Celcom Launches iPad Bundled Data Packages

MALAYSIA, 22 June 2012 – Celcom Axiata Berhad launched two iPad bundled data packages: Celcom Broadband iPad Basic and Celcom Broadband iPad Advance – with speeds of up to 3.6Mbps and 7.2Mbps and quotas of 4.5GB and 7 GB respectively.

En. Afizulazha Abdullah, Chief Operations, Advanced Data of Celcom Axiata Berhad (centre) unveils the new tablet and packages together with the first three customers, (from 2nd from left) Ng Kok Leong, Norhasrina Saderi, and Rizuan Abdul Razak

At the launch event, Afizulazha Bin Abdullah, Chief Operations, Advanced Data of Celcom Axiata Berhad said, “Celcom’s new data packages allow users to maximise their tablet experiences. The plans have been designed to allow our customers to take full advantage of what the new tablet can offer.”

The new iPad

The new iPad is today’s most popular tablet with Retina display, powered by Dual-core A5X chip with quad-core graphics, running iOS sleek and user-friendly interface and navigation, 5MP iSight camera with 1080p HD video recording, auto stabilization, face detection, etc. Celcom iPad is available in Black and White colors and storage space of 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB.

Celcom Broadband iPad plans

With Celcom Broadband iPad plans, you can enjoy saving of up to RM570 off the recommended retail price of the new iPad. And get the new iPad as low as RM1329 with Celcom Broadband iPad plans.

Check out the following table for Celcom offers.

Celcom Broadband iPad Plans (click to enlarge)

Alternative payment plans

Sign up with Celcom and enjoy alternative payment plans:

1. Easy Payment Plan

Celcom broadband iPad easy payment plans (click to enlarge)

2. AEON Credit Financing

Celcom iPad AEON Financing (12 months) (click to enlarge)

Celcom iPad AEON Financing (24 months) (click to enlarge)

Celcom network

Celcom offers customers unmatched performance and the widest network coverage in Malaysia through the completion of its Single RAN (Radio Access Network) exercise and upgrading of all 3.5G sites to support data speeds of up to 42 Mbps.

Celcom also is the first in Malaysia to offer HD voice service that generates clearer voice communication and suppresses ambient voice automatically for all compatible mobile phones.

Customers can sign up Celcom Broadband iPad packages at Celcom retail outlets including bluecube stores nationwide from June 22.

Toyota GT 86

The Toyota 86 is a sports car developed jointly by Japanese automobile manufacturers Toyota and Subaru. It has 2+2 seats, a 2-door coupé body style and a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout.

The model will be sold under three different brands: Toyota (Toyota 86 in Japan and Australia and Toyota GT-86 in Europe), Subaru (Subaru BRZ) and Scion (Scion FR-S).

"86" (pronounced "eight-six" or Hachi-Roku (ハチロク)) refers to the Toyota Corolla Levin series AE86 and the Toyota Sprinter Trueno series AE86, a particular series of cars sold between 1983 and 1987 (both the Levin and Trueno were available in coupe and hatchback bodystyles).

As such, the Toyota 86 has been named as the spiritual successor of the original AE86 during the press release of the 86. The use of a boxer-style engine also refers to a historical Toyota sports car, called the Toyota Sports 800, Toyota's first sports car. Heritage of the Toyota 86 can also be traced back to the Toyota 2000GT, Toyota's second front engine, rear-drive sports car with a 2.0 liter engine.

The significance of the reference to the series AE86 was that both the Trueno and Levin of this series were the last with rear wheel drive; the following Sprinter Trueno and Corolla Levin series AE92 were released with front wheel drive thereafter.

The previous Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno were performance enhanced trim packages of the Corolla and Sprinter for each generation of the Levin and Trueno; the current platform is unique and not related to the current Corolla or variants.

THE FACTS

Tested: 1,998cc horizontally-opposed, four-cylinder petrol engine with port and direct fuel injection, double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Six-speed manual transmission, with optional six-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive.

Power/torque: 197bhp @ 7,000rpm/151lb ft @ 6,600rpm

Top speed: 149mph

Acceleration: 0-62mph in about 7.0sec

Fuel economy: above 40mpg

CO2 emissions: N/A

VED band: N/A

Verdict: Utterly entrancing old-school sports coupé that brings the fun back to driving

Maxis revamps home wireless plan with more quota and free calls

Maxis today has revealed its upgraded new package for home wireless internet that runs on their 3G Network. The new packages offer double the internet data quota with free pre-bundled voice thrown in.
There are 3 plans available at 4GB, 20GB and 48GB with monthly subscription fees of RM59, RM99 and RM169 respectively. In terms of pre-bundled calls, they are giving 100 minutes for 4GB, 200 minutes on 20GB plan and 300 minutes for its highest 48GB. Excess calls are charged at 10sen/min.

While the generous data quota looks good, do take note that Maxis implements time slots for each respective quota. Bulk of the quota of 75% is allocated between 2AM-8AM daily. That leaves only 25% quota during the peak 18 hours between 8AM until 2AM. So if you plan to make huge downloads, you have to schedule the in the early hours of the morning.
If you need more data quota, Maxis also offer top ups which varies depending on time slot. During the peak hours of 8AM-2AM, they charge 1GB for RM18 while off peak hours of 2AM-8AM they are offering 5GB for just RM15.
All plans are tied with 12 months contract and there’s a RM100 activation fee required during sign up. Subscribers will get a home wireless modem & cordless dect phone for free.
For more information, head over to Maxis home wireless internet.

Interesting Theory: New iPhone 5 Dock Connector Could Be Compatible With Micro-USB

Here is an interesting theory: the new dock connector in Apple's new iPhone 2012 could be a 19-pin port that would be mechanically and electrically compatible with the micro-USB standard. I don't know what it would be like, but I love the idea.
The theory is that Apple would have engineered this new dock connector in order to comply with the European Union directive to standardize chargers around micro-USB. This would make the iPhone compatible with the standard set by the European Standardisation Bodies CEN-CENELEC and ETSI, as well as by the Open Mobile Terminal Platform.
At the same time, such a custom design would be able to do all the things that Apple and third party manufacturers need for iPhone and iPod peripherals. That includes hardware controls, digital data, audio, video, and power.
If this is true, it would be good news for consumers. They would be able to use any micro-USB cellphone charger and they would be able to keep their current peripherals working with the new iPhone by using an adapter like this one, imagined by Italian blog Mela:

These Videos Make the ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity One of the Most Desirable Android Tablets We’ve Ever Seen

The Transformer Pad Infinity is ASUS’ new flagship tablet and the company doesn’t leave any stone unturned to ensure that its latest tablet is worthy of being called its greatest. And judging by the amazing detail presented in this new video series, you’ll agree that ASUS has put a great deal of thought in developing the Transformer Pad Infinity. From its full 1920×1200 Full HD IPS display that’s been specifically developed to pack in as much pixels as possible without sacrificing brightness and performance, to the aircraft quality forged aluminium body and nano-moulded plastics that bond at the nano level to the aluminium, the videos create the impression that the Transformer Pad Infinity as one of the most, if not the most desirable tablet you can buy. And if the rumoured Nexus Tablet that is said to be developed by ASUS, is given the same care and attention as the Transformer Pad Infinity, its reasonable to conceive that you will be seeing more ASUS tablets that you’re used too Head over to after the jump for more videos.

Proton Exora Prime selling at RM89k

Recently I've discovered that Proton has a new tab for Proton Exora Prime, a more expensive variant of the Exora MPV. The fact is the Exora Prime had actually launched together with the Exora Bold, but there aren't many of Exora Prime on the road due to its higher price tag. Priced at RM89k, the Exora Prime is about RM9k more expensive than Exora Bold, but comes with some exquisite finishings and premium gadgets.

 Exterior wise, the Exora Prima has almost the same design as the Exora Bold, except that it comes with gold-finished alloy rims, a slightly different grille design and chrome housing for the fog lights.

In the inside, the centre panel receives walnut finishing,which I think it doesn't go well along with the dark-theme cabin. It gets a touch-screen centre console with integrated reverse camera (instead of in the rear-view mirror found in the Exora Bold) and navigation.

 Another notable changes in the cabin is the captain chairs for the 2nd row. Don in leather, the seats are also in 2-tone colour, something that brighten up the dark-coloured cabin. The 'VIPs' sitting in the 2nd row can also enjoy some movies from the LCD monitor integrated into the back of the front seat's headrest. 

Safety remains the same with the usual ABS, EBD and Dual SRS airbags. Engine is also unchanged, where it uses the same 1.6 litre CFE engine found in Exora Bold. It produces 138 hp @ 5000rpm and 205Nm of torque from 2000-4000rpm.

Toyota Prius+ (PriusPlus)

For the first six months of 2012, the Prius was third in the global sales chart, trailing only Ford’s Focus and Toyota’s Corolla. 

It’s been a meteoric rise for the Prius since it launched 15 years ago, and Toyota’s dominance of the hybrid market looks set to continue with the Prius+.

Toyota is keen to stress that this is a whole new vehicle from the ground up, not just a swollen version of the standard car. 

Measuring 155mm longer, 30mm wider and 85mm higher, with a wheelbase extended by 80mm, the Prius+ is substantially larger, but the overall look is familiar. The front end gets a much wider, lower grille with sharp corners either side to improve airflow, while a roof spoiler reduces drag at the rear. It’s the higher, elongated roof that catches your eye, though, giving the car a classic MPV silhouette. 

Toyota has capitalised on the extra interior space by cramming in three rows of seats, each mounted 45mm higher than the row in front, for a stadium view of the road ahead. Headroom and legroom are generous, even in the back row, which can comfortably fit a couple of adults. 

With all the seats occupied, there’s 200 litres of boot space. Fold the back row flat into the floor and that increases to 505 litres, and with the second row forward, there’s 1,750 litres to play with. An extra storage tray under the boot floor is handy, while the tailgate opening is 95mm wider than the Prius’, making larger objects easier to load.

An all-new dash design features a more upright centre stack, with a large rotary dial for controlling the air-conditioning, a trademark miniature gearlever and the electronic parking brake. The centre console is reserved for a cup-holder, storage bin and buttons for the three driving modes – EV, Eco and Power.

This is the first Prius model – besides the plug-in Prius, to use lithium-ion batteries, instead of a bulkier nickel-metal hydride pack. The switch isn’t just about saving weight, either – the batteries slot neatly under the centre console, between the driver and passenger, so there’s no compromise to interior space.

Prius+ compared to Prius size.

Besides the uprated batteries, the powertrain is identical to the smaller Prius’, and combines a 1.8-litre 98bhp petrol engine with an electric motor for a total of 134bhp. In T4 spec, it emits only 96g/km (better equipped T Spirit models emit 101g/km) – amazing, considering it weighs 75kg more than the standard Prius

Get Android Apps and Games at Huge Discounts from Google Play’s Longest Day Deals

Android users don’t want to miss this. To celebrate the first day of summer (June 20), which is also the longest day of the year, Google is throwing discounts on 15 selected Android apps and games from its Google Play Store. The prices are slashed down to as low as $0.87 an app.

The Mass Effect Infiltrator from EA, for example, is selling at a huge 80% discount. It’s now costs only $0.87 from the usual price tag of $6.99. Some other great apps that worth a look include Shazam Encore, Draw Something, Guns’n’Glory WW2 Premium and Alarm Clock by doubleTwist.
Here are all the 15 selected apps available on Google Play Store’s Longest Day Deals.

• Jamie’s 20 Minute Meals
• Draw Something
• Blue Hat, Green Hat
• Shazam Encore
• mSecure Password Manager
• Mini Motor Racing
• Order & Chaos Online
• Clouds & Sheep Premium
• Mass Effect Infiltrator
• Alarm Clock by doubleTwist
• NBA Jam
• RepliGo PDF Reader
• Guns’n’Glory WW2 Premium
• FlightTrack
• Moo, Baa, La La La!

Foxconn Chairman says the iPhone 5 “Will Put Samsung’s Galaxy III to Shame”

Foxconn makes iPhones, a lot of iPhones, along with other Apple products like the iPad and iPod touch, and gadgets from other big tech companies too like Microsoft’s Xbox and Sony’s PlayStation. And if someone of a considerable deal of influence — say, like the Chairman of Foxconn — talks about an anticipated product that has not been released yet, you can bet that there’s some degree of credibility in what that person says.
In this case, Foxconn’s Chairman Terry Gou told China Times at a recent annual shareholder’s meeting straight up that consumers should “wait for the launch of the iPhone 5″ because “the new model will put Samsung’s Galaxy III to shame”.
Those are mighty words coming from a man that would probably know more about the iPhone 5 than anyone else outside of Cupertino and it makes you wonder if Apple does see Samsung and the Galaxy S III as a real threat. It also makes you that little bit more curious as to what goodies the new iPhone will bring when it is unveiled possibly this October.
As for now, all we know about the iPhone 5 are rumours including a longer and thinner all-aluminium body housing a 4-inch screen that is expected to have a high enough screen resolution for Apple to tag the Retina Display name on it.
Let us see a show of virtual hands, how many of you are holding off your next smartphone purchase just to see what the new iPhone will bring?

LG Optimus L5 coming next month at RM719

LG Malaysia is said to be bringing the LG Optimus L5 into Malaysia in July with the price tag of just RM719. The Optimus L5 is the middle model of the L-Series that’s more designer centric.
The Optimus L5 runs on a single core 800MHz processor, 512MB of RAM with 4GB of storage that’s expandable with microSD. Over at the front you’ll get a rather generous 4.0″ TFT LCD display but with HVGA resolution of 480×320. That gives a pixel density of about 144 ppi. You’ll also get a 5.0MP camera at the back which only shoots VGA videos and it is powered by a 1,540mAh battery. For those looking for the latest, it runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
For this price tag and features, the LG Optimus L5 is going head on against other entry level ICS devices such as the HTC Desire C, Sony Xperia tipo and Sony Xperia miro. The other models of the L series – Optimus L3 and Optimus L7 was already announced at the price tag of RM499 and RM999 respectively.
Full specs of the Optimus L5 here and head after the break for more product photos.

"The Surface"-Microsoft to sell their own tablets-Microsoft Surface tablet 2012 (Windows 8)

Microsoft Surface tablet 2012 (Windows 8)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27q5I9hXfOo
Today, Microsoft announced the Surface tablet which will run Windows 8. This tablet marks the first time in quite awhile that Microsoft will be competing with it's own Windows OEM's.

For more information, check out http://surface.com

Here's Microsoft's official description of the product:

About
From touch to type, office to living room, from your screen to the big screen, you can see more, share more, and do more with Surface.

Create, collaborate, and get stuff done with Office.

Explore your world with fast, fluid Windows 8 apps.

Discover new music, movies, and games in the Windows Store.1

Always on the go
Surface is thin, light and it has a great battery. At 9.3mm, Surface for Windows RT is just thin enough to still sport a full sized USB port. Print, share, or charge your phone on the go.2 Head out knowing that you are ready for anything.

Hands off entertainment
Surface has a 10.6", 16:9 widescreen HD Display. Microsoft's ClearType HD Display technology delivers a great picture for movies. An ultra-wide viewing angle makes it easy for your friends to share in the vibrant experience. The auto-adjusting screen intensity delivers great visual clarity, indoors and out. The addition of the Micro SD card slot means you can bring your entire movie and music collection with you on vacation.

Type with ease and get stuff done
Some activities call for a keyboard. Surface comes with an integrated kickstand and a revolutionary, 3mm thin, pressure sensitive cover that doubles as a fully functioning keyboard and trackpad. Your Touch Cover connects to your Surface with a single magnetic click. Now you can chat with friends and respond to emails comfortably.

Capture life from all sides
Surface has not just one, but two cameras. Use the front LifeCam to chat with the people that you care about. The rear-facing LifeCam is angled to 22 degrees so you can flip out the Kickstand and record meetings and events hands-free. Stereo speakers and dual microphones tuned for Skype help you sound like you are right next door.

DiGi offers smart phone bundling without contract

If you’re planning to get a device outright without contract, DiGi has something on offer with DG Smart Plan. DiGi offers a few hundred ringgit off the outright device for the HTC One X (RM200), HTC One V (RM100) & Samsung Galaxy Note (RM100). In addition, DiGi also gives more monthly rebates at RM10/month for DG Smart Plan 48 & RM15/month for DG Smart Plan 68/88 for the first 12 months, inclusive of auto-billing rebate.
While this offer doesn’t tie you to any contract duration, the fine print mentions that subscribers must stay for a minimum of 3 months. Failing of which, a RM100 admin fee will be charged. The iPhone 4S is also on offer with extra monthly rebates but there’s no price reduction from its outright pricing.
For more information, head over to DiGi.

This is what we called inflation

This is what we called inflation

Angry Birds Seasons Piglantis Episode with Underwater Physics and 30 New Levels

Here’s another episode update to the Angry Birds Seasons game. This time, the people over Rovio Mobile take you (and the birds too) to the underwater world. Welcome to the Piglantis, guys!

The new Piglantis episode introduces the new underwater physics alongside with 30 brand new levels. Yes, things are different from what you have played in the previous episodes thanks to the new underwater physics. You should try flinging the birds underwater and see what happens. Hint : the birds will float.
Your mission is to sink those pigs to ocean floor.
Here’s some screenshots from the Piglantis episode of the Angry Birds Seasons.





Here’s the game trailer for Piglantis episode.

Toyota Camry 2012 Malaysia Edition

The All new Toyota Camry has official launched in Malaysia last Friday (1st of June).  To start off, 3 variants will be available for customers to purchase. The all new 2.5V engine Camry and the 2.0G model and 2.0E model.

The model year 2012 Toyota Camry – code name (XV50), are set to capture their market of spacious, comfort and with a slight touch of luxury. All the Toyota Camry variants now comes with HID Projector headlights with auto leveling function.

This Toyota Camry 2012 2.5V has fitted in with standard aerokit with day light running LED integrated. UMW Toyota’s move is smart to keep up the market trend.  The Camry with the aerokit does stand out more when compare to the one without Camry. The aerokits are optional so customer that wish to go for the either the 2.5V , 2.0G or 2.0E variant that would love to have this additional aerokit, they can do so as an optional accessory from UMW Toyota. 

Overall, the Toyota Camry looks more squarish resembling to it’s more Luxury branded cousin, the Lexus LS range. The tail lights are also fitted with a combination of LED lights for better glow thus better visibility and styling. The all round aerokit it’s more to a personally preference, some customers might find it bulky.

The dashboard looks more refine as compare to the previous generation of Toyota Camry. The 6.1 inch DVD-audio-navigation screen, in car entertainment system are available as an optional purchase. The 2.5V Camry will have additional switches as it will have the integrate Bluetooth Hands free connectivity for mobile phone and cruise control that is available in 2.0G as well.

Inside, the 2.5V and 2.0G Camry will be fitted with leather seats, where as the Toyota Camry 2.0E will be fitted with fabric seats. The seats on the 2.5V and 2.0G are electronic adjustable where as the 2.0E variant will remain as manual adjustable.

The engine of the 2.5V is powered by a 2.5L DUAL VVTI engine. This engine pushes 181PS with 231Nm torque. Mated with a 6 speed automatic gearbox. The 2.5V Camry would be a good tourer car.  However disappointingly the 2.0E and 2.0G are still using the same engine & gearbox with the past 2 generation of Camry but it is said that both engine for the 2.0L and the gearbox has been enhanced.

The manual rear window sun shades and keyless enty with push-start button are only available in the Toyota Camry 2.5V variant.

Colours that are available for the new Camry are, White Pearl CS, Attitude Black, Silver Metallic & Medium Silver Metallic. Price ranging from RM 149,900.00  for 2.0E , RM 157,900.00 for 2.0G and for the top of the range 2.5V will be RM 180,900.00. I would personally go for the 2.5V Camry variant if i have the bucks simply because it feels more like a completely new Camry, with a new engine and gearbox & the features that is only available on the 2.5V variant.