Facebook will pay RM20 for users to do voice recordings in The Pronunciations Program!

Want to earn some extra income recently? Yesterday, Facebook announced that they will be offering to pay users for voice recordings to help improve its speech recognition technology after being caught transcribing without the user’s consent.

The company launched a new program called “Pronunciations” in its Viewpoints market research app. Those who are qualified will need to record each statement twice and be able to record the phrase “Hey Portal”. After that, you will be able to record the first name of a friend from your friend list and up to 10 friends.

Facebook will use the points system in the Viewpoints app to translate it into cash rewards. Each set of recordings is 200 points and you will need to earn at least 1,000 points to cash out which gives you $5(~RM20) cash rewards via PayPal. But don’t get your hopes too high, because the company mentioned it might offer users to record up to 5 sets of recordings only.

For privacy note, the recordings will not be connected to the users’ Facebook profile or share the Viewpoints activity on Facebook or other Facebook-owned platforms. As of now, The Pronunciations Program is made available to the US users above 18 with more than 75 friends only.

With that said, users from Malaysia may need to wait for some time to earn that extra income from Facebook. But will you be joining the program if it’s available here? Let us know at our Facebook page and stay tuned for more news updates on TechNave.com!


Facebook will start hiding likes later today

Following the footsteps of Instagram, Facebook will begin hiding likes on users’ posts starting later today. Only the original poster (OP) will only be able to see the number of reactions, views and likes. Us Malaysians don’t have to freak out just yet, though, as the experiment will be taking place in Australia for now.

Facebook mentions that this is a limited test where the reactions, views and like counts are made private across the platform in Australia. From there, they will be gathering feedback to see if this move makes people’s experience on the platform more enjoyable.

Instagram had conducted the same experiment earlier this year in seven countries which are Australia, Canada, Brazil, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy and Japan. So far, the experiment had garnered a lot of positive feedback. This was done to promote alleviate the pressure and improve mental health for the social media platform’s users.

It is likely that the experiment on Facebook will eventually be taking place in other countries as well. However, we have no idea if it will be making its way here to Malaysia. Fingers crossed that is does because I am curious to see how us Malaysians would react to it. Keep up with the latest social media news on TechNave.com!


Facebook will unite with WhatsApp, FB Messenger and Instagram to encrypt messages on the platforms end of 2019

Despite the fact that WhatsApp, Instagram and FB Messenger all belong under Facebook, the social media platform has seen a huge decline in its user engagement on their platform compared to the rest. This probably has led to the reason why Facebook is looking to unifi Facebook with WhatsApp, FB Messenger and Instagram.

By uniting all the apps together, Facebook will see a higher engagement rate on their platform. According to the New York Times, the messaging apps and platforms will remain independent from one another but the ecosystem of all four platforms will be unified, resulting in an easier time for users to converse with one another.

In addition, to protect its users’ privacy, Facebook will be adding end-to-end encryption to Instagram messages as well as Facebook Messenger, giving the two apps a more secure and private way for its users to converse, similar to WhatsApp. What makes this a good thing is that no one can read your messages other than the recipient and the sender, not even Facebook themselves, to limit the risk of any hackers stealing information.

Reported by Techcrunch, Facebook mentioned that they wanted to make sending messages “fast, simple, reliable and private” and “considering ways to make it easier to reach friends and family across networks”.

We can expect this to be rolled out at the end of 2019 at the earliest but most likely it will be out in 2020. Personally, I’m all for this but I’m not too keen to be seeing IG stories on the top other platforms’ chat apps like they did with Facebook Messenger and Facebook Stories. What do you think? For more app updates, TechNave is the place to look it up!


Facial Recognition technology to be implemented in KLIA within the first half of 2021

Printing our boarding passes and other travel documents will be a thing of the past soon for Malaysians. According to the Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) Group CEO, Datuk Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh, he said the facial recognition technology will be rolling out soon at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) during the first half of 2021. It is part of the Single Token Journey Initiative.

Designed for passengers to get through the immigration faster, this allows them to travel throughout the airport without having to take out their boarding passes. This includes checking in and even the boarding gates and the facial recognition only takes about 5 seconds. The technology is planned to be integrated at KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

On top of that, passengers will be able to use the MYairports app to register their facial recognition before arriving at the airport. This can also help to minimize identity theft, social distancing amidst the pandemic, and allow foreigners to access faster. MAHB may also expand this to other touchpoints such as retail stores and airline lounges.

At the moment, our local airports have self-check-in machines and auto passport scanners for Malaysians. Comparing with other countries, we are a bit tad slow but we are getting there. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Facial recognition not reliable on the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+?

Facial recognition is a new security feature that was revealed on the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ last week, while it might sound like an awesome feature to have along with the irs scanner, things are not what it seems and there’s a loop hole in it.

If you remember your history in the year 2011, Google once implemented a Face Unlock feature on the Ice Cream Sandwich OS. The Face Unlock is exactly the same as the current Facial Recognition, which also means it can be easily exploited by simply using a photo of the owner. How could Samsung forget about this?

To be fair, Samsung’s version is slightly different as it requires the owner to blink their eyes before unlocking. While it does sound like it has solved the issue, but actually not quite as the system can still be defeated. Likewise by using photos, all the user has to do is use two different images of the same person - one with eyes opened and the other eyes closed. Then, quickly shift the two images back and forth and it will unlock it. Although it’s not a walk in a park, but it’s still “hackable”.

We aren’t sure if this works for the iris scanner too, but anyhow the fingerprint and the classic PIN and pattern passcode are still more reliable. Stay tuned for more Samsung news at TechNave.com.


A new Mira Prism augmented reality headset released for Apple iPhone at ~RM424

Ever since the Apple ARKit was distributed to developers at the Apple WWDC 2017 event, they have been utilising the technology in various ways. One such way is a new product called the Mira Prism was revealed today and it is a new AR headset for the Apple iPhone.

"No plugs, computers, or wires needed. No matter where you are, simply open the Mira app on your smartphone, slide it into the Prism headset, and begin exploring the wonders of interactive holographic content." That basically sums up the headset which is cool, as you can see in the video, the headset doesn't cover your whole eyesight and relies on a motion-based remote control to interact with the AR activities. The headset mirrors will reflect what's on the iPhone's display in front of the user, so as the Mira launchpad. There's also a "Spectator Mode" for consumers who don't have the headset.

With this, there will be more interesting AR games in the future thanks to the Mira SDK. Check out what Engadget has to say about the Mira Prism headset:

"Even though I only had a few minutes with the Prism, I was impressed with what I saw. I'm used to trying on headsets that are too expensive for most people to buy, so it was a bit of a shock that it worked at all. Beyond the initial setup experience, I played a holographic game that involved maneuvering a character through a maze, which relied on the controller's motion controls. Another game had me spinning around in my chair to destroy asteroids hovering all around me. I was particularly surprised how well Prism tracked virtual objects in AR, even though it doesn't have any spatial mapping technology like HoloLens and Meta.

In terms of tech-specs, the headset's resolution reaches up to 1334 x 750 and has a 60-degree view. The remote requires a pair of AAA batteries to function. There are also Mira core apps, premium game bundle if anyone wants to pre-order it for $99 (~RM424) before it goes on retail sale for $150 (~RM642).

So what do you think? AR gaming's future looks really bright and we are excited about it. Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more Apple news at TechNave.com.


Facial recognition system on iPhones is more secure that the ones at airports

Facial recognition is deemed to be one of the secure ways to carry out identity verification. These days, many security checkpoints, airports, and even smartphones have started leaning toward the technology for identification. However, is the technology that reliable? Researchers at Krenon, an AI company, have announced that they were able to trick some of the facial recognition systems with a 3D mask they made.

The making of the mask does not require any complicated technology. It’s just that the material used is not that kind of low-cost plastic masks of Spiderman that you can find in stores. The researchers have fooled checkpoints, banks, and even airports by wearing the printed mask of someone else’s face.

The usage of facial recognition is to cut down the effort and time while you’re going through identity verifications. However, after this experiment has been carried out, it seems that this technology is not that safe and secure after all. In addition to that, the researchers were also able to bypass Wechat Pay and AliPay terminals that required the facial scanning process to pay at stores.

What surprised us the most is the facial recognition systems on Huawei and Apple were not fooled when the researchers tried to unlock the smartphones with the mask. The reason probably is because the light imaging technology is sophisticated enough to not be fooled easily. However, take note that there were people who tried to unlock Apple’s Face ID using masks made by professional mask makers earlier, and it worked.

If you think the facial recognition systems used at airports are still 'safer' than the ones on your smartphones, think again! Let us know your opinion about this experiment on our Facebook page. For more viral tech news, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Fahmi wants MCMC to meet Meta regarding rampant scam ads on Facebook

By now, you should know scams in Malaysia have been quite prominent. Not only are we getting scam messages from our mobile phones, but they also exist in Facebook Ads which poses a huge problem. To address this problem, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil is going to take action.

According to sources, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will meet Meta Inc. regarding scam advertisements on Facebook. It's no secret that Meta has failed to tackle the issues, but there are theories that the mega-corporation just doesn't care as scams have been running rampant from fake house cleaners and car sales.

During the Raya +Fluencer event, Fahmi told the media the meeting would be just about understanding "why Meta is slow at detecting scams" and he thinks by not establishing its presence in Malaysia, could be why the response time is not efficient in handling the scams and believes having representatives here would make things easier.

In case you didn't know, a scammer used Fahmi's image to promote a Shariah-compliant investment scheme which was obviously fake. He also received a random WhatsApp message claiming to be Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who is the minister for Women, Family and Community Development. We also saw a fair share of scam ads on Facebook, especially the infamous RM9 promotion on a Xiaomi Electric Scooter during the lockdown.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist but we would like to remind all Malaysians to remain vigilant. When something is just too good to be true, it's most probably going to be fake. Stay safe and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Fairy Pink vivo V11 and V11i are coming to Malaysia soon

In this short announcement, just when we thought that there won't be any more colour options for the vivo V11 and V11i, vivo Malaysia has just announced a new Fairy Pink model to the series on their official Facebook Page.

Obviously catering to the female audience, this is actually the first time that the company is releasing a pink model for the V-series as previously, it was just Rose Gold. Will it have a colour combination like the Starry Night and Nebula? Or probably it will just be in pink. That said, whether or not if the Fairy Pink V11 and V11i is going to be a limited edition or not, both phones will probably have the same respective specifications and prices (RM1699 and RM1299).

Stay tuned for more vivo news at TechNave.com.


Fairy Pink vivo V11i rumoured to come into Malaysia first in November 2018

As mentioned in our previous news, there will be a new colour model for the vivo V11 and V11i for the Malaysia market. Unlike the common Rose Gold, this one will be pure pink and it's called Fairy Pink which should prove popular among the ladies (and guys who love pink).

That being said, vivo Malaysia still has not given us the official look of the Fairy Pink V11i yet but just two teaser posters of the phone. Judging from that, this is the most pinkish model we have seen yet and it really reminds me of the pink bubble gum. We don't know when is the new Fairy Pink V11i coming but it's possible that arrival is in November 2018. We also think the price tag for it should be RM1299 if they stick to their tradition.

To recap the tech specs, the V11i is the lesser variant of the V11 without the in-display fingerprint sensor. The front camera is still 25MP and its dual rear camera setup is a 16MP + 5MP combo, its processor is a mid-range unit using MediaTek's Helio P60 SoC. Besides that Fairy Pink, the V11i is available in Nebula and Starry Night.


Fake Microsoft and Spotify websites are spreading the Ficker malware

It pays to be careful of URLs you click on, even if it supposedly leads to well-known websites. As a fact, malware is often spread via websites impersonating other well-known ones. Recently, ESET found new ones mimicking the Microsoft Store and Spotify.

According to BleepingComputer, attackers are using these fake websites to steal credit card info and passwords. So far, ESET has found a fake Microsoft Store, Spotify, and online document converter. The targeted region seems to be South America, but it won't be surprising if more regions become targets for attacks.

#BREAKING Beware of active infostealer campaign mimicking Microsoft Windows Store, Spotify and FreePdfConvert apps targeting countries in South America. #ESETresearch @jiriatvirlab 1/3 pic.twitter.com/bizy5ie3GQ

Based on the report, these websites are spreading the Ficker malware. What it does is steal information and user credentials that are saved in web browsers, messaging apps, and FTP clients. The malware can also steal documents, take screenshots of your running apps, and steal from a user's cryptocurrency wallet.

Anyway, if you see any website like the above, make sure it has the correct URL and certificate information. With that said, have you encountered any other fake websites like the above? Help spread the word in the comments below! Also, stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


Fake WhatsApp staff are scamming users using a voice authentication loophole

It looks like a bunch of new hijacking methods have been spotted by JSJK PDRM on their Facebook page, giving us a better idea on how your WhatsApp account can be hijacked through a voice authentication loophole. The first method is where a hijacker would send the victim a message letting you know that your account has been compromised and they will need a 6-digit verification code to verify if you are the user.

After sending the aforementioned code, the victim will then lose access to their WhatsApp account, along with all the private and confidential information stored in it. If the user did not fall for it, they will then move on to the second phase, where the hijackers will intentionally input the wrong verification code until the app prompts them to verify via voice verification where the victim will receive a code through voice call.

If the user did not answer the call after several attempts, it will then be sent to their voice mail which can be accessed by the hijacker using a default PIN that’s usually set by the telco provider. If you want to avoid becoming a victim to this scam, be sure to activate two-step verification on the app and never share your verification code with anyone.

With all that said, what are your thoughts on the hijacking methods mentioned above? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Fake Xiaomi Redmi Note appears in Malaysia at around RM639

It appears that even the RM509 Xiaomi Redmi Note is being pirated with fake Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones. This comes from a fellow Malaysian buyer who got ripped off from what appeared to be a third-party seller (scalper) who sold the fake Xiaomi Redmi Note he bought at RM639. When he got the fake phone he discovered that the tech specs and features didn't match, and the smartphone that he got could not take very good pictures (the original Xiaomi Redmi Note packs in a very good 13MP rear camera) and even could not upgrade to the latest version of Facebook. He went on to buy an original Xiaomi Redmi Note (again from a third-party seller at RM699) to make a video comparison between the two.

Most of the differences can't be tested for unless you download and run certain benchmark programs like AnTuTu X where the fake smartphone will score around 9000+ while the original will go for around 26000+. We'd recommend that you check out his detailed comparison (in Malay) but if you're faced with the actual device the easiest way to check would be to try out the camera and record 1080p full HD video, then play it back. If it is the real Xiaomi Redmi Note the playback should be smooth while the fake one will lag. Xiaomi Malaysia generally sell all of their products on their own website and do not have any authorized third-party sellers or distributors in Malaysia so buyers should beware of this when buying through other sources. In the meantime, do check out the comparison video below:


Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout for mobile could be coming soon to China… for now

Multiplayer obstacle course battle royale game Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout could soon be coming to mobile, but unfortunately it would be just for China first. The rights for the game were recently secured by Bilibili for a mobile version that may be called Jelly Bean: Ultimate Knockout but we think this is unlikely as they should want to cash in on the Fall Guy brand name.

Coming from Dainel Ahmad on Twitter via TechRadar, the now viral game was previously released for PC and the Sony PS4 on 4 August 2020. No other details were revealed, so the mobile version could cut down the current 60 player per session headcount or make other changes. There’s rumours about a Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout Season 2 coming soon for the original versions though.

Nonetheless, we expect the official mobile version of Fall Guys to come out late this year or early next year. No price details or Malaysia release dates for the mobile version were revealed but with the original game coming out at $19.99 (~RM83) on Steam, we expect that the mobile version could go free-to-play initially (but you’ll probably have to pay for the various suits).

What do you think? Would you pay ~RM83 for a Fall Guys Mobile game or maybe RM20 or so for a season pass? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com


Fallout heads for the big screens in TV series for Amazon Prime Video

We've seen anime series being adapted to movies, but these days creators are starting to look into adapting games. In March, it was announced that The Last of US was getting a TV series for HBO. Now, Amazon Studios has teased a Fallout TV series that will be heading to Amazon Prime Video.

There's isn't a lot of details in regards to this new series, but it has been confirmed that it will be a collaboration with Kilter Films, which is the company that brought us Westworld. Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy will be heading this project as executive producers. Bethesda Studios will also be involved in co-producing the show, likely to ensure accuracy when it comes to the concept and lore behind the game.

#PleaseStandBy. @Fallout @BethesdaStudios #KilterFilms pic.twitter.com/IEDr7AkVvD

According to the HollywoodReporter, the folks at Bethesda had wanted a Fallout TV series for years now. But it wasn't till meeting Nolan and Joy that Bethesda's Executive Producer Todd Howard found the right team. The Fallout TV series would be the latest in highly rated AAA games being adapted to TV screens, following the likes of The Witcher on Netflix and the unreleased The Last of US on HBO.

If you're a fan of the Fallout games, this is probably exciting news for you. But would this be enough to get you to sign up for Amazon Prime Video when the series comes out? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


Family Mart launches their My FamilyMart App offering free ice cream and more every week

Family Mart has announced that their My FamilyMart mobile app is now officially available for download via the Google Play Store, as well as the iOS App Store. Not only that, but you can also sign up to get free stuff such as Sofuto Ice Cream and more as well every week.

Family Mart has also mentioned that you can earn points via purchasing products from their stores, which can then be exchanged for rewards in the future. Members will also get a bunch of member-exclusive deals, such as 50% off any Hojicha Softserve or Hojicha Milkshake.

Head over to the My FamilyMart app, if you want to find out more information regarding the promotion available. What do you think about FamilyMart’s decision to release a mobile app? Let us know on our Facebook page, and for more updates like this stay tuned to TechNave.com.


A new Motorola G Fast video promo claimed that the phone's battery life can last 2 days

It's not every day that you hear a smartphone brand boldly proclaiming such feats. Although it's quite common for new smartphones to standby at least 2 days of battery life, the quality goes down afterwards when performing certain tasks such as photo-taking or gaming which is quite a letdown. For Motorola, their latest Moto G Fast video promo claimed that the phone can last 2 days.

The video promo was on YouTube but it was taken down for some reasons. Anyway, the video did tell us a few things about the Moto G Fast which includes a "blazing fast performance" thanks to an unknown Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and 3GB of RAM. If we had to guess, it might be the Snapdragon 720G chipset which is the popular mid-range unit for smartphones now, although the 3GB of RAM seems like a weird choice because 4GB is the minimum now.

We can also see a triple rear camera that comprises of an ultrawide and macro lens for photography. Then finally, the "2 days of battery" life was also promoted suggesting that the user can bring the phone anywhere. Of course, all of these are just part of marketing so do take it with a pinch of salt.

This Moto G Fast phone might probably not see the light of the tunnel in Malaysia, but would you like this phone to make its way here? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


FamilyMart now offers delivery to selected areas in Klang Valley

Miss the stuff from FamilyMart while staying at home during movement control order (MCO)? Then you'll appreciate this piece of good news! As you can already tell from the title of the article, FamilyMart has begun to do deliveries. That's right, FamilyMart has partnered up with Foodpanda and PandaMart to make this happen.

According to FamilyMart's official announcement, the new delivery service is currently available for certain areas in the Klang Valley only. This is most likely limited to the 10KM radius restriction as set by the government for the duration of the MCO. However, only certain food items can be delivered, so check the Foodpanda app or website to find out more.

Better yet, FamilyMart has announced that deliveries will be free until 15 May 2020. It may not be much, but we should always appreciate the chance to spend less. Besides that, the company will slowly the delivery expand coverage, so we should be able to the service offered in areas outside of the Klang Valley in the future.

So, has any of you tried ordering from FamilyMart via Foodpanda or PandaMart yet? Will you consider ordering delivery even if there is a branch within the restriction distance for you? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


Fan Edition allegedly making a comeback in Q4 2023 with Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

It was rumoured last year that Samsung would discontinue its Fan Edition lineup for the Galaxy S series smartphones. The Galaxy S22 FE didn't happen due to a chip shortage, but we could see a comeback this year with the Galaxy S23 FE.

According to Sammobile, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is set to return this year in Q4 2023. The device will allegedly come with the Exynos 2200, which is a chipset that's more than a year old. It's also expected to come with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, and a 50MP main camera. Moreover, we can expect it to have a more modest 4500mAh battery.

Based on these specs, the Galaxy S23 FE is probably intended as a mid-range device. We also think that Samsung will make it much cheaper to make buyers interested, due the huge gap between the Galaxy S23 series launch and the alleged launch of the Galaxy S23. The company could also opt for cheaper materials like a plastic body (like the Galaxy S21 FE) to keep the production cost low.

Mind you, there's no solid proof that the device is coming, so take the news with a grain of salt. But if it does, would you be interested in buying it or would you just get a different device? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned to TechNave for more updates about the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE.


Fan created a short Batman video featuring Robert Pattinson with DeepFake

Since last year, DeepFake technology has been improving steadily and we are starting to see more videos featuring celebrities in another movie. One fine example is the fan-made Back to the Future video featuring Tom Holland, thanks to the growing interest of the reboot. Now we found another fan-made video of Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne in the movie, Batman Begins.

Edited and rendered by DeepCaked on YouTube, the 2-minute scene was a conversation between Bruce Wayne and Lucius Fox. Not only were we quite convinced by the nearly perfect mashup, but even Bruce's voiceover sounded different. However, if you have a pair of eagle eyes, you would notice that Robert's face does seem a bit out of place (with an invisible shield around). Nonetheless, his face and Christian Bale's hair matched quite well. You can watch the video for yourself.

Robert Pattinson will be playing as Bruce Wayne/Batman in the upcoming The Batman movie which is set for 25 June 2021 release. It will be a different kind of Batman movie that we've seen before as the genre is said to focus more on drama/crime. The Batman is directed by Matt Reeves and we can't wait to watch it on the big screen.

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


Fan-made Half-Life remake Black Mesa finally getting official release version

It's been a long time coming, but the Crowbar Collective's remake of Half-Life is about to get an official release. Black Mesa has been in Steam's Early Access since 2015 and its developer is finally ready to officially launch version 1.0 on 5 March 2020.

The fan-made remake was originally a mod of Half-Life using the edition of Valve's Source Engine behind Half-Life 2. Despite it being a mod, Valve gave the green light to the team behind Black Mesa to release the game independently. But Black Mesa is not just a remake of Half-Life with better graphics, the official launch version will also come with the Xen chapters that serve as the story between Half-Life and Half-Life 2.

While the game may be coming out soon, Crowbar Collective has promised to continually work on the game. A spokesperson of the company has promised that the company plans to support the game with bug fixes and other improvements. Since the game has a multiplayer component to it, balances changes and fixes will likely be an important aspect of the developer's post-release support.

So, who's excited to play Black Mesa when it releases? You can already buy the game in advance on Steam for RM38 and try the early access version. Those who have already been playing this game for a while, let us know what you think of it so far! For other news on gadgets and games, remember to stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Fan-made OnePlus 6 video says there's an 8GB of RAM, under-display fingerprint sensor and more

Fan made videos are nice to look at, but quite often they aren't taken seriously. This is the same case with the upcoming OnePlus 6 which is scheduled to come at the end of the second quarter, where someone made a video on how the flagship would look like based on rumours. Check out the video below.

Produced by Science and Knowledge channel, the first thing that you will notice is the top-notch design, which we posted about it a few days ago and according to the video, the display size is going to be really huge up to 6.28-inch, the display material will be in optic AMOLED and this is the same as the OPPO R15 Dream Mirror edition. The resolution will be in 2280 x 1080 pixels, so yes, it's Full HD+.

For the rest of the specs, the video continued with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset (not surprised), an Adreno 630, 8GB of RAM, and two storage variants of 64GB and 128GB (or maybe a 256GB). OxygenOS is the latest 6 based on Android 8.1 Orei and its battery is quite good too, packing at 3400mAh. Of course, there is a pair of cameras behind, 16MP sensor for each and the front uses a single 16MP sensor as well.

On top of that, there are some new rumours about the OnePlus 6 that we haven't heard about it until now, the flagship may use an under-display fingerprint sensor and supports 3D facial recognition too. Another Face Unlock feature? Yup, but more simplified (whatever that means).

Lastly, they also stated the phone could cost $614 (~RM2403) and that doesn't seem very far fetch since OnePlus models tend to lesser than that in Malaysia. But what do you think? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more OnePlus news at TechNave.com.


Fan of One Piece? Get the SEIKO x ONE PIECE limited edition watch from ~RM1856

SEIKO had just announced their collaboration with the anime “One Piece”, to bring you the Animation 20th Anniversary Limited Edition One Piece wristwatch. Based on the image, there are only 5000 units of the watch available and it can be purchased on PREMICO online store for the price of 38384YEN(~RM1856).

The wristwatch comes with a marine blue watch face with various logos from 1 o’clock to 8 o’clock, which symbolizes the 8 main characters in the One Piece series. Would you be interested in getting the limited edition SEIKO x ONE Piece wristwatch in Malaysia? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Fan of Stranger Things? Catch the Netflix's Stranger Things season 3 AR trailer on YouTube

Are you a big fan of the Stranger Things series? You can experience Netflix’s first augmented-reality trailer of Stranger Things season 3 on Youtube, provided you have an Apple iPhone, iPod or iPad running on iOS 8 and above. The augmented-reality trailer has a background replacement feature, which lets the user take a Stranger Things themed selfie. The Stranger Things themed selfie can then be shared onto your favourite social media platform such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and more.

What do you think about the first few episodes of Stranger Things season 3? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Fan render of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Ultra emerges online

Many of you have noticed how Samsung launched the Galaxy S21 series earlier this year. But if rumours are true, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 could be in for an earlier launch as well. Interestingly, some fans seem to think that an Ultra variant would be available too.

Concept designer Ben Geskin has uploaded a render of what he imagined the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Ultra would look like. As you can see, the device features a Penta-camera setup at the back and comes with an S-Pen. You'll also notice that the camera module follows the Galaxy S21 series' style.

Here's how I imagine Galaxy Z Fold 3 Ultra pic.twitter.com/xeNNe2WGpd

Not much is known about the Galaxy Z Fold 3 so far. But it's believed that this year's model will come with an improved hinge, which could help make the crease not as noticeable. The device should also come with the Snapdragon 888 chipset, an OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, and possibly an under-display camera.

As usual, we can't confirm if the design is accurate, so do take the news with a grain of salt. Having said that, what would you like to see changed in the design of the Galaxy Z Fold 3? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned to TechNave for more updates about it.


Fan renders show floating display for Microsoft Surface Book Studio

Recently, we got the news that Microsoft might launch a new Surface laptop soon. It's allegedly going to be the successor to the Surface Book 3 but won't feature a detachable screen. Instead, sources claim that this model will have a floating display.

According to Windows Central, this laptop could either be called the Surface Book Studio or Surface Laptop Studio. Using patent designs for the device, a designer created fan renders to show what the device could look like. The device has a unique hinge that allows the display to 'float' away from the lid, so you can look closer at the screen.

Moreover, the hinge allows the device to switch into various form factors. Besides the special floating-display mode, you can also make it go flat and use it as a tablet. If these details are accurate, it would mean that this device will use a touch-screen panel. The renders also show that the device will be available in grey/silver and black colours.

Of course, these renders aren't necessarily accurate representations of the actual device. After all, these are based on patent designs, so the final product could look very different. But do you like the design shown here? Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for further updates about this.


Fancy a Lenovo Yoga Book with Google Chrome OS?

A new report has surfaced online stating that Lenovo is readying a new version of its 2-in-1 Yoga Book (that was launched in Malaysia recently), but this time with Google‘s Chrome OS in tow.

As a recap the Lenovo Yoga Book is a 2-in-1 device that can convert from a laptop to a tablet and back by flipping itself 180 degrees. Thus far two models have been available for sale – an Android version and a Windows 10 version. Both comes with the Halo-keyboard and the support for a stylus. The new version is said to be similar in design and specs, with the OS being the only differentiator.

While the Chrome OS model is designed primarily for the education sector, we can’t help to think the lightweight OS is perfect for those who are looking for a simple machine to use while on the go. It helps that the Yoga Book is a pretty looking device to be seen with. Stay tuned to TechNave for more news on the new Lenovo Yoga Book model.


A new N95 Surgical Mask that unlocks your phone with your face printed on it will cost RM160!

The face mask is now essential to everybody due to the Coronavirus outbreak. This has made it hard to unlock our phones using Apple or Android face ID by removing the mask every time. To solve that,  a company has decided to solve this issue by developing N95 masks that can unlock your phones!

This service was posted on a tweet by Danielle Baskin with the company link. The face ID mask is produced by using your face image and computer mapping to convert your lower part of facial features into the surface of N95 surgical masks.

The company claims that the masks will be compatible with Face ID technology and it uses natural dyes that do not affect your breathability. Also, it will cost about 40 dollars (~RM160) for each copy of this mask.With that said, there’s no evidence or any proof that it will work smoothly on your phones as there is still no set date for the mask to be launch yet. But will you get one when it’s available? Let us know at our Facebook page and stay tuned for more news updates on TechNave.com!


Fancy a Valentine Red OPPO R9s for Valentine's Day?

Roses are red, so is the OPPO R9s "Valentine Red" Edition! In conjunction with Valentine’s Day, OPPO will be releasing a new and striking color option for the OPPO R9s, the auspicious and romantic “Valentine Red” Edition. RED is an auspicious colour that typically symbolizes good luck and great fortune. With the addition of this colour, OPPO hopes that it'll spice up Valentine's Day, making it extra special for those shopping for a new smartphone. Surprise your loved ones with the Valentine Red Edition of the OPPO R9s, perhaps?

The Valentine Red Edition of OPPO R9s retains all the qualities of the standard OPPO R9s which includes the 16MP front and rear camera, fingerprint scanner, and the 3010 mAh battery with VOOC Flash Charger. The only difference would be the colour scheme, the back of the device has an elegant shade of bright red, while the front is black, giving the Valentine Red Edition a sophisticated feel. No pricing had been mentioned for the time being. Stay tuned for more details.


Fancy a child-friendly GPS locater watch phone with the FiLIP?

In today's connected life, many times parents would consider giving their young school going children mobile phones and even smartphones to stay connected and protected. However, most parents and schools feel that this is not the best idea as your standard mobile phone or smartphone opens up possibilities of games, texting or calling during class and much more (like the super dangerous Internet). One of the more interesting solutions is the FiLIP,  which is a silicon encased phone watch that can only call up to five preset numbers, cannot text or install games and has a built-in GPS. What makes the FiLIP different is that children can use it to make calls back, perhaps to tell the parents to come pick them up or some other emergency. Parents can also call and send one-way text messages or locate them via GPS (they can also set a safezone) using the smartphone app.

The market for such devices is still very new and not saturated which is probably why many US carriers are looking to offer devices like the FiLIP which is going for $10 (RM32) a month from AT&T on contract. You can also get it for $199.99 (RM642) off contract. However, like most smartwatches today, the FiLIP is still a very bulky device and we're not certain a child would want one on their wrist. The idea certainly has merit though, because while it may be an electronic leash or e-leash at least it allows for two-way communication. The FiLIP will launch in the US on 22 November 2013 but there were no detailson Malaysia release dates or pricing for the FiLIP. We're thinking it will probably come in with one of our local sellers, so do keep an eye out at our sister site of Mobile Mega Mall. For more information, check out the FiLIP site.


Fancy a gold-plated XBox One going for just $10000 (RM32375)?

While there may be gamers who don't care about how much money they throw at their games and gaming consoles, these still don't compare to users who'd go out and get a $10000 (RM32375) Xbox One just because they can. Still, if one likes gold and other shiny things, then a gold plated Xbox One should be perfect. Currently available for around $10000 (RM32375), the gold plated Xbox One is available from Harrods of London. Tech specs and features are more or less the same but if the controller is also gold-plated you can expect to get tired from couch gaming very soon. No news yet of a gold plated AND crystal covered version yet, but just wait and see. Also no news of any Malaysia release dates or pricing, but if you're willing to shell out RM32375 for a game console, travel or shipping shouldn't be an issue. [Source]


Fans are so upset with Warcraft 3: Reforged that Blizzard is now offering instant refunds

If you are a gamer, there's a good chance that you've heard that Warcraft III: Reforged is getting bashed like no tomorrow. In fact, during the first day of release, fans of the franchise were already disappointed and went for a refund. Initially, there were reports that Blizzard shut down forum threads of how to get a refund but now they have acknowledged it.

Generally, refunds won't be applicable if you have just bought the game or there is something wrong with the transaction. But in this case, fans are outraged of what was promised back when the game was first announced back in 2018, including a lot of missing features such as "new" cutscenes with cinematic camera works (not all, only some, but it still could have been better). There are also no LAN, no Clans, no friend list, the loading missions page lags and many more.

That said, Blizzard have given an official response on the backlash on their forum. Here's what they said:

If you have bought the game and want a refund from your dissatisfaction, you may visit the link right here and get it done. Stay tuned for more gaming news at TechNave.com.


Fans were asked to guess the price of ROG Ally (and we have the answer)

Today, ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) did another teaser post about the ROG Ally. In this cryptic post, the company is asking its fans to guess the price of the ROG Ally and some fans may have already guessed it.

As seen in the image below, it's showing four different devices with equations here and there. The first one is the ROG Flow Z13 ACRNM which is priced at RM12,999 and with this, we definitely know that the ROG Strix Scar 18 is RM18,999 (RM31,998 - RM12,999). The next one is the ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 and it's priced at RM22,999 (RM18,999 + RM4000).

With that, ASUS ROG seems to suggest that the ROG Ally would cost RM3299 (RM22,999 - RM19,700). Do keep in mind that the Z1 Extreme model will be released first in the local market, which makes the vanilla variant to be more affordable but we have to wait and see. Either way, it's quite a decent price for the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme.

The ROG Ally will be unveiled during the launch livestream on 19 June 2023. We aren't that far away so until then, do sit tight and wait for the official news.


Fans will get to see Jackson Wang & a new phone at the OnePlus Magic Power Event

A new OnePlus event will be coming soon with a newly appointed ambassador. To be held in Bangkok, Thailand, on 22 July 2023, there will be a OnePlus Magic Power event where fans can attend an exclusive meet and greet session with OnePlus APAC Smartphone Ambassador, Jackson Wang.

Taking place at The Icon Siam, fans will stand a chance to meet the Magic Man himself by participating in the Show Your Magic Power social media contest. The event is part of a teaser campaign for the upcoming OnePlus product which is rumoured to be a new foldable device or OnePlus 11T 5G phone. Besides that, anyone can join the contest as it's open to all fans.

To join the social media contest, here's how you can participate:

That's all, folks. Good luck and if you haven't owned a OnePlus device yet, you can check out the latest OnePlus 11 5G and recent OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G and read our review about them here and here, respectively.


Fantasy Apple iPhone 6 concept appears

Concept renderers often predict what may happen in the future when a new smartphone, tablet or other device hasn't appeared just yet. As you can expect some are accurate while some are just plain fantasy. One fantasy concept render of the Apple iPhone 6 has recently appeared showing completely bezel free edge to edge usage of a flexible screen in a super thin housing. While the initial design retains many of the aspects for an iPhone it doesn't really show why anyone would find a use for such a display. Personally, we'd be wondering where to grip the darn thing but it does offer a cool concept render of a customizable phone interface where you could define where the controls on the sides would be and for what purpose. Check out the concept for yourself:


FarmVille to make a comeback with third instalment launching on 4 November

Many of you must have lived through the golden era when games like FarmVille, Restaurant City, Pet Society, and more were the reasons why you hopped on Facebook. Today, good news has come as it's announced that Zynga will revive the FarmVille franchise with a third instalment, FarmVille 3.

In FarmVille 3, we'll be seeing the return of Marie to guide and greet both the FarmVille 3 community and new players looking to set up their virtual farms for the first time. Besides that, it also brings more than 30 diverse farmhands this time. There are handy skills such as baking, fishing, lumberjacking, and crafting added for each character to let players have more fun on the journey.

The game will be launching on 4 November for Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you're interested, you can pre-register now so that you won't miss out on a special starter kit that is offered in the first two weeks after the release. The kit will consist of interactive welcome features, such as decorative elements and the 'Early Bird profile picture', designed to help players personalize their in-game country homestead.

Are you excited about FarmVille's comeback? Drop a comment to let us know and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more tech news.


FarmVille will shut down on Facebook soon after 11 years

That's right, one of the oldest and "legendary" games during the early days of Facebook, FarmVille, will be closing on 31 December 2020. The official announcement was made by Zynga on their website just not too long ago, due to the lack of Flash Player support by Adobe and Facebook in the future.

On that note, Zynga also announced that the in-app game item purchases will only be available until 17 November which will also turn off the payment system. In other words, refunds will not be accepted after that date and the company recommends the players to spend the remaining credits while they can. Despite that, there are still some upcoming in-game activities for the players to play before the game shuts down for good.

Although it's nostalgic and sad to see the game go away, it was only a matter of time. However, Zynga has also made FarmVille 2: Tropic Escape and FarmVille 2: Country Escape so it's not the end. There's also an upcoming FarmVille 3 for the mobile platform. You can read more of the FAQs on the closure right here.

If you're still playing FarmVille, treasure the moments before it closes! Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Farmers let their cows wear VR headsets in hopes to stimulate milk production

Virtual Reality (VR) headsets are developed for humans, you might say. Recently, employees from a farm in Russia teamed up with IT experts to use human technology product on the cows, in hopes to stimulate more production of milk. It seems like it somehow worked at a basic level by calming the cows. Let’s find out what kind of results they got doing the fun experiment!

The VR headset is said to be modified to fit the cow’s head structure so they could watch properly and ‘comfortably’. The colour of the VR shown to the cows has also been tuned as well to adapt to the animals’ eyes. The researchers are hoping that the cows would react positively to what they’re seeing, compared to the boring and confining farm.

It turns out that watching VR did help the cows by reducing their anxiety and boosted their moods. However, it is not sure how that can affect the quality or quantity of milk. There are already plans to carry on the experiment for a more comprehensive study.

Agriculture has been using technology to boost its productions for years. In America, the farmers would install automatic rotating brushes in the stalls to give the cows ‘a good massage’. There are also farmers who use robotic systems to ensure maximum movements for their livestock as well in Europe.

VR is an interesting technology to be used by people nowadays for you to experience being in another ‘world’. It is really cool to see that it can help the animals to ‘escape the reality’ too. Let us know what you think about this experiment on our Facebook page! For more tech news, stay tuned on TechNave.com.


12MP + 12MP dual rear camera Neffos N1 officially launched for RM1099 along with RM599 Neffos C7

Neffos Malaysia by TP-Link officially launched their first 12MP + 12MP Neffos N1 smartphone for RM1099 (promotional price until xx) today along with the Neffos C7 for RM599. The Neffos N1 is their first smartphone to feature a 12MP colour camera with 12MP monochrome camera, both using the Sony IMX 386 sensor while the C7 boasts a 13MP rear camera and 8MP front camera combo. Both will be available on 16 March 2018 at all authorized resellers including their official online store in Lazada, with the first 30 customers getting an exclusive premium worth up to RM299.

Other standout features include the fact that there aren't many smartphones around this price range offering 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage with expandable microSD memory but Neffos also indicated that both the N1 and C7 pack in 2.4GHz / 5GHz dual band Wifi. According to them, the smart dual antenna design allows for faster network speeds, especially with TP-Link's networking devices. The already available RM299 Neffos C5A is also part of this series and all devices will come with the Neffos 2 year warranty.

Here are the Neffos N1 and Neffos C7 tech specs:


A new Nokia gaming phone might be coming + Nokia 8110 4G to support WhatsApp

So Nokia fans, it seems that the company is releasing yet another mid-range phone on 11 July 2018. According to the company's official Weibo account, fans are speculating that it could be the Nokia X5 or 5.1 Plus. Besides that, fans are also getting a treat the revamped 8110 4G phone will be getting WhatsApp.

Coming with a notched display, the rumoured Nokia X5 / 5.1 Plus could have something to do with gaming, thanks to the Mandarin texts on the teaser image. While TENAA didn't really reveal much about the tech-specs, we do know that the processor will be clocking in at 2.0GHz, possible a MediaTek Helio P60 since HMD Global has been working with MediaTek so quite some time now.

Oh look, #Whatsapp on #KaiOS! Looking forward to going bananas! https://t.co/Av6gW3T2M0

Meanwhile, those who are fans of the Nokia 8110 4G will be happy to know that the banana device will support WhatsApp soon. This was confirmed by Juho Sarvikas, the Chief Product Officer of HMD Global on his Twitter account. Why is this important is because the 8110 4G is using KaiOS, which is a product from Firefox and Google.

The Nokia 8110 4G phone is already available in Malaysia for just RM285 across the nation, so if you want to get one for your collection, you can visit the nearest Nokia store. Stay tuned for more Nokia news at TechNave.com.


Fasha Sandha and Aidil Aziz wedding shots reveal some more Huawei P30 zoom-in prowess

Previously, we managed to see just how powerful the new zoom-in camera features for the Huawei P30 series might be at a Blue concert. This time around, we also managed to get shots using the Huawei P30 series for the upcoming wedding of Malaysian celebrities Fasha Sandha and Aidil Aziz showcasing the P30's camera prowess in daylight situations.

While the previous set of pictures showed what the P30 zoom-in can do in a low-light environment, the wedding shot shows what it can do when there is enough light, with all three pictures showing awesome clarity even on maximum zoom. Expected to come equipped with a Kirin 980 chipset, a 10X (or better) lossless zoom camera, LEICA lenses and more, the Huawei P30 series is coming on 26 March 2019 in Paris.

Stay tuned to TechNave.com as we'll be covering more about the Huawei P30 series soon. In the meantime, check out Fasha Sandha's Instagram post and all the pics for yourself below:

Bila tengok gambar ni rasa sangat sebak, hiba... Saya bersyukur dengan kehadiran Aidil dalam hidup saya. Semoga dipermudahkan perjalanan buat kami... Credit to @HuaweiMobileMY Wedding gown from @azuracouture #Rewritetherules #fashasandhaxHuaweiTV3 #aidilfasha #preweddingphoto

A post shared by  Fasha Sandha (@fashasandha) on Mar 12, 2019 at 6:07am PDT


Fast and Furious 9 will be sent to outer space

If you thought the Fast and Furious franchise will always be about illegal street racing or heists (at least on Earth), you might need to be prepared for this rumour. It is reported that Fast and Furious 9 which is titled as F9 might bring the cast to space. Although it has not been officially confirmed yet, we still hope that it's going to happen so that we could see some explosive actions from the movie franchise in space.

Other than going to space, there are also some other exciting things that we can expect to see in F9. It is said that Han, who previously died, will return to the movie. We will also get to see Dominic Toretto's brother (played by John Cena) in actions from the highly-anticipated sequel. The movie will be directed by Justin Lin as well who has previously worked on Tokyo Drift.

Back to space, the actress Michelle Rodriguez, who plays Letty, might have hinted that the rumour is true from an interview. However, it sounds like she is not part of whatever that is going to be sent away from Earth. The movie will be released sometime in 2021 after being delayed.

Let us know what you think about the Fast and Furious cast going to space on our Facebook page. Stay tuned toTechNave.com for more exciting movie news.


Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water releasing 28 Oct 2021, could result in other Fatal Frame remasters

Looking for a horror game to play this Halloween? Well, good news because the remastered version of Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water is just around the corner. The game will release on 28 October 2021, and its launch could trigger a flood of other remasters.

In an interview with JPGames.de, Makoto Shibata (Fatal Frame series director) said that the reactions to the remastered version of Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water exceeded expectations. As such, he would like to consider other remastered versions of the series. However, there aren't any concrete plans yet.

Of course, the interview is more about the upcoming Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water remaster and its features. The game was originally an exclusive on the Nintendo Wii U, so the developers had to figure out how to port its motion controls to other platforms. For the standard Switch model, the Joy-cons work fine enough. But for the Sony PS4 and PS5, the controller tilt was used instead.

So are any of you planning to get the upcoming remastered game? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


Fave launches Buy Now, Pay Later in Malaysia and Singapore, rolling out on iOS platform

If you are a Fave user, you would be glad to know that a new Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service called FavePay Later in Malaysia and Singapore. It will an interest-free credit which can be used to over 40,000 stores as a pilot. For now, it's rolling out on iOS users today, followed by an Android release in July 2021.

The FavePay Later service will allow eligible Fave users to split purchases over three equal, interest-free instalments, which will be automatically drawn every month via repayments time. In addition, customers will earn up to 10% cashback with every purchase. FavePay Later is hassle-free for merchants with no additional integrations nor platforms required.

According to Fave, they say merchants will benefit from higher conversion, revenue and customer loyalty without taking any additional risk. FavePay Later is available at all Fave merchants in Singapore and Malaysia today, including marquee brands in popular retail verticals such Pandora, Marks & Spencer, Best Denki, Puma, GNC and more.

Fave just recently opened up their API integration for online e-commerce platforms to support FavePay payments with buy now pay later and loyalty cashback features. The company will extend its BNPL offering to some of the largest online commerce companies in Southeast Asia within the latter half of 2021. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Fidget spinner vs Samsung Galaxy S8, who wins?

You heard of it and you know it, the fidget spinner is one of the mysterious yet fascinating toys today and causing a craze among the kids, even up to the point of schools are banning it (lol). Initially designed to aid children with autism, many people including adults are even taking it a bit too far trying various and creative ways to make it fun and cool. It might seem like a harmless toy, but it can be quite dangerous if used intentionally to destroy things like how GizmoSlip did with the Samsung Galaxy S8.

Spinning the toy up to 1000 rpm from a compressed air can, the glass of the phone obviously did crack but surprisingly quite resistant. In three tests, the first one passed like a walk in a park, same goes to the third but with a minor scratch. It will get damaged heavily if forced, phone is still usable, though. Just in case you’re wondering how much fps is needed to record this, that’s 18,500 fps.

If you’re curious to try how fast the spinner can go, please use a clamp or something safe to hold it as you can potentially lose your fingers (not kidding). Play safe and have fun!


Final Apple iOS 7 due on 18 September 2013

Apple's iOS 7 operating system has been undergoing beta testing for quite some time now. As the Apple OS which will bring multi-tasking and a whole bunch of other updates to Apple users, it is no wonder that many are waiting for it to arrive. In light of that, Apple have announced that the final version of iOS 7 will be released on 18 September 2013. Apart from the aforementioned multi-tasking you can also get other features like new ringtones, different voices for Siri and the fact that it has been optimized for a 64-bit architecture. In addition to this, the entire iWork suite of productivity apps is now free for new Apple devices, which is the equivalent of Microsoft adding on a free Office for every Windows 8 tablet. Apart from the new iPhones, the iOS 7 update will also be made available to the iPhone 4S, iPad mini, iPad 3, iPad 4 and 5th gen iPod Touch. For more information check out the Apple iOS site.


Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro will be available for iPad users this month

Great news for iPad users, Apple just announced that Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro will be available for iPad. For those who don't know, these are powerful video and music editing tools that video editors tend to use. However, only selected iPads will have it.

According to Apple, Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad will arrive in the Apple App Store as subscriptions for $4.99 (~RM22) per month or $49 (~RM218) per year with a one-month free trial. It should be noted that Final Cut Pro is only compatible with M1 chip iPad models or later, whereas the Logic Pro will be available on A12 Bionic chip iPad models or later. Both apps require at least iPadOS 16.4 to function.

Apple said that both Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro will have all-new touch interfaces that allow users to do more, allowing them to record, edit, finish, and share. For Final Cut Pro, editors can import supported media from Files or Photos, and save it directly inside a Final Cut Pro project. Final Cut Pro for iPad also supports the ability to import projects created in iMovie for iOS, and iPad users can export their Final Cut Pro projects to Mac.

At the same time, music creators can make a soundtrack in Logic Pro for iPad and export it into Final Cut Pro for iPad. Logic Pro for iPad also supports the ability to open projects created in GarageBand for iOS. Lastly, iPad users can export their finished songs in a variety of compressed and lossless audio formats, as well as individual audio track stems.

To know more details about the Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad, you can visit the Apple newsroom right over here. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Final Fantasy 7 Remake install size could be a whopping 100GB, physical copy will have two Blu-ray discs

As the gaming industry progresses, we've seen the install size for games grow larger and larger. In fact, games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare already have crazy storage requirements of up to 175GB. Now, a new leak suggests that the Final Fantasy Remake could require you to have at least 100GB of storage space on your Sony PS4 console.

The folks at DualShockers first found cover images for the physical copy of the game in Korea in a Reddit thread. From the images, the storage requirements portion indicates that the game will come in two Blu-ray discs. Since a Blu-ray disc can store up to 50GB of data, this could mean that the game's install size can go up to 100GB or it could be less than that.

Final Fantasy VII Remake will be over 100GB pic.twitter.com/WNgBjpgGD7

Keep in mind that Square Enix has decided to split Final Fantasy 7 Remake into multiple parts. By the time we get all the parts, the game could easily require 3 to 5 times more in storage space. Better get that external drive for your PS4 ready, if you haven't already.

The images in the Reddit thread has since been deleted, possibly because the thread starter received a takedown notice from Square Enix. If that is the case, this piece of news could very well be true. In any case, the game is expected to launch on 10 April 2020 so we'll get confirmation soon.

So, is your Sony PS4 ready for Final Fantasy 7 Remake? Would large install sizes prevent you from buying a particular game? Please share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news like this.


Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Remastered will let you play the first 13 dungeons for free

Nostalgia often works when it comes to games, so many developers have been taking advantage of this in recent years. Take the upcoming Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Remastered, which is a going to be playable on mobile and consoles later this year. In the latest trailer, it was also revealed that the game will be free-to-try.

According to the description for the trailer, Android and iOS gamers can download the game on the app stores for free. However, it'll only have the content and features available in the Lite edition of the game. This edition is the same as the demo available on consoles (Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4), which means that you'll only get to play the first 13 dungeons. If you want the full game, you'll have to unlock it via in-app purchase.

Other than the above limitation, you'll get to enjoy the same kind of features the full version has. There's co-op play, cross-platform compatibility, and chat functions. However, those who don't own the full game can only do co-op play in three dungeons, while those who paid for the full game can invite free players to co-op in the first 13 dungeons.

If you've never played the original Crystal Chronicles, you might want to keep an eye out for when this game releases on 27 August 2020. Having said that, what other older games would you love to see remastered or ported to mobile? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


Final Fantasy IV Remaster goes mobile, now available for Android, iOS, and Steam

If you're a fan of retro JRPGs, you can find quite a few on mobile app stores. For example, Square Enix has ported or remaster a lot of Final Fantasy games. Now, Final Fantasy IV Remaster is the next to be added to the list.

As announced by Square Enix, Final Fantasy IV Remaster is now available on Android, iOS, and Steam. You can get it now on mobile for RM74.90 or get it on Steam at a 20% discount for RM63.20. This remaster is part of the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster project, which turns old Final Fantasy games into new versions with pixel characters. The company has already done this for Final Fantasy I, II, and III.

So, what's new besides pixel art? Well, the remastered version comes with a rearranged soundtrack. It also delivers improved gameplay, a new UI, and auto-battle options. You will also get two limited wallpapers and three special music tracks if you buy the game on Steam before 23 September 2021.

If you already have the game, do let us know if you like the pixelated or 3D version of this game. Also, what other game would you like to see ported to mobile devices? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


A new Nokia smartphone will be unveiled on 5 December 2019

Based on a recent video posted by HMD Global onto their Nokia Twitter account, it seems that they will be unveiling a new Nokia smartphone on 5 December 2019. Unfortunately, there’s not much known in regards to the exact model of the aforementioned smartphone for now.

However, gsmarena suspects that it could be the Nokia 8.2 due to the fact that the Nokia 8.1 was released on 5 December 2018, last year. There is currently no official information on Malaysia release date, local pricing as well as tech specs for the upcoming smartphone.

The newest addition to our family will be launched on 5 December 2019. Stay tuned to find out more! #NokiamobileLive pic.twitter.com/iYqPxyOTKP

Which smartphone do you think HMD Global will be unveiling? Let us know on our Facebook page, and for more updates like this stay tuned to TechNave.com


Final Fantasy VII First Soldier and Ever Crisis announced as upcoming mobile games for iOS and Android

If you're a PlayStation fan, you probably have already checked out Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade trailer reveal on the State of Play. But besides that, it seems that Square Enix (the developers) are also planning two more FF7 games - First Soldier and Ever Crisis for iOS and Android.

We shall start with FF7 First Soldier because it seems that the developers have jumped on the Battle Royale bandwagon. That's right, First Soldier is a Battle Royale mobile game set in the FF7 universe but with some tricks. Besides the regular Battle Royale functions, you can do melee sword attacks, cast magic spells and even summon guardians like Ifrit as shown in the trailer.

As for FF7 Ever Crisis, it's another remake rendition but for the mobile gamers as well. It focuses on the single-player campaign with chapters from the FF7 universe, which includes the original game and its spin-off titles such as Advent Children, Before Crisis, Crisis Core and Dirge of Cerberus. The gameplay also features chibi versions of the characters but during battles, it follows the FF7 Remake graphics.

First Soldier is scheduled to be released this year while the latter is set for 2022 release on iOS and Android. What do you think of these two announced mobile games? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Final Fantasy VII Remake demo now available on your PlayStation 4

So this just came in, the official Final Fantasy VII Remake Twitter account has just announced that PlayStation 4 owners can now download the much-anticipated game demo on the console right now. It can be accessed through the PlayStation Network or you can just simply tap on the link here provided in the Twitter post.

In the demo, you'll be able to play the first chapter of the game which is the Mako reactor 1 mission where you first meet Cloud jumping off the train at the station. As a demo, do note that you won't be able to bring forward any save files over to the full version. The game will be released worldwide on 10 April 2020 but it won't be the full version, as Square Enix plans to release the game in "episodes".

We've just released the free #FinalFantasy VII Remake demo on PlayStation Store.What are you waiting for? Download it now and experience the beginning of the story for yourself! #FF7R https://t.co/Gi4onqN0Cb pic.twitter.com/rX0ELUINHO

The Final Fantasy VII Remake has been in development even before its official announcement in 2015. It has sure taken them a long time but we think it will be worth the wait as Square Enix doesn't want to disappoint their fans. After all, the game is a pretty big deal and how it changed gaming forever in the 90's as one of the most popular Japanese RPG games ever.

Are you gonna get the game? Stay tuned for more gaming news at TechNave.com.


Final Fantasy VII Remake just became the hottest search on Pornhub this week

With the released of the long-awaited Final Fantasy VII Remastered Edition this week, it has been a great week for gamers in this on-going Movement Control Order. That said, it has also been a great week for Pornhub as there was a sudden spike in their search engines. According to their database, FFVII just became the most searched keyword hitting 7631%.

If you're familiar with the game, it's not surprising to see Tifa as the top searched FFVII character in terms of ranking. Aeris came in second place, then followed Lightning from FFXIII and Yuna from FFX. Besides that, the statistics also showed other popular game characters in the search engine. This includes Overwatch and Jill Valentine from the recent Resident Evil 3 Remastered edition dominating the chart.

Honestly, we can't really blame the people for searching their wildest fantasies. These fictional game characters are truly hot and have been many gamers' childhood crush in the late 90's. Also, the lack of human contact is making them visiting porno sites.

Stay home, stay safe, wash your hands (#eh) and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Final Fantasy VII is finally on Android

After years of waiting, and an earlier release on iOS, the classic game Final Fantasy VII is now available for players on the Android smartphone platform. This game comes 19 years after the original release on the original Sony Playstation home console, and 10 months after iOS.

The game brings the same engrossing story of the original, with notable differences in the game mechanics. It now features on-screen touchscreen controls, the option to turn off enemy encounters, and even a command to let you max your stats instantly.

Fans of the game should be ready to shell out RM 70 for the game on the PlayStore right now, and expect 4GB of storage to be used for the game install. Will you be buying this game for your nostalgia trip back with Cloud, Aerith and the gang?


Final Fantasy VIII Remastered coming in 2019 on Steam, PS4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One

For those who grew up with the Playstation 1, the classic Final Fantasy series is definitely something many also grew up with. After so many years of waiting, Final Fantasy VII Remake finally gets its release date which is sooner than many had expected it to be. Also, to many Final Fantasy fans’ surprise, Square Enix also announced a remaster version for the popular Final Fantasy VIII.

Not much about the game was revealed but it but the classic trailer for the game was shown off but with a twist. Still utilizing from what looks to be its previous battle system as well, the game looks the same but much less pixelated and definitely a lot sharper and more vibrant. While many are hoping for a remake treatment for the game just like FFVII, I’m just glad newer players would be able to try out FFVIII with graphics that are slightly more updated than its previous version.

On top of that, Square Enix also released another FFVII trailer giving us a look at the battle system, as well as fan favourites Tifa and Sephiroth! Instead of the usual turn based system that the game had before, it uses a combination of normal attacks as well as tactical skills. Getting kills with normal attacks fill up the ATB bar which players can use to cast spells, use items or perform skills. Players can also quickly switch between characters on the fly to utilize their ATB bars at specific times. I personally prefer this battle system much better than the old one.

The game is scheduled to be released on the 3 March 2020 next year. Meanwhile, FFVIII fans can expect the game to be out on Steam, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One before the end of 2019. I’m completely hyped for both games and I’m ready to once more experience that wave of nostalgia. What about you? Keep up with the latest gaming news on TechNave.com!


Final Fantasy VIII Remastered now available on iOS and Android for RM69.90

If you grew up with the series in the late 90s, chances are you might have played Final Fantasy VIII. You can still get the game these days on platforms like Steam or the PlayStation store. But what if you wanted to play it on your phone?

Guess what? You can because Square Enix has made Final Fantasy VIII Remastered available for mobile devices (finally lol)! The game is now available for iOS and Android users via the respective app stores. It's also currently on discount, so you can get it for RM69.90 before 4 April 2021.

Note that the mobile version of the game does not have any controller support for now, though it's a planned update for the future. But if you use some third-party apps, you should be able to map the controls to a controller. There are also some new features unique to the Remastered version, so do check out the app pages to find out more.

So, do you plan to get this mobile version for yourself? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news on the latest mobile gadgets and games.


Final Fantasy XIV Endwalker expansion delayed to 7 Dec 2021

Delays aren't rare when it comes to the games industry. There are plenty of games with confirmed release dates but still got delayed for various reasons, including big titles like Cyberpunk 2077. But many didn't expect the latest Final Fantasy XIV expansion to be delayed.

During a scheduled live stream for Final Fantasy XIV, director and producer Naoki 'YoshiP' Yoshida announced that the Endwalker will be delayed. The new release date is 7 December 2021, which is two weeks later than the original plan. According to the director, the development team wants to make some final adjustments before launching the game's expansion largest expansion to date.

In a blog post after the stream, YoshiP elaborated on the reasons behind the delay. The upcoming expansion will conclude the game's first major saga. As such, the director wanted to push Endwalker's quality beyond what was first envisioned. This means that the development team would also need more time to ensure that the expansion is stable upon release.

The delay is surely unfortunate for fans of the game that took days off from work to play. But some may consider the delay worth waiting for if it means the quality is improved. How about you, do you play Final Fantasy XIV? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


(Final Part) Using the Apple TV 4K for the first time - Apple TV+ is impressive, but...

TV streaming services have certainly become very popular. In Malaysia alone, there are several international and local brands. This includes Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, HBO Go, Amazon Prime Video, iFlix, Viu, iQiyi, and many more. Then at the corner...there's Apple TV+.

In my TV streaming service comparison article, I mentioned that it's kind of odd that most Malaysian Apple users don't talk much about Apple TV+. Even among my Apple gang of friends, it's never really a topic. However, I was given the opportunity to check it out with the Apple TV 4K, so here's what I think about it.

Where do we start? Well, I guess I can start with the monthly price of RM19.90. That's really affordable if compared to Netflix (RM33 per month at Basic), HBO Go (from RM25 per month), and Prime Video (RM25 per month). Technically, Disney+ Hotstar is slightly cheaper at RM18.30 per month, but the RM54.90 fee for three months is fixed. Furthermore, if you purchase a new Apple device, you can watch Apple TV+ for a year for free!

For RM19.90 per month, that's a good price

Some of its exclusive original movies and TV shows

Alternatively, you can also find movies from other studios here

In terms of content, you'll find original content and other blockbuster movies on Apple TV+. You'd be surprised to know that you can also watch movies and TV series that aren't exclusive on the platform, such as The Batman, A Quiet Place, Pacific Rim, and more. Alternatively, you may even rent them individually at prices as low as RM2.90.

In addition, Apple TV+ offers content in 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos setting for cinephiles. Like Fitness+ and Apple Music, you can easily find a wide range of genres to your liking or even selected actors, actresses and directors if you want to binge them. The user interface has already been set, so there's something for everyone.

4K HDR and Dolby collection for the cinephiles

You can choose to check out a particular actor, actress or director's list of movies

During my time with the Apple TV+, there were three shows that I decided to check out - See, Ted Lasso, and Prehistoric Planet. All three shows are originals, exclusive on the streaming platform. As a film snub, I was really impressed by the quality and effort produced for these shows. Ted Lasso is hilarious if you love The Office and football, the realism of the graphics on the CGI dinosaurs is breathtaking, and the location sets in See are unbelievable.

I could go on reviewing the shows, but I digress; this is about the Apple TV+, after all. Many of these TV shows won several awards, but I think it doesn't matter much to Malaysians. From my time checking out Apple TV+, I don't really recall seeing much Asian content. Granted, there are Korean TV series such as Dr Brain and Pachinko. But if the platform has a huge library of Asian shows like Netflix, I believe it would be a selling point for Malaysians.

You can set the subtitles to various languages

It's safe to say that all movies and shows on the Apple TV+ are produced with quality

Never knew I would enjoy Ted Lasso that much

I also enjoyed watching Prehistoric Planet

So far, everything I mentioned sounds positive, and I can't think of anything to nitpick on. If that's the case, why aren't more Malaysians watching it? Let alone Malaysian Apple users? Here is my theory - I think there is a lack of marketing. Case in point, many viewers have fallen in love with the new show Wednesday on Netflix (and there's even a short clip of her dancing for fun). On top of that, I think Disney+ Hotstar, HBO Go and Prime Video are very aggressive in marketing. However, you don't see the same level of marketing for Apple TV+.

Even though I'm not subscribed to those platforms anymore, at least I'm aware of Star Wars: Andor, House of the Dragon, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and these shows have really gotten people talking a lot. But what about Apple TV+? Still, make no mistake - Apple TV+ is cheaper than the other platforms I mentioned above, so if the price is right for you, by all means, go for it.

Apple TV+ is a pretty good streaming service at an affordable price. The original movies and shows are indeed produced with quality, plus you can watch tons of content in 4KHDR & Dolby Atmos from other networks. Despite that, I think the lack of marketing could be a problem, though that's just my theory. Now that I have completed all four parts (alongside Apple Music, Apple Arcade and Fitness+), here's what I really think of the Apple TV 4K.

Among these four services, Fitness+ is probably the best, thanks to the latest tvOS update that allows users to use the platform without needing an Apple Watch. That said, all these features on the Apple TV 4K have tough competition as they can be overshadowed by other widely used platforms with the likes of Netflix, YouTube and Spotify. On the other hand, Apple Arcade is a good concept as you can play certain mobile games on the TV, but with a heavy investment. For example, a few games on the Apple TV 4K require a controller that usually costs over RM300.

All in all, if you happen to utilise all four features on the Apple TV 4K, then it's certainly worth the starting price of RM699. I think it's quite a solid product for Apple users who are deep into the Apple ecosystem. But it's not for everyone because of the competitors we've mentioned. The choice is entirely up to you.

If you want to read the first three parts, you can visit any of the links below. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Final beta version of HarmonyOS coming out on 31 March with stable version in April

After being banned by the US from using Google Mobile Services, HUAWEI started to focus on developing its own in-house OS dubbed HarmonyOS. Now, the company is finally going to release the final beta version on 31 March.

According to the source, HarmonyOS Beta 3 will be available for testing on 31 March, and the first stable version will be available commercially next month. Earlier, a beta version of the OS was released only for developers. Not long after, the CEO revealed that the in-house OS for HUAWEI smartphones would come out soon in April.

Other than that, it was also reported that HUAWEI would be bringing the update to devices that are equipped with smartphones with Kirin 710 above including Kirin 810, Kirin 820, Kirin 820E, Kirin 980, Kirin 990, Kirin 985, Kirin 9000, and more.

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


Final day to get your very own Huawei Healthy Pouch set at RM3558

Still on the fence, wondering if you should be copping yourself the Healthy Pouch Set by Huawei? Well you better act fast because today is the last day you’ll be able to do so. The Healthy Pouch Set is priced at RM3558 and includes the Huawei Mate 20 (real price: 2799), a Huawei Watch GT Sport (real price: RM899) and Huawei Health App.

The combination of these three is the perfect recipe for your health as it gives you a full health report as well as health suggestions, just like having your very own doctor around. It isn’t too late for you to lead that healthy lifestyle resolution you set for yourself in the beginning of 2019! If you’re interested to get your very own Healthy Pouch Set, check out their official website! For more smartphone promotions, there’s no better place to find that than on TechNave.com!


A new Nothing phone may have just been spotted at the MWC 2022

If you are a fan of the Nothing brand, you should probably know that there are new rumours of a new Nothing phone that could be released this year. So far, they are just rumours of leaks but in this news, we may have actually caught a glimpse of a Nothing phone prototype in the wild.

The first post came from a popular tipster, Evan Blass on his Twitter account as usual with a catchy caption - "Nothing to see here". The photo doesn't show much but as you can see, there's Carl Pei, the founder of Nothing alongside Cristiano R. Amon examining a phone device. This image was taken from the current Mobile World Congress 2022.

Nothing to see here. pic.twitter.com/mzLeTVHSXm

Of course, it could be just a random phone that Pei is holding but from the looks of the design, it doesn't resemble any phone that we know of. The phone is black and has a big sticker on the back which probably signals it as a prototype. Also, it doesn't appear to feature a big camera bump and could be a flat design.

That being said, sources are speculating that the prototype may have some DNA from the Essential phone brand. Just a year ago, Essential was purchased by Pei and the team probably have borrowed some features here and there. But do take this news with a pinch of salt since it's just mere speculation.

The upcoming Nothing phone could be powered by a Snapdragon 7 or 8 series. At the moment, it's quite early to say anything so we will just have to wait and see. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Final look at Xiaomi Mi Max 2 photo, reveal date set on 25 May 2017

In case you missed the news over the weekend, Xiaomi has announced that the Mi Max 2 will be revealed on 25 May 2017 in China and there will be a live streaming too. Now that we got the date locked, we also have some more leaked images about the phablet too.

Set to be 6.44-inch, this monstrous device has been showing consistency on the design. We won’t lie, the design does look like it’s inspired by the Apple iPhone by the way of the antenna is placed and designed. The LED flash is also positioned on the left side of the camera instead of the right. The number of holes on the speaker grills looks lesser than usual too, but we’re not complaining about it. Overall, we also think this is how the final product design looks like as it matches the blueprint from Taiwan’s communications agency website.

Are you going to watch the live stream? It will be held at their MIUI forum at 1400 hours (GMT +8) and the show is going to feature some VIPs and celebrities. Stay tuned as we will keeping our eyes on that at TechNave.com.


Finally, a 100-inch curved AR display laptop has arrived with Spacetop

Way back when Minority Report first came out, I’ve been waiting years for someone to come up with a giant holographic desktop I could do work with and finally, it’s here with Spacetop. Featuring a pair of smart glasses paired with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 powered keyboard laptop without a display, Spacetop creates what they claim to be a 100-inch curved Augmented Reality (AR) display for all your apps and work.

While you can bring it about, those who have tried it say that it’s not very stable, despite you having a 100-inch FHD curved display that only you can see, so there’s no issue of needing a lot of space to put an actual 100-inch display. Unfortunately, there’s no Malaysia release date or pricing details, just that it’s currently only available to a select 1000 testers.

It’s interesting, especially as a proof of concept but we’re hoping more such devices will come, perhaps with a more polished and powerful setup. Check out the video below and let us know what you think about Spacetop in the comments. As always, stay tuned to TechNave.com


Finally, we can disable autoplaying of trailers or previews in Netflix

If you're one of those who dislike the video autoplay feature that's active while using the platform, we have some good news for you. Netflix has been listening and recently announced that users will be able to disable autoplay of previews.

As a reminder, Netflix autoplay is a feature that will automatically play a trailer or preview of videos as you're browsing through the platform. Sometimes you may be casually browsing and when the preview for a show just starts playing. This can be very annoying and may not always be convenient if you're at a public location or don't want to be bombarded by sudden loud audio late at night.

Untick the autoplay previews setting to disable the feature

Now, all Netflix users will be able to control the autoplay settings. All you have to do is log in to your account via a web browser and access your profile, then uncheck the two autoplay settings below and hit the save button. Once done, autoplay will plague you no more. There's a delay for the setting to take effect, according to Netflix's support page. But you can switch to another user profile and then back to your own to trigger the update.

So, have you managed to update it or perhaps you never had an issue with the autoplay? What other improvements would you like to see from Netflix? Please share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


Finance Minister: All 6 local telcos have signed the 5G services access agreement with DNB

Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Aziz has revealed that all 6 local telcos have reached a consensus on the access agreement with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) to lease 5G services. The telco companies are Telekom Malaysia (TM), YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YES), Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, Celcom Axiata Bhd, Maxis Bhd and U Mobile Sdn Bhd.

Tengku Zafrul in a Facebook post lauded the 5G services access agreement, saying that soon, more Malaysians will have access to 5G connectivity in our country. Moreover, the Finance Minister said that the 5G network will spearhead the digitalisation efforts in Malaysia.

Previously, we reported that 4 of the 6 aforementioned telcos have agreed to take equity stakes within DNB. YES and TM both took a 20 per cent equity stake each while Digi and Celcom took a 12.5 per cent each. As for the remaining 35 per cent, DNB said that it has been retained by the government, which will hold a golden share.

According to Bernama, Maxis and U Mobile are understood to have decided not to take any equity shares in DNB. Instead, they will only be signing the access agreement to lease 5G services with DNB.

If the agreement and plans go as planned, DNB has confirmed that end users of all 6 telcos will be getting 5G connectivity from this month onwards. What do you guys think? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more trending tech news in Malaysia and beyond.


Finance Minister: DNB stakes may be offered to foreign telco companies after Maxis and U Mobile snub

Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Aziz has assured Malaysians that the decision by two Mobile Network Operators (MNO) to reject holding stakes in Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) doesn’t have a huge financial impact on the government. This is because there are several local and foreign banks that are ready to finance the 5G network implementation in Malaysia.

As reported by Bernama, Tengku Zafrul said that the readiness of these players to invest shows the private sector’s confidence in our country’s 5G development plans. As we’ve reported previously on the deadline day of the DNB 5G service agreement plan, Maxis and U Mobile decided to not hold stakes in DNB, leaving only Celcom, YTL, Telekom Malaysia and Digi to be part of the deal.

Following that development, the Finance Minister revealed that the government may allow foreign MNOs to hold equity stakes in DNB. Tengku Zafrul further stressed that many foreign telecommunication players have expressed interest in the matter and that the government is open to offering DNB equity shares to them. More so, given how there are shares left for them to purchase after the snub by U Mobile and Maxis.

On the rejection of the aforementioned telco companies, the Finance Minister said their decision has impacted the timeline for the enrolment of the 5G network in Malaysia. The delay is also unfortunate given how our nation is seen as playing ‘catch-up’ with our neighbouring countries in the implementation of 5G.

Hence, he hoped that the new altered agreement involving the four telco companies that have agreed to the terms could be expedited so that 5G services can be launched as early as this month. Tengku Zafrul further asserted that 5G enrolment is important to boost the digital economy of Keluarga Malaysia.

So, what do you guys think of the whole 5G situation in our country? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more trending tech news in Malaysia and beyond!


Finance Minister: Foreign telco companies are ‘queueing up’ to enter Malaysia’s 5G network

Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz today revealed that foreign telecommunication companies are ‘queuing up’ for access to Malaysia’s 5G single wholesale network under his ministry’s Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB). However, he said that local established telcos should be given the first bite.

As reported by Malay Mail, Tengku Zafrul asserted that there are many foreign players that have registered strong interest because to them there is no more capex. Furthermore, these foreign players also believe that Malaysia have got the technology and know how play the game.

Nevertheless, the six local telco companies have been given priority to be the main players as the Ministry of Finance (MOF) believes that they have already invested so much in our country. However, Tengku Zafrul asserted that it is very hard not to allow foreign players a bite at the 5G rollout, especially considering how it could potentially lower consumer prices.

As for the 5G agreement with local telcos, the Finance Minister announced that all six local major telcos have agreed to take up shares with DNB. Currently, there are now in talks on how much they will have to pay for access to the country’s 5G network.

Towards this end, Tengku Zafrul said that the six telco companies have until 31 August 2022 to complete and agree to the terms or risk losing out on access. The full completion of the deal can only happen once they agree to access terms by said dateline, though the Finance Minister does acknowledge that some of the telcos may still try to delay talks.

It is believed that Maxis and U Mobile are the two last companies that haven’t agree to terms of equity stakes in DNB while the other four, Celcom, Digi, YTL and Telekom Malaysia have all agreed to the terms. MOF stressed that they would not be extending the dateline past 31 August 2022.

So, what do you guys think of the 5G rollout situation in Malaysia? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more trending tech news in Malaysia and beyond.


Finance Minister: Government may provide fiscal incentives for local telcos’ transition to 5G

Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has revealed that the government is willing to consider fiscal incentives to assist local telco companies in transitioning to 5G. These incentives are meant to mitigate any short-term commercial consequences of providing 5G services to their customers.

As reported by national news agency Bernama, Tengku Zafrul said that such assistance was considered due to how 5G can contribute to Malaysia’s digital ambitions. In fact, 5G will boost the economy by RM650 billion and create 750,000 high-value jobs between now and 2030.

Stressing that 5G deployment is a matter of public interest, the Finance Minister said that the government will not extend the deadline for local telcos to join the 5G agreement with Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB). As of right now, the deadline would be on 30 June 2022 and Tengku Zaful wants that sense of urgency to be felt by all stakeholders.

However, should an extension be required, the process may be extended until early July 2022 at the latest. For now, the government has ordered DNB and all telco to meet the given deadline.

So, what do you guys think of this statement by the Finance Minister? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for the latest trending tech news.


Finance Minister: Local telcos saved RM30 billion by signing the DNB 5G access agreement

Caretaker Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz has lauded the implementation of the Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) 5G access agreement, saying that it will enable mobile network operators (MNOs) in our country to save up to RM30 billion over the next decade. The agreement is the world’s first single wholesale 5G network and allows MNOs to save on infrastructure construction costs.

As reported by Bernama, Tengku Zafrul said that the 5G access agreements signed by five MNOs and DNB as an important achievement to implement Malaysia’s 5G vision to drive long-term digital economy development. He asserted that 5G services will raise productivity, efficiency and innovation which is expected to create 750,000 high-skilled jobs and generate RM650 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) cumulatively until 2030.

As we’ve reported previously, five out of six local MNOs signed the agreement, namely U Mobile, Digi, Telekom Malaysia (TM), Celcom and YTL Telecommunications (Yes) on 31 October 2022, with Maxis still assessing whether to follow suit. Currently, the 5G network covers approximately 11 million people across Malaysia, equivalent to more than 33 per cent coverage in populated areas, with DNB fully committed to expediting infrastructure development.

The caretaker Finance Minister further elaborated that the DNB service agreement would allow MNOs to focus on improving 4G services and providing innovative, high-value 5G services to benefit people and businesses. Moreover, the participation of the five MNOs is expected to benefit their respective end users, with speed and 5G connectivity being offered more inclusively at affordable prices.

More impressively, Tengku Zafrul also revealed that the cost of developing the 5G network is made without any government funding or guarantees other than an equity injection worth RM500 million to start DNB's operations. This is despite the total cost of development is estimated to be RM16.5 billion over 10 years.

So, what do you guys think of the statement by the caretaker Finance Minister? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more tech news from Malaysia and beyond!