Watch the longest CNY Hotlink ad in Malaysia with 88GB of free data for Youtube

In conjunction with the Chinese New Year festivities, Hotlink has released the longest CNY Hotlink ad in Malaysia which you can check out on their Youtube channel. Not only that, but Hotlink is also giving away 88GB of free Youtube data as part of their HotlinkMU CNY Sale from the 24 January 2019 until 20 February 2019.

In order to be eligible for the 88GB of free Youtube data, simply purchase any HotlinkMU CNY Sale Deals from the Hotlink RED App and the data will instantly be credited to your number. Do take note, the free Youtube data will not have a speed cap as well.

In the 88 minute CNY video, the number “88” will appear at a certain point in the video which you can participate by spotting it as well as easter eggs littered throughout. There are also 3 more videos which are basically a mini version of the ad touching on topics such as a Yee Sang Recipe guide, DIY Nail Art as well as 2019 Zodiac Predictions. To find out more about the HotlinkMU CNY Sale as well as the free Youtube data, simply head over to Hotlink’s official website and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Watch the new Samsung Galaxy Note 7 online tonight at 11PM!

Hello, Technavers! We got a surprise package from Samsung today and it's a big black box with a blue ribbon. At first, we thought it was a new device or something but it turns out to be a bunch of tasty treats which is nice too. But there's also something else you should know too, and it's a big announcement.

If you've followed the rumour mill lately, Samsung has reportedly to decide skipping the 6 and jump straight into 7 which is, you guessed it - the Galaxy Note 7. You can watch the event unveiling the device live (11PM) tonight at www.samsung.com/my, but perhaps what's even intriguing is having a live stream in 360-degrees making you like as if you're there. So if you already have a Galaxy S7 or S7 edge phone, you're in for a treat!

If you want to know more about getting a front row seat at the online event tonight, you can head over to their website to read more and get an immersive experience in VR mode! Stay tuned for our coverage tonight!


Apple iPad Air (iPad 5) vs Apple iPad 4

Now that the latest and greatest Apple iPad Air or 5th generation iPad is here, many older Apple iPad users are considering buying it, especially since it offers a new 64-bit A7 processor, improved slimmer and thinner design and better overall performance. However, with the current state of Malaysia's finances and currency, the Apple iPad Air will likely be sold for a higher price than the previous 4th generation Apple iPad. Are all the iPad Air features worth it, especially if you already own an iPad 4? Find out in our comparison article between the Apple iPad Air vs the Apple iPad 4.

If you put the Apple iPad 4 next to the Apple iPad Air you will see an immediate difference in terms of design. The new iPad Air follows the slimmer bezel design of the Apple iPad mini and is now 7.5mm thin compared to the 9.4mm thickness of the iPad 4. The overall design is also flatter for the iPad Air, while the iPad 4 is a bit more rounded on the back. Both still have the same 9.7-inch Retina Display with 1536 x 2048 pixel resolution though, but due to the slimmer and thinner design, the iPad Air is only 469g compared to the 652g of the iPad 4. Many of those who managed to handle the Apple iPad Air have reported it much easier and comfortable to use one-handed. Granted, you won't really be able to use the 9.7-inch screen completely one handed but for those looking to read some news or and ebook, you can flip pages and reach nearby functions much easier than before. Does the Apple iPad Air look better than the iPad 4? We'd have to say yes, as the narrower and slimmer design not only makes it easier to hold but also adds a bit more sexy to it. In addition to this, the Apple iPad Air also gets another colour option called Space Gray, which is a sort of platinum grey colour on top of the standard Silver.

Slimmer bezels and a narrower profile have resulted in a lighter and easier to use iPad Air

A quick Technave.com Tech Spec comparison will reveal that the only major tech spec upgrade for the iPad Air is the Apple A7 processor and chipset. Everything else is more or less identical with previous versions except for the addition of more compatible LTE bands and MIMO dual-antennas for better wireless connectivity. The 1GB of RAM remains the same just like the 9.7-inch Retina Display. Other features like the 5MP autofocus rear camera also remain the same and there is no Touch ID fingerprint scanner hidden underneath the Home button. As standard of the newer Apple devices it does come with iOS 7 but you may still have to download the latest bug fixes or updates. While the addition of the 64-bit A7 processor and chipset is the only major upgrade it is still a big thing as apps load faster, you get much better graphics and you future proof yourself for 64-bit apps of the future (still not many of them just yet). However, as Steve Wozniak mentioned, the storage options remain limited to the maximum 128GB though so if you're looking for a single media consumption device that can store all your movies and music you will probably be as disappointed as Steve.

Initial benchmarks of the Apple iPad Air have been done using the Geekbench benchmarks reveal a massive jump in performance compared to earlier models. With a Geekbench score of 2643 it is about 1100 points higher than the iPad 4. This included better performance in graphics as well as processing power. While exhaustive battery tests have yet to be done, the iPad Air maintains the general Apple iPad 10-hour battery life with about 11 to 12 hours of HD video playback under certain conditions. The benchmarks also reveal something else in that the A7 processor in the iPad Air has been tweaked to 1.4GHz compared to the 1.3GHz A7 processor in the Apple iPhone 5S. There don't seem to be any overheating problems due to the better processor but the display, camera and video capture performance are identical with that on the iPad 4.

The Apple iPad Air outperforms all of the previous generation iPads with ease

While the official Malaysian pricing for the Apple iPad Air is still not available all signs indicate that we may see a price increase of RM100 to RM350 based on the US price and the Malaysian pricing for the Apple iPhone 5S. In addition, Apple have decided to remove the Apple iPad 4 from the official US online store, leaving just the Apple iPad Air, iPad mini with Retina Display, iPad 2 and iPad mini for purchase. Currently, the iPad 4 is still available on the Malaysia Apple store starting from RM1449, but this may change when the iPad Air gets released here. After this you could still buy the Apple iPad 4, but only if you buy it from a third party seller or as a refurbished model. In regards to the Apple iPad Air for Malaysia, there are already sellers offering the tablet from RM2460 for the 16GB version, but this is only for those who can't wait for the official pricing.

The higher US pricing for the Apple iPad Air shows that the Malaysian version will likely have a price increase as well

Overall, the Apple iPad Air easily beats the previous generation Apple iPad 4, both in terms of performance as well as design. Unlike the Apple iPhone 5S, which is a nearly identical smartphone with the Apple iPhone 5, the iPad Air is an almost completely different machine compared to the iPad 4. If you always wanted a more portable, powerful and easier to hold iPad then the iPad Air is a near perfect fit. The only downside you might have would be the increase in price compared to last year's iPad 4. However, due to a certain missing features like no Touch ID fingerprint scanner, the same storage options and no better camera, the iPad Air still isn't the most perfect Apple iPad there is. These features are probably being saved for the next generation of Apple iPad or the rumoured iPad Pro. While we'd still recommend that you buy the Apple iPad Air if you already have the Apple iPad 4, if you're looking to completely future proof your touchscreen tablet then we'd recommend waiting for the next generation. If you have a problem with an RM350 price increase we'd also recommend waiting as you won't see many 64-bit apps for a while yet.

The Apple iPad Air compared to a pencil ;)


Watch these Apple iPhone Air and iPhone 6C concepts!

We've already seen a curved Samsung Galaxy S5 concept so now it is Apple's turn with a curved glass concept render of the Apple iPhone 6C. Coming courtesy of SET Solution who have dreamed up a number of other concept renders  it also comes with a concept render for the Apple iPhone Air. Taking the same super thin and narrow design as the Apple iPad mini, this concept looks simply awesome on the iPhone with a proposed 1.5mm to 3mm thinness and 70g weight. While this sounds very breakable, it could probably be achieved with a flexible plastic substrate and a wireless, no port design. Obviously, neither of these two concept renders are officially endorsed by Apple but it is nice to dream so check out the videos below:

The Apple iPhone 6C where the C stands for Curved


Watch & win an OPPO F5 smartphone + F5 6GB model coming soon

We are just 2 days away from the OPPO F5 reveal! In conjunction with the launch, OPPO Malaysia is pulling off a contest where you (yes, you) can be a lucky winner to bring home the latest selfie smartphone. Starting from 2 November, 3.15PM - 3 November 2017, 11.59PM, here's how you can participate and try your luck!

Additionally, OPPO Malaysia has also confirmed the F5 6GB + 64GB model will also appear alongside the F5 on 2 November 2017. We can't wait to see the device, until then stay tuned as we will be covering the launch event!


Watching movies on the Samsung Galaxy A31 is surprisingly enjoyable

While the Samsung Galaxy S and Note series are the flagships that get the most attention, the Galaxy A series is also doing quite well in the smartphone industry. In fact, the Galaxy A51 was the most shipped Android phone of Q1 2020 for being affordable with respectable tech specs. It's currently priced at RM1399 but if you're still looking for something cheaper, you can opt for the Galaxy A31 at RM1099.

We have written our review about the Galaxy A31 before but in this article, we are exploring the device's Super AMOLED display performance. It may the lesser variant of the Galaxy A series, but you'd be surprised to see how well it does in terms of visual presentation. If you're still interested, read on below to find out more!

As mentioned, the Galaxy A31 sports a Super AMOLED display. If you're not aware of the basics, an OLED display is currently the preferred screen panel simply because the pixels stay completely black in dark areas of an image or video. In other words, this actually allows the phone to save some battery and provide better colour contrast.

Just pure black without any "white" backlight

Believe me, it looks better than the picture here

With the phone not using any pixels for dark areas, this also means that the user can enjoy a better viewing experience without the "white" backlight of the display. So if you're catching your favourite movie or show on Netflix before going to bed, your eyes won't feel as strained during the night.

In addition to the Super AMOLED display, the Galaxy A31 features a 6.4-inch Infinity-U display in 1080p. While there is a tiny notch on top of the phone, it didn't really distract us from our viewing experience that much. It's also worth mentioning that the aspect ratio is 20:9, which is pretty nice for binge-watching, and even if the video format is 16:9, it would still fit into the display nicely.

Making sure there's no blank black space on the device

On top of that, the sound quality is also equally important. Although the Galaxy A31 has one bottom speaker only, the sound is quite crisp and clear enough for us to hear. Obviously, having a pair of headphones or earphones plugged in is the better way to enjoy the sound. You'd also be glad to know that it is supported with the Dolby Atmos sound system.

To recap, the Samsung Galaxy A31 is on sale for RM1099 but that's not all. There are some promotional offers bundled together with the device, including a free Protection Plus package, a free YouTube Premium subscription for 2 months, and an RM50 instant rebate that reduces the price tag to RM1049!

You also have three colours to choose from - Prism Crush White, Prism Crush Black and Prism Crush Blue. If you ask me, my favourite one is the blue model because it's not every day that you see a blue-themed smartphone, especially for the Galaxy A31. It's cool-looking and even emits some shades of a rainbow effect if you put the phone under a strong light.

Anyway, if you're keen on purchasing the phone, you may head over to Samsung Malaysia's official online store or any authorised Samsung store near you. But what do you think? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more tech articles at TechNave.com.


Water and dust resistant Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 and A7 2017 officially priced from RM1699

As per previous rumours, Samsung Malaysia have officially confirmed that their upcoming Samsung Galaxy A 2017 series will not only be the first IP68 water resistant and dust resistant midrange Samsung phones but they will also be priced from RM1699. Two variants will be made available with the Galaxy A5 2017 for RM1699 and the Galaxy A7 2017 at RM1899.

Both will be available on pre-order from 10.00 AM 6 January 2017 until 15 January 2017. For those who pre-order you will get a Samsung Level U Pro wireless headphone FREE (worth RM399, while stocks last).

Here's what you get for free if you pre-order - the Samsung Level U Pro worth RM399


Water repellent nano-coating Moto M now available in Malaysia for RM1199

Today, it's officially announced that the Motorola Moto M smartphone has made its way into Malaysia shores. Available in both gold and grey, both variants are available in stores now for RM1199. Below are the official specifications:

Equipped with dynamic Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) dual LED flash, the Moto M automatically adjusts for natural-looking skin tones and consistent, vibrant colours. It is also engineered for outstanding audio, as it features a Dolby Atmos-powered rear speaker.

Water-repellent nano-coating on Moto M protects it against spills and splashes, both inside and out, so you never have to worry about that anymore. And with a respectable 3050 mAh battery, the 10W rapid charger allows you to charge up quickly too.

For more information, please visit www.moto.com/my to check it out. Stay tuned for more Motorola news at Technave.com.


Water-resistant HTC J Butterfly announced, eventually coming to Malaysia?

HTC and KDDI of Japan recently launched the new HTC J Butterfly smartphone for Japanese markets. The smartphone offers the same design as the HTC One M8 except that it is water-proof and doesn't have dual-front BoomSound speakers or the Ultrapixel Duo camera. Other tech specs and features for the HTC J Butterfly include a Snapdragon 801 processor, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage with microSD support, 5-inch full HD display, 13MP rear camera, 5MP front camera, supports 4G LTE and packs in Android 4.4. No specific Malaysia release dates or pricing yet but the HTC J Butterfly will be in Japan from late August 2014 and could eventually come to Malaysia hopefully.


Waterproof Samsung Galaxy S4 Activ Confirmed

Rumours surrounding the existence of a more rugged and waterproof version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 were put to rest recently. This happened when the Samsung Galaxy S4 Activ (whose name is still not confirmed) was recently certified by the Bluetooth SIG. Its user agent profile then showed up on Samsung's website. While the Bluetooth certification does confirm that yes it does exist, it doesn't confirm much else.However, the user profile on the site does confirm that the screen will have 1080p resolution just like a standard Samsung Galaxy S4. This is notable because the other two similarly named devices, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini and the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom supposedly don't have as high resolution screens. Unfortunately no pricing just yet, but according to previous scheduling the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active should be launched in July bearing a bright metallic orange colour. Also, no indication if this is just going to be a nano spray application as some people have surmised. Hopefully, it will be something with some form of IP57 certification or something similar.


Waterproof Sony Xperia ZR Announced

Confirming earlier rumours about the tougher more waterproof Sony smartphone coming after the Sony Xperia Z, Sony recently announced the Sony Xperia ZR. As mentioned previously before, the new Sony Xperia ZR can now be submerged under 1.5m and complies with the aforementioned IP58 durability ratings. Asides from this it is more dust resistant and has an anti-shatter film (of the kind that can probably take power tools on). Other tech specs include:

No news on price and availability just yet, but there is a nice video showing it off in the pool and another one taking a closer look at it. Note the dedicated camera button and what looks to be a pretty powerful flash as well:

Check out the Sony Xperia ZR in underwater action!


Waze can now estimate toll prices for your designated routes!

Travelling seems to be much more convenient recently with two of the most popular navigation apps in Malaysia like Google Maps and Waze. Today, Waze has updated a new feature to all the Wazers which will show the estimated toll price on a designated route.

With this new feature, users will get to estimate each cost of toll when they search directions for a destination which is estimated through information shared by the Waze community. Also, users can compare the Toll prices by clicking on the “Routes” menu as usual and choose the best routes.

This new feature does come in handy especially whenever you’re traveling to a new destination you have never been to. What do you think about it? Let us know at our Facebook page and stay tuned for more updates on TechNave.com!


Waze could tell you the toll price in the future

Waze introduced a new function in the US, as well as Canada, which allows the user to see the price of a toll along the route to their destination. Not only is this informative, but it could help drivers plan out their expenses while driving on the road.

Based on a statement by the Waze team, they utilized a form of crowdsourcing method in order to get the toll fees for a specified location. In addition to that, there will also be volunteer editors who will ensure that the pricing of the toll remains accurate. As of now, there is no official news on when this feature will be available in Malaysia. What do you think about this feature by Waze? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Apple iPad Air vs iPad mini with Retina Display

Which should you choose? The Apple iPad Air or the Apple iPad mini with Retina Display?

Apple has recently revealed the latest versions of their tablets, the Apple iPad Air (Apple iPad 5) and Apple iPad mini with Retina Display (Apple iPad mini 2). Offering new 64-bit A7 processors, improved design and tech specs and the aforementioned Retina Display for both tablets it now makes for an interesting choice of which Apple tablet to choose. We'll be covering this question in this comprehensive tech specs comparison between the Apple iPad Air and Apple iPad mini with Retina Display, so do read on.

A quick Technave.com Tech specs comparison between the Apple iPad Air and Apple iPad mini with Retina Display reveal that not much is different. Even the GPU and MIMO dual-antennas are the same for the two tablets but there is a definite size advantage going on for both tablets. One one hand, the iPad Air has the larger 9.7-inch Retina Display. On the other hand, due to the smaller 7.9-inch Retina Display with the same 1536 x 2048 pixel resolution, the iPad mini with Retina Display has a much higher 324ppi pixel density than the 264ppi pixel density on the iPad Air. While both tablets are the same 7.5mm thin and share the same ultra-slim bezel design, the iPad mini with Retina Display has a definite weight advantage at just 331g compared to the 469g of the iPad Air (for the WiFi versions). An extra 138g is nothing to scoff at as both these tablets are going to be handheld more often than not and even that slight weight can make the difference when you're holding them for long periods of time. All other tech specs and features remain the same though, right down to the 5MP camera, 10 Hour battery and multiple 4G LTE band connectivity. Colour options are also the same as both tablets come in now standard Space Grey and Silver.

Both tablets have the same design, same Retina Display, same processor and same thickness

Early impressions of the new Apple iPad Air reveal that you can now hold it one-handed more comfortably as compared to the previous version. While tests have not been exhaustive yet, early benchmarks indicate that the 64-bit A7 processor and chipset is very fast and capable. There also don't seem to be any heat issues in the Apple iPad mini with Retina Display that usually occur when you shrink down the hardware like this. WiFi and other connectivity options are all top notch and with the new and improved hardware, both tablets can now handle all types of apps on the App store, including those 64-bit applications which haven't appeared yet. As expected of the better graphics and bigger screens, games and apps that take advantage of the A7 chipset certainly look nicer on the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina Display than on the much smaller screen of the Apple iPhone 5S. Comprehensive battery tests still haven't been done yet either, but according to Apple, both tablets should be able to offer the same 10 hour battery life as their predecessors. Do note though that the iPad Mini has been noted for it's slightly shorter battery life before. The new iOS 7 operating system works great on both tablets and to top it off, Apple have also updated and included the iWork and entertainment app suites as well for free.

The Apple iPad Air is both thinner and lighter than it's previous version

While we have yet to see official Malaysia pricing for either the Apple iPad Air or the Apple iPad mini with Retina Display we can make comparisons based on the US pricing of the 2 tablets. In general there are two versions for each tablet, one with just WiFi and another Cellular version with WiFi and 4G LTE (and 3G) connectivity. There are also differently priced storage options starting from 16GB of onboard storage. The prices for the base 16GB versions are listed below:

In terms of availability, the Apple iPad Air is currently being rolled out and is available in the US and other select markets (which don't include Malaysia yet) while the Apple iPad mini with Retina Display is expected to be available in November 2013. We expect the prices to increase somewhat when the two tablets get officially launched in Malaysia as a reflection of the price increase recently seen for the Apple iPhone 5S and Apple iPhone 5C, perhaps by RM200 or so more than before. This would make the base 16GB WiFi version of the Apple iPad Air cost RM1774 while the Apple iPad mini with Retina Display would go for RM1458. So in essence, you would pay RM316 more for another 1.8-inches worth of screen size for the iPad Air.

Apple made a wonderful decision making the Apple iPad Air look and feel more like the Apple iPad mini. The iPad Air is a much better, thinner and lighter device than it was before, but it is still a larger and heavier tablet compared to the Apple iPad mini with Retina Display. Sure, you can use the iPad Air one handed now, but in terms of portability the iPad mini with Retina Display is the better choice, even more so that it can now perform just as well as the iPad Air. The difference in ppi isn't such a big thing as we doubt most users will see any change in clarity or sharpness even if the two tablets get placed next to each other.

However, there are still going to be users out there who prefer a tablet with a bigger screen, which is what the iPad Air is perfect for. So, in answer to the earlier question of which tablet you should get, it depends on what you use it for. If you're looking for a more portable tablet the answer is the Apple iPad mini with Retina Display. If you're looking for a tablet with larger screen size then the Apple iPad Air is the one for you. If price is also a big concern then we would recommend getting the Apple iPad mini with Retina Display as the estimated RM316 is still a good amount of money by comparison.

The Apple iPad mini with Retina Display gets our vote


Waze has released a few predictions as to how the Raya 2019 traffic would pan out

With the month of Ramadan coming to an end, Waze has graciously released a few predictions as to how the “Balik Kampung” traffic will pan out for the year of 2019 as to help fellow road warriors stay safe on their ride back.

The first prediction by Waze is that there will be an increase of up to 18% more drivers on the highway than normal this year, as compared to last year’s statistics. Not only that, road users are expected to drive longer on the road with an increase of up to an average of 83 minutes as well. With the food culture being strong in us Malaysians, it is expected that trips to restaurants as well as grocery stores will likely increase during the Raya festivities as well.

That being said, Waze has also provided various tips to help you get through the long drive back. First of all, they recommend road users to leave the Waze app on as to help road users estimate their drives more accurately. Secondly, the Waze app also allows the users to pick the routes that are either more familiar to them or even routes that exclude tolls.

In case you didn’t know, Waze is also well integrated into various music partners such as Spotify, Deezer, Pandora and more. So why not pick a piece of music from those partners, that will help you stay excited on your “balik kampung” trip! For more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com


Waze introduces the Waze Beacon to help you navigate while in tunnels

Waze has recently introduced the Waze Beacon which is a battery-operated electronic that transmits real-time traffic data to devices in locations where GPS signals could not be received such as a tunnel. The aforementioned beacons are not exclusive to Waze as they can be used by any application that requires location data.

Based on a statement by Paultan.com, Malaysia is the first country in Southeast Asia to have the Waze Beacon installed to help drivers as they navigate while in tunnels by using Bluetooth connection. As of now, the pilot programme will be conducted in Tun Razak Exchange for now and it will be available to more areas in the future.

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


Waze is removing its app widget on iOS

Popular GPS navigation app Waze is removing its iOS widget in the latest updates to the app. The widget, which is for the left-most home screen on iOS is being removed due to “significantly low” usage.

According to a forum post by the Google-owned platform, Waze confirmed the removal of the feature that was first introduced in iOS 8 back in 2014. It is unclear whether the company would be bringing the widget back in another form such as a full widget on iOS.

According to 9to5Google, Waze v4.92 appears to be the version where the widget is removed by the company. Well, given how useful widgets could be, especially one that shows traffic information, let’s hope that it would be resurrected in a better form in the future.

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


Waze now has alerts for railroad crossing in Malaysia

While most of us are stuck at home these days, some people still need to get out on the roads. For them, Waze is constantly adding new features to improve the user's experience. In the latest update, Waze added a new alert feature for when you're crossing railroads.

Specifically, Waze confirmed that you'll now get alerts when you approach a railroad crossing. There aren't that many in the urban areas, so it may not be that important for most of us. But if you do have to go through railroad crossings daily near your home or office, it would be handy to know when and if it's safe to cross.

This new feature was a collaborative effort between Waze and its community of users, which is rather active in Malaysia. In other words, we can expect more handy alerts to be added in the future. Anyway, to turn the feature on, you have to go to the settings to do it manually.

The feature should be available once the app is updated on Android and iOS. With that said, is this useful for you or is there another feature you want to see added? Let us know in the comments and stick around with TechNave for more news.


Waze predicts peak travel times for Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2017

Based on last year's travel statistics, Waze has released the peak time predictions to balik kampung for Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2017 from 21 June 2017 to 25 June 2017. The infographics cover just Kota Baru, Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru along with the top 5 metros but it should give some indication for those travelling up North and down South this Raya Aidilfitri. Do bear in mind that these are just predictions though so take them with a pinch of salt.


Waze rolled out new features: Recent locations, lane guidance, and more

There are two navigation apps that Malaysian always rely on, which are Google Maps and Waze. The people used it not only to search for destination but also the nearest petrol stations, R&R, and other places. Here are the latest features that Waze have rolled out.

This first feature is trip suggestions, this can help you to know what is happening on the roads, adjust the plan while there is time to make changes and takes a short time to buffer. Next, the recent location is to show you the recent places that you drove to, with just one tap then you can start your journey.

On the other hand, you can now search the location on the web and send it to your app by just scanning the QR code (applies on iOS and Android users). On top of that, lane guidance is not a new thing for Google Maps users but now Waze has this feature. This feature can guide you to the right lane and avoid to the wrong routes.

Scan the QR and it will send it to your app

Go and download Waze and try out the new features and tell us what do you think. For more tech news, be sure to stay tuned on TechNave.com.


Waze rolled out the Holiday Mode with Santa's voice and Santa's Sleigh on the map!

Christmas is around the corner, it might have a different take on this festive holiday season this year for most of us. Not everyone will be traveling to places this year, but if you’re moving around your neighborhood and want to add on some Christmas vibe to it, just turn on your Waze, and old St. Nick will be telling you the way.Yes, Waze has rolled out the Holiday Mode on its app with its latest updates. Once you updated it and activate the Holiday Mode, you’ll first hear Santa’s voice talking to you, then you will Santa’s sleigh on the map instead of a tiny car while the tiny Waze bubbles now are filled with Santa hats and beards around the map.

This ho-ho-holiday season you can drive with Santa on Waze! The only thing more festive than that is, well, we can't think of anything more festive. Happy holidays!

If you are in Malaysia, and you have updated to the latest version of the app but still couldn’t get the Holiday Mode, don’t panic, because Waze only rolled out the Holiday Mode to the US, UK, and Canada at the moment. Since there are still 2 more weeks to go, let’s hope Waze will roll out the Holiday Mode updates to more countries soon.With that said, by looking at the current situation, while enjoying the holiday season with your friends and family, be sure to always keep your hygiene well taken care of wherever you are traveling to during this holiday season. Stay tuned for more news updates on TechNave.com.


Waze starts to offer standalone built-in app for specific car models

Waze is getting a standalone app for some car models. Before this, if you wanted to use the app in the car, you would have to connect your smartphone to the infotainment system. However, thanks to Google's embedded Android Automotive OS, drivers can now access the navigation app without connecting any external device.

At the moment, the standalone Waze app is only available on dedicated displays inside the new Renault Austral Hybrid and Renault Megane E-Tech electric vehicles in Europe. It offers the usual Waze alerts, navigation, and routing options. Of course, it won't be the last brand to provide the app, as General Motors, Chevrolet, and Volvo offer similar Google integration. Honda is also set to use to embedded Android system soon.

Waze has been actively looking for solutions to improve the in-car experience over recent years. Besides integrating more deeply with CarPlay and Apple Music, the platform has also brought fun '70s, '80s, and '90s themes for the appearance aspect.

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


Waze tests a new feature that alerts drivers of dangerous roads with a “history of crashes”

Popular GPS navigation app Waze is testing a new feature that would warn users of potentially dangerous roads that have a “history of crashes” based on Waze community data. Currently in beta, the app would colour the road on the map red if it is deemed as high-risk.

According to The Verge which sourced a report from Geektime, Waze will also push one pop-up notification about the dangerous roads around the driver. The lack of “in your face” warnings may be an attempt by the developers to not overwhelm drivers but only to call for caution.

As of right now, the new feature is only available for beta testers in Israel, where the Google-owned company was previously based at. However, as we reported previously, Google has merged the Waze team with the Google Maps team under Google Geo to consolidate operations.

Hence, this new feature is the first since the merge occurred. This dangerous roads warning is expected to be released in the full version of Waze soon and can be turned off with a toggle located under the app’s settings section designated for alerts.

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


Waze users rejoice! U Mobile is offering free data for Waze usage

There seems to be a constant stream of new promotions from U Mobile lately, from free data roaming to the extension of their 15GB P70 promotion. This time around, there is good news for Waze users as starting 19 April 2016 until 31 December 2016, all postpaid plans and U Mobile Unlimited Internet (UMI) plans, as well as prepaid broadband plans MB40 & MB68, will be able to enjoy free data for Waze usage. Check out the U Mobile website for more information.


Apple iPad Malaysia release: A14 Bionic, USB-C, 10.9-inch all-screen display and more from RM2099

Apple have officially announced their 10th generation iPad tablet in 4 snazzy looking colours of blue, pink, silver and yellow from RM2099. On top of this, Apple has redesigned the tablet with a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display that has no punch hole or notch for the front camera. Instead, the ultra-wide 12MP front camera is located in the top bezel in landscape mode.

That's not all, this is also the first iPad to not have a home button. However, Touch ID is still there, just integrated with the power button on the side. There’s also a USB-C port and WiFi 6 connectivity.

The 12MP ultra wide angle front camera is now located in the bezel, so the 10.9-inch display is all-screen with no interruptions

There's still Touch ID, just it's now on the side

On the inside, the new iPad is powered by an A14 Bionic chipset, iPadOS 16 and is compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil. However, it needs a separate dongle to both charge and connect to the new iPad.

Other new accessories include a keyboard with a large trackpad and a row of 14 function keys that Apple are calling the Magic Keyboard Folio. Thankfully the new iPad comes with a charger and cable but you'll have to get the Pencil (RM479, this new version comes with the dongle), its dongle (RM55 if you already have the Pencil) and the Magic Keyboard Folio (RM1249) separately.

Pricing for the 10th generation Apple iPad starts from RM2099 for the 64GB storage WiFi version and RM2849 for the cellular version that supports 5G. There's also a 256GB storage version but both are currently not available in Malaysia at the moment. The 9th generation iPad is now priced from RM1599 which is RM100 more than it was previously but it is now the lowest priced iPad of the bunch.

So, which Apple iPad tablet are you thinking of getting? We like the new blue colour to be honest but the higher price tag is certainly making us think twice. As always, stay tuned to TechNave.com for more tech news and reviews.


We are sure that this Sony’s wearable speaker is not going into your Christmas shopping list

If you’re the kind of people who wishes your neck pillow to have a sound speaker, then your wish has been granted by Sony (minus the comfort). This Sony Immersive Wearable Speaker is made as an alternative to your soundbar or home theater system and it is shaped like a neck pillow.

The wearable speaker was first launched in Japan in 2017. Until now, Sony has somehow brought the product into the US market. The speaker is being sold at the price of 300 USD (~RM1252.53), but we don’t think the product is worth the price tag. Let’s find out why!

First, this speaker doesn’t support the basic Bluetooth connectivity (what!). You can only connect it with your TV with a transmitter that comes in the box. The transmitter is needed to be plugged into a power outlet and hooked up to a TV through an optical cable or audio cable. Actually, we already have this kind of neck pillow-shaped speaker in our market like the Bose SoundWear and it offers Bluetooth options.

For the audio output, the wearable speaker is said to sound alright but it is not that excellent. One extra feature it has is emitting vibrations which users are not hating it for some reasons. There are three settings for the vibration which are weak, middle, and strong. We think you can put the vibration to use when you need a good massage? If you want to turn it off, weak is basically the only option.

The Sony Immersive Wearable Speaker is also said to be the speaker which would not bother someone who is in the other room if you’re having a TV series binging moment late into the night. Compared to the normal speakers for TV, it does sound quieter especially it only sits around your neck. However, if there are people around you, of course, they can still hear the sound.

Last but not least, this is also not an option for families who watch TV together as it is created for personal use. Unless you buy the wearable speaker for each of your family members, but we would still suggest you get a normal speaker or soundbar for that price tag.

Considering its design and functions, this speaker is rather niche for the market. We are not quite sure that this will be a better alternative for those who are looking for ways to enhance sound quality for TVs.

Let us know what you think about this wearable speaker on our Facebook page! For more tech news, stay tuned on TechNave.com.


We could see a brand new pair of Sony PS5 wireless earbuds this year

Cover image for illustration purposes only

You have heard of the Sony InZone series for the PlayStation 5 (PS5), but what about a true wireless earbud variant? Well, it's not official yet but there are rumours going around that Sony could be developing one.

Under the name Project Nomad, Sony may plan to release the PS5 wireless earbuds as well as a new wireless headset towards the end of 2023. Sources say that the alleged PS5 wireless earbuds could have a battery life of 5 hours, and they could come with a wireless charging case which could be charged through the PS5 via USB C. Even software updates could be done on the PS5.

Besides the PS5 wireless earbuds, a new wireless headset called Voyager and maybe a new successor to the InZone series. The release date is unknown as aforementioned, but should it be true, these two wearables could also release on the same timeline as the PS5 with a detachable disc drive in September 2023.

Anyway, what do you think of having PS5 wireless earbuds? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


We could see colour-changing smartphones by vivo in the future

A colour-changing smartphone? But why? Well, why not? Found on the forum threads in Weibo, the new technology seem to be developed by vivo and its affiliated company, BBK is responsible for this cool piece of tech. Here's what we know about it so far.

So how does it work? According to sources, the device is using an electrochromic glass so the colour can change instead of viewing it from a different angle. In other words, the user can switch the colour at will from a press of a button. Interestingly, vivo is also covering the rear camera module for some reason and we suspect that this new feature could be part of a new unannounced vivo smartphone in the future.

At the moment, the technology seems to be limited to just two colours so it's not exactly based on a chameleon's skin colour changing ability. Electrochromic glass is also used on aircraft, luxury cars and even curtains for some hotels. On paper, this feature could hide the rear camera module completely so it's a promising one, but it might not even make it.

But what do you think of this new feature? Is it just a gimmick or something that you would like on your smartphone? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


We could see the new Apple iPhone 14 series on 7 September 2022

Every year, Apple hosts its next Apple Event in September. While there's no official announcement yet, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg thinks the company would have it on 7 September 2022. Almost a week after that, the sales could happen on 16 September 2022.

Obviously, we would be seeing the new iPhone 14 series and the Apple Watch Series 8. There has been a couple of rumours going on for the former, most notably for the camera technology for the pro variants, a new A16 chipset and removing the notch for a pill-shaped + punch-hole cutout.

Not only that, the new name scheme rumour has been going strong and consistent over the past few months. If it's true, Apple may release a 6.1-inch iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, alongside a 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max model. The 5.4-inch iPhone mini line could be swapped out in favour of the non-pro max model, due to poor sales.

As for the Apple Watch Series 8, rumours have it that there could be three new models - a standard one, a pro variant as well as a revamped Apple Watch SE. All these three new Apple Watches are expected to have a larger body display, a new look and more rugged too. Apple may not reveal any new iPad series as it may be saved for the one in October.

Typically, Apple would announce the official date in a week before the launch. Gurman has also said that Apple is already preparing the pre-recorded event so there won't be any physical ones. Also, he said several retail employees are preparing for the sales on 16 September.

As for the Malaysian market, we have been getting the new iPhone sales quite early over the years so do expect them to happen in September 2022 too. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


We decoded the new teaser image as the Redmi 10 Prime!

Last week we just witnessed the launch of the new Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 and Xiaomi Mi Mix 4, the company is still working on new devices. Today, Redmi India Twitter account teased an image of a new “all round superstar” phone.

According to the teaser image, it shows some hints on the upcoming highlights of the phone which are the lightning bolts which represent fast charging, Hz representing high refresh rate display, string of numbers which represents “superstar is coming”. So that’s probably the puzzle that we solved so far.

"67 73 53 11 61 67 71 2 61 23 67 5 47 41 23 43 17"We can't tell you what that means (yet) but here's a clue!#AllRoundSuperstar is on its way & it will be the answer to everythingTill then watch this space https://t.co/kSm13clzeHRT & comment below if you can decode pic.twitter.com/FQN1fmOvCD

The image of the phone in the teaser is very similar to the leaked Redmi 10 Prime images with the same symbols coming out of the four lights so we assumed it as the same device. The phone will be unveiled on September 3. In the meantime, the numbers listed on the caption can be turned into letters. Just try to copy it into a certain website translator.

As of now, there is still no confirmation on the official tech specs yet, so do take this with a pinch of salt and stay tuned for more tech news updates on TechNave.com


We go hands-on with the Realme 2 and Realme 2 Pro value busters complete with video

Right after the Realme 2 series launch of the Realme 2, Realme 2 Pro and Realme C1, we managed to get some hands-on time with the Realme 2 and Realme 2 Pro. While both are equally shiny, the Realme 2's diamond back gives it a more angular and striking look. Both are solidly built and their 6.2-inch and 6.3-inch displays dominate the front, which should make them good devices for those movie watchers out there.

The Realme 2 packs in the energy efficient Snapdragon 450 chipset and a large 4230 mAh battery while packing in more memory and storage than the entry-level Realme C1. Priced well below RM700, it should be mighty tempting for the average entry-level user. Despite packing in an upper midrange Snapdragon 660 chipset and a lot more memory and storage, the Realme 2 Pro also manages to go below the RM1000 price tag. No Malaysia release dates or pricing details yet, but there's already a Realme Malaysia Facebook page, so it is more a question of when than if. Stay tuned for more at TechNave.com.


We got a closer look at Sony's brand new wireless earbuds, the WF-1000XM3

We recently reported on Sony’s brand new wireless earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM3 which will be hitting Malaysia this August for RM949. The earbuds are not only designed beautifully but from what we’ve experienced, they’re extremely well made as well. Think of them as the earbud version of Sony’s WH-1000XM3 headphones.

The earbuds come with an extremely premium design - one of the best looking earbuds on the market. There are two colours available which are Black and Silver. Both colours come with beautiful gold accents on the lid of the casing and the Sony logo on the buds themselves. Personally, the black earbuds look better than the silver ones as the design looks extremely classic.

The earbuds look large when put in your ears but it doesn’t look odd. One of the downsides is the size of the case but it is understandable why it is that big due to the fact that it can hold 3 extra full battery charges for the earbuds, ensuring longer listening time. Speaking of the case, it is magnetic so that placing your earbuds in the case would be convenient, safe and secure. No issue of dropping your buds and losing them.

Going through daily life with this pair of bad boys is definitely a breeze. The earbuds come with smarter listening which makes it easy to switch between listening to your earbuds and your surroundings.

Quick Attention allows users to simply place their fingers on the earbuds itself to increase or decrease music volume to allow ambient sound in. This is particularly helpful when someone comes up to you for a chat and you don’t have to take off your earbuds to reply. You can also tap on your left earbud to switch between noise cancelling to ambient sound or double tap on your right earbud to skip to the next track. If you don’t like the controls, you can customize it via the Headphones Connect app on your smartphone.

Besides that, the device also comes with Adaptive Sound Control which can automatically detect what users are up to while using the earbuds such as walking, running, traveling and more. The earbuds then adjust the ambient sound settings to suit the user’s surroundings. If that’s not your thing, you can manually adjust your preferences as well. In addition, it also stops playing music when one earbud is removed and resumes play when it is put back on.

Another cool feature is the ability for users to take calls with either both buds or just one bud. Switching between the two buds effortlessly transfers the call to the other bud. I can easily see myself using this feature when my buds are on low battery and need a recharge and need to take an important call.

As mentioned earlier, the WF-1000XM3 headphones have incredible sound quality, rivalling Sony’s iconic WH-1000XM3 headphones. The sound quality is impeccable - we honestly did not expect it to sound so good given the quality of wireless earbuds out on the market right now.

We can easily adjust the sound according to our own preference through the app such as the bass and treble. Overall, the sound quality is pretty similar to the WH-1000XM3 which says a lot about these earbuds and you’re definitely going to have a good time with these.

Though the earbuds look huge, they are actually very comfortable to wear. They fit snugly in our ears and doesn’t fall out easily. You can be rest assured that it would be able to fit any ear size thanks to the extra earbuds given in 3 different sizes in the box. The best part? You don’t even notice that they’re in your ears.

These earphones don’t play when it comes to battery life. If you’re the type to travel long distances or just enjoy listening to music for long periods of time, these would be the buds for you. The WF-1000XM3 comes with up to 24 hours of listening time with noise cancelling on.

Basically, 6 hours total listening time on the buds with noise cancelling on and an extra 18 hours of battery on the case. Without noise cancelling, users get 8 hours of listening time on the buds and an extra 24 hours of battery on the charging case.

The buds also come with Quick Charge in the case,  perfect when you need your buds fast. A quick 10 minute charge gives you a total of 90 minutes of listening time (god knows how much I need this whenever I fly long distances and there’s a wailing baby on my flight).

Overall, there’s not a lot to dislike about these earbuds. The price is not bad at all considering other wireless earbud competitors in the market versus the quality and battery life the WF-1000XM3 is offering. If you want to know more, you can head on over to Sony’s official website where the buds will be available soon. Keep up with the latest Sony news on TechNave.com!


We got a short interview with Blizzard's Senior Look Development Artist Alan Chan

Recently, we’ve been given the opportunity to interview Alan Chan, who is currently the Senior Look Development Artist at Blizzard Entertainment. To the uninitiated, Alan Chan is a CG veteran who had worked on several notable films such as Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Harry Potter and many more. Head over to IMDB or his website, if you want to find out more about the projects that Alan Chan took part in.

In the interview, Alan Chan has mentioned that when he graduated in 1995, Malaysia’s CG industry was practically non-existent. However, as CG became more and more mainstream, the industry in Malaysia slowly grew as well which resulted in an increase in local animation and gaming companies.

In addition to that, he also mentioned that although Malaysia has many raw talents, they are still relatively new in the CG industry who do not have the same experience as international companies when it comes to handling projects. However, this can be remedied by collaborating with different companies in order to learn from them.

In terms of the animations produced by local companies, Alan noted that many of the local CG animations have an underlying culture behind them where the international audience might not be able to relate. Working with an international company may help provide another perspective which could help push local CG animated projects into the global limelight.

Last but not least, Alan Chan’s tip to all aspiring Malaysian CG animators is to be passionate about what they are working on. It is recommended to have thick skin due to the fact that getting rejected is fairly common especially when you’re new. Also, always have a back-up plan just in case a project goes south.

What do you think of our interview with Alan Chan? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


We had a Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: Lovers' Mountain Hiking Love Diary fan event and here's what happened!

Before we got our Chinese New Year break, the TechNave Chinese team and Samsung Malaysia held an outdoor experience for Samsung fans on 22 January 2022. The one-day experience was the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: "Lovers' Mountain Hiking Love Diary". It was a fan event held at Sri Bintang Hall where we invited five couples for a hike to watch the sunrise together!

For the uninitiated, here's a thing about hiking to see the sunrise - you usually have to wake up super early just for it (luckily, the editor didn't need to be there, haha). Everyone involved and participating had to gather at 6 AM in the morning at the foot of Sri Bintang Hill. Each couple also carried a Galaxy S21 FE 5G and a Galaxy Watch4 for the outdoor experience.

The event was at 6 AM, but we had to be there at 5 AM!

It took 30 minutes to reach the top, and when we got there, everyone started taking out the Galaxy S21 FE 5G to snap some shots. From shooting the sunrise to taking photos of each other, our special guest, Ken Chu, explained the techniques of shooting with his phone based on his own observations of the five couples.

According to Ken, if the guys want to take a good photo of their girlfriends, the first thing that they need to have is communication. Based on the camera view, you'll have to give suggestions on postures, angles and styles. Knowing how to communicate will cultivate an understanding between the couples.

Editor's note: It's so rare to see Ken's flatten hair like that (lol)

To recap, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes with a triple-camera setup at the back. It features a 12MP (main) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 8MP (telephoto) camera, plus a 32MP front camera that the couples used. Additionally, there is an enhanced night mode, up to 30x zoom, and a special dual camera recording feature. Below are some testimonies that the couples shared from their outing experience with us.

"Thanks to the TechNave Chinese team and Samsung for choosing to host this new learning experience outdoors. The MCO didn't give us the opportunity to participate in an outdoor event like this for a long time, and you can also meet new people. We are looking forward to getting started with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G to feel the new mobile phone and try out its camera function to record the mountain climbing process and sunrise scenery."

"Thanks to Ken's mobile photography tips, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G has a wealth of shooting functions while supporting dust and water resistance. This can meet the needs of outdoor shooting, even if it is raining now, you can still take pictures and do not have to worry about other problems."

"We were lucky enough to be invited to participate in this experience. The MCO had made us want to go hiking for a long time, and recently he (Johnson) considered upgrading his phone. He was curious about the Galaxy S21 FE 5G, so he signed us up for this event. We are impressed by the camera capabilities. Be it for taking a sunrise shot, portrait or selfie, we didn't need to do more editing before uploading to our social media, which was very convenient."

"We had such a good outdoor experience and really like the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. It could endure a long time from the bottom of the mountain to the top while taking lots of photos. In the end, the phone's battery was at 50%, so we think the battery performance is not bad."

"We learned about this outdoor event through a Facebook group and decided to have our first hiking experience in 2022. We really like the night mode of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G as the photos taken were quite clear. That said, I (Kah Yee) feel it's time to upgrade my boyfriend's phone (Samsung Galaxy S10+) to this one."

As the event came to the third session, all the participants played some games before ending the hiking trip with a group photo. We then went to a cafe to thank the Samsung fans for taking their time to participate in the event. As a show of appreciation, the TechNave Chinese team also prepared a pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 as a prize. All the participants had to do was choose the best girlfriend lock screen photo, which everyone had to vote for.

Choosing the best GF lock screen photo for the prize

To celebrate the success of this outdoor experience, the TechNave Chinese team would like to thank you for not being afraid of the rain and persevered to the end. We all hope you had fun, and for those who couldn't make it, don't worry because we will bring you more variety in activities. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com!


We'll be meeting football legend Eric Cantona and YES 4G LTE this weekend

The folks at YES 4G LTE are apparently bringing in football legend Eric Cantona to Malaysia this weekend (update: Saturday only now) for a Double Double Date. Previously featured in the YES 4G Double Double Excitement video, he will be signing autographs and meeting fans while probably showing off YES 4G LTE. We'll be there to meet him, so stay tuned for more at TechNave.com.


Apple iPad Mini 2 Malaysia Release Date & Specs

Various reliable sources expected that Apple should announce the newest iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 this month.  As a norm for Apple, the event should be held on 22nd October.

The focus of the event will be on the 5th generation full size iPad as well as the second generation iPad mini. The new iPad 5 is expected to be thinner, lighter and overall smaller because of its reduced bezels. The second generation iPad mini 2 will get the same treatment, expected along with the new retina display. Rumors saying that Apple will putting the fingerprint scanner on them but it is not been confirmed yet. If the announcement date of October 22nd is true then the release date for both new iPads should be around first week in November.

Please check out the Apple iPad mini 2 specs and info.

Apple Might Be Re-launched the iPad Mini to iPad Mini 2 with Retina Display Soon (Rumors):

There are rumors that Apple might re-launch the iPad Mini with improved display resolution. Speculators have already given the name for this new tablet and it would be iPad Mini 2. The expecting annoncement should be on October 2013 and the iPad mini 2 release date should around Novermber 2013.

iPad Mini 2 is expected to have better display resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels and comes packed in same 7.9 inches screen size. This resolution is same as that of on iPad 4 which has got Retina Display. That means, iPad Mini 2 tablet would have Retina technology support. So it will have 324 ppi pixel density.

After the release of iPad Mini tablet by Apple, many wondered so as to why Apple didn’t gave the best resolution pixels on this tablet, and why Retina technology has not been incorporated on this tablet. Few are saying that production level problems might be the reason behind this scenario. Few others say that Apple wontedly provided low resolution on the iPad Mini so that it can release another improved version with enhanced resolution.There were reports that the price of iPad Mini i.e. 329 USD was high and it is because of the manufacturing problems. The touch screen technology i.e. new GF DITO technology provided on this tablet is making lot of hurdles in production stages.


We'll soon know which smartphone has the best AI, as AnTuTu now benchmarks smartphone AI performance

Image courtesy of GSMArena.com and AnTuTu

AnTuTu has recently announced that they will begin benchmarking AI performance, which can be found in quite a number of modern-day smartphones. The number of AI capable smartphone has increased since the start of 2018, which brings plenty of added functionality such as AI scene detection, AI power management and so on.

That being said, AnTuTu is determined to tabulate AI performance as well as weed out phones that come with “fake AI”. The test includes scanning up to 200 images as well as a 600-frame video for scene detection where the results will take into account speed and accuracy.

Do take note that the benchmark is still in development and AnTuTu plans to further improve upon it in the future. It will be interesting how Huawei's HiSilicon Kirin 980 will stack up against Samsung's upcoming Exynos 9820 with embedded NPU which will be included in the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S10 series. For more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


We may be getting a screenless keychain camera from Canon

Canon is raising funds to help them create a small, screenless camera. The camera can be hung to your belt, bags and etc as it comes with a hook like a keychain. The campaign is named “IVY REC Concept Camera” which you can find on Indiegogo.

The unique selling point of the device is the fact that it is for those who love the outdoors and extreme conditions. It is shockproof and water resistant with an IP67 rating. The camera can be submerged to 1m underwater for 30 minutes so there’s no need to worry too much about splashes, spills and most importantly, the rain. However, if you want to bring the camera diving, you may want to invest in a waterproof case for your device.

Tech specs wise, it comes with a ⅓ inch CMOS sensor for its 13MP camera. For video, it can easily record 1080p at 60fps. In addition, it is also supports Bluetooth and WiFi which enables you to connect to your smartphone via the CanonMini Cam app to transfer and view photos and videos as well as use the smartphone as the camera viewfinder.

As for its design, the device does not include a screen. The only thing you’ll find on it is the square lens and a few function buttons. However, similar to Instax cameras, the upcoming keychain camera comes with a viewfinder which can be found on the top left of the camera. Honestly, the best thing I can think of when it comes to the keychain is to clip it to your dog or cat’s collar and record the world from their points of view.

It is a little unusual that Canon would place this camera as a kickstarter project on Indiegogo but the reason for that is so the company can capture as many customers as possible, especially casual photographers. The price of the device or even its release date has not been announced but if you sign up as an early backer, you’re eligible to a 30% discount when you purchase the device. Are you interested in this camera? Keep up with the latest tech news on TechNave.com!


We may be seeing 64MP sensor on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 as Samsung introduces new ISOCELL sensor

Samsung announced their brand new 64MP ISOCELL Bright GW1 today. Currently, it is the largest imaging sensor in the market and beats Sony’s 48MP IMX586 sensor in terms of pixel count.

The sensor utilizes pixel-merging Tetracell technology to output a single 16MP image in low-light environments and highly-detailed 64Mp shots in a more lighted environment using the remosaic algorithm. Similar to Samsung’s 48MP sensor, it uses the same 0.8μm-sized pixels. In addition, it also has a Dual Conversion Gain (DCG) for better performance and Super PD (Phase Detect) for faster autofocus.

Besides that, the Korean manufacturer also announced a second gen 48MP sensor which is the ISOCELL Bright GM2. It uses the Tetracell technology in low light conditions and the remosaic algorithm in well lit conditions with lower pixel count.

The sensors are expected to be in mass production in the second half of 2019 which means that we may likely be seeing this sensor on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10. So are you excited to see the Note 10 with a 64MP sensor? Keep up with the latest Samsung technology and innovation on TechNave.com!


We may be seeing a 3D ToF sensor or two on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10

Samsung has had 3D ToF sensors on their devices before - specifically on the Samsung Galaxy A80 and the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G. Now, we may be seeing the much anticipated Samsung Galaxy Note 10 follow suit with a 3D ToF sensor on the front and back of the device. The 3D ToF sensor is used to render bokeh effects on portrait shots, AR applications and games as well as face recognition on devices.

Renders show quad sensors on the back of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ which we suspect may include the 3D ToF sensor. The second 3D ToF sensor is said to be placed on the front of the smartphone - similar to the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G. However, due to the rumoured single punch hole design in the front of the device, this may be hard to implement. However, we may not be seeing the sensor at all on the standard edition of the Note 10 as it only comes with a triple rear camera setup alongside the LED flash.

KOLEN, a South Korean lens maker has apparently invested USD$21.6million for a brand new production plant in Vietnam. This will effectively increase production capacity from 13million lenses to 25 million lenses. KOLAN had chosen Vietnam as its location due to its partnership with Samsung. As of right now, Samsung manufactures more than half its smartphones there.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is set to be launched on the 7th of August. If you're interested in the phone, you can register here. We’re about a month away from the official announcement so do take this info with a line of salt. Are the 3D ToF sensors a selling point for you guys? You can keep up with the latest Samsung news and updates on TechNave’s app on iOS and Android!


We might be able to charge the smartwatches just by moving around in the future

Smartwatch is a rising tech gadget in recent years as evidenced by sales reports from the wearable industry. Not only it is slowly replacing conventional watches, but it has also demonstrated several features that are of great help for users. Now, researchers are working on a technology that allows users to charge their smartwatches just by moving.

According to the source, researchers at the CUHK (Chinese University of Hong Kong) are studying a new method to harvest energy from human movements. They are trying to utilise a swinging metal pole that is designed to mimic the movements of the human arms. The device is built to harvest energy from movements with a highly compact generator, which contains ten components including a motion capture unit and a power generation unit.

In 2019, the wearable industry had become a 20.65 billion US Dollar market and aiming to reach 96.31 billion US Dollars by 2027. The manufacturers are also continuously bringing new features to their own wearables including blood oxygen level monitor, heart rate monitor, sleep tracker, and more. With such features that only work when the smartwatch is being worn, not constantly removing the wearable for charging is definitely a good idea.

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


We might be able to use WhatsApp on multiple phones soon with the same account

WhatsApp is undeniably one of the most used social messaging apps in the world, but if there's one thing that everyone can agree on - the app is unable to support multiple devices with the same number or account. This happens a lot especially when Apple iPhone users switch to Android or vice versa, where the user will lose all the chat history and media files. But that could change.

According to reports, it seems that the company is already developing multi-device support for both iOS and Android since November 2019. Discovered by WABetaInfo, they found a "Registration Notification" from a secondary phone, asking for a new security code. Then after digging for some more clues in the newest WhatsApp beta v2.20.110, they were convinced that multi-device support is definitely real after triggering different event messages on the user's E2E security code change.

Nobody really knows when this multi-device support will be available to the public but we hope it will come this year. Telegram, another underrated social messaging app, has already figured this out and allows users to use more than one device without losing any chat history nor media files. It's about time WhatsApp follows the same path.

We will be keeping an eye on this when the update comes, stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


We might be seeing a 'cheaper' iPad soon

We’re having a hard time wrapping our heads around the idea itself but we may be seeing a more “affordable” version of Apple’s iPad. However, a few compromises may be made to reduce the cost of the device but the overall look and feel of the device may remain the same.

For starters, reports mention that the device may come with Touch ID in order to reduce costs which is a bit weird considering that it is now 2019. The 3.5mm headphone jack may be kept on the iPad (YEZZA!) which we haven’t seen on the Apple iPhone since they removed it on the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus and the iPad Pro.

It is speculated that the iPad Mini 5 may bear the same resemblance to the iPad Mini 4, leading us to believe that the device may retain Touch ID. In addition, it might just maintain the A10X chipset so honestly, the price might not just change that much. So far, no official announcements have been made so make sure to ingest this article with a grain of salt.

Seriously though, how “affordable” could these iPads be? I mean, the last time Apple released an affordable version of the iPhone which is the iPhone XR, the price starts from RM3599. However, due to declining sales of their products last year, could it be that the company is looking to turn over a new leaf? For the latest Apple news in Malaysia, TechNave.com is where you should be looking at!


We might get a preview of Google Pixel Fold at the Pixel 7 series launch event

The Pixel 7 series and the first Pixel smartwatch are arriving next week. Besides these exciting products, we might get other surprises from the event. According to a reputable tipster, Google could give us a glimpse of the long-awaited Pixel Fold on 6 October.

Through Twitter, tipster Yogesh Brar reveals the "expected devices" we'll see on that day. They're the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel Watch, Nest Wi-Fi Pro, and the new Nest Doorbell. The tipster continues to mention that Google will provide a "preview" of the Pixel Tablet and the Pixel Fold. If that happened, we apologize that this report spoils the surprises for you.

Google already confirmed the existence of the Pixel Tablet during Google I/O back in May. Meanwhile, Pixel Fold is the one that would really make our jaws drop, as the company has been keeping silent about it. Earlier, it was even reported that Google had cancelled the orders for the device, suggesting that it might have scrapped the project.

True or not, we'll be soon to find out. Do you think that Google will make this happen? Leave a comment to let us know your opinion, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for the latest tech news.


We might see an in-display fingerprint scanner on the Xiaomi Mi A3

Xiaomi doesn’t seem to be slowing down at all with their smartphone releases. XDA-Developers show 3 new devices with an in-display fingerprint scanner out for hardware testing. It is speculated that these device may be the Xiaomi Mi A3, Xiaomi Mi A3 Lite and its Chinese counterpart.

The devices have been codenamed as “pyxis”, bamboo_sprout” and “cosmos_sprout”. The “_sprout” suffix is said to be the devices which may be released with Android One. The third without the suffix might just be the Chinese variant of the device which may be the Xiaomi Mi 6X or Xiaomi Mi 7X.

While many phones have already started to adopt this feature, it is pretty exciting to see more and more devices ditch the rear fingerprint scanner. It isn’t that the rear fingerprint scanner is not viable, it can be somewhat annoying for someone with smaller hands like me to reach the rear fingerprint reader just to unlock my device.

No official announcements have been made about the device so make sure to sit tight and take this information with a grain of salt. What device do you think these are? If you want more news on upcoming smartphone releases, check out TechNave.com!


We now have a SIM and SD card combo in one chip!

The age of compact tech is now upon us and we can see smartphones getting slimmer, opting for a larger screen to body ratio to please consumers. The headphone jack was among the first things to get the boot but we may not see the SD card slot leaving so soon but there is another alternative to that: Combining the SD card with the SIM card!

IDEMIA presented their SIM/SD card combo at MWC 2019 recently. Dubbed FuZion, it is a SD card with the contact points of a SIM card embedded on it. Funny enough, there are some people who have cut up their SIM cards and stuck it onto their SD card but it does come with risks like a damaged SIM.

Apparently, FuZion was first showcased in 2017 and now the company says that they are ready to produce the innovation in large quantities. So far they have showcased their 128GB card attached to a Vodafone SIM and used it on the Samsung Galaxy Note 9. No clue if FuZion would have a Malaysia release date or even Malaysia price but we can expect it to hit global markets soon. Do you think this SIM/SD card combo is useful to you? For the latest news on technological innovations, check out TechNave.com!


5 Reasons you should buy an Apple iPhone 6 / iPhone 6 Plus

The Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus mark the first smartphones from Apple to go larger than the previous 4-inch display of the Apple iPhone 5S. Whether it was because they were finally listening to all the Apple fans and users who wanted a bigger screen, or because there is now a huge market for phablets and bigger screen smartphones, the 4.7-inch display Apple iPhone 6 and 5.5-inch display Apple iPhone 6 Plus are here to stay. While many people are enjoying the thinner and rounded looks on the two Apple iPhones, many are still on the fence about it and still have not made the decision to buy either the iPhone 6 or the iPhone 6 Plus. Check out our 5 reasons to buy the Apple iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus below if you need some help deciding or making up your mind.

There are actually many die-hard Apple iPhone users still using an Apple iPhone 4 or Apple iPhone 3G here in Malaysia. While they think that Apple can do no wrong, they've resisted or put off buying a new Apple iPhone every year, mainly because their Apple iPhones are still working and working better than some newer Android smartphones. They've also discovered that with each new iOS update, their beloved Apple iPhones are simply getting slower and slower, mainly because the hardware can no longer support the needs of iOS, with version 8 not available at all for these users. The hardware on the new Apple iPhones are future-proofed for the next 2-3 years at least, with a newer 64-bit A8 processor, finally NFC and much more.

Still looks good and still works but the iOS updates have slowed it down

Apple has kept the display size for the Apple iPhones below 4-inches for quite some time and even though it has a Retina HD screen resolution, sometimes all you want is a bigger screen. Well, you're not alone as Apple iPhone fans have been asking for a bigger screen iPhone for years. Thankfully, Apple have seen fit to keep the Retina HD screen for your larger sized display as the 4.7-inch display on the iPhone 6 packs in a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels while the 5.5-inch display on the iPhone 6 Plus has a full HD 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. This means the iPhone 6 has a sharp pixel density of 326 ppi while the iPhone 6 Plus has a sharper 401ppi pixel density. Both are still as sharp if not sharper than the Apple iPhone 5S which packed in a pixel density of 326 ppi.

It is no secret that Apple iPhones take better looking pictures, despite having a smaller 8MP iSight camera. However, you can still get a blurry shot using an Apple iPhone if you have shaky hands. Apple have seen fit to add on auto image stabilization for both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus. While this reduces motion blur due to hand shakiness, the iPhone 6 has an added feature of optical image stabilization which uses the A8 processor, gyroscope and M8 motion coprocessor to compensate for hand shakiness in lower light. This means that you can get even better shots and video recording with your new iPhone 6 smartphone even in low-light conditions.

In the mobile market, all the latest quality apps always come to Apple first and due to the tight controls, quality is maintained a lot better than on the Android app market which isn't as tight or the Windows phone market which is still rather young and immature. This isn't just limited to apps as you also get the latest movies, music and more on the Apple iTunes and you do so with no legal problems either, so everyone gets a win-win situation. Apple is dedicated to a more wholesome mobile experience, so even with the larger screen, you can still control your iPhone one-handed thanks to built-in features like Reachability which moves the screen to your thumb or finger, so you don't have to use the other hand to pinch and zoom.

The Apple iPhones have always been the premium smartphones to have in Malaysia and the prices have followed suit. Estimated to start from RM2399 for the 16GB version, the Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are the first iPhones to offer internal storage options of up to 128GB. As such, the 128GB Apple iPhone 6 is estimate to cost RM3300 when it hits Malaysia. The 128GB Apple iPhone 6 Plus is expected to come in at RM3800. Both are about as premium as you can get for any smartphone currently in Malaysia as at this pricing, not many people will be able to afford either Apple iPhone. If you have money to burn, then this is the phone to get, and if you want an even more premium option, we expect solid gold plated or other rare metal plated and gem encrusted versions to come soon.


Apple iPad Mini Malaysia Release Date & Price

Apple iPad Mini Malaysia Release Date (Expecting early 2013) & Price (about RM1020 to RM2050). Launching Event Happened on 23rd October 2012:-

The Apple iPad Mini was officially revealed in an event on 23rd October 2012. The launch of a smaller iPad may signify a shift of Apple’s direction as Steve Jobs had rejected the smaller iPad idea earlier.

Hopefully the iPad Mini will be have more significant upgrade or features to extract the buyers. The Apple iPad Mini Malaysia release date will be coming soon (expecting early 2013) and the iPad Mini Malaysia price ranges should be around lowers RM1020 to highest RM2050. See the photo below for the US price ranges.

Please click here for more Apple iPad Mini (WiFi) and Apple iPad Mini (WiFi + Cellular) specifications.


We took the HONOR 20 Pro on a roller coaster and go kart! | Is the HONOR 20 Pro good for vlogging?

First of all, I had no clue it was possible to bring your phone up a ride like that. I was mostly thinking "GG MONEY IF I DROP THIS!". Anyways, we were invited by HONOR to test out the HONOR 20 Pro's EIS and OIS capabilities for their quad cameras. I took the chance to try out the phone for vlogging since I've been a huge fan of vlogging with smartphones.

For a smartphone with a not so high price tag, this device performs almost as good as flagships out there. I especially love low light shots with this smartphone and the colours during daytime are pretty vibrant as well. As for the stabilization, it was not bad - certain times, such as on the pirate ride and roller coaster it performed miraculously, and the rest not so much. Have a look at our vlog and judge for yourself. Want to see more video reviews? Stay tuned to TechNave.com!


We won't be seeing new AirPods from the Apple event that is rumoured to happen on 23 March

A previous report has claimed that Apple will hold an event to announce a bunch of new products on 23 March. The list includes the long-awaited AirTags, iPad Pro with mini-LED, AirPods 3, and a new Apple TV. Sadly, the latest source is saying that we might have to wait longer for one of the products and that's the refreshed AirPods.

According to reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the AirPods 3 will not enter mass production until the third quarter of 2021. As Kuo has proven himself right more than once with several leaks, it is hard for us not to trust him. Furthermore, the source also mentioned that Apple usually only announces new products that are ready to be launched, even if they’re delayed by a few weeks or months.

To recap, the upcoming AirPods is expected to sport a design that is similar to the current AirPods Pro. However, it will not come with the Pro features which are Active Noise Cancellation and removable ear tips. According to the leaked renders that we saw previously, the new AirPods could have shorter stems and also a smaller charging case.

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


We won't be seeing wireless charging on the OnePlus 7 smartphone

CEO of OnePlus, Pete Lau confirmed in an interview that the upcoming OnePlus 7 smartphone will not have wireless charging and with good reason. The OnePlus smartphones have always been about keeping the best features it has while discarding whatever they feel is unnecessary to keep the price of the smartphone low.

Pete Lau claims that the standard charging for the OnePlus series is currently “one of the best”, clearly nodding his approval at OnePlus’s Warp Charge. Currently, Warp Charge is able to top up battery in just 30 minutes and as we all know, wireless charging doesn’t even come close to that in speed.

This doesn’t mean we won’t see wireless charging at all on all other upcoming OnePlus devices. The company has always been actively looking for a way to develop the best version of wireless charging that would benefit its user. Qualcomm has developed their very own Quick Wireless Charge but Pete Lau declined to comment whether the technology may be implemented on future OnePlus devices.

So far, there’s been no word on the upcoming OnePlus 7 device but Pete Lau did mention that they had the device with them at MWC 2019. However, they just weren’t quite ready to show the device to journalists just yet. How do you fee about the OnePlus 7 not having wireless charging? For the latest news on tech and beyond, TechNave.com is where you should be at!


WeBe CEO tells consumers not to trust telcos blindly

It is hard not to notice the ongoing telco battle happening lately, where each and every telco is seeking to win by countering each other with better plans and promotions. However, according to CC Puan, the CEO of Webe, these marketing gimmicks are nothing more than just pure mind games run by telcos. Webe recently released five short videos featuring CC Puan, where he reminded consumers to not fall for anything fancy promised by any telcos, including Webe themselves. Check them out below.

In short, the plans that telcos give out are never customized to be just about you. You need to learn to understand what exactly you need from your mobile telco by knowing your usage behavior instead of just relying on them. By understanding what you really need, you will know how to choose wisely and settle for plans that will be useful to you. Our Phone plan comparison tool should help you make that decision, but at the end the day, the informed and well-thought choice is usually the better one.


WeBe digital is coming to Malaysia nationwide with nearly unlimited everything on 30 September 2016

WeBe digital have officially announced that they will officially roll-out their Unlimited everything Mobile Internet plan on 30 September 2016 nationwide. For now, you can register online early or go to their roadshow in Sunway Pyramid Orange Concourse and get more options when choosing your new number. There will be 3 experiential zones after it has been officially launched.

How fast WeBe digital was at Sunway Pyramid


WeBe digital officially launches with single simple unlimited data service plan

Confirming their earlier announcement in June, TM and WeBe digital have officially announced their single simple unlimited mobile data service plan starting from RM199 a month with subsequent discounts amounting to RM79.

There didn't seem to be any specific release dates but they mentioned WeBe digital will be open to the public in Q4 of 2016. No WeBe specific devices are expected and there will be more webe850 online activities coming soon. For now, you can register your interest at the WeBe digital site.

The official launch of webe was officiated by YB Senator Datuk Seri Dr. Salleh Said Keruak, Minister of Communications and Multimedia and Tan Sri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM who is also Chairman of webe, together with Azizi A Hadi, Chief Executive Officer, webe


WeBe will be a P1 rebrand, but its highly anticipated mobile plans won't be revealed anytime soon

Some of you may have heard of the hype from WeBe recent rumors about its groundbreaking mobile telco plans which we earlier guessed to be revealed today. Unfortunately, the long-awaited conference is just about WeBe revealing itself as a rebrand of P1, and not much talk about WeBe itself as a mobile telco. But from the conference we did receive a "not fixed date" for a possible WeBe telco launch, which could probably happen at the end of this year.

Regardless, the conference today revealed that WeBe is not just about creating a community or to be just yet another telco. Instead, they promoted themselves as a digital service provider that they have reimagined to be more than just a profit organization. WeBe community is the first fully funded crowd backing platform in Malaysia, and they have just launched their first 7 community-based projects that will run for 30 days until each and every one of their projects has enough backers. If not enough support is received from the WeBe community, then the project ends there. You can check their website for more details about the projects.


WeChat is not letting its users in China to talk about Covid-19

Covid-19 (aka Coronavirus) is a big topic of the year. Not only has the virus taken thousands of lives in China, but also spread to other countries and regions at a fast pace. The circumstance has led people to discuss it widely on the Internet, be it sharing new updates or providing ways to prevent the virus. However, there are some platforms in China that censor words that are related to the virus, and one of them is WeChat.

In a study carried out by a group of students from the University of Toronto, it has been proven that Wechat and platforms like YY, a Chinese-version of Twitch, are banning their users from discussing Covid-19. At first, the group created three accounts in WeChat, which two of them are Canadian accounts and another one is from China. Later on, the group text to each other using different accounts, and shocking results were being found.

Using the account based in China, it appeared that the user is not able to see any terms regarding the virus in his or her conversation. On the other side, the person who used a Canadian account was still able to see the texts that were being sent. From there, you can see how strict the policy is within the chat app. In the end, it has been found out that a total of 512 words have been censored in WeChat.

Furthermore, there are opinions suggesting the censorship should be removed, as the factual information of the virus is not being shared among the Chinese citizens. Other than that, words like the name of the doctor, Li Wenliang, who first discovered the virus in China has also been censored. With the censorship, the citizens might not be getting information about the virus including the ways to prevent it, and that is not going to help with the situation. It is also suspected the government is the one who is controlling behind this scene.

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


WeChat launches the WeChat GO Mini Program to aid visitors from China

Yesterday, U Mobile has announced a partnership with WeChat to launch the WeChat GO Malaysia Mini Program. The aforementioned program serves to aid travellers coming from mainland China by allowing them to purchase items and services via their own currency, Renminbi(RMB) via the WeChat app.

But that’s not all, the WeChat GO Malaysia Mini Program allows visitors to utilize various services from POS Malaysia, KLIA Express, Trip Carte, as well as CatchThatBus. Which enables them to get around Malaysia easier, as well as send postcards back to their country.

The WeChat GO Malaysia Mini Program also serves as a platform for visitors from China to explore, as well as pay via scanning a QR code for Malaysian delicacies, local culture and more. Not only that, but the is also the Pavilion KL Mini Program as well, which comes in both English and Chinese language in order to guide visitors from Mainland China as they explore the Pavilion Mall.

With all that said, this could help participating merchants in foreign customers in order to increase sales for their business. What do you think about the WeChat GO Malaysia Mini Program? Let us know on our Facebook page, and for more updates like this stay tuned to TechNave.com.


WeChat to implement Ringgit Malaysia as an e-wallet in June 2018 for Malaysians

Today, we just learn from a Mandarin newspaper, Oriented Daily is reporting that Malaysian WeChat users will be able to use the app as an e-wallet in Malaysia Ringgit with local banks. Said to start in June 2018, WeChat has been in cooperating with several partner companies to allow Malaysians to shop through WeChat just before the Hari Raya festive season officially kicks off.

According to Liu Shengyi, Senior Executive Vice President of Tencent Group, the company started this beta test run as early as two years ago, selecting 10,000 Malaysian WeChat users to test out the RM e-wallet version. This group of selected users have a dual version that can switch wallets in China and Malaysia, which allows them to use their local bank card for Ringgit e-trading experience. However, it's also mentioned that Ringgit will not be able to convert into China's RMB currency. Therefore, even if Malaysian WeChat users have two kinds of e-wallets but no bank cards from China, they must still exchange money through agents.

If the new RM Wallet responds well, then more chain stores will start using it and also help Malaysia further to go into a "cashless society" in the future. Once the Malaysian merchants join the WeChat ecological chain, they will be able to change the payment scenarios of Malaysian consumers, such as how China has reached the point where consumers can use a QR code to pay or collect tickets at any convenience stores, street stalls, the cinema and more.

So what do you think? We think it's about damn time! Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more local tech news at TechNave.com.


Apple iPad Mini Malaysia Review

A whole lot on the new iPad mini, and although the price is a little high (and you should REALLY think about the 32GB option for safety if you're thinking of getting one).The larger screen might not fit fully in a single palm, but from the smooth back to the Smart Covers designed specifically for the model, we're fans - pure and simple.The speed of the processor is perfectly acceptable and lag-free for all tasks, the UI is actually better-engineered for this 7.9-inch screen compared to its bigger brother and we're chirpy indeed about the battery prowess through harder use.

The lack of a Retina display is so, so frustrating as that's the killer feature (along with, perhaps, a slightly faster processor) that would have meant we gave the iPad mini our first five star tablet review. It's that good. But the screen is too fuzzy at times compared to the likes of the new iPad or iPhone 5 to consider it a dazzling display, and that's a real shame.The low-power GPU is going to be an issue for some, even for the price point - although that's more for future proofing as in our tests the iPad mini performed as well as the quad core variants.And while we've long given up on looking for expandable storage or a removable battery on these devices, 16GB of storage isn't enough for the plethora of large apps and HD content we're interested in downloading onto this device.

The iPad mini is perfect for a train ride: it's just the right size for a few TV episodes when packed nose to nose with fellow commuters before slipping it back into a bag or pocket when leaping for your platform.And the new iPad 4 is great for longer sessions and more involved gaming - air travel is so much more improved by its presence and no matter what game we were playing or which content-rich website we wanted to view, it was always the larger device we reached for.We've said it already, but we'll say it again though: the iPad mini is the best iPad Apple has ever created. It offers better value for money, sits more pleasantly in the hand and can handle all the tasks you want at least adequately and many times better than you'd expect.If you're thinking about which tablet to buy a loved one and money isn't an issue, we'd recommend the iPad mini every time for it's more impressive design compared to the swathes of plastic offered by its competitors. It's still overpriced, the CPU and display aren't as strong as they could be, but we can safely say this is the gift we'd like to see Santa put under our tree over the rest.

Apple iPad Mini Malaysia Specifications and Price:

Please click here for more iPad Mini specifications, & iPad Mini (WiFi) specifications, photos and upcoming prices!

Check this out for Apple iPad Mini vs iPad 4 vs iPad 3 Specifications and Apple iPhone 5 vs Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Specifications!


Wear OS getting hardware acceleration for smoother animations

Android smartphones may already be looking to upgrade to Android 11 soon, but most Wear OS devices are still stuck on Android 9. While there won't be a major overhaul soon, a nice little update is now available. Specifically, Google added hardware acceleration to Wear OS recently.

According to 9to5Google, developers can now use hardware acceleration to improve the graphics rendering in Wear OS apps. This can be applied to watch faces, thereby making the transitions and animations much smoother. Of course, this will only apply to Wear OS devices that are running on Android 9 or later.

However, there's a caveat to this. Hardware-accelerated watch faces could reduce the battery life of the Android watch, especially if they have long animations. Developers would have to create watch faces with the optimal frame draws and animation length to ensure that they don't drain too much battery.

With the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 supposedly launching in July 2020, we're hoping to see some brand-new features. Having said that, what features would you like to see from new Android smartwatches? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


Wear OS to support offline Google Maps navigation, Soundcloud and Deezer soon

Yesterday during the Galaxy Unpacked 2022 event, Samsung unveiled its new Galaxy Watch5 Series powered by Google’s Wear OS, which directly showed glimpses of the OS’ future. These include a redesigned Play Store for Wear OS, support for offline Google Maps navigation and more.

Running on Wear OS 3.5 via Samsung One UI Watch 4.5, we can directly see the redesigned Play Store which is a major upgrade from its current iteration. Besides a graphic overhaul, the new Play Store for Wear OS now has sections for trending apps and custom recommendations for the smartwatch user.

Moreover, the Galaxy Watch5 Series presentation also showed the new offline Google Maps navigation in action. This is definitely great for those that don’t like to bring their smartphone while going on an adventure outdoors.

You can also listen to your favourite music via SoundClod and Deezer soon too as both apps are officially coming to Wear OS. This was announced by the official Wear OS by Google Twitter account yesterday. Furthermore, a closer inspection of the GIF attached with the tweet also showed that both apps will allow for an ‘offline mode’, whereby you can download your favourite songs on your smartwatch for offline listening.

No phone, no problem indeed. So, what do you guys think of these new features for Wear OS? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave fore more trending tech news!


Web version of Apple Music finally exits beta phase

After months of testing, the web version of Apple Music has finally exited its beta phase. Now, even those who don't have Apple devices can access the service through a web browser by visiting music.apple.com. The service will be available on Windows 10, Linux, and Chrome OS.

To sign in to Apple Music, you will need to sign in with an Apple ID. Upon login, you'll be able to access your subscriptions, library, and playlist via a web browser. If you're unfamiliar with the new web version, music plays right through your web browser when you click on it. As expected, multimedia playback controls will work as well. We tested the service on a Windows 10 PC with the Google Chrome browser, so any Chromium-based browser should work with no issues.

You can sign up here for a free three-month trial premium membership, which is divided into the Student (RM6.90/month), Individual (RM14.90/month), and Family (RM22.90/month) categories. The Family membership lets up to six Apple IDs access the service, so that's a better deal if you plan to share your account. Of course, you could use the service for free but it'll come with ads and certain limitations.

With that said, have you ever tried the web version of Apple Music before? Let us know what you think of it, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news like this.