E3 2021 to be completely open to the public

Unfortunately, there was no E3 last year, but the event is expected to return this year as an all-digital show. For the average person, this means that you can see all the new games and demos that developers have in store for us in 2021 and beyond. What's more, this event will be completely open to the public.

According to Video Games Chronicle, it was previously rumoured that the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) planned to charge some money for the event. Specifically, the idea was to lock certain content like demos for highly-anticipated games behind a paywall. Publishers were even asked what they thought of a 'premium' package, which would have cost USD 35 (~RM145). However, a spokesperson for the ESA has confirmed that there will be no payment required for any E3 2021 content. On the contrary, this year's event is expected to be completely free.

E3’s 2021 digital show is a free event for all attendees. We’re excited to fill you in on all the real news for the event very soon. https://t.co/HzTzaQEosx

E3 2021 will be a week-long event that starts on 13 June, with live broadcasts to be held from 15 to 17 June. Gamers can access the event's other experiences via an official E3 app. The ESA is also planning to partner up with Nvidia to use the GeForce Now cloud gaming platform to showcase game demos. In line with the changes, E3 will now stand for Electronic Entertainment Experience (rather than 'expo').

It's great to see that E3 is finally going "free to play" (heh!), as it means everyone can watch the industrial keynotes and normally exclusive demos. Having said that, what's a game that you're most looking forward to in 2021? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned to TechNave for further updates.


EA Announces FIFA 14

EA (Electronic Arts) Sports recently announced that the latest iteration of their FIFA footbal game, FIFA 14 is coming soon. Building upon the already realistic engine from the previous FIFA game, FIFA 14 introduces a number new and improved features. These features include:

While these new features are at the top of the list, the game has a number of other additions that make FIFA 14 even better than before. This includes the ability to fend off opponents while dribbling at speed, or you can out-muscle opponents before receiving the ball. The AI has also been tweaked so your team-mates are better in both defence and attack. Defenders look for opportunities to regain possession while attackers do the same by running along the backlines in an effort to check the opponent's pace, creating space and breaking down defences.

The new FIFA 14 is set to be available for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. While EA have not given a specific release date, EA games have traditionally been launched around September, which is probably the best time to bet that FIFA 14 may make it's appearance.[Source]


EA Origin has been replaced by EA Desktop, sign up for closed beta version now open

It looks like EA Games' rebranding exercise isn't quite done yet. After combining its EA Origin and EA Access platforms into the singular EA Play platform last month, the company has decided that the service and its new PC client need to have different names (for some reason). The new client is called EA Desktop.

According to Engadget (via GamesBeat), the beta version for EA Desktop is now available. Specifically, EA Games is holding a closed beta for the new PC client, which you can sign up for here. It's expected to deliver update and download speeds, as well as more streamlined access to games and your games library. For those who are already using EA Origin, EA Desktop will also retain your games library, game progress, and friends list.

Will EA Desktop look completely different from the old EA Origin app?

Besides that, EA Desktop will also have parental control settings called Playtime Controls. What it does is it lets parents track the amount of time the user spending on gaming. Moreover, EA has promised that more games will have cross-play, cross-progression, and cross-generation enabled.

If you want to download and try the new beta version of EA Desktop can visit the website to sign up for the closed beta. For those who managed to get the beta version, what is your opinion on the revamped app? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more news.


EA Play Live had 5 major reveals that you may be excited about

If you're a big fan of Electronic Arts (EA), you may have woke up super early this morning to catch the EA Play Live. But in case you didn't, we've decided to help summarise the biggest highlights from the live-stream. Held at 6 AM earlier today, the EA Play Live had 5 major announcements.

Thanks to the folks at The Verge, we have an easy overview of what was announced. The first would be the fact that Apex Legends is heading to the Nintendo Switch and Steam in Fall 2020, with cross-play support enable. With the latter feature, you'll now be able to join other Apex Legends players on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Of course, the inclusion of Apex Legends on Steam comes as no surprise. EA has been launching many of its games on Steam lately and the second major announcement is more games being added to the platform. Along with Apex Legends, EA has also added The Sims 4, Titanfall 2, Dead Space 3, and A Way Out to Steam.

Moving on, we have the gameplay trailer for Star Wars: Squadrons. It confirmed that the game will have a single-player campaign and multiplayer. You also get a break down of the different categories of starfighters and different multiplayer game modes. The game is expected to launch on 2 October 2020 on PC and consoles, with support for VR to give you that authentic flight simulation experience.

Next is a new trailer for Rocket Arena, a brand new multiplayer hero shooter that will launch on the PC (Steam and Origin), PS4, and Xbox One. Think Overwatch, but with an extreme emphasis on shooting people with rockets. It's slated for release on 14 July 2020 and will come with 10 heroes at launch.

Finally, EA also announced that there will be a new Skate game. This is game series from EA that's about skateboarding, making it a competitor to the Tony Hawk series. However, EA only mentioned that a new Skate title will be coming but didn't share any details on it whatsoever.

And that's a wrap for now. Of course, you can check out the full live-stream for more details. But what announcement and which part of the live-stream were you most excited about? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


EA Sports announces FIFA 20 Stay and Play Cup, an online e-sports charity event featuring professional footballers

Football is fairly popular in Malaysia, so it wouldn't be surprising if many of you miss the regular weekend action. With the English Premier League on hold until 30 April 2020, it's going to be while more before we can see our favourite stars in action again. But EA Sports has a plan to bring them back together for an online event that many would not have expected.

EA Sports, a group within EA Games that focuses on sports games, has announced the Stay and Play Cup. It's an online event that will bring 20 professional football players from 20 different football clubs that are famous in Europe, to compete with each other through EA Sports latest FIFA 20 game. The event's aim is to entertain fans of football and FIFA 20 and to donate funds to the Global Giving’s Coronavirus Relief Fund.

As a fan, you'll be able to tune in to the Stay and Play Cup on EA Sports Twitch channel. You'll also have the chance to get some rewards by using Twitch Drops. Although EA Sports has published a list of teams that will be participating, we still don't know which players will be taking part in the event. If you want more details, you can check the event page for further details.

Still, is watching a bunch of football players play a football game a real substitute for the actual sport? Let us know what you think on our Facebook page! For more news on gaming and tech, remember to stay tuned to TechNave.com.


EA games are finally available on Steam with up to 90% discount but there's a catch

While Command and Conquer fans eagerly wait for the Remastered Collection on Steam with a few more hours (13 hours and counting at this time of posting), there is another surprise waiting in store for us over at Steam. When exploring, we noticed that Electronic Arts (EA) have finally made their way to the platform with games on a promo sale.

Diving deeper into this, they are indeed bringing over some of the games that aren't available in Steam previously. Popular games such as Dragon Age Inquisition, Plants vs Zombies series, Need for Speed series, Mirror's Edge Catalyst, Medal of Honor, Crysis series and many more are finally on Steam and this very exciting. For one, Dragon Age Inquisition is now available for RM79.50, whereas Mirror's Edge Catalyst is on a half-price discount for RM39.50. Good deals if you ask me!

However, we also noticed that there's some requirement for playing them. According to most of the game pages description, they require a 3rd-party DRM which is EA's Origin client software for installation. Not only that, but you will also need to sign in with an EA account as well. This probably applies to all the EA games listed on Steam (except the ones that are already available on Steam beforehand) and we think this is rather a hassle, as we have already read many complaints on not being able to run some games after installation.

We recommend that you read the reviews on the game's page before making a decision to purchase it, else you would have another bad day. Anyway, CnC Remastered Collection is coming upon us very soon! Have a fun weekend and stay tuned for more local gaming news at TechNave.com.


EA has announced their new Command & Conquer game on the mobile phone

During the EA Play press conference which is held within E3, Electronics Arts introduced the new Command & Conquer: Rivals that will be available on the mobile phone instead of the tradition PC platform that the series was known for.

Based on the reveal trailer, the upcoming Command & Conquer: Rivals seem to feature a gameplay similar to that of “Clash Royale” as well as “Clash of Clans” except that the player will be able to reposition player units at any moment during combat, staying true to the concept of real-time strategy. There is also a resource gathering system in which the player has to send out a Harvester to gather resources in order to build and maintain their army.

The game will feature the return of 2 rivaling factions which is the Global Defense Initiative (GDI) as well as the Brotherhood of Nod, and both the factions mentioned will feature 3 different Generals with unique abilities and playstyle to choose from.

The objective of the match is to destroy your opponent’s base, which can be achieved in one of two ways. First method of destroying their base is through taking control of the Nuclear launch pads located towards the middle of the map. Taking control of the launch pads will initiate a Nuclear Launch countdown of the Nuclear Missile which will then sent flying into your opponent’s base, keep in mind that it takes two Nuclear Missiles to destroy their base and opponents can contest the launch pads, effectively pausing the launch sequence. The second option is to directly attack their base directly, but keep in mind that if you dedicate too many units to attacking their base, there will be less units left to contest the Nuclear Missile Launch Pads.

Android users can pre-register to take part in an early access version of the Command & Conquer: Rivals on the play store right now. For more updates like these, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


A local retailer unveiled that the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel is arriving to Malaysia in October 2020

When the ASUS ROG Phone 3 was announced back in July, Lenovo also did their own livestream event on the same day revealing the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel gaming smartphone. According to our local retailer, DirectD, they announced that it's coming soon in October 2020.

Although this is not an official announcement by Lenovo Malaysia, but the DirectD post claimed that this would be the official/original set by the company itself. Given with the local retailer's reputation of announcing devices unofficially, there's a good chance that the Legion Phone Duel is indeed making its way here and it would be a new challenger to the ROG Phone 3. But is it too late?

Well, both gaming devices are quite similar but there are some differences here and there. For one, the Legion Phone Duel uses a 5000mAh battery pack (actually, 2x 2500mAh batteries) and supports up to 90W fast-charging technology which can be fully charged in just 30 minutes. Its 20MP front camera is located on the right side of the phone too so it's a nice way to stream yourself online. Besides that, the Legion Phone Duel features a Snapdragon 865+ chipset, a 6.65-inch display with 144Hz refresh rate + 240Hz touch sampling rate and others.

We shall wait for Lenovo Malaysia's announcement on the local set specs. Are you excited for the Legion Phone Duel? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more trending gadget news at TechNave.com.


EA has combined its Access and Origin platforms into EA Play

Sometimes it's not a good idea to have too many platforms. It seems that EA finally realises this and has decided to combine two of its services into one. The company has confirmed that EA Access and EA Origin has been are now part of a single platform called EA Play.

According to EA, EA Play will contain games from both subscription services. Starting from 18 August 2020, EA Access and Origin Access Basic will be the base subscription plan. There will also be an EA Play Pro premium service, which will replace EA Origin Access Premier. The benefits still apply, however, including 10% membership discount, early game trials, and access to EA's library of games.

Access and Origin will be folded into the new EA Play

It makes sense for EA to combine its services, rather than have its subscriber base segregated like before. However, EA still has a long way to go to match the likes of Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus. For starters, the company will have to implement online match-making for the platform to be worth using. EA did announce that it will add in-game challenges and monthly rewards for members but didn't specify what the rewards are.

In terms of pricing, EA Play Basic will cost USD 4.99/month (~RM21/month) while EA Play Pro will cost USD 14.99/month (~RM63/month), so it's not a better deal than the more commonly used PlayStation Plus. But what do you think about the consolidation? Do you subscribe to EA's services? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


EA will kick off Apex Legends Mobile regional beta test soon on Android

We have written a couple of Apex Legends Mobile news for quite some time now. This time, the mobile game's regional beta test will begin soon as confirmed by EA. Here's everything you need to know about its availability and beta test.

According to EA, Apex Legends Mobile would be kind of a new version as it is specially designed for the mobile gaming experience. We think it shouldn't be too much different from PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but Apex Legends gameplay is quite different on the PC so it should be interesting to see how it plays out. EA promises that Apex Legends Mobile would still stay true to the original.

As for the regional beta test, EA will launch this on a small scale first in India and the Philippines on a selected few thousand mobile gamers. It should be noted that the beta will begin on Android devices first then iOS as the follow-up. EA also plans to launch a pre-registration page when the beta becomes bigger.

On that note, Apex Legends Mobile will not have any cross-play feature with console or PC versions. It will also be free-to-play as expected with no in-game paid items that can influence gameplay advantage, just some Battle Passes, cosmetic skins and others. In case you didn't know, Apex Legends is free-to-play on other platforms such as PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Are you excited about Apex Legends Mobile? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


EA will livestream Play Live 2020 on their website

Events all over the world are either delayed or cancelled thanks to the current circumstances, but that didn't stop companies from showcasing their products through live-streaming. This year, gamers will have a chance to attend EA's Play Live which will be held on 11 June 2020 online on the company's website! Here's what we know so far.

While the website doesn't have much information, we can assume that the company's sports game titles will make an appearance. This includes FIFA, NBA Live, Madden NFL and NHL. The time slow will start at 7PM Eastern time which is 7AM on the next day in Malaysia's time zone, a bit early but since we are still partially under MCO so it's fine.

EA Play Live goes digital in 2020!See you on June 11th at 4pm PST...World premieres, news and more! https://t.co/RgnIZC9xD1 pic.twitter.com/I4PSIWE00H

Besides that, there is also a possibility that we might be able to witness new PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X games and console information. Will there be a game-demo for gamers on their website? Or will it be just a series of videos? Anyhow, Play Live 2020 will be the first online event for EA so it will be interesting to see how it unfolds. We will probably keep an eye on it as the live stream will be happening during our working hours.

Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


ECG is finally arriving in Malaysia via watchOS 7.5 update, coming soon

When it comes to smartwatches, the Apple Watch Series is often considered as one of the popular wearables globally. However, the Apple Watch Series lineup in the Malaysian market is missing a couple of things such as an ECG detector. That's going to change, though, as there is a new watchOS 7.5 coming soon with new features.

According to sources, the new features include a new expansion of the ECG to two new countries which read Malaysia and Peru (check out the screenshot below). Moreover, the Malaysian and Peruvian market will also receive a detector for irregular heart rhythm. Just for your information, ECG stands for electrocardiogram and it's a test that measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat.

The watchOS 7.5 is currently in beta mode now and besides the ECG feature, there are other updates as well. This includes a Podcast subscription, Apple Card Family Sharing group tracking and managing features and many more mini-updates.

There is still no word if the Apple Card will make its way to Malaysia. Guess we will just have to wait and see. Are you excited that ECG is coming here soon? If we had to guess, June 2021 is probably a good timing window since iOS 14.6 and others are also releasing. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


ECS Malaysia to distribute Flash Plus 2 nationwide

Flash Plus 2 has been gaining a widespread praise in Malaysia steadily over a few months now, thanks to its combination of great specs and sleek looks at an amazing starting price of RM599. So today, ECS Astar Sdn Bhd, has recognised the potential of the popular Flash all-metal smartphones, and has taken on the distribution of this online favourite to more people, via traditional channels.  According to ECS Astar’s General Manager, Mr Chuah Kee Heng, he said they are very impressed by the Flash brand. Considering the price and the great specs it comes with, the company see a tremendous potential for the brand in traditional channels. It's through this way, more people can enjoy the pleasure of owning a great smartphone at an unbeatable price.

"There is strong demand for Flash Plus 2 from potential buyers especially those who are living in rural areas with limited access to online buying; and also among non-Internet savvy purchasers,” said Mr Yogi Babria, Flash Business Development Director.

Both the online and offline Flash Plus 2 will have the same premium specs with a light price tag, including a metal framework, fingerprint scanner, fast-charging and HiFi while being configured with Helio P10 processor, 5.5-inch screen and stock Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS endowed with a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera.

“Flash has incredible after-sale services with four call centres and 19 collection centres nationwide, with friendly and effective real people manning customer service, not an automated self-service system. Our team is ready to provide live chat support for system problems that Flash users encounter. They will link customers to the nearest collection centre, and are available Mondays to Fridays during office hours. We are proud to share that for the Flash Plus 2 we have only had two units out of the thousands sold that needed mechanical repair,” said Yogi.

The Flash Plus 2 is available through retail via ECS Astar in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.


EHANG 184 is world's first Autonomous Aerial Vehicle (AAV) drone that can carry a person

Apart from the usual smartphones, tablets and cameras, another fairly interesting CES 2016 find came with the EHANG 184, the world's first Autonomous Aerial Vehicle (AAV). EHANG usually make quadrocopter drones, and the EHANG 184 is a giant quadrocopter (with 8 motors) that can carry a person (not more than 220 lbs).

In addition, the EHANG 184 flies itself, as it has an onboard autonomous system that lets you select a route with just a tap of the touchscreen. We're not certain how smart the system is though because if you select to land on an uneven mountaintop you may likely have a very big crash and fall but according to EHANG they've focused on absolute safety for the 184.

The EHANG 184 is completely electric and is thunderstorm-proof but is expected to cost from $200000 (RM884590) to $300000 (RM1326885). No Malaysia release dates yet but we don't expect it to arrive here legally anytime soon.


EHANG Ghost Drone quadrocopter unboxing video

Drones are quickly becoming big in the news as more and more people get to using these remote controlled quadrocopters here in Malaysia. We managed to get some time with one of the more famous drones, namely the EHANG Ghost Drone basic which features smartphone remote controls and intelligent precision functions. We did an unboxing to show what comes with the whole EHANG Ghost Drone package, including the 2D Gimbal which you can see below:


EMU 5.0 coming soon with machine learning for those that can

According to reliable sources, EMU 5.0, Huawei and Honor's Android-based operating system will be coming soon. One of the major features it will apparently be bringing to compatible Huawei and Honor devices is machine-learning to avoid your device from "aging". Previously launched with the Huawei Mate 9, our source says that that particular feature will be available to devices from the Huawei P9 and Honor 8 onwards.


EMUI 5.0 for Huawei P9 or Honor 8 is now officially available!

Do you own a Huawei P9 or Honor 8? Did you know that the much-awaited Android 7.0 Nougat and EMUI 5.0 update is now available for your phones? If you hadn't been checking for any software updates on your phone recently, now is the time check for updates on the Updater app on your phone!

For the Huawei P9, the update's build number is EVA-L19C636B361, which comes in at a 2.17GB file size.

For the Honor 8, the 32GB variant would have the build number FRD-L09C636B360, while the 64GB variant would have the build number FRD-L19C636B360, both having a file size of 2.23GB.

As always, a stable internet connection is recommended to download the update, as well as a battery life of more than 50% (ideally, a full charge is recommended) before the update is initiated.

EMUI 5.0 brings a host of new features to both the Huawei P9 and Honor 8, which, amongst it, includes a new app drawer mode without the need of a third party launcher. Performance is also quoted to have improved, 20% faster via some optimised CPU/RAM allocation.


EMUI 5.0 update now available in Honor 6X

Hey Honor 6X users, Honor Malaysia has just announced that EMUI 5.0 update is now available! To update it, simply just go to “System update” at the bottom of your Settings page and you’re set!

To recap what EMUI 5.0 can do, it was designed with an intelligent Machine Learning Algorithm which can observe your phone usage habits. After learning, it optimizes your phone and prioritize the important apps, making your phone more efficient in the long run and saving battery as well. A few new user interface, skins will come as well such as the Aegean Sea blue theme as well as a virus scanner that can detect any suspicious activities and scams.

We also recently just wrote a review about the phone, if you’re curious just visit this link here to check it out. Stay tuned for more Honor news at TechNave.com.


A look at Night Shift mode from iOS 9.3 update

With the reveal of the Apple iPhone SE, iOS 9.3 was also released publicly through iTunes and all iOS 9 users as an over-the-air update. There are quite a few updates from iOS 9.3, but we will be taking a look at the main feature of the update – Night Shift.

As explained in the video, the Night Shift mode is designed to shift the light on the screen depending on the environment. For example, the screen will display a warmer (yellow) colour spectrum if the user is out on an evening walk, or light-ish blue when in indoors with white lights. This is a pretty good way to not only save your phone's energy, but it's also good for your eyes in the long term.

To turn on Night Shift, users need to go to Settings → Display and Brightness and the Night Shift mode should be displayed there. It can also be toggled on the Control Center with it being in the middle that's shaped like a sun (see picture above).

Also keep in mind, although iPhone 4s and above can be updated with iOS 9.3; Night Shift is only available on iPhone 5s onwards (bummer, I know). Stay tuned for more news at Technave.com as await for the day when the iPhone SE arrives in Malaysia!


EMUI 8.0 rolling out to Huawei Mate 9 and Mate 9 Pro may also come with PC desktop-like Easy Projection and more

According to GSMArena, the roll-out of EMUI 8.0 has begun officially in China for Huawei Mate 9 and Mate 9 Pro users and apparently it comes with a host of features previously thought only capable with the NPU (Neural Network Processing Unit) assisted Kirin 970 processor. This includes the PC Desktop-like Easy Projection, translator, voice command powered digital assistant and more. No news yet if these features are also coming to the Huawei P10, P10 Plus, Honor 8 Pro or Honor 8 but they would certainly make such phones a lot more useful in the long run.

Check out our Easy Projection video using the Mate 10 below to see what you need to set it up when you get the EMUI 8.0 update.


EMUI 9.0 beta test is now available for honor 10, honor View 10 and honor Play

So just after the announcement of the new Huawei Mate 20 series last night, honor Malaysia is excited to let their fans know that the latest EMUI 9.0 beta test is coming soon on the honor 10, honor View 10 and honor Play devices. The EMUI 9.0 beta test is already available to download and users who are interested can register for the software (link below).

If you are one of the first batch beta testers, the update should arrive on 21 October 2018. There's a deadline registration for the link as well, which will end on 25 October 2018. To add on to that, EMUI 9.0 will be bringing some new user interface experience, such as being able to predict your app usage and behaviour by opening them faster, as well as bringing you a new Digital Balance and Easy Projection features for your device. We hope that the new EMUI 9.0 will also bring the new gesture navigation function to it too because that's the future!

To get started, you can visit this EMUI 9.0 beta tester website here and follow the instructions accordingly. Stay tuned for more honor news at TechNave.com.


EMUI 9.0 update available for HONOR View10, HONOR 10 and HONOR Play in Malaysia

Back in October 2018, it was announced that the HONOR View10, HONOR 10 and HONOR Play were entering EMUI 9.0 beta test. Users of the said devices were also invited to participate in the test and after two long months, the latest EMUI 9.0 operating system is ready to roll out in Malaysia.

Designed to offer a simplified and smoother user interface, GPU Turbo 2.0, as well as other convenient features, HONOR View10 users will be among the first wave to receive the update via over-the-air (OTA), followed by HONOR 10 on 20 December and lastly, HONOR Play will also receive it OTA in the coming weeks. If you're a View10 user and has not been notified of the update, do keep in mind that the rollout will take some time.

Stay tuned for more HONOR news at TechNave.com.


EMUI 9.1 update will be available on the Huawei Mate 20 series

If you happen to own a Huawei Mate 20, Mate 20 Pro, Mate 20 X and the Mate RS Porsche Design smartphone, Huawei Malaysia has just announced that these flagship models will be able to upgrade its OS to EMUI 9.1 with a new EROFS feature on 27 June 2019 onwards.

According to Huawei, EROFS is a new file system that helps to improve file compression as well as having higher random read performance, yet reducing power consumption at the same time. Aside from that, Huawei is also adding GPU Turbo 3.0 which now supports 25 games which includes PUBG Mobile, Mobile Legends Bang Bang, Arena of Valor and more. On top of that, Moon Mode will also be added to the camera software system.

Other minor upgrades include a new "incoming call video show" that will replace the traditional ring tone (optional). You can even set your own made video call for different contacts as you wish. Below is the complete list of future Huawei phone updates:

All new updates are available to download at the settings. The rollout should take time so stay tuned for that.


EMUI 9 update now available for Huawei P10 and Mate 9 series

Huawei Malaysia has just announced that the Huawei P10, P10 Pro, Mate 9 and the Mate 9 Pro are now available for the EMUI 9 update. To update it, all you have to do is go to the phones' settings -> software updates. In case your phone has not notified you yet, do note it takes time for the new OS to rollout.

According to the company, EMUI 9 will make the whole user interface and configuration items 10% faster. The design will also get an overhaul upgrade with a more immersive UX design, convenient one-hand operation, new gesture navigation and smoother app launching. Alternatively, you can also sign up for the EMUI upgrade through Hicare. Staff in HUAWEI retail stores and service centres are also able to provide upgrade support.

Huawei is rumoured to be introducing a new OS called Ark this year, not much is known but this is due to the current Trade War between the USA and China. Stay tuned for more Huawei news at TechNave.com.


EPF: RM10k Special Withdrawal payments start from 20 April, Permanent Residents are also eligible to apply

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) today revealed further details regarding the 2022 Special Withdrawal which allows members to withdraw up to RM10000. Taking to its official Facebook page, the statutory body revealed that members can apply starting from 1 April and only one single payment will be made to members under the scheme, starting from 20 April 2022.

To be eligible for the Special Withdrawal, members must be under 55 years old and have at least RM150 remaining in their EPF accounts. Besides Malaysian citizens, the scheme is available for non-Malaysian citizens too, including Permanent Residents.

Furthermore, EPF also announced that eligible members can withdraw a minimum of RM50 all the way up to RM10000 under the scheme. Withdrawals will also be deducted from EPF members’ Account 2 and will only start deducting from members’ Account 1 if the balance in Account 2 has been exhausted.

EPF also allows for withdrawal of up to RM10000 only if its members would still have at least RM100 balance in their Account 1 after the withdrawal. Moreover, once the application has been sent with the member’s desired withdrawal amount, the application can’t be amended or cancelled.

The statutory body further announced that the 2022 Special Withdrawal will be given highest priority currently, compared to other EPF withdrawal applications by its members. Besides that, EPF also reminded its members to perform a few simple tasks in order to ensure a smooth application process.

These include updating their profiles with their latest mobile phone number, checking their current EPF account balance and to ensure that their bank accounts linked to EPF are currently active. Furthermore, members are also reminded to check whether their EPF accounts are registered under their own name and not a joint account or a company account.

This is because the 2022 Special Withdrawal is only applicable for EPF employee accounts under an individual’s name. For EPF members that don’t have any bank accounts, the statutory body said that these individuals can still apply but choose a different method of payment. For more information, EPF said that it will be publishing Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section soon.

What do you guys think of EPF’s latest information on the 2022 Special Withdrawal? Would you be applying for the scheme?

Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. As always, stay tuned to TechNave for all the latest trending tech news in Malaysia and beyond!


EPF: RM10k withdrawal status can only be checked online from 9 April, warns against scam emails

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) today iterated that it has never sent an email regarding the 2022 Special Withdrawal application status to its members. This is after EPF members reportedly received fraudulent emails from irresponsible quarters claiming to be the statutory body and that they can check their application status via a malicious link attached to the email.

Shared on its official Facebook page, EPF reminded its members to stay vigilant and to not click on any website links that are suspicious. Furthermore, the statutory body also urged members to thoroughly check emails that they received before responding, so as to ensure that it is from an official channel and not a scammer.

EPF also called upon members to call its Contact Management Centre at 03-8922600 to ensure the validity of any alleged emails from EPF that they received. Previously, EPF members were also targeted by scammers in regards to the 2022 Special Withdrawal.

There were widespread fraudulent ads sharing phishing sites links that tricks people into revealing or entering personal information which can be used illicitly. So guys, remember to always stay safe and make sure to thoroughly research a website before accessing it or worse, sharing personal information!

As for the application status of the 2022 Sepcial Withdrawal, EPF stressed that it can only be checked via the official application website here. Moreover, the application status will only be revealed this 9 April.

In case you didn't know, the 2022 Special Withdrawal was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on 16 March, whereby it allows for another EPF withdrawal of up to RM10000 for Malaysians under 55 years old. This is the fourth EPF withdrawal scheme since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic after i-Lestari, i-Sinar and i-Citra.

What do you guys think of the scammers targeting EPF members and what actions should be taken to curb the matter? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and as always, stay tuned to TechNave for all the latest tech news in Malaysia and beyond!


EPF gives more info on the RM10k Special Withdrawal, applications can only be made via its online portal

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) today revealed further details regarding the 2022 Special Withdrawal which allows members to withdraw up to RM10000. Taking to its official Facebook page, the statutory body revealed that applications for the special withdrawal can only be made online.

EPF further elaborated that the application can only be made through a 2022 Special Withdrawal portal on its official website which is currently in the works. Speaking of which, please make sure that you are accessing the correct website, as EPF has previously warned Malaysians that scammers are targeting its members with fraudulent phishing sites.

Besides that, EPF also reminded its members to perform a few simple tasks in order to ensure a smooth application process. These include updating their profiles with their latest mobile phone number, checking their current EPF account balance and to ensure that their bank accounts linked to EPF are currently active.

Furthermore, members are also reminded to check whether their EPF accounts are registered under their own name and not a joint account or a company account. This is because the 2022 Special Withdrawal is only applicable for EPF employee accounts under an individual’s name.

For EPF members that don’t have any bank accounts, the statutory body said that these individuals can still apply but choose a different method of payment. For more information, EPF said that it will be publishing Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section soon.

What do you guys think of EPF’s latest announcement? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for all the latest tech news!


EPF is experiencing system outages at all branches nationwide, its i-Akaun website and app are also down

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) has announced that it is currently experiencing system outages at all its branches nationwide and apologised to all its members for any inconvenience caused. Moreover, the outage is also affecting its online services, including the EPF i-Akaun website and application.

Taking to its official Facebook page, the statutory body assured that the system outage is expected to be temporary and that it is currently in the midst of rectifying the situation. EPF first revealed the system outage at 10.51am today, with services still being down as of the time of writing.

In another post updating on the situation, EPF announced the services affected by the outage, which are the service systems at its branches, the EPF i-Akaun web access for employees and employers as well as overall access to the EPF i-Akaun app. The statutory body further said that it will be continuously updating members via its official social media accounts regarding the current situation of the outage.

So, what of you guys think of the outage? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more trending tech news in Malaysia and beyond.


EPF reminds Malaysians to stay vigilant against scammers pretending to be its agents

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) has today warned Malaysians that it has never appointed any third parties to assist in the recently announced 2022 Special Withdrawal. Taking to its official Facebook account, EPF reminded Malaysians to be careful with fraudulent ads by scammers that are currently widespread on social media.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the government has agreed to allow for another EPF withdrawal of up to RM10000 for Malaysians under 55 years old. This would be the fourth EPF withdrawal scheme since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic after i-Lestari, i-Sinar and i-Citra.

However, it seems that scammers are taking advantage of the buzz surrounding the announcement by pretending to be EPF agents assisting members with their withdrawals. In the Facebook post by EPF, the statutory body shared a screenshot of a Twitter post by a scammer sharing a fraudulent link and a fake poster regarding the special withdrawal.

The link shared by the scammer is most probably a phishing site which tricks people into revealing or entering personal information which can be used illicitly. EPF further stressed that at this moment in time, it has not yet announced any application procedures regarding the withdrawal.

So, please stay vigilant and don't fall for any of these scams! Stay safe and make sure to thoroughly research a website before accessing it or worse, sharing personal information.

What do you guys think of the whole situation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and as always, stay tuned to TechNave for all the latest trending tech news in Malaysia and beyond!


A look back at Huawei's journey over the years

Everyone knows Huawei and thanks to the recent trade war with the US government, Huawei's reputation has grown even more than before with support from the Internet. With this, we thought of looking through at their journey on what they have done for the smartphone industry, from being the first to popularize the dual camera module to installing a 50x zoom-in periscope, below are ten fun facts about what Huawei did. Without further ado, let's start!

Possibly the thing that kicked off their breakthrough in the smartphone industry, Huawei first partnered with Leica way back in early 2016. Then when the P9 series launched in the same year, that was when the Leica lens first debut on a smartphone and while it's hard to spot any differences at first glance, the photo quality did have some differences for the mobile photography enthusiasts.

By combining Leica lens on its dual rear cameras, Huawei eventually sold more than 9 million units in the fourth quarter of 2016 and that was quite an achievement. With such success, this also prompted other smartphone brands to integrate dual rear cameras which is now the norm.

Huawei eventually popularized the triple rear camera setup and then moving up to four. Like many consumers, the thought of having a quad rear camera setup seems like overkill but there's a pretty good reason. On the P30 Pro, each camera plays a role - the 40MP as the main sensor, a 20MP for ultra wide shots, an 8MP periscope lens for zooming and lastly, a Time of Flight (ToF) for better distance measurement between the subject and background.

In addition, the camera configuration is accompanied by MasterAI for adjusting the best photo quality possible which has won many fans over. Looks like Huawei knew what they were doing after all.

On top of the quad rear camera, Huawei also upgraded the telephoto lens to a periscope lens on the back and it's capable of zooming up to 50x. The zoom capability is out of the world and it's really far, but from our experience, it's best used for night photography and especially taking a shot of the moon (as if it's made for that, but not that we are complaining). Now everyone can take photos of the moon!

I can finally take a moon photo (#manlytears)

Super Night Mode was first introduced in the P20 series

Taking night photography with your smartphone is generally a bad idea because of the grainy noise that appears in the dark spots of the photo. But smartphone brands are slowly eliminating that issue now thanks to AI and Huawei is no exception. By installing Super Night Mode, most Huawei (and HONOR) smartphones can now take night shots quite well thanks to the AIS (AI Stabilizer) feature. Now everyone can take night photography shots.

The Huawei Mate X first made its public appearance at the MWC 2019 and it sure got a lot of attention. Not only it's foldable but it also has 5G connectivity which we are moving towards to. Huawei is actually planning to import it to our Malaysia shores but maybe only when our 5G connectivity is ready to go.

At the moment, the foldable smartphone is not on sale yet and it's scheduled to be released on this December. The price tag is rumoured to be quite hefty as well, but it's the first step to the future where it becomes mainstream for consumers owning a foldable 5G device.

It only seemed like yesterday, but the 7nm Dual Neural Processor Unit (NPU) chipset that's on the current Huawei flagships first made its appearance on the Mate 20 series. What's special about this chipset is that it's the world's first chipset in this size clocking at 2.8GHz, as well as supporting LTE Cat.19 connectivity allowing download speeds up to 1.6Gbps.

On paper, having a smaller chipset means it consumes less battery power but it doesn't really guarantee all smartphone batteries will drain slowly. So this is where the NPU comes in, but regulating the AI-powered features for the battery life span which is nice.

Prior to the P20 series launch in early 2018, smartphone brands had a way of naming their colour scheme devices but it got stale when it was just the same colour (like Opal Black, Graphite Black, Jet Black, Black Matte...you get the idea). Then Huawei showed everyone how it was done by launching a Twilight model, which reflects the colours of the Northen Lights.

Obviously, this quickly captured attention and it was one of the best-looking devices of 2018. Unsurprisingly, other smartphone brands soon followed Huawei's footsteps as well by introducing more gradient colour designs on their devices until today.

After the P20 series and several months later, the Mate 20 Pro got unveiled and one of the features was a reverse wireless charging and certainly put on a show when the CEO of Huawei, Richard Yu, showed that it can reverse charge an Apple iPhone wirelessly (#burn).

Granted, it didn't really reach our expectations when we tried using it during our review. It could have been a lot better but oh well, first time for everything and no doubt Huawei is set to improve it further.

Another Huawei product that also appeared alongside the Mate 20 series was the MateBook X Pro. It's actually like any other laptops except that Huawei decided to integrate a recessed camera on the keyboard. Not only does this fight against privacy from hackers but it also allows the FullView display to maximize as much as it can which is nice.

Finally, the last point is not a technology feature but rather how Huawei managed to build up huge support from the fans. 2019 has been quite a challenging year for Huawei, but there is still a lot of Huawei fans around the world are showing their support.

It's not just the fans but even vendors and e-commerce sites (like DirectD, Shopee, Senheng and Courts) are also playing their part by announcing a full refund if one Google app fails to function, Malaysian restaurants are also showing support for Huawei users with discounts, heck, even our Prime Minister Dr Mahathir gave his support.

How did they do it? Well, it's probably because of how Huawei continues to support their fans such as having a free Service Day and a Battery Replacement Event, as well as actually offering affordable flagships for the masses. By the way, they are also having a 1+1 Warranty & Online IT Fair which we talked about a few days ago and it's seriously the best time to get a Huawei product now. To know more information, you can head over to their webpage right here and the Online IT Fair page as well here, which is already happening now until 8 July 2019 and they are offering a different promotion every day so better check it out!

So what do you think of Huawei's contribution? Let's discuss in the comments below and stay tuned for more tech opinions at TechNave.com.


EPF services to be fully restored this afternoon, contribution deadline extended to 30 Dec following system outage

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) has announced that its services will be fully restored at noon today after a temporary disruption had affected all of its branches and online EPF i-Akaun services since yesterday. Taking to its official Facebook page, the statutory body apologised for any inconvenience caused and thanked members for their patience.

Previously, we reported that EPF has been experiencing a system outage since the early morning of 15 December 2022. The outage affected all the service systems at its branches nationwide, the EPF i-Akaun web access for employees and employers as well as overall access to the EPF i-Akaun app.

Moreover, in another post yesterday, EPF announced that it is extending the deadline for employers to submit the EPF contribution for their employees for this month in lieu of the outage. The new due date would be on 30 December 2022 instead of the usual due date of the 15th day of the month.

The cause of the outage is still unknown as EPF did not specify any reason behind the disruption. Well, whatever it is, let’s hope that the issue would be rectified soon.

So, what do you guys make of this whole situation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for the latest trending tech news.


EPF warns Malaysians to not fall for scam email pretending to offer RM1000 minimum reward

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) today iterated that it has NEVER offered any schemes that reward members with monetary pay-off. This is after EPF members reportedly received fraudulent emails from irresponsible quarters claiming that they are entitled to a minimum of RM1000 reward if they worked from 2016 to 2021.

Shared on its official Facebook page, EPF warned its members to not fall for such a scam and to not click on the link attached to the email. Furthermore, the statutory body also stressed that it has never appointed or authorised any third parties to offer such a reward.

Previously, EPF members were also targeted by scammers in regards to the 2022 Special Withdrawal. There were widespread fraudulent ads sharing phishing sites links that tricks people into revealing or entering personal information which can be used illicitly.

Similar to the previous scam, this latest tactic also utilises phishing sites, whereby the irresponsible quarters are sharing a website link that they alleged would be used to check whether an individual is eligible for the ‘reward’. In reality, it is nothing but a phishing site to collect personal data for illicit use.

In the Facebook post, EPF shared a screenshot of the scam email which contains a lot of red flags when examined. The first red flag is of course the fact that the scheme is non-existent.

Another obvious red flag is the email address used by the scammer which spells KWSP as 'KVVSP'. A similar looking email address when viewed at first glance is one of the most used tactic by phishing sites to trick users into believing that they are interacting with a legitimate entity.

So guys, please stay vigilant and always double-check the website or email that you are interacting with. Remember to always stay safe and make sure to thoroughly research a website before accessing it or worse, sharing personal information!

What do you guys think of this new scam tactic targeting EPF members? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for all the latest trending tech news in Malaysia and beyond.


EPF warns of fake ads using its name, stresses that it has never offered personal loan schemes

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) has reminded Malaysians to be wary of fraudulent ads using its name and iterated that it has NEVER offered any loan schemes to EPF members. This is following ads circulating on social media from irresponsible quarters offering personal loan schemes using EPF's name.

Taking to its official Facebook page, EPF warned its members to not fall for such a scam. Moreover, the statutory body also said that the public should only get information regarding EPF from its official website as well as social media accounts.

In the post, EPF shared a poster with an image of the fraudulent ad claiming that it is offering an ‘EPF loan scheme’. The ad also claims to be able to provide loans now and the public can pay later when withdrawing from EPF, which is a telltale sign of a scam.

Another obvious sign that the ad is a scam is how it writes WhatsApp as ‘Whatapps’, a grammatical error that official EPF channels wouldn’t likely make. Should you come across such ads, make sure to not click on the link or worse, key in your details inside the website as it is likely a phishing site.


EQE 350+ by Mercedes EQ Malaysia release - priced at RM419,888

Following the successful launch of the EQS, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia presented its second electric vehicle (EV) - the new EQE 350+ by Mercedes EQ. The business saloon EQE 350+ based on the electric architecture for large vehicles EVA 2, similar to EQS 450+ offers all the essential functions of the EQS in a slightly more compact format.

The EQE has a slightly shorter wheelbase compared to the EQS with shorter overhangs and more recessed flanks. The overhangs and the front end are kept short, the rear provides the dynamic accent with a sharp rear spoiler. Flush with the outer edge of the body, the 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, together with a shoulder section give the EQE a sleek sporty design.

The battery in the EQE has a usable energy content of 90.56 kWh, and the range of up to 669 km according to WLTP is absolutely suitable for travelling. The EV also boasts a power consumption of 18.0-15.6 kWh/100 km with 215 kW, and the driver can manually select the deceleration in three stages (D+, D, D-) as well as DAuto.

Available as standard, the EQE is equipped with the Driving Assistance Plus package that includes but is not limited to Active Distance DISTRONIC, Active Stop-and-Go Assist, Active Steering Assist with Hands-off warning and Active Lane Keeping Assist. These numerous assistance systems support the driver as the situation requires, warning the driver if there is a risk of collision and intervening if necessary.

Its recommended retail price (inclusive of 10% Sales Tax) is RM419,888. For more information about the EQE 350+, you may visit the official website right over here. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


ESCAPE by Celcom offers RM50000 worth of duit raya and more for #SalomaHariRaya

ESCAPE  Axiata  Sdn  Bhd,  a  fully  owned  subsidiary  of Celcom  Axiata  Berhad have announced a new #SalomaHariRaya campaign offering duit raya and prizes worth up to RM50000 for all Malaysians from 26 June 2015 to 18 August 2015. To enter the contest, participants may lip-sync or sing to the Saloma sung 'Selamat Hari Raya' song, record it and share it on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #SalomaHariRaya and @SalomaHariRaya tags. MAGIC SIM users can get extra duit raya with an additional #MAGICSIM hashtag. Participants can check their submisions at www.celcomESCAPE.com. The Top 50 submissions may win a chance to win RM200 duit raya from the total amount and may also appear in a final mash-up video at the end of the contest. MAGIC SIM users will get an extra advantage here as well, as they can win up five times the duit raya for RM1000 duit raya. In conjunction with the campaign, Xpax MAGIC SIM subscribers get to watch 6 complimentary box-office movies this Raya period at www.celcomESCAPE.com/magic. The movies include various box-office hits with each title starting with the letters ‘S’, ’A’, ’L.’, ‘O’, ‘M’ and ‘A’. Here's what Celcom had to say about the #SalomaHariRaya campaign:

“Once again, we would like to showcase Celcom’s passion towards bringing Malaysians together, regardless of their backgrounds and inspire them to share the Hari Raya spirit. By joining the #SalomaHariRaya campaign, Malaysians will not only be able relive the joy of celebrating memorable Hari Raya moments with their loved ones but also collect cash prizes in the form of duit raya. Besides rewarding our customers for their support throughout the years, we at Celcom believe in continuously engaging with them for an enriching customer experience. The #SalomaHariRaya campaign also aims to foster creativity amongst our customers to come up with winning ideas and enable them to experience the best digital services from Celcom’s fastest and widest network. We are confident that the campaign will receive a good response from all Malaysians and we look forward to reviewing their submissions.” Dato’ Sri Shazalli Ramly, Chief Executive Officer of ESCAPE Axiata Sdn. Bhd. and Celcom Axiata Berhad.

In addition to the #SalomaHariRaya campaign, other Celcom promotions for Hari Raya include:


ESL One Genting tournament to be held at Resorts World Genting

If you think ASUS ROG's Champions Cup would be the last eSports scene we see in Malaysia, well don't fret, it's not the end yet because there's another tournament coming soon in January 2017. In an effort to help develop the Malaysian video games industry, Resorts World Genting has announced their collaboration with ESL to hold the first ever ESL One tournament in Resorts World Genting.

Titled ESL One Genting, the event will be held at the Arena of Stars from 6 -8 January 2017 with the world's best top 8 Dota 2 teams against each other, with the championship prize on the line worth RM1000000.

(left to right) Ulrich Schulze, VP of Pro Gaming at ESL; Kevin Tann, Vice President of Resorts World Genting; and Ronald Robin CEO of Mineski Malaysia.

"eSports is a massive and growing industry globally, and we hope to play a meaningful role in developing the local and regional market. We are proud to be collaborating with ESL, the world's biggest professional provider of eSports that offers not just tournaments like ESL One but also news, live broadcast and support in the eSports community." said Kevin Tann, Vice President of Resorts World Genting.

The name of the eight Dota 2 teams will be revealed in the coming months, it will consist of invited teams, internationally qualified teams and an exclusive Malaysian team. The last ESL that happened was in Manila, which attracted 16000 fans over the weekend with more than 2.5 million views tuning in online earlier this year.

"DotA's popularity in South East Asia is astonishing and the strategic partnership with Resorts World Genting opens a whole new way of delivering high-quality eSports content to one of the most enthusiastic, passionate and committed group of fans we've ever seen at ESL events." said Ulrich Schulze, VP of Pro Gaming at ESL.

Ulrich Schulze, Kevin Tann, Ronald Robin and the rest of the cosplayers taking a group photo after officiating the tournament

Meanwhile, a long-time partner of ESL, Mineski Events Team (MET) was also present, they are known for operating the Mineski Pro Gaming League, as well as being the official organizer of ESL-sanctioned events within Southeast Asia.

"We have expanded to Malaysia as part of our goal to fortify the eSports scene in the entirety of South East Asia. Trust us, we are going to give everyone a spectacular adrenalin show!" said Ronald Robin CEO of Mineski Malaysia.

If you are keen on following the ESL One Genting tournament at Resorts World Genting, you can expect an announcement on Ticket launch in the coming weeks but they can also register their interest to get priority for tickets. We will definitely keep you gamers in the loop, so stay tuned for more news at Technave.com!


ESL and Resorts World Genting are bringing eSports to Malaysia tomorrow

Right after the previous ASUS RoG eSports finale, it looks like Resorts World Genting and ESL are also going to be holding a major eSports event here in Malaysia as well. Set to be announced tomorrow, the eSports event will be held at Resorts World Genting but it still isn't  clear if it will include Dota2, CS:GO or maybe even Overwatch. We'll be attending to see what Resorts World Genting, Mr Kevin Tann, Vice President of Promotions & Entertainment and Mr Ulrich Schulze, Vice President Pro Gaming – Business & Strategy from ESL have to say about it so stay tuned for more at Technave.com.


EU rules that USB-C will become mandatory for digital devices in 2024, including the iPhones

The European Commission has won the fight against smartphone manufacturers using cables none other than the USB-C. By fall 2024, all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU must only use USB-C cable for all sorts of purposes. As most Android smartphone makers have switched over to the mentioned standard, it left Apple.

The Cupertino-based company has been insisting on using the Lightning port as its charging method, but it seems like it will now need to compromise with this new law. Since it only takes place in 2024, it could mean that the iPhone 16 series would pack USB-C ports. However, the rules only apply to devices that charge via a wired cable and not those that only charge wirelessly. Therefore, portless iPhones could also happen.

Besides those categories, laptops, e-readers, earbuds, keyboards, computer mice, portable navigation devices, headphones, handheld videogame consoles, and portable speakers are also included. "These new obligations will lead to more re-use of chargers and will help consumers save up to €250 million a year on unnecessary charger purchases. Disposed of and unused chargers are estimated to represent about 11,000 tonnes of e-waste annually," the European Parliament stated in a press release.

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


EU to make it mandatory for airlines to have 5G connectivity inside their aircraft

The days of having to turn on Airplane mode inside an aircraft may be over (well, at least in Europe) after the European Union is set to make it mandatory for airlines to equip their aircraft with 5G connectivity. Specifically, under a new EU plan, airlines are obliged to install a ‘pico-cell’ on their aircraft to amplify 5G coverage to passengers.

As reported by The Telegraph, passenger phones will be connected to masts on the ground during low-altitude flights, while on higher altitudes, the pico-cell will be used to amplify the 5G signal.

Speaking of the plan, EU Commissioner Thierry Breton said that ”the sky is no longer a limit when it comes to possibilities offered by super-fast, high-capacity connectivity". He added that 5G has enabled innovative services for people and growth opportunities for European companies.

Previously, airlines are allowed to provide WiFi services to passengers since 2008 but passengers are normally required to pay extra for internet access and service is usually only available on longer-haul flights. With this new regulation, passengers can simply connect with their existing 5G data plans without the need to pay their airlines for WiFi.

So, what do you guys think of this new EU regulation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more trending tech news.


EXMobile VoLte 2 review - A beautiful value device with moderate performance

When it comes to local brands, it's quite normal for Malaysians to shun away from them because of our belief that foreign products are better. While that's usually the case, like Marianne's boss said from Ola Bola, it's also a good thing to do something great for your country. In this case, that could well be Malaysian mobile phone company EXMobile.

In this review, we will be taking a look at the EXMobile VoLte 2 which is one of their latest flagships this year. It might look like a premium device at first glance, but believe it or not it currently costs RM549 which is really economical for a mid-range smartphone. So what did we think of the device? Read below to find out.

First things first, the VoLte 2 design is beautiful! It's exquisite, delicate and so fine especially the back design and how it reflects the diamond-like pattern (it's quite hypnotizing lol). Anyone would be fooled to take it as a premium smartphone on first impression. The whole unibody is covered with a 2.5D curved glass nano coat cover, and this makes you want to gently put down the device on solid surface like table. You can get a casing for protection but it'd be a shame to cover up such a beautiful smartphone in front of your friends.

Speakers and charging port at the bottom

Volume and power button on the left side

Considering the price, this is actually an entry-level device with a few mid-range tech specs. The layout of the user interface is simple and familiar, so Android users will be able to adapt easily to the device instantly. Other than that, it's your typical Android smartphone.

But there are some features that seems useful, like the HotKnot. What the HotKnot does is acting as a file transfer feature between EXMobile smartphones, unfortunately not all EXMobile devices have it (example, the iCute Plus) and this is actually quite similar to LEAGOO's Xender feature that does the same thing. So I imagine the transfer should be quite smooth and fast since it doesn't require any Wifi nor Bluetooth to do so. There are some live moving wallpapers too, which makes the device even more appealing. But this drains the battery quickly.

A blue arrow assistance in Panaroma vertical mode, this one is good!

The VoLte 2 offers pretty decent performance. I tried playing Asphalt 8:Airborne on it and surprisingly it was quite smooth, but it gets heaty after awhile. On second thought, using the VoLte 2 actually reminds me of my Apple iPhone 5 in some ways because of how quickly the battery goes down, this only happens if you use it quite often on taking pictures or playing games in an hour.

Given with the tech specs earlier, I guess it's not a surprise that the smartphone turns out like that. Listening to songs on the other hand was alright too, they were also kind enough to include a pair of earphones (which looks exactly like the Apple Earphones lol) that gives below average sound quality, might as well use other earphones for good sounds.

YouTube video viewing in 720p (there's no 1080p)

Battery usage after 1 hour of taking pictures and gaming (see the sharp drop on the right)

Camera quality is just a bit better than average, I'm quite satisfied with the close up and selfie shots; but for medium and wide shots, well there's one problem and that'll be the light is kind of overexposed on just auto. Even if it's indoors with some natural lighting from behind, the light still feels too strong (see cup picture below). Of course, there are plenty of standard filters, color effects, scene modes to play around with in the settings as well. All pictures taken below are not filtered.

Medium close up shot (notice how strong the natural lighting is from behind)

Panorama shot (another overexposed picture)

Overall, the EXMobile VoLte 2 is just an alright device that is affordably priced (RM549) as an entry-level phone. The selling point about it is the beautiful unibody and it works just fine for those who aren't looking for anything high-end in terms of specifications. The downside of having one is the device kind of eats the battery fuel moderately fast if you keep on pushing it too long, and also not to mention, the overexposure problem when taking pictures especially with natural lighting.

I think for a Malaysian brand, they're doing quite a good effort especially for the price, but as a mid-range smartphone it's probably not good enough to be in the same level like the honor 5x or ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser. Also, with the current economy, I think Malaysians can give EXMobile a shot though that could be challenging, given that Malaysians' mindset on favouring foreign brands to local ones, but if you're on a tight budget then you should put this on your consideration list.

So do you happen to know anyone who has one too? What do you think of it? Thanks for reading it, and stay tuned for more news and reviews in the future here at Technave!

*TechNave.com would like to thank EXMobile for providing us with the EXMobile VoLte 2 for this review. It allowed us to do a more in-depth review and highlight more features.


A magical Xpax Fantasy Fest 2015 weekend

Xpax Fantasy Fest 2015 returned for a second time this year in StarXpo, Kenanga Wholesale City (KWC), Jalan Gelugor for two days on 28 and 29 November. A colourful event filled with cosplay, gaming, comics and more; the event was opened to the public and people were also given a chance to register for Xpax's MAGIC SIM card.

"The festival is an outlet for one to explore and express their creativity, including showcasing their skills in gaming, cosplay and anime. It gives them an opportunity to escape from their daily livs and share their thought and experience with the community. We invite everyone, both existing and new Magic SIM customers to share and experience this unique festival, with only having to purchase or reload with the RM5 starter pack during the event.” said Zalman Aefendy Zainal Abidin, Chief of Sales and Marketing Officer of Celcom Axiata Berhad.

One of the main highlights of the event, was the cosplay competition which was divided into two categories - solo and group. The cosplayers were judged by a panel of international celebrity cosplayers  such as Misa (Taiwan), Naielle (Brazil) and Masazi (Japan). All cosplayers who participated stood a chance to win cash and prizes totaling up to RM10000, and the winner in the solo category will win a four day three night trip to Osaka Japan to Animax Music event and city tour.

(left-right) Xpax Brand Manager, Muhammad Izahar Mohd Noor handing out the grand prize, Japan trip to the solo category cosplayer winner (Kakashi), along with the two emcees, and the top 2 & 3 winner on the right side on the stage

Besides that, new and old MAGIC SIM customers had the chance to participate and play games like the Virtual Reality 360, Purikura (free photo taking and digital print out), enjoy free Naruto Favourite Ramen (first 200 only), enjoy a 10% discount on Dota 2 card, gaming peripherals in thunder match outlets until end of Dec sponsored by TMTonline, stand a chance to Meet and Greet with International and local AnimeSong Artistes, having the VIP treatment on an express lane during the celebrity cosplayer’s photo opportunity and autograph session. Perhaps the best of all for them, was a lucky draw with a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy Note 5.

A truly joyous day for everyone, everyone who were there enjoyed purchasing collectible games and attending workshop sessions by international artistes and local developers (about game animation and digital art). A Street Fighter V demo was also available there, so were Dota 2 tournaments, FIFA 16, Rocket League, Trading Card games (players who joined the tournament also had the chance to win RM10000 in cash and prizes).

Japanese international singers Yun Chi (left) and Elisa (right) performing live on stage

Cosplay fans line up to have an exclusive meet and greet with international cosplay celebrities

Xpax Fantasy Fest 2015 was a collaboration between Celcom, Sony, Animax, Fallout Gaming and TMT Online. To find out more about the event, visit the Xpax Fantasy Fest website.


EXMobile VoLte 2 unboxing and hands-on video

EXMobile VoLte 2 is our local brand's flagship and it currently cost RM549 only, it features a MediaTek MTK6735A + 64BiT Quad-Core 1.3Ghz MALi T720 and 2GB RAM, carries 16GB internal storage with an expandable memory up to 64GB, screen is 5-inch with good 1280 x 720 resolution, 13MP rear camera + 5MP front camera, operating on Android 5.1 Lollipop and has a 2200 mAh battery. Check out our unboxing and short hands-on video on the device.

Stay tuned for a full review on the VoLte 2 in the near future in Technave!


EXMobile iCute Plus hands-on video

EXMobile has been around in Malaysia for 6 years now, to start off this brand new year they have designed a new  iCute Plus  smartphone device. Currently it cost RM369 in Lazada.com.my, and for a mid-range smartphone the tech specs aren't too shabby. It features a  MediaTek Quad-Core Processor running on 1GB RAM, 5-inch display in full aluminium with glass body design. Here's a hand-on video for to you check it out:


EXMobile iCute Plus unboxing video

EXMobile has been around in Malaysia for 6 years now, to start off this brand new year they have designed a new iCute Plus smartphone device. Currently it cost RM369 in Lazada.com.my, and ooks can be deceiving because it looks so premium for a mid-range class. We did an unboxing video to see what else is inside the box so check out the video below:


EXMobile introduces VoLte 2 smartphone and EX Watch for RM549 and RM399 only

EXMobile CEO, Mr.Eddie Law (middle) , EXMobile Volte Series ambassador Yu Tian Long (third from left), EXmobile brand ambassador Rashid Sidek (third from right) takes a group photo after the press conference.

Local brand EXMobile started their new year celebration in Parkroyal Hotel recently by promoting their latest Volte smartphone series - The EXMobile VoLte 2 smartphone and also Malaysia’s very first local wearable, the  EX Watch. Both devices currently cost RM549 and RM399 respectively.

The device’s design is elegant and feels premium altogether with the 2.5D curved glass and nano coat cover, in addition, the camera is Sony IMX and features F/2.2 aperture with dual LED flash. Another notable specification is the Yamaha HiFi YDA165 Sound System ACC Sound Effect DTS Dolby that is integrated in the device. What’s more, the device is able to last 90 hours standby time and 7 hours talk time.

The VoLte 2 is now available in authorized retail stores nationwide and Lazada Malaysia as well for RM549 only.

Meanwhile, the EX Watch will be soon available in the first quarter of 2016. For RM399 only, the wearable sports a MT2502A–108MHz SoC, powered by a 128MB RAM and can store 32MB worth of memory along with a 8GB microSD card expansion. The 1.22-inch display is running on 240 x 240 pixel HD IPS resolution, and a Polymer Li-ion 3.7V 350 mAh battery in that  52 x 46 x 13.5 mm wearable.

And like all wearables, the device features a pedometer, sleep monitor, anti lost, sedentary reminder, heart rate monitor, IP65 waterproof, remote camera, synchronous SMS, MMS, , and Time Sync. Both the watchcase and strap are made of stainless steel, and the user can choose to wear a stainless steel or leather strap. Last but not least, it will be available in silver, black, rose gold, royal blue and gold colour options.

EXMobile iCute Plus model, stay tuned for the unboxing and hands-on video in the near future!

Event models are displaying the latest Volte 2 smartphone to the crowd

(From left to right) EXMobile Head of Business Development, Mr.Yap Chong Leng, EXMobile Head of Product, Mr.Teh Nam Hong, EXMobile CEO, Mr.Eddie Law, EXMobile Volte Series ambassador Yu Tian Long and EXmobile brand ambassador Rashid Sidek.

EXMobile has been around in Malaysia for a solid six years, and has steadily build up over 800 dealers, 10 service centers, and released 110 models nationwide. Snatching the top four spot of Malaysia based Taiwanese/International brand from 2014-2015 in market share, they have earned an annual revenue of RM46 million last year and sold over 126 thousand units.

For more information about EXMobile, vist either one of the links below to learn more:-


EXMobile releases 6-inch phablet Chat 6 for RM359 only

Today, Malaysia's own local smartphone company, EXMobile has announced their very first 6-inch phablet smartphone - the EXMobile Chat 6 for an unbelievable RM359 price tag. Available in Rose Gold, Black and Silver, you can now purchase the device in all authorized EXMobile retail stores nationwide and receive a complimentary protective case and a screen protector for free. Below are the official specifications:

The 6-inch phablet uses simple and good quality plastic material that gives comfortable grip despite being a huge phone. Its 2800mAh battery pack can perform 130 hours of standby time and 4.5 hours of talk-time. Surely, this big phone can entertain users on watching videos and play games for a long period of time.

For more information on EXMobile Malaysia info kindly log on to;


Early Snapdragon 8150 results are out and new mid-range chips could be in the works

The first foldable phone in the world was announced last week which utilizes the rarely seen Snapdragon 8150. Gsmarena.com shared from Geekbench the early performance of the chipset. Rumour has it that the chipset is a 2+2+4 instead of the standard 4+4. So far, only the the Kirin 980 uses a similar design consisting of 2 cores for burst performance, 2 to sustain speed and the last smaller 4 cores for lighter tasks.

According to the results from the article, the Snapdragon 8150 shows a lot of improvement from its previous version. However, its single core performance is lacking. Despite that, it is still too early to tell how accurate these results are.

Also in development are what could be Qualcomm's mid-range processors, the Snapdragon 6150 and Snapdragon 7150. According to Gizmochina.com, both chipsets are octa-core processors but it is likely that they will come with different GPU, CPU cores and clock speeds.

The Snapdragon 7150 is the more powerful chip among the two. Information on Github shows that the chip was tested on a device with a 12MP+13MP dual rear camera and a 20MP front facing camera with with a QHD+ display screen. Most devices at mid and upper mid range are usually on HD+ and FHD+ so this likely shows us that the chipset may be more powerful than it seems. Other than that, there is no information available about the features that potential phones may be able to utilize with this chipset.

The Snapdragon 6150 was tested on a similar setup to the Snapdragon 7150 but with a 13MP selfie camera. The main display of the device is FHD+ with a resolution of 2160x1080 and is reportedly 5.99 inches. Reported by Winfuture.de, the Snapdragon 6150 is built on an 11nm mode. We expect to see these chipsets announced by next year but do take these rumours with a pinch of salt and stay tuned to Technave.com for all of your tech news needs!


Early birds can get a free wrist strap and 64GB SD card from purchasing a white Sony ZV-1

Back in July 2020, Sony Malaysia released the Digital Camera ZV-1 into the Malaysian market with a price tag of RM3399. While we aren't sure of the reception, but we assume that the camera was well received because the company just announced a ZV-1 White edition which looks kinda cute. Way too cute if I might add.

According to Sony Malaysia, the reason for releasing a white ZV-1 variant is to allow customers (or rather KOLs, influencers, vloggers) to match their personality or preference. Also, white is a popular colour for tech gadgets and a rare one for digital cameras. So if you have one, you could be seen as one of the "cool ones" for having a white digital camera. Oh, the price is still the same as RM3399.

Just for your information, early birds from now on until 30 November who purchases this white ZV-1 camera will bring home a new Peak Design Cuff Wrist Strap and 64GB SD card. You can check out the official sales page here and the rest of the specs/features over here. Stay tuned for more trending gadget news at TechNave.com.


Early birds will bring home a 50" SmartTV from Samsung's Galaxy S20 series Roadshow

Today, Samsung Malaysia are proud to announce the official Samsung Galaxy S20 series roadshow kicking off on 6 March 2020. As previously marketed, the Galaxy S20, S20 Plus and the S20 Ultra are priced RM3599, RM3999 and RM4999 respectively and each purchase comes with amazing freebies to giveaway.

According to the company, those who are planning to purchase either one of the Galaxy S20 series smartphone will be granted a 128GB microSD memory card (RM139), a wireless charger pad (RM239), and a 50-inch SmartTV worth RM2599 for the early birds! Not only that, those who come to the roadshow will be able to trade-in their old cameras will have a RM400 rebate. Wow, fantastic baby.

There will be only 5 selected locations for the Galaxy S20 series Roadshow. You can find out more information below:

That's all folks, mark your calendar and stay tune for more Samsung news at TechNave.com!


Early build of Horizon Forbidden West allegedly leaked online

For avid RPG fans, Horizon Forbidden West is easily one of the most anticipated titles this year. The open-world game is set to release on 18 February 2022. But some assets may have been leaked in advance, allegedly revealing some of the game's content.

According to VGC, the leaked images appeared on Reddit. But the images have since been removed, which probably means Sony and Guerrilla Games requested them to be taken down. In other words, the leaks are most likely accurate. Unfortunately, there are no more traces of these visual assets, so we can't tell you what was revealed.

Anyway, Horizon Forbidden West is the sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn. It promises a larger map to explore, new secrets to discover, and new enemies. One of the biggest features added to the sequel is underwater exploration. According to In Forbidden West, Aloy can dive beneath rivers or lakes to explore certain regions. There might even be underwater combat involved.

Since it's published by Sony, don't expect to hear of any more leaks ahead of the launch. But we might get a new official trailer before it's officially released. Having said that, are you planning to buy Horizon Forbidden West? What's the game you're most excited about in 2022? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


Early leaks of the Asus Zenfone 6 prototype show an interesting take in the notch

Leaks of the early prototype model of the ASUS Zenfone 6

Ahead of the reveal of the ASUS Zenfone 6 at MWC 2019, leaks of the prototype of the anticipated smartphone has surfaced. As the race of which smartphone will be able to shrink and finally get rid of the pesky notch on the front of their phones rages on, the Asus Zenfone 6 seems to have gotten creative with placement of the notch on their screens.

Gsmarena.com reported images of the early prototype of the upcoming device having the notch in a waterdrop cut out but not in the way you’d expect it to be. The notch is placed on the top right of the screen instead of the usual middle of the screen, much to the horror of many. Besides that, other tech specs seem normal and in order with the phone, with the earpiece on the top bezel,  USB-C cable support, speakers on the bottom and, to our delight, a 3.5mm headphone jack, hallelujah!

There seems to be a black space underneath the camera which may likely be a PDAF sensor. It could also possibly be a fingerprint reader but that feature could be placed underneath the display instead like some of the more recently revealed phones. Due to the small size of the notch, the smartphone would most likely utilize a form of face scanning technology instead of a 3D infrared sensor, unlike the ASUS Zenfone 5Z.

So far, there has been no information on the upcoming device’s tech specs or Malaysia release dates. So what are your thoughts on how ASUS has placed the notch on ASUS Zenfone 6? Personally, we hope that they scrap that idea. However, these are leaks of an early prototype of the phone so do take this article with a grain of salt! Stay tuned to TechNave.com for the latest news on smartphones and beyond.


A malicious link spreads on WhatsApp by tricking users into installing a fake HUAWEI app

As if WhatsApp is not facing enough problems with the privacy policy update, the scammers are now making several troubles on the chat platform to make matters worse. Earlier, it was reported that there are fake WhatsApp staff scamming users using a voice authentication loophole. Now, a new method has appeared by using a malicious link that tricks users to install suspicious software.

According to the source, some users have received a link that guides them to a page that resembles Google App Store to install a fake HUAWEI app. After installing it, it will prompt users to permit it to read the notifications. If the steps are all done, the malware will then start to distribute the link to more users automatically when a new WhatsApp message is received.

The security experts claim that this malware has the ability to spread itself via WhatsApp messages. For now, no data theft is done by the malware but it is possible to extend to that part. Therefore, we are here to inform WhatsApp users to beware of suspicious links. Not only on WhatsApp, but it is also important to verify if a link is legit before opening it on other platforms.

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


Early test runs suggest 4GB of RAM for iPhone 12 and 12 mini, 6GB of RAM for the pro variants

Apple is notoriously known for not disclosing some tech specs whenever a new iPhone is presented. As usual, they didn't say anything about the iPhone 12 series RAM power but thanks to Geekbench, Xcode 12.1 beta release, and Tweeter user @hirakujira, it seems that the iPhone 12 series has RAM management of up to 6GB of RAM.

Starting with Geekbench, someone managed to get on hold of the iPhone 12 Pro and ran some tests. It can be seen on the spreadsheet that the memory size is 6GB of RAM. Other sources have also screenshot the Geekbench spreadsheet on the same iPhone model and iPhone 12, believing it to be 6GB and 4GB respectively. The score was up too showing 1590 points in single-core and 3120 points in multi-core testing, although we should take it with a grain of salt when the devices officially launch.

Info from Xcode 12.1:iPhone 12 mini (iPhone 13,1) & iPhone 12 (iPhone 13,2) → 4GB RAMiPhone 12 Pro (iPhone 13,3) & iPhone 12 Pro Max (iPhone 13,4) → 6GB RAM

As for the Xcode 12.1 beta release, it once again hinted that the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 are using 4GB of RAM. For the pro variants, the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max have 6GB of RAM and this is consistent with Geekbench that we mentioned earlier on. Lastly, @hirakujira also tweeted the same thing as he was using Xcode 12.1.

In other words, it looks like the new iPhone 12 series RAM management has not changed from its predecessors. The only thing left now is the battery pack which won't be kept in the dark for long now. Until then, stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Earn 5x more rewards with the new Maybank Grab Mastercard Platinum Credit Card

The Maybank Grab Mastercard Platinum Credit Card has been officially unveiled where you can earn up to 5 times more rewards, which you can apply starting from today onwards at any Maybank branch in Malaysia. Furthermore, if you were to apply for the aforementioned credit card online before 30 September, you’ll be eligible for an Edifier TWS1 True Wireless Earbuds if you spend a minimum of RM300 within 45 days of the credit card approval date.

To go into more detail on the benefits, you’ll be able to get 5 times the GrabRewards for every RM1 spent, 2x GrabRewards if spent overseas or on e-commerce websites, free vouchers, life fee waiver, as well as 1000 GrabRewards Points. However, do note that you are required to have a minimum annual income of RM36000 as well as be over 21 years old to apply.

With all that said, would you be interested in applying for the Maybank Grab Mastercard Platinum Credit Card? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Easy Projection and EMUI Desktop on Huawei Mate 10

The Huawei Mate 10 series consisting of the Huawei Mate 10 and Mate 10 Pro can both use Easy Projection to access the PC Desktop-like EMUI Desktop on top of the other Huawei Kirin 970 enabled features. We check out what you need to access it and how it performs in general with our hands-on video below.


Easy Taxi users can get 3x RM20 off with Samsung Galaxy Life

Samsung Malaysia recently announced that their various Samsung device users can now get RM20 off taxi fare for Easy Taxi up to three times through the Samsung Galaxy Life app. The offer should be available throughout January 2015 so there are at least another 7 days or so to get this offer. The Samsung Galaxy Life app is available most Samsung Galaxy devices including smartphones and tablets. The Galaxy Life platform offers various offers, coupons, vouchers and value-added tie-ins with other brands and services in Malaysia.


EcoFlow RIVER 2, Delta 2 & Solar series Power Stations Malaysia release - starting price from RM1199

Recently, EcoFlow launched three new portable power stations in Malaysia: the RIVER 2 Series, DELTA 2 Series and Solar Series. With a starting price of RM1199, the sales have already begun since 3 March 2023 on its Lazada EcoFlow Store and Shopee EcoFlow Malaysia Official Store.

As a brief introduction, EcoFlow is a portable power and eco-friendly energy solutions company it was founded in 2017. It has expanded over 100 markets through its DELTA and RIVER portable power stations and varied accessories. The RIVER 2 series is an affordable 3-product line entry-level portable power station, comprising the RIVER 2, RIVER 2 Max and RIVER 2 Pro.

These entry-level portable power stations can charge to 80% in just 48 minutes, as well as provide cost-effective power, a reliable energy source for on-the-go lifestyles and emergency home backup. Featuring advanced LFP batteries and weighing 3.5kg, the RIVER 2 series can be charged via solar power for up to three hours via Portable Solar Panels. It supports a maximum solar input of 220W.

On the other hand, the more powerful EcoFlow DELTA 2 has a 1024Wh capacity and 1800W AC output and can be recharged to 80% in just 50 minutes via solar panels. With up to 3KWh of expandable capacity, it can be used for the whole family at home, outdoors or on the go. It also supports a maximum of 500W solar input and needs three to six hours to fully recharge.

Other than that, there are also other powerful products such as the DELTA Max and DELTA Pro, as well as the Solar Series that powers your everyday appliance at home or off the grid with sustainable solar energy. If you would like to buy the products physically, EcoFlow is also available at Lau Distribution, RC Paragon Universal, Montanic Adventure Store, AI Home and more. Trading in your RIVER 2 is also possible with up to RM840 rebate which is only available at EcoFlow Direct HQ Official Store at PANGU SDN. BHD. @ Plaza Arkadia.


Economy Minister announces KitaJaga app for Malaysians to compare prices of groceries

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli today announced the KitaJaga app, a community-driven platform which allows consumers in our country to check and compare prices of groceries. Part of his Ministry’s effort to empower consumers’ decision-making, users can check on the prices of groceries based on their location.

As reported by Malay Mail, the app uses open-source data from OpenDOSM. A collaborative effort between the Economy Ministry with KitaJaga who developed the application, it is now available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Rafizi elaborated that his Ministry will start with groceries since most price hikes are focused on this category. In the future, it will be expanded to other categories for consumers.

He further revealed that KitaJaga developed the app voluntarily. Furthermore, the Economy Ministry is planning to work together with other e-commerce stakeholders to expand existing price-checking potential.

So, what do you guys think of the KitaJaga app? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more trending tech news.


Economy expert: Use of e-wallets and other cashless platforms will reduce corruption in Malaysia

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) School of Business and Economic Assoc Prof Dr Anuar Shah Bali Mahomed has lauded the recently launched Malaysia Digital initiative for its ability to reduce corruption. Specifically, the initiative’s comprehensive implementation of a cashless system will reduce occurrences of corruption as bribes are usually made in cash to avoid being traced.

As reported by national news agency Bernama, Anuar elaborated that every digital transactions are recorded, hence deterring occurrences of corruption. The UPM Associate Professor further stressed that when there is no physical money, corruption will be significantly reduced as most parties currently gave or received bribes in cash.

UPM School of Business and Economic Assoc Prof, Dr Anuar Shah Bali Mahomed

In the latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI) by Transparency International, Malaysia dropped 5 spots to 62nd place out of 180 countries. An index which ranks countries by their “perceived levels of public sector corruption” as determined by expert assessments and opinion surveys, our country was previously ranked 57th in 2020 and 51st just a year prior.

Anuar thus asserted that an adoption of a cashless system in our country will help improve Malaysia’s worsening CPI placement. Hence, Malaysia Digital’s push for the widespread use of e-wallets and other cashless platforms will definitely assist our nation’s fight against corruption.

What do you guys think of the Malaysia Digital initiative and cashless payment platforms in general? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to Technave for more engaging tech news in Malaysia and beyond!


Edifier 7.7 Sales is still happening with 2 more flash sales for the next 2 days

Although it's only a day later after 7.7, many products may have sold out due to the massive discounts on Shopee and Lazada. If you're still looking for some affordable audio products, Edifier still has them and plenty of stocks left.

In the Edifier 7.7 Sales, there are plenty of items on sale such as the NeoBuds Pro, NB2 Pro, MG300, R12800Bs and more as low as RM29.90. Besides that, Edifier is throwing a flash sale today (8 July) for the X6 wireless earbuds for RM79 (RRP RM189). There is also another flash sale for the X2 and X3s wireless earbuds for RM79 (RRP RM149) and RM99 (RRP RM99) respectively.

Anyway, below is a table of some of the highlighted Edifier products on sale:

Edifier TWS NB2 Pro Active (Black, Grey, White)

Like anything you see? You can find more Edifier 7.7 Sales on Shopee and Lazada at the hyperlinks given above. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Edifier G4 gaming headphone review - One of the best budget gaming headphones to get

It's been awhile since we last reviewed a gaming headphone. Gaming headphones don't come cheap at all as it's required to deliver the best sounds possible for an immersive gaming experience, and most gamers being kids probably don't have enough money for that. No worries, Edifier has something in store for you, introducing the G4 gaming headphone, priced at RM249 only and it's a far cry from the standard market. But just because it's affordable, does that mean it's good? Let's find out.

So how do you manufacturer a gaming headphone that's under RM300? Cheap plastic? That seems to be the case with the G4 but at least it's quite presentable and well polished, especially on the ear-cups. Cushions on the ear-cups and top are really comfortable too and the cable is kind of long at 2.5 metres. The nice thing about the headphones is that the ear-cups glow the moment you plug in the USB cable to your laptop or desktop.

If I have to nitpick something, that'd be that I don't find it that compact if you want to travel with it, then again, not all gaming headphones are portable so there's that.

Side view with the 40mm drivers, the microphone is flexible and you can push it inside if you don't need it

The ear-cups are quite spacious so that's nice

Here are the specifications for the Edifier G4 gaming headphone:

Did I also mention that the G4 has a built-in sound card and virtual 7.1 sound? Moreover, it can be "personalized" in Edifier's own software program that you can download here for environment simulation sound effects, EQ adjustment, microphone sound effect and... that's about it. Personally, I didn't really find myself using the software that much with these kind of limitations because I can adjust the volume with the controller that's on the cable.

The vibration effect and microphone switch

The cable controller user interface is quite interesting, aside from having the standard volume control, there's also a vibration effect switch just beside the microphone switch. As the name suggests, what the vibration effect switch does is add vibration at the ear-cup and you can even feel it, at the same time, it also somehow adds more bass "oomph" complementing the vibration. While it does sound like a niche feature, it's actually quite nice for gaming especially in war type of games for the atmosphere.

On the side, it's the volume control and on/off button

So yes, the G4 does pretty well for gaming. First person shooters, Real Time Strategy, MOBA games, you name it. Similar to high-end gaming headphones, the G4 performs well with the vibration effect, giving you a sense of getting into the moment. For example, I tested it with Alien: Isolation (I know, outdated) and it really gave me stress because of how paranoid I became, running around hiding from that random A.I. Alien, the background ambience sound is already tense enough, so turning that vibration effect on made it more intense especially when I got caught.

If listening to atmospheric game OST was effective, imagine playing it

However, when it comes to songs for that matter, the sound that comes out from the G4 is...odd. Mind you, I tested it with FLAC type files, the music is there but it's a bit hollow because the treble and bass aren't balanced perfectly, turning on the vibration won't help either (this applies the same to movies). Fine, I know it's a gaming headphone but it's not all bad news, background music in games does better by tenfold. If you turn on the vibration effect in creepy atmospheric-type games, I think it will really increases the immersive feeling of creepiness and anxiety (try testing it with Layers of Fear in Steam) so good job there, Edifier.

Microphone performance gets a pass, by the way

To add on to that, I also recommend that you don't wear the G4 with the vibration effect for too long, it could wear you out. If you're really hardcore then you don't have to listen to me. I'm just looking out for you (haha).

Retailing at RM249, I think the Edifer G4 is definitely worth buying for mostly gaming if you're tight on budget, but I think the Edifier should do more with its sound personalization software. Anyway, if you want to get an even more affordable gaming headphone, Edifier has you covered with the G20 and G10 for just RM139 and RM99 only (say what?! yeah, no kidding). I can't really say if they perform the same or slightly lesser since we don't have the models, but both gaming headphones can deliver virtual 7.1 surround sound with 40mm neodymium drivers too, so that's something.

Anyway, if you're interested, you can head over to the official online store at Inter-Asia website here so do check it out. That's all from our review about the G4, thanks for reading and do you have a preferred gaming brand for your gaming needs? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more future reviews at TechNave.com.