone sits very nicely in the hand.”
PlayStation 4 Pro

“The latest and most powerful gaming technology takes the form of a smart geographic construction, complemented by well-solved details and subtle lighting cues. A visually pleasing and simple yet elegant design statement with a progressive brand language, perfectly matching the taste of the device’s target group.”
Here’s the complete list of all the Sony products awarded with the iF Design Awards:
iF Design Gold Award Winners

BRAVIA A1 Series 4K Television
DPT-RP1 Digital Paper
Xperia XZ1 Smartphone
PlayStation 4 Pro

iF Design Award Winners

HT-MT500 2.1ch Compact Soundbar
SRS-XB20 Wireless Speaker
SRS-XB10 Wireless Speaker
NW-ZX300 Digital Music Player
WI-1000X Wireless Headphones
WI-C400 Wireless Headphones
α9 Digital Camera
RX0 Digital Still Camera
MP-CD1 Mobile Projector
Xperia Touch Smart Product
Xperia XZ Premium Smartphone
Xperia XZ1 Compact Smartphone
FES Watch U Display Watch
AROMASTIC Personal Aroma Diffuser
PlayStation®VR Aim Controller

For more information about the Sony products mentioned above, do head over here.
Pokdepinion: Sony has always had a knack of producing products with memorable designs. So kudos to them for this recognition.
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Cyberpunk 2077 ignores SMT on AMD Ryzen CPUs — here’s how to fix it

According to various reports, Cyberpunk 2077 has an issue whereby it ignores AMD’s implementation of SMT in AMD Ryzen processors. As such, gamers playing with AMD Ryzen CPUs were noticing poor performance on their systems. Redditors have come up with a patch for it, and it involves searching for a string and changing a value to allow Cyberpunk 2077 to take full advantage of your AMD CPU.
For the more technically inclined, you can use a hex editor to open Cyberpunk2077.exe, search for the string 75 30 33 C9 B8 01 00 00 00 0F A2 8B C8 C1 F9 08 and change it to EB 30 33 C9 B8 01 00 00 00 0F A2 8B C8 C1 F9 08. After you save it, your AMD CPU should be running at its full potential in Cyberpunk 2077. If that sounds daunting, our friends over at Tech Critter have came up with an easier to use Cyberpunk 2077 AMD patch that you can download here.

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For this tool, all you need to do is to put the patcher in the same folder as your Cyberpunk2077.exe executable, and click “Patch”. It is a lot simpler and is definitely a lot less complicated than using a hex editor.
Source
Pokdepinion: Perhaps this is intentional to enhance the immersion of the game for AMD users.
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Instagram Stories Camera Will Receive A Major Design Overhaul
Picture credits: Android Authority

Are you an active Instagram user? Do you find yourself using the Instagram Stories feature often? Then this bit of news will certainly interest you. It appears that the Instagram Stories camera will be receiving a major design overhaul soon.
As seen at the top of this post, the layout of the camera app will be changed to a carousel-type UI. Everything that you need to access from Boomerangs to filters will be accessed via this carousel wheel. There will also be a new Create Mode, where users can share Instagram Stories without the use of images or videos.
Aside from that, Instagram has started to roll out a new Donation Sticker, where users can help raise money for charity with the help of their followers. All they need to do is select the sticker from the Stories panel, select the non-profit charity that they wish to support, and share the picture and video out. It is said that 100% of the money raised using the Donation Sticker will be given to the selected charity.

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As for when we can expect to see the design overhaul, that is yet to be seen. It may take some time before we get to see it released. For now, just keep an eye out for future updates for the social media app.
Source: Android Authority
Pokdepinion: Now hoping the camera will improve on post-processing for better photos using the app directly.
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Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 announced — Samsung’s 10nm FinFet & Quick Charge 4.0

Qualcomm has announced its collaboration with Samsung to manufacture the latest Snapdragon SoC, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835. The new chip will be using the latest Samsung’s 10nm FinFET process technology. The Qualcomm Snapdragon is said to be an octa-core chip with high performance Kyro 200 cores and an updated Adreno graphics processing unit.
Samsung’s Executive vice president and head of foundry business, Jong Shik Yoon said —

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to work closely with Qualcomm Technologies in producing the Snapdragon 835 using our 10nm FinFet technology,” — “This collaboration is an important milestone for our foundry business as it signifies confidence in Samsung’s leading chip process technology.”

Last October, Samsung announced its move into mass production of 10nm FinFET chips, replacing the current 14nm manufacturing process. With the latest Samsung’s 10nm technology, it allows up to an 30% increase in area efficiency, allowing for 27% higher performance and also 40% lower power consumption. Thus the Snapdragon 835 processor will offer a smaller die, giving a huge advantage to OEMs for more useable space on the printed circuit.

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Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 is also introducing the latest iteration of its fast charging technology, Quick Charge 4.0. The new Quick Charge 4.0 isclaimed to be able to give the user up to 5 hours of battery life with just 15 minutes’ charge. Compared to it’s predecessor, Quick Charge 3.0, the new technology has 20 percent faster charging and 30 percent higher efficiency. The standard will be fully compliant with the USB Power Delivery standard and USB Type-C specifications.

The Snapdragon 835 is said to be ready for next year and will be available in the upcoming flagships. As the chip will be produced by Samsung, it is highly likely that the new Samsung Galaxy S8 will be featuring the 10nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor.

Pokdepinion: As manufacturing processes shrink, the general outcome is better efficiency. We look forward to the upcoming Snapdragon 835-packing smartphones, which should be even better than the already amazingly powerful Snapdragon 820 which we tested in the HTC 10.
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POCOPHONE F1 Android 9 Pie update released — fixes PUBG Mobile notch issue!

The POCOPHONE F1 is definitely one of the best value buys of 2018. With MIUI 10 Global Stable for the POCOPHONE F1 rolling out by this week, users will get to enjoy an entirely revamped user interface. But Xiaomi isn’t stopping there, as they have already released Android 9 Pie for the POCOPHONE F1.
Time for a refreshing new UI?
The caveat is that you will have to running the latest MIUI 8.10.30 Global Beta version to be able to get a taste of Android 9 Pie. Aside from updating the budget flagship to the latest Android version, The latest beta has also reportedly solved the PUBG Mobile notch issue.

We’ll do at least P and Q
— Jai Mani (@jaimani) October 28, 2018

Head of Product at POCOPHONE, Jai Mani, has pledged to deliver at least Android Q to the POCOPHONE F1, so owners of the affordable #MasterOfSpeed are definitely in for at least two new treats before it stops getting new Android versions. You can download MIUI 10 8.10.30 Global Beta here.

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Pokdepinion: There is probably no other device in the POCOPHONE F1’s price range that has gotten Android 9 Pie yet, even in a beta ROM.
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‘Shape-Shifting’ Bacteria Found By Nasa On ISS – Are We Really Alone In The Universe?

Not sure if a feeling of joy or horror was felt by the astronauts on the ISS (International Space Station) as they’ve uncovered a new ‘shape-shifting’ bacteria on-board the floating technology fortress.
It was detected in bacteria that was being experimented on the near weightless-ness of outer space, which scientists believe that it was the bacteria’s way of surviving. In what seems like a scenario from a sci-fi film, the space bacteria showed a 13 times increase in cell numbers, and a 73% reduction in cell column size.
Head of the study, Dr. Luis Zea noted that bacteria behave differently in space and it would take a higher concentration of antibiotics to kill them. What’s new is that they have conduct a systematic study on the physical changes in appearance of the bacteria during the tests.

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Dr Zea published his findings in the Frontiers of Microbiology, explaining on how bacteria operates when they’re not slowed down by “gravity-driven forces such as buoyancy and sedimentation”, reports Sky News. He added that the only way for the bacteria on the ISS could ingest nutrients or drugs was through natural diffusion.
The result from the findings will affect on how astronauts deal with bacterial infection in zero gravity, where the study also finding that the cell wall and outer membrane of the bacteria actually thickens in space, which protects the E coli from the antibiotic.
Beforehand, Dr. Zea initially thought that the bacteria forming into clumps was the result of a defensive mechanism of the bacteria but the study showed that several of the bacterial cells were seen membrane vesicles, which are small capsules that form outside of the cell walls and will be messenger-like cells where they communicate with each other. That is something that’s quite scary..
Both the increase in cell envelope thickness and in the outer membrane vesicles may be indicative of drug resistance mechanisms being activated in the space flight samples. This experiment and others like it give us the opportunity to better understand how bacteria become resistant to antibiotics here on Earth Dr. Luis Zea, Study's Lead Author
Pokdepinion: All those question about “Are we alone in the universe?”, this is really a sign. There’s much to uncover out there..
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ViewQwest Launches 1Gbps Business Broadband Plan From RM338

ViewQwest has announced today of their new 1Gbps business broadband plan, which is the first of its kind at its speed in Malaysia.
ViewQwest business broadband plan

In addition to the 1Gbps package, they’ve also introduced their 800Mbps option. For the former, it will start at an introductory price from RM338 per month.

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From now till the 31st of May 2022, you can sign up for the 1Gbps plan for RM338 per month for the first 12 months of a 36-month contract. Once a year has passed, the remaining duration will be charged at RM378 monthly.
There is the option of a 24-month contract plan, where users will be charged RM348 for the first year and RM388 subsequently for each monthly following that period.
Aside from that, new subscribers to their business broadband plans will receive a Wi-Fi 6 certified router mesh systems, specifically to those who subscribe to 1Gbps, 800Mbps, 500Mbps, and 300Mbps plans respectively.
Subscribers can also add Static IP to their plan for just RM10 monthly to enable remote access, less downtime, as well as the use of an FTP server.
The new 1Gbps and 800Mbps plans are currently available at key commercial and business hubs across the Klang Valley and also in Johor Bahru, which includes Bangsar South, Mid Valley City, Aurora Place, Eco Ardence, KL Sentral, and Imazium Tower.
You can head to their website right here to check their service coverage. For more on the latest tech and gaming news plus reviews, stay tuned to Pokde.net.
Pokdepinion: What I’d do to get that kind of speed for my home…
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Google Reveals The Top Trending Searches Malaysians Made In January 2022

Google has just unveiled the top 10 searches made in Malaysia during January 2022. Some of the searches include subjects such as sports, science and local celebrities.
Google Top 10 Trending Searches for January 2022

Australian Open
Australia’s legacy was continued as the hosts of the Australian Open, where Rafael Nadal won his 21st Grand Slam title after defeating opponent Daniil Medvedev in the finals.
BKM Login
Malaysians were confirming their eligibility to receive their share of the RM 8.2 billion in government aid promised in Budget 2022.
Chelsea vs Tottenham / Arsenal vs Liverpool
Chelsea defeated Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in the Carabao Cup thanks to Antonio Rudiger’s goal, while Liverpool defeated Arsenal 2-0 thanks to Diogo Jota’s goals.
Spiral Betty
Malaysian Google searched this photo-editing platform that can generate distinctive spiral designs from uploaded images took social media by storm as these images started making rounds on TikTok.
Liverpool vs Shrewsbury
Liverpool faced Shrewsbury in the fourth round of the English FA Cup, with the Reds winning 4-1 thanks to goals from Kaide Gordon, Roberto Dirmino, and Fabinho.
Dato Sri Mahadi
This entrepreneur previously took the Malaysian Google-sphere by storm with his car which was adorned with 4,600 Hot Wheels model cars. He trended again on Google after tying the knot with celebrity and humanitarian, Heliza Helmi on January 1.
开端 (Reset)
‘Reset’ had viewers invested in the fate of the main characters, Li Shi Qing and Xiao He Yun, who find themselves trapped in a time loop.
Tottenham vs Chelsea / Brighton vs Chelsea
Chelsea trended in two English Premier League matches this month, the first against Tottenham, which they won 2-0, and the second against Brighton, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Brestois
Football fans were excited for the League 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Brestois, which saw PSG players Kylian Mbappe and Thilo Kehrer contribute to the team’s 2-0 victory.
Hubble Birthday
Netizens were intrigued to explore this site, which began gaining traction on social media by showing exactly what the Hubble space telescope saw on a person’s birthday.

Pokdepinion: Pretty interesting selection of trending topics. I didn’t expect Dato Sri Mahadi to pop up in the top 10 list. I’ve seen his car before when I was in Bangsar. Truly a sight to behold.

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