How to Clean Your Social Media, Internet Browser and Chat History

There's been a recent spate of high-profile cases where the history of social media, Internet browsing or even chats have been used to expose the wrongdoings of certain individuals. While we'd be the first to recommend, if you don't want to get caught doing bad things, then DON'T DO BAD THINGS in the first place, but... your social media, internet browser, and chats can all contain a lot of personal information.

If you're concerned about your privacy, or if you just want to start fresh, you can clean up your data by following these steps. Check out our guide on How to Clean your Social Media, Internet Browser and Chat History below.

Facebook and Instagram: To clear your Facebook and Instagram history, go to Settings & privacy -> Settings -> See more in Accounts Centre -> Your information and permissions -> Clear all searches. You can clear the searches from the 'Last hour', 'Yesterday', or 'All time'.

Twitter: To clear your Twitter history, go to Search bar -> Clear all. You can choose to clear your search history, website history, or both.

Facebook and Instagram (app versions are the same)

Google Chrome: To clear your Google Chrome history, go to More tools -> Clear browsing data. Under the Basic or Advanced tab, you can choose to clear your browsing history, cookies, cache, and more based on certain a time range.

Mozilla Firefox: To clear your Mozilla Firefox history, go to Menu > History > Clear recent history. You can choose to clear your browsing history, cookies, cache, and form history.

Safari: To clear your Safari history, go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Remove all history. You can also clear your cookies and website data by going to Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data.

Microsoft Edge: To clear your Microsoft Edge history, go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data. You can choose to clear your browsing history, cookies, site data, cached images and files, and form data.

WhatsApp: To clear your WhatsApp history, go to Settings > Chats > Chat history > Clear. You can choose to clear or delete all chat history, or clear chats individually by going to the chat and tapping on 'More' followed by 'Clear chat'.

Messenger: To clear your Messenger history, you'll have to do it individually. Go to the selected chat > long press for pop-up menu > Delete. You can also choose to archive the chat, mute or block the user.

Messages (SMS app): To clear your Messages history, you'll have to do it individually. Go to the selected chat > long press for pop-up menu > Delete. Please note that the UI for the app can vary between each brand, but the process should be similar as you can delete all SMS messages on a Samsung phone by long pressing a message to select it, then tap All and Delete All. You can also download third-party apps like TrueCaller or Textra to better manage your SMS.

To make sure you cleaned everything, you can also do a Factory Reset but this will turn your device into a completely empty or new device without any personal information. All of your data will be cleared this way, but at least you'll have cleaned everything in one go. Here's how:

Screenshot from Android-based BlackShark smartphone, yours might look slightly different

Overall, these steps will only clean the history of your device but if you've already sent the info to a different party or individual then they also have a record of those chats and other actions. Likewise, while these tips can be used to clear your history, if you're someone who is looking to check what others have been up to online, these tips can also reveal the history of what they have been doing online.

In any case, we hope that this guide is helpful. If there's any app that we missed or you need more information, do ask in the comments below. As always, stay tuned to TechNave.com for all your tech needs


How to Use Google Glass and More Google Glass Users Videos

The Google Glass is quickly gaining traction as the next step in wearable computers. With a host of new third-party apps coming from various developers, support for Google Glass is growing rapidly. In light of this Google has released a video on how to use Google Glass which you can check out below:

Clearly, the controls are much more intuitive than earlier described. Rather than just have a push button on the side, the touch control adds on a whole bunch of other possibilities. However, while the interface in the video above shows super smooth performance with no lag in between, the reality is a bit different. Various user videos such as those from Dan McLaughlin highlight the fact that the real experience does have a good amount of lag. While the voice commands are also very accurate, it isn't entirely perfect either. For a look at the real Google Glass in action check out Dan McLaughlin and other user's Google Glass usage videos below:

Dan McLaughlin testing Google Glass Voice Recognition

Google sponsored Google Glass videos tend to be more polished on a whole as you can see from this one regarding the Large Hadron Colider.


How to add custom maps to your Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro in 7 steps

Are you looking into smartwatches? If you have, you might have noticed that Samsung launched a new Pro model for its Galaxy Watch5 series this year. Obviously, the Pro version delivers a bunch of cool upgrades like a larger screen and route navigation.

As you can see, it's a model that will appeal to sports fanatics. In particular, route navigation is excellent for hikers, and training for marathons. But how would you get the routes you want on the device? Here is how to add custom maps to your Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro in 7 steps.

One of our guys managed to test the Routes feature and really liked it. If you're a hiker, you'll probably appreciate it too! The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro can also track your workouts, detect your heart rate or SpO2 levels, and provide health insights or coaching via Samsung Health.

If these are features you need, don't wait! Grab one now because Samsung is offering savings and awesome gifts worth up to RM549 for each purchased Galaxy Watch5 Pro, valid until 30th November 2022! You could also save up to RM1899 when you trade in your devices for one of the new Galaxy Watch5 series smartwatches.

For more details about the Galaxy Watch5 Pro, you can visit the Samsung Malaysia website. Also, we will be testing this smartwatch further, so make sure to stay tuned to TechNave.com for more first impressions and our review!


How to buy a laptop for College, University or Higher Education in Malaysia

When picking a laptop to be used primarily for education, it is important to ensure that it comes equipped with essential features to make your studying experience much more enjoyable. Not only that, as a student, you would ideally want a laptop that’s also affordable enough while being able to last you at least until you are done with your studies but there's more to it than that.

With all that being said, this article will highlight several key features you might want to consider when looking for a laptop for higher education. So let’s have a closer look, shall we?

Having an HDMI port is essential for doing class presentations

The HDMI port is something worth considering when getting a laptop because of how frequently you’re required to do presentations for classes. But that’s not all. Once you’ve graduated, you might still be required to do presentations at work.

Sure, you could get a USB to HDMI dongle, but having a built-in HDMI port is a lot less of a hassle because you don’t have to carry a dongle around. However, built-in hardware is usually much more reliable than buying from a third party vendor, which means there’s a lot less chance of running into issues.

There are university campuses that are equipped with projectors and smart TVs out there that lets you mirror your display over a WiFi connection. However, you should still have an HDMI port as a backup should there be any connectivity issues or if your campus does not have such a device.

Full size-SD card reader on the Acer ConceptD 3 Ezel

A built-in SD card reader is particularly important for those who are taking classes that involve creating content. You might need to upload files from your camera to your computer constantly. With that in mind, a laptop equipped with a full-sized SD card reader will be very convenient as you don’t need to hunt around for a dongle.

Ideally, you would want a full-sized SD card reader instead of a MicroSD card reader because most cameras these days natively support the SD card. Of course, you could use the MicroSD card with a MicroSD to SD card adapter, but the adapters are usually quite unreliable due to their shoddy construction.

Light enough to be carried with one hand

Because you’re constantly required to travel between classes or meeting rooms, a lightweight laptop will help tremendously in reducing back strain. In addition, lightweight laptops are usually smaller in size, allowing you to keep them in storage compartments that are generally not possible with larger laptops.

However, some laptop manufacturers tend to replace most of the I/O (Input / Output) ports in favour of just 1 or 2 USB Type-C ports, which is not a bad thing, but you’ll have to carry a bunch of USB Type-C dongles. With that said, you might want to have a closer look at the I/O options before committing to purchase a lightweight laptop.

If you’re studying a subject that involves inputting many numbers, you should consider getting a laptop with a number pad. However, they’re usually a little larger because the number pad takes up quite a bit of space.

If you prefer a smaller and lighter laptop but still need a number pad, you could get an external number pad instead. Also, some number pads allow you to connect to the laptop via Bluetooth connection, which means less fumbling around with wires.

More than enough battery to get work done and watch shows

Having a long battery life is a huge benefit because you won’t have to lug around the laptop’s charging brick, which can be pretty hefty. Also, since you’ll be travelling between classes, you won’t have access to power outlets to top up your laptop’s battery.

With that being said, having a high-capacity and power-efficient laptop lets you travel around campus without worrying whether you have enough battery to last the entire day. But, laptops with a much larger battery size are usually larger and heavier than those with a smaller battery capacity.

Your laptop choice largely depends on the course you’re taking as well. For example, if you’re taking a course that involves working with 3D models, you might want a laptop equipped with more RAM and a dedicated GPU, which can be a little more expensive.

With that in mind, it’ll be more cost-effective for you to get a slightly expensive but beefier laptop early on so that you don’t have to change it in the second or third year of your course (which is usually when you'll start using these 3D software or do video rendering). If you only intend to use basic software such as Microsoft Office and your web browser for research throughout your course, a lower-end laptop will be more than enough.

If you’re not sure which laptop to get, here are some recommendations to help you get started. The first laptop you should consider when getting an education-focused laptop is the Acer Swift 3 (priced from RM4199), which comes equipped with an abundance of ports, including an HDMI port, USB port, and a 3.5mm port while weighing in at only 1.19Kg.

Another laptop that deserves consideration would be the ASUS ZenBook 13 (priced at RM3999) that’s slightly lighter than the Acer Swift 3. Unlike the Swift 3, the ZenBook 13 comes with the ASUS NumberPad 2.0, which is a number pad built into the touchpad. If you don't need the number pad, there's also the MSI Prestige 15 from RM3999 which has a built-in microSD card reader and plenty of ports.

If you fancy a laptop that can double as a tablet, the Lenovo Yoga 6 laptop comes in at the price of RM4299. The laptop comes with a 360-degree hinge, and it supports a stylus that can be used to write down notes on presentation slides quickly. Unfortunately, it does not come with an HDMI port. Alternatively, you can go for the ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 that comes with touchscreen and stylus support from only RM2999.

If you're looking for a beefier laptop for workloads such as video editing or 3D modelling, you might want to consider getting Acer's ConceptD laptops such as the ConceptD 3 (From RM7399), which comes equipped with a colour accurate display with Delta E < 2 which makes it ideal for colour-accurate workloads. If you still need a powerful machine but have less of a budget then there's the MSI Pulse GL76 from RM6999 which still comes with NVIDIA GTX 3060 discrete graphics and a 1TB SSD but has a lower but still high-end 17.3-inch FHD 144Hz display.

If you're only in the market for a budget laptop, the ASUS BR1100F at RM1599 comes equipped with stylus support, is shock-proof, spillproof, and it can be easily repaired should there be any hardware issue because of its modular design.

With all that said, what are your main criteria when getting a laptop for education? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


ASUS MeMO Pad 8 ME581CL tablet USB OTG demo video

While the ASUS MeMO Pad 8 ME581CL tablet packs in premium features like 4G LTE and a full HD display, many users are asking if it is compatible with OTG (On The Go) USB Flash memory drives. As such we took it for a demo with a OTG USB cable and a USB flash memory drive. The short answer is yes, yes it does work with OTG USB flash memory, but sometimes you may have to mount it first in the storage menu of the Android settings. If you'd like to see the demo for yourself do check out our video below and keep sending us tech questions you'd like answered. We'll try to answer them as best we can.


How to buy the Xiaomi Mi 3 or Mi Power Bank tomorrow on 20 May 2014

Xiaomi Malaysia will begin selling their Xiaomi Mi 3 smartphone at RM889 and 10400 mAh Mi Power Bank at RM36 tomorrow at exactly 12pm on 20 May 2014. Sales will be done entirely online and there are only limited amounts of the Xiaomi Mi 3 (4000 units) and Mi Power Bank (5000 units). We expect them to be gone in minutes if not seconds but Xiaomi Malaysia are limiting only 1 unit of Mi 3 smartphone per order and 2 units of Mi Power Bank per order. Both come in just Silver so there won't be any rush for gold or red colour versions. You will have to register for PayPal which you can do with any local credit card and most debit cards. We advise you to login early and have a very fast connection to stand a chance of getting any units from the first batch but do remember that more batches will be coming so don't get too down if you don't make it. Also remember that just getting it to your cart does not mean you've bought it, so once you do, make sure you get a confirmed payment as soon as possible. For a step by step guide check out the following:


How to check if your laptop or PC is eligible for Windows 11

By now, you should be aware of the Windows 11 news all over the Internet. Windows 11 will be a free upgrade as announced by Microsoft, but can you download and upgrade it now? Well, yes and no. There are a few steps to do before you can (if you are chosen) so read on below to know what you should do before upgrading.

Like all previous Windows update, you can simply go to the Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to see if Windows 11 is there (which is unlikely). However, there's only an early beta version in the Windows Insider Program coming next week and a beta version for the public in July. If you do get chosen, it's best to test it on a secondary PC because there's bound to be bugs.

Microsoft also said that Windows 11 will be available on new PCs and through a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs later this year (Christmas time). But to check if your PC is eligible, you will need to download an app called PC Health Check (scroll down to the bottom of the page to download). If you already know your PC specifications, you can also check out the minimum system requirements just below the download bar which are:

Last but not least, it's a no brainer but we thought we should say this - it's important to note that you must have a Microsoft account and internet connection to set up Windows 11 properly. We should be expecting a new wave of laptops and PCs running on Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro by the end of the year.

Are you excited? If you want to read the functions of Windows 11, you can check out our news coverage right here. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


How to check if your phone is an ORI or AP set?

So you just got your brand new phone, but is yours an ORI or AP set? And do you know how to check if it’s a legitimate product with proper certification by SIRIM? It sounds a bit complicated for those who are fresh in these terms, but no worries, that’s why we have this article to help you to determine if your phone has gone through proper certification or not.

First, download the “Check Your Label” app for free from either the Google Play Store or Apple Store. After you’re done downloading, you can go straight to IMEI and tap on “Check My IMEI”.

Check Your Label app at Google Play Store

The main page of the app (iPhone's version on the left, Android's version on the right)

From here, there can only be two scenarios - either it shows your the certification by SIRIM or a warning saying your product may not be safe. If your phone has a warning label, it doesn’t mean it’s not safe to use or something.

We can pretty much assume 99.99% of AP smartphones usually won’t have any SIRIM certification, as we have tested a few AP phones with no results found while the original sets are alright.

Apple certified page after checking IMEI

Android's page after checking IMEI certification

Ideally, all smartphones should be registered and certified by SIRIM, but because of time constraints and saving costs most AP sets get bypassed. This is why AP sets are usually cheaper than original sets, but then again, this gives the retailers the freedom on what the pricing should be. There are also risks of getting one as opposed to ORI sets (only some, not all). For one, you probably have no way of knowing if the device is brand new or refurbished models that look “new”.

Region lock is also possible as the device cannot be used with certain telco carriers, also claiming warranty might be a hassle even if the local distributors have their own versions (which is usually 12 months), whereas ORI warranty is by the local manufacturer or the official brandname Malaysia warranty. It’s also important to note AP sets aren't always destined to “die” after a few months (lol).

By the way, if you got your smartphone from our local telcos (Digi, Maxis, Celcom, U Mobile), or official stores like Samsung, Huawei, etc. It’s very likely that the products are original sets, but it’s not impossible. So better be safe than sorry and check using the method above.

So there you have it, is your device an ORI or AP set? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more geeky articles at TechNave.com.


How to choose the right Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G colour for you

Samsung is no stranger when it comes to releasing smartphones with a wide variety of colours. Whatever colour you're thinking of, they have probably made a phone with it and that's especially so for the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G. With up to six different colours available, this is the first time that the company has released so many colour variants for a single phone.

Like our behind the scenes of the Mystic Bronze Galaxy Note20 Ultra, this article is going to take you through the inspirations behind the colours. Well, not really, but more like how each colour defines an attitude, look and personality. So if you're the type that's more concerned with the colours of your phone than its tech specs, you've come to the right place. Here are some tips by Samsung on how to choose the right Galaxy S20 FE colour for you.

Starting with our personal favourite one, Cloud Mint, this colour is said to be known for zen, trustworthiness and thoughtfulness. It's a colour that's not seen often and a occupies a weird space between green and blue, but Samsung didn't just randomly pick this colour for no reason. A quick Google search would show that this light green hue "evokes feelings of freshness or lightness", represents tranquillity, and can invoke a sense of calm in people. Not so far off from what Samsung said!

Lavender is also a rare colour for smartphones and the last one that would be similar is the Galaxy S20+ BTS edition in purple. This colour isn't exactly purple nor pink, so it's kind of in-between. In terms of meaning, lavender often symbolises feminity, grace, and elegance. In other words, the perfect fit for ladies. Samsung also thinks that a person who loves lavender is a sophisticated, caring and calm person, who won't normally be influenced by conventional norms.

If you are a social butterfly, you may want to consider another rare colour when it comes to smartphones - Cloud Orange. Orange is typically seen as a happy colour, associated with sunshine and sunflowers, as well as people with a vibrant personality. Samsung really did their homework with this option too, as it matches most of the characteristics found online through Google search.

Speaking of orange, red is a colour with similar vibes but is more 'passionate'. Not only is red a symbol of love and the colour often seen during Valentine's Day, but it also represents people who are full of energy, strong-willed and often depicted as the show-stopper (this is why most characters in red are like that, like Deadpool). Red smartphones are also very popular among consumers for a good reason, because it's hot stuff.

What? Not black? That's what we first thought when we first saw the colour on this image above. You may think navy is the total opposite of red in terms of personality, but it's not that far off. A person who likes the colour navy (according to Samsung) is closely associated with peace, confidence, and being a go-getter. Moreover, it also represents intelligence, stability, conservatism, authority (really) and more!

Last but not least, white is certainly one of the many staple colours for phones and it often gives off a genuine, pure, and reliable vibe for most consumers. Anyway, if you prefer a simple and clean colour like white, then this is the one for you. Enough said.

Out of these six colours, which one would you choose and why? Let us know in the comments below and if you're interested, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is now available in any Samsung Experience Store, authorised dealer, and Samsung's online store for RM3399. You can also bring home a complimentary and exclusive Clear Standing Cover worth RM119, which is based on a first come first served basis, while stocks last. You can learn more about the device right here.


How to connect your Samsung Gear S2

Did you know that all 500 units of Samsung Gear S2 sold out within 16 hours last week? That’s outstanding! Mr Lee Jui Siang, Vice President of Mobile, IT and Digital Imaging of Samsung Malaysia Electronics extended his congratulations to those who have got the limited-time-only online for the S2.

“Congratulations on the first 500 customers that have successfully pre-ordered our latest addition in the wearable series, the Gear S2. The pre-order sales during the first few hours since the commencement of this limited time offer has been exceptional, and we are excited with the prospects of the Gear S2 in the Malaysian market. This gives us the added confidence to continue to progress further on innovation in the wearables category. For those who have yet to own a Gear S2, rest assure that the Gear S2 is available for purchase from 27th November onwards. Thank you for the support in our brand and in the Gear S2!”  Mr Lee Jui Siang, Vice President of Mobile, IT and Digital Imaging of Samsung Malaysia Electronics

Anyway, if you happen to be one of those who got the Gear S2 reading this, congratulations again! Also in courtesy of Samsung Malaysia Electronics and without further ado, we present you a tutorial on how to connect and customize your Samsung Gear S2.

The steps above are the basics, you might realize that you have to use the bezel a lot (it's your best friend now). Once you get the hang of it, here are other steps that you should know such as setting a pre-set message, turn the bezel to browse and tap to select your preferred message.

If you're bored with how your Gear S2 looks, you can always customize it. From the gear itself or changeable straps (large and small), Samsung have you covered by partnering with a few designers and brands in the name of style. A style for you and everyone else.

That's it folks, we hope you're having a great time with your Gear S2.


How to do long exposure photography with a camera phone like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Long Exposure Photography was previously only available on the higher-end DSLRs, but now, with Pro mode on nearly every phone, you can do this with a decent camera phone and still get good results. Unlike normal photography where you take the shot instantly, long exposure photography takes a bit longer to take a photo.

This increases the exposure and allows you to capture light in motion, blur moving people and smoothen water. It results in very artistic photos and with a good camera phone like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, you can get some very nice photos. Here’s how to do long exposure photography with a camera phone like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

While the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers up a quad rear camera setup made up of a 200MP main camera (F1.7, OIS) + 10MP (F4.9, periscope, OIS, 10x Optical Zoom) + 10MP (F2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom) + 12MP (F2.2, Ultrawide), to take better long exposure photos you will need a tripod, an ND filter and download the Expert RAW app.

Since the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra isn’t as heavy as most DSLRs, the tripod does not need to be that heavy-duty, just stable enough not to shake if the wind blows against it. In the right conditions, you can take long exposure photography without an ND filter, but it does make long exposure photography better and easier to do. As such, you also need a lens mount. Thankfully, there’s one designed for Samsung phones which is relatively inexpensive (we used the GP-XVU021).

You can get this lens mount and ND filter for your Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

While you can still do long exposure photography with just the Pro Mode in the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the Expert RAW app makes it easier to capture RAW files. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra should already have it pre-installed, but if it’s not, you can easily download it from the Samsung Galaxy Store.

If you intend to capture light trails, it’s better to do this at night. After you've set up the phone, lens filter and tripod, point it in the right direction, set the ISO down to 50 and play around with the speed. Generally, we found that you can get pretty good light trails from 1 second to 4 seconds.

While there is a Night Long Exposure quick settings option, you can also manually bump down the ISO to 50 and then adjust the speed by yourself with the Expert RAW app

Even at night an ND filter helps to take Long Exposure photos like this

3x, Expert RAW, ISO 50, speed 2 ~ You can take long exposure shots even with zoom

Light normally travels in a straight line but with Long Exposure photography you can make it curve

You can also experiment with the zoom. Try to get the timing correct and you should get some impressive shots. To help minimize the shake of the phone when pressing the screen we set up the S Pen to act as a remote control shutter button.

For silky water and other daytime shots you really need to have an ND filter. We were able to take reasonable shots with just the ND8 filter that came with the lens mount but for any speeds above 4 we'd recommend using higher levels of ND filters. Like before, just put the ISO down to 50, use the tripod and play around with the speed to find the one that works best for your shot.

1x, Expert RAW, ISO 50, speed 0.5 ~ You can see that the water become smoother, which is why this is called silky water

1x, Expert RAW, ISO 50, Speed 2 0.5 ~ With Long Exposure photography you can also focus on a single person or object, while blurring out everyone else

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra makes for a reliable and versatile camera phone that can take long exposure shots just as well as any other high-end camera. Thankfully, if you're looking to get the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, you can still get it with a free Samsung Galaxy Watch5 smartwatch AND if you trade-in your phone you can also get the Samsung Galaxy S23 for free.

Samsung Malaysia have not only extended their Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer up until 30 April 2023, but they’ve also expanded the list of eligible devices that you can trade-in. Don’t forget that the free Samsung Galaxy S23 you’re getting is also a flagship smartphone in its own right, so this is still a pretty good deal.

Here’s the full step-by-step process to take advantage of this Buy 1 Get 1 Free deal:

Check out all the details at Samsung’s site or you can also see our Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review. For more tech deals, stay tuned to TechNave.com


How to find out if you have the "safe" Samsung Galaxy Note 7?

As Malaysians wait for 29 September 2016 for our Samsung Galaxy Note 7 replacement to begin, Samsung have confirmed certain features that these new "safe" Galaxy Note 7 smartphones will have. First off, it will have a new green battery icon which you can see on the Status Bar, Always On display screen and Power Off prompt screen.

Secondly, your box will have a black square sticker, rather than the earlier reported blue 'S'. Don't worry if you have the black square but don't have the green battery icon, Samsung said they would update it shortly. If you don't have both, best go get it replaced as soon as possible.


How to find the best high speed home Internet plan in Malaysia

Are you hoping to stream 4K videos, or play online games while downloading GBs of content in the background? There are many things that require a good Internet connection these days, so first, we have to find a home Internet plan that works for us.

What makes for a good home Internet plan, particularly in Malaysia? Obviously, there are a few factors that we can all agree on. So, let's check out these 4 main factors that Malaysians consider important for a good home Internet plan!

The first thing we all want has to be speed. A fast Internet connection lets you download things quickly and stream content faster. This is fine for just a single user but if a whole family of 4 or 5 people are watching 4K video on YouTube or Netflix and your home Internet isn't fast enough to handle it, everyone might start experiencing lag! But how fast is good enough?

If you're living alone and only go online to browse the Internet or watch YouTube videos, a 100Mbps line should be enough. But for those who want to watch 4K videos or stream on Twitch and YouTube, you probably need a connection with faster download and upload speeds. In both cases, 500Mbps would be more than enough.

Of course, fast Internet speeds mean nothing if it cuts off constantly. Imagine watching a series on Netflix, when suddenly your Internet goes poof! Well, you just got a free, unwanted cliffhanger. We're sure you can see how annoying that would be.

So, you'd want a home Internet plan that's stable, one that won't cut off or have inconsistent speeds. Mind you, this isn't something you would know without first-hand experience. But a home fibre Internet connection has amazing stability, provided nothing drastic happens (like power cuts).

If prices are affordable, all the better!

Okay, we have speed and stability, but what else? While I wouldn't say we're cheapskates, the average Malaysian is quite price-sensitive, especially when it comes to products and services. As such, the ideal home fibre Internet plan should be relatively affordable.

If you ask us, the ideal Internet plan won't cost more than RM200/month. If it's not an ultra-fast connection, you should pick one that's below RM100 per month. Of course, you can also look around for promo rates from the local ISPs. Who knows, they might offer you rates lower than their advertised ones.

"What if they're all the same", you may ask. That's good for us consumers, as it means that our local ISPs are competitive. But it means that if you were to pick one over another, you need to consider at least one more factor - added value.

This added value can be in terms of extra offerings or superior customer service. For example, you can see if the ISP offers you a high-end router or mesh WiFi. They might also offer things like free e-wallet credits, free trial subscriptions, etc. With that in mind, signing up during promo or festive periods can be a good option.

For most of us, any fast Internet plan is good. But if you don't want to think much or sweat it out looking at all the options, then TIME's Kabel Besar offer home fibre Internet plans with excellent speeds and the most stable connection since 2020, as rated by Ookla. Of course, that's assuming your area is under their coverage (click the 'Check Coverage' on their website). TIME's packages are also relatively affordable, with speeds of up to 1Gbps for RM149/month for the first 6 months and RM199/month afterwards. You can also save even more by opting for the 500Mbps plan for just RM99/month for the first 6 months!

Furthermore, signing up to either of those two TIME Fibre Home plans means you'll get free Mesh WiFi! AND if you sign up directly on TIME's website, you can get extra Touch 'n Go eWallet Credits worth up to RM150. TIME also promises 24/7 service, delivered via mobile app to your fingertips. If you're in the Klang Valley, Penang or Johor, this could be the high-speed home Internet plan you need.

Is this the kind of plan you're looking for? If so, visit the TIME Fibre Home website for more details or to sign up! Don't forget to leave your comments below, and stay tuned to TechNave for more articles like this.


How to find the best unlimited Internet family plan - Top features to look for

In today’s connected world practically everyone in your family needs a mobile device which then leads to the fact that everyone in the family also needs mobile Internet. Instead of having to share YOUR data or turn your phone into the family hotspot, there are now plenty of options for unlimited mobile Internet family plans.

However, just like it was when you were looking for a personal data plan, finding the right plan for your family is tough as there are so many choices. For that reason, we’ve made a guide on how to choose the best unlimited mobile Internet plan for your entire family and the top features to look for, so do read on.

The faster the mobile Internet speed the better it is for you and your family. Downloads don’t take hours to complete, games are more stable and movie or music streaming doesn't pause or need to buffer.

Thankfully, mobile Internet speeds can now reach even 300 Mbps, so this is one of the first things to look out for for any mobile Internet plan. It would also be great if all your lines have the same 300 Mbps speed, but there are some providers that cap speeds of the non-principal lines.

There’s no point in getting 300 Mbps speeds if your chosen telco does not have widespread coverage. The moment you step out of the limited coverage area, speeds will no doubt drop down to 2G (especially as 3G has been scrapped in Malaysia).

So, the next thing to look out for is to always check the telco coverage map and make sure that your home, workplace and places that you usually go to are covered.

Most unlimited family Internet plans these days cost about RM300 or so per month, more or less and the easiest way to check if they are value for money is to see how much the basic plan is priced for and for how many lines.

If the base plan is limited to just 1 or 2 lines this may not be enough but if it is 4 and above you could end up wasting an extra line if you only have 3 family members. We think having 3 lines for the base plan for a family (1 for you, 1 for your partner and 1 for your child) is the safest as you can usually add on more lines for around RM40 to RM50 per line afterwards.

There are some unlimited family Internet plans that don’t allow any extra lines though, but if it is available, it makes things more flexible in the long run.

Most unlimited plans do not allow you to share your data which is understandable since telcos wouldn’t profit if people put their unlimited plans into Wifi routers. However, good unlimited family Internet plans will allow you to use hotspots. This can be pretty handy as many devices in Malaysia like laptops and smart TVs don’t have SIM card slots.

Better unlimited family Internet plans will also let you add on Fast Home Internet as well so you don’t have to sacrifice your phone just to make it into a hotspot at home. But when you do need to share data outside of the home, these better unlimited family Internet plans should offer enough hotspot data and the option to add on more if you need it.

Since you’re going to basically sign up for 1 or 2 years, you should look for an unlimited family Internet provider that is transparent about how much it costs. This way, you’ll know that there are no hidden costs or a “catch”.

An easy way to see if your telco isn’t hiding things or is transparent is if you can customize the unlimited family Internet plan yourself, or there are calculators onsite that show exactly what you’ll be getting and for how much. You can also search their FAQs and terms and conditions, just to see that nothing is fishy.

So, there you have our top features to look for to get the best unlimited family Internet plan here in Malaysia. We wish you good luck in hunting for it, but if you’re not exactly sure about yourself then the Digi Postpaid Family Unlimited is one unlimited family Internet plan you could probably go for.

You can use the online calculator to see how much it costs

Featuring 3 Unlimited Internet lines (1 principal, 2 family lines) for just RM200 per month, the Digi Postpaid Family Unlimited plan checks nearly all the boxes in our guide above. Not only does it offer 1GB of hotspot data for each line and no speed capping, you can also add-on:

In addition, Digi’s network is well-known for having one of the widest coverage in Malaysia and they’ve got onsite calculators so you can see what you’re getting. They’ve also been upfront with us about their “unlimited” quota which is actually 999GB per month (to put this into context, most people would only use 60GB to 100GB of data per month), so if you can’t finish using it, that would still count as unlimited wouldn’t it?

Digi have also made a one-time Special offer where if you sign up between 1 June 2022 and 31 July 2022 you can also get a free lifetime 1GB hotspot data upgrade to 5GB! To help sweeten the deal even further, they will also add-in a free Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite which is a great 8-inch tablet for streaming movies and other content.

If you’re interested in signing up for the Digi Postpaid Family Unlimited plan do check out their site or at their nearest Digi store. According to them, by default, the Digi Postpaid Family Unlimited plan also does not come with any contract, but you can get more savings and benefits if you opt-in for their 12-month Freedom Add-ons.

Is there anything we missed? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more tech guides, deals and news.


How to fix your buggy ASUS ZenPad 7.0 Z370CG tablet

When we last reviewed the ASUS ZenPad 7.0 Z370CG tablet we were amazed by the modular functionality and sleek design, but a bit less impressed with its stability. More often than not, we had issues with the tablets' reliability, as it suddenly turned off for no good reason and worse still, required a double press restart to work again. Thankfully, ASUS have come out with an official update that could well fix your ZenPad 7.0 Z370CG tablet. Unfortunately, it isn't being offered via the automatic OTA (over the air) system update. You have to download and install it manually following the steps below:

Our initial testings with the update have revealed a much more stable tablet. The sudden hang and double restart issue has been solved completely. However, the previously stable WiFi now sometimes drops the signal strength as well. This usually lasts for not more than an hour but it is something that the next update could fix (we hope). This method could also apply for other seemingly discontinued ASUS devices like the MeMo Pad or FonePad tablets, so check out the Support pages for those devices as well. Stay tuned to TechNave for all of your tech needs and more.


ASUS MeMO Pad 8 ME581CL tablet hands-on video

The ASUS MeMO Pad 8 ME581CL is one of the more premium tablets out there and it is finally here at TechNave.com. We go hands-on with this RM1099 priced tablet to see it's awesome super thin and ultra light design. Featuring an 8-inch full HD 1080p display, the tablet is surprisingly thin at just 7.45mm and weighs just 299g. Offering a chrome metallic like trim on the sides, the design is fairly simple. However, while it is flat and thin the back cover is still curved for a comfortable grip. Check out the hands-on video below for more details:


How to get better sleep with your Samsung Galaxy Watch5 series Sleep Coaching Programme

Previously, we've mentioned how the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro delivers a fully connected smartwatch experience. That's because it comes with many advanced features, many of which are exclusive to the Pro variant like Route Target and Track Back.

Of course, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro can do much more. Like most recent smartwatches, it has a heavy focus on health monitoring features. One of them is sleep monitoring, so let's discuss how the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro helps you get better sleep.

According to Samsung, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro comes with sleep coaching. This system consists of an advanced Sleep Coaching Program and Sleep Monitoring, which combine to provide a sleep analysis. The resulting analysis should help users sleep better.

To begin, let's take a look at the Sleep Coaching Program, which has three functions: Sleep symbols, sleep programs, and one-to-one sleep coaching. First, the Samsung Health app will analyse your sleep patterns for a week, then assign a Sleep Animal Symbol that matches you the most. Depending on your symbol, it will then suggest a suitable program you're encouraged to follow. Finally, the one-to-one sleep coaching will guide you on following a 4-5 week program.

Of course, the above is possible because of the Galaxy Watch5 Pro's sleep monitoring features. Specifically, the latest Samsung smartwatch has sensors that can detect biorhythm data like blood oxygen. It can also detect snoring, which could be an indication that you're not sleeping well. The collected data is then processed as sleep reports.

As you can tell, the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro and Galaxy Watch5 series offers a wide variety of features. It's a great pickup for outdoor enthusiasts and health-conscious Malaysians. Besides that, it has a long battery life of up to 80h (with GPS disabled), 5ATM water resistance, and more. For more details about the smartwatch, visit the Samsung Malaysia website.

With that said, what do you think of the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro? Would you buy the Galaxy Watch5 or Galaxy Watch5 Pro? Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


How to get ready for the Age of AI? What do you need to stay successful?

The robots versus humans debacle is an age-old go to for most of the science fiction premises we see today. From the Terminator franchise to Black Mirror, we have seen many portrayals of how Artificial Intelligence or AI could revolutionize the world we live in. As technology advances at breakneck speed, we are on the brink of becoming a society that is wholly dependent on AI. The question is, are we ready for that?

We sat down for an insightful discussion with the one and only Professor Dame Wendy Hall DBE, FRS, FREng of University of Southampton who is a known authority on Artificial Intelligence. Check out our interview with her below on how to get ready for the Age of AI (Spoiler: no homicidal robots or future dystopias involved):

British computer scientist Prof Dame Wendy Hall DBE, FRS, FREng of University of Southampton is an authority on AI

Journalists. Haha. Thankfully, most of the news about AI replacing jobs especially low-skill jobs like cashiers and the like are over-hyped. Instead, these are likely to get replaced by automation and not AI directly.

However, AI could come in and help manage these new automated services as time goes by. So far, this could happen anytime from 5 years to decades, as governments are still working on the groundwork for rules and implementation of AI.

When AI does get implemented, it would be Data related roles like data scientists, analysts and engineers. While most main roles would remain the same, all jobs would require some level of machine learning coding experience allowing AI to be fully utilized for all roles.

AI can calculate and analyse huge amounts of data such as Big Data and then make inferences using the targets set by the engineers or scientists in real-time. This would mean being able to predict the possible outcome of say a traffic jam based on previous traffic jams and then setting the traffic light timing to help solve it before it happens.

AI have also been found to be potentially more accurate at diagnosing certain types of diseases faster such as cancer or tumour recognition more reliably than say a normal human doctor. As such, while the main decision making would still be in the hands of a human doctor, thanks to these AI diagnosis tools, even a general or newly experienced doctor would be able to accurately find out what is wrong.

AI still have no means of feeling or analyzing empathy correctly, so relationships that could come at a glance for humans are still something that AI cannot do. People are generally better at people skills and it’s something that we don’t see changing for AI any time soon.

As mentioned earlier, Machine learning, Understanding AI - design, managing AI and data curation. Coding would also be a very useful tool for all roles especially those that may involve AI in the near future.

Yes. This isn’t an issue, as we feel that Machine Learning coding can be taught to all professions and professionals. This would allow all roles to then work with data and AI.

Just good teachers with experience in AI like the University of Southampton. Full fledged courses that aim to provide a modicum of machine learning coding for most professions.

Learn to love data. You can learn to adapt to coding. Have an open mind. For example, literature majors and other fields that traditionally would have little to no relation to AI or Big Data should be open about where they can fit in with AI. In the future, we will need all the Impact thinkers, Big Picture theorists and minute details people to get the balance right.

Last but not least, Professor Dame Wendy Hall thinks that as long as we lay the groundwork well, we won’t actually be creating our robot overlords. However, for the student looking for a job to aspire to in the coming years, this interview surely gives you an idea as to what you need to focus on, especially if you’re looking to fit in or succeed for the age of AI.

The University of Southampton Malaysia is a branch campus of the University of Southampton, UK. The University of Southampton is ranked 97th the QS World University Rankings 2020 and is a founding member of the UK’s renowned Russell Group. The University is currently based in EduCity Iskandar, an elite multi-varsity complex in Iskandar Puteri, Johor but will be expanding to a new campus in 2021 located within EcoWorld also in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

The University is ranked 4th in the UK for Mechanical Engineering (The Complete University Guide, 2020), 6th in the UK for Aeronautics and Astronautics and 3rd in the UK for Electrical and Electronic Engineering (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2020). UoSM will also be expanding its programme portfolio to include finance and accounting, computer science and business management.

To those who wish to learn more, the University of Southampton Malaysia will be holding its Open Days on the 14th and 21st March 2020. Participants will have the chance to be an ‘Engineer for a Day’ with an array of talks, demonstrations, workshops, tours and more. Up to 100% scholarships are available with up to RM 2,500 Early Bird Discounts and 0% application fees. The University has also newly launched two additional scholarships to UEC students; the Young Engineer Entrance Scholarships worth RM 3,500 and the Young Engineer Study Grants worth RM 1,500 for tuition fees.

To register for the Open Days and learn more about the University of Southampton Malaysia, visit www.southampton.edu.my or call 07 560 2560.


How to know if your phone is an all-rounder smartphone?

Tired of looking for your perfect entry-level smartphone? Too many choices? How about getting an all-rounder? An all-rounder smartphone is one that does everything well if not better than the average device. Most entry-level Android smartphones in Malaysia don’t exactly fit the bill of all-rounder as there is often one or two fatal flaws or pain points that stop it from becoming the near perfect device for your entry-level needs. Here’s the questions to ask on how to find an all-rounder smartphone for the entry-level Malaysian market which tops out at RM1200 and below.

Metal body yes but mismatching metal top and body panel stops this phone from being an all-rounder

Instead, your all-rounder has a seamless and well-done build quality

Poor light exposure and washed-out colours make this a rather bad 13MP + 5MP camera combo

A good all-rounder should be able to deliver great shots well above its price range

No useless bloatware means that your all-rounder works faster and smoother

The fingerprint sensor for your all-rounder should be fast and accurate

A good all-rounder should support a big microSD or a lot of external memory

Your all-rounder device should be able to play full HD movies smoothly with all the details clear

A good all-rounder lasts more than a day, while a better all-rounder lasts 2 - 3 days

So there you have it, if you follow these tips, you can easily navigate the sea of Android smartphone slates here in Malaysia and find that ideal all-rounder device. However, while you’re free to search all you want using our phone tool, one all-rounder device that fits the bill for all of the above is the Moto M.

Featuring a comfortable design and solid build quality, the full metal bodied Moto M features 4GB of RAM, cameras that shoot well above the entry-level, a 2-3 day battery life and support for up to 128GB microSD, the Moto M ticks all of the boxes in our guide above. In addition, it is one of the few entry-level smartphones to not only offer a pure stock Android experience, but also include a well-known audio technology like Dolby Atmos while a 5.5-inch full HD display ensures a crystal clear viewing experience.

Moto or the company formerly known as Motorola is one of the most well-known phone brands in the world (do you know that they made the first mobile phone?). While nearly everyone has heard of after sales horror stories about other brands, Moto users are largely a very satisfied bunch with no complaints asides from when Moto will be bringing in more smartphone models faster. That being said, don’t you want to be a satisfied Moto user too with the affordable all-rounder Moto M? Get it now for just RM1199 but for more details about the Moto M, check it out at www.moto.com/my/products/moto-m or you can see our Moto M review as well.

Did you know that Motorola is one of the biggest phone makers in the world? That they made the first mobile phone ever?


How to level up your Instagram game #withGalaxy S21 Series 5G

Some of you may still be stuck at home during this period. But that's alright, it just means more time for yourself! Some of you may even be spending more time uploading photos and videos online. But then you start to think about levelling up your Instagram game. In that case, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Series 5G could be the device you're looking for. In fact, you only need two features - Enhanced Single Take and Director's View. More on that later.

If you are new to Instagram, there are a couple of tips and tricks that you should know. Most Instagramers post a 1x1 or 3x4 photo size online since those are the most viewed on smartphones, which means a vertical photo is always the best. Some people separate horizontal pictures into a few photos (usually three) because it looks cool when visitors visit your profile. Finally, more and more users are taking advantage of IG Reels or IGTV for short video content, which the Galaxy S21 Series 5G could help with!

Alright then, let's get started on how the Galaxy S21 5G can help. So, have you ever agonised over the type of filter you should apply to your photo before posting? In IG alone, there are plenty of options available to users. But if you have the Galaxy S21 Series 5G, the phone has that part covered with Enhanced Single Take.

A single shot takes 15 seconds, so do as many poses as you can!

Enhanced Single Take will give you plenty of shots and filters for your IG picture of the day

As a reminder, Enhanced Single Take is a camera feature on the Galaxy S21 Series 5G that takes a variety of photos (and a short clip or two) from just one shot. So if you're the type that loves snapping photos in several styles, you're going to love this feature. It has Live Photos (like a GIF), black and white photos, even a Boomerang filter, and many more.

While the Enhanced Single Take is not exactly a new feature, it is still a much-improved version compared to its predecessor. On the Galaxy S21 Series 5G, this camera feature now has 5x more AI processing and new pro-style video features like Dynamic Slow-Mo and Scene Relighting. This can definitely give you more images or clips for your IG shot of the day.

If you prefer uploading a series of short clips, you're in for a treat. The Samsung Galaxy S21 series has another camera feature called Director's View, and we think it's a handy tool for vloggers.

So let's say, for example, you are showing off a new food package that you just ordered. The box presentation looks great, but you also want to show your reaction. But you may also have a problem bending your body so that you can fit into the camera frame. Moreover, what if you wanted to have different frame shots while recording? Here's how the Director's View can help.

You can take a horizontal shot in Director's View mode, which is usually a good setting for IGTV

On the Galaxy S21 Series 5G camera user interface, you just have to swipe left until you reach the Director's View mode. From there, you will be presented with three different camera views to choose from - ranging from normal to close up. This works on both vertical and horizontal recording!

Moreover, Director's View allows you to record videos using the front and back camera simultaneously! Remember the three different camera views that we just mentioned? This is where Vlogger View comes into the picture, where you can choose between Normal, Split View or Picture-in-Picture View depending on your preference. Either way, the bottom line is that having the Director's View and Vlogger View will save you a lot of time. It's also very convenient for your IG Reels or IGTV channel.

So there you have it - Enhanced Single Take and Director's View on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Series 5G are the features that may help you level up your IG game. These two features can also assist your social media lifestyle on social platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and others, and dont forget to hashtag #withGalaxy when you post any images or videos when they are shot #withGalaxy. If that sounds like the kind of device you're looking for, what are you waiting for? You can head over to the official Samsung Malaysia online store here now to check it out.

If you already have the phone, what do you think of the camera features? Let us know in the comments below, and do stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


How to make use of the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 series Smart Health features

If you are reading this, you probably just got yourself a new Samsung Galaxy Watch4 or Galaxy Watch4 Classic and want to make the best out of your smartwatch. Well, look no further because this is the right place to start. It's never too late to begin your journey of a healthy lifestyle!

In this article, we will be teaching you how to use three highlighted features. They are the BioActive Sensor, Smart Tracking, and Health Monitoring. So without beating around the bush, here's how to make use of the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 series Smart Health features.

When the Galaxy Watch4 series was first announced, the BioActive Sensor is perhaps the main highlight because this is the first time that Samsung has integrated a 3-in-1 sensor that uses a single chip to precisely run powerful health sensors. So what does it do?

In simpler terms, it is a new feature that offers advanced health tracking including blood oxygen, heart rate, and for the first time, body composition. For body composition, this includes your body fat percentage, skeletal muscle, BMR and get this - even body water!

So, what do you need to do to activate the sensor? Well, you only need to take a visit to the Body Composition app on the Galaxy Watch4 or Galaxy Watch4 Classic. After that, place two fingers onto the Home Key and Back Key buttons on the side then wait for 15 seconds to get your results. In case you didn't know, the buttons alongside the sensor below will do the job of analysing your body composition on the spot while you wait.

With BioActive Sensor within arm's reach, you can now accurately track your fitness progress in real-time, anywhere you are. As you manage your health goals, you can also choose a wide range of over 90 exercising modes and get on with burning those calories. By the way, you can project your exercising routines and health data onto a TV screen by pairing it with selected Samsung Smart TV models!

Another fun activity that you can also do is using Group Challenge. This feature can be found easily within the smartwatch where you can compete with your friends and family to reach shared goals. As you all compete together in a friendly manner, the smartwatch can track your steps and update your progress in the group leaderboard, and you can even share motivational messages through a live message board. Should you accomplish a challenge of the day, you will be rewarded with a commemorative badge and a point system to make it more rewarding, motivating, and socially fun!

So yes, most of the smart health features are monitored in real-time but it doesn't stop there. Even when you're not exercising, the Galaxy Watch4 series also features an advanced sleep management system. You don't need to activate anything because the BioActive Sensor is always working on your wrist. Take advantage of the smartwatch when you sleep because it also tracks your blood oxygen level and snoring! All you have to do is just turn on the snoring detection feature and wear it, then check results the next day on the smartwatch or via the Samsung Health app.

Just a head's up, the snoring detection is turned off by default so you will have to turn it on by yourself. Simply go to the Samsung Health App settings (version 6.18 and above) on your Galaxy phone and find the snoring detection feature. For the best snoring detection record, you just need to place your Galaxy phone nearby you with its bottom facing your head.

OK, that's pretty much it. All in all, the BioActive Sensor is the hero in the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 series that's taking good care of your wellness and health tracking. If you haven't got yourself one and want to learn more, you may visit the two links below to get started!

Both smartwatches are now available across the nation, as well as your nearest Samsung Concept Store or authorised retailers, as well as the Samsung Online Store. Stay healthy, and stay tuned for more local tech gadget articles at TechNave.com.


How to make use of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Multi-Window Feature

By now, most of you should know about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. If you are here reading this, chances are you are wondering how to use the Multi-Window feature. You have come to the right place so let's get you started right away.

On the main screen, you should notice a small visible bar on the right side of the screen. Simply swipe that bar out and a tray of suggested apps will pop out. Whichever app that you choose, the screen will automatically shift itself into a dual-screen layout format. After that, repeat the same process and add another app into the multi-window feature.

Multi-window demo on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

Just like from our video above, you can position the apps in either landscape or portrait mode. The app with the largest window is the main focus whereas the other two apps would be smaller. If you want the main focus to be on top, bottom, left or right, you can do so with a drag and drop around. Even if you're using the keyboard, the apps at the bottom will still be active.

You may also take advantage of the multi-instance feature. What this means is that should you want to compare information side-by-side, you can do it easily just by placing them on left and right or top and bottom. Furthermore, you can even have a pop-up window on top of the three split screens at the same time! Only some apps will work as a pop-up window and you may bring it around or adjust the transparency for multitasking. It's super easy, barely an inconvenience.

Multi-instance demo on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

Current promo for purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

And that's all, folks! Do take note that you can also add some eligible apps manually into the sidebar in the Settings. So do experience and see which style works best for you and your Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. If you already own the device, why not tell us how you use the multi-window feature in the comments below!

By the way, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G launching promotion is still ongoing until the end of October 2021! Get your hands on the device now at the official webpage here and get working anywhere and anytime. You can also get yourself a free e-voucher and Samsung Care+ worth up to RM1299 in total, so what are you waiting for?!


How to report jokes that don't land on TikTok and other social media

When you browse through social media, you'll often come across content that are just no good. This includes cyberbullying, discrimination, insults, and scams. Case in point, this tasteless joke about the missing MH370 flight by stand-up comedian Jocelyn Chia that went viral earlier today. She has since deactivated some of her social media accounts, but the backlash was bad.

As you can tell, this is a classic example of a social media content that's unacceptable. And there are plenty of these, especially on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. It's important to know how you can report them, so here's how you can report posts on most social media platforms.

That's our quick summary on how you can make reports on the more popular social media platforms. Remember, not all jokes are acceptable and that you should always try to avoid fake news. So if you spot something like that, you can do your part and report them. With that said, do you have any other social media tips to share? Let us know in the comments below! And as usual, stay tuned to TechNave for the latest news on mobile tech.


How to secure your files and apps with the Samsung Galaxy A51

As the functions of smartphones become increasingly more advanced, many users have begun to store their work data on their phones. This makes it possible for people to work anytime and anywhere. However, work files are often commercial secrets, so there should be security features in a mobile phone to ensure our privacy and that our data would not be leaked easily.

Such security systems are usually found on flagship smartphones, but what about mid-range devices? Do they come with such systems? Well, that depends on the mobile smartphone you choose to use. The good news is that there are indeed some mid-range phones that provide this kind of security feature! Today, let us take a look at the Samsung Galaxy A51's Samsung Knox system.

"Secured by Knox" can be seen when booting up the phone

If you pay attention, Samsung Galaxy smartphones will display the words "Secured by Knox" when they are turned on. This is a Samsung exclusive security feature that is not limited to just premium flagship models, but also mid-rangers like the Samsung Galaxy A51.

So, what security features does Knox provide? In the security settings for Samsung Galaxy devices, you should be able to see the Secure Folder function. This is where you will find the security features we are going to elaborate on below.

The setting is under "Biometrics and security"

The Secure Folder uses two layers of security, which is in contrast to the other parts of the user interface. To enter a secure folder, you must key in a password - one that is separate for the one used to unlock your phone. In other words, even if someone successfully unlocked your phone with your fingerprint in the middle of the night (as you snooze like a dead log), as long as a different password combination was used for the secured folder, the intruder will not be able to get in to view your confidential data.

Secure the folders using your preferred lock type

Samsung is quite confident about the Secure Folder's level of security. Unless it's done by professionals using advanced hacking tools to take advantage of any security loopholes, Samsung Knox is unlikely to be easily hacked into. Thanks to the high level of security, devices with Samsung Knox have obtained official certifications from countries like Finland, France, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States to store highly confidential files.

Although Secure Folder may not be secured enough that you can store secret government files in it, you can still store private files and data like photos, videos, and documents that you want to keep from prying eyes. It'll also be useful for preventing industrial espionage, such as competitors trying to find or steal your company's data. Think of its as an extra layer of protection for your work files.

Other than your documents, you can also add apps into the Secure Folder. Doing so creates a second instance of the app that can only be accessed through the folder. This is useful if you want to separate your personal and confidential work accounts. You can either add a second instance for an app already installed on your Galaxy phone or download a new one from the Google Play Store.

You can add a second instance for an app from your phone or download a new one from the Google Play Store

And that's Samsung Knox's Secure Folder in a nutshell! As mentioned earlier, this feature was originally available only in the flagship Galaxy S series, Note series, and Foldable devices. But now, Samsung has brought it to the Galaxy A51, which is a much more affordable phone at RM1299. There's also a variant with 8GB RAM now for RM1399. For more information about Samsung Knox, visit the intro website.

If all you need from a mobile phone is as a work aid and aren't concerned about having flagship-level specs and features, then the Samsung Galaxy A51 could be an option you should consider. Those who are interested can visit the Galaxy A51's product page to find out more about the phone or make a purchase!

By the way, Samsung Malaysia is currently running a Galaxy Raya Promotion till 7 June 2020. The promo gives you a chance to win Samsung products through the Raya Photo Contest. Of course, to do that you need to purchase an eligible Samsung Galaxy device (the Galaxy A51 included) and sign up. For more info, do check out the promo page.

That's all from us today and we hope this article is useful to you. For more updates and news on the latest gadgets, remember to stay tuned to TechNave.com.


How to set up your webcam for the best WFH and LFH online meeting experience

Ever since the MCO happened, companies must conduct meetings at home as offices cannot exceed a specific capacity. Not only that, but schools are required to conduct online classes to protect the younger generations from being infected by the COVID-19 virus.

With that in mind, it is crucial to have your webcam set up correctly so that you will look more presentable and you can show clearly what you have on hand. In this article, we’ll list some tips on setting up your webcam to achieve the best online meeting and online learning experience. That said, let’s have a closer look, shall we?

First and foremost, the easiest way to improve your look is by placing your webcam at eye level, preferrebly on top of your display. By doing so, whenever you look at your screen, it will look like you are looking directly at the person you are talking to.

If your screen is much lower than eye level, you can place the webcam on a shelf or even a tripod if it comes with a screw mount. Alternatively, you could place the laptop on an elevated position to achieve the same effect. Placing the camera at a much lower position would not make you look good because the lower camera angle will accentuate your double chin.

A well lit subject will significantly reduce image noise produced by your camera

Light can drastically affect the image quality of your webcam. Having too little light can reduce the framerate of the video image, but it will introduce a lot of image noise as the camera is trying to capture as much light as possible. That said, ensure that you are sufficiently lit by shining a light source, such as placing a light source right in front of you.

If you want to add more depth to your video stream, you can add on a fill light and a back light too. Be sure that the light at the front is the brightest compared to the fill light and back light so that you don't end up creating a silhouette of yourself. Besides getting a lamp, you could consider getting a photography ring light built specifically to light up subjects, and it even lets you tweak the light temperature to give you an artistic look. (If you're into something like that.)

Zoom comes with a built-in virtual background feature

Whenever you’re having a virtual meeting, you would not want a messy background that might distract your viewers. Because of that, you could try sitting right in front of a plain white wall as all attention would be focused on you.

If that’s not possible, you could try placing a green screen right behind you and replace your background with something cool and straightforward like a beach or the snowy mountains. But, of course, don’t wear anything green, or else you’ll end up looking like a floating head. Some of the video communication apps come with a built-in background replacement feature that works the same way but not a dedicated green screen.

Built-in webcams don't give you much flexibility on where you can place it on

Unlike the built-in webcam on laptops, external webcams give you the flexibility of placing the camera in different locations as it is not embedded at the top of the display (or on the keyboard like the Huawei MateBook). In addition to that, external webcams are usually able to record and stream higher quality video recordings as they’re controlled by much better software, have a larger image sensor, and they’re typically compatible with camera mounts.

However, popular webcams such as the Logitech C922 are usually a little pricey at around RM429, but they can produce clean images at up to 60FPS provided the environment is well lit. If you’re on a budget, you can get the Logitech C270 instead, as it can produce roughly the same image quality as the C922 at less than half the price.

Apps that let you use your phone as a webcam

Instead of purchasing a brand new webcam, you can use your smartphone as a webcam simply by using various apps found on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store such as Iriun 4K Webcam, DroidCam, IP Webcam, and more by broadcasting the camera feed over WiFi connection. Phone cameras typically have much better image quality and low-light performance than webcams.

Suppose you want to bring your production value to the next level. You can pair the NDI HX Camera app with Open Broadcaster Software that lets you apply various effects such as LUTs (Colour filters), animated gifs, effects, and more. The only drawback is that you can’t check your messages while using your phone as a webcam, and you have to keep your smartphone charged. Alternatively, you can use a digital camera as a webcam too, but you're going to need to invest in a capturing device like the Elgato Camlink.

Be mindful of what you're broadcasting to your meeting!

Last but not least, always be mindful of whether you are still broadcasting your camera feed to your meeting. You wouldn’t want to be caught with your literal pants down like in the video above.

You can save yourself from unnecessary embarrassment by unplugging your webcam as soon as you are done with the meeting. If you have a laptop with an integrated webcam, you can apply a small opaque sticker over the camera lens to prevent it from clearly recording what’s in front of it.

Catch our official zoom live stream every Thursday at 8pm!

To conclude everything that has been mentioned, webcams take a little more effort to produce good-looking images because of their small sensors. Because of that you must ensure that you have sufficient lighting so that there are no image artefacts in your video stream.

You could save some cash by using a smartphone app instead, but you have to keep in mind that you won’t be able to use your phone to check messages, and you need to ensure that you have enough battery to last the entire meeting.

What’s your ideal webcam setup? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


How to take Stunning photos with the Huawei P20 Pro

The Huawei P20 Pro is considered one the best camera smartphone is the market with a DxOMark of 109. Fitted with 40MP + 20MP + 8MP rear camera, you can rest assure that you will always get the best image quality possible out of a smartphone.

However, the pictures are only as good as how you take the it. In this video we will you various tips on how to take stunning pictures with the Huawei P20 Pro. For more updates like these, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


ASUS MeMO Pad 8 ME581CL tablet unboxing video

Thanks to ASUS Malaysia we managed to get the ASUS MeMO Pad 8 ME581CL tablet for a little unboxing video below. The MeMO Pad 8 ME581CL brings a number of high-end tech specs and features to the Malaysian tablet market including an 8-inch full HD 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution display, 4G LTE connectivity and an ultra light and thin design. It also packs in NFC, 2GB of RAM and more but if you're wondering what else comes in the box, do check out the video below:


How to take advantage of Huawei’s ecosystem with the Mate30 series and Matebook 13 in the office

If you happen to be looking for a guide on how to take advantage of Huawei's ecosystem with the Mate 30 series and Matebook 13, you've come to the right place. Whether if you’re in the office, meeting with a client, or heading out on the road, staying on top of your game has never been made easier thanks to the Smart Life initiative by Huawei.

In this article, we will be showcasing you what the Mate 30 series and Matebook 13 can offer to boost your productivity to the next level. So without further ado, check out the future technology of Huawei's Smart Life products below.

Before we get into the details, let's talk about the Mate 30 series first. Aside from featuring a Kirin 990 chipset, there are also other cool features to look at. For example, the interactive side touch button on the dual-curved edge Horizon Display removes the need for a physical volume button, which you can double-tap to adjust the volume or even take a selfie.

On top of that, the latest EMUI 10 operating system added a new AI Gesture Control where you can scroll your phone without touching it at all, now that's super convenient when you are eating with your hands. Also, you don't need to worry about overheating issues as the Mate 30 Pro has graphene film cooling technology.

Next up, the improved Matebook 13 laptop is powered by an 8th generation Intel Core i7 and i5 processor and NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics with 2 GB GDDR5. Lightweight and powerful, it's more than enough to help you with your daily work and even gaming. Compared with its predecessor, the new model has up to 4x the performance over integrated graphics for image processing and video editing. This is due to the graphics backed up by the 25W TDP for making video editing smoother.

To add on, the Matebook 13 also has a pretty widescreen panel. Using a 3:2 aspect ratio screen with narrow bezels, it's able to display a 2K resolution with 100% sRGB (TYP) colour space. Again, perfect for rendering videos as well as watching your favourite movies and playing games.

Now that you know some of the highlight features, it's time to see how to use both products for the Smart Life experience. Previously known as Huawei Share, the One Touch is an excellent way for you to transfer hundreds of photos and videos from your phone to the laptop instantly. All you have to do is pair the Matebook 13 and Mate 30 Pro via NFC and the technology will do the work.

To complement One Touch, Huawei also integrated the Multi-Screen Collaboration into the Mate 30 series (the first in their lineup) which allows you to mirror your smartphone on the laptop! From there, you can drag and drop multiple media files on-the-go with the mouse. Did we also mention that it works with gaming? That's right, you can project whatever mobile game you're playing on at the laptop and have a blast.

For businessmen and women, getting calls outdoors can be a bit annoying if it's too noisy. This is where the Huawei Freebuds 3 come in, as it features active noise cancellation and an aerodynamic mic duct design that is much needed for a fuss-free call. Thanks to the dual-channel synchronous transmission technology and Kirin A1 chipset, these earbuds can adjust the level of environmental noise by balancing the sound on both ears in real-time, as well as recognizing speech with Smart Assistant and providing a studio-quality sound.

In addition, the Watch GT2 also can assist your busy workload schedule by reminding you and of your daily tasks and meetings. Then when it's time to go exercise, you will have access to 15 different kinds of sport modes and this includes a few gym modes and even swimming, as well as monitoring your heart rate, pressure monitoring and motion record page. Perhaps the best of the Watch GT2 (46mm) is that it can last up to 2 weeks without any charging at all! That way, you don't have to worry about missing out an emergency call from your office, friends and family!

So what do you think of the Huawei Mate 30 series (from RM2799) + Matebook 13 (from RM3599) combo? Alongside with the Freebuds 3 (RM679) and Watch GT2 (from RM799), Huawei is definitely steering towards to build a Smart Life lifestyle for you! To learn more about the Smart Life products, you may visit their official website or Facebook page right here, where you can also find the Huawei x Gentle Monster (RM1599) and the WiFi Q2 Pro (RM499).

Stay tuned for more Huawei promotion news at TechNave.com.


How to take better Night Shots with the Huawei nova 5T

Currently available with the Huawei Together 2020 promotion on a 0% installment plan, the Huawei nova 5T actually boasts some pretty good cameras including a quad 48MP (main) + 16MP (ultra-wide) + 2MP (macro) + 2MP (depth) rear camera, and the 32MP front-facing camera. Equipped with AI technology, the AIS Super Night mode makes it possible for you to take clearer photos in low-light conditions.

Featuring a flagship Kirin 980 chipset, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage and a side fingerprint sensor set in the power button the nova 5T offers plenty of value for just RM1399 (due to an RM200 discount voucher). This time around we'll be showing you how to take better Night shot photos or photos in low-light conditions with both its rear and front cameras.

As long as you keep it steady, most night shots like this are easy to take

Since the cameras automatically select Night mode settings when you have the AI mode on, all you actually need to do is just point and shoot with the nova 5T regardless of whether you're using the front or rear cameras. However, if you want to make sure, once you enter the Camera app, just switch to the Night mode and then... point and shoot.

It will then take a few seconds to take the Night mode shot and process it, but during this process you have to keep your hands steady. If you don't, some portions of the picture could turn out a bit blurry. Therefore, our #1 trick for taking better low-light shots is to just keep it steady.

With a tripod, the right angle and Pro mode you can take a spectacular DSLR-level shot like this with intentional blur

This isn't a problem if you have rock-steady hands, and even if you don't, the AI driven stabilization on the nova 5T helps compensate. For best results, we'd recommend using a tripod, but you can also keep things steady by propping your arms on a railing or leaning against a wall to help steady your grip.

If you're confident in your photography skills or are just looking to explore, there's also the Pro mode as well. For Pro mode, we'd definitely recommend a tripod as well. With the right settings and timing you can easily pull off shots like those taken by a DSLR. A tripod would also help with other modes if you're having problems there as well.

That being said, for selfies, the 32MP cut-out front camera for the nova 5T is also one of the few AI-driven front cameras for a smartphone available. Just like the rear cameras, you can just point and shoot and let the nova 5T handle everything else. However, we still have a tip for you selfie takers out there and that is to try different angles. There's already way too many duck faces out there so check out our video below for a demo on what to do.

Wait for the selfie portion for that tip!

While we're on the topic of photography, we'd like to remind all budding photographers to keep your subject in the frame. One other bonus tip to help you with this is to turn on the grid in the settings, then line up your subject along the lines in the grid or where those lines meet (yep, this is the famous Rule of Thirds).

Try capture the lens flare while you're at it

It also helps if you have a good cameraphone like the Huawei nova 5T which  you can still get for just RM1399 thanks to an RM200 discount voucher (closing on 31 December 2019). You can also get it for much less with the Together 2020 promotion on a 0% instalment plan. The Huawei Fitness Package in particular would be great for this as it includes the nova 5T, Huawei FreeBuds 3, Watch GT 2 and Body Fat Scale for only RM8.97 a day.

Or you can drop by any Huawei Experience store or their online site for more details, the choice is yours. Know anyone else who has taken some great shots with their Huawei nova 5T? Got any shots of your own? Share it on our Facebook page, let us know how your experience was and stay tuned to TechNave.com


How to take nice Christmas pictures with the Huawei Y9s camera

Christmas is just around the corner and you know what this means - asides from food and presents, there are bound to be a "berzillion" photos to be taken with friends and family, as well as places to visit. But it's not just that either, photographers also take advantage of capturing those strong colour contrasts (red, green, white), the big decorations that you see in malls, the streets and at home too, and of course, not forgetting the fairy lights that light up the mood.

If you think it's not necessary to spend so much on a DSLR, there is an alternative! So in this article, we will teach you how to take some nice Christmas pictures with the Huawei Y9s cameras. Before we get started, here's what the smartphone features - a triple 48MP (main) + 8MP (ultra-wide) + 2MP (depth) rear camera. Believe it or not, these camera modules are more than enough to get you started so without further ado, here's how to take nice Christmas pictures with the Huawei Y9s camera.

To get it started, we thought it'd be best to get out of the office and head to Mid Valley Megamall to test out the camera! As always, the ultra wide-angle lens is really useful for getting the 'big picture'

Most malls have a very big Christmas deco zone, so it's always best to use the ultra wide-angle mode for these situations. Thankfully, there's no fish-eye effect on the Huawei Y9s

To demonstrate the ultra wide-angle difference, this is how it looks like between normal and ultra wide-angle mode from the same position

You can also use the ultra wide-angle mode to take vertical shots too like this, just imagine your friends, family or yourself hugging the huge teddy bear with the rather tall Christmas tree behind!

Next, we also tested the 48MP main camera. Always great for capturing the colour contrast like this (even better with AI mode)

To test how sharp and clear the 48MP photo is, we have to crop out a part of the photo and this is how it turns out. Not so bad, huh?

It's always good to take close-up shots like this too, do make use of the lighting to give the 'feel'!

Also, we can't forget the 2MP depth sensor which has been part of the Huawei smartphone lineup since 2017. Suffice to say, it did well which you can see from this portrait mode here

Portrait mode always works well with fairy lights in the background. All you have to do is turn on portrait mode, focus on the subject by touching the position on the display and the camera will blur out the background

So these were all the photos we took at Mid Valley. Remember, each lens serve a purpose so learn to utilize it well. Personally, I think the main camera takes in too much light so you will have to control the light sensitivity. However, its strength lies in close-up shots as it's able to take sharp and clear details nicely.

For the ultra wide-angle mode, you don't always have to take a horizontal shot as it also helps in taking vertical shots, especially with the tall Christmas tree. Although it tends to lose a bit of colour contrast, that is actually pretty normal. Finally, if you want those sweet bokeh effect shots, you should totally use the 2MP depth sensor lens to separate the subject and background especially with the fairy lights behind!

So what do you think of the photos? If you would like to test it out by yourself more, you can head over to the nearest Huawei Experience Store. For just RM999, you can also check out Huawei's online shop here for more details and there's also the Huawei Y9 Prime for just RM799. Stay tuned for more camera smartphone reviews like this at TechNave.com.


How to take swag photos with the most hype and strongest flagship, the realme X2 Pro

In an era where smartphone brands compete with each other in the Price Wars (yes, we made that up), having an affordable mobile device does make sense on paper. However, the times have changed as according to Google's report - the price tag is not even the top three factors that Malaysians look for anymore. So what now?

If you haven't been paying attention, realme has been making a name for themselves in Malaysia this year. They made their debut in 2018 and are becoming increasingly popular with the young generation. One would think it's because of their affordable phones, but realme Malaysia is actually catering to their youthful lifestyle of the swag and coolness. It's a teenage phase and you've done it too.

Granted, the realme X2 Pro's design looks pretty ordinary. It has the usual smooth acrylic glass back and dual-curved edge design and a nicely positioned quad rear camera bump, but it's the "realme" brand logo that somehow catches the attention. It's placed oddly on the right below the camera bump like a rebellious teen who doesn't follow the rules, at least that's what I think realme intended (lol) but I digress.

Besides having a brand logo that stands out, the realme X2 Pro tech specs are a force to reckon with - a Snapdragon 855+ chipset, a 6.5-inch AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate, and it even has a 50W Super VOOC fast charging technology. But that's a story for another day because we will be talking about its camera setup this time.

As aforementioned from the headline, we will be showing you how to take swag photos from the realme X2 Pro. The quad rear camera setup consists of a 64MP (main, Samsung GW1 image sensor) + 13MP (telephoto lens) + 8MP (super wide-angle lens) + 2MP (portrait lens) setup. Sure, we have been seeing a number of China phone brands pumping out huge megapixel devices but this smartphone has a new sensor - a 1/1.72-inch Samsung GW1 sensor (f/1.8)! It is relatively new, but does it bring results? Talking about it isn't going to say much, so we will let the photos do the talking.

So here's the first swag photo, looks pretty normal right? But what if I told you that this is a cropped photo?

This is the original photo taken in 64MP, the possibilities of taking cool photos and cropping them out are endless!

With the 64MP Samsung GW1 image sensor in hand, it's really useful to take photoshoots like this so that the colour contrast can stand out

Once again, cropping the image out won't derail the image quality. This is #instaworthy y'all

Using the ultra wide-angle lens is not only useful for landscape shots, but also for showing off some swag like this

It's not easy taking a shot in the elevator because of its small space, but the ultra wide-angle lens makes it look easy

Of course, there are ways to incorporate normal shots inside the elevator

When you have a dull background like this, remember to always wear bright popping colours so that you can stand out more in portrait mode

Fuhhh, our photographer is killin' it with the realme X2 Pro camera

Looks like a normal photo mode, right? Wrong, it's ultra wide-angle mode

Lastly, the 16MP AI Beauty Mode front camera in portrait (left) and beauty mode (right) turned on!

Personally, the main camera sensor took me by surprise and it really shows that the Samsung GW1 sensor means business. The texture and details of the subject stand out better than I expected, as well as the strong colour contrast that was shown earlier on. The ultra wide-angle may not be at the maximum like other flagships (up to 120-degree), but I'm still pretty satisfied with the result as there was no sight of the fisheye effect even when our models were shot quite near. The portrait lens was good as expected, so I got nothing much to complain about.

So far the first impression of the realme X2 Pro camera quality is very promising and we can't wait to test it out more! BUT what do you think of the photos? The realme X2 Pro will be coming soon to Malaysia on 2 December 2019 and knowing the target audience, the price tag should be affordable for the youngsters. If you happen to be one of them, you know what this means - more opportunities for better swag photos for your social circle and everyone else to see!

Want to read more camera smartphone reviews like this? Then stay tuned and keep up to date with us at TechNave.com.


How to take wildlife photography with a camera phone like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Despite our many concrete jungles, there are still plenty of chances to take photos of animals and wildlife in Malaysia. For example, there are many parks and nature reserves where you can enjoy nature or… take photos of them if you have the right device of course.

This is because animals startle easily and usually will not let you get close enough to take photos. Therefore, most animal or wildlife photography is taken with DSLRs equipped with long and heavy zoom lenses. Thankfully, in this day and age, many camera phones like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra come equipped with 50x to 100x zoom capabilities.

This time around, we tried to take photos of wildlife using the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's 100x Space Zoom and 200MP quad rear camera. Our previous photography attempts certainly showed plenty of improvements in the zoom quality, so we were quite excited to see how the phone handled wildlife photography too. Check out our results and tips on how to take wildlife photography with a camera phone like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra below.

0.6x zoom, Auto ~ See how far away those flamingos actually are?

Heading out to Taman Wetlands Putrajaya, I headed for the flamingo pond and was greeted by the wide scenic view of the pond. A "flamboyance" or flock of flamingos were directly in the center near a small island connected to the outer path via a wooden bridge.

Upon closer inspection, I also found a team of ducks in the shade of the trees on that same island. With access to this bridge blocked, getting closer to these birds wouldn't be easy, so I used the phone's zoom features. For the flamingos, 10x zoom was more than enough. But for the ducks, we had to raise the zoom to 23x to 30x or so.

10x zoom, Auto ~ You can now see the ducks in the shade of the trees

A cropped photo from the picture above shows a nice reframe focusing on just the 2 flamingos and their reflections

13x zoom, Auto ~ You can see some of the ducks have green heads and necks

16x zoom, Auto ~ The ducks from a different angle

30x zoom, Auto ~ Details are still fairly clear

After a bit of shakiness (according to Samsung, it takes 1.5 seconds), the Zoom Lock engaged, allowing for smoother shots even though my hands were still shaking a bit. The Zoom Lock feature uses both OIS (Object Image Stabilization) and VDIS (Video Digital Image Stabilization) to reduce shakiness and increase stabilization.

After taking several shots of the flamingos and ducks, I moved on, taking small and slow steps, trying to be as quiet as possible. While keeping my eyes open, I managed to spot a lizard amongst the fallen leaves.

7x zoom, Auto ~ Can you spot the lizard? It's right in the middle

I'm not a biologist by any means, so I don't know its specific name. But the light blue and orange patterns of the scales on the lizard looked nice and vibrant. After a few shots it scurried off, and I moved on down the path.

Moving down the path around the pond, I didn't see any other animals for a while, so I stayed still for a little and listened. I then heard a slight splashing noise, so I looked at the plants near the shore, where a wading bird made a run for the inner shade. Thankfully the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra was fast enough to catch it in mid-stride.

10x zoom, Auto ~ Can you spot the wading bird in mid-stride?

I then heard a loud knocking noise but saw nothing around me. Stopping again to listen, I turned around and followed the sound up to a woodpecker in the branch of a tree fairly high up from the ground.

At first, it only showed its back to me, so I waited a bit before it turned to look at me and caw a bit. Of course, I didn't miss the opportunity to take some shots, again relying on the 3x and 10x zoom for shots of the woodpecker and the striking colours on its head.

3x zoom, Auto ~ Look for the branch with no leaves

13x Zoom, Auto ~ The shot is a bit blurry because of the woodpecker's sudden movement but you can clearly see the bright colours on its head

Leaving the woodpecker to its meal, I didn't spot any other wildlife... so that's it for our brief foray as wildlife photographers. Overall, the powerful zoom, improved AI Detail Enhancer and stabilization technologies certainly helped the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra capture the wildlife photos above, even without having to use a tripod. A pro photographer would have probably done much better, but at least I didn't have to lug around a heavy DSLR and zoom lens.

While most of us (including myself) are not professional photographers, it does help to have a camera phone we can rely on, like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Does your phone also have 50x to 100x zoom? Or do you also own a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra? Share your wildlife photos, if any, in the comments below and for more such tech articles, stay tuned to TechNave.com.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a quad rear camera consisting of a 200MP main camera (F1.7, OIS) + 10MP (F4.9, periscope, OIS, 10x Optical Zoom) + 10MP (F2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom) + 12MP (F2.2, Ultrawide), so it's a reliable camera phone for almost all situations