BlackBerry 10 OS and Devices Announced. Malaysia Debut February 20

It has been a long, long wait but it is a wait that’s well, well worth it. BlackBerry (the company formerly known as RIM) has finally taken the wraps off its new BlackBerry 10 operating system and two all-new devices developed to run the platfom — the full touchscreen Z10 and the QWERTY-touch hydrid Q10.
First up, let’s talk about the new operating system. What can we say BlackBerry has delivered the good with the BlackBerry 10 with its innovative use of gestures and seamless real-time multitasking as well as the deep integration of core apps like Twitter, Facebook and Evernote. And the virtual keyboard is unlike anything we’ve seen on a smartphone combining the best features from al of the best virtual keyboards out available into one neatly designed interface. In a nutshell, there is a lot to like and to look forward to with the BlackBerry 10 but frankly most new operating systems start with great optimism and positive response. That however will not be the measure of BlackBerry’s latest platform. BlackBerry 10′s success lie in the development of its ecosystem.
Yes, we know that a robust and thriving app ecosystem is important but it is easier said than done. Having said that, BlackBerry is taking all the right steps towards cultivating a rich app and content ecosystem for BlackBerry 10, what remains to be seen now is how fast can the company grow the ecosystem and the quality of content that it can attract. If BlackBerry gets past this hurdle, it could very well take a spot in the top three list of mobile operating systems.
Moving on to the devices.
Available in black or white, the Z10 features a 4.2-inch 1280×768 (356ppi) LCD display and an unspecified 1.5GHz dual-core processor with 2GB of RAM along with 16GB of internal storage that’s expandable using microSD card up 48GB in capacity. The device has an 8MP rear camera capable of shooting 1080p videos and a 2MP front that shoots 720p videos.
Despite the strong demand for full touchscreen devices, in the Q10, BlackBerry has not forgotten a market segment that was once critical to its survival — the physical QWERTY-keyboard lovers. The BlackBerry Q10 is an oddity in today’s mobile landscape with its full QWERTY keyboard but with a look and feel that’s reminiscent of the BlackBerry Bolds of before, hardcore BlackBerry users will feel right at home using the device. However, not much is known about the Q10 specs.
No information on availability or pricing has been released for Malaysia but BlackBerry Malaysia will be making an announcement about BlackBerry 10 and hopefully the Z10 on February 20. We’ll be on hand to provide you with the latest updates.
In the meantime, head over to after the jump to check out a collection of videos highlighting some of the interesting features of the BlackBerry 10.

Cheap and Cheerful: The ASUS MeMo Pad Comes to Malaysia with a RM499 Pricetag

Cheap and Cheerful: The ASUS MeMo Pad Comes to Malaysia with a RM499 Pricetag
If you’re looking for a really cheap 7-inch tablet to occasionally tote around, the ASUS MeMo Pad is worth a look.
At RM499 — RM500 cheaper than the iPad mini and Nexus 7 — the MeMo Pad is specced to a budget with a 1024×600 (versus 1280×800 on the Nexus 7 and 1024×768 on the iPad mini) display producing 350-nit of brightness and a pixel density of just 170ppi, well below the industry average though viewing angle is good at a claimed 140 degrees.
A 1GHz single core processor and 1GB of RAM keeps performance decent on the Android 4.1 tablet while a 4,270mAh battery offers a claimed 7 hours of running time. There’s 8GB of onboard storage plus 5GB of free cloud storage thanks to ASUS WebStorage and a microSD card slot too. Like the Nexus 7, the MeMo Pad only has a 1MP f/2.0 front-facing camera with 720p video capability. Adding cheerful to the mix, ASUS offers the tablet in three colours — Sugar White, Titanium Gray, and Cherry Pink.
While we don’t doubt that ASUS can capably build a quality tablet on a budget, the MeMo Pad does make a few sacrifices in the name of affordability. If cheap is your thing, then this is worth a look. At that price the MeMo Pad would make a good mini entertainment computer for your car but if you can, saving up for the the quad-core Tegra 3 Nexus 7 or even iPad mini is probably a better idea.
Details on the availability of the MeMo Pad here.

ASUS TAICHI 21

ASUS Malaysia teases about their next INCREDIBLE product yesterday on their Facebook page and the Taiwanese manufacturer is scheduled to launch the product next Tuesday on January 22..

And according to the invitation that we’ve received from ASUS Malaysia to attend the launch event plus technical seminar next Tuesday, January 22 will mark the arrival of the world’s first dual screen notebook and tablet combination , or otherwise known as the ASUS TAICHI 21 to local market in Malaysia. FYI, TAICHI 21 will hit Australia a day earlier.

The Windows-8 based hybrid product features two-in-one screen design that enables you to use the product either as a laptop or a tablet. There is a single-finger easy switch between the two modes. Read more on the specifications here.
Besides the highly-anticipated 11.6-inch convertible ultrabook with full HD dual screens, a new tablet line-up will be introduced too. ASUS Transformer Book perhaps?
We can’t make it to the launch event. However, we will update you once we get hold of post-event details from ASUS Malaysia

Samsung ATIV Smart PC Windows 8 Tablet from RM1,758 on Celcom

Celcom First Data Lite (1.5GB) + Voice (12 months) – RM2,108
Celcom First Data Lite (1.5GB) + Voice (24 months) – RM1,958
Celcom First Data Basic (4GB) + Voice (12 months) – RM2,058
Celcom First Data Basic (4GB) + Voice (24 months) – RM1,858
Celcom First Data Advance (6GB) + Voice (12 months) – RM1,998
Celcom First Data Advance (6GB) + Voice (24 months) – RM1,758

In terms of upfront payment, Celcom is requiring between RM200-500 advance payment during sign up. The First Data plans are capable of making voice calls and SMS but they are charged as additional at 15sen/minute for calls and 10 sen per SMS.
To recap on the Samsung ATIV Smart PC tablet specs, it runs on a dual-core 1.8GHz Atom (Clover Trail) processor with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of flash storage. It has a 11.6″ 1366×768 display and comes with a 8MP main camera with a front facing 2MP shooter. Like its Android counterparts, the ATIV Smart PC also comes with its S-Pen stylus as well.As a special promo, Celcom is offering exclusive offers and RM90 Liquipel vouchers for the 1st 200 customers at their Sunway Iconic Store on this coming Friday, 25th January. For more details, head over to Celcom’s Samsung ATIV Smart PC page.

Sony Xperia Tablet Z – 10.1″ Full HD Tablet at 6.9mm slim

Following its new Xperia Z flagship, Sony has wasted no time in revealing its next tablet dubbed the Xperia Tablet Z. Just like the Xperia Z, it features the same sharp and sleek rectangular look and the screen size has increased from its usual 9.4″ on the Xperia Tablet S to a bigger 10.1″. With its new design language, Sony has finally do away with its curled edge look on its earlier Xperia Tablets. As you would expect with a new high-end device, it comes with a Quad-Core 1.5GHz processor mated with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. On board it runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
At the front, the 10.1″ display pushes a WUXGA resolution of 1920×1200 which gives a pixel density of 224ppi which is similar to the ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity but lower than the iPad Retina Display’s 264ppi. Just like its Xperia Tablet S, the Xperia Tablet Z also boast water and dust resistant as well with Grade IPX5/7 rating. For photo and video recording, the Xperia Tablet Z has a back illuminated 8.1MP camera with Exmor R and a front facing 2MP camera.
Bundled with a 6,000mAh battery, the Xperia Tablet Z weighs only 495 grams and has a thickness of just 6.9mm. As comparison, an iPad mini is 7.2mm thick and most 9.7-10.1″ tablets in the market weigh more than 550 grams. This is probably the lightest and thinnest 10″ tablet right now.
So far the Xperia Tablet Z is only announced for Japan with no mention of international availability at the moment. It also comes with 3G and LTE connectivity that’s catered for Japanese market.
For more information and if you can read Japanese, head over to Xperia Tablet Z product page.
More product images and video after the break.

Honda Chinese New Year Promotion - Storewide!

Honda Chinese New Year Promotion - Storewide!

Merchant / Brand :

Honda Malaysia

Location :
All Honda Showroom


Summary :
Honda is giving out big rewards if you buy one now!

6 months Free Installment *
2 Years Free Service* (Including parts and labor fees)
Attractive cash rebates*

* Applicable For selected models
* For model registered from 1 January till 31 March 2013!
* Gifts are valid while stocks last
* Other terms and coconditions apply!

2013 All-New Suzuki Swift Finally Launched In Malaysia For RM78K

Suzuki Malaysia Automobile has given Malaysians a wonderful surprise for 2013, launching the all-new Suzuki Swift, albeit almost two years after its global launch. The fully-imported Swift can now be yours for RM 77,888 (OTR with insurance) in the only form available here: the 1.4 GLX.  A cheaper, and hopefully not inferior, version is expected in a matter of months once the initial batch of 900 Thai-imported units runs out.
Bigger and wider than before, the third-generation Suzuki Swift still however looks largely the same, with an overwhelmingly similar profile as the Swift it replaces. There are five colours to choose from, and forking out RM 5300 dresses up the Swift with a body kit comprising silver grille garnish, a black front bumper sticker, front and rear lower lips, side skirts, a rear spoiler, and door sill guards.

The black-and-silver themed cabin looks dated at best, but Suzuki claims it is now roomier thanks to a wheelbase that is 40mm longer compared with the previous Swift's dimension. Speaking of numbers, the front and rear tracks are widened, while the weight count has gone down by a useful 30 kg.
There is no reason why the all-new Suzuki Swift can't handle as well as the now-discontinued Swift since the MacPherson struts up front and torsion beam at the rear are carried over. This time round, four disc brakes come as standard, though the use of an electric steering wheel will surely diminish any feel coming through.

Performance wise, the previous 1.5-litre M15A engine has been dropped in favour of an all-new 1.4-litre K14B. Without any high-tech wizardry on the engine, the new 1.4-litre VVT unit generates 6 horses and 3 Nm less than what its predecessor was able to produce. The 95 HP at 6000 rpm and 130 Nm at 4000 rpm go to the front wheels via a redesigned Aisin-derived automatic gearbox that still has a very outdated four speeds.
The standard equipment is par for the class, counting 16-inch multi-spoke alloys, a leather steering wheel with audio controls, keyless entry, a push-start button, steering wheel audio switches, automatic climate control, a 2-DIN CD player with MP3 and USB support, dual airbags, ABS, EBD, and brake assist. Enjoy the 2013 Suzuki Swift launch event gallery below!

Sony XPERIA Tablet S Review

It might be time for you to take another look at one of the oddest tablets released in the year 2012, that being the quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor-packing Sony XPERIA Tablet S. This machine is not the most high-resolution nor the most undeniably powerful tablet machine on the market, but given its connectivity options and its existence in the Sony ecosystem, might it be the perfect tablet for your Sony-loving self? If the connections don’t convince you, the folded-over magazine shape just might.

Hardware

This machine thrives on the unique nature of its shape – there’s really no other device like it when it comes to it’s back, it having the look of a book folded over. Because of this shape you’ve got a couple of pocket-like crevices where a microphone hole, notification light, power, and volume can sit on one side while a headphone jack and full-sized SD card slot can sit on the other. The folded-over portion of the tablet is a hard plastic with a slight dotted 3D pattern on it while the rest of the back of the device is cold metal.

As a reminder – this isn’t the first time we’ve seen this device. It was released all the way back in 2011 for hands-on action and was released to the public just a few months ago. The determination you’ve got to make – with the assistance of this review – is whether or not Sony has done a good enough job keeping up with the times as it stretched the reveal-to-release schedule for this tablet past a year. Have a peek at our Sony Tablet S Review from back in August of 2011.

On the bottom of the back of the device you’ve got a Sony proprietary port for power that’s massive enough to work with a Sony-made dock that’ll hold this machine aloft. There’s also a couple of back-facing speakers that are rather healthy in their ability to blast sound, but like all back-facing speakers are not up to the task of facing down into your lap – imagine that!

The back also has a relatively lovely-seeming 8 megapixel camera that’s OK when you’ve got perfect lighting conditions. The camera software inside this machine bring the device’s cameras on front and back up to “fun” levels but do not generate photos that you’ll be wanting to print – social networking grade they are!

This machine also has an IR blaster so you can connect to your television for basic channel changing and volume adjustment with the Remote control app that also comes with the device. Sony is making a big push for this device to be the center of your living room and makes it so with not just remote control connectivity, but Sony-branded music and videos available for purchase as well.

Software

You’ve got Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich here on the Tablet S complete with a user interface that adds on a set of buttons and shortcuts on to the basic Google homescreen. On the bottom of the display you’ve got a quick shortcut to the Remote Control which opens as a window that can float above whichever app you’re in at the pressing. The same is true of the shortcuts bar directly to the left of the remote control that’ll lead you to miniature versions of your Web Browser, Calculator, Memo, Sound Recorder, Remote Control (again), and Timer – there’s also a “Clip” shortcut that lets you take screenshots on the fly.

Sony adds a collection of their own apps to this machine that include a Sony vision for the photo album, movies, ereading (with connectivity to the “Reader” collection of books), Walkman (showing your music on the device and Sony-purchased music), Sony Select (shortcut to the website), and Socialife (for social networking). You can also connect to Music Unlimited from Sony, Video Unlimited, and PlayMemories (collecting your photos into digital albums for sharing with the web).

You’ve got connectivity to PlayStation Mobile and Xperia link, as well. The promise that you’ll be becoming part of the Sony universe here, including the PlayStation ecosystem, is met about half-way because of the relative lack of big-name game support that Android has seen centralized in the PlayStation brand. This means that while there have been some big releases from developers that’ve made their name on PlayStation in the past on Android today, they’ve done these releases in a wide way – not just limited to the Sony universe. You can get Grand Theft Auto’s two first biggest open-world hits on the Google Play app store right now no matter what device you’ve got, Sony or no.

If you’re part of the Sony universe already – that is if you’re paying for Music Unlimited and Movies Unlimited and also have a PlayStation and want to make the most of it all with a tablet form-factor, by all means, purchase the Sony Tablet S. There are some Sony televisions that even connect with this tablet to bring you detailed information on media you’re watching on the big screen – if you’ve got that hardware, this may very well be the device you need to bring your experience up to the next level.

Above you’ll see some standard benchmark results as well as an astounding battery readout. As with all of the devices on the market with the NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor inside, this device has fantastic standby-time as it utilizes NVIDIA’s 4-PLUS-1 technology – in this case that means that the “ninja” core (there’s 5 cores inside the processor in this device, not just 4) works for low-power tasks and makes the time the display is off a time that the device isn’t hounding power – as it should be!

Wrap-up

If you’re looking for a great stand-alone Android tablet, this isn’t it – it wasn’t made to be the one perfect stand-alone tablet and it doesn’t pretend to be that piece of equipment. Instead you’ve got the best Sony has to offer in a tablet form-factor, and with a quad-core processor from NVIDIA to back it up, it’s perfectly capable as a Sony companion for the rest of your Sony devices.

Story Timeline

ASUS Malaysia Launches Explore Windows 8 & Win Contest

ASUS Malaysia has recently launched an exciting contest on its official Facebook page.

Called the Explore Windows 8 & Win contest, ASUS Malaysia is giving away tons of free movie tickets, as well as a chance to walk way with exclusive ASUS-branded Windows 8 devices! By taking part in the contest, you will be automatically entitled a free GSC movie ticket and one lucky draw entry. There are 8000 free tickets to grab, on first comes first served basis. At the time of writing, there are still 6.4k tickets left.
To grab your free ticket, all you have to do is follow all the instructions in the “Explore Windows 8 & Win” app. As the name suggests, the app lets you explore some of the basic features and functionality in Windows 8. ASUS has introduced as array of new Window 8-based devices some two months ago, so they might want to get you familiar with Windows 8. If you didn’t have the chance to experience Windows 8 before, here’s your chance.

The prizes for the lucky draw include first prize – 2 units of Vivobook S400; second prize – a unit of VivoTab RT and third prize – 2 units of Vivobook S200.
We have participated the contest and now, it’s your turn to grab free ticket and stay tuned for the lucky draw to find out if you’ve won any of the prizes.

4 Most Expensive Gadgets Money Can Buy

Gadgets have become a part of everyone’s life. It is hard to live without them. For some, gadgets are a way to show their personality and status. There are some gadgets which are very expensive and are considered luxurious.
Do you want to know the most expensive gadgets in the world? Here is the list of four most expensive gadgets.

1. Yalos Diamond LCD TV

Made in Japan, 20 carat diamond Yalos Diamond LCD TV is the most expensive TV in the world. The combination of diamond and TV is truly a unique masterpiece. It has total 160 diamonds weighing 20 carats. Produced in limited editions by Keymat. The $130,000 worth TV is reflection of uniqueness, craftsmanship and materials of Yalos Diamond.

2. iPad 2 Gold history

Designed by British designer Stuart Hughes, gold-plated iPad 2 is unique sculpture to own. It is worth €5,000,000. It’s covered with two kilos of 12.5 carats of diamond and two kilos 24-carat gold making total 2000 grams. It’s made from oldest rock in the world Ammolite. It’s estimated that 75 million year old which is unearthed in Canada. It’s fitted with T-REX dinosaur bone which is 65 million year old. It has only single 8.5 cut with platinum surround.

3. Diamond Crypto Smartphone

Here we have one more world’s most precious gadget. This costliest mobile phone is designed and invented by Mr Peter Aloisson and JSC Ancort Company. It is worth $1, 300, 000. Materials are made from platinum950 navigation key and Ancort logo which are made from 18 carat gold. Side parts and wooden parts are made from macassar ebony along with seven layers of polyester surface. The whole keypad is made from sold platinum. It has also loaded with latest features making one of the luxurious and costliest mobile phones in the world. It is fitted with total 50 diamonds among them 10 are rare blue diamonds.

4. Luvaglio Laptop

This million dollar laptop is manufactured by UK based company Luvaglio which was found in 2007. It has recently entered luxurious retail market. Making all handmade laptops worth one million dollar. 17” widescreen LED display, 128 GB solid state disk, Blue ray drive are its specialities. Its world first million dollar laptop from London based company. This most awaited luxurious laptop is creating shockwaves in the luxurious brand market. Most of the people have shown interest to buy this unique piece.
If you want to purchase any of the above items, you have to spend huge amount of money to own. Take a gadget loan along with payment protection insurance. You can later make PPI claims to compensate the amount.

Honda Civic Type R to get 2.0L turbo with up to 300 horsepower

Honda has already vowed to make the Civic Type R the "fastest front-wheel-drive vehicle on the Nürburgring," so this much power doesn't seem out of the question. We already spotted a Type R test mule putting some laps on the 'Ring earlier this summer. Other reported details about the new Type R include it retaining its front-wheel-drive layout but adding a limited-slip differential and possibly even rear-wheel steering for optimal performance and handling.

2013 Kia Rio To Launch In Malaysia In January—Still Priced Around RM70K?

Naza Kia Malaysia may have missed the fourth-quarter of 2012 launch date of the Kia Rio, but not by much if the latest rumoured launch date of January 2013 comes true. And the Kia Rio will come in the form of a five-door hatchback, powered by a 1.4-litre Gamma engine that pushes 109 HP and 136 Nm through a four-speed automatic gearbox to the front wheels. One of the main attractions of the Kia Rio would be its 2012 Reddot design award-wining looks, penned by none other than Peter Schreyer, the man behind the eye-catching duo of the Optima K5 and the Sportage. Yet another is the previously-announced price point in the range of RM70K, which would position it competitively against the Nissan Almera. Then again, that pricing, made public by CEO Datuk Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar last July, appears unlikely if the rumoured trim levels of EX and SX indeed arrive later this month. Six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), LED daytime running lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and Bluetooth connectivity as standard for RM70K plus? The added equipment on the SX trim—a sunroof, automatic air-conditioning with ionizer, and Smart Key with a push start button—throws that pricing into even more doubt. Affordable or expensive, we wouldn't have to wait long to find out. Until then, a very lucky Malaysian stands to win a new Rio by taking part in Naza Kia Malaysia's Rio Runabout contest. The format goes like this: solving weekly word puzzles earns the player pictures, and the first 10 players to collect six pictures will receive invites to the Rio's launch party, during which the winner of a final challenge will drive home a new car

Samsung Galaxy Camera available at Celcom Malaysia from RM 1,499

Samsung Galaxy Camera device bundling is now available at Celcom Malaysia.  The Android-powered point-and-shoot digital camera is selling from as low as RM 1,499 when you subscribe to Celcom First Data Lite broadband data plan. The device retails at RM 1,899 apiece.
For RM 48/month, the plan gives you monthly data quota of 1.5 GB with broadband speed up to 1.5 Mbps. Celcom offered two contract duration – 12 months and 24 months. For 12 months contract, the Galaxy Camera is selling for RM 1,599. RM 1,499 for 24 months.
You need to pay an upfront payment RM 200, at which RM 20 will be rebated in your bill for the next 10 months. For more information, hop over to Galaxy Camera page at Celcom Malaysia.
Alternatively, you can consider Hotlink Broadband package that Maxis Malaysia offered for Galaxy Camera.
P.S. : I don’t know about you but I don’t feel comfortable using a larger than average point-and-shoot camera running Android OS. If you are into photography, for the same amount of money that you pay for Galaxy Camera, you can get a decent entry-level DSLR, which is better

Maxis Becomes First Operator in Malaysia to Launch LT

This has to be the most surprising announcement we’ve ever received. Just as Malaysians usher the New Year, Maxis has launched the first salvo in the next generation war for mobile dominance.
In an official statement Maxis has announced that it now has LTE networks available at Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Damansara Utama, Desa Sri Hartamas, Bandar Puchong Jaya, Bandar Sunway and Cyberjaya, and by doing so, is officially the first telco in Malaysia to make LTE available in the country. Maxis plans to light up other parts of the country with LTE “soon”.
Maxis claims that its LTE network is able to reach speed of up to 75Mbps. The operator say subscribers can expect a typical average speeds of 10Mbps to
30Mbps
Along with the new network Maxis plans to bring new services that takes advantage of the superior wireless capabilities that LTE has to offer.
You can subscribe to Maxis’ LTE can subscribe to the service at Maxis Centres in KLCC and Taman Tun Dr Ismail. There is no additional charge for LTE on Maxis. The service is available with any of Maxis existing data plans starting from RM88/month. Existing subscribers can also upgrade their current Maxis 3G modem to an LTE modem for a fee. Full details available here.
Currently only one LTE device (modem) is available from Maxis but the operator says that more devices including smartphones will be available “soon”. At the moment we know that the ASUS PadFone 2 as well as the Nokia Lumia 920 and 820 are compatible with the 2600Mhz LTE network in Malaysia but it is not known if Maxis has provisioned its network to allow these to run on LTE.