#MYShootLikeAPro and stand a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy S20 series smartphone & weekly prizes

If you follow Samsung Malaysia's Facebook page, you probably have noticed that there is an on-going photography contest called #MYShootLikeAPro. Even though the contest is in its 3rd week already, you can actually still stand a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy S20 series smartphone. Interested? Read below to find out how.

To win the grand prize, which is none other than the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G (1x) and Galaxy S20 (2x), all you have to do is submit all the themes in order to stand a chance win these smartphones. On top of that, if you only submit your best photo shot for the theme of the week, then you'll be in the race with other participants for the Galaxy Fit e smartwatch (4x). You can refer to the themes given from Samsung Malaysia's Facebook, Instagram or the contest page (link below).

Speaking of the pages, you will need to follow the company's Instagram account @SamsungMalaysia and take a photo based on the weekly themes (refer to their page for reference). Depending on the weekly theme, you can upload your photo on your Instagram account with the hashtag #MYShootLikeAPro, #withGalaxy and #SamsungPhoneMode (e.g. #GalaxyS20), don't forget to tag @SamsungMalaysia as well as 2 friends too. It's super easy, barely an inconvenience.

For more information, you can visit their official photography contest right here to check it out. Stay safe, have fun, and stay tuned for more local tech news at TechNave.com.


ASUS ZenFone 5 LTE unboxing video

Almost all of the ASUS ZenFone smartphones offer 3G connectivity, which for most Malaysians is more than enough. However, for those looking for a faster connection, ASUS Malaysia have come out with the ASUS ZenFone 5 LTE or A500KL. Featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor that supports 4G LTE connectivity, the ZenFone 5 LTE offers nearly all the same tech specs and features as the 3G ZenFone 5 while maintening the same look and feel as the original. ASUS Malaysia were kind enough to provide us with a review unit for an unboxing video which you can see below:


Mac City at 1 Utama sale will offer MacBook Air as low as RM999 and more

With Chinese New Year being just around the corner, most of you must have planned to go on a shopping spree during this time as many sales would be held. To bring you some good news, Mac City will be having a sale for most of its Apple products. After the discount, you can get a product like the iPhone 11 Pro Max that comes with A13 Bionic chip for RM3,799, which is a lot cheaper than usual!

Starting from 1 to 28 February, the Mac City at 1 Utama will be having a New Year Clearance Sale. The discount goes up to 75% for Apple products like iPads, iPhones, MacBooks, and even iMacs. If you're a ONECARD (Bandar Utama Loyalty Card) member, you can also get early access to the sale starting from 20 January to 30 January.

The most striking and lowest deal that caught our eye has to be the MacBook Air going for RM999. While it is an older model with just a 1.4Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, the discount is more than half of the usual retail price. We fully expect this to go quick or have only a certain amount of units on sale, but then the Intel Core i5 powered MacBook Air going for just RM1499 is also a pretty sweet deal if you're looking for a laptop to work from home with.

If you're interested, do check out the full list of the products by clicking here! Let us know what you think about the sale on our Facebook page. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more local tech product promotions and deals!


MacBook Pro & MacBook Air Malaysia release: coming soon with a brand-new M2 processor, starting from RM5499

As previously speculated, the new Apple Silicon processor M2 was announced at the WWDC 2022. With the new processor, Apple also introduced the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro which are coming soon with it.

Before we get started on the new MacBooks, the new M2 processor is Apple's second-generation Apple Silicon that packs up a lot of power. Sporting 25% more transistors (25 billion in total), 50% more bandwidth of up to 100GB/s, up to 24GB of unified LPDDR5 memory and many more, it's estimated to be 18% better in CPU performance and 35% faster in GPU performance than the already impressive M1. To put it in a simpler context, it can support a 6K external monitor seamlessly.

By utilising the power of the M2, this makes the new MacBook Air the most powerful compact laptop for now. Weighing 1.2kg only, the 13.6-inch laptop now sports a high-grade Liquid Retina display with 500 nits brightness, a 1080p front camera and charges 50% faster in 30 minutes. The MagSafe and audio jack port also make a return. Internal specs-wise, it has up to 10-core GPU, 8-core CPU, and up to 24GB of memory + 2TB SSD.

Next up, the MacBook Pro also now features the brand new M2 processor, alongside the same specs as the MacBook Air with up to 20 hours of battery life. It also supports WiFi 6, Thunderbolt ports, Studio-quality mics, ProRes (encode and decode) and P3 wide colour for media work. Apple said that the new MacBook Pro M2 is 40% faster than its predecessor.

Both the new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air will be available next month in Malaysia from a starting price of RM5699 and RM5499 respectively for the same 8-core CPU and GPU, and 8GB + 256GB memory configuration. For the highest variant (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 8GB + 512GB), the MacBooks can go up to RM6499 and RM6699 respectively.

What do you think of the new MacBooks with the M2 processor? Let us know in the comments below and to know more, you can visit the Apple Malaysia website for the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air here. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


MacBook Pro and Mac Mini might be coming in this fall with M1X chip

There are plenty of rumours going around about the MacBook Pro before it is launched. Here we spotted one new leak that mentioned it is coming in this fall with the M1X chip.

According to the leaker - Dylan (@dylandkt) who is the iOS developer, the Macbook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch are coming in Q4 of 2021 and will be launched in late October or early November. On top of that, he also mentioned the iMac Pro not going to be released at the event but the Mac Mini will be unveiled alongside the new MacBook which contains the M1X chip.

Macbook Pro 14 and 16 are definitely coming Q4 of 2021. Either late October or early November.

iMac Pro will most likely not release at this event but you can definitely expect the Mac mini alongside the new Macbook Pro 14 and 16, all of which will contain the M1X.

Besides that, he also claimed that the MacBook Pro M1X might contain more thunderbolt channels, CPU cores, GPU cores, multiple external monitor support, and greater power draw. All of the devices support a 1080p webcam, SD card reader, three thunderbolt USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and an updated MagSafe port.

Are you excited about the MacBook Pro and Mac Mini that come with the M1X chip? Would you purchase one of these? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to stay tuned for more tech news on TechNave.com.


MacBook Pro 'notch' leaker claims that MacBook Pro M2 could come as early as Mar 2022

Some leaks turned out to be accurate, which gives the source quite a bit of credibility. For example, there was a leak last year claiming that the Apple MacBook Pro could come with a notch. Now, this source has some news about this year's model.

Previously, it was suggested that a new 14-inch MacBook Pro M2 will be launched in November 2022. But according to MacRumors, sources with close ties to the Apple supply chain suggest that the device could launch next month. Note that the source was the one that claimed last year's model would have a display notch.

Moreover, the new model will allegedly be a 13-inch laptop instead of a 14-inch one. Also, it won't have the design changes made to last year's M1 Pro/Max models. In other words, this model would have the Touch Bar, no notch, and no ProMotion display. Essentially, the only thing that would be new is the Apple M2 chip.

Thanks to the source's previous track record, we're inclined to believe that this new claim is true. Of course, there's no guarantee that this is accurate, so take the news with a grain of salt. For now, just stay tuned to TechNave to keep an eye out for updates.


MacBook Pro with mini-LED panel comes in limited supply

According to sources, Apple is expected to launch a new MacBook Pro this year with the mini-LED display from the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Due to the ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19, the new laptop might come on schedule but in limited quantities.

The reason that causes limited quantities is that the factories by Foxconn and Wistron located in India are supplying the mini-LED panels. If you haven't read the news, India is experiencing a terrible outbreak and has already affected the supply of a mini-LED panel for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Do you think the limited quantities will stop you from getting a new MacBook Pro or you will wait for the stock? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to stay tuned for more tech news on TechNave.com.


MacBooks released in H2 2021 to come with Apple's M2 chip

Based on a report by asia.nikkei.com, it seems that Apple has started production for the Apple M2 chip, which will be embedded in MacBooks that will be released in H2 2021. While not much is known in regards to the performance the new chip will have, it does give us a better idea of what to expect when the MacBooks are unveiled.

Other than that, another rumour suggested that Apple will be unveiling a 14-inch, as well as a 16-inch MacBook Pro variants that are equipped with features such as MagSafe, SD card reader, HDMI ports, and more. With that being said, do take every bit of information with a grain of salt, due to the fact that Apple has yet to provide an official statement on the leak.

Not only that, but there’s also no news on the Malaysia release date, local pricing, and exact tech specs for now. What are your thoughts on Apple releasing the new M2 chip later this year? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Machines Malaysia confirms Apple iPhone 5S availability on 31 October 2013

Machines has recently confirmed the availability of the Apple iPhone 5S in Malaysia as 31 October 2013, at least for all the Machines stores. To help illustrate this for all the possible buyers, they've created a chart which they will update regularly and which you can see from the Source. The chart on the page has been updated but do let the folks at Machines know if you spot any errors. The most coveted (and likely most expensive) 64GB Gold version is only available at the KLCC and JBTC shops so if you're within that area or are heading there for that purpose on 31 October 2013, be warned about a possible shortage if you get late in line.


Machines Protection Plan for Malaysian Apple users is now official

If you're an Apple user and have natural shaky hands, you'll be glad to know that Machines Sdn Bhd has officially launched a device protection plan for customers in Malaysia today. Simply called the Machines Protection Plan (MPP), this plan provides protection from accidental damage such as cracked screens and water damage for as low as 42 sen per day. Well, according to them, that is.

Depending on the Apple model, the MPP ranges from RM299 - RM899 during the two (2) year coverage period and allows the user to enjoy one (1) screen replacement or one (1) full device replacement. It can be obtained at any local Machines stores upon a new purchase. Of course, none of this was possible if it wasn't for Aon Insurance Brokers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, which was chosen by Machines as its official insurance broker for the protection plan, underwritten by AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad.

For more information, visit www.machines.com.my/pages/mpp and stay tuned for more Apple news at TechNave.com.


Machines Sdn Bhd to host its first ever 12.12 online sale with discounts up to 80%

Here's something you don't hear every day, our local Apple distributor Machines Sdn Bhd has announced that starting tomorrow (12 December) they will be holding a 12.12 online sale and it'll be the first online sale ever by them going until 24 December 2017. Many Apple products will be on discounts up to 80% off retail prices, from Apple Watch to the Macbook series.

According to the list of products they are selling, there will be items such as the Apple Watch (RM999), iPad Pro (RM1599), MacBook Air (RM2999), MacBook (RM3999), Macbook Pro (RM6999) and more. Unfortunately, for the iPhone series, only the iPhone 6 32GB Gold model will be on discount. All purchases from the Machines online store come with a free delivery to customers in the Peninsular and East Malaysia. Customers have the option of home delivery or can opt to collect their purchases from selected Machines stores. Payment can be made via online transfer or locally issued credit cards with terms and conditions apply.

In addition, all products will come with a one (1) year manufacturer warranty from the date of purchase. The Apple Watch purchased during the sale is also eligible for the Machines Protection Plan, which is a two (2) year extended warranty.

For more information and a full list of products, visit their official website here and stay tuned for more Apple news at TechNave.com.


Machines and Switch now offer iPhone battery replacement from RM129 including GST

As many of you already know about Apple admitting slowing down your older iPhone performance, due to the battery ageing issue, many Apple fans were not happy about it and Apple did sure get a backlash. So to compensate for this, Apple has already started a battery replacement with a discount and it's now available at the Apple Malaysia page. To add on to that, it seems that Machines and Switch, the official local authorized Apple reseller have also announced the same thing.

Similarly to the Apple Malaysia service, Machines service price ranges between RM129 to RM369 depending on which model you want to save. As for Switch, they can replace your older iPhone batter with just RM129 including GST. However, before you happily go and change your battery, make sure you do the following steps so that your information data won't disappear.

In case if you wondering why does it take them so long to replace the battery, it's because only authorized personnel can do so without voiding the warranty. As for backing up your information data, it's for security reason and I'm sure you don't want them accessing your private personal stuff too. Also, they will not update your current iOS.

For more information about Machines and Switch's battery replacement details, kindly head to either one of the links below to check it out.


ASUS ZenFone 5 Lite A502CG announced with 1GB RAM and 5-inch 540 x 960 display

It appears that ASUS are filling out the niches in it's ZenFone smartphone range with the announcement of the ASUS ZenFone 5 Lite A502CG. Announced in the Philippines for 5595 PHP (RM417) the ZenFone 5 Lite keeps the same balanced design but cuts down on some of the features. These include a 5-inch display with 540 x 960 pixel resolution, a 0.3MP front camera, 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Atom Z2520 processor and 1GB of RAM. Other tech specs remain mostly the same with an 8MP rear camera with LED flash, support for dual-SIM, WiFi, 3G, Bluetooth and a GPS. Surprisingly, the battery gets an increase to 2500 mAh, perhaps in response to all the low battery life complaints. No Malaysia release dates or pricing available just yet but we expect it to come next month if not early next year, along with all the other new ZenFone smartphones.[Source]


Machines employee in Mid Valley Megamall tested positive for COVID-19

It seems that Machines recently posted a status on their official Facebook page, stating that that one of their employee that was working at the Mid Valley Megamall outlet has been tested positive for COVID-19. In addition to that, they also stated that the aforementioned employee did not show up for work since 8 October 2020 and informed Machines of his situation on 10 October 2020.

Because of that, the Machines outlet in Mid Valley Megamall will remain closed for sanitizing and cleaning until further notice. With all that said, we advise those who have recently visited the outlet in Mid Valley to either quarantine yourselves or get yourselves tested for the virus.

What are your thoughts this whole situation? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Machines will be closed temporarily but you can still purchase Apple products online

As the Movement Restriction begins tomorrow (18 March) until 31 March 2020, many businesses will be closing down temporarily until further notice. Our local cinema theatres will follow suit, but there are other services such as Grab Malaysia continuing their business as usual. In this latest news, it seems that our authorized Apple reseller, Machines, will also be closed during the same period.

Announced on their official Facebook page, this means that you won't be able to visit all the Machines outlet and service centres across Malaysia for everyone's benefit. However, you can still head over to their official website, www.machines.com.my, and buy some of the products online. If you do, deliveries will only come in April 2020.

Temporary Store Closure Notice Email [email protected] or drop us a DM should you have any questions. Shop online > https://www.machines.com.my Thank you and stay healthy!

If you have any questions for them, you can email your enquiries to [email protected] Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Made by Google event officially announced, set for 6 October 2022

As we prepare to catch up on the next Apple Event this week, Google made its move by announcing the next Made by Google event. The schedule is 6 October 2022 at 10 AM ET, which is going to be at 10 PM on the same day for Malaysia's time zone.

If you take a look at Google's social media announcement, you can see some devices that are probably going to make their appearance. One of them is the Pixel 7 series with the Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro. To recap the event from the Google I/O keynote in May, the upcoming flagship will come with Android 13 OS and a new Tensor chipset for sure, empowering personalization features for mobile photography, video, security and voice recognition.

It's all coming together.Join us live for #MadeByGoogle on October 6th at 10am ET.Sign up for updates and add to your calendar: https://t.co/SAeNERjey0 pic.twitter.com/NaeUtChx7X

While there are no official specifications, previous leaks have suggested that the Pixel 7 series could use an 11MP front camera with a Samsung 3J1 sensor. Then for the rear cameras, it could also feature the same primary Samsung GN1 and Sony IMX381 ultrawide angle sensor. The telephoto on the Pixel 7 Pro may switch to a Samsung GM1 sensor.

Besides the Pixel 7 Series, the Pixel Watch and the Pixel Buds have been teased as well. The Pixel Watch is the first smartwatch announced by Google back in a few months ago with WearOS out of the box. It has been redesigned to be compatible with every Pixel and Android device, including the Pixel Buds series.

As usual, we don't think any of the Pixel devices would come to Malaysia since Google Malaysia has never done so for the past few years. But still, it would be great. Stay tuned for more of our official news coverage then, only at TechNave.com.


Madhav Sheth is leaving realme after five years

So yes, you read that right. Madhav Sheth tweeted his goodbye and resigned from his position at realme. For those who don't know, Sheth has been actively vocal on his social media promoting realme products and other tech-related matters for the past few years so it's quite shocking to read this piece of news.

In his tweet, he listed a few achievements done in India when he was with realme. This includes prioritising phones for the youth, spreading the brand presence in the country, establishing realme flagship stores, and popularising 5G phones. He also mentioned that he will be working with the Indian Government's Indian export business.

Goodbye can be disheartening, but world is too small until we meet again. Farewell for now, but our paths may cross again soon, and that's something to look forward to building a better and bigger me. #Goodbye #UntilWeMeetAgain pic.twitter.com/sXSG06DFIR

In conjunction with his departure, realme also released a statement regarding Sheth:

"We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Madhav Sheth for his valuable contributions, passion, and dedication during his tenure at realme. Under his leadership, realme has achieved remarkable milestones, solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing smartphone brands worldwide. We extend our warmest wishes to Madhav for a successful future ahead.

While we bid farewell to Madhav, we want to assure our customers, partners, and stakeholders that realme's operations will continue seamlessly. Our commitment to providing high-quality products, exceptional user experiences, and innovative technologies remains unwavering. We will continue to drive the brand forward, delivering outstanding products and services to our customers worldwide." – Realme spokesperson


MagSafe Duo Charger hands-on video appears online

Planning to get a MagSafe Duo Charger to go with your new iPhone 12? If that's the case, you can check out the new leak to get an idea of how it looks and works. Specifically, there's a new leaked hands-on video that shows what's allegedly the new wireless charging accessory from Apple.

In the video, the white-coloured charger can be seen, though the box was not in sight. However, we do know that a cable will be included with the accessory. Regardless, you can see how the user connects it to a cable and places an Apple Watch and iPhone on it, which then start charging after a few seconds. We don't get to see how long it'll take to charge two devices simultaneously though.

What's nice is that you can fold the MagSafe Duo Charger when it's not in used and it's quite compact, making it portable-friendly. Another thing to note is that the charging section for the Apple Watch can be popped up, allowing you to charge your wearable without having to place it flat.

The MagSafe Duo Charger is already listed on the Apple Malaysia website for RM589, but we have no idea when it'll be made available. With that said, are you interested in getting one of these? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news like this.


MagSafe charger, wallet & cases now available for purchase in Apple Malaysia website, starting from RM179

At the time of the iPhone 12 series release in Malaysia, the MagSafe accessories weren't available yet until today. We just happened to stumble upon the Apple Malaysia website and it seems that several of them are now available. It's not known when did they silently released it but here they are now.

Just to refresh your memory, the new MagSafe charger is now available for purchase at the price of RM179. If you're looking to get your hands on the Leather Wallet with MagSafe, that one cost a hefty RM269. The new silicone cases with MagSafe are also available for RM219 and it's the same price for any iPhone 12 model.

On the other hand, the Leather Case with MagSafe is slightly more expensive with RM269 whereas the more "affordable" one is the Clear Case with MagSafe for RM219. If you have the budget to go all-out, you can even get yourself a Leather Sleeve with Magsafe for RM549! Out of all the accessories, only the MagSafe Duo Charger is coming soon.

Before you throw your credit card on the monitor screen, you ought to know that wireless charging is still slower than the normal charging cable plugged in. The max wireless charging speed is only 15W (and 12W for the iPhone 12 mini) so that's a given. Moreover, there are also other more affordable USB C charging adapters from third-party brands which you can refer here. Anyway, stay safe and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Magic: The Gathering Arena makes its way to Android

These days mobile games have become a big thing. There's a variety of games available at our fingertips these days, but good trading card games are still quite rare. Thankfully, Android users who are fans of the genre now get access to a new mobile card game that's based on a classic series.

Recently, Wizards of the Coast officially published Magic: The Gathering Arena on the Google Play Store. The game has also been available on iOS since last year but was first launched for PCs in 2018. For those who are unaware, this is basically the digital version of the classic Magic: The Gathering card game.

As typical for digital card games, Magic: The Gathering Arena comes with multiple game modes. There are ranked seasons, AI PvP, Draft and Brawl modes, as well as a tutorial mode to get newbies started. If you have an existing account on PC, you can even link that to the mobile app. Unlike the physical card game, this one is free-to-play too!

Of course, the publisher monetises the game via in-game microtransactions, so avoid it if that's not your thing. With that said, would you be interested in trying out the game? Let us know if there are other digital card games you like in the comments below! Also, stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


Magic UI 2.1 now on HONOR View20, EMUI 9.1 coming in August

With HONOR 20 releasing in Malaysia for a couple of days now, HONOR Malaysia is also announcing some new OS updates for its smartphone lineup which include EMUI 9.1 and Magic UI 2.1. The Magic UI 2.1 is only for the HONOR View20, though, while EMUI 9.1 will be coming out on nine HONOR devices.

According to HONOR, the Magic UI 2.1 is already available on the View20 but in case if you haven't received it, it will take some time for the software to roll out. As for the EMUI 9.1, the OS update will be available on the HONOR 7X, HONOR 8X, HONOR View 10, HONOR 10 Lite, HONOR 20 Lite, HONOR Play, HONOR 10, HONOR 8 Pro, and HONOR 9 Lite in August 2019. Just as we reported before, the new OS update includes:

Meanwhile, HONOR Malaysia has also launched a new HONOR Experiential Store at Mid Valley Megamall recently. During the weekend (28 - 30 June), they have given out the first 10 customers a free gift box on top of the current deals and gifts offered that was part of the company's 5th Anniversary smartphone deals. The store is located at the LG Floor of Mid Valley Megamall, LGC-36 & 37. Stay tuned for more HONOR news at TechNave.com.


Mah Sing Group and Philips Lighting to bring Smart Home lighting for [email protected] Residence 2 house buyers

From right to left – Mah Sing’s General Manager of Sales & Marketing, Angela Chong, Mah Sing’s Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Ho Hon Sang, Philips Lighting’s Managing Director, Malaysia, Singapore and Exports, Alok Ghose and Philips Lighting’s Head of Consumer Sales, Cluster Singapore and Malaysia, Alston Foo

Mah Sing Group Berhad and Philips Lighting officially signed a memorandum of understanding today to package smart home technology like the Philips Hue System for their new Caspia @ M Residence 2 homes. The Philips Hue System will allow users to control their connected lights intelligently from anywhere in the world using a smart device for leisure and security and is compatible with most platforms including voice commands with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Nest and Apple HomeKit.

One of the first projects in Malaysia to implement pre-installed smart lighting solutions, Caspia @ M Residence 2 are double storey cluster homes located in Rawang priced from RM870800. With 120 + 40 units available, the Caspia @ M Residence 2 project offers access to public transportation like KTM Komuter Rawang-Seremban and highways like the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) and LATAR Highway along with nearby amenities like AEON Rawang, SJK (C) Kota Emerald, Hospital Sg Buluh, a 4-acre clubhouse and more in a gated and guarded home community.


Maintenance on submarine cable system will cause users to face slow Internet until 21st April

During this MCO, one of the essentials that we largely rely on is the Internet. Without it, most of us would not know how to survive as that is the thing that we depend on to get communications and works done. Now, it is announced that there will be network degradation for a few days for some users, as one of the submarine cable systems will be under maintenance.

Telekom Malaysia (TM) has announced that the maintenance works are being carried out on the Asia-America Gateway (AAG) submarine cable system. It involves works on the Segment 1i, which locates between Vung Tau (Vietnam) to Lantau, Hong Kong connecting Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the Asia Pacific, including Malaysia to Hong Kong and the United States (US).

However, it is said that only the users who are using the services will be affected by the maintenance exercise. If you’re not using them, your Internet experience would be largely unaffected by this work. Other than that, TM has also mentioned that they have vast and diverse network connectivity worldwide. Therefore, the company is sufficient to continuously support any sudden rise in demand for Internet bandwidth.

During this pandemic, it is obvious that Internet usage is facing an increase as everyone is staying home. There has been a 30 percent increase in Internet usage in Malaysia. Also, the increase of international link traffic is only 5 percent, so TM said that they are still able to provide normal Internet experience to their users despite the condition. For the maintenance, it is expected to be carried on from today until 21st April. If you’re the unfortunate one, just stay strong for a few days and you’re good to go.

Let us know what you think about this news on our Facebook page. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more viral tech news.


ASUS ZenFone 5 Lite leaks showing quad cameras, 2x 20MP in the front, 2x 16MP in the back?

Serial leakster @evleaks strikes again with early press renders of the ASUS ZenFone 5 Lite. They look very professional and supposedly show dual 16MP rear cameras and dual 20MP front cameras along with what appears to be a 5.7-inch Full HD+ display. A live shot was also spotted by a Marcel Campos as well, but it doesn't confirm much thanks to a blurry topside.

We're still uncertain as to what configuration each set of dual cameras would be but since the previous ASUS ZenFone 4 range had a normal sensor with a wide angle sensor we're thinking that this is likely the same. If true, it definitely means a better group selfie advantage for the dual 20MP front camera packing ZenFone 5 Lite.

No Malaysia release dates or pricing details but the ZenFone 5 Lite could be coming with another 4 ZenFone 5 smartphones at MWC at the end of the month. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for all the latest in tech.


Majlis Keselamatan Negara recently gave a statement regarding Anonymous Malaysia

It seems that the Majlis Keselamatan Negara recently gave a statement on their official Twitter account regarding the ‘Anonymous Malaysia’ video that was uploaded not too long. To go into more detail, the video released by ‘Anonymous Malaysia’ seems to hint that they might be keen on committing cybercrime in the near future.

With that being said, the National Cyber Security Agency has recently issued a warning to all relevant parties to take the necessary actions possible to prevent or reduce the possibility of being attacked. Other than that, there’s no news on when the cyberattack might occur or whether this is just a hoax.

KENYATAAN MEDIA MENGENAI VIDEO TULAR "ANONYMOUS MALAYSIA" UNTUK MENGGODAM LAMAN WEB KERAJAAN pic.twitter.com/yfptrlbIVo

What are your thoughts on the video posted by ‘Anonymous Malaysia’? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Major Chrome OS update adds new features like improved video calls and eSIM support

Due to the pandemic, most schools in Malaysia had to resort to e-learning for students. For that, a laptop is definitely needed and Chromebooks are ideal since they're affordable. With the new Chrome OS update, we can expect more convenient models to launch.

As announced by Google, the latest update for Chrome OS delivers some improvements and new features to Chromebooks. For e-learning, an important feature would be video calls, so Google Meet has been improved to provide faster calls. Google Meet's performance in screen sharing mode, and when used under various network conditions, have been improved as well.

Chrome OS also supports eSIM now, allowing brands to launch more models with cellular 4G or 5G connectivity. For your information, eSIM allows you to switch between cellular carriers without having to physically replace SIM cards, which can be convenient for travellers. Besides that, there's also an Emoji browser/picker and a new Explore app now.

For students, the Google Meet improvements are probably the most important here. But for those who use Chromebooks, are they useful enough for e-learning? What do you use to access remote lessons for your kids? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


Major Google Translate 3.1 update turns it into a free universal translator

For those of you hoping for a FREE universal translator from Google, the latest update for their Google Translate 3.1 app may do just that (available for both Android and iOS). Featuring a new UI design, the Word lens instant translate function which allows offline translations using your phone's camera, conversation mode with language auto-detection and camera input, the new app should definitely be something to try, even if you're not travelling overseas anytime soon. Our own testing reveals a fairly useful app, much better, smoother and faster than before. Granted, it doesn't translate the more exotic words (swear words included) but you can now take a picture of a sign you can't read and quickly get a translation. For more information do visit their official blog and check out our own tries below.

The new interface and functions offer a very effective universal translator for FREE


Major carrier in China confirms the existence of HONOR V30 5G and Huawei Nova 6 Pro 5G

Recently, a mobile carrier recently listed a bunch of Huawei smartphones to be released in China very soon. These smartphones include the Huawei Nova 6 Pro 5G and HONOR V30 5G, as well as the non-5G counterparts of both these devices.

In terms of the tech specs, not much is known in regards to both these devices mentioned other than it will most likely come with the Kirin 990 chipset with the 5G modem embedded. With all that said, do take some of our statements with a grain of salt due to the fact that Huawei did not provide any confirmation on both the devices mentioned.

Would you be interested in getting either a HONOR V30 or a Huawei Nova 6 Pro? Let us know on our Facebook page, and for more updates like this stay tuned to TechNave.com


Major oops from Facebook, Chinese President's name mistranslated as "Mr Sh**hole"

Translation software has improved over the years but the one on the Facebook platform still seems to have some issues. During a visit to Myanmar recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s was mistranslated as "Mr Sh**hole" on Facebook. The company has explained that this is due to a technical error in the translation.

The Chinese President was in the country to sign agreements linking China to Myanmar via the Belt and Road project, according to Reuters. That was when people discovered the mistranslation on Myanmar state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi's Facebook page. Facebook has since come out to apologise for the error, explaining that it was due to bad translation from Burmese to English.

The reason for the error is because Xi Jinping’s name is not in the Facebook Burmese database, so a translation was given instead of his name appearing as is. While this may be hilarious to some, it shows that Facebook's translation software for the Burmese language has some ways to go.

With that said, how are your experiences with Facebook's translations? Do you find them accurate for your language? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for other news updates.


Majority of K-Pop songs removed from Spotify due to unrenewed license agreement

If you suddenly can't listen to any of your favourite K-Pop songs on Spotify, you're not alone. Apparently, a majority of K-Pop songs on Spotify have been removed without warning due to the license agreement with Kakao M, the distributor and partner of Spotify.

According to Spotify, the license agreement has not been renewed yet with Kakao M so the library of K-Pop songs isn't available (for now). The company also mentioned that they have been working with them for over a year and a half to renew the agreement but from the sound of it, it's quite evident that they couldn't come to a conclusion. In case you're wondering which K-Pop artists have been removed, you can check out the list below.

artists that had their stuff on spotify deleted, a threadweikim wooseokthe boyzd1cebibiminseoiuvictonpink fantasyepik highcherry bulletoneuse'lastcravitygiriboyjunekim sunggyubae173moonbyuldpr livewh3nwoo!ah!hyolyncode kunstdrippinjannabijukjae

At the moment, artists that belong to SM, YG, JYP and BigHit Entertainment (excluding BigHit Labels) are still on Spotify. However, the removal has affected Spotify streaming big time, estimating 1 billion lost and that's just from SEVENTEEN. By the way, IU, MONSTA X, Loona, Mamamoo, GFriend, (G)I-Dle and Astro are also removed. You can see the complete list in the Twitter post here.

Spotify hopes that the removal is just temporary and both parties can resolve the issue soon. Oh well, we will be updating this page again if the agreement has been renewed. Until then, stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Majority of Qualcomm's chipsets will come with 5G capabilities starting next year

Qualcomm announced during IFA 2019, that majority of their Snapdragon chipsets such as the 600, 700 as well as the 800 series is expected to ship with 5G-capabilities starting next year. With that said, there is a high possibility that smartphones releasing next year that are priced under the RM1000 could come with the new 5G modem embedded in the chipset.

Based on a statement by engadget.com, smartphone manufacturers such as OPPO, Realme, Redmi, Vivo, Nokia and more will be adopting the new chipsets for next year’s devices. The 5G-modem will provide download speeds of up to 2.5Gbps, and more than 300Mbps upload speeds according to Qualcomm’s official website. But that’s not all, the new chipsets will also come with features such as mmWave, sub-6GHz spectrum, TDD, FDD, 5G multi-SIM and more.

As of now, there is no official information on the Malaysia release date of the smartphones that will come with the new 5G capable chipset. With all that said would you be interested in getting a smartphone with 5G connectivity? Let us know on our Facebook page, and for more updates like this stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Majority of iPhone users still haven't upgrade to iOS 15 after two weeks, compared to iOS 14 users last year

It's been two weeks since iOS 15 got released globally. However, it was reported that not many iPhone users have adopted the new operating system when compared to iOS 14. In fact, it is lower and slower than last year's figures.

This is according to the data from Mixpanel, an analytics company. According to the company, only a handful of 8.59% iPhone users have updated to iOS 15 within 48 hours. Even after two weeks, the figure is still lower than iOS 14 which saw 14.48% in the same time frame last year.

As of 5 October 2021, the figure has increased to 22.22% for iOS 15 users. While that's a good improvement, it is only barely half of iOS 14 adopters after two weeks last year at 41.97%. Of course, this is just a report by Mixpanel that was gathered from apps and websites via analytics API. There is no official report from Apple's side on iOS 15 yet.

While we don't know the reasons for the slow adoption, it is speculated that iOS 15's update is not as impressive as iOS 14 which introduced widgets, Picture-in-Picture, a redesigned home user interface, Spatial Audio and more. For iOS 15, one of the anticipated features - SharePlay, got delayed and many Apple users were looking forward to that. With that, perhaps iPhone users are waiting for iOS 15.1 in the future.

Have you switched to iOS 15 yet? If not, you can check out our first impressions here and read what are the new features. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Make Magic with Intel Malaysia and Microsoft Malaysia

(Left to Right) Sumner Lemon, Country Manager, Intel Malaysia and Singapore, popular YouTuber and beatboxer, Shawn Lee, social entrepreneur Christopher Tock, Breena Beauty co-founder and leading fashion blogger, Sabrina Tajudin and Bruce Howe, General Manager, Consumer Channel Group, Microsoft Malaysia.

Intel Malaysia and Microsoft Malaysia today (12 November 2015) have announced a joint collaboration together in an effort to encourage Malaysians to fully utilize the full potential of Windows 10 devices and functionalities, which are powered by the latest 6th Generation Intel Core processors processors to help their work and life be more conveniently efficient.

Using the theme “Make Magic. Every Day”, the campaign’s purpose is to reach out to Malaysians and introduce the functions in Windows 10 through a series of instore and online promotions, as well as the engagement of local influencers; popular YouTuber and beatboxer, Shawn Lee, social entrepreneur Christopher Tock and Sabrina Tajudin, co-founder of Breena Beauty and leading fashion blogger.

“We are honoured to have some of our local influencers who are making magic in their own realms of influence to be sharing their experiences with Intel-powered Windows 10 devices,” said Sumner Lemon, Country Manager, Intel Malaysia and Singapore. “We hope that the campaign can positively influence Malaysian consumers who are looking at a device refresh to explore the ways how Intel’s and Microsoft’s technologies can help make a positive difference in their work and personal lives.”

“Customers have generally been positive on the launch of Windows 10, and many have made the switch to upgrade to a new operating system,” said Bruce Howe, General Manager, Consumer Channel Group, Microsoft Malaysia. “With the campaign, we hope to engage more customers and users to consider a refresh and embrace new form factors and to take the step to embrace a more personal computing experience with Windows 10.”

During the presentations, local influencers showed the media three functions from Windows 10. Christopher Tock showed us the Intel® Speed Shift Technology, enabling amazing responsiveness that allows users to shift between apps seamlessly. Coupled with Microsoft Edge (it can enable annotation via touch or pen input) – users get to be more productive and efficient if they have too many tasks.

After that, Sabrina Tajudin presented Windows Hello. The Windows Hello is a great tool for bloggers and bloggers alike, as users can just simply log in with just a look (yes, facial recognition) when they are in the moment to post pictures or videos on the go. This is Intel® RealSense™ technology in action that requires no typed password.

Shawn Lee then showed off Windows 10 with 6th Generation Intel® Core processors, with graphics and overall performance that were top notch. You can even use an Xbox controller via Bluetooth without having to use the mouse and keyboard.

“Whether you are a working parent, starting your first job, a lifestyle and fashion junkie, or just simply on the lookout for productive hacks that help you gain positive control of your life, technology has inevitably become a necessary tool to empower individuals to achieve more in their daily lives,” said Bruce Howe, General Manager, Consumer Channel Group, Microsoft Malaysia. “Windows 10 devices with Intel® processors have been developed with the user in mind. With innovative and intuitive features such as Windows Hello, the new Microsoft Edge browser and Continuum, it enables our customers to be able to do more in a more natural and personal way with their devices.”

(L-R) James Low, Market Development Manager Consumer Notebook of Hewlett-Packard (HP), Charllie Cheah, Business Development Manager EUC Malaysia of Dell Malaysia, Sumner Lemon, Country Manager of Intel Malaysia and Singapore,Shawn Lee, Christopher Tock, Sabrina Tajudin, Bruce Howe, General Manager Consumer Channel Group of Microsoft Malaysia Stephanie Ho, Marketing Manager of Acer Malaysia, Lester Chong, Senior Product Marketing of ASUS Malaysia.

In addition to that, there will be a promotion during this festive season for Malaysia. Customers will stand a chance to win prizes if they join the Magic Cue Challenge which will take place in Low Yat Plaza and Digital Mall PJ (and others, check below) for five weekends in a row starting 21 November. Lazada will provide a voucher worth RM150 to customers who have purchased eligible Windows 10 devices, with the promotion ending on 31 December 2015.

For more information on the “Make Magic. Every day.” campaign, visit http://makemagic.my and follow them on Twitter – Microsoft Malaysia (@MYMicrosoft) and Intel Malaysia (@myintel).


Make calls with the Burg 12 smartwatch, no smartphone needed

Apart from the Samsung Gear S, there are other smartwatches that allow you to make calls or answer them without having to pair it up with a smartphone. The Burg 12 is one of these smartwatches and could offer users a relatively cheaper alternative, if it ever gets here in Malaysia. Recently released in the US for $199 (RM664) the Burg 12 offers a round watch face, but still uses a square 1.5-inch screen with 240 x 240 pixel resolution. Other tech specs include 4GB of storage, a 16GB microSD slot, a camera, voice recorder and both the bezel and strap can be swapped out. The Burg 12 is also splash and scratch resistant and it also works with both iOS and Android devices, if you decide to pair it up anyways. According to the developers, it has a 3-day standby battery life and 2-3 hour talk time.


ASUS ZenFone 5 Updates now available

ASUS Malaysia recently released a Firmware Over-the-Air (FOTA) update for the ASUS ZenFone 5 smartphone. While it isn't the Android 4.4 KitKat update everyone is waiting for, this 30MB download offers a number of bug fixes and improvements to the existing firmware. This includes better audio quality, compatibility, stability and power efficiency. A new feature is that you can now activate the flashlight via the Flip cover. ASUS Malaysia go on to say that the update is only applicable for those who purchased the ASUS ZenFone 5 original set perhaps because the imported or AP sets don't have the same firmware. In any case, you can download the FOTA update numbered 1.15.40.35_20140715_3835 by opening About>System Update in the Settings.


Make sure you update your Whatsapp to avoid spyware infecting your phone

A serious vulnerability on Whatsapp has allowed spyware to be installed both Android and iOS devices. The vulnerability was found to have happened through voice calls on the app where the virus was able to install itself onto any device without the users even having to answer the call.

The virus is named Pegasus and is developed by Israeli company NSO. It has been sold to various agencies to fight crime and terrorism but has been abused recently. The issue was identified by Whatsapp early in the month of May and they quickly reacted by releasing a patch to prevent the issue from happening further.

Pegasus is able to access a device’s microphone and camera, peruse emails and messages and pinpoint a user’s location. Whatsapp has released a statement urging users to update their app and operating systems to make sure users are protected against attacks that could compromise their data.

As of right now, the virus is widely used in 45 countries but is mostly used against targeted users due to how complex the virus is. You can update your Whatsapp app via the Google Playstore or Apple App Store. Android devices affected by Pegasus are those before update 2.19.134. So have you updated your app and OS yet? Keep up with the latest news on tech and beyond on TechNave.com!


Makers of Ultraman are making a movie with Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment recently made a tweet on their Twitter page, stating that they will be working together with Tsuburaya Productions to produce a new series of Ultraman comics and graphic novels. The tweet also confirms that the new Ultraman will be unveiled during the Tokyo Comic, in the year 2020.

With that said, the public has speculated that there could be a possibility Ultraman might make an appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a member of the Avengers. Unfortunately, Marvel, as well as Tsuburaya Production did not confirm nor deny the speculations that were floating around the internet.

Just announced: Marvel and Tsuburaya Productions are teaming up to tell all-new Ultraman stories in 2020! https://t.co/oe4tBuxWuW pic.twitter.com/xOGUswjAaN

Do you think Ultraman will make an appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Let us know on our Facebook page, and for more updates like this stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Malaysia Airlines giving one free date change for selected bookings

Earlier today, Malaysia Airlines recently posted an update on their Facebook page stating that due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, any customers who booked flights between 10 and 31 March 2020 will be eligible to re-book their flights to another date for free. However, it is best to note that you’re only eligible to re-book only once for free and any subsequent booking will be subjected to the usual rescheduling fee.

With all that said, if you’re keen on finding out more information in regards to the free date change offered by Malaysia Airlines, head over to their official website. Would you be rescheduling any of your flights? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Malaysia Airlines now lets you pay for flight tickets via a 3-month instalment at 0% interest

With the recent announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob that our country’s border will reopen this 1 April 2022, now's the perfect time for us Malaysians to plan for a trip overseas. In fact, most airline companies are currently offering discounts and other promotions to attract people to use their services again following the announcement.

One of those companies is national carrier Malaysia Airlines, which today announced a special partnership with hoolah that allows for travellers to pay for flight tickets by spreading the cost over 3 monthly interest-free instalments. In case you didn’t know, hoolah is Asia’s leading omnichannel Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) platform which makes the whole thing possible.

In a statement today, Malaysia Airlines’ parent company, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) said that travellers in Malaysia and Singapore can now book flight tickets online and pay for via hoolah’s flexible three-month, interest-free payment option. The statement further asserted that this option will soon be made available for travellers in Hong Kong too.

Additionally, MAG has also launched hoolah’s BNPL offering on Journify, its integrated one-stop travel and lifestyle digital platform. Travellers can discover new places such as attractions, foods, nature and more; plan their trips around Malaysia; and even shop for local products through Journify.

Furthermore, customers can also shop seamlessly for products and services and conveniently pay later using the digital platform. For more information on this collaboration and to book your flight tickets, visit the official Malaysia Airlines website here or download the Malaysia Airlines' app on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

What do you guys think of this new service offered by Malaysia Airlines? Would you prefer to pay for your flight tickets lump sum or is a monthly instalment option something that you’ve been waiting for? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page and as always, stay tuned to TechNave for all the latest trending tech news!


Malaysia Airlines to fly its first passenger flight powered by sustainable fuel on 5 June 2022

Did you know that before the pandemic, the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore air route was the busiest international air route in the world? Well, the route may become more environmentally-friendly if all of the flights would follow this maiden passenger flight by Malaysia Airlines using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Set for take off in conjunction with World Environment Day this 5 June 2022, this will be Malaysia Airlines Bhd’s first SAF-powered passenger flight. Moreover, the usage of SAF for its MH606 (Singapore to Kuala Lumpur) and MH603 (Kuala Lumpur to SIngapore) reaffirm the national airline’s commitment to a sustainable tomorrow and mark significant progress towards achieving a cleaner, more viable fuel source for regular flights by 2025.

As reported by national news agency Bernama, the flights will be operated on the Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Besides that, the flights will be using a blend of around 38 percent SAF and conventional jet fuel.

In a statement yesterday, Malaysia Airlines said that compared to conventional fossil jet fuel, this sustainable fuel option is made from 100 percent renewable waste and residue raw materials (such as cooking oil). Hence, it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent.

So, if you’re planning to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore or vice versa soon, do look out for Malaysia Airlines’ SAF-powered flights. In fact, if you book the mentioned Malaysia Airlines flight from now until 4 June 2022, you can actually enjoy 15 percent off by using the promo code ‘SAF2022’ when checking out at the company’s official website.

So, what do you guys think about this initiative by Malaysia Airlines? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for the latest tech news in Malaysia and beyond!


Malaysia Airlines to offer WiFi to Business & Platinum members while flying, switching off devices during take off no longer needed

Starting on 1 July 2023, Malaysia Aviation Group announced its airlines (Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and MASwings) have been granted regulatory approval by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to enable Gate-to-Gate connectivity for passengers. In other words, you don't exactly need to turn off your phones anymore before the plane lifts off.

As the first to provide this feature for travellers departing from Malaysia, passengers can enjoy staying connected to their personal/portable electronic devices (PEDs) such as mobile phones, tablets, and other small hand-held devices from departing until arriving. That said, you still pretty much need to turn on 'Flight Mode' due to regulatory and aircraft requirements.

At the same time, Malaysia Airlines will also offer complimentary Wi-Fi for all Business Suite and Business Class passengers, as well as Enrich Platinum members, regardless of their class of travel to be enjoyed from 1 July 2023 until 31 December 2023. This will be available on 20 aircraft with 100MB per sector and a bandwidth of up to 512 kbps. Regular passengers may enjoy the WiFi too but through per-per-use via MHconnect and MHstudio.

According to Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, Chief Executive Officer of Airlines from MAG, he said MAG will be actively expanding the number of aircraft equipped with WiFi to provide an improved in-flight experience to passengers. They will also continue to invest in innovative technologies and services to meet the changing needs.


Malaysia Aviation Group launches EnrichMoney Visa Prepaid Card, a multi-currency e-wallet for hassle-free travel

The Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) recently launched the EnrichMoney Visa Prepaid Card and application for hassle-free travel. Powered by Merchantrade Asia Sdn Bhd, it has a multi-currency wallet which allows travellers to buy and sell up to 20 foreign currencies in-app anytime, anywhere.

According to its official website, the multi-currency wallet enables users to lock in the exchange rate and protect themselves against currency fluctuations. Moreover, this feature allows you to pay in the local currency of the country you’re travelling to with zero fees on foreign transactions, as long as you have pre-loaded your card with sufficient funds.

The available 20 foreign currencies are US Dollar (USD), Singapore Dollar (SGD), British Pound (GBP), Australian Dollar (AUD), Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), Euro (EUR), Thai Baht (THB), Japanese Yen (YEN), Saudi Riyal (SAR), Chinese Renminbi (CNY), New Taiwan Dollar (TWD), Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), South Korean Won (KRW), Indian Rupee (INR), Philippines Peso (PHP), Canadian Dollar (CAD), New Zealand Dollar (NZD), United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED), Swiss Franc (CHF) and Vietnamese Dong (VND). The default currency is Ringgit Malaysia (RM).

EnrichMoney e-wallet users can check the exchange rates on the app via the ‘Currency’ icon on the homepage and select “Today’s Exchange Rate”.

Other benefits of the Visa Prepaid Card include the availability of usage at over 46 million VIS merchant locations worldwide, cash withdrawals at Merchantrade branches and Visa Plus ATMs worldwide, EnrichMoney Points and cashback redemptions at any Visa merchants, as well as being able to top up with Enrich Points. You can sign up for EnrichMoney by downloading the app on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, with an initial RM100 top-up required during sign-up. From that amount, RM10 is for the card issuance fee, RM20 is for minimum stored value (refundable deposit) and RM70 will be the remaining balance available in the Card to spend.

For more information on EnrichMoney, visit its official website here or read its FAQ here. As always, make sure to stay tuned to TechNave for more tech news such as this.


Malaysia Youth Communication Package Rebates resuming on 3 September 2013, about 200000 slots left

We've seen a number of phone shops with the sign 'No SKMM' or 'Tiada Pakej Kommunikasi Belia' posted up, but an update from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has confirmed that the program was only on hold to check the effectiveness of the program. In a report from Digital News Asia, MCMC have said that the quota of 1.5 million registered youths has been taken up by 1.2 million to 1.3 million youths while the remaining slots have been voided. According to them the program would resume on 3 September for the remaining 200000 or so slots. The Youth Communication Package or Pakej Komunikasi Belia, offers an RM200 rebate for youths aged 21 to 30 years old with a monthly income of RM3000 or less who want to buy a smartphone. The MCMC go on further to confirm that "there is no new smartphone rebate programme here" which could mean that after the remaining 200000 slots have been taken up in Malaysia, there won't be another smartphone rebate program until further government deliberations so if you qualify get it while you can.[Source]


Malaysia aims to have 1.5 million EVs in the country by 2040

The Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change has announced that the government is targeting a total of 1.5 million electric vehicles (EVs) in the country by 2040. Its Minister, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said that the target was increased significantly from what was previously set.

According to Bernama, the Planning and Implementation Committee for Electricity Supply and Tariff (JPPPET) previously set a target of 90,000 EVs by 2040. Nik Nazmi said that the new target comes following EV infrastructure migration at a global level, involving the change of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles which are powered by petrol to EVs.

The Environment Minister added that Malaysia must be prepared for pressure from developed countries to ‘migrate’ to electric vehicles. Accordingly, the effort towards electrification will be depicted in the construction of EV charging stations such as the one from Gentari and Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB).

Nik Nazmi previously announced that our country is planning to install 10,000 EV charging points nationwide by 2025. So, what do you guys think of the future of EVs in Malaysia? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more trending tech news.


Malaysia and China sign MoU on 5G, digital economy and cyber security cooperation

Malaysia and China have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on digital telecommunications cooperation in relation to 5G, digital economy and cyber security. Inked yesterday at the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference 2022 in Romania, the MoU will also explore potential partnerships in other aspects of digital technology.

According to Bernama, other potential cooperation that Malaysia is expected to explore with China includes 5G app technology. Moreover, the MoU will also encourage partnerships in e-commerce, startup innovations, cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things, internet applications and other digital technology.

The MoU was signed by Malaysia’s Minister of Communications and Multimedia Tan Sri Annuar Musa and China’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Zhang Yunming. In a statement yesterday, Annuar elaborated that the MoU will also explore other forms of cooperation, namely policy, standards, emergency response, data security technology, training and awareness of cyber security.

The Communications Minister further asserted that the cooperation is expected to add value to Malaysia when China’s rapidly developing information technology industry is considered. Furthermore, both countries will also benefit from sharing knowledge and expertise in the field of 5G, cyber security and digital economy.

China’s assistance in sharing best practices, experience and expertise through joint initiatives will help improve the speed and readiness of Malaysia’s cyber security ecosystem and national digitalisation efforts, especially in preparation for the Industrial Revolution 4.0 era. Annuar added that the cooperation will help strengthen our nation’s digital economy and indirectly spur local digital economic growth and contribute to the national economy in the future, in line with the agenda of turning Malaysia into a high technology industry hub.

Besides that, commitments for knowledge exchange and best practices between both countries would improve competitiveness and stimulate the growth of the national digital economy. Accordingly, It would also attract investment in developing human capital and research.

So, what do you guys think of this MoU between our country and China? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for the latest tech news in Malaysia and beyond!


ASUS ZenFone 5 ZE620KL and ZenFone 5 Lite ZC600KL hands-on first looks and camera samples

ZenFone 5 (left) and ZenFone 5 Lite (right)

While ASUS have officially announced their ASUS ZenFone 5 series with the ASUS ZenFone 5 ZE620KL, ZenFone 5Z ZS620KL and ZenFone 5 Lite ZC600KL, we managed to get some hands-on time with the ASUS ZenFone 5 and ASUS ZenFone 5 Lite. Check out the pictures and features below.

Going for a metal body, the notched 6.2-inch full HD+ display of the ASUS ZenFone 5 ZE620KL is virtually identical to the ZenFone 5Z. When in landscape mode, the screen near the notch gets pushed in, leaving it looking much like any other full view display smartphone.

Yep, there's a notch at the top of that full view display

Shiny black circular design on the back just like the ASUS ZenFone 4

The backside follows the shiny circular design of the previous ZenFone 4 with a slightly raised camera hump on the top left corner. The power and volume rocker are located on the side. According to ASUS, the Zenfone 5Z is identical to the ZenFone 5.

USB Type C port, speakers and yep, the 3.5mm audio jack

Slightly raised camera hump centered around the rear fingerprint sensor

One of the few quad camera smartphones around, the ASUS Zenfone 5 Lite has a 6.0-inch full view display with no notch. Again, it has a rather thin profile with chrome on the sides and while the ZenFone 5 felt somewhat slippery, the ZenFone 5 Lite had a more comfortable grip.

The ASUS ZenFone 5 Lite has dual front cameras with LED flash and a full view display, no notch though

The back is flat glass and has dual rear cameras and LED flash

The back is certainly shiny while the camera hump in the middle is a bit raised

The rear camera hump is a little raised as well but is located in the top center above the rear fingerprint sensor while the back is just shiny glass with no circular pattern. Unlike the ZenFone 5, the ZenFone 5 Lite uses a microUSB port.

A closer look at the dual front cameras on the ASUS ZenFone 5 Lite

The 3.5mm audio jack is on the top for the ASUS ZenFone 5 Lite

A microUSB port and speakers on the bottom

We also compared the ASUS ZenFone 5 ZE620KL with the ASUS ZenFone 3 Zoom and ASUS ZenFone 4.

The ASUS ZenFone 3 Zoom vs the ASUS ZenFone 4 vs the ASUS ZenFone 5

Taking a look at the differences on the back

The new ASUS ZenFone 5 series of smartphones also offers Artificial Intelligence or AI features utilizing Qualcomm's Artificial Intelligence Multi-core AI Engine which you can see detailed below:

The AI Scene Detection in action (see the fork and spoon icon on the left?)

The AI Scene detection automatically selects the best camera settings from 16 camera settings for the best shot. Check out some camera samples from the ASUS ZenFone 5 ZE620KL below:

See all the details with the food setting thanks to the AI Scene Detection

We're expecting the ASUS ZenFone 5 ZE620KL, ZenFone 5Z ZS620KL and ZenFone 5 Lite ZC600KL to arrive in Malaysia in late March to April 2018. If the ZenFone 5Z comes in priced around RM2200 with a Snapdragon 845 processor, would you get it? Anyone interested in the other two ZenFone 5 smartphones? Discuss on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Malaysia beats 19 countries in Opensignal's voice and video experience analysis

Based on a statement by Opensignal, Malaysia managed to beat 19 countries in their voice and video experience analysis with a score of 24.7 points out of 100. With that being said, Malaysia managed to voice being placed at the bottom 20% out of the 75 countries that were analysed in the study.

The study was conducted to determine which country had the best voice and video calling experience, taking the video, voice, download speed, upload speed, coverage and availability into account. If you want to read more about the study conducted by Opensignal, head over to their official website.

What are your thoughts on Opensignal’s analysis? Let us know on our Facebook and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Malaysia becomes the first country in Asia-Pacific to implement Mastercard Bill Pay

Malaysia has become the first Asia-Pacific country to roll out Mastercard Bill Pay, a new bill management tool that combines electronic bill presentation and payment in one place. Officially launched in Kuala Lumpur yesterday (10 January 2023), the tool is available to consumers via ATX’s digital wallet GoPay and web-based online payment platform PayHub2U.

As reported by Bernama, Mastercard made the rollout in collaboration with ATX Fintech Holdings Sdn Bhd in our country, a partnership that Mastercard country manager for Malaysia and Brunei, Beena Pothen deemed as ‘timely’. She further shared that over USD25 billion or ~RM109.31 billion in bill payment volumes across one billion bills are paid annually in Malaysia and that more people are using e-payment services for bills since the pandemic.

However, from that amount, only 50 per cent of it is digitised. Hence, that is where Mastercard comes in, whereby its Bill Pay can support the government and Bank Negara Malaysia’s initiative to make payments digital.

With the tool, consumers would be reminded about the bill and make payments using a single sign-on. It also enables consumers to view and consolidate all their bills from multiple billers and payment could be made from the various options available. These include linking their bank accounts and saving their card credentials.

Meanwhile, ATX founder and CEO Sahsi Kumar asserted that with GoPay and PayHub2U’s support, Mastercard Bill Pay would provide greater efficiency, transparency, speed and accessibility for consumers.

ATX has integrated 13 billers so far and is keen to expand tis network through more partnerships in the coming months. This is to enure that consumers have more choices and have access to more conveniences.

So, what do you guys think of Mastercard Bill Pay in Malaysia? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more tech news from Malaysia and bayeond.


Malaysia dealer is offering a 100% refund if the Google apps stops working on your Huawei devices

So this just came in, just an hour ago a local gadget dealer, DirectD just announced on their Facebook post that they will offer a full refund if the Google Apps and Playstore access stops working on your Huawei mobile and tablet devices.

But there's a catch, of course. The full refund is eligible only if your Huawei mobile and tablet devices are bought from DirectD itself, as well as within the warranty period. In addition, all Google apps such as Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube and others are counted. Oddly enough, they also mentioned Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp are included too even though they aren't part of Google. But oh well, it's what they said.

For the official list of Huawei products from DirectD, you can check out right here. Stay tuned for more local tech news at TechNave.com.


Malaysia first to receive Huawei Certified Internetwork Expert (HCIE) certification in region

Huawei recently announced that networking professionals in Malaysia will be the first to get access to their Huawei Certified Internetwork Expert Routing & Switching (HCIE-R&S) certification. The certification was previously only available in China, Netherlands and Dubai. This should reduce the costs required to gain said certification and offer networking professionals within the region another option to gain HCIE-R&S certification. Done in collaboration with Infosyte Sdn Bhd, which is a Huawei Authorized Learning Partner, professionals interested in HCIE will be able to gain the certification after the appropriate training, written test and corresponding lab examination followed by a comprehensive interview have been carried out. The HCIE-R&S certification emphasizes complex network interconnection and troubleshooting capabilities and is designed to help network engineers build, optimize and manage complex enterprise network infrastructures. Here's what Huawei had to say about it:

“As one of the fastest digital economies in the region, the need for qualified networking professionals in Malaysia show no signs of slowing down. The need for its professionals to acquire the skills needed to make the most of opportunities, on their home-ground and abroad, has never been higher. Accessibility of trainings such as HCIE benefits both individual professionals and corporations because it helps strengthen the skills of a workforce that is set to lead the new era of hyper-connected economy. At Huawei, we take our role of cultivating these young leaders very seriously. Skill development is a central to our strategy and community initiatives in the markets we operate in.” Abraham Liu, Huawei Malaysia CEO


Malaysia getting Samsung Galaxy Note 4 on 15 October 2014?

While all of the major Malaysian Telcos have come out with their own teaser images and registration of interest page, Samsung Malaysia have already sent out the invites for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 launch. Our invite revealed that we'll all know a bit more on 15 October 2014. The highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is expected to revitalise Samsung's flagging smartphone sales with tech specs that include:

While the Galaxy Note 4 is definitely something worth watching, we can't help but wonder if some other companion devices could be coming as well. The Samsung Galaxy Gear S hasn't made it's Malaysian debut yet but since it is a standalone device it could come at a later date. Perhaps some new or current Samsung Level premium audio products instead? Or maybe even a glimpse of the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge? In any case, we'll find out more in the next two weeks. In the meantime, do check out these videos on the Galaxy Note 4:

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 features highlighted once more

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs the gluteas maximus (the human butt) bend test


Malaysia getting the Nokia Lumia 1020 in Q4 2013 along with Nokia Lumia 925 in August

Nokia Malaysia has confirmed that Malaysia will be getting both the Nokia Lumia 1020 and Nokia Lumia 925 soon. Specific dates weren't exactly available at the time, but they have given a general estimate of arrival for the two premium Lumias. According to Gary Chan, Head of Marketing for Nokia Pan Asia, the Nokia Lumia 1020 is likely to arrive in Malaysia in Q4 of 2013. The Nokia Lumia 925 on the other hand has been confirmed for August 2013. While the metal-clad Nokia Lumia 925 will be priced at RM1799, there wasn't any exact pricing for the Nokia Lumia 1020.


Malaysia has built an electric car that can be fueled by used cooking oil

Back in January, System Consultancy Service (SCS) started a self-funded project “EV myKar” to build an electric car that can be fueled by solar energy, palm oil, and even used cooking oil *shocked*. The electric car was recently shown to the public at Kuala Lumpur Engineering Science Fair 2019 at Mines Exhibition Centre last weekend.

According to SCS, the project is said to address the negative press and worldwide bans on palm oil plantations in Malaysia. Other than solving that, Malaysians will also get to experience the car that fully runs on electricity. The concept of building this car is quite bold and different, but at the same time being environmentally sustainable.

The car will also come to the rescue for rural communities as it is said to be able to provide electricity for up to three small kampung houses. Therefore, residents of rural areas do not have to worry about electricity shortage during emergencies such as parts of the power supply being cut off when natural disasters happen, according to SCS.

Furthermore, SCS also suggested that solar panels on the roof of the car can provide power to a solid-state air conditioning system that is always on, even when the car is not turned on. To simplify it, that means you’ll get “air con” straightaway once you get in the car during a hot and sunny day. The air conditioning system is also said to work best under extremely hot weather.

What do you think about this new electric car concept? Leave some comments to share with us! Stay tuned for more local tech news on TechNave.com


Malaysia has climbed to the 28th rank in terms of broadband Internet speed

In this short announcement by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Malaysia has climbed to the 28th spot in terms of Internet speed. We know that there's still a lot of work to be done, but it's quite an improvement compared to 2017 when Malaysia was ranked 56th.

According to MCMC, the network speed test in Malaysia now reaches up to 70.18Mbps and 44.50Mbps for both downloading and uploading respectively. If you must know, our nation's download speed was only 22.26Mpbs so that's great. To add on to that, MCMC also revealed that the number of fixed broadband users is now 1.2 million as of 2018. This is another huge jump, as in the year 2017 the figure was only 150,000. As for mobile broadband users, there is an increased rate of 121.1% as of 2018 compared to 2014's 68.3%, that's an average annual growth rate of 15.4%.

“As of December 31, 2018, the fourth-generation mobile telecommunications network (4G) achieved a domestic coverage rate of 79.7%, while high-speed broadband (HSBB) users increased from 3.5 million in 2015 to 5.5 million last year.” MCMC stated.

Finally, under the MSAP measures, it seems that telecommunication companies will have to co-operate with the reduced cost of high-speed broadband services. But what do you think? Stay tuned for more local tech news at TechNave.com.


Malaysia has the third best fixed broadband in Southeast Asia

Based on a study done by speedtest.net, Malaysia is currently in 3rd place when it comes to the national average download speed with Thailand and Singapore coming in at 2nd and 1st place respectively. To go into more detail, Malaysia’s download speed averaged around 90.88Mbps while upload speed is somewhere around the ballpark of 50Mbps in H2 2020.

But that’s not all, Malaysia is also 4th in Southeast Asia when it comes to mobile download speeds as the national average is around 24.53Mbps which is slightly behind Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore with speeds of 33.14Mbps, 40.54Mbps, and 68.86Mbps respectively.

If you want to read up the study for yourself, head over to speedtest.net’s official website. What are your thoughts on our global average download speeds for mobile and fixed broadband? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Malaysia is one of the friendliest countries in the world - Snap's Friendship Report

Today, Snap Inc., the makers of Snapchat has released a new global study that compromise of 10,000 people from several countries, including Malaysia, on how culture, age, and technology have shaped our preferences and attitudes around friendship. That said, it turns out that Malaysia is one of the friendliest people in the world.

According to the Friendship Report, the company discovered that Malaysians really love to add friends, as we have twice as many best friends (5.8) and close friends (8.4) as those in Europe, Australia and America (the global average is just 4.3 and 7.2 respectively). Also, 27% of Malaysians seem to have a need to diversify their social circle in terms of age, gender, race, and sexuality, compared with 19% globally.

Moving on, it’s a new discovery that 37% of Gen Z people are more selective on choosing who can enter their close circle of friends. Gen Z Malaysians (27%) are also seem more reluctant than Gen Y (56%) to share personal life updates publicly on Facebook. That said, 70% of Malaysians say that the media (photos and videos) help them to express what they want to say as opposed to writing. It doesn’t take a rocker scientist to figure this out, but we (37-40%) also rely on technology to form friendships as well.

Finally, interaction with friends in real life and online surprisingly share a close result of 57% vs 52%. So in other words, doesn’t matter which platform we use, as long as we get to keep in touch and long term studies have reported that our life span will decrease by 20% if we have no close friends (I wonder how did they count to that percentage lol).

Well, those are some interesting findings by Snap Inc. What do you think? Do the scores really reflect on what we experience? Let’s discuss on the Facebook post and stay tuned for more tech lifestyle news at TechNave.com.


ASUS ZenFone 5 ZE620KL review - Sleek and smarter Midrange ASUS AI cameraphone

Hailed by DxOMark as one of the better midrange cameraphones with a score of 90 (on par with the Google Pixel), ASUS are coming back in a big way with an affordable midrange smartphone that not only takes great pictures but looks great and performs with AI or Artificial Intelligence functions as well. We see how well ASUS managed to do this in our review of the ASUS ZenFone 5 ZE620KL below.

Originally, ASUS brought the ZenFone range to the masses to offer nicely designed devices that looked good, so it is great that the ASUS ZenFone 5 ZE620KL looks very good too with the Zen concentric circles pattern on the flat glass backside. Offering a large 6.2-inch fullview display in a smartphone body that originally used a 5.5-inch screen (yep, it's the same size as the ASUS ZenFone 3 Zoom) the ZenFone 5 ZE620KL is compact, lightweight and comfortable to hold.

Granted, the front display now has a notch for the 8MP front camera and the speakers but it still looks good. Pressing the screen beside the notch reveals a drop down bar of all the notifications. Held together by a solid metal frame with rounded corners, the shiny flat back turns heads in a good way but like most shiny glass backed devices, it does attract smudges and fingerprints, so best slap on the bundled free case as soon as possible.

The ASUS ZenFone 5 ZE620KL is nearly all screen with a 6.2-inch display in a 5.5-inch body

The shiny Zen concentric circles are making a comeback on the flat glass back

A 3.5mm audio jack, USB Type-C port and the 5 magnet speakers

The power button and volume rocker on the side of the rounded metal frame

The 12MP + 8MP dual rear camera hump only juts out a little on the ASUS ZenFone 5 ZE620KL

On the bottom there is a USB Type-C port, the bottom speaker grill and a 3.5mm audio jack. The phone also packs in NFC for future smart payments perhaps but this isn't readily apparent from the flat glass back.

The phone offers a hybrid SIM though, so you will have to make a choice if you want to add on a microSD with a SIM card or if you want dual SIM cards running at the same time. Both slots support 4G LTE regardless.

You'll have to choose between a microSD or SIM card for the hybrid dual SIM slot

Here are the ASUS ZenFone 5 ZE620KL tech specs:

The ASUS ZenFone 5 ZE620KL uses the latest midrange Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor

Stand-out tech specs for the ZenFone 5 ZE620KL include the notched 6.2-inch fullview display and the 12MP dual pixel + 8MP wide angle dual rear cameras as the Sony IMX363 dual pixel sensor really lets you take better shots in nearly all situations. For this reason, ASUS have spared no expense at offering a whole range of camera features including 4K video recording, 240 fps slow motion video, 120 fps HD video and 18:9 aspect ratio FHD+ video recording (for the 8MP front camera too!).

Camera features include the usual Super Resolution, Beauty, Pro mode, Panorama and Slow motion from the PixelMaster set while for the front camera there is selfie panorama and beauty mode as well. There don’t seem to be any options for stabilization, but ASUS assures us that it is there and is thus always on. This time around it also packs in an AI scene detection feature which automatically adjusts camera settings by identifying 16 different objects, allowing for easier to get and more vibrant shots than before (although it would be nice to be able to turn it off if necessary).

Plenty of camera options for both photos and videos

The dual rear cameras still offers ASUS PixelMaster camera options

All the important Selfie camera functions are available too

While it shares the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 chipset as the ZenFone Max Pro M1, the ZenUI really brings out the most from the chipset by leveraging the AI capabilities. Although ASUS have practically renamed nearly all their features with AI (AI Power, AI Charging, AI Call) we did find that AI Boost was intelligent enough to launch and suggest you turn it on when we played games or ran benchmarks.

Thankfully, Game Genie is still there and has been updated with options for full HD recording, recording audio from the source and not the microphone and more. ZenUI has been suitably trimmed with no useless bloatware included. Audiowizard fans should be happy then as it is still there to bring the most out of the 2nd gen NXP amplifier and 5 magnet speakers. The face following ZeniMoji is available in the Selfie Master app, but we think it could need a bit more work as it lags a bit when talking.

While the AI Boost does activate automatically you can turn it on or off as well

In my honest opinion, the best new ZenUI update has to be the built-in photo editor which can resize images (95% quality but still, better than some dedicated apps) and video editor which can trim videos with no loss to the video quality. We’d really like it if ASUS took this a step further, so we’d get native video and image editing apps with every ZenFone. I personally still miss the ASUS Email app but if GMail is there it is rather redundant.

While the Face Unlock is certainly fast, it doesn't always work fast, sometimes it won’t work in dark locations too. The pick up mode which “intelligently” puts the phone on standby is somewhat too sensitive as well, turning on at the slightest movement (like in your pocket or bag). Most AI features do work but like this feature they perhaps might need a little bit more polishing or fine tuning.

Cool, a built-in image editor and video trimmer!

I have to say, that after ASUS announced all their AI features, I felt very skeptical but the overall performance is much better than I expected. Call and WiFi quality are good, battery life on just the 3300 mAh battery is about 1 day and a half and charging back to 100% takes just a bit longer than 2 hours, so maybe there is something to all these AI ASUS features.

Overall performance was better and smoother than the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 (surprisingly!) with better gaming on PUBG Mobile and most of our benchmarks. In normal mode AnTuTu scored about 123884 but with their AI Boost on, this got bumped up to 138625 with a slight boost for gaming performance as well. Our normally demanding Asphalt 8: Airborne got played lag free but PUBG Mobile set the ZenFone 5 ZE620KL at medium settings initially.

Smooth lag-free performance in Asphalt 8: Airborne

The AI Boost offered a higher performance in AnTuTu on the left compared to the normal performance on the right (which is still plenty good all the same)

Similar boosts in GeekBench 4 thanks to the AI Boost means that it is working

While the notch does offer more screen and can be deactivated, the fact that in landscape mode one side is flat and one side has rounded corners does make it seem a bit less symmetrical. For most people this isn’t an issue as this can only be seen in 18:9 aspect ratio media and most people don't watch that type of media anyway.

When watching full HD 1080p 16:9 media both sides are straight and the screen is nice, bright and detailed, making it just as good for movie watching as a display with no notch. Audio quality is nice and loud as well thanks to the built-in HiFi Audio amplifier and 5 magnet speaker but with the right A2DP / aptX headphones, audio quality is even better.

You can see that one side has rounded corners for this 18:9 aspect ratio video

For full HD 1080p content, both sides are straight

Camera quality is awesome with the AI Scene Detection making colours pop more and images becoming more vibrant. We know this might not sit well with those who want the more realistic shots but taking great looking shots on a ZenFone with both the front and rear cameras has never been easier.

The option to take wide-angle shots at any time is also nice, if a bit slow to switch sometimes, but when you do get the shot, image quality is just as top notch as the normal version thanks to the AI Scene Detection. Shots reliably and regularly turn out well in both low-light and daylight situations while motion shots are just as clear as always.

Auto captures all the details even in motion (but it was so clear we had to black out the license plate too)

Auto, plenty of details here too, see the ants?

Depth of Field or Bokeh effect blurs out the back but keeps the front details clear

Video recording is smooth even on higher frame rates and resolutions but sometimes when there is some calculation required the cameras do lag somewhat (something we hope the ZenFone 5Z can solve when it comes) making the ZenFone 5 ZE620KL a more complete AI-powered cameraphone. It helps that the Pro mode lets you capture some really good shots too but for the most part the dual pixel rear cameras work well in nearly every condition.

You may need a tripod for the trickier or darker shots though but if you practice holding your breath and using your stomach ledge or a nearby structure, this isn't that much of an issue. Selfies look good too while the depth of field effect or portrait mode works good enough as well.

Auto, works well even in a darkened tunnel underneath sharks

Auto ~ great low-light performance captures all the colours

Auto ~ to get all the details you may need to hold your breath or use a stomach ledge

With Pro mode you can capture minute details like a spider web in daylight

So, did ASUS manage to pull off an AI-driven cameraphone for the midrange? With a super affordable price of RM1299 for the ASUS ZenFone 5 ZE620KL the short answer is a resounding YES! Thanks to the better rounded video features and new AI Scene Detection the ZenFone 5 ZE620KL delivers a more complete AI-driven cameraphone experience but again it is something that could still do with a bit more fine tuning (something ASUS could probably do with coming updates).

The closest midranger with similar camera-centric AI-driven features is the RM1599 Honor 10 but the ZenFone 5 ZE620KL is difficult to beat in the same below RM1.3K price range. The free casing helps to add a bit more value to the phone and keeps those smudges and fingerprints away from the shiny glass back but the ZenFone 5 ZE620KL is an excellent AI-driven midrange cameraphone for Malaysia’s masses especially if you’re looking to take photos as well as do video recording.

Know anyone who has bought the ZenFone 5 ZE620KL? Thinking of getting one yourself? Tell us your thoughts on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Malaysia is the first in Asia to use Ericsson's ultra-lightweight radio for 5G deployment

Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) has been working hard on deploying the 5G network in Malaysia. Today, it's announced that we will be the first country to use Ericsson's AIR 3268 ultra-lightweight radio for the 5G rollout. If you don't know what's good about the technology, read on to find out more!

Ericsson's head for Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, David Hagerbro, stated that the new generation radio would get deployed throughout Malaysia. It is 18 per cent more energy-efficient than the previous generation radio, thereby ensuring a more sustainable and responsible 5G rollout.

Furthermore, the AIR 3268 is designed with Ericsson Silicon, providing real-time channel estimation and ultra-precise beamforming that improves coverage and user experience. AIR 3268 is also the lightest and smallest Massive MIMO (multiple input multiple output) radio in the industry, measuring 12 kilogrammes and 23 litres. With 200 watts of output power, 32 transceivers and passive cooling, the radio weighs about 40 per cent less than the earlier generation, making installations easy on towers, rooftops, poles and walls.

Are you excited about being in the 5G era? Drop a comment to let us know your thoughts, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more tech news.


Malaysia may impose a 25km/h speed limit for micro-mobility vehicles soon

Malaysia will be imposing a new guideline on the use of micro-mobility vehicles on the road in the near future, with the gritty details currently in the works by the Transport Ministry (MOT) and other relevant entities. In fact, the Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) has today revealed that it it will present a proposed guideline to MOT soon, with one of the proposals being a speed limit cap of 25km/h.

As reported by national news agency Bernama, PLANMalaysia Director-General Dr Alias Rameli revealed that his Department are currently in the final phase of the micro-mobility vehicles guideline. Furthermore, among the elements being studied include road marking, specific routes and the aforementioned speed limit.

Dr Alias said that while these vehicles can go as fast as 50km/h, PLANMalaysia feel that its speed limit should not exceed half of that at 25km/h. The Department is also figuring out how to adapt the use of micro-mobility vehicles to suit existing laws under local government authorities and the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

Dr Alias further stressed that the use of micro-mobility vehicles should be regulated instead of being banned as its usage are generally beneficial to the country. Particularly, these vehicles can reduce the carbon consumption and footprints of Malaysian cities.

PLANMalaysia is set to table the guideline to MOT and the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) when it is finalised. So, what do you guys think of the proposed 25km/h speed limit for micro-mobility vehicles?

Share your thoughts with us in the comments below as we’d love to hear from you. As always, do stay tuned to TechNave for the latest tech news in Malaysia and beyond!


Malaysia named top-mover climbing to 5 positions on the Huawei Global Connectivity Index 2017 report

As reported in the Huawei Global Connectivity Index (GCI) 2017, the fourth annual study shows in the 50 countries that were analyzed, Malaysia climbed five positions in the ranks due to the government’s aggressive investment to improve its international bandwidth, 4G coverage and Cloud over the past three years.

The Malaysians’ increased in usage and improved experience with ICT can also be a contributor to the result, which account for 17% of its national economy in 2016 for Digital Economy, one of the highest in the world, according to the Department of Statistics of Malaysia.

Besides that, the rest of the report also finds that countries are progressing with digital transformation based on 40 unique indicators that cover five technology enablers: broadband, data centers, cloud, big data and Internet of Things. The study also shows the world's GCI score is up 4% points since 2015, which means ICT has become an engine of economic growth.

Abraham Liu, CEO of Huawei Malaysia commented on Malaysia’s progress saying,

“Malaysia’s climb in ranks on the global connectivity index is not a complete surprise to us, we saw first-hand what Malaysia has been doing in terms of ICT infrastructure and we applaud the government’s efforts of its rapid developing infrastructure. The government's initiative in incubating a startup ecosystem through its Malaysia Digital Hub is a great example for local businesses to get connected in the digital economy. We look forward to continue supporting Malaysia in their efforts to achieve their ICT goals.”

The 50 countries assessed by the GCI 2017 account for 90 percent of global GDP and 78 percent of the world’s population.

To read the full story about the Huawei Global Connectivity Index 2017, head over here to check it out.


Malaysia one of the countries with lowest Apple iPhone prices

While it may seem that the prices for devices in Malaysia goes skyrocketing every year, in actual sense we enjoy one of the lowest prices for smartphones and devices around the world. Take the Apple iPhone 6 for example. While it may cost RM 2699 here for the 16GB model, that is actually just an 16% premium over prices in the US.

A report by Deutsche Bank shows the extent to which iPhone prices vary in nations around the globe. With the US pricing as parity, many countries are only seeing about on average 11-17% premium over the price that a US consumer pay for the phone out right.

Malaysia is at rank number 18 on the list, ahead of Singapore which is at number 23, and behind Indonesia at number 2. Brazil is currently the leader of the pack, with buyers over there need to pay on average USD 931, or about RM 3730 ringgit for the iPhone 6. That is a 56% premium over America, and about RM 1000 ringgit more than us here! It is equivalent of paying a phone and a half.

So the next time you want to say that our prices are high – it is not that high. Blame the forex for the price bloat instead.


Malaysia police force destroyed over a thousand Bitcoin mining rigs worth RM5.3 million

Of all the activities during the pandemic, not only did more people are spending more time with their hobbies but Bitcoin mining is increasing as well. In case you missed it, there was news about a police raid seizing over a thousand (1069, to be exact) mining rigs in Miri, Sarawak.

According to earlier reports, 6 individuals were arrested in their operation hideout and the total estimated value of the mining rigs was a total of RM5.3million. Due to the mining operation, each of them was charged up to RM8000 fines and jailed for 8 months for electricity theft. It was also estimated that the Sarawak Energy Berhad lost RM8.4 million from the electricity theft.

It didn't happen overnight, though. Sources also say that the mining rigs were collected from 6 separate raids over the months this year. With all of them collected, the police also decided to crush the mining rigs with a steamroller. The video was uploaded by DayakDaily which you can see above.

Although the destruction seems over the top, it did send a strong message regardless. Stay safe, everyone. Stay healthy and stray tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.