In this week's TechNave Business Bytes for Week 3 of April 2024, Kaspersky bolstered security for thin clients with their 2.0 update. Google Cloud focused on AI at Next '24, showcasing tools for businesses to build AI agents, manage data, and improve security. Investors gained a powerful ally as Moomoo and Nasdaq strengthened their partnership for education and global investment opportunities.
Meanwhile, Canon celebrated 20 years of their popular SELPHY photo printers. Whoscall stepped up their fight against scams, introducing new features to combat the rise of AI-generated content used in scams. Cisco unveiled Hypershield, a solution offering advanced security for businesses in the age of AI.
The world of smartphones is also buzzing with excitement. OPPO announced plans to integrate Google's AI models into their phones, promising a year of innovative features. Apple expanded its reach by opening a new Developer Academy in Bali. In other news, digital literacy programs are empowering students with disabilities in Indonesia, and Vivo Malaysia is now the second most popular smartphone brand in the country.
Finally, LG's design prowess was recognized at the Red Dot Awards. The electric vehicle market in Malaysia is heating up, with smart #1 securing a top spot in the premium EV SUV market. Don't miss out on the chance to win high-performance PC hardware in ASUS ProArt's giveaway contest ending May 21st. The Malaysian government wrapped up the week with its commitment to supporting the growth of the gaming industry and digital transformation in the retail sector. Read on for more details.
Kaspersky announces Thin Client 2.0
Kaspersky recently introduced an updated Kaspersky Thin Client 2.0, a secure operating system for thin clients, offering enhanced connectivity, faster application delivery, lower total cost of ownership, user-friendly interface, and quick deployment. Developed with the Cyber Immune approach, it ensures security by design and eliminates the need for additional security software.
It comes preinstalled on the Centerm F620 hardware platform, and supports various remote connection methods, including Citrix Workspace, VMware Horizon, and Microsoft Remote Desktop Services. Performance improvements include faster application delivery, shorter boot time, and quicker updates.
Usability enhancements include support for audio conferences, printing from guest operating systems, automatic reconnection, and an improved notification system. The Kaspersky Thin Client 2.0 is ideal for organizations with large branch networks and geographically distributed businesses, particularly in finance, healthcare, education, government, transportation, industry, smart cities, and industrial automation.
Generative AI in Google Workspace: Empowering Businesses of All Sizes
Google Workspace recently unveiled its latest innovations, including Google Vids, an AI-powered video creation app for professional use. Vids streamlines video production with customizable storyboards, video styles, stock assets, and voiceover options.
Two commercial packages provide AI solutions for meetings, messaging, and security at $10 per user per month. Gemini, a virtual teammate, offers conversational summaries and assistance in Google Chat. Integration of Vertex AI with Workspace enables organizations to leverage data and custom AI models. AI features in Google Meet and Chat enhance collaboration and communication, such as automatic note-taking, caption translation, and message translation.
Sony First to Eliminate Polystyrene Foam Packaging for Large TVs
Sony recently announced that it has eliminated polystyrene foam packaging for large TVs, becoming the industry's first. Kaneka's biodegradable biopolymer, Green Planet™, is used as cushioning material instead. Green Planet™ decomposes into CO2 and water in soil and seawater, addressing plastic pollution.
Sony also created a new mold structure to maintain impact resistance and stable production. Packaging design expertise and simulation technology simplify material shape and reduce parts. Sony's "Road to Zero" plan aims for zero environmental impact by 2050, with medium-term environmental targets.
Google Cloud Next '24: AI Focus for Businesses
Google Cloud Next '24 showcased various advancements in generative AI (gen AI) and its applications for businesses. Here are the key takeaways:
- Empowering Businesses with AI Agents: Google Cloud offers tools to build AI-powered agents for various tasks like customer service, employee support, and creative content generation.
- Vertex AI for Model Management: Vertex AI is a platform for training, deploying, and managing AI models. It offers access to pre-trained models like Gemini and tools for customizing and integrating models with enterprise data.
- Improved Developer Tools: New features in Gemini Code Assist leverage a larger context window to provide more accurate code suggestions and streamlined workflows.
- Enhanced Data Management: Integrations with BigQuery and Looker allow AI assistants to work with enterprise data for tasks like data preparation and analysis.
- AI-powered Security: Security features leverage AI to analyze threats and assist with investigations.
- Workspace Enhancements: Google Workspace gains AI-powered video creation and collaboration tools for improved productivity.
Moomoo and Nasdaq marks 6 Years of Global Strategic Partnership
Moomoo and Nasdaq reaffirm their commitment to empowering investors through a global strategic partnership. Moomoo Malaysia aims to democratize investing by providing retail investors with access to previously exclusive products and tools. The platform offers resources like Moo Learn and the Moomoo community to promote financial education.
Nasdaq TotalView, a comprehensive market data solution, is now available for free on the moomoo platform, providing investors with in-depth market insights. Moomoo and Nasdaq plan to introduce more educational initiatives and opportunities to further empower investors globally.
Canon SELPHY Series celebrates 20th Anniversary
Canon's SELPHY series of compact photo printers, known for their high-quality prints and convenience, celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024. Introduced in response to the surge in digital photography, SELPHY printers employ dye sublimation technology for durable and vibrant prints.
With over 17 million units sold globally, the series has evolved with advancements like LCD monitors, wireless connectivity, and smartphone compatibility. The SELPHY Photo Layout app offers creative options such as collages, filters, and various paper sizes. Check out their site for more details.
Whoscall: Scam calls on the rise in Malaysia
In 2023, Malaysia saw a significant 100.92% increase in scam calls, with over 1.6 million cases reported. Despite the "scam" tagging, 10.35% of Malaysian users still answered these calls. Phone scams topped the list of online scams in Malaysia, resulting in losses of RM65.8 million in just the first two months of 2024. Link or URL scams shared through messaging apps also posed a threat.
Generative AI is now being used to create fake content, making it harder to discern authentic information. Whoscall's anti-fraud detection scope has expanded to include URL Scanner and ID Security features to combat evolving scam tactics.
Cisco Unveils Hypershield for Data Center and Cloud Security in the Age of AI
Cisco recently introduced Hypershield, a solution that provides hyperscalers' security and connectivity capabilities to enterprises. Hypershield empowers businesses to navigate complex security landscapes in the era of AI. It allows customers to place security anywhere they need, including clouds, data centers, factory floors, and hospital imaging rooms.
With AI-native security, customers can autonomously segment networks, benefit from distributed exploit protection, and experience self-qualifying software upgrades without downtime. Hypershield is built on three pillars: AI-native, cloud-native, and hyper-distributed, leveraging hardware acceleration for anomaly analysis and response. Cisco collaborates with NVIDIA to optimize AI-native security solutions, combining GPU and DPU computing power for robust security from cloud to edge. Check out their site for more details.
OPPO Unveils AI Innovations at Google Cloud Next '24, to Feature Google’s Gemini Models on AI Phones
OPPO and OnePlus recently unveiled AI innovations at Google Cloud Next '24, showcasing the integration of Google's Gemini models on AI Phones. OPPO and OnePlus aim to introduce a series of innovative AI features leveraging Google's Gemini models throughout 2024. OPPO shared insights on AI Phones with global AI innovators, emphasizing four core capabilities: efficient computing, real-world perception, self-learning, and creativity.
OPPO also announced that over ten million users can already enjoy generative AI features on their devices. OPPO and OnePlus plan to roll out AI features globally, including the acclaimed OPPO AI Eraser, which can recognize and remove objects seamlessly. OPPO and OnePlus will focus on further building their mobile imaging and performance optimization.
Apple Developer Academy expands to Bali
Apple is expanding its investment in Indonesia by opening its fourth Apple Developer Academy in Bali. The academy offers a nine-month program that covers coding, design, marketing, and project management. Graduates have gone on to find meaningful employment in various sectors.
The academy encourages cross-cultural exchange and accepts applications from around the world. Alumni have created successful apps and joined established companies, contributing to the development of the region's growing iOS app economy. The program has expanded to multiple locations worldwide, providing opportunities for aspiring developers to gain skills and launch successful careers.
ASEAN Digital Literacy Programme offers digital literacy for students with disabilities.
The ASEAN Digital Literacy Programme provides digital literacy education to students with disabilities in Jakarta, Indonesia. Blind students have gained digital skills, enabling them to study, play games, use social media, and engage in coding activities. Teachers focus on equipping students with online ethics standards.
The ASEAN DLP also established the ASEAN Youth Advisory Group to combat misinformation and disinformation through regional and national campaigns. Projects like DoubleCheck and Projek Wargamas Digital target specific age groups and demographics to raise digital literacy awareness and prevent the spread of misinformation.
Canalys: Vivo Malaysia is now the second most popular smartphone brand in Malaysia
According to Canalys, vivo Malaysia has become a prominent player in the smartphone industry, securing the second place position with a 13% market share in Q1 2024. Their success is attributed to catering to the demand for 5G smartphones, exemplified by the well-received vivo Y100 5G.
vivo's strategic pricing and balanced specifications, as seen in models like the vivo Y17s, have further solidified their market presence. The launch of the vivo V30 Pro with advanced features and camera capabilities has driven sales up by over 37% compared to its predecessors.
Kaspersky: Educators in APAC more likely to make cyber decisions based on negative consequences
Kaspersky and Associate Professor Jiow Hee Jhee's white paper examines the motivational factors influencing individuals' online behaviors using the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). The study found that coping appraisal, or adaptive response, is the strongest determinant for educators' motivation to practice cybersecurity.
Educators who understand the negative consequences of poor cyber hygiene are more likely to adopt positive online behaviors. Age, gender, and educational levels had no impact on the results. Positive messaging, complemented by an understanding of cyber threats, can significantly influence behavior change.
Read the full white paper at their site.
Professor Christy Cheung, HKBU research study uncovers unforeseen risks associated with workplace technology
Professor Christy Cheung's research at HKBU revealed the negative impacts of workplace technology on employee well-being and productivity. Technostress, induced by hindrance technostressors like work overload, can strain work-life balance and cause conflicts between work and family.
Cyberslacking, or personal internet use at work, significantly hampers job performance and is influenced by situational and personal enablers and inhibitors. To address these issues, organizations should provide supportive resources, implement clear communication, and establish fair workplace policies and procedures.
Cultivating a positive work culture that encourages open conversations about technology and promoting appropriate use of IT equipment can also help mitigate cyberslacking. Additionally, screening candidates for personality traits related to cyberslacking risk during hiring can be beneficial.
LG recognized for outstanding design at Red Dot Awards
LG received 28 awards at the Red Dot Awards, including two "Best of the Best" honors for LG CLOi ServeBot and Signature Kitchen Suite Transitional Series wall ovens. LG CLOi ServeBot, an autonomous serving robot, features innovative technology, stability, and can move stably on unsteady floors.
Signature Kitchen Suite Transitional Series wall ovens combine modern and minimalist design with advanced technology, including Gourmet AI™ and a built-in high-definition camera. LG StanbyME Go, a portable 27-inch screen, offers a complete entertainment experience with Dolby Atmos sound, HDMI connectivity, and webOS. Other recognized innovations include LG's latest TV, laptop, monitor, speaker, air conditioners, washing machines and dryers, Styler, all-in-one system ironing, dehumidifier, and HydroTower.
smart #1 secures Top 3 spot in Malaysia's Premium EV SUV market
smart #1, the flagship EV model by PRO-NET, has achieved remarkable success in Malaysia's EV market, securing a top three position in the premium EV SUV segment for car priced above RM180k. The EV market in Malaysia has experienced exponential growth, with sales volume surging from 3,079 units in 2022 to 11,624 units in 2023.
ASUS ProArt Announces Create with the Best PC Hardware Giveaway Contest
ASUS ProArt recently launched the "Create with the Best" PC hardware giveaway contest from April 9 to May 21, 2024, offering a chance to win high-performance ProArt components. The contest includes an Intel Core i9-14900K processor, ProArt Z790 motherboard, GeForce RTX 40 series graphics card, monitor, AIO cooler, and chassis.
Other prizes include the ProArt GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER graphics card, ProArt LC 420 cooler, ProArt PA602 chassis, ProArt Display PA279CRV monitor, and ProArt Display PA169CDV portable monitor. ASUS ProArt is also running separate promotions in North America, EMEA, and APAC during the same period. Check out their site for more details.
Government: Collaborate to create opportunities in upskilling gaming industry workforce
The digital gaming industry in Malaysia is experiencing significant growth and is projected to reach US$649 million in revenue in 2024. The government, through MDEC, is committed to supporting the industry's growth by facilitating investments, supporting IP growth, and building the Malaysian brand.
Challenges include market saturation, monetization difficulties, and a shortage of skilled workforce. The government recognizes these challenges and is ready to assist stakeholders in overcoming them. Collaboration between local and international stakeholders is crucial for the industry's success, as it fosters knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and innovation.
Government: Retail industry must embrace digital transformation to ensure its survival
Digital transformation is crucial for the retail industry's survival and growth in the modern world. Data analytics and personalization are essential tools for retailers to drive targeted marketing, enhance product recommendations, and optimize pricing. Supply chain optimization through digital solutions improves inventory management, logistics, and demand forecasting.
The MRCA-MDEC 100 Go Digital initiative provides a platform for industry players to connect, share insights, and collaborate. Despite the rise of online shopping, brick-and-mortar stores still have a place, and upskilling talents is vital for businesses to scale up. Industry players should engage with the government to address challenges and gaps in digital literacy, cybersecurity, and internet connectivity to fully harness the benefits of digitalization.
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