Microsoft might have worked on this four-colour camera system inspired by its logo

Microsoft has been playing safe when it comes to hardware. The boldest product that the company recently launched could be the Surface Duo which is a dual-screen device. However, this patent filed by the company earlier has shown that it still has an adventurous spirit for putting out innovative products.

According to the patent dug up by LetsGoDigital, Microsoft could be planning to adopt a four-colour camera system inspired by its logo. The camera system is to be hidden under the screen and has four sensors with each covered by a colour filter corresponding with the Microsoft logo. When they're not in use, they could function as merely displaying the logo or notification lights. The document also suggests that the camera system could even generate impressive images as it's using the power of four sensors.

It is worth mentioning that the patent was filed in 2019 and Microsoft might have stopped working on this project, or never started. The idea is definitely an interesting one considering the fact that the under-display camera is what everyone has been waiting to see these days, so they can get rid of all forms of notches to enjoy an unobstructed display.

Let us know what you think about this patent filed by Microsoft on our Facebook page. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more tech reports.


Microsoft now allows you to add your Google Account on Outlook.com

Have you been switching between Gmail and Outlook just to read your emails? Isn't it troublesome to read your emails on two different accounts? If you find that troublesome, here’s a good news from Microsoft! The team has finally added linking your Gmail account to Outlook.com as an option. Other than that, you’ll get access to Google Calendar and documents from Google Drive all in one platform as well.

Recently, a Twitter user has made a post about the feature showing that he is able to add his Google Account on Outlook.com. This new update should have saved a lot of trouble faced by those who are using two different email accounts from these two platforms (including us!). However, the feature is still a beta test. It is said that only one Google Account can be added at the moment.

You can now add your gmail account on https://t.co/qrV9WCmJyQ ! pic.twitter.com/KYvZe6wx7q

Surprisingly, Microsoft didn’t just release a feature to let you read your emails from Gmail on Outlook.com and stop there. The team has also brought Google Drive integration into the platform. You can now get access to your documents and files from Google Drive and attach them to your emails (both Gmail and Outlook) on Outlook.com.

Microsoft only released the feature to limited Outlook.com users for now and they didn’t say anything about a wider rollout. A Microsoft spokesperson stated that they are trying to get as many feedbacks as possible to ensure best email experience by starting with a small set of Outlook.com users.

I bet some of you must find this new feature on Outlook.com useful and you would be using it by the time of its release. But for now, we could only wait for it to become stable. Let us know what you think about this update on our Facebook page! For more tech news, stay tuned on TechNave.com.


Microsoft now opens for developers to work on its first Android foldable device Surface Duo

In last year’s October, Microsoft have debuted two folding devices named Surface Neo and Surface Duo. Both of them are able to be folded inside and outside with a hinge mechanism (not folding screen here). Today, the company has released the Surface Duo preview SDK that allows developers to express their creativity on the two-screen device.

The Microsoft Surface Duo is actually the company’s first Android smartphone and also the first foldable smartphone. After failing with Windows phones, it looks like the lesson has been learned of not using Windows OS for smartphone products. It is also said that Microsoft has been working closely with Google to bring great features to the users.

In context - this feels even more magical. pic.twitter.com/8yLLoioE1K

Now, let’s talk about how can the device be used and what makes Microsoft’s foldable device different from the others. It seems like there are five ways for users to interact with the device, which includes window mode, split-screen, dual view, companion pane view, and double-portrait or double-landscape layouts. The device is also able to run two programs simultaneously on different screens that are separated by a hinge, which makes it easier for users instead of viewing two programs on only one screen.

It is unsure whether when will the device be released. As Microsoft is now only trying to get the software right before getting to the hardware, it might still take some time for the device to be fully mature.

Let us know what you think about the Microsoft Duo on our Facebook page. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more awesome tech news.


Microsoft now testing xCloud web version before releasing publicly

We talked about Microsoft's xCloud before and in case you don't remember what is it - it's a gaming streaming platform that allows gamers to access online on a website. The company has been working on it for several months now and they are now having a test before sending out to the public.

From what we understand, xCloud is usable on Android tablets and phones as well as on iPhones and iPads. It can also run on any website (in full-screen mode, always) with a launcher that requires an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and a gaming controller as well. Since everyone's laptop and PC run different specs, we don't think the games can run in 4k streaming. xCloud is currently using Xbox One S server.

Microsoft plans to release beta testing to the public during Spring so that's in Q2 of 2021. Plus, they are also planning to bundle it with the Xbox app on Windows 10. If this all goes well, Malaysians will have more gaming options now and can be easily accessed on a web browser.

But what do you think? Or you still prefer mobile gaming which is more popular in the Asian region. Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Microsoft officially announced a new Xbox Mini Fridge and it is what you think it is

As per tradition, gamers would get some new updates about new games and development during mid-year annually but nothing prepared us for an Xbox Mini Fridge. What started out as a meme has now become a reality and Microsoft even released an official trailer announcement about it.

From the trailer, the design looks very much like the Xbox Series X console but functions as a fridge instead. Apparently, the company kept the promise back in April and delivered it during the Xbox + Bethesda E3 event. There's no official price tag, though, but it's said to be lower than $499 (~RM2052).

The Malaysian market may probably not get the Xbox Mini Fridge at all but if you're still interested, it's scheduled to be released at the end of the year. Would you get one if you could? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


ASUS ZenFone Max Shot and Max Plus M2 has been announced and are the first with Snapdragon SiP 1

Unveiled in Brazil, the ASUS ZenFone Max Shot and ASUS ZenFone Max Plus M2 are the first in the world to be equipped by the Qualcomm Snapdragon SiP 1. It is a new processor that puts the application processor, modem, RF Front end, audio codec, RAM and storage into a single chip.

The ASUS Zenfone Max Shot comes in two variants with different tech specs. The first one comes in 3GB RAM + 32GB internal storage and the second in 4GB RAM + 64GB internal storage. The device has a 6.26 inch FHD+ notched display and a 8MP selfie camera complete with its own LED flash.

The rear comes with a triple camera setup with 12MP (Sony IMX486) sensor + 8MP (120 degree ultra-wide angle) sensor + 5MP (depth) sensor. Besides that, it also comes with a rear mounted fingerprint scanner. For the battery, it comes with 4000mAh capacity and charges via micro USB with 10W maximum charging. You can find this device in the colours red, blue, silver and black. The device retails for BRL1349 (~RM1436) for the 3GB RAM version and BRL1699 (~RM1809) for the 4GB RAM version.

As for the ASUS ZenFone Max Plus M2, the device has similar specs to the Max Shot except for a few tech specs and features. It comes in 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage only and on the rear, you’ll find a dual camera setup with 12MP (Sony IMX486) sensor + 5MP (depth) sensor. Design-wise, the device comes in red, black, blue and silver and sells for BRL1299 (~RM1383).

Now, I bet you’re wondering what is this brand new SoC you’ve never heard of? SiP is short of System in Package. It is a smaller motherboard with everything integrated on it. This results in thinner devices and due to the fact that everything is packaged into one means there is more space in the device for extra parts such as camera sensors, larger batteries and etc. The SiP 1 has the same specs as the Snapdragon 450, which isn’t that high up the tier. It comes bundled with the Adreno 506 GPU.

No Malaysia release date or Malaysia price has been heard of so far and the device is only available for purchase on the ASUS Brazil website. How do you think these phones with these brand new chipsets would perform? Find more news and updates about ASUS on TechNave.com!


Microsoft officially confirms end of Windows 7 and 8

Microsoft has officially announced the end of Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 today. As of 10 January 2023, Microsoft will stop supplying security updates for these older operating systems.

According to Microsoft (via TechRadar), many Microsoft Windows users have yet to upgrade to Windows 11, much less Windows 10. However, as such, they do recommend that users should update to newer versions or risk cyberattacks exploiting security flaws and vulnerabilities which are no longer being updated.

To be honest, we’re not surprised as we’ve seen some bank ATMs here in Malaysia still running Windows XP. In addition, for some of us, Windows 11 has been impossible to install at all due to certain hardware requirements prompting some users to migrate to other operating systems like Linux or ChromeOS Flex.

Are you still using Windows 7, 8 or 8.1? Would you consider updating to Windows 10 or Windows 11 or are you just going to buy a new computer? Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Microsoft officially rolling out file drag-and-drop feature to Your Phone app

For those who work with or on their smartphones a lot, being able to transfer files between their mobile device and a PC can be invaluable. It's even better if you can do it quickly and conveniently, which is what Microsoft has in mind. The Your Phone app now allows devices with the "Link to Windows" feature to connect to your PC for an easy way to drag-and-drop for files.

First provided to Windows Insiders as a beta feature, Microsoft has begun to roll out the drag-and-drop feature for the Your Phone app recently. According to Roberto Bojorquez from Microsoft, the feature will gradually be available to all Windows users. This feature, exclusive to Samsung Galaxy devices, was announced about two weeks ago.

Starting now and through the next few weeks, Drag & Drop will be rolling out beyond windows insiders to all #linktowindows users. When this feature reaches your device you will see a pop up. This is great to drag videos out of Gallery app albums and PDFs from My Files app into PC https://t.co/9aPOveRiLO pic.twitter.com/2wneQlkjEE

For those unfamiliar with Your Phone, it's an app that allows you to link an Android device of version 7.0 and above to a Windows PC. Once connected, you'll be able to make calls from your PC, check your notifications, and also access your apps through your PC. However, there are still no signs that Microsoft is enabling this feature for non-Samsung smartphones, which is unfortunate.

Now that the feature is rolling out to all Windows users, we hope that Microsoft will start to allow more devices to use the features in the Your Phone app. With that said, what do you think about this app? Do you know of an alternative that supports your device? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


Microsoft officially rolls out iMessage support on Windows 11

Previously, we reported that Microsoft is previewing Phone Link for iOS which would allow Apple users to use iMessage, send and receive phone calls and even receive notifications on Windows 11. Well, the company has recently released the full version and is currently rolling out to all Windows 11 users.

In a blog post, the company announced that the functionality will be available around the world by mid-May 2023. For it to work with Apple devices, you need to have the Phone Link for Windows 11 on your PC and the Link to Windows app for iOS on your iOS or iPadOS devices.

The app allows you to make all of the aforementioned tasks, though they do come with several limitations. For example, there’s no support for group chats, photos, videos and conversation history beyond the current chat session.

This may be due to the app connecting the PC and the iOS device via Bluetooth rather than WiFi, hence data transfer and speeds are limited. Nevertheless, it’s definitely an awesome option to have for those owning an iPhone with a Windows 11 PC.

What do you guys think? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more trending tech news.


Microsoft opens Windows Holographic to partners for a new era of mixed reality

Yesterday at Computex 2016, Microsoft Corp. invited its Windows 10 hardware partners to create virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality devices and everything in between with Windows Holographic, the platform that powers Microsoft HoloLens. In opening up Windows Holographic to partners, Microsoft shared its vision for mixed reality — a world where devices interact with each other to change the way people work, communicate, learn and play.

“With Windows 10, we’ve been on an incredible journey with our partners, and today we usher in the next frontier of computing — mixed reality,” said Terry Myerson, executive vice president, Windows and Devices.

Business opportunity for VR is vast, as there are already over 80 million virtual reality devices expected on the market. Windows Holographic can enable innovation across a range of devices and offer a holographic shell and user interface, perception APIs, and Xbox Live services, enabling a familiar experience across apps and content. All Universal Windows apps can run on the Windows Holographic platform. Today there are nearly a thousand Universal Windows Apps that run on Windows Holographic.

In a mixed reality world, devices can offer experiences that extend beyond the virtual world. Imagine wearing a VR device and seeing your physical hands as you manipulate an object, working on the scanned 3-D image of a real object, or bringing a real-life holographic representation of another person into your virtual world so you can collaborate. In this world, devices can spatially map your environment wherever you are; manipulating digital content is as easy and natural as it is in the real world. Interested partners can learn more at www.winhec.com.

Nick Parker, corporate vice president, OEM division, highlighted how Microsoft works hand-in-hand with PC makers, celebrating innovation in hardware from PCs to gaming to Internet of Things and beyond. The latest on Microsoft’s involvement at Computex 2016 — including new Windows 10 devices from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and MSI — can be found at the Windows blog. In addition, visitors to Computex 2016 this week can view the new Windows 10 devices at the Microsoft Booth L0110, located at Nangang Hall 4F, Computers and Systems area. The show is open through June 4.

Microsoft is currently working with Intel Corporation, AMD Inc., Qualcomm Inc., HTC Corp., Acer Inc., ASUS, Dell Inc., Falcon Northwest, HP, Lenovo Group Ltd., MSI and many others to build a hardware ecosystem supporting great virtual reality experiences on Windows 10.


Microsoft planning to place a permanent watermark on unsupported machines with Windows 11

Microsoft might have an extreme way in its pocket to prevent users from installing Windows 11 on unsupported machines. According to the latest information, the tech giant might use a permanent watermark to warn those who install the operating system (OS) on devices that don't meet the system requirements.

Spotted by Windows Latest, the watermark that shows a message 'system requirements not met' placed above the taskbar (near the time) is in testing. If you find it familiar, it's basically another version of the watermark that some of you might have seen before for not activating the OS.

Microsoft has stated that it'll not offer any updates to the OS installed on unsupported machines. Therefore, this could be a quick and straightforward method to stop the users from thinking about installing it from the beginning. Who wants an annoying watermark that sticks on their desktop forever anyway? However, it's worth mentioning that it's only spotted in the test builds, but there's still a high chance it will make it to the official rollout.

What is your opinion on this article? Comment and let us know what you think! Stay tuned to TechNave.com for the most up-to-date tech news.


Microsoft plans to establish the first datacenter region in Malaysia as part of "Bersama Malaysia" initiative

Today, Microsoft has announced that it will establish its first datacenter region in Malaysia to deliver trusted cloud services locally. It is aligned with the Bersama Malaysia initiative that is committed to empowering Malaysia’s inclusive digital economy and advancing the nation’s digital transformation across the private and public sectors.

Not only bringing the digital infrastructure to Malaysia but Microsoft is also committed to equipping individuals with equal opportunities to thrive in a cloud and AI-enabled digital economy. The tech giant will skill an additional 1 million Malaysians by December 2023 through the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), Social Security Organization (SOCSO), Junior Achievement Malaysia, TalentCorp Malaysia, MAMPU, Grab Malaysia, Biji-Biji Enterprise, and local universities.

According to IDC's research, it is believed that Microsoft’s investment in Malaysia will help generate up to USD 4.6 billion (~RM18.9 Billion) in new revenues for the country’s ecosystem of local partners and cloud-consuming customers over the next four years. Some companies like Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) and Celcom Axiata Berhad are planning to use the Microsoft Cloud from the new datacenter region when it is available, hoping to help advance Malaysia’s nation-building and digital ambitions.

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


Microsoft plans to launch an Xbox Games Store on iPhone as early as 2024

Previously, we reported on the European Union’s (EU) Digital Markets Act that would force Apple to introduce alternative app stores and sideloading on the iPhone. Well, it looks like Microsoft is keen on using the new EU law to offer its services on iOS devices as it was revealed that the company is planning to launch an Xbox Games Store on the iPhone.

Microsoft’s gaming chief Phil Spencer teased the matter in an interview with the Financial Times, saying that the store may be introduced as early as next year. However, this may be dependent on regulators approving Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

The acquisition will essentially give the tech company a wider range of mobile games for the proposed iOS Xbox Games Store. Besides that, the move is also dependent on the new EU law coming into force.

So, what do you guys think about the prospect of an Xbox Games Store on the iPhone? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more trending tech news such as this.


Microsoft postpones the launch of Surface Neo and Windows 10X to 2021

Do you still remember Microsoft’s upcoming dual-screen device Surface Neo and its new OS Windows 10X which were revealed last year? Now, it looks like people who are waiting for them to be launched this year have to wait a little longer. Today, Microsoft’s Chief Product Officer, Panos Panay, has announced to his team members that the launch of the said products will be delayed until next year.

The Windows 10X is the OS that was supposed to be launched together with the company’s first dual-screen device 2020. However, due to the pandemic, Microsoft has to postpone the launch to next year and they will also not allow third-party manufacturers to ship devices running the OS before the official launch.

However, it is said that Microsoft will now focus on improving the OS for single-screen devices like 2-in-1s before giving the public access to it. Other than that, we may also get to experience some of the features from Windows 10X in an upcoming Windows 10 update. It is sad not getting to see the Surface Neo and Windows 10X coming out this year, but we just have to understand it is hard to keep things in progress nowadays.

Share your thoughts with us about this news on our Facebook page. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more viral tech news.


Microsoft promotes its next-gen console with Xbox Series X refrigerators

Many of us consider corporations as these faceless organisations that are just out for the money. It's hard to tell if that's completely true these days though, with some of them embracing the modern-day fun. Specifically, we're talking about how Microsoft has been marketing its Xbox brand lately with memes and popular sub-cultures.

According to Tweaktown, some personalities on the Internet have been getting something big from Microsoft recently - a big Xbox Series X refrigerator, that is. YouTuber iJustine was one of those who received a huge package in an enlarged version of the box the Xbox Series X will retail with. Inside is a refrigerator built in the likeness of the console, with the logo lighting up when you plug it in.

The Xbox Series X is slated to be released on 10 November 2020, so it's not surprising to see Microsoft coming up with all sorts of ways to promote and market it. If you ask us, ideas like these will certainly stick out and could go viral. Whether that will make gamers want to buy it is a different question, and let's not forget that it may not launch in Malaysia.

Having said that, would you go for the Xbox Series X if it does launch here? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more fun news.


Microsoft promoting its free software to education community to encourage remote learning

In the wake restricted movement order in Malaysia, educational institutions are also forced to closed premises. As a result, these institutions now need to conduct lessons differently. Microsoft wants to remind all those in the education community during that it has free software that can help with remote learning.

The three software that Microsoft has pointed out is its Office 365 A1, Microsoft Teams, and Minecraft: Education Edition. Both Office 365 A1 and Microsoft Teams are well-suited for productivity and communications, while Minecraft: Education Edition is a variant of the game that is designed to help foster creativity in younger schoolchildren. The first two can also be used for free, but if you want more storage capacity or access to services then there's a subscription fee involved.

With Office 365 A1, you get to use an online version of Microsoft Excel, OneNote, PowerPoint, and Word. A total of 10GB storage will be available for the entire organisation, while each user will also have an additional 2GB of storage. Then there's Microsoft Teams, which is a tool similar to Slack. By using it, you'll have individual and group chat capabilities, as as well audio or video calling. Lastly, Minecraft: Education Edition is now accessible for free even for organisations subscribing to the free version of Office 365 Education.

It looks like Microsoft wants to promote the use of its remote learning tools at this time. However, will this three software be effective enough to convince the education community to use it permanently? Let us know what you think on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


ASUS ZenFone Max also announced for Malaysia at RM899 with 5000 mAh battery

Asides from the ASUS ZenFone Zoom launch recently, ASUS also announced the equally (if not more) awaited ASUS ZenFone Max (ZC550KL) for RM899. Packing in a 5000 mAh battery with the energy-sipping Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor tech specs, the phone also offers a 13MP PixelMaster rear camera with laser autofocus and dual-tone LED flash. The ZenFone Max is already available locally at authorized distributors and should get to the ASUS Malaysia Store soon. Check out the ASUS ZenFone Max tech specs and features below:

You can also check out our first impressions of the ASUS ZenFone Max below:


Microsoft puts a name to their generative AI and it’s called Copilot

Hot on the heels of Google’s generative AI for Workspaces, is Microsoft’s take on it, which they have called Microsoft 365 Copilot. Designed to parse through your OneDrive (where Microsoft expects you to put all your personal images and details too) Copilot can automatically create and summarize emails, presentations, spreadsheets and documents throughout Microsoft’s Office 365 suite, Outlook and more.

However, Microsoft admits that it can be wrong but puts a nice spin on it by saying that it will be “usefully wrong, giving you an idea that’s not perfect but still gives you a head start”. Working across Microsoft Teams, Copilot can also transcribe meetings, summarize action items or remind you about important things you might have missed.

Like Google, Microsoft are also only rolling out their generative AI to a select few testers for now. There’s also no timeline or Malaysia release dates on when we’ll get to try out Copilot but we expect that it will be at least this year, just to keep up with Google.

What do you think about the Microsoft 365 Copilot? Do you think it might put your personal assistant out of a job or make it necessary for him or her to learn how to use Copilot for you? Share your thoughts in our comments and stay tuned to TechNave.com


Microsoft re-enlists Huawei notebooks back in its online store after one month

In case you missed it, the Huawei notebook lineup previously disappeared on Microsoft's online store last month due to the on-going trade war. Microsoft didn't give any comment on their actions, but it seems that they have put Huawei back again this week.

This was spotted by WalkingCat from Twitter as he stumbled upon the Huawei Matebook 13, Matebook D and the Matebook X Pro. The Matebook X Pro is "out of stock" at the moment, but the rest are available to purchase. On top of that, Microsoft has also finally given a reply on why they removed Huawei in the first place:

“We have been evaluating, and will continue to respond to, the many businesses, technical and regulatory complexities stemming from the recent addition of Huawei to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Export Administration Regulations Entity List..as a result, we are resuming the sale of existing inventory of Huawei devices at Microsoft Store,” said Microsoft.

With this, the Huawei notebook lineup is clear from any suspicion of "spyware" since it's related to the current USA regulations. However, Huawei's relationship with Qualcomm and Intel still don't look good since two companies have cut chip supplies under the orders of Trump.

HUAWEI devices are back in Microsoft Store https://t.co/VqkE3Ovr67

We will continue to keep an eye at Huawei's future, so stay tuned for more tech news at TechNave.com.


Microsoft rebrands OneDrive 100GB StandAlone plan to "Microsoft 365 Basic", available at RM9/month

Microsoft Malaysia has refreshed its Microsoft 365 cloud storage plans in Malaysia to include a new ‘Basic’ tier at only RM9 per month or at a cheaper price of RM90 per year if you opt for an annual subscription. Previously known as the OneDrive Standalone 100GB plan, Microsoft 365 Basic offers new premium features, including ad-free Outlook and mobile email.

According to Microsoft’s official Malaysian website, the 365 Basic plan offers the same 100GB cloud storage as the OneDrive 100GB plan but includes these other benefits:

However, do note that the subscription plan is only available for individual use and that it doesn’t come with access to premium desktop versions of popular Microsoft apps such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint and OneNote. Access to the aforementioned desktop apps is available in the 365 Personal tier and above.

Users of the OneDrive 100GB Standalone plan automatically transitioned to the 365 Basic plan starting yesterday. Accordingly, the OneDrive plan is now no longer available for purchase.

So, what do you guys think of the new 365 Basic plan? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more trending tech news in Malaysia and beyond.


Microsoft releases a preview of PC Game Pass in Malaysia, over 100 games available for just RM1 during trial period

Microsoft today announced that it is bringing its popular PC Game Pass to Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Furhtermore, for the first time ever, a preview of the service is now available in the aforementioned countries.

Announced on its official website, Microsoft said that the PC Game Pass preview will give gamers access to a library of over 100 high-quality games. These include new Xbox Game Studios releases on day one, iconic Bethesda games and EA Play membership for one low monthly price.

Currently, Microsoft announced that it is in the midst of setting up and testing local payment methods for the service. In the meantime, it will only be charging RM1 for the whole duration of the preview in Malaysia.

The tech giant first introduced PC Game Pass in 2019 and was built from the ground up in partnership with the PC gaming community. It gave gamers everywhere the ultimate freedom to discover and play a highly curated library of great games.

PC Game Pass includes popular games such as Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5, Age of Empires IV, Sea of Thieves and Microsoft Flight Simulator and more. The service includes new Xbox Game Studios titles on day one like Halo Infinite.

Furthermore, it also features iconic franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls from Bethesda Softworks, independent games and blockbusters. EA Play is also included with the service, featuring some of the world’s biggest franchises including FIFA, Battlefield, The Sims and Mass Effect.

For further information on PC Game Pass in Malaysia, do visit microsoft’s page on the matter here. So, what do you guys think of this announcement?

Would you be signing up for the preview? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for all the latest trending tech news!


Microsoft reveals Windows 10X emulator, offers first look to OS for dual-screen Windows devices

Microsoft has been moving quickly to get people on board with the idea of dual-screen devices. A few weeks ago, the company released a preview SDK for the Microsoft Surface Duo, which is a dual-screen device that is expected to run on Android OS. This time, we get to see an emulator for Windows 10X, which will allow developers to see the operating system in action.

In an official blog post, Microsoft listed some of the details on how it hopes Windows 10X - a customised version of Windows 10 - can be used with dual-screen devices. The OS is targeted at devices like the Microsoft Surface Neo, which was first revealed in October last year. Windows 10X has a few notable differences compared to the desktop OS, such as the Start menu that adopts a mobile device's app drawer design instead of the Windows tile menu.

As an OS made for two screens, Microsoft wanted more flexibility in multitasking. With the Windows 10X, you're supposed to be able to open apps on one screen, then move them to another or make them stretch out to the full width of the two screens. In addition, the standard minimise and close buttons can also be found on apps.

Besides the above, Windows 10X has gesture controls, a Task View (similar to Task Manager on Windows 10), a modified File Explorer, and a neat feature called Wonder Bar. The Wonder Bar is supposedly similar to the Apple Touch Bar. It will either appear with the software keyboard in the OS, or can be integrated into a hardware keyboard, which suggests that Microsoft will make a wireless keyboard for the Surface Duo.

If you want to try out Windows 10X for yourself, you can grab the emulator and Windows 10X image from the Microsoft Store. With that said, how keen are you on a dual-screen Windows device? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


Microsoft reveals a Universal Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard that can fit in your pocket

At MWC 2015, Microsoft announced two new smartphones, namely the Lumia 640 and the Lumia 640 XL. However, at the MWC Keynote the company also showed off a Universal Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard that is compact enough to fit inside your pocket. The new accessory can come in handy especially when you don't have a notebook PC or a laptop nearby or if you're a mostly tablet and phone user. The keyboard is said to be compatible with all major operating systems including iOS, Android and Windows. So, this handy accessory can convert any iPad, iPhone, Android phone or even Windows device into a laptop for a limited period of time. Incidentally, even the latest Windows 8.1 update does not support Bluetooth keyboards. However, the product page for this foldable keyboard confirms that Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 will add this support. So, after this update, Windows phone users will finally be able to use new Bluetooth accessories like third party keyboards on their devices. It is also said that the upcoming Windows 10 will come with this support built in. Microsoft has yet to announce official pricing or availability details of this Universal Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard, but expect more information soon.


Microsoft’s AI-powered Bing chatbot will start showing ads to users soon

ChatGPT and other AI-related products have been all the craze lately, with Microsoft gaining the most traction with its AI-powered Bing chatbot. Naturally, the company is looking to monetise this and has announced that it will place “ads in the chat experience”.

In an official Microsoft Bing blog post, Microsoft corporate vice president Yusuf Mehdi elaborated that it wants to drive more traffic to publishers and increase the latter’s revenues in this new world of AI-powered search. Hence, the company looks to “pioneering the future of advertising” in these new mediums.

As reported by The Verge, a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that ads would be showing in the new Bing, specifically in chats. Moreover, the tech giant is still exploring new opportunities for ad experiences and will share more over time.

So, what do you guys think of the AI-powered Bing chatbot showing ads in the future? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more trending tech news such as this.


Microsoft’s AI-powered Bing search engine is available… but you’ll have to wait a while

Microsoft recently announced that their new AI-powered Bing search engine and Edge browser are now available… but if you were hoping to ask Bing to write your homework tonight, all you can do for now is register on the waitlist as it is only available to a select few.

According to Microsoft, aside from offering better search and answers you can also chat with the new AI-powered Bing search engine. However, the feature that has most people curious about (ourselves included), is about generating content such as writing an email. The Microsoft Edge Internet browser will also have AI powered features like chat and compose but it’s only for desktop.

Granted, you will have to have a Microsoft account to register, but it’s free if you want to sign up. Are you interested in the new AI-powered Bing? What would you use it for? Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave.com


Microsoft's acquisition on TikTok could be worth up to ~RM125.6 billion

In case you've been hiding under the rock, Microsoft is indeed in talks with TikTok on acquiring the company. To briefly recap the situation, the US President Donald Trump has ordered TikTok to be sold to Microsoft and the deal must be done by 15 September 2020 or else it will be banned in the country.

Now according to CNBC.com, the acquisition of TikTok could be worth up to $30 billion. In a direct currency exchange rate, that's as much as ~RM125.6 billion and if the deal is established before the deadline, Microsoft have agreed to transfer TikTok's code from China within one year. The source also said that Steve Mnuchin, US Treasury Secretary is "deeply involved" as well and might get a "cut of the acquisition" albeit unclear if the process is legal.

Besides the acquisition, both companies also have to take consideration of transferring millions of data over with a year. However, Faber reported that Microsoft is quite capable of that and could transfer TikTok's software code (up to 15 million lines of AI data) which is why the company is favoured for this operation.

TikTok have been under pressure this year as their app got banned in India and now facing accusations of sending users' data to the Chinese government. Although TikTok's HQ is on America soil, they are still owned by ByteDance which operates in Beijing, China. We shall see how this situation turns out over the next few weeks so stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Microsoft's new Edge browser is based on Chrome, promises better productivity and privacy

It's been a while since we've heard anything about Microsoft Edge but it looks like the browser is ready for a revival. Microsoft has been spending most of last year overhauling Edge to the open-source Chromium and has finally made the new version available for download.

By basing the new browser on Chromium, Microsoft Edge becomes a lot more compatible with modern websites. This should encourage more people to use it, especially since the browser is available to both Windows and macOS users in 90 different languages. Microsoft will not be pushing it to Windows OS through Windows Update yet, however, so you will have to download it yourself if you're interested.

In our opinion, trying to get people to move away from using Google Chrome may be a tall task. According to StatCounter, Google Chrome holds 63.2% of the browser market share as of December 2019, which is a vast number of users. But Microsoft believes its new browser's capability in productivity and privacy would be enough to entice users to give Edge a chance.

Through 'Collections', a feature that is integrated with Office 365, Edge users will have an easier time when working on Microsoft Word or Excel. Microsoft also promises that Edge will give you more control over your data and more transparency when it comes to what info is being collected from you, using the Tracking Prevention and InPrivate mode.

It's still early days so it's hard to tell if what the new Microsoft Edge has is enough to convince people to adopt it. Still, it's good to see Microsoft moving in this direction. Having said that, will you actually want to try using it? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for other news.


ASUS ZenFone Max announced with 5000 mAh battery

At the recent ASUS ZenFestival in India, ASUS announced a ZenFone with a massive 5000 mAh battery called the ASUS ZenFone Max. Unlike some of the other new announcements, the ZenFone Max goes for a design more like the original ZenFone range with no volume controls on the backplate. It does offer a metallic frame though along with physical capacitive keys below the 5.5-inch display. It also comes with the latest Corning Gorilla Glass 4 along with a Snapdragon 410 processor, 2GB RAM, 13MP PixelMaster camera with laser autofocus and dual-tone LED flash along with a 5MP front camera. It should have Dual SIM 4G LTE connectivity as well. No Malaysia release dates or pricing details for the ZenFone Max yet but it is expected sometime in October 2015. Asides from the battery and cameras, other features are decidedly entry-level to midrange so we expect a price tag of below RM1K, perhaps around RM799 to RM899 but we should know more in the next few months.


Microsoft's upcoming surface laptop 4 spotted on GeekBench and it's equipped with either an Intel or AMD processors

Based on a statement by ithome, it seems that Microsoft’s upcoming laptop called the Surface Laptop 4 may have been spotted on GeekBench, hinting that the laptops could come equipped with either an AMD or Intel processor. While not much is known in regards to the Malaysia release date, it does give us a better idea of what to expect when it is officially available in the global market.

Other than the processors mentioned above, it seems that the laptop will come with up to a 13.5-inch display, and 8GB of RAM. Unfortunately, there’s no additional information known in regards to the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 for now so you might want to check back with us in the near future for more updates.

With all that said, what are your thoughts on the Surface Laptop 4 as of now? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Microsoft says that Chrome drains battery, and Edge saves it

While the Google browser Chrome is popular all over the world, it is resource hungry. It eats memory and battery like a hungry baby, and while Google has promised that they will try and fix this, no big difference is seen as of yet. Microsoft is drilling down the point further with the battery test that they did, comparing major web browsers of today.

The company did two tests – one test involves setting up four identical Microsoft Surface Book, with each running different browsers playing back HD videos, while the other involves the same four browsers running simulated test of typical user behaviours while online. The first test showed that while Google Chrome lasted for only 4 hours and 19 minutes on a single charge playing back HD video, Microsoft Edge lasted almost 70% longer, at 7 hours and 22 minutes.

For daily use, Microsoft Edge was the clear winner as it used less battery power – up to 50% less actually. Microsoft also shared aggregated data from millions of Windows 10 users out there, and the results doesn't lie – Microsoft Edge gives better battery performance when compared to Google Chrome.


Microsoft says that ads in Windows 11 File Explorer is just an ‘experiment’, may still be introduced in the future

Recently, we reported that Microsoft is potentially planning to put ads in Windows 11 File Explorer based on a screenshot shared by one of the OS’ build testers. Now, Microsoft has come out to address the matter, saying that the ads feature is merely an experimental banner.

Furthermore, the tech giant also said that the banner was never intended for external publication and has since been turned off in the latest Windows 11 test build. This is according a statement from Windows senior programme designer, Brandon LeBlanc that was sent to US-based tech portal The Verge.

Previously, Microsoft faced a flurry of backlash after the File Manager ad banner was first shared by Florian onTwitter. A post regarding the incident went viral on Reddit, garnering over 49100 upvotes at the time of writing with many commenters mocking the ‘feature’, with some even saying that 'this is the perfect ad for Linux'.

While Microsoft has turned off the ads banner in its latest Windows 11 test build, the brief statement doesn’t actually rule out the company putting ads in File Explorer in the future. Nevertheless, we can’t judge a company based on what they may do, so for now, kudos to Microsoft for actually taking action based on feedback from its customers.

What do you guys think of the whole situation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and make sure to follow TechNave on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest trending tech news such as this!


Microsoft says that its Xbox Cloud Gaming device is still in the works

Earlier, Microsoft had revealed its plan for a Xbox Cloud Gaming device codenamed 'Keystone' that provides what Google's Stadia and Chromecast offer. Until now, the company states that the device is still in the works. However, it might take time for us to finally see it, as the company won't publicly release the current iteration.

According to Microsoft, the company's goal is "to enable people to play the games they want, on the devices they want, anywhere they want." Therefore, they've been working on this device that can be connected to any TV or monitor without the need for a gaming console." We can't deny that most of us actually want it too.

Furthermore, the company also stated that "as part of any technical journey, it's constantly evaluating its efforts, reviewing its learnings, and ensuring that it's bringing value to the customers." Therefore, it has decided to "pivot away from the current iteration of the Keystone device." It adds that "it will take its learnings and refocus the efforts on a new approach that will allow it to deliver Xbox Cloud Gaming to more players around the world in the future."

Despite not seeing this iteration of the Xbox Cloud Gaming device, are you still excited about what it'll offer? Let us know how you feel by leaving a comment, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more gaming news.


Microsoft says you don't need to Safely Remove your pen drive and hard drive anymore

So you know that one rule about having to safely eject your pen drive or hard drive at all times from your laptop and PC? Well, turns out that you don't need to do that anymore on Windows 10. Also, this is coming from Microsoft themselves.

According to Microsoft, they have integrated a feature called "quick removal" and this allows you to just take off the pen drive or hard drive anytime you want (of course, not when you're transferring data in between). In fact, this feature has been around since October last year with the version 1809 and Microsoft is actively telling IT professionals about this.

On the contrary, its "Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media" is still visible whenever you right click the pen drive or hard drive in the system tray. Maybe they should remove that entirely in the next update. Anyway, now you can tell your smarty pants friend that you don't need to do Safely Remove anymore.

Stay tuned for more tech news at TechNave.com.


Microsoft sees usage for cloud services surged by 775 percent as more people are working from home

Like our country, there are a few other countries around the world that have been practising social distancing. This has greatly contributed to the increase in the use of certain productivity tools and cloud services over the past few weeks. Microsoft has seen a spike in users for its cloud services, which the company likely hopes will be maintained even after this crisis.

According to the official post, Microsoft announced that it has seen a whopping 775% increase across all regions that have enforced social distancing or movement restrictions. This applies to services like Microsoft Teams, Windows Virtual Desktop, and Power BI. In particular, Microsoft Teams now has over 44 million active users daily, while Windows Virtual Desktop has seen its usage increased threefold.

For your information, Microsoft Teams is a communications tool that allows you to make VoIP calls, send messages, and transfer files to people in the same organisation. As for Windows Virtual Desktop, it's a powerful service that lets you create virtual desktops and apps over the cloud. The third one, Power BI, is a great tool for businesses to generate insights from a massive amount of structured data.

With that said, how many of you are actively using these tools now? Do you find them useful for working from home? Let us know what you think on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


Microsoft shares official statement regarding the acquisition of TikTok

Earlier, it was reported that Microsoft is interested in buying TikTok after the U.S. President Donald Trump said that the Chinese app is posing security risks to the country. Now, Microsoft has officially confirmed that they will proceed to acquire the platform which belongs to ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok.

In the statement, Microsoft has mentioned that they are pursuing discussions with ByteDance regarding the acquisition. They have also stated that the discussions will be completed no later than 15 September 2020. Besides the plan to acquire TikTok, the U.S. company has also shared some of their vision for the app. It is said that Microsoft will improve the app by ensuring transparency to users through a new structure with world-class security, privacy, and digital safety protections.

Although it looks promising as Microsoft is determined to bring a better security structure to the app, there are still some who are feeling insecure about it. The acquisition has been described as "bullying" as the U.S. government is forcing TikTok to be sold to an American company. However, there are also some who made positive comments saying that the government is just trying to protect their citizens' data. In the end, Microsoft mentioned that the acquisition will not proceed until a formal transaction has been made.

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


Microsoft shows off Xbox Console Streaming service, lets users remotely play on smartphone or tablet

Games streaming is likely going to be a big thing this decade. Sony PlayStation has been doing it with Remote Play and PlayStation Now for a while, but other companies are trying to catch up. For Microsoft, there's the Xbox Console Streaming that was introduced in October 2019. Essentially, it's a new function that will allow those who own an Xbox One to play any games they own on their Android smartphone or tablet.

Xbox Console Streaming has been in testing to selected users from the Xbox Insider Program but now Microsoft is looking to increase the number of testers. According to TechSpot, any Xbox One owner living in supported countries will now be able to try out the streaming feature. To do so, you need to sign up to the Xbox Insider Program and then the Xbox One Update Preview. Once you have, you will need to download the Xbox Game Streaming app from the Google Play Store.

Of course, this service is not available in Malaysia, which is unfortunate for those who want to give this a try. But maybe a service like this could drive demand for the next-gen Xbox Series X and we could see it launched in Malaysia. One can hope, right?

Having said that, what are your thoughts on game streaming services? Would you rather play while comfortably sitting in your living room with a big TV? Let us know what you think on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


Microsoft stops producing Windows RT powered Surface 2 tablet

Microsoft has just stopped the production of its two year old Microsoft Surface 2 tablet powered by the Windows RT operating system. The news doesn't come as a surprise since the Windows RT OS hasn't been very popular among buyers. Also, the new generation Microsoft Surface 3 tablet has been selling well for the company in recent quarters. In fact, in the recent earnings call, Microsoft revealed that it generated around $1.1 billion in revenue from the Surface lineup, with most of the credit going to the new Surface 3. According to the report, the company sold three times more Surface 3 tablets than the older Surface 2. Also, the company recently announced that it would not bring Windows 10 OS on the device as an update, which further hinted at the company's plans to shift its focus to the mainstream operating system. With the production stopped, Surface 2 stocks will eventually dry up for online and brick and mortar stores. It is already out of stock on the company's own website. However, a Microsoft spokesperson revealed recently that Microsoft will still support Windows RT for some time. The company aims to release an update which will bring some of the features of Windows 10 on to the platform.


Microsoft study finds 76% Malaysians consumers don't trust organizations' digital services to protect their personal data

In a recent study called “Understanding Consumer Trust in Digital Services in Asia Pacific”, both Microsoft and IDC Asia/Pacific have revealed that a small number of Malaysian consumers trust organizations' digital services on their personal data. How small, you ask? Well, turns out it is just only 24%.

In other words, that also means 76% of Malaysian consumers have trust issues with some organizations handling their personal data. We aren't experts but it's quite likely that their personal data have been misused for marketing purposes, hence getting advertisements on YouTube by force while watching halfway, or pop-ups appearing while browsing and so on.

To be fair, most internet users are very likely to punch in their personal details online publicly, but at the same time, even some organizations are using AI to monitor our site visits and chat rooms like stalkers to understand our needs. Granted, that's really creepy but this is the future now with organizations utilizing the AI's capabilities.

In addition, 41% of Malaysian consumers think that the government should do something to build trust, followed by technology companies at 27%, and 19% on communities. 41% doesn't seem like a lot, but this does indicate that there's a need for a better partnership between governments, technology companies and other stakeholders.

If you want to read the full report, you can do so at the Microsoft New Centre right here. Stay tuned for more tech news at TechNave.com.


ASUS ZenFone Max first impressions hands-on video: gaming + charging other devices

We continue our exploration of the ASUS ZenFone Max engineering sample with a first impressions hands-on video testing out the gaming capabilities of the phone with Asphalt 8: Airborne. We also see if you can actually charge another device with the ZenFone Max. Check out the video for yourself below:


Microsoft talking with HTC, Huawei and Samsung about Windows Phone on Android?

While initially Microsoft was rumoured to have approached HTC about loading Windows Phone on Android, it appears that HTC wasn't the only one Microsoft talked to. According to reports, Microsoft have also approached Samsung and Huawei with Windows Phone OS for smartphones and Windows RT for tablet for free as an incentive. They have also supposedly added on compensation for the required adaptation costs. While none of the above parties have really confirmed anything, a rumoured 12.1-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab which can dual-boot between Windows RT and Android is supposedly on the way. Tech specs for this device include very high pixel resolutions, a super thin plastic chassis made to look like metal (probably a chrome finish) and is supposedly very fast. Most of this info comes from Russion blogger Eldar Murtazin, who has mostly been accurate when it comes to Nokia - Microsoft related rumours. However, he was wrong about Tizen so take this rumour again with a pinch of salt. No Malaysia release dates or pricing just yet though.


Microsoft testing tabs for File Explorer on Windows 11

A Windows feature that most of us would like to have might be making its way to Windows 11. According to the latest information, Microsoft has started testing tabs for File Explorer in the latest build of the operating system (OS).

Rafael Rivera, a developer of the EarTrumpet Windows app, is the one who discovered the feature. If it ever made it to the release, users would be able to open multiple folders in one window. However, this is not the first appearance of the feature. In Windows 10, Microsoft had also tested something similar but never shipped it to the users.

File Explorer tabs are back! (Windows 11 22572, feature 34370472) pic.twitter.com/U3t10Affdq

Since Windows 95, many designers have imagined how File Explorer can be better with their concepts. A developer has even gone further and developed a new File Explorer app called Files, which is available on the Microsoft Store. For now, the company still hasn't made any statement regarding the feature, but there could be one soon.

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


Microsoft to bring new updates and features to Bing and Edge

Today, Microsoft announced that the new Bing is now in open preview and no longer has a waitlist. With this, more people will get to experience the AI-powered Bing and there are other updates too coming from the company. This includes opening up the platform to developers and third parties, and many more.

There are a few new updates that Microsoft announced. This includes making the search engine more visual and richer by including charts and graphs and updated formatting of answers. The Image Creator will be expanded to more than 100 languages in Bing whereby you can create images in your native language. By incorporating visual search in chat, you will be able to upload images and search the web for related content.

Microsoft also said two of the most requested features are maintaining access to your chat history and enabling it to share and export. So that will allow you to pick up where you left off and return to previous chats in Bing chat with chat history. In the near future, Microsoft will also be adding export and share functionalities into chat.

To make Chat in Microsoft Edge easier to consume dense online content, the company plans to improve the summarization capabilities for long documents, including PDFs and longer-form websites. Edge actions will be available in the coming weeks too. For example, if you want to watch a particular movie, actions in Edge will find and show you options in chat in the sidebar and then play the movie you want from where it’s available.

Moreover, Microsoft will also soon build third-party plug-ins into the Bing chat experience. This will create a platform for developers which can allow them to build on top of Bing to help users take action on their queries. For example, if you’re researching the latest restaurant for dinner in Bing chat, it will leverage OpenTable to help you find and book a reservation.

To read the full details, you can visit the official blog post by Microsoft right over here. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Microsoft to discontinue support and remove its Authenticator app on the Apple Watch

Microsoft has announced that a January 2023 update to the Microsoft Authenticator iOS app will remove the companion app from watchOS. Moreover, the company will also discontinue support for the app on Apple Watch starting next month.

Revealed in a support webpage, Microsoft said that the decision to do so was due to the fact that the watchOS is “incompatible with Authenticator security features”. Do note that only the app on watchOS is affected, as Microsoft will still support its Authenticator app on iOS and iPadOS.

Furthermore, Microsoft also recommends users delete the Authenticator app on watchOS as they won’t be able to use it beginning next month. The company however did not elaborate on how watchOS and the Apple Watch are incompatible with the app’s security features.

In case you’re not familiar, Microsoft Authenticator allows users to sign in to their Microsoft account or supported apps when two-step verification is enabled. The app also generates one-time use codes so that you do not have to wait for text messages or calls to access your accounts.

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


Microsoft to hold Surface event on October 2

It's no surprise that Microsoft’s next Surface event will be happening in New York. However, this year’s event will be a little different as not only new Surface devices will be launched. The Windows logo on the invite shows that it may be including the software side as well.

We can expect the Surface Laptop 3, Surface Pro 7 and Surface Book 3 launched in terms of their new devices. The much talked about Surface Earbuds and new keyboards each with a Microsoft Office button may also be there. A dual screen foldable laptop or table with the code Centaurus may be previewed during the event as well. We may also be hearing about the next Windows 10 big update.

For now, do take these speculations with a grain of salt as no official announcement has been made. Are you excited to see what Microsoft has in store for us? Keep up with the latest tech news in the world on TechNave.com!


Microsoft to launch Project xCloud in September 2020

Microsoft has been relatively tight-lipped when it comes to its games streaming platform - Project xCloud. But in the latest official post by Head of Xbox Phil Spencer, the launch window for the service was finally revealed. Project xCloud is expected to launch later in September 2020.

In a new post about all things Xbox, Project xCloud will be launched in September in supported countries. A quick look at the FAQ found on the official site tells us that the preview for Project xCloud was limited to Canada, South Korea, USA, and the United Kingdom. It also explains that the service rollout may take several years to complete.

Besides that, Microsoft will let Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers get access to Project xCloud at no extra cost. In case you're wondering, the Game Pass Ultimate cost USD 15 (~RM64) per month and comes with a Game Pass with Xbox Live Gold. Spencer also said that xCloud will be getting its official name at launch and will come with more than 100 titles available to subscribers.

Thus far, we're still unsure whether Microsoft plans to launch the service in Malaysia. Considering the lack of presence for Xbox in Malaysia, we may not get it at all. If it does launch here, would you be interested in this game streaming service? Do let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


Microsoft to offer Xbox HDR calibration app and windowed gaming optimizations for Windows 11

Microsoft will soon roll out some Xbox features for our fellow PC gamers on Windows 11. The company plans to bring the Xbox HDR Game Calibration app and optimizations for windowed gaming to the operating system (OS). Through the features, users will get to enjoy improved colour accuracy and consistency of an HDR display, plus run older games with less input lag, Auto HDR, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) when they're in windowed mode.

Windows 11 already has the Auto HDR feature from the Xbox Series X / S consoles on board. Now, it's time for some optimizations for windowed games that will allow them to support Auto HDR and VRR. After it comes out, users will find a "Optimizations for windowed games" option in settings. Turning it on will apply to older DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 games, which you typically had to run in fullscreen previously to get all the latency and performance benefits. For the DirectX 12 games, they already "take advantage of the new presentation mode," said Hannah Fisher, a program manager in the graphics and DirectX team at Microsoft.

However, it is expected to bring bugs and issues as these optimizations are still in test builds of Windows 11 this week. To minimize the problem, Microsoft will allow users to exclude specific games or apps if anything goes wrong. According to Fisher, the team has also "disabled apps that have known issues on default to ensure that you have the best settings without having to do much guesswork on what might be wrong."

Lastly, Microsoft has promised to roll out updates for the OS more regularly rather than putting out changes in one shot annually. What do you think about the features? Let us know your opinion by leaving a comment, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for the latest tech report.


Microsoft to release new Windows sometime after March 2021?

Based on a statement by Twitter user @_h0x0d_, it seems that Microsoft could be planning to release a new Windows operating system sometime after March 2021. While not much is known in regards to the exact release date, it does give us an idea of when to expect the aforementioned operating system.

However, do take the tweet with a grain of salt, due to the fact that Microsoft has yet to provide an official statement on the leaked info. Not only that, but there’s also no exact information in regards to what kind of features and improvements the upcoming Windows could come shipped with.

Correction: its coming, but maybe not next month, sorry https://t.co/vbEjaJ8if8

With all that said, would you be interested in upgrading to the new Windows operating system? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Microsoft to retire Internet Explorer 11 desktop application on 15 June 2022

Ah..the Internet Explorer. At this point, it has already become a meme of its own but it will be something that we remember well. Today, Microsoft just announced that the web platform will be retired and replaced by Microsoft Edge which has been well received.

Scheduled to be retired on 15 June 2022 for certain versions of Windows 10, the Internet Explorer 11 will be a built-in mode on Microsoft Edge. This means that Edge users can use it to access Internet Explorer-based websites and applications. There is also a note that says the change will not affect in-market Windows 10 LTSC or Serve Internet Explorer 11 desktop applications and MSHTML (Trident) engine.

Moreover, Microsoft stated that the change is necessary and beneficial for users who still want to use Internet Explorer-based websites. With this in mind, Edge will be the only web platform with built-in compatibility for older sites including those supporting ActiveX controls. You may be surprised, but there is a large number of enterprises still relying on Internet Explorer for work.

If you want to read the full news of how will it impact you or how to fully transition into Microsoft Edge, you can read the full blog right here. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Microsoft turns the Xbox Series X into Mjolnir in collaboration with Thor: Love and Thunder

If you think the design of the Microsoft Xbox Series X is a bit dull, then this special edition of the console will probably change your mind. More so if you’re a fan of Marvel Studio’s Thor franchise as in collaboration with the superhero’s latest movie, Microsoft has turned the console into Mjolnir!

Seemingly wrapped in a silver skin that has the carvings and textures of Thor’s mythical weapon, there are even ‘cracks’ on it to allude to how Mjolnir was reforged following the events of the movie Thor Ragnarok. Furthermore, the special edition Xbox Series X even has a handle similar to Mjolnir. Awesomely detailed!

Unfortunately, if you’re rushing to go out and buy this special edition Xbox Series X, we’ve got some bad news for you as it’s not for sale. Instead, according to Xbox’s official Twitter account, the console is part of a sweepstakes in which fans can enter and get a chance to win it.

So for those wishing to get this ‘Mjolnir’ console, do follow these steps to enter the sweepstakes and potentially win the prize:

The sweepstakes ends on 21 July 2022,so good luck! So, what do you guys think of this Mjolnir-themed Xbox Series X? Do you think more consoles should do special editions such as this?

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


ASUS ZenFone PixelMaster camera takes pictures in the dark and much more!

The ASUS ZenFone 4, ZenFone 5 and ZenFone 6 were recently announced for South East Asia, including Malaysia. One of the most notable features of the ASUS ZenFone smartphones is the PixelMaster Camera Technology. While each of the ASUS ZenFone smartphones are competitively priced below RM1000 (RM299 for the ASUS ZenFone 4, RM599 for the ASUS ZenFone 5 and RM899 for the ASUS ZenFone 6), ASUS spared no expense for the camera components. This includes a 5-element Largan lens, high quality camera sensors from Sony and Panasonic and some really awesome camera filter algorithms.

The ASUS ZenFone smartphones get some really sweet hardware for their cameras

Having had first hand experience with an ASUS ZenFone 5 engineering sample (which was missing these algorithms) we have to admit that we were a bit skeptical about how good the PixelMaster camera tech really is, but we were very impressed by what ASUS has to offer with the complete ASUS ZenFone PixelMaster camera technology. Offering 18 different modes and 9 filters right out of the box, the PixelMaster technology has several notable modes which include:

Using a form of photo binning, the algorithms compress the pixels available, allowing the ASUS PixelMaster Low-light mode to have 4x light sensitivity. However, this is done by compressing the amount of pixels down by four times, resulting in a lower resolution. Therefore, on the ASUS ZenFone 5 which has an 8MP camera, the Low-light mode results in 2MP image while the ASUS ZenFone 6 which has a 13MP camera gets a 3.25MP image. It is for this reason that the Low-light mode is not available on the ASUS ZenFone 4 as the compression would result in an image with too low a resolution to offer a good enough result.

The Low-light mode lets you take a photo of an image of a butterfly in a sealed box with no light for some impressive low-light performance

Utilizing a form of video image capture the Time Rewind function records up to 31 frames of high resolution images both before and after the camera button is pressed. In this way you can rewind backwards or forwards to get just the right shot, making it perfect for unpredictable moving objects like children and animals.

ASUS ZenFone 6 Time Rewind for PixelMaster demo

Other camera modes are also available such as the Selfie Mode which focuses on faces, the Smart Remove function which lets you take out unwanted objects, a panorama mode and even a digital image stabilization mode for those with shaky hands. We'll try all of them out for you when we get the ASUS ZenFone smartphone review unit so stay tuned for more developments.


Microsoft turns to Facebook Gaming as Mixer bows out of the streaming wars

One thing that came from the last few months of having to stay indoors is the increase in people going online everywhere. But it seems that wasn't enough to save the streaming platform Mixer. The company has announced that it will be shutting down and allowing its partners to move on to Facebook Gaming.

According to the official announcement, Mixer will be getting Facebook's help in transitioning its community of partners to Facebook Gaming. The live-streaming platform was acquired by Microsoft in 2016 to be its de-facto streaming service for its Xbox consoles. But since then, it has failed to gain the numbers to compete with more successful platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

It's an unfortunate situation, as the platform has well-known partners like Shroud and Ninja, who were lured to Mixer on lucrative exclusive deals. However, they will still be granted partner status with Facebook Gaming, which will be doing its best to match the existing deals what these partners have signed with Mixer. They have also been given the choice of opting out and moving on to other platforms. For more details, you can check out the FAQ.

Honestly, the transition to Facebook Gaming may be better for Microsoft. Facebook itself is a widely used platform could help Microsoft grow its streaming audience. With that said, what do you think about this? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more updates on this.


Microsoft unveils new chat-based workspace, Microsoft Teams in Office 365

Last week, Microsoft Corp. has rolled out a new chat-based workspace system called Microsoft Teams. Designed to enhance productivity and communication among the employees, the program offers collaboration capabilities, content and the tools needed for them to work with Microsoft Office 365.

“At Microsoft we aim to empower every person and organization with the technology to be more productive as individuals and in groups,” said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft. “Office 365 is the broadest toolkit and platform for creation, communication and collaboration. Microsoft Teams adds a new experience to Office 365 as the chat-based workspace designed to empower the art of teams.”

Microsoft Teams is built on four core promises:

As the popular movie quote goes - "All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.", the program is not just a place for employees to discuss their projects online but also a way to express their personality with emojis, GIFs, stickers and memes within their digital workplace, conversation rooms are visible to the entire team, but there's also a private chat room.

With the program, employees can use voice and video meetings, as well as using Microsoft Office 365 capabilities like Microsoft Office documents and Microsoft Graph. There's also a cross-application membership service, called the Office 365 Groups that helps users to move one collaboration tool to another.

Microsoft believes that every team is unique in their own way, so with this, they are also offering teams to customize the experience to meet their specific needs. Each member can create their own channel to organize conversations based on a topic, and with a feature called Tabs, this provides quick access to frequently used documents and applications.

In addition, Tabs can be created for Office 365 services like OneNote, SharePoint and Planner, or third-party solutions, such as Zendesk and Asana coming soon. Third-party services like Twitter are also available in the program.

Since this is a global scale release, Microsoft Teams offers the most advanced security by Microsoft Cloud, encrypting every data at all times, along with a multifactor authentication providing enhanced identity protection.

Microsoft Teams will support key compliance and data protection standards, such as the data processing terms with European Union Model Clauses, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act business associate agreement (HIPAA BAA), ISO 27001, ISO 27018, and SSAE 16 SOC 1 and 2 report.

“We’ve designed Office 365 to meet the unique needs of every group, with purpose-built applications — like Outlook, SharePoint and Yammer — that all naturally work together. And now with Microsoft Teams, Office 365 accommodates all workstyles,” said Kirk Koenigsbauer, corporate vice president of Office.

Starting from 2 November 2016, Microsoft Teams preview is available to all Office 365 commercial customers with Office 365 Enterprise or Business plans. Office 365 IT administrators can enable Microsoft Teams for their organization from the Office 365 admin center.

For more information, visit the Microsoft News Center or engage with the Microsoft Twitter community at @OfficeNews and @MSFTNews using #MicrosoftTeams.


Microsoft unveils the Nokia 215 Internet connected phone for just $29 (RM103)

Microsoft has just unveiled the company's most affordable Internet phone in the market called the Nokia 215. Yes, Nokia name makes a comeback, probably to take advantage of the legacy and reputation of the Finnish company, once the world's largest smartphone maker. The Nokia 215 will cost just $29 (RM103) before taxes and subsidies and will offer essential connectivity as well as an impressive battery life. The phone features a 2.4-inch QVGA display (320 x 240 pixels). There will be Bluetooth connectivity options as well along with SLAM for easy file sharing. Like earlier feature phones from Nokia, this particular device too will come with Opera Mini for web browsing. Apps like Facebook, Facebook Messenger and Twitter will be built-in for a smooth social networking experience. Given the price tag, the phone does not support Wi-Fi but the user can access the web via 2G and dual band EDGE networks. As for the battery, the Nokia 215 comes with a 1100 mAh capacity one which provides up to 20 hours of talk time and 29 days of standby time. At the back, there is a very small 0.3MP camera sensor. The LED is located on top of the phone and can be used as a flashlight. The Nokia 215 will also have a dual-SIM version. Both models will be sold in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia in the coming months. Expect more details like Malaysia release dates and pricing soon.


Microsoft unveils the Xbox One X, available in November at the USA

PC giants Microsoft have lifted the cover off the Xbox One’s protégé, the Xbox One X. The beast of a console promises 6 teraflops of power and will feature a custom 8-core AMD CPU clocked at 2.3GHz for unparalleled gaming power.

On top of that, the Xbox One X will also come with 7GB flash memory, 1TB storage and a UHD Blu-ray optical disc drive for 4K playback capabilities. To ensure hours of uninterrupted gaming, the console will also use an advanced liquid cooling and supercharger-style centrifugal fan to ensure the console stays cool.

The console itself is designed in a nice, sleek compact build which was quoted to be Microsoft’s smallest console ever made. For more information on the design and the specs, you can visit their official website here.

There will also be a total of 22 "console launch exclusives," including titles like Crackdown 3, Forza Motorsport 7, and Sea of Thieves that is not available for any other console except Xbox.

Right now the Xbox One X is priced at $499 which is the Malaysian equivalent of around RM2200, and will be available for purchase starting November 7 only in the USA. No news yet regarding the Malaysian release but it should be announced in the weeks to come.

Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news and updates.


Microsoft unveils the affordable Lumia 640 with Snapdragon 400

Microsoft recently announced two new smartphones with one of them being the affordable Microsoft Lumia 640. The phone runs on the company's latest Windows 8.1 Denim version. Microsoft notes that the phone will be upgradable to Windows 10 soon. Also, users will get free 1 year subscription of Microsoft Office 365 on the device. As for tech specs, the Lumia 640 features a 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 quad-core processor with 1GB RAM. There will be a 5-inch Clearback IPS LCD display up front sporting a decent 720p HD resolution with Gorilla Glass 3 protection. At the back, the phone has an 8MP ¼" sensor with f/2.2 aperture with dynamic flash and auto HDR. At the front, there is a 0.9MP camera. The phone measures 141.3 x 72.2 x 8.8mm and weighs just 145 grams. The new Lumia 640 will have dual SIM versions of both 3G and 4G supported models. It will be available for sale starting April 2015 in cyan, orange, black and white colors.  Pricing starts at $155 (RM562) for the 3G variant and $177 (RM642) for the 4G LTE model. No Malaysia release dates have been revealed just yet but they should arrive in Malaysia soon.


Microsoft updates Windows 11 minimum system requirements & removes PC Health Check app

Last week, Microsoft released a set of tech specs requirements for your laptop or PC to be eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade. Not only that, they sent us a PC Health Check app for that too but it seems that they are temporarily removing the app due to the feedback from users.

On Microsoft's updated blog post, the team realized that the PC Health Check app was not fully ready to share the level of detail or accuracy. Many users complained that their PC or laptop was more than eligible but got an error when running the app. With that, they are fixing the app as we speak but you can still refer to the minimum system requirements page here.

Apart from that, Microsoft is also confident that devices featuring an Intel 8th Gen, AMD Zen 2 as well as Qualcomm 7 and 8 series processors will meet the principles based on security, reliability and minimum system requirements for Windows 11 update. They have already rolled out the preview build in Windows Insiders, so they can also check out if devices on Intel 7th Gen and AMD Zen 1 may meet the principles or not.

So far, it sounds like good news if older devices on Intel 7th Gen and AMD Zen 1 can be upgraded. Until then, we will have to stay put to wait for the progress update. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Microsoft wants to anticipate your touch

Forget 3D Touch. If Microsoft has their way, they are looking to forsee where your next touch on screen will be, and touch it first before you hover your finger over the area. The aptly named Pre-Touch technology aims to let users move less while doing more on screen.

Pre-Touch can sense where you’re going to tap before you actually make contact with the screen, and it can even tell how you’re holding the device. It can also give your device a better sense of your intent. This means there will be less "unwanted taps" when you use your smartphones.

This technology looks to be similar to Samsung's Air Touch and this could bode well for sticky and butter fingers as the chance of mistyping or pressing the wrong command on your smartphone may soon be history.


Microsoft wants users to try their Lumia 640 XL and other smartphones for business

Most of the world's businesspeople use Microsoft Office to do work so according to Microsoft, they should also use their Lumia smartphones for the same purpose. Utilizing their Microsoft Lumia 640 XL, Microsoft have come up with a video showing just that and how easy it all could be if you switch your smartphone to a Lumia 640 XL. This is by no means a rumour but do take this with a grain of salt as it may not be the best fit for everyone. In any case the Lumia 640 XL certainly offers fairly good midrange tech specs and features such as a quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, 5.7-inch 720p display, 4G LTE connectivity, 13MP rear camera and 5MP front camera. These should be more than enough to do work on the go. While it is running Windows Phone 8.1, the Lumia 640 XL and a some other Lumia smartphones will soon get a Windows 10 upgrade. Check out the video for yourself below:


Microsoft will allow employees to work from home permanently after the office reopens

It looks like the current pandemic has shifted the view of some companies and Microsoft is one of them. Now, the tech giant is allowing its emloyees to work from home permanently. The company has unveiled the “hybrid workplace” guidance internally to allow for greater flexibility once the US offices eventually reopen in January 2021 at the earliest.

Microsoft will now allow employees to work from home freely for less than 50 percent of their working week, or for managers to approve permanent remote work. Employees who choose the permanent remote work option will need to give up their assigned office space, but they will still have the options to use touchdown space available at Microsoft's offices.

Furthermore, employees will also be allowed to relocate dosmetically with approval, or even move internationally if remote working is viable for their particular role. For those who chose to move internationally, compensation and benefits will change and vary depending on the local company’s geopay scale. However, not every employee can completely work from home without visiting the office as some of their job scopes still require them to use the company's facilities like hardware labs or data centers.

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


Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in 2025

A couple of days ago, Microsoft updated the support document on its website by specifying that support for Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro will end on 14 October 2025. After it's being spotted, many are quick to believe that Windows 11 is really coming after all.

This is not the first time that we see news leading to the rumour that Microsoft is preparing for another version of Windows. Earlier at Build 2021, CEO Satya Nadella said that the company is ready to share “one of the most significant updates to Windows of the past decade.” After a short while, Microsoft sent out invitations to a virtual event that takes place on 24 June and it could be where we'll get to see the next-generation Windows.

Join us June 24th at 11 am ET for the #MicrosoftEvent to see what’s next. https://t.co/kSQYIDZSyi pic.twitter.com/Emb5GPHOf0

Back in 2015, it was announced that Windows 10 will be the last version of Windows and everyone thought that the company will just keep rolling out updates for the desktop OS. However, it seems like Microsoft has decided that it's better to move on. For now, we could only wait until 24 June to find out what the tech giant has in store for us.

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


2nd tour of HONOR Magic Moments Photography contest to launch on 6 April

After completing the 1st tour of the HONOR Magic Moments Photography contest in Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Selangor to showcase the HONOR Magic5 Series, the 2nd tour will launch on 6 April for Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Johor Bahru and Ipoh, Perak.

Participants will not only be given the opportunity to capture the beauty of Penang but also take a ride in Mercedes-Benz cars from the official vehicle partner Cycle & Carriage. For the 1st part of the tour, HONOR Malaysia collaborated with the Mobilegraphy Malaysia group and other mobile photography enthusiasts to try out the HONOR Magic 5 Pro's photography capabilities.

If you’re interested to join the 2nd part of the tour for the HONOR Magic Moments Photography contest then register here. As always, stay tuned to TechNave.com

The 2nd tour will launch on 6 April 2023

A shot of falcon's using the HONOR Magic5 Pro's Falcon Triple Main Camera from Wildan Toh

Street photography from the Mobilegraphy Malaysia group (Mohd Azian and Mazita Suriani Abd Manan)


ASUS ZenFone Selfie and ZenFone 2 Laser are "sushi-proof"

The ASUS ZenFone Selfie and ZenFone 2 Laser both utilize a protective layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 4 and in a recent promo video are apparently sushi-proof. The video shows Thai sushi chefs using the ZenFone 2 Laser display as a chopping board. You can check out the video for yourself below but for a closer look at all of the other high-end features and tech specs like laser auto-focus and 13MP cameras do check out our ASUS ZenFone Selfie review and ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser review.


Microsoft will reportedly release Windows 12 in 2024, following a different update schedule

Microsoft might have a different direction for rolling out the operating system updates in the future. According to the latest report, the next major Windows version, supposedly Windows 12, could arrive as early as 2024. It signifies that the company might shift to a three-year release cycle for Windows again.

Since Windows 10, the tech giant has moved away from the big release of features every three years in a new Windows release. Instead, Windows 10 was updated twice a year with new features. During that time, many also thought that Windows 10 would be the last version of the operating system, until the announcement of Windows 11.

However, Microsoft would not ditch Windows 11 with the possible release of new Windows in 2024. It's said that the company will now focus on releasing the updates throughout the year rather than shipping them in a major update. Microsoft has reportedly scrapped plans for a big 23H2 annual update in 2023 and will now prioritize rolling out new features throughout 2023 instead. We still have a major update, 22H2, expected to arrive in September or October, as it has gotten finalized recently.

What do you think about this method of pushing the Windows updates? Drop a comment to let us know your thoughts, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more tech news.


Microsoft will reward you up to ~RM81960 for discovering security flaws on Xbox Live

Sometimes you’ll get annoyed by the bugs that appear on whatever program that you’re using, but have you ever thought of finding these bugs can actually make you a lot of money? With the future release of Xbox Series X, Microsoft is trying to improve Xbox Live as well to accompany their powerful gaming console. Therefore, the company is launching a new program that rewards anyone up to 20000 USD (~RM 81960) or more for discovering security vulnerabilities in the Xbox Live network and service.

The Xbox Bounty Program is to prepare for the launch of the Xbox Series X console and its game streaming service xCloud. Actually, Microsoft has run this kind of program before for the public to detect the bugs for some of the products, they even reward people up to 250,000 USD for finding out security flaws from Windows 10. This time, the program is specifically tailored for Xbox Live in hopes of making the service a good experience for its users.

It is said that the reward will be based on the quality of the reports and the vulnerability’s impact. With that being said, the people who would like to participate are expected to come out with a detailed write-up or video demonstration, and also proving a clear overall concept. Therefore, finding out a bug is not enough for you to get the dough, knowledge and skills will still be needed to solve Microsoft’s problems.

If you want to find out more about the reward system, click here. Let us know what you think about this program by Microsoft on our Facebook page! Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more interesting tech news.


Microsoft will unveil a Snapdragon 810 smartphone this year

New Snapdragon 810 powered Lumia coming soon?

Qualcomm has just issued a press release detailing some of the key features of its top end processor, the Snapdragon 810. The chip maker also revealed some of the companies which will incorporate this SoC inside their upcoming devices. There are officially two flagship phones which currently use Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, LG's high-end LG G Flex 2 and the recently announced Xiaomi Mi Note Pro. The chip maker also revealed the names of the smartphone manufacturers who will use this processor which includes Sony, OPPO and Motorola, thereby confirming at least one aspect of their upcoming flagship devices. However, these three weren't the only names brought up by Qualcomm as the press release also revealed that one of Microsoft's smartphones will also use this processor. Given the high-end placement of the chip, it is likely that the phone will be the next Lumia flagship. This is quite surprising as Lumia devices are generally not known to come with the latest Snapdragon chipsets. It is still not known what Microsoft device will feature this chip, but it would most likely come with the new Windows 10 operating system. Expect more details at MWC 2015 to be held in Barcelona next month.


Microsoft working on game streaming device for displays, Xbox Game Pass coming to Smart TVs

In the last few months, Microsoft has been working hard to push its games services to a wider audience. One of the company's biggest move is the Xbox Game Pass, which is meant to allow games streaming on other devices. Now, it's confirmed that Smart TVs are next.

According to the announcement, Xbox is working with global TV manufacturers to enable smart TVs to directly stream Xbox games. No additional hardware would be needed, except for a game controller. The company also wants to build game streaming devices, so that you can stream Xbox Game Pass titles on any monitor or TV.

Besides the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles, you can play Xbox games via Android devices or Windows 10 PCs. The company has also been working on enabling the service on iOS devices, but so far that's only possible through the help of web browsers. In fact, cloud gaming support will be available for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members through the Safari web browser (among others).

It's clear that Microsoft is pushing its games streaming service hard, so it's quite sad to see that it's still not available in Malaysia. Having said that, do you think games streaming will be popular here, and would you want to use it regularly? Let us know in the comments below! Also, remember to stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


Microsoft xCloud games streaming device leaked online as Xbox Stream Box

Remember that news about an Xbox games streaming device? Allegedly, Microsoft is working on a device that lets gamers stream Xbox games on monitors and TVs. Well, that rumour might be true after all, as renders of the so-called Xbox Stream box was leaked.

That's right, we have our first look at what this Xbox Stream Box would look like, thanks to an anonymous source (via @PostUp_bbb). As you can see, it's significantly smaller than an Xbox One X/S console. But it has ports for USB Type-A, USB Type-C, HDMI, and Ethernet, which should be enough for most users. For audio, you probably have to use the audio jack on the controller or use a Bluetooth headset.

Obviously, this device was designed for monitors and TVs without an Internet connection. Also, you will have to get an Xbox Game Pass to stream Xbox games on the device. The source claimed that Microsoft planned to launch this by the end of 2021, but that might not happen due to the global supply shortages.

Of course, there's no official news on this yet, so take the rumour with a grain of salt. Moreover, this Xbox Stream Box might not even launch in Malaysia. But if it does, would you be interested in getting one? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


Mid-range HTC Desire 8 image leaked with 5.5-inch display

Making good on their word of focusing more on the mid-range and lower-end smartphone market, HTC looks to be coming out with more mid-range devices as the HTC Desire 8 was recently leaked. The 5.5-inch phablet looks to offer a number of tech specs and features which include a 13MP rear camera and 5MP front camera. The leaked image shows a nearly buttonless design with mostly on-screen controls. It could also use HTC's BoomSound dual speakers with a possible announce or launch date being 18 March 2014 (based on the date on the screen). Other clues include dual-SIM support. Check out the pic for yourself and see if there are other clues but do stay tuned as we'll keep you updated to any more news.[Source]


Mid-range Honor 6C also goes official but in Europe

With the Honor 8 Pro officially released in Europe, another new device was also launched alongside there which is the Honor 6C. Although not exactly a new phone, as it was launched in China during January, it didn’t really make any headlines globally because it was under a different name (Huawei Enjoy 6s) so here’s what we know of the device.

Available in Gold, Gray and Silver, the mid-range device is priced at €229 (around RM1083). We are not sure if it will arrive to Malaysia too, since we already have the Honor 5C here so it should make sense that it will come. But that remains to be seen, so stay tuned for more Honor news at TechNave.com.


Mid-range LEAGOO Alfa 5 with 1.2GHz quad-core for RM369 in Malaysia

LEAGOO Alfa 5 actually has been around since November last year, but this time it's making the mark in Malaysia today officially for RM369 only. The Alfa 5 is a successor to the LEAGOO Lead 5, equipped with the latest hardware and software along with neat software features.

It comes in black, white and gold colour option, the Alfa 5 looks beautiful with the curving design from the top to bottom that gives a comfortable holding posture for the user. As usual, LEAGOO's trademark Xender feature which is for LEAGOO users to share files and apps between each other without connection is on the smartphone as well, and the device can record videos in 1080p format + 30 fps.

To learn more about the Alfa 5, visit LEAGOO's website to check it out.


Mid-range Lenovo Vibe K5 and Vibe K5 Plus appearing in MWC 2016

If you thought Lenovo was done showing their new laptops and tablets, they still have their smartphones to show. Introducing the Lenovo Vibe K5 and Vibe K5 Plus, these are two economical mid-range devices and share similar hardware specifications except the Snapdragon 415 and 720p in Vibe K5 and the latter with Snapdragon 415 and 1080p respectively.

Other than that, the rest of the specifications are the same. That includes the 2GB RAM (LPDDR3), 16GB storage with a microSD card slot available (dual SIM slots), 13MP camera for the rear and 5MP camera on the front, supports LTE connection, booting in Android 5.1 Lollipop, and packs the same 2750 mAh replaceable battery.

The price tag is revealed to be $129 (around RM542) and $149 (around RM626) and it's reported that the devices will not land in the US market first. Stay tuned for more MWC 2016 updates at Technave!