Discord Users Will Have To Rename Themselves Soon

The Hunger Games: Discord Edition.

Discord is making a big change ahead: your username will soon be rendered obsolete as the app is switching to a new username system that basically mimics what’s already available in other major social media platforms. The suffixed 4-digit number, originally served as a differentiator (or ‘discriminators’ as Discord calls it) between same IDs, will be removed over time.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

“This became technical debt that we didn’t address adequately,” Discord Co-founder and CTO Stanislav Vishnevskiy wrote in the blog post. “Our current usernames can often be too complicated or obscure for people to remember and share easily.”
It turns out that the current system, which is case-sensitive and includes the aforementioned 4-digit discriminator has proven difficult for users to share their IDs for adding friends. “PhIBI#8936” and “PHibi#8936”, despite being the same name, are not the same ID, which confused a lot of people (almost half of all friend requests failed to connect as a result of this).

In its place will be a new naming system similar to how you use Twitter or Instagram: a unique ID that contains only small alphabets (a-z), numbers (0-9), periods (.) and underscores (_). The new ID will not replace anything other than the original ID – so your server display names will still continue to function even after the ID change. Though, a new ‘Display Name’ will slot in between server nickname and user IDs, as a replacement for users that used non-alphanumeric characters in their existing IDs (such as CJK characters).
The rollout should begin in the coming weeks, and to avoid a literal Hunger Games situation, Discord is rolling this out slowly and priority will be given to the oldest Discord users. Users will just have to wait until their turn arrives – so if you are among the earliest Discord users, you should be able to update your IDs soon. (New users, just pray that your name won’t be taken before your turn arrives.)
Pokdepinion: Oh bummer, but I guess that’s something they had to do.
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


ASUS ROG Zephyrus S Gaming Laptop Review – It Sounds Bigger Than It Actually Is

ASUS ROG Zephyrus S Gaming Laptop Review
Unboxing the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S

If you missed out on our earlier post on the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S gaming laptop, click right here to get up to speed.
Appearance

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus S gaming laptop is very much alike the original Zephyrus laptop, which we also reviewed. The hood itself is split into two parts; a matte black finish and a glossy metal finish with the ROG logo on it. The ROG logo does actually light up but not the way you expect it. It glows red but it’s as if the logo is wearing a fishnet over it.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

On the left side, you have an air vent, a charging port, a USB-C port, two USB-A ports, and the combo audio jack. On the right side, you have another air vent, a USB-C port, and a single USB-A port. You can still connect it to an external display as the HDMI port is located on the back side, along with a Kensington Lock.

Upon lifting the hood, you will be greeted with a 15.6-inch Full HD 144Hz display and a 4-zone RGB keyboard with Aura Sync, in the style of the original Zephyrus. In other words, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S gaming laptop has the keyboard on the lower side. It is considered a desktop-style keyboard because you do have everything, including the numpad.

The trackpad doubles as a numpad and it can be enabled with the push of a button. This is your standard chiclet keyboard, so it feels like what you would expect from a laptop. Right above the keyboard, there is a big, empty space with some slits and the ROG logo on it. In case you’re wondering, this is where the speakers are located.
There’s nothing much on the bottom here and it looks pretty clean and flat. You have the ROG logo, some product info stickers, a couple of air vent slits on the left and right sides, and rubber stands.

Aside from the ports mentioned earlier, there are a couple of air vents on the back and it’s pretty small. Of course, this is definitely out of their power as any bigger and it will make the laptop even bigger or heavier, so that’s something to consider.
Overall, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S gaming laptop is a very sleek and sexy machine, much like the original Zephyrus. The only issue I had is the awkward keyboard placement but when you consider the overall package, it’s one of the classiest machines around.
Specifications

CPU
Intel Core i7-8750H (6C / 12T @ up to 4.1 GHz), 9M Cache, 45W TDP, 14nm

RAM
16GB 2666MHz DDR4

GPU
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB GDDR5

Storage
512GB PCIe G3X4 NVMe SSD

Display
15.6″ FHD (1920 X 1080) 144Hz IPS-level display (3ms response, 100% sRGB)

Keyboard
Desktop-style 4-Zone RGB keyboard with Aura Sync (NKRO)

Connectivity
Wireless:
Intel 802.11ac (2×2) Gigabit Wi-Fi
Bluetooth 5.0
I/O:
2 x Type-A USB 2.0
1 x Type-A USB 3.0
1 x Type-C Gen 1
1 x Type-C Gen 2 with DisplayPort 1.2 and Power Delivery
1 x HDMI (supports 2.0)
1 x Kensington Lock
1 x Proprietary Charging Port

Audio
2 x Speakers (Stereo)
1 x Combo Audio Jack

Power
50Whr 4-cell Li-Polymer Battery

Dimensions
360 x 268 x 14.95~15.75 mm (W x D x H)

Weight
2.1kg

Performance

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus S gaming laptop uses only a single storage device and that is the 512GB Samsung PM981 NVMe PCIe SSD. ASUS did mention that this will have a minimum of 1600 MB/s write speed and it’s definitely shown via the benchmark result above. Generally, you can expect some real good speeds here.

On Cinebench R15 on the other hand, the OpenGL test ran pretty good, easily surpassing that 60 FPS mark. The Intel Core i7-8750H performed as we expected from this test, being very close to 1000 cb.

And lastly in our synthetic benchmark suite, Unigine Heaven Benchmark 4.0. It does an admirable job on the Ultra preset and it definitely shows that it’s capable of playing plenty of games in its highest settings without issues. Though, it may be better to dial down the settings a bit for a select few.

For our games test, we first put it to the test with two of the most popular eSports titles out there; DotA 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO). It managed to demolish through the games with ease at their highest settings, and there’s more than enough frames on average for you to take advantage of that 144Hz display for CSGO. It’s worth noting that while there may not be any thermal throttling, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S gaming laptop was very noisy throughout the duration

For the more resource-intensive games, we started first with Far Cry 5 the settings cranked at maximum. It still managed to play the game with an average of 61 FPS, which is very smooth. The difference in temperature for CPU and GPU is very noticeable with 25 degrees difference. There was a slight thermal throttling according to HWInfo64, which surprisingly didn’t last long. Just like in the other two games, the fans were really loud.

And the last game in our games benchmark is one of the hardest games to run today, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. What’s interesting here is that on average at the highest settings, it only managed 38 FPS but, there was no thermal throttling whatsoever. It’s worth noting that the fans are super loud when running this. For the best experience, running the game on the High preset instead of the Ultra High will yield an overall pleasant gaming experience.
For the battery life, you can’t really expect much from a gaming laptop. After all, some of the things here like the GPU will easily eat up the battery life, even if you’re just browsing the web. With that being said, i only managed about two to two and half hours of use per full charge with 50% brightness. You’re definitely going to need to bring the charger everywhere you go if you plan on getting one for yourself.
User Experience

As you may know at this point, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S gaming laptop is packing quite a bit of firepower under the hood. Intel Core i7-8750H, GeForce GTX 1060 6GB, and 16GBs of RAM. It’s not the most powerful but it is plenty, and you can certainly do a lot of things on this machine easily. With the lighter titles like CSGO, it has enough power for players to take advantage of its 144Hz display but for some of the newer, more intensive titles, you may need to dial down the settings at least a little bit.
In terms of storage, it only has a single NVMe PCIe SSD (Samsung PM981), which makes sense given the size of the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S gaming laptop. There is plenty of storage space though as it is 512GBs in capacity. As it is the only storage option here, be sure to download a tool like Samsung Magician or anything similar to maintain it in order to ensure its lifespan and performance.

With all of that being said, it can be annoying to use this laptop for one simple reason; noise. The fans starting spinning like crazy even while doing some simple tasks like browsing the internet. I wish I was joking but that actually happened when I was on social media and also watching YouTube videos. There were no fan boost modes that were activated, and it wasn’t set on some high performance preset either. Needless to say, anything that’s even remotely intensive resulted in a very noisy machine.
With that being said however, at least it managed to cool down the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S gaming laptop well enough. From our performance section, I was surprised by the lack of thermal throttling for the most part. Sure, while the GPU temperatures are good, the CPU temperature is a bit on the high side but I’ve seen worse bigger laptops like the Predator Helios 300 for example.

There is a decent array of ports here on the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S gaming laptop. Three USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, a HDMI port, and a combo audio jack. I’m starting to notice a trend with laptops nowadays not having an SD card reader so I’m not really surprised at this point, but it would still be nice to have one instead of bringing a USB dongle for it. A LAN port would be nice as well but I have a feeling this may be due to limitations with the size.

Moving on to the part that I personally disliked about the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S gaming laptop, the keyboard. Does the keyboard itself feel comfortable to type on? Yes. Is it aesthetically pleasing with light, colours and stuff? With 4-zone RGB and Aura Sync, sure. However, they have reverted back to the same position that the original Zephyrus had, which is on the lower side. The picture above shows my typing speed on this laptop, which is roughly 80% of my usual speed. Not too bad, but still, the positioning feels off for me.

The keyboard is rather cramped given that its sharing space with the trackpad and it’s somewhat uncomfortable to use unless you have a wrist rest. Without it, typing just feels rather awkward. If you have a wrist rest, then you may need to bring that along too, which can be a bit troublesome. The trackpad itself is okay, and it feels like a natural position. Doubling it as a numpad to save space also jives well for me since most users don’t use numpads often anyway. If you’re a data entry kind of person, best not to use that numpad.

On the software-side of things, ASUS ROG laptops used to have the ROG Gaming Center software which allows you to check on the status of the machine, customize, and optimize it. On the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S gaming laptop however, it has the new and improved Armoury Crate software.

While the purpose of the software is still the same, it has a brand new user interface which I personally really love. It’s sleeker, sexier, and also easier to navigate compared to the old software. In here, you can check running temperatures, customize the keyboard’s 4-Zone RGB lighting, use specific custom profiles which some of the most famous eSports players utilize, and more.
If you’re looking to overclock or run some form of “boost” mode, this is the place you need to be at. It’s generally straightforward and most users shouldn’t be at risk of potentially destroying the hardware. You can even add functionality by downloading more tools via the software itself. You can access the Armoury Crate either by opening the software manually or simply pressing the ROG button located above the trackpad / numpad.

The 15.6-inch display here is a joy to look at whether is it for watching videos or playing games. The colours are lively and not oversaturated, viewing angles are pretty good, and the 144Hz display lets me enjoy some real smooth gaming experiences. Of course, this is provided the games that I play can pump up enough frame to take advantage of it. Given the specs and the size of the display, I’m thankful that it uses Full HD resolution instead of 4K or 1440p. Unless the screen is bigger, most people won’t be able to tell the difference between those 3 resolutions anyway, and the laptop will need power to run things at higher resolutions.
On the sound department, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S gaming laptop certainly feels surprisingly wholesome. Given the placement of the speakers, it feels like the audio is focused on you when you’re using it, which is great. Of course, the best would still be to use a good headset / headphone but it’s still good to have nonetheless.

Overall, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S gaming laptop has the power to perform in a slim package. It does have its quirks but the good thing here is that there isn’t many of it. The downside of that however is that these quirks can be a dealbreaker for a number of people, from the really noisy fan to the awkward keyboard placement. It depends on what you want from a gaming laptop.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus S Verdict

In the past, ultraslim gaming laptops are practically unheard of. Fast forward to today, and you do have a small number of choices. In fact, ASUS themselves have three different Zephyrus models released until now, and we have other folks like MSI doing that as well with their GS65 Stealth 8RF. So if you’re considering the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S gaming laptop, then chances are that you want something powerful but not be encumbered by something big and heavy.
The Zephyrus S has good performance, but it is a very noisy machine with an awkward keyboard placement. I can’t fault its battery life given the power its packing so I feel like those two points will heavily influence whether you should buy it or not.Those two factors are dealbreakers for me that would make me avoid this at all costs. I don’t recall the original Zephyrus as well as the Zephyrus M making this much noise and so often either, with the latter having a keyboard placement that makes sense and the former coming with a wrist rest from the get-go.
If you want an ultraslim gaming laptop but you want to stick to ASUS, do consider the original Zephyrus or even the Zephyrus M, although the latter is roughly 300g heavier. Otherwise, the GS65 Stealth 8RF may be the better option. The ROG Zephyrus S is a fair bit cheaper though, priced at just RM7999. With that being said, I award the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S gaming laptop with our Bronze Pokdeward.

Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


Facebook Dark Mode on App Has Started to Surface

https://twitter.com/nagesh45/status/1198893505239584769

It’s no secret that Facebook has been working on dark mode for their social media platform. It’s already available on desktop for those who have access to the new Beta UI, and is available on Messenger. However, it has yet to appear on the smartphone app…until now.
According to AndroidPolice, some users have reported that the dark mode option has surfaced on their smartphones. However, it also mysteriously disappeared soon after. This coincides with an earlier post on Reddit where users mentioned of a similar experience.

facebook tengah test dark mode ke tu? pic.twitter.com/VsLhjarGB0— Lock (@locknain) November 17, 2019

Interestingly, a couple of users on Twitter have showed off the new Facebook dark mode on the app. However, there were no mentions of whether the feature was made permanent to them or if it disappeared shortly after as well.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

With the increasing number of users getting the same experience, it appears that the testing for dark mode has become more prevalent. This suggests that its release is imminent. However, there’s still no word yet on when it will be officially released. We will be reporting more on the matter as soon as information becomes available.
Source: AndroidPolice
Pokdepinion: There’s always the OS-wide dark mode you can use but not everyone has the update for that just yet. Hopefully, it gets released soon.
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


Updated Samsung Galaxy Fold to launch in September

The Samsung Galaxy Fold was set for a late April launch, before reviewers literally trashed the device. The new Galaxy Fold will feature a few changes to the design to improve its reliability. Samsung also announced a release date, with a September 2019 launch date in “select markets”.
Hopefully these will prevent entry of foreign particles under the screen.
The new Samsung Galaxy Fold touts the following changes:

the top protective layer of the Infinity Flex Display is extended beyond the bezel to make it clear that it isn’t meant to be removed
additional reinforcements (most probably around the hinge) to prevent particles from entering while “maintaining its signature foldable experience”
New protection caps for the top and bottom of the hinge areas
Extra metal layers underneath the Infinity Flex Display to reinforce the protection of the display
Reduced space between the hinge and the body

From the list of changes, it does seem like the Samsung Galaxy Fold would be considerably more resilient in daily use. With a folding mechanism, I am still somewhat doubtful about its long-term reliability, but this being the first-of-its-kind, so minor issues are still forgivable.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

At least Samsung has been forthright about it and fixed the problems with the Samsung Galaxy Fold before putting them up for sale. It’s not ideal, but it’s far better than telling you that you are holding it wrong and selling you a case to protect your phone.

For those who are looking forward to buying a Samsung Galaxy Fold, the price doesn’t seem to have changed. So you would still be looking at a $1980 price tag when it finally launches in September 2019.
Samsung Galaxy Fold Specs

Snapdragon 855, octa-core up to 2.84 GHz, 7nm FinFET
12GB LPDDR4x RAM
512GB UFS 3.0 storage
7.3″ Infinity Flex QXGA+ (1536 x 2152) Dynamic AMOLED + 4.6″ HD+ Super AMOLED
12MP F1.5 / F2.4 + 12MP f/2.4 telephoto + 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide
10MP f/2.2 selfie camera + inner 10MP f/2.2 + 8MP f/1.9 RGB depth camera
4380 mAh battery, 15W QC 2.0 / Adaptive Fast Charging, Fast Wireless Charging
$1980 (~RM8157)

The HUAWEI Mate X is also scheduled for a September 2019 launch, so we will see a duel of the two foldable phones. We thought the Samsung would have a head start, but it seems like it just wasn’t to be.
Pokdepinion: Oh hell no I am not buying a foldable phone. Maybe a slider, but not a foldable one.
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


Looking for new games? Not sure which one is worth the money in August 2018? Check out this month’s edition of Pokde Picks: 5 Awesome Games to Look Out For.
Pokde Picks: 5 Awesome Games to Look Out For In August 2018
Yakuza Kiwami 2

The complete remake of Sega’s 2006 hit game Yakuza 2, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is an open world action-adventure game set in fictional Japan. A year after leaving the Tojo Clan behind, ex-yakuza Kazuma Kiryu is called back into action when the clan’s chairman, Yukio Terada, is murdered by assassins from rival organization, the Omi Alliance.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

Returning to Kamurocho, Kiryu must find a new chairman for the Tojo Clan and prevent an all-out war between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance, bringing him into conflict with Ryuji Goda, the legendary “Dragon of Kansai” of the Omi Alliance. What seems to be a simple problem will soon turn into a mess with underlying motives surrounding the Yakuza.
Fun fact, Yakuza Kiwami 2 has an extra scenario that doesn’t exist in its original 2006 iteration. The new scenario explains how Goro Majima came to leave the Tojo Clan following the death of his patron the year before, Futoshi Shimano. He forms a legitimate enterprise, “Majima Construction”, between the events of Yakuza and Yakuza 2.
Yakuza Kiwami 2 will be released exclusively for the PlayStation 4 on 28th August 2018.
 Telltale’s The Walking Dead: Final Season

The popular, narrative-focused game is back for one more season. Telltale’s The Walking Dead: Final Season is a point-and-click adventure game where every choice you make will shape up the game’s story. Players will once again follow protagonist Clementine, once a child abandoned in the undead apocalypse and now a hardened teen who can do anything to survive.
Clementine has left Richmond, along with previous season’s protagonist Javier, to look for Alvin Jr whom she was separated from sometime after Season 2. After wandering around for clues, she has found a solid lead on him at the McCarroll Ranch and ventures forth alone to find out if he is still truly alive. But in typical Walking Dead fashion, happy endings rarely come and it’s never that easy.
Fun fact, Telltale’s The Walking Dead: Final Season will be released in episodic format, just like in the past. However, there will only be 4 episodes, which is different from its usual 5-episode format. This season will mark the end of Clementine’s story but the developers hinted that it might not be the last for The Walking Dead series.
Telltale’s The Walking Dead: Final Season will be coming to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC on 14th August 2018.
 Monster Hunter World (PC)

Arguably the most hyped game of 2018 especially for gamers on PC, Monster Hunter World is an action role-playing game with a massive open world environment. Players take control of a hunter of their own creation as part of the Fifth Fleet. This fleet has been summoned by the Research Commission for the purpose of providing support to the New World on research of the Elder Dragons.
The fleet then encounters Zorah Magdaros, an Elder Dragon as big as the mountains. It turns out that Zorah is dying and is migrating to a massive graveyard known as the Rotten Vale. Upon its death, its bio-energy will form a new ecosystem that is beneficial for the New World. However, another Elder Dragon, Nergigante, is preying on it. The hunters must prevent this from happening as the fate of the New World hangs in a delicate balance.
Fun fact, while Monster Hunter World has already been released on consoles earlier, the PC version is coming up and is expected to boost the massive player base to an even larger number. The game is rather resource-intensive however, as a GTX 1080, one of the strongest graphic cards available today, is said to only be capable of barely playing the game at a smooth 60 frames per second.
Monster Hunter World will finally be coming to the PC on 9th August 2018.
Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker

The latest videogame entry for the popular Japanese manga / anime series, Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker is a team-based action multiplayer game which can also be played online. Published by Bandai Namco, the game will have players go head-to-head in two teams of 4 where all eight players will be fighting at the same time.
While not much is known about the game’s story, it is said to take place during the New Era arc where Naruto has become the 7th Hokage and has fathered two children; the titular Boruto and his sister Himawari. The game will also let players create their own original characters that will fit in the game as well as the storyline.
Fun fact, Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker is one of the few games where the English release will be coming very shortly after its Japanese release, just one day after to be precise. Not only that, the English version will be available in multiple platforms whereas the Japanese version is exclusive to the PlayStation 4.
Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker will be coming to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on 31st August 2018.
 Pro Evolution Soccer 2019

The former biggest football game series in the past is coming back in an attempt to reclaim its throne. Pro Evolution Soccer 2019, commonly abbreviated as PES 2019, is a football simulation game by Konami. In Pro Evolution Soccer 2019, Konami has promised to increase the number of licenses, which includes more fully licensed leagues and stadiums, and a variety of new Legends to play with
At the moment, the official championships announced directly for the game are 8 Leagues which include the French Ligue 1, Danish Superligaen, the Portuguese Primeira Liga, the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, the Swiss Raiffeisen Super League, the Scottish Premiership, the Primera División Argentina and, exclusively, the Russian Premier League. More might be added at a later date.
Fun fact, Konami did not renew their deal with UEFA on this game. This means that the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Super Cup will not be available in this game and is only available in its competitor, FIFA 19. This marks the first time in 10 years that UEFA will have no presence in the series.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 will be coming to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on 28th August 2018.
Hope you enjoyed this month’s Pokde Picks. Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments section, especially if you feel like there should be a different game in the list.
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


What Did We Learn From the Overwatch Christmas Event?

The Overwatch Christmas event is over and now they’re having one for Chinese New Year.
As we’ve reported earlier, Overwatch is having a Chinese New Year event. Their Christmas event ended not too long ago so before we take a look at the latest one, let’s see what we’ve learned from the previous seasonal event.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

An Overwatch Christmas Holiday
Beginning with the Rio Olympics last year, Overwatch has been running seasonal events. In those events, they have special game modes and new collectibles like skins and emotes. The one we’re looking at today is the Christmas event. So what have we learned so far?
1. Mei’s Snowball Offensive is an Experiment

Personally, I love Overwatch but doing the same objectives in the same maps can get stale real fast. Fans have been asking for more game modes to play and Blizzard is doing just that. The only problem is that the ones that are drastically different from the usual are only available during seasonal events.
Mei’s Snowball Offensive is one of them and it’s only available during the Christmas event. In the Olympics, we saw a football-style game mode featuring Lucio, in Halloween we had a Defense-style PvE mode, and now we have a sudden death-style snowball fight. Some modes are clearly more fun than others but if it hasn’t hit you yet, it should by now.
Blizzard is clearly experimenting on different game modes to see what the gamers enjoy most for now. Chances are, they’re collecting all the feedback during seasonal events and most likely releasing them permanently some time in the future. Keep in mind that this game isn’t an ordinary FPS so it can be tricky to implement similar elements from other games as the balance might be completely off.
Why am I sure that it will eventually be a permanent release? Simply because it wouldn’t make sense for them to put in so much hard work for a game mode that will only be around for a short period of time.
2. It’s Not as Fun as the Halloween event

Now I know that this is an opinion, not a fact, but I’m sure most of you would agree with me when I say that the Christmas event is underwhelming when compared with the Halloween event. The special game mode isn’t as fun Junkenstein’s Revenge, the skins are somewhat disappointing (except for Zenyatta’s Nutcracker skin), and we couldn’t care too much about the other unlockables.
If anything, i just felt like the Christmas event was happening just because it’s Christmas, and it was a rushed attempt by the development team. On the upside though, Blizzard did give every single Overwatch player a number of loot boxes for free, so that’s pretty awesome.
3. Seasonal Events May Be Happening More Often

Ever since Overwatch was publicly released, we have seen 3 events in 2016 itself. Now, we have the Chinese New Year event. The Christmas event is a sign that Blizzard has plans on doing seasonal events quite often.
After all, the Halloween event didn’t end too long before the Christmas one began. It will give players an extra motivation to play the game as there will be more modes to play and more things to unlock. Speaking of more seasonal events…
4. It’s Part of Blizzard’s ‘Glocalization’ Plan

For those of you who are not aware, glocalization is a combination of both globalization and localization. With a company as big as Blizzard, it’s not hard to make Overwatch available worldwide but how do you make people outside of the home country relate better to the game?
That’s where seasonal events come in. Blizzard can do literally any seasonal event if they want to. Whether it’s a major sports event, a religious holiday, or a cultural celebration, it makes the gamers relate to the game better and it makes Overwatch feel even more diversed than what we see in their roster of playable characters. Imagine if they had special ‘Hari Raya Aidilfitri’ event for Malaysians. It’s a long shot but you can’t really say that it’s impossible.
And there we have it, 4 things we’ve learned from Overwatch’s seasonal event. Now, let’s leave the Christmas thing behind and enjoy their newest Chinese New Year offering. With that in mind, we at Pokde would like to wish every one of you a very happy Chinese New year  :-)
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


Lenovo Announces New Gamer-focused Legion Ultimate Support In Malaysia

Lenovo has recently announced the availability of the Legion Ultimate Support, a comprehensive service and support offering that is designed to cater specifically to the needs of gamers and is now available in Malaysia for the first time.
Legion Ultimate Support is now in Malaysia

With Legion Ultimate Support, gamers can get the help they need to get the most out of their Lenovo Legion desktop or laptop PC, whether it’s powered by Intel or AMD. They can contact advanced-level support technicians via phone, email, or chat, who have a wealth of information about the product as well as key gaming communities and forums.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

Since several Legion Ultimate Support service technicians are also gamers, this is a one-of-a-kind service offering for our gaming legion. Customers will also get answers to questions while learning tips and tricks for software tuning, hardware optimization, and overclocking, thanks to the fact that many of the service technicians are also gamers.
Legion Ultimate Support is now available in Malaysia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, United States. For more information on the new service, do head over to the official website right here.
Pokdepinion: Honestly, I like Lenovo’s angle on how the service technicians are also gamers and that they can provide great service because they understand gamers. What a great way to get your target audience’s attention.
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


Will e-hailing services like Grab stop being viable by 12th July?

E-hailing services operating in Malaysia have been operating without proper licenses for quite some time already. In August 2017, amendments to existing acts were passed to regulate the e-hailing industry. While a legal framework for e-hailing services may be good for the safety of consumers, the new laws also meant a lot of new costs that e-hailing drivers have to bear.

Based on an infographic sent by a community of e-hailing drivers, they like may have to foot out up to RM1300 to be a law-abiding e-hailing driver. A lot of drivers are expected to quit their jobs as Grab drivers as the costs just do not justify the benefits, especially since most of them do it on a part-time basis.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

The ripple effect of losing drivers is longer waiting times for the users of e-hailing services. And since there are fewer drivers, e-hailing services might hike up the fare as it will be peak hours all day, every day. Us consumers will be on the losing end, in the end.

There has also been reportedly issues with the legal enforcement of the laws, such as the PUSPAKOM inspection centres not approving certain modifications, even those approved for use by disabled drivers, as well as the limited capacity of the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) training centres.
It is foreseen that e-hailing drivers would lose their livelihood brought about by the e-hailing industry due to the rushed implementation of these new regulations. What do you guys think?
Pokdepinion: Haven’t used Grab in quite a while… Might not be able to use it soon. 🤷
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


Rumour: Persona 5 R May Be Coming to Nintendo Switch

Persona 5 is one of the most popular and highly acclaimed J-RPGs in recent time. Virtually everyone who has played the game had something positive to say about it. However, it was exclusive to the PlayStation 4.
That may not be the case any longer as it may be coming to the Nintendo Switch under the name Persona 5 R. According to PersonaCentral, Atlus has registered a number of domains and one of them is “PF5.jp”. This seems to indicate of Persona 5 R, which has been long rumoured for the Nintendo Switch.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

Rumours started surfacing on the possible port on the Nintendo Switch with Joker being a DLC character on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. However, this may not necessarily mean anything either.
The announcement for the game could be made at the end of the “Persona 5 The Animation Dark Sun…” special anime, which will air in Japan on 30th December. The first Persona 5 anime adaptation ended long before the end of the game, and this special should cover more of the story.
For now, we should wait until 30th December or any official confirmation before we can consider that as real. Do take this piece of information with a grain of salt for now.
Source: PersonaCentral
Pokdepinion: This may be weird but I might just replay the game if it does come to the Switch. Playing it on-the-go sounds like a lot of fun, aside from Smash Bros. of course but that feels better as a multiplayer game than solo.
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


Marvel’s Avengers DLC Characters Expected to Be Unique Rather than Reskins

One of the most highly anticipated games coming next year is Marvel’s Avengers. Many are clamoring for more details on the game and we have a bit of information that might be pique your curiosity. This one is particularly on future DLC characters.
At PAX East 2019, Crystal Dynamics Studio Head Scot Amos talked about DLC characters for Marvel’s Avengers:
We want it to feel like, I won’t mention a name, but this hero feels like…’Ah that’s the dream that I want for that character,’” says Amos. “Because if it starts feeling like reskins, that’s no fun. But the idea of having tons of skills and their own unique heroics and their own storylines. Because remember [new heroes] come with storylines for what they’re doing in this world. So we need to make sure each hero feels unique as each hero, even the ones that add on past launch.
Amos also mentions how the team doesn’t think of each character as a character class. Additionally, while Amos didn’t mention specific DLC characters, he points out how they want each additional character to feel unique and not share movesets with other characters.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

We want to make sure it feels like, “Wow this is who this character should play like.” So it’s not like, ‘Oh this is just a reskinned version of X, Y, and Z. That wouldn’t be fun for us.
Marvel’s Avengers will be coming to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on 15th May 2020. It will also be coming to Google Stadia at a later date. If you want to check out some gameplay footage, we’ve included an 18-minute video of it at the top of this post.
Pokdepinion: Aside from not being reskins, I hope it’s not just a cheap money-grab scheme by anyone in-charge either.
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Series Poses Serious Competition Against Laptops

Apart from the Galaxy S22 series, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series of tablets are also here, and it poses a serious competition against laptops. Here’s what you need to know.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is the biggest of the three new tablets, and unsurprisingly, most feature-packed one as well. It uses a monstrous 14.6-inch WQXGA+ Super AMOLED display with up to 120Hz refresh rate. Together with its quad stereo speakers with Sound by AKG and Dolby Atmos, you can be sure to enjoy an immersive multimedia experience with it.
It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC with Adreno 730 GPU which should provide quite a bit of firepower for gaming, video editing, and other intensive tasks. As for memory configurations, you can choose between 8GB, 12GB, and 16GB RAM with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. If that isn’t enough, you can expand it further via a microSD card, up to 1TB.

In case you’re wondering, it has a dual rear camera setup consisting of a 13MP wide angle and 6MP ultra-wide angle cameras. The front-facing cameras, which you can see is positioned at the notch on the display, is a 12MP wide angle and 12MP ultra-wide angle camera setup. As for connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, and Bluetooth 5.2.
What makes it truly special is its improved S Pen support, as they have reduced the latency even further and improved ability to multitask thanks to the new DeX mode for a more PC-like experience. When used with their keyboard cover case and a wireless Bluetooth mouse, it makes for a very enticing laptop replacement.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra will be available starting 10th February 2021 with a retail price of RM5,899.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and S8 Plus

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and S8 Plus are more in line with what you’d expect from a modern flagship Android tablet. Both tablets are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC with memory configurations of 8GB and 12GB RAM, along with internal storage options of 128GB and 256GB. Just like the Ultra model, you can expand the storage further via microSD up to 1TB.
It also features a quad speaker setup with sound by AKG and Dolby Atmos, a single 12MP ultra-wide front facing camera, rear dual camera setup consisting of a 12MP wide angle and 12MP ultra-wide angle cameras, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G support, up to 120Hz refresh rate, and Super Fast Charging 2.0 with support for up to 45W charging.

As for the differences, the base model has a smaller 11-inch WQXGA LTPS TFT display and an 8,000mAh battery capacity. The Plus model on the other hand uses a slightly larger 12.4-inch WQXGA+ Super AMOLED display and a 10,090mAh battery capacity.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S8 Plus will be available starting 10th February 2021 with retail prices set at:

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 = RM3,299
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus 8GB RAM / 128GB storage = RM4,599

Specifications

Galaxy Tab S8
Galaxy Tab S8 Plus
Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

Display
11″ WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600) LTPS TFT
Up to 120Hz refresh rate
12.4″ WQXGA+ (2,800 x 1,752) Super AMOLED
Up to 120Hz refresh rate
14.6″ WQXGA+ (2,960 x 1,848) Super AMOLED
Up to 120Hz refresh rate

SoC
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 4nm
1 x Cortex-X2 @ 3 GHz + 3 x Cortex-A710 @ 2.5GHz + 4 x Cortex-A510 @ 1.8 GHz
Adreno 730 GPU
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 4nm
1 x Cortex-X2 @ 3 GHz + 3 x Cortex-A710 @ 2.5GHz + 4 x Cortex-A510 @ 1.8 GHz
Adreno 730 GPU
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 4nm
1 x Cortex-X2 @ 3 GHz + 3 x Cortex-A710 @ 2.5GHz + 4 x Cortex-A510 @ 1.8 GHz
Adreno 730 GPU

RAM
8GB / 12GB
8GB / 12GB
8GB / 12GB / 16GB

Storage
128GB / 256GB (expandable)
microSD up to 1TB
128GB / 256GB (expandable)
microSD up to 1TB
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (expandable)
microSD up to 1TB

Front camera
12MP Ultra-wide
12MP Ultra-wide
12MP Wide and 12MP Ultra-wide

Rear camera
13MP primary, 6MP ultra-wide
13MP primary, 6MP ultra-wide
13MP primary, 6MP ultra-wide

Battery
8,000mAh
Super Fast Charging 2.0 (45W)
10,090mAh
Super Fast Charging 2.0 (45W)
11,200mAh
Super Fast Charging 2.0 (45W)

Audio
Quad Stereo Speakers with Sound by AKG, Dolby Atmos
3 Microphones
Quad Stereo Speakers with Sound by AKG, Dolby Atmos
3 Microphones
Quad Stereo Speakers with Sound by AKG, Dolby Atmos
3 Microphones

Security
Samsung Knox with Samsung Knox Vault
Fingerprint with Side Key
Samsung Knox with Samsung Knox Vault
Fingerprint on Display
Samsung Knox with Samsung Knox Vault
Fingerprint on Display

Connectivity
5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
USB-C 3.2
5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
USB-C 3.2
5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
USB-C 3.2

Size
253.8 x 165.3 x 6.3 mm
285 x 185 x 5.7 mm
326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm

Weight
507g
572g
728g

Colour
Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold
Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold
Graphite

In case you missed it, check out what’s new with the Samsung Galaxy S22 series by clicking right here.
Pokdepinion: Given the relatively big advancements of the tablets, I’m quite tempted to try turning the Ultra into my new portable productivity machine. It seems like I can multitask easy enough and I can enjoy the full Adobe Photoshop experience, which is all I need. Hopefully I can test it out sooner or later.
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


Introducing Fighting EX Layer; “Sequel” to Street Fighter EX

From the creators of the Street Fighter EX series Arika, we finally have the official name of their upcoming fighting game. It’s titled Fighting EX Layer.

Introducing Fighting EX Layer

Over the past few months, Street Fighter EX series developer Arika showcased its upcoming fighting game, which did not have a name, until now.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

The game is now officially named Fighting EX Layer, and it’s coming exclusively to the PlayStation 4 sometime in 2018, with a beta starting on November 11th 2017.
Interestingly, we get another reveal today. Hokuto is getting her rather evil-looking “Shirase” appearance, revealed with a brand new trailer. It has been announced that the game will also be playable at PlayStation Experience in Anaheim, California. If you happen to be in that area, you’ll be able to get a close look on your own.
For those of you who aren’t aware, the Street Fighter EX series were the earliest that we’ve seen the Street Fighter games jumped to 3D. Sure, the game still takes place like a typical 2D fighting game that was common at the time, but you’re not stuck with the usual 2D sprites anymore. This was rather interesting as it gave us an idea as to what to expect from the Street Fighter series, or even fighting games alone, in the future.
You can check out the trailer at the top of this post. Fighting EX Layer certainly looks like a game to watch, and now that we know what it’s called, it’ll probably be easier to do so.

Pokdepinion: I recall playing Street Fighter EX on the original PlayStation and thinking to myself as to why there are many characters I’ve never heard of. Doctrine Dark, Garuda, Skullomania, and so on. Didn’t know they were Arika characters. Well, if it can be as fun and as memorable as that game, Fighting EX Layer will definitely be a game to look out for.
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


11th Gen Intel Core H-series bring up to eight Willow Cove cores and 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes!

Intel has been teasing the 11th Gen Intel Core H-series since they announced the 11th Gen Tiger Lake H35 processors. While the Tiger Lake H35 processors were just scaled up from the Tiger Lake-U processors in terms of their power limit, the 11th Gen Intel Core H-series offer more cores, more PCIe 4.0 lanes and also options for unlocked processors.

The 11th Gen Intel Core H-series is the direct successor to the 10th Gen Intel Core H-series, which were based on the Comet Lake architecture. This generation, Intel is not only updating the core architecture to the latest Willow Cove core architecture, but they are also making them on the 10nm SuperFin node, allowing for improvements in both IPC and also efficiency. Intel claims up to 19% multithreaded performance improvements versus their 10th Gen Intel Core H-series processors.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

Memory support has been bumped up to DDR4-3200 across the board too, which bring the 11th Gen Intel Core H-series processors to parity with the AMD Renoir processors and also Intel’s own 11th Gen desktop processors.
On top of that, the new processors will tout the new Intel UHD Graphics based on the Intel Xe Graphics architecture with 32EUs. The increase in core count for the 11th Gen Intel Core H-series has resulted in less die space for the integrated graphics, but since we are talking about high performance mobile processors here, you will most likely use it with a dedicated graphics solution anyway, so the lower EU count in the iGPU is definitely fine.

The iGPU can now power more displays too, with added support for dual eDP to handle secondary Companion Displays in designs like the ROG Zepyhrus Duo 15 SE or ZenBook Pro Duo. Intel apparently expects similar designs to really take off to enable new user experiences with the 11th Gen Intel Core H-series laptops.

Since we were talking about graphics, the 11th Gen Intel Core H-series will be the first laptop processors to offer 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes. While AMD was first to unveil PCIe 4.0 in their desktop CPUs, it still hasn’t made its way to laptops. The standard configuration involves 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes to the dedicated GPU, and the remaining four will be for PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage.
However we did learn that OEMs can configure the PCIe lanes to pack more PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs at the expense of the bandwidth available to the GPU, but I don’t expect to see multiple PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs in laptops given their heat output.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Combined, the overall benefit in games of up to 21% versus the previous generation, and up to 26% versus the competition. Even the mid-range processors trade punches with the Ryzen 9 5900HS in gaming, which is great news for those looking to get the most bang for their buck.

If you need more security, there’s also the 11th Gen Intel Core vPro H-series and Xeon W-11000 mobile workstation processors. These processors support ECC memory, Intel Hardware Shield, Intel Total Memory Encryption, Intel Active Management Technology and other Intel vPro technologies that make them ideal for business PCs.
11th Gen Intel Core H-Series Processors Specs

Cores/Threads
Base Clock/Max Boost Clock (GHz)
Max Multi-Core Boost (GHz)
L3 Cache
iGPU
TDP

11th Gen Intel Core Consumer Mobile Processors

Intel Core i9-11980HK
8C/16T
2.6/5.0 (ITBM 3.0)
4C: 4.9
6C: 4.7
8C: 4.5
24MB
Intel UHD Graphics, 32EU @ up to 1.45GHz
45W TDP, 65W cTDP

Intel Core i9-11900H
8C/16T
2.5/4.9 (ITBM 3.0)
2C: 4.8
6C: 4.6
8C: 4.4
24MB
Intel UHD Graphics, 32EU @ up to 1.45GHz
45W, 35W cTDP

Intel Core i7-11800H
8C/16T
2.3/4.6
4C: 4.5
6C: 4.4
8C: 4.2
24MB
Intel UHD Graphics, 32EU @ up to 1.45GHz
45W, 35W cTDP

Intel Core i5-11400H
6C/12T
2.7/4.5
4C: 4.3
6C: 4.1
12MB
Intel UHD Graphics, 32EU @ up to 1.45GHz
45W, 35W cTDP

Intel i5-11260H
6C/12T
2.6/4.4
4C: 4.2
6C: 4.0
12MB
Intel UHD Graphics, 32EU @ up to 1.40GHz
45W, 35W cTDP

11th Gen Intel Core Commercial Mobile Processors

Intel Xeon W-11955M
8C/16T
2.6/5.0 (ITBM 3.0)
4C: 4.9
6C: 4.7
8C: 4.5
24MB
Intel UHD Graphics, 32EU @ up to 1.45GHz
45W, 35W cTDP

Intel Core vPro i9-11950H
8C/16T
2.6/5.0 (ITBM 3.0)
4C: 4.9
6C: 4.7
8C: 4.5
24MB
Intel UHD Graphics, 32EU @ up to 1.45GHz
45W, 35W cTDP

Intel Xeon W-11855M
6C/12T
3.2/4.9 (ITBM 3.0)
4C: 4.7
6C: 4.4
18MB
Intel UHD Graphics, 32EU @ up to 1.45GHz
45W, 35W cTDP

Intel Core vPro i7-11850H
8C/16T
2.5/4.8
4C: 4.8
6C: 4.6
8C: 4.3
24MB
Intel UHD Graphics, 32EU @ up to 1.45GHz
45W, 35W cTDP

Intel Core vPro i5-11500H
6C/12T
2.9/4.6
4C: 4.4
6C: 4.2
12MB
Intel UHD Graphics, 32EU @ up to 1.45GHz
45W, 35W cTDP

Intel claims that there will be over eighty designs starting from as low $699, with over a million CPUs shipped by the time you read this article. Stay tuned for more coverage on the laptops featuring the 11th Gen Intel Core H-series processors!
Pokdepinion: This is probably the time to upgrade if you have been holding on to an 8th Gen Intel Core laptop until now… New architecture and new process node, and you don’t even need to splurge on an i7/i9 to get a nice, healthy performance boost!
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


New iPhone 14 Pro Report Hints at 8GB RAM

There are several more months to go before Apple is launching their much-anticipated iPhone 14 series. There has been a significant amount of rumours circulating the series’ design, screen and cameras.
Here’s a look into the iPhone 14 Pro’s RAM capacity

A recent MacRumors report shared that a Korean blogger known as yeux1122 found that the iPhone 14 will have 8GB RAM. The claim cites the domestic supply chain which will has the iPhone 14 Pro’s memory components being confirmed for mass production as schedules have been sped up.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

Recently, supply chain analyst Jeff Pu of Haitong International Securities, who previously claimed the iPhone 14 Pro having 6GB RAM, has also confirmed this new information. The analyst had previously reported that the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 14 Max will come with 6GB memory and 120Hz LTPO display, similar to the iPhone 14 Pro. So it made sense that the Pro model will come with extra RAM to compensate the difference between the models.
The smartphone will feature a 48MP camera which will be the highest pixel count sensor released featured on an iPhone yet. It is also reported that Apple will convert the iPhone 14 series to be  eSIM only models, thus removing another port from the smartphone and potentially making it more waterproof.
One of the potential design changes to look forward to for the iPhone 14 series will also be the front camera notch. Since 2017, iPhones utilizing Face ID have had a bulky notch at the front that houses all the necessary hardware for facial scanning. However, that is set to change with the launch of the iPhone 14 as the device is said to come with a combination of these three components, two smaller cutouts; one in a traditional punch hole shape and a pill shaped cutout.
Source
Pokdepinion: We’ve been hearing about these leaks even before the iPhone 13 models’ debut, so one can only hope that all these leaks will bring about a new lower price range as well.
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


Rejecting Censorship Means You Don’t Love Your Children Says Aflix CEO

It’s all over the news, Netflix is getting a negative reaction from the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) due to the explicit material that’s found on the streaming platform. The CEO of local company Aflix TV seems to agree with it, where he provides a rather interesting statement.
It was reported in a recent interview that the CEO of Aflix, Mohd Fadzil Hashim said that the company that represent is a better option for parents that love their young ones.
Despite Netflix having the option of parental control, Fadzil thinks that it is simply not enough. Here’s what he has to say;

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

Yes, Netflix has parental controls, but if parents want to watch Netflix shows at home, they have to watch separately from their children because of elements that are not in line with the values of Malaysian society, especially those who are not MuslimsAflix TV CEO, Mohd Fadzil Hashim
Fadzil raised eyebrows when he said “Those who are angry at the suggestion to censor Netflix content, do not love children”. He adds that the public shouldn’t get upset over it (censorhip) however.
Back to FINAS, they are calling out action to censor Netflix’s content and has backed up Aflix TV.
The topic has gathered divided opinions in the public and understandably so. What are your thoughts?
Pokdepinion: I honestly don’t understand what’s the issue here. Yes, Netflix has contents that’s not suitable for children. But in the first place, why are they getting access to them? Parents play a part in this and to keep an eye on their kids.
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


Transcend SSD+ Upgrade Kit allows you to reuse the HDD you replaced with an SSD

If you upgrade your laptop with an SSD, you may find yourself with an extra HDD. Some laptops have ODD bays which can be converted to slot in the hard disk, but if your laptop doesn’t, your only option is to turn it into an external drive. The Transcend SSD+ Upgrade kit allows you to do just that for RM119.
The Transcend SSD+ Upgrade Kit consists of a StoreJet 25CK3 USB 3.0 drive enclosure and the SSD Scope software for easy data migration. The StoreJet 25CK3 enclosure features all the shock-proofing you can find from the StoreJet external drives, which is a whole lot. It also features the one-touch backup function to make quick backups to the external drive.
The SSD Scope is an easy to use suite to painlessly migrate your current data to a new SSD, and also allows easy monitoring of your Transcend SSD’s status via S.M.A.R.T. technology.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

Pokdepinion: For some reason, Transcend re-releases their rugged StoreJet external drive enclosure in a “kit” with a piece of software that is bundled with all Transcend SSDs. But at least it is cheaper than the original drive enclosure’s pricing.
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


Edifier Releases Edifier R2850DB and Edifier R1700BTs Speakers

Edifier has just revealed two new speakers today with the Edifier R2850DB multimedia speakers and the Edifier R1700BTs bookshelf speakers.
Edifier R2850DB

The new Edifier R2850DB speakers come packed with a dedicated speaker unit for each sound frequency. These speaker units include:

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

A ¾ inch tweeter unit dedicated for high frequency.
A 4-inch mid-range driver for mid-range frequency.
An 8-inch sub-woofer for driving deep bass.

The speaker units feature an electronic cross over it to ensure all frequency is isolated and delivers the frequency it is dedicated to. The combined driven power of the Edifier R2850DB reaches 150W, among the highest of its class.
The Edifier R2850DB comes equipped with a built-in Class-D amplifier as well as a dedicated DSP (digital signal processing) unit. Edifier has also encased the Edifier R2850DB speakers with MDF (medium-density fibreboard) wood, which is sturdy enough to endure normal wear and tear while remaining flexible enough to allow sound to travel within the speaker compartment.

The R2850DB speakers come equipped with a full range of connectivity options ranging from Line in, Optical, Coaxial, and even Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity with support for Qualcomm aptX. There’s also a wireless remote control to compliment the side panel audio control, maximising convenience.
The Edifier R2850DB speakers carry a retail price of RM1,199 and is available on Lazada as well as major retail stores.
Edifier R1700BTs

The new Edifier R1700BTs speakers is an upgraded version of the R1700BT with a new and improved Bluetooth module, now with Bluetooth 5.0 with support for Qualcomm aptX high-quality audio transmission. The R1700BTs also has built-in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Dynamic Range Control (DRC) to prevent distortion as well as utilising 19mm “Eagle Eye” dome tweeters, which makes the slightest sounds clear.
4-inch bass drivers in each speaker create rich lows and clear highs. With the front-facing bass reflex port, low frequencies are emphasised giving the bass more power.

The Edifier R1700BTs is enclosed in an elegant-looking walnut vinyl, fashioned with a 10-degree angle to direct sound exactly at you. The speakers also feature side controls which allow complete control of audio, bass and treble as well as a wireless remote.
The Edifier R1700BTs speakers is available now on Lazada and major retail stores for RM599.
Pokdepinion: Been looking for speakers myself to replace my old ones. The R1700BTs seems like a pretty interesting choice for me.
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


ASUS ZenFone Max M2 (ZB633KL) review — one step forward, few steps back

Introduction

The previous ASUS ZenFone Max Pro (M1) arrived with a very affordable price, making it an attractive proposition for those who desired the maximum bang for buck. When the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro (M2) came around, it raised the bar in terms of performance, but also comes at a greater cost.
To satisfy those who want an affordable device which still delivers what the ASUS ZenFone Max series is known for, the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) was introduced at the same price as the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro (M1). We didn’t receive the ASUS ZenFone Max (M1) here in Malaysia, so it did take us by surprise to see the second generation arrive here. Let’s see what the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) has to offer.
Unboxing

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

So the packaging of the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) is pretty similar to the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro (M2). We get a dark package with a lightning flash behind the Max logo, probably to indicate that there’s a lot of power under the hood.

Inside the box we find the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2), some basic documentation, power adapter, USB cable, earphones, SIM ejector pin and also a basic TPU case. Quite the spread!
Appearance

From the front, the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) looks just like any other device launched recently. It gets a notch, giving it a higher screen-to-body ratio than its predecessors.

Flipping the device over, I had a déjà vu moment. The ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) looks exactly like the ZenFone Max Pro (M1)! The design of the latter isn’t bad by any means, and the center portion is metal, which bodes well for durability. At least it won’t be picking up scratches as easily as plastic.

On the left we have the usual power button and and volume rocker. ASUS actually went the distance to give us a textured power button, which is always nice to see. The other side is home to the SIM tray.

And here on the bottom we find a beautifully beveled speaker grille and the microUSB port. ASUS has yet to remove the 3.5mm jack from their devices, and the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) proudly has one on its top edge.
As a whole, the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) doesn’t look too shabby. The back might look a little drab in the face of flashier designs that most manufacturers are using for their mid-range devices, but this design here by ASUS is one that addresses practical concerns, rather than one which goes all out for looks.
Specifications

CPU/Chipset:
Snapdragon 632 Octa-core (8 x Kryo 250 @ 1.8 GHz), 14nm FinFET

GPU:
Adreno 506

RAM:
3GB LPDDR3

Display:
6.3″ HD+ (720p) IPS display, 88% screen-to-body ratio

Storage:
32GB (up to 2TB via microSD)

Camera:
Main Camera(s)
13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF + 2MP depth sensor
HDR, AI Scene Detection, LED flash, Portrait Mode, Pro Mode
Front Camera
8MP f/2.0
Softlight LED flash, Beauty mode

OS:
Stock Android 8.1 Oreo

Connectivity:
LTE Cat5 UL (75 Mbps) / Cat6 DL (300 Mbps)
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 GHz)
Bluetooth 4.2

SIM:
Dual SIM

Battery:
Li-ion 4000 mAh (non-removable)

Dimensions:
158 x 76 x 7.7 mm

Weight:
160 g

The specifications is pretty decent, but for those of you who have gotten the ZenFone Max Pro (M1), this is actually a downgrade. For the same price, ASUS is actually offering less value in 2019. That’s not nice to see at all. Of course, we are only judging the device on paper specifications now, so let’s get into the benchmarks and user experience.
Performance

The ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) doesn’t do that well in Antutu. That’s expected considering the Snapdragon 632 powering it packs an Adreno 506 mated to newer Kryo 250 cores.

Thanks to the newer Kryo 250 cores, the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) does a good job of keeping up with the faster Snapdragon 636 devices.

GPU performance is where the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) falters. The Snapdragon 632’s Adreno 506 is carried over from the Snapdragon 625, which is nearly 3 years old at this point. Perhaps Qualcomm should have used the Adreno 508 from the Snapdragon 630, which is quite substantially faster than the Adreno 506.

Weirdly enough, the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) does a pretty good job in PCMark.

No thanks to the smaller battery, it loses out a fair bit to its predecessor. The slower chipset isn’t enough to make up for the 1000 mAh difference in battery capacity. It does beat the Redmi Note 5 though, probably aided by the fact that it runs stock Android instead of the heavily skinned MIUI 9.
Gaming performance is not exactly stellar. I managed to play PUBG Mobile, but it tops out at the second lowest graphics setting, and it wasn’t an enjoyable experience at all with rather sluggish performance. Using the lowest graphics yielded a much more playable experience though, and that’s the setting I play at even when I use flagship devices so it’s all good here.

In terms of real-world usage, the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) really impressed me. I clocked nearly 9 hours of screen-on time. I also used the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) as my hotspot for a few hours with the screen off, so still being able to get so many hours of usage out of it is pretty awesome. Recharging it is a lot less fun though, as the 4000 mAh battery only regains 24% charge in 30 minutes.
User Experience

The device feels pretty good in hand. ASUS made the metal back panel blend into the plastic frame seamlessly, and the thinness of the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) really helps when it comes to getting a good grip on it. ASUS definitely cut some corners when it comes to the display though. The lower resolution makes itself known when looking at text, while images looked slightly washed out with dull colors. The bezels on the sides are really narrow, but the bottom chin is quite sizeable. A certain flagship also has just as big a lower bezel, so we aren’t docking points for that.
The poor quality display is matched by the loudspeaker pumping out absolutely no bass. If you are planning on watching videos on the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2), do yourself a favor and connect the included headphones to the 3.5mm jack.

Stock Android 8.1 Oreo is one of the highlights of the ASUS ZenFone Max lineup. Depending on your preference, you may either like it or loathe it. I personally love stock Android’s overall clean aesthetic, but it goes without saying that stock Android misses out on a lot of features that some manufacturers have baked into their Android skins. Still, it’s plenty usable, and probably helps with delivering better longevity, which is what the ASUS ZenFone Max is all about. The stock Android also allowed ASUS to offer a pretty smooth user experience throughout my usage, so kudos to them.

The unfortunate victim when ASUS decided to use stock Android on their ZenFone Max lineup is the camera software. The PixelMaster camera software ASUS offers with their other ZenFone devices is heads and shoulders above what you will see on the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2), but that’s unfortunately incompatible with any device not running ZenUI.

Hopefully ,the disappointment which is the camera UI doesn’t extend to the hardware. The camera setup on the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) might look pretty similar to the ZenFone Max Pro (M1)’s, but ASUS did tweak the hardware under that lens cover. For starters, we are looking at a much wider aperture, f/1.8 here vs f/2.2 on the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1. However the 5MP depth sensor has been downgraded to a 2MP one. The Resolution of depth sensors aren’t all that important, but that wider aperture should be a lot better for general photography.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
In practice, the image quality is still quite lacking, but the horrible shutter delay of the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro (M1) is thankfully not present here. We are looking at much faster snaps, although perhaps slower shutter speeds could actually be helpful in some cases, especially for the dedicated Night mode. Images came out just as dark as without night mode on. In good lighting, the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) actually does OK. HDR mode is pretty effective in good lighting, but the general lack of detail is still noticeable. There’s still less detail than what I find acceptable, but it already represents a huge upgrade over the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro (M1)’s camera. You can scrutinize the images better on Flickr.
Conclusion
ASUS would probably prefer us to size it up against the ASUS ZenFone Max (M1) which never made it to Malaysia, but we can confidently say that the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) is much better. I guess with the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2)’s occupying the exact same price point as the ZenFone Max Pro (M1), most people here will be comparing it against that. Which brings us to my main issue with the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2).
The ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) enters 2019 with a weaker chipset, less battery life and a worse screen than the ZenFone Max Pro (M1) from 2018, all while being priced at the exact same RM699. ASUS did pack the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) with a much better camera than the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro (M1), but they seem to have forgotten that the ASUS ZenFone Max series revolves around bang-for-buck and battery life, and the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) is a step backwards in both areas.
Our thanks to ASUS Malaysia for providing the ASUS ZenFone Max (M2) used in this review.

Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


Razer Malaysia Headquarters Officially Opened for Business – Over 280 Employees Now Based Here

Razer Malaysia Headquarters Officially Opened for Business

At the official opening ceremony in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur today, the Razer Malaysia Headquarters has officially opened for business. The grand opening saw the attendance of the Minister of Finance Lim Guan Eng and Minister of Youth and Sports Syed Saddiq, both of whom shared their thoughts on Razer’s contribution to the gaming and eSports scene in Malaysia, among other things.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

There are over 280 employees that will now be based in the Razer Malaysia Headquarters located at The Vertical, Bangsar South. The investment in this new headquarters marks the rising significance of Malaysia to Razer’s ecosystem growth.
Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan said:
We will be investing in Malaysia as a hub for our fintech efforts in Southeast Asia. It is the first country in the world to be ready for Razer Pay and we see the headquarters as a natural springboard for our fintech efforts in the region.

Previously, the Razer Pay eWallet was launched, allowing consumers to enjoy cashless payments in a wide variety of shops and restaurants including 7-Eleven, Kenny Rogers Roasters, and Starbucks Coffee. This month, the eWallet has expanded with new features including in-app coupons, instant messaging, and an improved overall experience.
Stemming from the new office opening, merchants operating in Bangsar South have started accepting Razer Pay. There is said to be some rewards programs being offered now from the merchants, including coupons and flash sales.
Interestingly, there are talks with the UOA Group on integrating their car park payment system into Razer Pay. This would make the parking payments become cashless and therefore, hassle-free. We might even see more car park payment systems being integrated into the eWallet in the future.

The opening of the Razer Malaysia Headquarters is a major step for the company towards contributing to the country’s eSports industry. With them being the official partner for the upcoming 2019 SEA Games, they will be looking to coordinate with industry partners to drivve gaming events in Malaysia, bring the gaming community together, and to support Team Malaysia at the SEA Games.
Aside from that, they are also looking to help nurture talents in Malaysia. They are looking to collaborate with institutions of higher education to provide training, mentorship programs, and exchange programs across their regional offices.
Apart from this, we are told to keep our eyes and ears peeled as this is only the beginning, and there will be more for them to share in the near future.
Pokdepinion: Didn’t think they would actually open an HQ here but lo an behold, here we are. Their office is pretty big, but we’ve yet to see the full place due to the decorations for the grand opening event.

Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


Google Donates Over RM460,000 To Aid Flood Victims

Google has recently lend their help to the victims of the flash floods in the country with technology, collaboration, and donation drives.
Google aids flood victims

As part of their crisis response efforts, they’ve activated their SOS alerts to help impacted communities and their loved ones gain access to trusted safety information across Search and Maps.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

For the monetary aid, they’ve said that a RM420,800 grant will be made to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), an intermediary organization that distributes donations to nonprofits that works to support relief and recovery efforts.
They’ve also held an internal employee donation campaign where Google employees donate to Mercy Malaysia, specifically RM40,000.
Stay tuned to Pokde.net for more on the latest tech and gaming news plus reviews.
Pokdepinion: Good to see that they’ve done their bid in helping with the situation. Hopefully everyone will get back on their feet sooner rather than later.
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


Are You Ready For GE14? – Grab Is Helping You To Do Your Bid!

Being a homegrown Malaysian company, Grab looks set in helping the people in the country to step up and do their job as citizens of the country to go out and vote during the general elections.
Grab Reporting For Duty This GE14
In order to get local citizens here to get ready for Election Day, Grab held an in-app quiz “Think you’re prepared for Election Day?” which ended recently on 21st of April. It was to remind Malaysians about the simple yet important details to help everyone prepare for the upcoming Election Day.
The quiz saw 14 correct respondents winning daily a limited edition Grab GE14 Voter’s Kit which includes one UNDI T-shirt, one (handhelf) Fan of democracy, and one RM5 OFF x 2 rides promo code postcard.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

That aside, here’s where Grab does their job in helping Malaysian’s do their duty. Exclusively on May 9 2018, Grab is offering discounted rides to or from polling stations nationwide.
Just go to the GrabRewards catalog and you can redeem RM5 off for one ride for 250 points. This is valid for any verticals and payment method on the day itself only, May 9th 2018. This discount is valid for all polling stations across the 25 cities nationwide that Grab’s services are available in, and also two new cities, Lahad Datu as well as Sarikei, which will be available for Grab users on May 2nd, 2018.
To find out more on the Election Day, GrabRewards items as well as the promo code details, you can click here to find out more.
Pokdepinion: Thankfully the promo is not depending on which party that you will vote for :P But props to Grab for making this promo and helping the people do their job to the country. As a friendly reminder, do your bid and go out when Election Dat comes. Every vote counts, people!
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


PS Plus June 2023 FREE Games Lineup

PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers are in for a treat this June as Sony announces a lineup of thrilling PS Plus June 2023 free games. NBA 2K23, Jurassic World Evolution 2, and Trek to Yomi will be available for download starting Tuesday, June 6. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a fan of managing a dinosaur park, or seeking action in feudal Japan, there’s something for everyone in this month’s selection.
PS Plus June 2023 FREE Games Lineup

Starting off the PS Plus June 2023 free games lineup, we have the Ultimate Basketball Simulation Developed by Visual Concepts and 2K Sports, NBA 2K23. As the NBA championship round kicks off, fans can immerse themselves in this sports simulation game. With its realistic broadcast presentation and high-fidelity gameplay, NBA 2K23 offers several deep modes to explore. Engage in the single-player sports narrative of MyCareer, experience the WNBA simulation in The W, or dive into the all-new MyNBA Eras, allowing players to rewrite league history by starting a franchise from as far back as 1983.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

Released in 2021, Jurassic World Evolution 2 from Frontier Developments is a management simulation game that puts players in charge of their own dinosaur park. Set after the events of the 2018 film Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, the game features iconic characters like Dr. Ian Malcolm and Claire Dearing, voiced by their original actors. Create and manage your park, ensuring the safety and entertainment of your visitors while navigating the challenges that arise from these majestic creatures.

Trek to Yomi, a side-scrolling action game developed by Flying Wild Hog and published by Devolver Digital, takes players on a captivating journey set in feudal Japan’s Edo period. Immerse yourself in the story and become a samurai warrior, wielding traditional weapons like the katana. Pay attention to each combat encounter, mastering the art of well-timed strikes and counterattacks to overcome your foes. The stunning visuals and engaging gameplay of Trek to Yomi promise an unforgettable adventure.
The PS Plus June 2023 free games lineup can download these games from now until 3rd July 2023.
Source
Pokdepinion: The PS Plus June 2023 free games lineup offers a diverse range of experiences. Whether you’re a basketball fan ready to hit the court in NBA 2K23, a Jurassic Park enthusiast longing to build your own dinosaur park in Jurassic World Evolution 2, or a samurai aficionado seeking action in Trek to Yomi, these games promise hours of entertainment.
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


PlayStation 5 Price May Start at RM1,899 Due to Expensive Parts

We are getting closer and closer to seeing the release of a brand new generation of gaming. Specifically, I’m referring to the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5. With regards to the PS5 however, new details have surfaced which indicates that the price may start at roughly RM1,999.
The reason for this is because Sony is apparently struggling with manufacturing costs as the parts are quite pricey. It doesn’t help that the necessary components have high demand, which could lead to high prices. At the moment, the manufacturing cost of the PlayStation 5 is USD $450 (RM1863.68).

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

One of the major reasons for the high cost is due to memory costs, specifically DRAM and NAND flash. Furthermore, it was mentioned that the PS5 is equipped with a rather expensive cooling system, which a decision after many complaints with the PS4 for loud fan noise.
The price for the Xbox Series X may lead to revisions to the PlayStation 5’s retail price as Bloomberg reported that Sony is taking a wait-and-see approach. Most likely, they are looking to offer their console for cheaper than the competition in an effort to garner a bigger interest.
Sony isn’t a stranger on selling their consoles at a loss. After all, the PS4 was sold with a USD $60 loss per unit at launch in order to get as many people to adopt the platform. With manufacturing costs currently set at USD $450 (RM1863.68), they may actually sell it at a USD $50 to USD $100 loss per console sold. If we look solely at the cost price right there, it would be reasonable for the company to sell it for RM1,899. They wouldn’t necessarily be profiting as there may be some extra costs around but at least they wouldn’t make such a big loss for every console sold.
For now, we expect to hear more about the PlayStation 5, as well as the Xbox Series X, sometime in mid-2020, especially when E3 2020 is taking place. Sony may not be attending the expo but Microsoft will, and we expect Sony to do something shortly after.
Source: Polygon
Pokdepinion: I still have a strong feeling that the PS5 will retail for USD $399 (RM1,652.46) but this is purely speculation on my end. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


OPPO donating profits to charity in spirit of Ramadan – Holy time to get the OPPO R9s Black Edition

Neelofa, the ambassador of OPPO R9s Black Edition is calling up all her fans to join the charity act for the underprivileged children. This is inline with OPPO’s efforts in running a charity campaign to celebrate the holy month. So what happens here is, you purchase an OPPO R9s Black Edition, and the profits of each and every unit will be donated in kind and in monetary form to orphanages.
Check out the promotion video, featuring Neelofa:
ARVE Error: need id and provider
OPPO is growing steadily and sustainably with the time the company operates in Malaysia, and we are grateful for the support that we have been receiving over the years, and in return, we hope to give back to the members of community who are in need. With that in mind, we are donating the profits of every R9s Black Edition sold to purchase daily essentials for the underprivileged children in the orphanage. We hope O-fans will join us in our charity act and help to prepare the arrival of Hari Raya for the children William Fang, Chief-Executive-Officer of OPPO Malaysia
Not just that, Oppo is organizing a half-day trip to visit orphanages in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Kedah, Johor Bahru, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Melaka and Kuantan. Among non-monetary contributions would be daily essential items such as food, toiletries, books, umbrellas, clothing, bags, etc.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

You can join this initiative too! If you are interested in volunteering to help out and meet with the children, kindly sign up at O-volunteering here. Join O-team in their efforts to support and create good memories for the children.
Pokdpenion: Now, It’s Charitable!
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


Android 12 May Enhance Mobile Game Experience With New Gaming Mode and More

I’m sure many of you are curious as to what we can expect from Android 12. Sure, Android 11 hasn’t exactly made its way to every smartphone but it’s always interesting to see what’s going to come next. For this one in particular, it might enhance the mobile game experience with its new Gaming Mode.
Android 12 Gaming Mode and Other New Features

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

Google is reportedly working on a new “GameManager service” in Android 12 that will be different from the existing “GameManagerClient” from Google Play Services. The new new feature is described as a “service to manage game related features.” Essentially, this new Gaming Mode can ensure that data still retains across reboots.
What we expect from it is that the service will manage some basic settings specifically when gaming, such as automatic brightness, autorotation, Do Not Disturb, and more. Apart from that, Google is merging a new Bluetooth API which will allow mobile games to detect the battery level of Bluetooth gamepads so you don’t find yourself with dead gamepads in the middle of a game.
But wait, there’s more.
Smart Autorotate

The auto-rotate feature on Android has been around for a long time, and it can be annoying as it might rotate the display when you didn’t want it to. As such, many users either disable it completely or rely on manual rotation for when they actually need it.
With Smart Autorotate, Google is making use of their AI technology to intelligently detect when you would truly want it to be rotated. While there isn’t much details on how it works, there is a chance it may involve the use of your selfie camera to detect the position of your head before rotating.
Reduce Brightness
The other new feature that we’ve learned of is simply called “Reduce Brightness”. Originally referred to as “Reduce Bright Colors” in its development, the feature is intended as an accessibility feature to help users with visual impairments. It will be available in the Quick Settings tiles for the new OS version.
It’s worth noting that not all of these features are confirmed for Android 12 just yet. What we can confirm is that these are indeed being worked on at the moment and if it proves to be satisfactory, Google will be implementing these in a future stable release. We will report more on this as soon as information becomes available so stay tuned.
Source
Pokdepinion: These sound pretty great, and I hope it ends up working better than expected. Would definitely give it a try.
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


Celcom offers 100 Mbps fiber internet in Sabah; prices start from RM120

An unexpected player has entered into the high speed fibre internet game in Sabah. It’s Celcom, and with plans starting from RM120 for unlimited data delivered at 10 Mbps, Celcom makes an interesting proposition for current ADSL subscribers who are paying RM110 for just 1 Mbps speeds.

Aside from the most basic Celcom Home Fibre plan at RM120, Celcom is also offering 20 Mbps and 40 Mbps plans, priced at RM150 and RM180, respectively. Subscribers of Celcom First Gold Plus, Gold Supreme, Platinum, and Platinum Plus will also get an exclusive RM15 rebate, further sweetening the deal for loyal Celcom users. In addition to fast internet, all Celcom Home Fibre plans will feature voice calls rates of RM0.10/minute.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

Business users are also getting some love from Celcom, with the Celcom Business Fibre 10, 20, 40 and 100 plans. No prizes for guessing the maximum bandwidth of the plans. The plans are priced at RM158 for 10 Mbps speeds, RM208 for 20 Mbps, RM288 for 40 Mbps and RM378 for 100 Mbps. With the 20 Mbps plan and above, business users will be getting 300 minutes of free calls, with anything more charged at RM0.08/minute. Celcom Business Fibre subscribers will also get an exclusive RM20 rebate if they are current subscribers of the Celcom FIRST Gold Plus Business, Gold Supreme Business, Platinum Business or Platinum Plus Business plans. Business owners who register five Business Fibre lines or more under the same company will receive an additional RM20 rebate per line.
Celcom is collaborating with Celcom Timur Sdn Bhd to deliver high speed fibre internet to Sabah, and plans to cover at least 11 cities in Sabah by the end of 2017.
Source: Lowyat.net
Pokdepinion: More competition is always better!
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


HP Introduces Brand-New Spectre and ENVY Laptop Series

HP Inc. Malaysia recently unveiled its newest HP Spectre and ENVY laptops, which are designed to allow users to create and live effortlessly in today’s hybrid environment.
With the latest Spectre and ENVY laptops, you can create in a fluid, seamless, and coordinated way. These devices offer a 5 MP camera for picture-perfect clarity while collaborating with colleagues or pitching clients, as well as HP Presence 4 and HP GlamCam to give exceptional video and audio conversation experiences.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

The laptops also have HP Auto Frame and Dynamic Voice Leveling to provide an engaging video and sound experience regardless of your location in the room. They also can adjust the backlight to autocorrect video pictures in any setting where you are having a call.
Furthermore, the laptops feature an Appearance Filter for those of us who are more self-conscious in front of the camera than in real life. This tool allows you to effortlessly correct flaws in your skin, teeth, and eyes. Bi-directional AI noise reduction, directional beamforming microphones, and quad speakers provide an exceptional audio experience during video or voice chats are also available.
The Spectre and ENVY laptops feature Network Booster optimises network capacity to avoid screen freezes and lost calls and AI-based privacy warnings in public areas to interact and create, obscuring the screen when someone is behind you.
The latest Spectre and ENVY laptops provide a wide selection of choices, including CPUs, screens, and more, to ensure that your device suits how you want to use it.

The new HP ENVY 16 features a 3K2K OLED display for a more natural viewing experience and a 120 Hz display for a 2x quicker display refresh rate for smooth, responsive activities and a touch display that allows you to create and alter drawings and other creative content using multi-gestures such as pinch-to-zoom, double tap, and press and hold.
Customers can choose between a laptop with a 3:2 aspect ratio for online surfing and productivity applications and another one with a 16:10 aspect ratio for video and audio editing. Intel Evo platforms with 12th Generation Intel Core CPUs for better multitasking and performance.

The HP Spectre x360 14 Laptop PC featuring an Intel Evo platform is priced at RM7,199.
The HP ENVY 16 Laptop PC is equipped with either Intel Arc Graphics or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU. This device, when combined with DDR5 memory support and a gaming-grade cooling solution. The laptop is priced at RM6,999.
The latest Spectre and ENVY PC series is now available at any authorised reseller partner’s online shop on HP’s official website, Lazada and Shopee.
Both laptops will be available for purchase beginning today with limited-time offers worth up to RM1,500, including an HP M22f FHD Monitor, an HP Bluetooth Headset 500, an HP Dual Mode Mouse, an Accidental Damage Protection Warranty, preinstalled Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021, and an e-wallet voucher worth up to RM200.
Pokdepinion: Anyone who is interested in getting these laptops for work or classes can consider it! The features presented during the launch event were fun and convenient, especially for creators who are on the go.
Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


Sony’s Days Of Play Brings Forth New Limited Edition PS4 And Discounted Games!

The folks at SIES announced just recently that they are introducing a specially designed Playstation 4, the Playstation 4 Days of Play Limited Edition 2019.
In conjunction with the 11 days global Days of Play sale from 7th June to 17th June 2019, the Playstation 4 Days of Play Limited Edition comes with 1TB storage and is available at the price of RM1,349.
The new version of the Playstation 4 sports a smooth Steel Black color on top and grey on the bottom. As you can see, the DS4 matches the color on the console itself, with it adding the silver Playstation Shapes on the buttons.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

Playstation Days of Play promo
At this year’s Days of Play, Sony has prepared special offers, where it includes PS4 exclusive titles such as Days Gone, Spider-Man, God of War, and many more on special prices, as low as RM59.
In addition to that, they will be offering exclusive Playstation Plus offers during the promo period. You can purchase 3 months or 12 months PS Plus Membership on the PS Store at a 30% discount. You will also be able to purchase the 12 Months PS Plus Membership card from retail stores and get an extra 3 Months membership for free.
Pokdepinion: Quite the offering that Sony is handing out this time around. That being said, I think I already have most of the PS4 exclusive games, so I doubt that I’d get to take advantage in the discount. The PS Plus offer on the other hand is very welcoming.

Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related


ASUS ZenFone MAX announces — A phablet with 5000mAh battery

Yesterday ASUS has officially announced three new ASUS Zenfone devices, two of which has already been reviewed by us at Pokde.net, but our interests are piqued by the remaining device, the ASUS Zenfone MAX.

The ASUS Zenfone Selfie, (read Pokde review on the ASUS Zenfone Selfie here) has officially been announced but there’s a new variant offered, the Crystal Diamond Edition which is similar to the ASUS Zenfone 2 Deluxe edition. The ASUS Zenfone Selfie comes with 13MP cameras on the front and the rear, Qualcomm Snapdragon 615, 3GB LPDDR3 memory and 3000mAh removable battery. It runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop and is shortlisted to get the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update.

 Join Pokde Telegram Channel

The ASUS Zenfone 2 Laser,(read Pokde review on the ASUS Zenfone 2 Laser here), unlike the one we review, the announced ASUS Zenfone Laser will have a 6 inch IPS display, bigger than the 5.5 incher we reviewed. The processor will also receive an upgrade from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 615, and most of the other specifications are similar with the device we reviewed, which means a 13MP rear camera with laser focus system and 3000mAh battery. It run on Android 5.0 Lollipop and is also shortlisted to get the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update.

Both the ASUS Zenfone Selfie and ASUS Zenfone 2 Laser (6.0″) will cost 1699 yuan (approximately MYR 1199) while the ASUS Zenfone Selfie Crystal Diamond Edition will cost 1799 yuan (approximately MYR 1299).

Now the third device, which piqued our interest, the ASUS Zenfone MAX. It has a 5.5 inch IPS display, and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 chip. Do not look down upon the Snapdragon 410 though, as Vyncent had reviewed some Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 devices, but he finds that none of the phones equipped with the Snapdragon 615 was as smooth as the ASUS Zenfone 2 Laser which also packs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 410, and the ASUS Zenfone MAX will most likely enjoy the same optimizations done on the Laser.

The ASUS Zenfone MAX also comes with a 13MP camera with laser auto focus system like the ASUS Zenfone 2 Laser and Zenfone Selfie, but its most prominent feature is the large 5000mAh battery which also support fast charging features, and can probably charge the battery up to 60% in just 39 minutes. ASUS claims that with the huge battery capacity, it will provide at least 37 days of standby and three days of normal usage. Surprisingly, the ASUS Zenfone MAX will cost 1299 Yuan which is approximately MYR900, This might be a very popular phone here.

Pokdepinion : The ASUS Zenfone MAX offers passable performance with the power-sipping Snapdragon 410, coupled with the massive 5000 mAh battery, this phone might be very suitable for those who seek crazy-long battery life over blazing fast performance. Also don’t forget the 13MP camera coupled with the laser autofocus system which proved to be quite good in the Zenfone 2 Laser. All that for approximately RM900?

Spread the PokdeLoveClick to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Related