Samsung withdraws latest Samsung Galaxy S10 update due to several bugs

Update XXU1ASE5 was supposed to bring many camera improvements to the Samsung Galaxy S10 series alongside other updates in the May 2019 patch. However, numerous bugs have popped up which has Samsung responding by pulling the update.

The now pulled update had caused the S10 phones to freeze while using apps such as Twitter and Nova Launcher which results in forced restarts. Over on Reddit and the xda-developers forum, users have reported different types of freezes that happen after updating the phone. Some freezes result in unresponsive pop ups after pressing the power button but the phone does eventually restart automatically. Some notice that simply pressing on the power button would turn off the screen but the phone doesn’t lock. Other users notice that the fingerprint sensor would work a lot slower or just not respond altogether.

As of right now, the update is no longer available for download. Samsung has not issued a statement or acknowledged the problem as of right now and it is not known when a new and stable update would be released to rectify the problem. From what we know, restarting the phone or factory resetting the device does not fix future freezes so it's best if users stay away from the update for now. Are you affected by the update? Keep up with the latest Samsung news on TechNave.com!


Samsung won't have a device with an under-display camera till Galaxy Z Fold 3 launches

The holes are shrinking, but they're not quite gone yet

As the years go on, the bezels on smartphones continue to shrink. We're already starting to see phones with over 90% screen-to-body ratio and that ratio is only going to get bigger. In fact, it seems that Samsung already plans to have a device that is an all-screen display.

According to The Elec (via Android Headlines), the device that will have an all-screen display would be the Galaxy Z Fold 3. In other words, it will have an under-display camera. It seems that the original plan was to start equipping the feature on the Galaxy S21 and Note 21 series, but that hasn't panned out due to delay and low yield of production for the displays.

Speaking of the under-display camera, Samsung is expected to use a 2-step hole-in-active-area (HIAA) process for the camera. For the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Samsung will be using an upgraded version called HIAA 2. The purpose of this process is to create a precise opening for the camera to show without any distorted edges. It's too bad that we can't see Samsung's implementation yet, considering that other companies are already starting to release phones with an under-display front camera.

Regardless, it'll be something to look forward to. Having said that, what are your thoughts on under-display cameras? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave.com for future updates on this.


Samsung working a new technology to decrease power consumption for future smartphones

It seems that Samsung Display Company has recently announced that they have developed a display technology which could significantly reduce the power consumption of smartphones. While not much is known in regards to when this technology will be available in smartphones, techradar did mention that the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is currently using it.

To go into more detail, it seems that the aforementioned display technology helps reduce power consumption by intelligent decreasing the refresh rate of the display when it is displaying content to does not require a high refresh rate. Furthermore, it will apparently decrease the refresh rate to as low as 10Hz when viewing still images or to as high as 120Hz while mobile gaming.

With all that said, what are your thoughts on Samsung developing a new technology to help improve the battery life of future smartphones? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Samsung working on Exynos 1280 chipset for entry-level devices

A few years ago, Exynos chipsets weren't very competitive in comparison with other manufacturers. But Samsung stuck to its guns because market competition is important. These days, Exynos chips perform much better, and now Samsung has a new one on the way.

That's right, Samsung is allegedly working on a new chipset for entry-level devices. The chipset in question is the Exynos 1280, which is manufactured on the 5nm process. It's also supposed to have lower specifications than the Exynos 1080. We can expect the Exynos 1280 to be a cut-down version with less powerful Cortex-A78 and Cortex-A55 CPU cores.

5nm Exynos 1280,coming soonStrangely, its specification is lower than Exynos 1080For entry-level models

If it's a cut-down version of the Exynos 1080, we can also expect it to be a 5G chipset. As such, we would most likely see it equipped with Samsung devices like the entry-level models in the Galaxy A or Galaxy M series. vivo is the other brand that might use this chipset.

Since news of this chipset has begun to appear, it will probably launch with the Exynos 2200. It should be interesting to see how these chips would perform, but for now, stay tuned to TechNave for more updates about it.


Samsung working on batteries with over 10% more battery capacity for mobile devices

When it comes to technologies for mobile devices, factors like size and existing tech limit what companies can do. For instance, you can't fit an 8000mAh battery on a smartphone unless you're willing to increase the size. But Samsung is working on improving battery capacity for its mobile devices.

According to The Elec, Samsung SDI is developing a new type of battery for smartphones, tablets, notebooks and more. The company already manufactures this type of "stacked batteries" for electric vehicles. But to bring this tech to mobile devices, Samsung will collaborate with two Chinese companies to make smaller stacked batteries.

For your info, a stacked battery is one where sets of core battery materials are stacked on top of each other. This results in batteries with up to 10% more energy density, so Samsung can make batteries with larger capacities in the same size. Alternatively, the company could make its batteries smaller but retain the same capacity. This allows Samsung to fit more components into their devices or make them more compact.

Mind you, we don't know when Samsung would be ready to manufacture these new batteries. But we might see it featured in next year's Galaxy S24 series, so we might see a big improvement in battery capacity. With that said, do you prefer larger battery capacities or more compact devices? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned to TechNave for more news about this.


Samsung working on new 3D ToF sensor for the Galaxy S21 series

Last month, it was rumoured that Samsung would be looking to drop the ToF (Time of Flight) sensor for the Galaxy S21 series smartphones. Allegedly, the company felt that its ToF sensor isn't useful or powerful enough, compared to those from other manufacturers. However, it seems that the company already has a new type of ToF sensor for the Galaxy S21 series.

That's right, the Galaxy S21 series may be getting a ToF sensor after all. According to LetsGoDigital, Samsung recently filed a new trademark for what it calls its ISOCELL Vizion. The document states that this is a ToF sensor made for 3D scanning, 3D modelling, and 3D measurement. In other words, it's a 3D ToF sensor similar to the ones used in Sony and Apple smartphones.

Due to the new trademark, we now have reason to believe that Samsung could launch the Galaxy S21 series of smartphones with the ISOCELL Vizion. Samsung would want to make it more useful than its current ToF technology, so it may not necessarily launch it yet. In this case, we probably won't see it debuting in the Galaxy S21 series if Samsung is still in the prototyping phase.

Having the trademark registered so early suggests that it could be ready soon, but we'll just have to wait for more news on this. With that said, what kind of capabilities would you like from a 3D ToF sensor? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave for more updates on this.


Apple AirPods 3rd-Gen release: Spatial Audio & water-resistant, priced at RM829

Today, the Apple Event went live and unleashed a new 3rd-Gen of Apple AirPods. It's kind of mind-blogging to think that the 1st-Gen was first unveiled in 2016 but we digress. Here's everything you need to know about the latest AirPods.

Starting with the design, the new AirPods looks like a mixture of the AirPods Pro and vanilla AirPods. It looks quite similar but it now has extra tiny vents to deliver the best sound quality as well as new Force sensor controls on the tips. The new wireless earpiece pair is now sweat and water-resistant too.

In terms of features, Apple has integrated Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ and Dolby Atmos for Apple Music. A new Apple custom driver is available that aims to balance the sounds and it's also said that the FaceTime calls are improved. The battery life is now 6 hours longer compared with the predecessor and its charging case is compatible with MagSafe Charging.

Besides that, other notable features include the Find My network and Siri integration. You may also do your own personal engraving if you choose to purchase from the Apple website. The 3rd-Gen AirPods will be priced at RM829 in the Malaysian market.

It's not known when Apple Malaysia will import these new bad boys. Until then, we will be keeping an eye out. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Samsung working on new 50MP RGBW camera sensor, will be equipped on Galaxy S22 series

There's still a few months left in 2021, but Samsung is already getting for 2022. Samsung's flagship series for next year will allegedly bring back the 3D ToF, with an Ultra variant that sports a 200MP camera too. Besides that, there's also news of a new 50MP camera.

According to Ice Universe, Samsung will launch a 50MP RGBW (red, green, blue, white) sensor and a 200MP camera sensor in September 2021. The 50MP RGBW sensor is expected to be equipped in the Galaxy S22 series. While the exact variant wasn't specified, we expect this sensor to only be available on the Ultra or maybe Plus variants.

So this 50MP is going to a select clients and will be seen on S22 series

Samsung will be selling this new 50MP RGBW sensor to other smartphone brands. The smartphone series that would most likely be the first to feature the sensor would be the rumoured vivo X70, which happens to have the same launch window as the camera sensor. We also think that the Xiaomi Mi 12 series for next year will have this sensor.

These sources are known to be highly reliable, so this 50MP RGBW sensor is most likely real. However, we can't say for sure which device would feature it yet. Until we get an official announcement, do stay tuned to TechNave for further updates.


Samsung works with Adidas by bringing the limited-edition Stan Smith Galaxy Buds Pro

This new collaboration between Samsung and Adidas has brought the Stan Smith tennis shoes-inspired Galaxy Buds Pro to the market. The wireless earbuds have gotten themselves a makeover with the signature white and green colour combination with a few extra redesigns that will make you want to get yourself a pair!

Besides the earbuds, the charging case has also received a snapback hat design with an Adidas logo on it. It is said that the case is made from recycled materials as well in line with Adidas’ recent efforts of cutting down waste. Meanwhile, the packaging box has become a shoebox that will make you feel like receiving a fresh pair of Stan Smith sneakers.

The limited-edition Galaxy Buds Pro will be released in South Korea on 7 April with a price of KRW 279,000 (~RM1,026). Current Galaxy smartphone users can also get a custom Adidas Originals theme with the earbuds. Let us know if you're interested in getting a pair of these Adidas x Samsung wireless earbuds on our Facebook page! Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more interesting tech gadget news.


Samsung x LINE Friends wireless chargers and cases coming soon

Have a Samsung device? Love Brown and Cony? Well something great is heading your way. Bringing together two brands for a collaboration is no stranger for Samsung, and their upcoming Samsung X LINE tie-up will see Brown and Cony branded items for Samsung devices coming to a store near you.

Samsung confirmed that the X Line Friends accessories will be released in South Korea next month. The products will be available for purchase from Samsung’s website, Samsung Mobile Stores, Samsung Digital Plaza, and Delight Stores, however prices remain unknown.

We are also not sure if Samsung Malaysia will be bringing this in, but if they do, we will update everyone. So stay tuned to TechNave for up-to-date technology news.


Samsung x LazMall Super Brand Day: Get up to RM1900 off, exclusive vouchers and more this 24 May 2022

Samsung and Lazada are partnering again this month for the Samsung x LazMall Super Brand Day happening on 24 May 2022. Returning for the fifth straight year, this annual campaign now offers bigger, bolder and better online shopping experience for Malaysians and 5 other nations across Southeast Asia.

This time around, the theme for the campaign is ‘Spark that Super Feeling’ and to get shoppers ready for the Samsung x LazMall Brand Day, there will be a testing period from 21 to 23 May 2022. Then, on 24 May, online shoppers can enjoy deals on Samsung products across smartphones, tablets, wearables, TVs, smart monitors and digital appliances.

Available exclusively on the Samsung Official Store on LazMall, shpppers can use the exclusive voucher code ‘SSPR10’ with no minimum spend and check out on 24 May 2022. This includes the new online exclusive Samsung Q63 QLED 4K Smart TV 2022 range, the Smart Monitor M8, and the smartphone focus model – the Samsung Galaxy M33 5G.

Besides that, shoppers also stand a chance to win additional vouchers of up to Rm30 with no minimum spend when they participate in the Samsung social game - AR filter on Instagram. Just visit the main campaign page to gain first-hand access to the best deals on Samsung’s Super Brand Day.

In addition, Laz Talent - Dennis Gan will also be hosting a live session on TechMania LazLive, Lazada’s in-app livestream channel on 17 May from 9pm-10pm, to share more on the latest offers and products available to purchase during the sale. Among the highlights of the Samsung x LazMall Super Brand Day include:

Awesome! For more information on this campaign, visit the Samsung x LazMall Super Brand Day official website here. Moreover, for more news on tech deals and releases, do stay tuned to TechNave!


SanDisk Connect offers portable NAS-like streaming - Wireless Flash Drive

These days, USB flash drives are the most common of tech devices, however, there are still some rather interesting USB flash drives around like the new SanDisk Connect range of flash drives. Coming in 16GB and 32GB for the smaller SanDisk Connect Wireless Flash Drive and 32GB or 64GB for the SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Drive, these devices allow you to stream movies, music and files wirelessly much like a NAS but in a more portable form. Both devices can deliver streaming to up to 8 different devices regardless of OS as it is compatible with Windows, iOS and Android.

On top of more space capacity, the Media Drive offers a bit more by offering a SDHC/SDXC microSD slot for further expansion. The SanDisk Connect Wireless Flash Drive is available at $49.99 (RM159) for the 16GB version and $59.99 (RM191) for the 32GB version. The SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Drive on the other hand is priced at $79.99 (RM254) for the 32GB version while the 64GB version comes in at $99.99 (RM318). No news when it would be available in Malaysia but it would likely be in Q4 of 2013.

The SanDisk Connect Wireless Flash Drive

The SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Drive


SanDisk Extreme Pro is world's first 256GB CF card

SanDisk recently announced another World's First, this time breaking the CF card capacity limit with a 256GB CF card. The SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash 256GB memory card offers 256GB capacity with up to 160 MB/s transfer speeds. Featuring a VPG-65 Video Performance Guarantee, the SanDisk Extreme Pro can record 4K video at 65MB/S. This ability makes it perfect for 4K videographers but also ensures super fast overall performance for non-4K uses. Tested for durability involving shock and vibration, the CF card can operate from -13 F / -25 degrees C to 185 degree F / 85 degrees C. In addition, the other SanDisk Extreme Pro 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB cards have been updated with up to 160 MB/s read speeds and up to 150MB/s write speeds. All of the SanDisk Extreme Pro CF cards are currently being shipped with Malaysia release dates being now or very soon.


SanDisk Ultra Dual USB drives available in Malaysia from RM55

If you've ever wanted to transfer files from your smartphone to your laptop or PC and back without any Internet, you'll have thought, "Isn't there a better way?". Thankfully, there is, and we just reported on it a while back. This solution is the Ultra Dual USB drive from SanDisk, which is a thumbdrive with both microUSB and standard USB 2.0 jacks built into the flash memory drive. Coming in from 16GB to 64GB, the SanDisk Ultra Dual USB drives will be priced from RM55 to RM155 and are compatible with Android devices. You can also use it with the SanDisk Memory Zone App for easier management but for more information, check out the video below and the SanDisk site.


SanDisk Ultra dual USB drive offers alternative for smartphones with no microSD support

There are quite a few smartphones and mobile devices out there that don't have any microSD support. The most well known would probably be the HTC One, but now such devices have another alternative as the SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive offers a dual USB and micro USB flash memory drive that switches easily between smartphones, tablets and PCs with ease. While you can also use a USB OTG cable for a standard USB flash memory drive, this isn't very portable or easy to carry about (as people often lose the OTG cable, more often than not). The smaller SanDisk Ultra dual USB drive simplifies things greatly and offers 16GB, 32GB and 64GB storage options as well. An additional MemoryZone mobile app makes the file transfer or backups a lot easier. Prices for the SanDisk Ultra dual USB drive are around RM55 or so making it a worthy investment for those of you looking for a bit more storage space for your smartphone or mobile device. Check out the video below or the SanDisk site for yourself.


SanDisk aims to boost smartphone memory with its 200GB microSDXC card

SanDisk is a well-known manufacturer of memory cards and the company recently unveiled a brand new 200GB microSDXC card for smartphones and tablets. The new SanDisk Ultra microSDXC UHS-I card, will be the largest capacity memory card for a mobile device yet. At present, the largest card supported by smartphones are of 128GB but this particular announcement will further boost the storage capacity of mobile devices. According to the company, over 70% of the photos taken today are with a smartphone. That number will increase to around 90% by 2019. As smartphones capable of capturing professional quality pictures make it to the market, it becomes necessary to increase the storage space on these devices. SanDisk managed to increase the capacity to 200GB by revising the design and production process of its existing 128GB Ultra microSD card. The new process helped the company fit more bits per die boosting the overall capacity of the device. It can record up to 20 hours of 1080p full HD videos. The new SanDisk Ultra microSDXC USH-I card, Premium will retail for $399 (RM1447) from Q2 2015. The company claims that the card is water proof, x-ray proof, magnet proof and even temperature proof and offers 10 years of warranty. Bear in mind that not many smartphones can support such cards yet, but it should make for an attractive feature for those who need it.


SanDisk and Micron announce world's first 1TB SDcards priced at ~RM1828

The day that a smartphone will have as much storage as a PC is finally here. SanDisk and Micron unveiled their 1TB microSD cards over at MWC 2019 today. Micron states that their cards will be the world’s first commercially available card whereas SanDisk counters that their cards will be the fastest among the two.

SanDisk isn’t just making a claim about their write speeds being better than Micron’s though. Micron’s read speed reaches a peak of 100MB/s while SanDisk’s reads at 150MB/s. However, that’s where SanDisk’s advantage ends. In terms of write speeds, Micron’s is at 95MB/s beating SanDisk’s which is at 90MB/s.

So far the only pricing for the SDcard that we know of is SanDisk’s and it comes with a pretty hefty price tag of USD$449 (~RM1828)! We can expect these cards to be out in the late Q2 of 2019. Honestly, I can see many passing on the SDcard due to the hefty price tag but my question is, is it worth the price? For the latest tech news, TechNave.com is the place to check it out!


Apple AirPods Max 2 could launch in 2022 with touch controls

The Apple AirPods Max may have excellent build and sound quality, but it has its share of flaws. For one, it doesn't have a headphone jack, so you could only use it with selected devices. It did have useful features like the digital crown, but the company might ditch that with the new model.

According to Patently Apple, the company was recently awarded a patent to put touch controls on its next AirPods Max headphones. This so-called AirPods Max 2 would have the touch controls placed on the earcups, allowing users to use swipes for actions like volume up and volume down. We can also expect Apple to allow for other basic functions like play, pause, and skipping tracks.

The AirPods Max 2 could let you swipe on the earcups to control the volume

For your info, Apple applied for the related patents years ago but is only getting it approved now. Due to the timing, Apple could launch the new AirPods Max 2 later this year. If we assume that Apple is going to make improvements, expect to see the inclusion of Hi-Res codecs like aptX or LDAC.

Mind you, this doesn't necessarily mean that Apple would launch this new model in 2022. The company may be still working on designing the product. But if it launches this year, would you buy it? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned to TechNave for possible updates about it.


SanDisk announces CFast 2.0 card, World's First and Fastest CF memory card

Barely days after announcing the world's first 256GB CF memory card, SanDisk has come and outed a new CompactFlash memory card that is the fastest memory card in the world with read speeds up to 450MB/s and write speeds up to 350MB/s. The SanDisk Extreme Pro CFast 2.0 memory cards are also more durable and use a pinless design along with unique serial numbers for more security. Compatible with Arri XT and Classic + XR module cameras the memory is positioned as the memory of choice for 4K video makers who need the speed and performance to keep up. There will be 120GB and 60GB capacities but no Malaysia pricing just yet. Rest assured that it should satisfy any premium needs with the world's fastest performing memory card. No news on availability or Malaysia release dates just yet, but if there is Arri support, you can expect the SanDisk Extreme Pro CFast 2.0 memory cards and USB3 card reader to be available as well.


SanDisk is officially part of Western Digital

After going through layers and layers of paperwork, Western Digital has finally finalised their purchase of SanDisk . They will be paying for the memory chip company for USD 16 billion dollars, which is a lot of money for chips.

SanDisk is a leading provider of chips used for data storage in a wide variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets and PCs. The deal will help SanDisk, which has a strong retail business, to move up the ladder into the enterprise market, where Western Digital is strongest. Western Digital gets the ability to offer chip-based storage in areas where its disk drive technology is losing ground.

SanDisk will continue to collaborate with Toshiba for vertically-integrated storage solutions. Toshiba has provided NAND flash storage for Apple’s iPhones and many other smartphone brands around the world.


Sandisk announces USB Type-C high-speed dual flash drive

If you are one of the lucky first that's rocking the new fangled USB Type-C connector on your phone or laptop, this is the product for you. Sandisk has announced the SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Type-C Flash Drive (say that 5 times in a row), a flash drive designed to be used on multiple platforms.

It is available in 4 capacities – 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB. It also has read speeds of up to 150MB/s and USB 3.1 connectivity on both ends. This drive is perfect for times that you need to transfer big files between devices, and do not have an access to a PC.

The drive will be available in several capacities – 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB, and it will have a starting price of USD 19.99 (˜RM 81).


Sandisk iXpand Base - A more convenient way to back up your iPhone / iPad

Are you an Apple iPhone user and have no idea how to back up your photos, videos and contacts? Or maybe the correct question should be, you do know how to back up but just dislike using iTunes or iCloud because it's complicated and you're wondering if there's another alternative that can backup as well as charge? Well, Sandisk might have the right device for you - the iXpand Base.

The iXpand Base is a pretty simple looking charging pad, inside the box, it comes with the product and a power adapter that charges 15 watts and 3 amps, along with a 6-foot cable attached to it. Unfortunately, you will have to use your own Apple Lightning Cable to charge and back up since it's not provided. The charging pad has a nice soft rubber top and between the top and bottom, there is actually a small space there for your cable, it's called the wrap-around groove and this will surely keep your table tidy from tied up cables.

The top, nice sponge for your iPhone or iPad

Then for the back, the microUSB port for the power adapter, a microSD slot for the 128GB Sandisk memory card, and the wrap-around groove

Before you start using the iXpand Base, you will need to have the iXpand Base App downloaded on your iPhone first so go to your App Store and get it for free. The app will work with any iPhone or iPad devices as long as it is iOS 10 and above. According to the complete device list over at their website, even the iPod 5th generation works with the device so that's pretty great for those who still have it. You can also back up even if your device is offline.

Here's how the app looks like in the App Store, don't download the wrong one because there are other Sandisk apps too

Once you have it ready, simply register and plug in the Lightning cable then it will start backing up automatically

Took me quite a while to back up 1758 items, like an hour haha. But once you've done so, new items get back up in a snap

Here's how the settings look like, nothing too complicated

Depending on the number of photos, videos and contacts you have, it may actually take a while to back up everything. All these files will be automatically saved into the microSD card and as for the "fast charge" label on the box, it's hard to tell how fast it exactly charges because we don't have the latest iPhone (we aren't willing to sacrifice our limbs or internal organs for it) but we think it should be able to reach 100% in two hours. Using the original Apple charger adapter (29W, 30W, 61W, or 87W) and the USB-C to Lightning cable is definitely faster.

Currently, there seem to be three variants in the Malaysia market. The one that you're reading about right now is the 128GB version and it costs RM499. If you don't need that much memory storage, there's the 64GB model for RM348, or the 256GB model for the hungry ones for RM848 in Lazada.my. Then on 11street, it starts with RM339 (64GB), followed by RM479 (128GB) and RM729 (256GB).

Personally, as a former Apple user, the iXpand Base is definitely pretty convenient for those who prefer a quicker way to charge and back up their iPhone or iPad, then retrieving it from the microSD card on their laptops or computer on-the-go. On the other hand, if you're quite tight on budget, it's actually not that hard to use iTunes or iCloud as your back up source, as it can do more to save your songs, apps, podcast, personal information and others as well. So, if you have the money to burn and you couldn't be bothered, then the iXpand Base should be the way to go.

What do you think? Would you want the iXpand Base? Discuss in our Facebook page and stay tuned for more tech reviews at TechNave.com.


Sandisk to offer the world’s fastest 256GB micro SDXC card for RM800

If you need more space for your stuff in your smartphone, the only way to expand it is with a microSD card. Sandisk has just introduced a beast of a microSDXD card that may catch your eye, as it has 256GB in something as small as your fingernail.

The new 256GB Extreme MicroSDXC UHS-I card, which offers transfer speeds up to 100MB/s and write speeds up to 90MB/s, makes it currently the world’s fastest 256GB card.

For those who want to get one, it is available for USD 199.99 (~RM 804) and is set to be launched by the fourth quarter this year. Most modern flagship smartphones can support this card, so have a go and plug in this in your Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, or even the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 and store everything in your pocket.


Sapphire Blue and Velvet Red vivo V9 pre-order now available for RM1399 + freebie gift box

As mentioned before in our vivo V9's AI-powered features article here, the Sapphire Blue and Velvet Red V9 are now available starting today for the same recommended retail price of RM1399. Both devices are up now on their official online store in Lazada here.

According to the website, there will be limited quantities of both blue and red models so we don't really know exactly how many units are there. But what we do know is that if you purchase it online, you will get a freebie V9 giftbox that consist a limited edition headset, a selfie stick and a keychain all worth RM299. Moreover, it also has a 1-year Screen Crack Warranty during the special pre-order period which is different for each model. For the Velvet Red model, the pre-order starts today (7 May 2018) until 11 May 2018, shipping out on 12 May 2018. Meanwhile, the Sapphire Blue pre-order also starts today until 15 May 2018 and will ship out the next day.

Words on the website that customers who pre-order also stand a chance to win a JBL T450 BT headphone which worth RM249. So if you want a piece of that and the limited edition Sapphire Blue / Velvet Red model, better act swiftly!


Sapphire display Huawei Ascend P7 revealed, more coming soon?

The super-thin Huawei Ascend P7 is currently the company's main flagship smartphone but in terms of screen protection it usually uses a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass. Huawei CEO, Richard Yu recently showed off a Huawei Ascend P7 with a sapphire crystal display even to the point of daring journalists to scratch it with a knife. He also went on to say that more 'Shocking products' will be coming from  Huawei soon. We have no idea what sort of tech specs these 'shocking' devices may have but Huawei has been on a roll recently, revealing the Huawei Honor 6 and other devices. A metal body Huawei Ascend D3 is rumoured to be coming soon at the upcoming IFA 2014 in September where it, the Sapphire crystal display Huawei Ascend P7 and other 'shocking' devices could appear. Still no details on Malaysia release dates, tech specs, features or pricing but we'll be waiting for more good stuff from Huawei Malaysia so stay tuned. In the meantime, do check out our review of the Huawei Ascend P7 as the tech specs for a Sapphire crystal display version probably wouldn't be much different from the original.[Source]


Sarahah app caught uploading your contacts silently to its server

At this point, it's either you're having fun or getting annoyed by the amount of Sarahah posts on your Facebook wall. For those who are under the rock, Sarahah is a messaging app that lets anyone message people anonymously. A simple concept, but it seems that the developer might be getting your contacts from your phone too without your consent.

According to Zachary Julian, a senior security analyst at Bishop Fox, he noticed that the app was uploading his private information to Sarahah's server when he tested it with BURP Suite, a monitoring software that intercepts internet traffic entering and leaving the device. He said: “As soon as you log into the application, it transmits all of your email and phone contacts stored on the Android operating system", Apple's iOS is not safe from this as well.

Sarahah App asked for contacts for a planned "find your friends" feature

Obviously, nobody would like their private information used unknowingly. Sarahah's creator, Zain al-Abidin Tawfiq tweeted that next update will remove this blooper, as previously it was supposed to be "find your friends" feature but had some technical issues, which his former partner worked on and somehow "missed" removing it. Zain also claimed that Sarahah server has not stored any contacts in its database. We sure hope he stays true to his word.

To be fair, having contacts and other information to a server is common especially with free apps but not without your permission. It's still a bit scary to imagine what the developer can do with the information, however, those who use the web browser version won't face the same problem so feel free to use that if you still won't let go of the app yet.

Would you ignore or wait for the update? I think I'd wait for the update just to be safe. Stay tuned for more tech news at TechNave.com.


Sarawak aims to have a new state-owned telco company in 1-2 years time

Rural areas in Malaysia don't get to enjoy the level of Internet connectivity that urbanites do. This is especially true for states like Sarawak, which is why the state government has decided to take matters into its own hands by starting a new telco company.

According to The Star, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg (Sarawak Chief Minister) has announced that the state government plans to set up a new telco company in the state. The new company will aim to improve the Internet connectivity for rural areas, as existing major telcos in the company are reluctant to do so. This is crucial for rural areas to get access to a stable and faster Internet.

Image from Reuters: One of the new telco towers being implemented in Sarawak

Johari said that the telco will take 1-2 years to set up and provide the Internet connectivity that rural areas need. It's said that Sarawak has an estimated rural population of more than 1.2 million people, so that means a lot of people will be able to benefit from this project. Currently, the plan is to recruit and train people to man this new company. The new company will also subsidise the cost of service so that poorer rural area residents can afford it.

In terms of infrastructure, there are already about 300 telecommunication towers across Sarawak in different stages of implementation. An additional 300 towers will be built next year and MCMC is also promising to help pitch in with 646 towers. By 2023, it's believed that Sarawak will have over 1200 towers ready to service the state.

It will be years before we see the fruits of the Sarawak state's labour, but rural residents will be glad that at least one party has their interests in mind. With that said, what do you think about this? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news like this.


Sarawak to make its own integrated chips after signing MoU with Belgium’s Melexis Technology

The Sarawak state government has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Melexis Technology, a Belgium-based global supplier of micro-electronic semiconductor solutions which will pave the way for the state to produce its own integrated chips (IC). Among others, the MoU entails cooperation in IC design and semi-conductor talent development in the state as part of Sarawak’s innovation and talent development programme.

As reported by national news agency Bernama, the MoU was initiated during a ceremony in Tessenderlo, Belgium yesterday (26 July 2022). It was signed by Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development together with Melexis Technology and witnessed by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Melexis Technology is already part of the existing XFab chips foundry at Sarawak’s Samajaya Free Industrial Zone, producing chips for a wide range of applications, including in automobiles. Abang Johari asserted that the collaboration is important and will enable the state to benefit from chip design development that might originate from Sarawak in the future.

The Sarawak Premier also stressed that talent development is important to nurture a robust research and development (R&D) climate in chip design technology in the state. Furthermore, he said that the collaboration would also supplement the proposed development of a hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit public transport in the state.

So, what do you guys think of this collaboration by the Sarawak state government and Melexis Technology? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for the latest trending tech news.


Apple AirPods Max Malaysia release: Active Noise Cancellation, Spatial Audio and 20-hour battery at RM2399

Apple has officially announced that the Apple AirPods Max but it's not available yet in the Malaysian market yet. Although that's the case, the product is listed at RM2399 on the Apple Malaysia website. If you’re interested in getting the aforementioned over-ear headphones, the product will be available in 5 different colours including silver, space grey, sky blue, pink, and green.

The Apple AirPods Max comes equipped with various technologies including Active Noise Cancellation, transparency mode, adaptive EQ, as well as Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking in order to give the listener the best listening experience possible. But that’s not all, it contains 9 microphones which is used for active noise cancellation as well as for voice pickup so that your voice is not overshadowed by background noise.

The headphones are powered by two Apple H1 headphone chip located in each ear cup, and it’s able to last up to 20 hours on a single charge. If you want to find out more information regarding the AirPods Max, head over to Apple’s official website.

Would you be interested in getting the AirPods Max? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Sarawak will be the first to get 5G in 2022

You may have asked, "All these 5G phones, but where are the 5G networks?" If you recall, it was previously announced that 5G would be available in the federal areas by end of 2021. Now, we also have news on which state could be the first to get 5G access.

According to Tan Sri Annuar Musa, Sarawak will be the first state in Malaysia to get connected to the 5G network. Sarawak and Sabah are considered strategic locations for future development, including the laying of sea cables for Internet connectivity. It will also be close to Indonesia's capital, as the country's government plans to move it to Borneo by 2024.

The main focus will be placed on Sarawak during the implementation of phases 1 and 2 of the Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) plan. This is set to happen soon and would see the completion of the state's 4G network infrastructure. For that purpose, the government has set aside a budget of RM3 billion just for Sarawak.

Mind you, the exact dates of availability are still unconfirmed. But as you can tell, 5G connectivity isn't a far off dream anymore. Once 5G is available in your area, what's the first thing you would try with it? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned to TechNave for more updates about this.


Save RM400 with ASUS' free Lazada voucher code for the ROG Strix GL553 from RM4199

Hey gamers, looking for a new gaming laptop? ASUS Republic of Gamers has just announced a price drop on one of its gaming laptops, the ROG Strix GL553 with a RM200 price slash. With that, combining exclusively with Lazada's Black Friday / Cyber Monday sale (check it out more here), you get to save RM400 in total from both GL553 models starting at RM4199. To enjoy the additional RM200 off, you can simply use the Lazada Voucher Code - IN200TEL and purchase it at their online store right here, happy shopping!

To find out more about the ROG Strix GL553, head over to its official gaming website here to check it out. Stay tuned for more ROG news at TechNave.com and TGIF!


Save the environment with Canon's 'One Canon, One Tree' campaign

'One Canon One Tree', a new environmental conservation campaign collaboration between Canon Business Imaging Solutions (BIS) Division & Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam to conduct and maintain a healthy and sustainable environment. This campaign kick started on 1 July and will end on 31 October 2016, with every purchase or rental of a new Canon multifunctional device (MFD) entitles an organization to pledge one tree to be planted.

"Canon has a great history of working with organizations to better the environment and we are proud to partner with Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam for ‘One Canon One Tree’ campaign. Through this campaign, we encourage companies to utilise the environment-friendly technologies incorporated into Canon products for everyday business tasks to minimise the risk of wasting resources in line with Kyosei philosophy, which focuses on living and working together for the common good," Alvin Lee, Assistant Director, Business Imaging Solution Division, Canon Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

Canon Marketing Malaysia has selected several types of trees fit for sapling such as Pterocarpus Indicus (Angsana), Samanea Saman (raintree), Cinnamomuminers, Lagerstroemia Speciosa (Pride of India/ Bungor), Khaya and Delonix Regia; and with any purchase or rental of any new Canon machine (black & white or color) under this campaign, one tree will be pledged.

There are three options in the campaign for participants to decide after pledging for a tree:

Participants are welcomed to take part in the tree planting event that will be organized at a later date by Canon Marketing Malaysia. The tree will be tagged with the participant’s name or company name.

Canon Marketing Malaysia will help participants to plant the trees and place the tags respectively should participants decide to not join in the tree planting event.

Participants are allowed to plant the trees at their preferred venues on their own at any time.

Don't miss out the chance to take part in the 'One Canon One Tree' campaign* and do our bit for the environment.


Save tonnes of cash and maybe get a free phone from Celcom Gempak Sale

You know it's that time of the year when sales abound and discounts are everywhere. This year, Celcom is chipping in with its Celcom Gempak Sale, which promises fantastic deals and the possibility of getting a new phone for free!

So, what's in store for you and me? Well, Celcom has a promo page set up just for this. According to the details, you can get a free phone by signing up for a Celcom subscription. You can do so through the Celcom website or by visiting a Celcom bluecube store, which both existing and new customers are eligible. But before you do, make sure to check out the list of 12 (go to the Devices tab and find Promotions) free devices. This campaign will run from 27 November 2019 to 28 February 2020.

Besides the free phone deal, the sale also includes discounts of up to 55% for Samsung Galaxy devices. The list includes the Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+ and Galaxy Note 10. One more deal that was revealed was the discount for Celcom plans. We're not sure which plan it refers to, but the campaign banner reveals that its an RM58 plan that will be slashed to RM30.

Anyone looking to get a new phone? If you are, tell us whether you'd go for this on our Facebook page. Also, remember to stay tuned for further tech news at TechNave.com.


Save up RM300 for the first three months from Maxis Zerolution's Samsung Galaxy Note FE promo

Still can't really afford a Samsung Galaxy Note 8? Maybe the Galaxy Note FE is a bit out of your budget as well but don't fret, Maxis has come up with a pretty attractive deal. Thanks to their ever useful Zerolution plan, you can get the Galaxy Note FE with no upfront payment for the first three months.

There are three packages for this, though, which are the MaxisONE plan 188, 158 and 128. From MaxisONE 128 and above, the monthly payment is RM100 but since Maxis is being very generous by waiving it for the first three months, you get the save RM300 which is awesome. If we calculate that, you will only be paying RM2100 (21 months x RM100) which is lesser than its original price, RM2599.

The promo has already started now until 15 January 2018. For more information, kindly check out either one of the links below to get started!


Save up to RM1999 & more deals from Celcom's Ramadan and Raya deals

Today, Celcom has announced exclusive Ramadan and Raya deals through its Celcom MEGA postpaid and Celcom MAX plans, as well as its Xpax plans. If you're a Celcom user, you ought to check these attractive deals because some of them are quite intriguing.

Starting from 15 April until 30 June 2022, all new and existing Celcom postpaid and prepaid customers can enjoy enhanced plans that offer great savings with unlimited internet connectivity. Starting with the Celcom MEGA Family plans, customers can get a free 5G phone including a second free device, allowing savings up to RM1999. There's also a Family Postpaid plan for savings up to RM720 for six months.

Then from an ongoing promotion until 31 May 2022, customers can stand a chance to win rewards when they purchase any Celcom postpaid, prepaid, or home plans via the Celcom Online Shop. The rewards include plan rebates up to RM480 with Celcom MEGA Family Lines, Touch n’ Go e-wallet credits, earbuds and smart tags from Samsung and Huawei. Below is a list of other Celcom Ramadan and Raya deals:

For more information, you may visit www.celcom.com.my to check out the exclusive Ramadan and Raya deals by Celcom. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Save up to RM3000 and Unbox the Wonders of Home with Samsung

Starting on 15 November 2016, Samsung Malaysia Electronics will open a series of year-end specials for Malaysians by extending fantastic deals on its range of SMART digital appliances as well as Smart TVs and home theatre systems.

Among the promotion that customers can enjoy is having a great rebate of up to RM3000 as well as purchase-with-purchase deals as low as RM1 and bundled free gifts that include an Atmos Soundbar or Curved Soundbar, with every purchase of selected Samsung TV.

In addition, Samsung’s series of washing machines, refrigerators, microwave ovens and vacuum cleaners have rebates of up to RM700 and free gifts for purchase of selected models.

Lastly, this also includes a 50% purchase-with-purchase deals on selected range of air-conditioners and air purifiers.

Not only Malaysian customers are able to shop in their authorised stores, but under Lazada Malaysia’s shopping portal as well and enjoy the same value deals and great savings. In fact, for online shopping like Lazada, the special promotion begins four (4) days earlier, which is today (11 November 2016), and shoppers can enjoy free delivery of selected Samsung purchases right to their doorstep.

This festive promotion will end on 31 January 2017, for more information kindly visit their home website to check it out. And happy shopping!

*Terms and conditions apply. Promotion price is inclusive of GST.


Save up to RM587 on a Huawei MateBook series on Mega Online Sale Day 11.11 promo

So we mentioned a couple of times about the Huawei Malaysia's Mega Online Sale Day 11.11 promotion, but did you know that the latest MateBook series are also eligible for it? Starting today until 10 November 2018, customers are able to save up RM580 and get some freebies too.

According to Huawei Malaysia, all you have to do is purchase a RM50 voucher at the Shop.Huawei online store then you are able to receive a rebate voucher (terms and conditions apply) worth RM250. The rebate voucher can be redeemed online on 11.11 and if you check out either one of the MateBooks, the website will top off with an additional 5% in addition to free gifts worth up to RM1000 including a free Microsoft Office Home 365 subscription.

In other words, once you got the RM250 rebate voucher, you will be able to purchase the MateBook X Pro i7 for RM6412 (RRP is RM6999). That's a saving amount of RM587 which is not bad if you ask me. Anyway, below is the table of rebate vouchers with purchase amounts below:

Stay tuned for more Huawei news at TechNave.com.


Save up to RM6000 for buying a new TV from Samsung's Lagi Bola, Lagi Raya campaign

In the coming weeks, we will soon have a Raya celebration and the FIFA World Cup 2018 to enjoy at the same time. So in conjunction of that, Samsung Malaysia Electronics will be launching its 'Lagi Bola, Lagi Raya' campaign to offer fans and shoppers the chance to purchase some home appliance products with a saving up to RM6000!

For a limited time, the RM6000 savings is applicable to Samsung's 4K QLED and UHD TVs that goes as wide as 82-inch and it's perfect for the ultimate football tournament of the world. So if you're just in time for a new TV, you can either visit the nearest Samsung Experience Store (SES) and authorised dealers right now until 30 June 2018. For more information on Samsung’s ‘Lagi Bola, Lagi Raya’ deals, please visit the official website here and stay tuned for more Samsung news at TechNave.com.


Saving WhatsApp chat history between iOS and Android is now in development

Changing phones between iOS and Android is always one of the most hassle things to do. Not only does it take a while to transfer all your media files, but the fact that you would lose all your chat history in your WhatsApp is super inconvenient. Well, that would change in the future because thankfully the WhatsApp development team is now working on saving chat history across different platforms!

As previously reported, the WhatsApp team is already working on multi-device support (up to 4) and it seems that the current development would require the user to save his or her chat history. Of course, WiFi would be necessary in order to transfer the big chunk of data across the platform and from the screenshot, the process would begin when signing to another device with the same account. Apart from a device, it seems to work on a WhatsApp desktop too.

Testing When someone adds a new device in his WhatsApp account, you will be notified because encryption keys change.Available in future for iOS and Android! pic.twitter.com/WqrM6cRHWW

I know this announcement was published 16 months ago, but WhatsApp will likely release the iPad app when the feature that allows to use the same WhatsApp account on different devices at the same time is ready. https://t.co/OhH73R7cKb

WABetaInfo also wrote that if you use or remove a device from one of your synced devices, the encryption key changes as well. And when that happens, the notification would be sent to all active chats but only if you enable the security notifications in the WhatsApp settings. By the way, the WhatsApp development team is also working on an iPad integration.

So that's all from the latest development update and we are so looking forward to it. It's gonna take some time before the update is up and ready to run, so until then, stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Apple AirPods Pro 2 Malaysia release: H2 chip, new swipe controls and 2x more ANC at RM1099

Apple released a slew of new products during its ‘Far Out’ event today which includes the refresh to its super popular active noise-cancelling (ANC) earphones, the AirPods Pro. The 2nd generation AirPods Pro sports various improvements over its predecessor, most notably an improved sound quality and noise cancellation.

The improvements are thanks to the all-new H2 chip powering the earbuds, which Apple claims can cancel up to “twice as much noise” as the original AirPods Pro. There’s also a new Adaptive Transparency mode which can minimise the intensity of loud noises like sirens or power tools. In fact, Apple claims that it can reduce noise at approximately 48,000 times per second.

Apple has also updated the touch controls of the AirPods Pro, whereby there is now the ability to adjust the volume by swiping the stem. Battery life is improved too with Apple claiming up to 6 hours on a single charge with ANC turned on and up to 30 hours with ANC enabled with the case.

Speaking of the case, like the previous AirPods Pro, it has MagSafe built-in but this time around, you can even use the Apple Watch charger to charge the case.  Of course, you can charge the case using a Qi-certified charger too.

The case can also be tracked via the “Find My” or through noises coming out from a new built-in speaker. It’s also got a lanyard loop and has sweat and water-resistant but unfortunately, it still charges via a lightning cable for wired charging and not USB-C as it was previously rumoured.

Besides that, there is also a new low-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier built-in. The AirPods Pro is touted to have a “richer bass” and “crystal-clear sound across a wider range of frequencies”. Apple also introduced a new XS ear tips for a better fit to those that require it, which in turn improves the noise-cancellation and sound quality.

In Malaysia, the 2nd generation AirPods Pro retails at RM1099, though Apple has yet to announce when it will available in our region. So, what do you guys think of the new AirPods Pro? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more trending tech news!


Say Hello to the OnePlus 5 with Brightstar Malaysia, starting from RM2388

Brightstar Distribution Sdn. Bhd., the authorised distributor for OnePlus in Malaysia has officially announced the availability of the latest flagship killer phenomenon, the OnePlus 5, right here in beautiful Malaysia.

The OnePlus 5 features the highest resolution dual-camera system on any smartphone today with a tailor-made 16MP sensor supported by a 20MP telephoto lens sensor to accurately determine distance between object to object. It will also come with a Pro Mode which gives the OnePlus 5 DSLR capabilities such as ISO, white balance, shutter-speed, focus and exposure modification as well as an on-screen histogram and RAW image file support.

Of course as an OnePlus flagship, the OnePlus 5 will be rocking the latest and greatest flagship processor, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 paired with 6GB or a gargantuan 8GB of RAM depending on your choice. The OnePlus 5 will also rock a 3300 mAh battery with Dash Charge which is stated to last 20 percent longer than the OnePlus 3T and will be able to be used for a whole day with just half an hour’s charge.

The phone’s full specs can be found below:

Customers who are interested are able to secure their units through an early pre-order via RedClicks in Lazada and through DirectD from now until 6 July 2017. The Midnight Black version (8 GB RAM / 128 GB storage) will sell for MYR 2,688 whereas the Slate Gray version (6 GB RAM / 64GB storage) is retailed for MYR 2,388 inclusive of GST 6%

The delivery of pre-orders is estimated within 5 working days after availability from 8 July 2017. Online pre-booking customers will get 1 complementary accessory. For more details please visit the DirectD official page, here.

For those super patient enough, the OnePlus 5 will be available for straight up purchasing through Brightstar Distribution Sdn Bhd authorised retailers also from 8 July onwards.

Do visit Brightstar Malaysia’s official website, here for more information.


Say goodbye to Samsung Galaxy J series because it is being replaced by the A series

Samsung Malaysia posted a video on their Youtube channel mentioning that the A series will be replacing the Samsung Galaxy J series. We aren’t surprised at this year only brand new phones from the A and M series have been released.

The video emphasises some key aspects that we can expect from the Samsung Galaxy A series which are long battery life, fast charging, a variety of different of lenses for the camera and on-display fingerprint scanners. So far, Samsung has released the Samsung Galaxy A30 and A50 in Malaysia with the Samsung Galaxy A90 due to be launched tomorrow. Outside of Malaysia there’s also the Samsung Galaxy A10, A20 and A70 as well. We can expect the Samsung Galaxy A60 and A80 to be launched during Samsung’s Unpacked event as well.

The Samsung Galaxy A series are smartphones with flagship features at an affordable price price point. From what we’ve seen, the Samsung Galaxy A30 and A50 in Malaysia has been priced much more affordably than some of the better known affordable brands out there.

The Samsung Galaxy J series is still due to be receiving support from the Korean manufacturer such as the Android Q update but it is unsure for how much longer the smartphone range will continue receiving support. Recently, Redmi has just halted support for 7 of the devices. So are you going to trade up your J series for the A series? Keep up with the latest Samsung news on TechNave.com!


Say goodbye to SmartTAG as RFID rolls in to replace it starting from September 2018

Anyone who has been driving through Malaysian tolls have seen the RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) lanes, and Touch ‘n Go Malaysia have just announced that it will be rolled out starting from September 2018. This initial pilot phase may be available to the public but only to those interested in doing so, with the actual target for when RFID is due for implementation targeted at January 2019.

If you’re interested in becoming an RFID pilot user, register your interest at the Touch ‘n Go site so your vehicle can be installed with the RFID device. However, the RFID rollout does mean that SmartTAG devices are no longer available at their authorized channels starting from today. Existing SmartTAG devices can still be used though, but you will likely have to change by January 2019. Touch n’ Go card and MyKad users will still be able to make payments at tolls as usual.

The RFID system will use a unique Radio Frequency chip embedded on a sticker linked to the Touch ‘n Go eWallet, which is then fixed to the vehicle, so installation isn’t really a big deal. You can then monitor the balance and reload online via online banking and debit/credit cards or off-line through a pin number. Just so you know, RFID tollway tech has been implemented in countries like the United States, Argentina and Taiwan. Check out the list of highways with the RFID lane in the Klang Valley below:


Say goodbye to long queues with PayDirect from Touch 'n Go Digital

Just recently, Touch 'n Go Digital Sdn Bhd has announced a new feature called PayDirect. It's available on the TNG eWallet and designed for a more flexible toll payment method for motorists on the highway.

But wait, can't the motorists just use the TNG card? Sure, but PayDirect is an even more convenient feature. For users who have added their physical TNG card to their eWallet and enabled PayDirect at the same time, they can use the card to tap on the reader or SmartTAG as usual, resulting in deducting the fares on their smartphones. This will also result in cutting down the queuing time for reloading lanes, petrol stations, kiosks or ATM machines to reload their TNG cards and nobody will be subjected to the reload fee of RM0.50.

On top of that, users can also provide their identification, view transaction history, check balance and even email their statements up to 90-days. eWallet users can also enjoy 20% rebates up to 10x for toll fares when the physical TNG card is added. The offer will end on 30 June 2019.

TNG Digital plans to expand PayDirect further into other services such as transit, parking and more merchants. For more information about PayDirect, you can visit this page to check it out. Stay tuned for more TNG news at TechNave.com.


Say goodbye to toxic haters, Instagram now allows you to mass delete comments and block accounts

Regardless of whether you're a regular social media user or own a special page, chances are you've encountered toxic people that thrive on the internet. Well, Instagram is looking to put the controls back in your hand by announcing new features that will help you manage your account.

With the new update, you'll now be able to mass delete comments. First, tap on a comment and you will see a three-dotted icon appear on the top-right. By tapping on that and selecting 'Manage Comments', you'll be able to select and remove up to up to 25 comments. You'll also be able to restrict or block accounts from commenting on your posts. On the flip side, you can also choose to highlight comments that you like by pinning them to the top of a post's comment thread.

Another useful feature is the ability to choose who can tag or mention you. In the settings menu, you can now set it so that nobody or only those who follow you can tag or mention you on Instagram. Overall, these features are there to help you maintain a positive 'environment' on your Instagram account, which can be particularly important if you have a large following.

The three new features should already be available in both the Android and iOS version of the mobile app, so check your app to see if it's updated. With that said, which of the new features do you like the most? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for other news on the latest gadgets and mobile apps.


Say hello to the Huawei S1

We shared news a couple months ago saying that Huawei is considering on building a Tizen-based smartwatch for the global market. Thus far, they have yet to share any news on that one. Instead, we have a new smartwatch from Huawei – it is called the Huawei S1.

This smartwatch is a simple tracker that looks designed to be a basic tracker and watch for the active lifestyle on the go.  The S1 seems ideal for the athletically inclined. It has a heart rate sensor on the back, real time exercise intensity monitoring based on your physical condition, a personal pedometer, and you can even go for a swim with the watch on since the Huawei S1 is water resistant up to a depth of 50m. It also has some smartwatch features. Once paired with your smartphone, it will let you know who’s calling, give you message alerts and sedentary reminders, and function as an alarm clock.

It suspiciously looks like the Honor Band Z1, down to the e-ink display used for the face. So far there is no official news of it being available outside of China, but there it will be priced at RMB 699 (~RM 435). Stay tuned to TechNave for more news on the Huawei S1.


Saygus V2 (V-Squared) available for pre-order at just $549 (RM1992)

The ultimate feature-filled smartphone, the Saygus V2 (V-Squared) has just been released for pre-order. Featuring tech specs that include a 21MP rear camera with dual LED flash and 13MP front camera with both cameras packing Optical Image Stabilization we expected it to be quite pricey. Instead, it is currently available for just $549 ($1992). The pre-order time frame starts from 11:59pm (MST) to the evening of 2 February 2015. Even after the pre-order period, the Saygus V2 is expected to cost just $599 (RM2174) which is still very attractive. We're not sure if they'll ship here but there are definitely no Malaysia release dates or pricing details. For those interested parties, the full tech specs include a 2.5GHz Snapdragon 805 processor, 3GB RAM, 64GB storage, 2x 128GB microSDXC slots and 5-inch full HD 1080p Sunlight Viewable display with the latest Corning Gorilla Glass 4. It also has a 21MP rear camera with dual LED flash and 13MP front camera and both cameras pack Optical Image Stabilization. There is also a dedicated camera shutter button. Features include a fingerprint side scanner, NFC, WiFi 802.11ac, Harmon Kardon Stereo speakers with 3 noise cancelling microphones, an IR blaster, 4G LTE support, Qi wireless charging and IPx7 Water proofing.


Scammer uses Deepfake voice to steal ~RM1 million

If you thought that deepfake videos created with a single photo was bad, wait till you hear about this. A scammer managed to trick an employee into transferring USD$243000 (~RM1022544) by deepfaking their CEO’s voice.

The victim thought that he was talking to the company’s CEO. He mentioned that the voice he heard had the same German accent and the same lilt. The scammer called the victim thrice. Once to ask for the transfer, once to say that the money had been reimbursed and once more to ask for more money. However, after the first two calls, the victim grew wary when he saw that the number used was an Austrian number.

Euler Hermes fraud expert Rüdiger Kirsch told WSJ that this was the first time the company had dealt with crime involving AI. In recent months, the issue with Deepfake has become more prevalent thanks to commercially available software out in the market.

This issue is particularly scary as it can not only be used for defamation and blackmail for political gain, but it can also be used for impersonation for clearance, identity theft and more. It is rumoured that in a few years, only a single second clip of someone’s voice is needed to create full sentences. Recently, it is found that only a single photo is needed to create a full video of someone. What do you think? Keep up with the latest global tech news on TechNave.com!


Scammers are now trying to scam Malaysians with a new fake app

In this digital age, there are plenty of ways to scam a person. Whether it be pretending to be another person, sending a parcel scam message or directing you to a fake Maybank website, scammers have found a new way of scamming even more people by having a fake app.

According to Maybank, it seems that the scammers will send a fake message informing you about your outstanding balance in your account. It will be followed by a link that convinces you to download a fake app and asking you to fill up your details for "investigation" purpose. Honestly, we have no idea how would anyone fall for this since most Maybank users have the app already.

Do you know that scammers are also creating legitimate-looking mobile apps to steal customers’ personal info? These are...

It's also said that the link can happen on your WhatsApp account as well so if you get an unknown number, never click on the link to download it (even if that person acts like a real Maybank staff). Maybank would like to remind everyone that you can only download the MAE or M2U app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and the Huawei App Gallery. You may also have an anti-virus app on your device and always have the latest OS version updated as well.

Should you mistakenly download the fake bank app or suspect that your banking details are stolen, you can contact Maybank at +603-58914744. Stay safe and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Scammers claiming to be Pos Laju stole more than RM800000

Recently, a 61-year-old businesswoman was recently a victim of a scam resulting in her losing more than RM800000. Based on the report, the scammers who were posing a Pos Laju mentioning that they have spotted the victim’s IC and credit card in Sabah. Soon after that, the victim received another call from the police headquarters in Sabah by a representative named Yang Chang, stating that she was involved in a bunch of illegal activities where she could be sentenced to prison if convicted.

She was then manipulated into depositing all her money into a new bank account, which was subsequently stolen due to the fact that she provided pictures with sensitive information to the scammers. With all that said, we have to be cautious whenever it comes to receiving calls like these. What are your thoughts on the scammers stealing more than RM800000? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Some people favour proper desktop PCs, while others prefer laptops for doing their work. Of course, this depends on a person's requirements and preference. But you don't actually need a Windows or Mac computer to do your work these days. A tablet is just as capable and more portable!

Having said that, what tablet should you get to get that would benefit you the most? In cases like this, you'll probably want a flagship model like the HUAWEI MatePad Pro. Not only does it offer powerful hardware but it also has useful features. This time around, we want to discuss 4 ways powerful flagship tablets like the HUAWEI MatePad Pro can boost your productivity.

For those who work on videos or photos like content creators, you'll be glad to know that there are apps that let you do those easily on tablets. With that being the case, it's better if the audio and video quality on the device is good and you can view if it is true to real life.

The MatePad Pro covers that well with its 12.6-inch OLED HUAWEI FullView Display. Its ultra-narrow 5.6mm bezels allow the display to have an impressive 90% screen-to-body ratio. This large screen supports QHD resolution (2560 x 1600), has a 1000000:1 contrast ratio, and supports the DCI-P3 colour gamut. It can deliver an enhanced visual experience, which is great for not just work but also entertainment.

As for audio, this tablet comes with 8 Harman Kardon-tuned speakers. They're capable of reproducing clear bass and treble, with the promise of transparent highs, detailed mids, and strong bass so you can enjoy all kinds of music.

Ideally, it's best if your tablet can integrate with your other devices without any hiccups. Even better if it's completely seamless. That's achievable on the HUAWEI MatePad Pro thanks to HUAWEI Share, which comes in three modes: Mirror Mode, Extend Mode and Collaborate Mode.

Collaborate Mode on the HUAWEI MatePad Pro

As the name suggests, Mirror Mode lets you mirror the contents of the MatePad Pro to a laptop screen. By doing so, you can use the tablet as a writing or sketching pad and have everything reflected on your main screen. Then there's Extend Mode, which is sort of the other way around. It lets you drag certain tasks from your laptop onto the MatePad Pro, turning it into a second monitor. Finally, there's Collaborate Mode, which lets you use the MatePad Pro with a laptop simultaneously. In this mode, you can easily share files between these devices with the help of a mouse!

Of course, a tablet that can do all that needs to have the hardware chops to back it up. That's not a problem for the HUAWEI MatePad Pro, which is powered by the Kirin 9000E chipset. In addition to the chipset, it has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Essentially, it's more than capable of handling any apps you frequently use.

It's also capable of playing all the popular mobile games available now. Many of these are available in the HUAWEI AppGallery too, including Asphalt 9, Garena Free Fire, SlamDunk, and more. Gaming for long hours won't be a problem either, as the tablet comes with a large 10050mAh battery. And if you're running low, the 40W HUAWEI SuperCharge ensures that you're back up in no time.

It has the screen, features, and capable hardware, but what else? As mentioned previously, you can also use the MatePad Pro as a drawing tablet. With that being the case, you need a good stylus to help draw or write accurately. That role falls on the HUAWEI M-Pencil (2nd generation), which has a transparent tip design and platinum-coated nib. It has a hexagonal shape that makes it quite comfortable to hold.

Here's a closer look at the HUAWEI M Pencil (2nd Generation) on the HUAWEI MatePad Pro

Writing on the HUAWEI MatePad Pro with the HUAWEI M Pencil (2nd Generation)

In terms of features, it has 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports tilt writing. This is great, as it can capture any stroke accurately. You will feel like you're using an actual pen, thanks to a low latency of 9ms. The new pencil also comes with HUAWEI FreeScript, which lets you write into or type into a search bar (so convenient!) Other useful features include Double Tap, Instant Shape, and Instant Table.

There you go, 4 reasons why we think the HUAWEI MatePad Pro could be the tablet you need to boost your productivity needs. The device is currently available for RM3999 on the HUAWEI Online Store, Lazada, and Shopee. If you purchase one now, you'll even get amazing freebies worth up to RM1248. This includes the HUAWEI M-Pencil (2nd Generation), a Smart Magnetic Keyboard, 3 months of access to 50GB of Cloud Storage, and 1-month VIP access to HUAWEI Video!

On top of that, you can extend the warranty by one year from now till 10 July 2021, at a 40% discounted cost if you purchase it from the HUAWEI Online Store. HUAWEI customers can also win prizes by downloading certain apps from the HUAWEI AppGallery. If you're interested, you can find out more about that here. You can also visit the official product page for more details about the HUAWEI MatePad Pro.

With that said, what do you think about the HUAWEI MatePad Pro? Would you be keen on switching to a flagship tablet as your main productivity device? Let us know in the comments below! For more articles like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Apple AirPods Pro 2 could feature upgraded H1 audio chip, heart-rate detection, and more

As Apple fans would know, WWDC is the Apple event with a focus on software. Of course, they also revealed new MacBooks this year, specifically a Pro and Air variant featuring the Apple M2 chip. For fans who are waiting for new Apple TWS earphones, you'll have to wait for the AirPods Pro 2 that's expected to have many new upgrades.

According to 52audio, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 will come with the Apple H1 chip. For your info, this audio chip is expected to provide 'self-adaptive' active noise cancellation (ANC). Also, Apple will improve the "Find My" capability of the new model. This probably means that it would be easier to track the signal or location of the TWS earphones.

The new model could switch to a USB-C port for charging

Besides that, Apple is expected to add some new features to AirPods Pro 2. Allegedly, it will support heart-rate detection, function as a hearing aid, and have more optimised fast charging. Apple will also switch to using a USB-C port for charging. That's great for those who don't like having to use a variety of cables, just one USB-C cable for all your devices.

Of course, all we have at the moment is speculation, so take the news with a grain of salt. With that said, what improvements would you like to see from the new model? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news about it.


Schools from the West are starting to ban Zoom and maybe Malaysia should too

As Zoom continues to rise in popularity, so as getting into trouble with some controversial matters. First, it was reported that Zoom were sending your app data to Facebook without your permission, then some hackers were hacking into people's meeting broadcasting porn and shocking videos. With this, some schools are beginning to step away from Zoom and have banned the video call app.

According to sources, several schools in the US are taking the first step to ban Zoom. This includes the ones in New York, Clark County, Nevada, Washington, and Utah as well. Although Zoom have been fixing a number of bloopers, the latest public damage was a ton of private video conversations being shared online. Considering these constant incidents from Zoom, it's no wonder schools are taking a step back from using Zoom.

Perhaps Malaysians should also consider banning Zoom if their problems continue to surface. If anything, the second alternative is Microsoft's Team and there are many other video conferencing call apps to consider too. In fact, we have written 8 Zoom alternatives you can try out during the Movement Control Order. However, keep in mind that there is no perfect security measure on these platforms as hackers will always try to find a way in.

But what do you think of Zoom? Are you still using it or do you prefer other apps? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Sci-fi fans will enjoy the new feature added to Google Maps

If you're a sci-fi nerd, you'll probably like the new feature added to Google Maps recently. Now, when you access Google Maps on a desktop browser, there's a new Space menu that allows you to see all the planets and accompanying moons in our solar system. We wonder when did Google quietly add this in...

Among the first to discover this new feature is Reddit user CNCK, who posted a short clip of the new feature in action. To see it for yourself, you need to access Google Maps from a desktop browser (preferably Chrome). Next, zoom all the way out, then switch to 'Globe' mode and press the 'Satelite' button. Alternatively, you can access it by going to www.google.com.my/maps/space.

Once in, you'll see a new menu called 'Space' on the left, which displays a list of planets and moons. Clicking on any one will move you to the target and the transition animation looks like a hyperspace jump scenes you'd see in sci-fi series. While the feature itself probably doesn't mean much to a lot of people, it's something fun you can play around with to spice up your day.

Have you given this a try? Let us know if you love features like this on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


Scientists built a mobile app that helps detect COVID-19 with 92 per cent accuracy

If this made it to Malaysia, you might not need to spend much on COVID-19 test kits to check that you caught the disease. According to Daily Mail, scientists have built a mobile app that helps detect the virus through cough patterns via audio.

ResApp, the app's name, uses machine learning to achieve that. The app has even gone through testing participated by 741 patients in the US and India. At last, results revealed that it reaches 92 per cent of accuracy by correctly detecting the patients having the virus in them. In follow-up tests, the researchers continue to test it with patients with other respiratory conditions, including asthma, pneumonia and respiratory tract infections. It shows that it can reach 90 per cent specificity for COVID-19.

The app is said to be initially deployed in settings where frequent COVID-19 tests are required. Those include travel, sports, entertainment, and healthcare settings. Professor Catherine Bennett, a member of ResApp's Covid-19 Scientific Advisory Board, says that "the simplicity, ease of use and unlimited scalability of ResApp's test will be welcomed by public health officials around the world."

What do you think about the news? Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for the latest tech report.


Scientists have come up with a way to charge devices at a distance

Fast-charging has been around for a few years and improved to a great degree. While wireless charging is more recent and still needs a lot of improvement, researchers are already working on the next step. To be exact, scientists have managed to develop a new device that's capable of charging devices from a distance.

According to Live Science (via Gizmochina), there will be two machines in such a setup. One will beam energy using a method called coherent perfect absorption (CPA), while the other on the receiving end will emit what's called "anti-laser" to absorb photons in reverse order. Allegedly, devices being charged can receive up to 99.996% of the energy sent.

Obviously, this technology is far from ready for commercial or consumer use. How much energy can be beamed is currently unknown, so it's likely not worth the implementation yet. But would you find this technology useful, or are current charging systems good enough for you? Let us know what you think in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


Screen sizes for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Z Flip 3 leaked

In recent weeks, there have been many rumours and leaks of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3. Allegedly, official renders of the two devices were also leaked to give us an estimate on screen sizes. Now, sources claim to have the exact measurements.

According to GSMArena, sources within Samsung have confirmed that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will have the same 6.23-inch external display. On the other hand, the inside display will unfold to 7.55-inch. This means that it's a slightly more compact device than the Galaxy Z Fold 2, which has a foldable display of 7.6-inch.

The Z Flip 5G has a smaller secondary screen

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 has a more notable change, as you can see from the so-called official render. Samsung has kept the main display at 6.7-inch, so the overall size of the phone probably hasn't changed. However, it has a much larger 1.9-inch secondary display, compared to the Galaxy Z Flip 5G's 1.1-inch. That's a fantastic upgrade, as it means more can be displayed there.

In our opinion, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 doesn't look all that different from its predecessor. But for the Galaxy Z Flip 3, the larger secondary display could be useful for many people. Of course, it really depends on personal preference, so what do you think? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for further updates.


Screenshots of Android 13 leaked and revealed some new features

While Android 12 has begun rolling out with Android 12L still in testing, Google has already started to work on the next major update of the operating system, Android 13 Tiramisu. Today, a few screenshots have leaked showing some of the main features that the next Android update might bring.

According to the images, one of the features would be allowing users to set different languages for individual apps, no matter what language the system is using. Other than that, there's also a new setting for changing the clock's look on the lock screen, offering a compact and a large two-line layout option.

Furthermore, the apps will get new permission to send notifications as well. It looks like Google has also added a "Save Android Resources" function that better optimizes running tasks depending on the battery level. If you wonder why the UI interface is not that different from the current Android 12, it's said that we're probably looking at the first OS builds. As time passes, the Android 13 Tiramisu might look distinguishable.

What do you think about the features? Leave a comment to let us know your opinion and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more tech reports.


Screenshots of Huawei Mate 20's "Dual Active SIM" capabilities leaked

Recently, an image of the Huawei Mate 20 Dual Active SIM has been leaked courtesy of slashleaks.com showcasing the Huawei Mate 20 series capability to have 2 active fully featured SIM cards at the same device. As compared to existing implementations, which only one SIM card can remain active at a time especially during calls as the other SIM card will be set on standby throughout the duration of the call.

With Huawei’s implementation, both SIM cards are able to receive calls on VoLTE and data concurrently without interruption. However this can be very complicated as the device has to be able to communicate between two cellular networks without interfering with each other. Do take every bit of information with a grain of salt due to the fact that there was no official statement by Huawei. We can expect to know more about this technology during the launch of the Huawei Mate 20 series. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more updates like these.


Sea of Thieves coming to Steam on 3 June 2020 at ~RM174

The game developer Rare recently uploaded on their Youtube account, announcing that the video games “Sea of Thieves” will be officially available on Steam at the price of USD40 (~RM174) from 3 Junes 2020 onwards. Those who had the game on the Microsoft Store can import their progress to the Steam edition without needing to start over.

It is best to note that those who are interested in purchasing the Steam edition are still required to make an Xbox Live account in order to play the game. With all that said, would you be interested in getting Sea of Thieves as soon as it is available on Steam? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Seagate could launch HAMR-based 24TB HDD in 2021

As the years go by, file storage requirements increase. While the average consumer is probably never going to need more than a few terabytes, content creators would appreciate having large storage devices. In that sense, the 24TB HDD that Seagate could launch next year is huge.

According to TechRadar (via Block & Files), Seagate is developing a larger hard drive via Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) technology. The company's CEO Dave Mosley has confirmed that Seagate will go straight to producing a 24TB HDD by 2021. That's 4TB more storage capacity than its next HDD, which is the 20TB drive that Seagate aims to ship in December 2020.

For those who are unaware, HAMR uses laser heating diodes to temporarily heat the magnetic disk material in an HDD when writing data. This allows more data to be stored within the same disk region. However, the cost to produce a HAMR HDD is higher than traditional HDDs, so the price will also be higher.

If you are planning to upgrade to a large HDD soon, it might be a good idea to keep an eye out for Seagate's new drives. With that said, how much storage capacity would be enough for an HDD? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


Seagate reveals World's fastest Enterprise Hard Drive - The Seagate Enterprise Turbo SSHD

Seagate recently revealed that it is now shipping the industry's first enterprise solid state hybrid drive. Named the Enterprise Turbo SSHD it combines a 15K RPM hard disk drive with an SSD for mission critical data. The drive currently has capacities up to 600GB and is three times better than existing 15K RPM drives. Features for the Seagate Enterprise Turbo SSHD include:

No news on pricing or availability in Malaysia just yet but for more information check out the Seagate site.


Apple AirPods Pro 2 won't be available till Q3 2022

Over the year, the rumoured launch window for the Apple AirPods Pro 2 changed multiple times. It went from 1H 2021 to 2022, then back to between Q4 2021 and Q1 2022. Now the same source is claiming that the launch window has been pushed further back.

According to @LeaksApplePro, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 won't be coming until Q3 2022. If this launch window is accurate, it would mean that Apple could launch it with the iPhone 14 next year. One reason for the delay could be the global chip shortage, which has affected most electronics manufacturers. It could also be because Apple is launching the AirPods 3 soon, so it wouldn't want sales to be affected.

Let me update this report. Not coming until Q3 2022 https://t.co/O3FNmnS4S2

As a reminder, it's rumoured that the AirPods Pro 2 would feature motion sensors for use in fitness tracking apps. The new TWS earbuds will allegedly deliver improved noise cancelling, ambient light sensors, and better battery life. It's also expected to retail for USD 249 (~RM1041), while the prices for the first generation model could be reduced.

To be honest, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 doesn't sound like a major upgrade at the moment. Despite that, are you looking to get the new model when it launches? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news about it.


Seagate's Wireless portable hard disk offers 500GB of Cloud based storage for $130 (RM460)

Seagate, has just announced three new portable storage devices before CES 2015. All the three hard drives offers cloud based storage options and will be showcased at the CES event held in Las Vegas. The first model called the 'Seagate Seven' will be the world's thinnest 500GB hard disk drive in the market. The company says that the 'Seven' will be available by the end of the month. The second model is the new 'Seagate Personal Cloud' which comes in three storage capacities – 3TB, 4TB and 5TB. The Personal Cloud for home users will start at $170 (RM601). However, the new Seagate Wireless is the pick of the announcements by the company. This particular hard drive takes portable storage to the next level by offering 500GB of cloud based storage for smartphone and tablet users who are hungry for memory. The Seagate Wireless does not require any cable connections as everything can be wirelessly streamed to the connected devices. Like the name suggests, this hard drive can create its own Wi-Fi signal. Up to 3 mobile devices can connect and stream media from this portable drive at the same time. It also has its own rechargeable battery which provides up to 6 hours of run time on a single charge. The Seagate Wireless will be available for sale by the end of January 2015 for $130 (RM460). The company is yet to reveal information about Malaysia release dates and pricing though.


'Search the Web' is a new feature from WhatsApp to let you fact-check a message

WhatsApp has been working on bringing many new features to improve the users' experience. After making dark mode available for all platforms, features including multiple device logins and mute chats forever are also reportedly in the works. Now, a new feature called 'Search the Web' has arrived and is already available to some users.

The 'Search the Web' feature is for users to fact-check a message that has been forwarded for who knows how many times. By tapping on a magnifying glass button, the chat app will prompt you a message that guides you to your browser for searching information online. It works by uploading the message to the browser without WhatsApp reading the content of it.

It is indeed a nice feature for us to stop spreading rumours or fake news. These days, it is easy for us to fall into believing information that is not true or hasn't been proven. Therefore, this feature might help to bring awareness to the users by fact-checking the information sent by someone else. 'Search the Web' is being rolled out starting today in Brazil, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, UK, and the US for those on the latest versions of WhatsApp for Android, iOS, and WhatsApp Web.

Share with us about what you think of this WhatsApp's new feature on our Facebook page. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more latest tech new


Second Microsoft Malaysia Authorized Reseller store opening in Sunway Pyramid on 23 May 2015

In line with their previous statement to open 39 more Authorized Reseller stores in Malaysia by end of 2015, Microsoft Malaysia will be opening their second Authorized Reseller store at Sunway Pyramid on 23 May 2015. Like the first store recently opened in KLCC, this store in Sunway Pyramid will feature an assortment of best-in-class Microsoft products, including Windows Phones, Feature Phones, Surface devices as well as Windows, Microsoft Office 365 and more. Visitors can get a hands-on experience of all these devices and products, and special consumer training sessions will also be available on the opening day. If you've been curious about Windows 10, a preview version of the operating system will also be made available to try. Other promotions include:

Customer training sessions on Surface, Office 365 and Lumia devices will also be carried out throughout the day of the launch:


Second batch of Sony PlayStation 5 will be available for pre-order from 8 January 2021 onwards

Sony Malaysia has officially announced that the second batch of Sony PlayStation 5 series which includes the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, as well as the PlayStation 5 with Blu-ray disc drive, will be available for pre-order from 8 January 2021 onwards. For those who are not familiar with the pricing, the Digital Edition is priced at RM1869 while the console with the Blu-ray disc drive, on the other hand, is priced at RM2299.

If you’re interested in pre-ordering the aforementioned console, head over to either the Sony Store located at KLCC or The Curve which is open from 10AM until 10PM. However, it is best to note that the peripherals are limited to one per console pre-order.

With all that said, would you be interested in pre-ordering the consoles as soon as it is available? Let us know on our Facebook page, and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Second-gen Apple AR headset will have faster performance and be more lightweight

If you recall, it was rumoured that Apple planned to launch its AR headset in Q4 2022. That means there's still a full year or so before that headset is officially out. But Apple is already planning for the future, and will allegedly launch a successor in 2024.

According to MacRumors, the analyst Kuo Ming-Chi claimed that the Apple AR headset will arrive in 2H 2024. The so-called second-generation AR/MR (augmented reality and mixed reality) headset is expected to have several areas of improvement. This includes the chipset, form factor, and battery system.

In addition, the new model will allegedly be much lighter. Kuo claimed that it will weigh around 300 to 400 grams, and would be able to "seamlessly switch between AR and VR to provide an innovative experience". Aside from that, there's no detail on what the headset could achieve.

Of course, analyst predictions are just that - predictions. They might not be accurate, so take the news with a grain of salt. Having said that, would you be interested in getting the Apple AR headset next year? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


Second-gen Apple Watch Series 2 announced

Everyone suspected a new Apple Watch is coming, and that's exactly what we got but it came with a different name. Now known as the Apple Watch Series 2, it's an indeed much improved wearable compared to the predecessor with improve water resistant grade quality, a built-in GPS, and the first wearable to feature Pokémon Go app!

The new Watch Series 2 is a love letter to any athletes especially for swimmers and runners, presented by Jeff Williams of Apple, with the improved water resistant wearable, it's now possible for swimmers to go as deep as 50 meters. Apple engineers even redesigned the internals inside to the point that, when the speakers are filled with water, the speakers will push out the water when needed.

As for the runners, Apple has collaborated with Nike which resulted Apple Watch Nike+ which is designed purely for the runners. The band are designed in such a way is so that the user's wrist skin can "breathe" through the small holes on it, what's more; the AI inside can even set a friendly reminder for runners if they start to slack off.

There's also a new app call Breathe, which functions as a reminder for the user to stand up and take some breathing pattern for stress release purpose. Nice one there.

Jeff Williams from Apple presenting the Apple Watch Series 2

Pokémon Go app is sort of like an assistant without having to refer to your phone all the time,you don't need a Watch Series 2 to do this

You also don't need to carry your phone and wait for the GPS, as the Watch Series 2 already has a built-in GPS which allows the user to start straight away

Apple is also working with Hermès for fashionable and detacheable bands

Both the Apple Watch Series 2 and Apple Watch Nike+ will cost $369 (around RM1493), the Nike+ will only be available in late October, though, whereas customers can start pre-ordering the Watch Series 2 on 9 September 2016, the official launch will start on 16 September 2016. Malaysia has yet to receive a release date, but we will keep a look out so stay tuned for more news at Technave.com!


Second phase of payments for Bantuan Prihatin Nasional will start on 4 May 2020

The Bantuan Prihatin Nasional (BPN) was announced earlier this month and it served as a way for the government to ease the financial burden of Malaysians during the movement control order (MCO). Today, Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz announced that the second phase for Bantuan Prihatin funds will be given out starting from 4 May 2020.

According to Tengku Zafrul, there has been a total of 2.96 million applications and 300000 appeals (for rejected applications) as of 26 April 2020. He also reported that a total of 7.74 million Malaysians received a combined total of RM5.47 billion in funds during the first phase. Even those who do not have a bank account were able to receive the funds beginning via Bank Simpanan Nasional branches.

Regarding the second phase of Prihatin payments for both households and unmarried individuals under the B40 and M40 categories. Applications will be open till 30 April 2020, so do take note of that. As for the details on how funding a household or individual can receive, the details haven't changed from the first phase.

Besides the second phase payments, Tengku Zafrul also confirmed that the special grant for micro-businesses is coming soon. Small businesses can apply for this beginning 1 May 2020 and successful applicants will receive a grant of RM3000 funds. Further details will be announced by the Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia (LHDNM) soon.

Do check out the announcement video above to find out what else may be relevant to you, but that's all from us for now. Remember to take care of yourselves during this trying time and stay safe. For more news on tech and the latest gadgets, stay tuned to TechNave.com.