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In a surprise announcement during the ASUS ZenFone Selfie launch, ASUS Malaysia have confirmed our earlier report that the ASUS ZenFone 2 Deluxe is coming to Malaysia for RM1599. This version packs in all the highest-end features such as 4GB RAM and 64-bit 2.3Ghz Intel Atom Z3580 processor along with 128GB of built-in storage plus up to 128GB microSD support. It also features the latest polygon faceted backplate from the ASUS Illusion series of patterned backplates in purple and white for a more striking look. Available as soon as next week, the ZenFone Deluxe maintains a 13MP PixelMaster rear camera and 5MP front camera along with 4G LTE Cat 6 and Dual SIM Dual Standby support. The 5.5-inch display is a full HD resolution. Also on display was the ZenFone Go, said to be the replacement for the lower-end ZenFones. Priced for around RM509 the smartphone feels slim with a matte back but retaining the same premium metal features like the concentric circle front panel and metallic looking buttons. No news about when the ZenFone Go might be coming but we expect it to be soon. Overall, it still feels premium but do check out our hands-on photos in this article.

ASUS Malaysia have launched the ASUS ZenFone Selfie for RM1049 on preorder. Available on preorder (via Thundermatch) the first 50 to do so will get a free ASUS ZenPower 9600 mAh powerbank and an ASUS LolliFlash external flashlight at no extra charge. The ZenFone Selfie standout features remain a 13MP PixelMaster camera on both the front and back with laser autofocus and dual LED real tone flash. Other tech specs include a 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage. The 5.5-inch display will have a full HD resolution and a protective layer of the latest Corning Gorilla Glass 4. The ZenFone Selfie will also offer 4G LTE connectivity with Dual SIM and Dual Standby. The smartphone should be available for the general public in the next few weeks.

Intel recently held their Intel Developer Forum (IDF) 2015 where Brian Krzanich, CEO of Intel revealed more upcoming Intel technologies that will impact the world. Of note was the new Intel Opane technology based on the 3D XPoint memory media for Intel SSDs that will offer better performance, endurance and space when or if it does come out. The Fossil Group also revealed an Intel-based wearables coming in September 2015 including an Android Wear smartwatch. Continuing Intel's focus on the Internet of Things, a platform for the Intel Curie module, the button sized computer system in a chip will enable even more devices. Check out all the highlights in this article.

The Huawei Honor 7 smartphone was officially announced for Europe recently with a full metal body airbrushed with a ceramic coating, fingerprint sensor and 20MP rear camera with phase detection auto focus. Other tech specs include a 64-bit 2.2GHz octa-core HiSilicon Kirin 935 processor, 3GB RAM, 16GB storage + microSD support, 5.2-inch FHD display, 20MP rear camera, 8MP front camera, 3100 mAh battery and fingerprint sensor. The Honor 7 measures in at 143.2 x 71.9 x 8.5mm and weighs in at 157g which is quite light still for a full metal smartphone. While Europe is getting just the gray and silver colour versions, we expect that the gold coloured version will also be available when it comes to Malaysia, estimated to be sometime in September 2015. Apart from that, there don't seem to be any other differences from the previous announcement. No specific Malaysia release dates or pricing details yet but the 16GB version is currently going for about $322 (RM1356) in Europe. You can also check out our comparisons with the Honor 7 vs Meizu MX5 or the OPPO R7 Plus vs Honor 7 vs Meizu MX5 as well.

Last year, the Huawei Ascend P7 won the European Consumer Smartphone 2014 – 2015 award so it comes as no surprise that the equally beautiful Huawei P8 has won the European Consumer Smartphone 2015 – 2016 award. Considering that the Huawei Ascend P6 also won the same European Consumer Smartphone 2013 – 2014 award means that Huawei have won this category for three times running. EISA were particular impressed by the "improved camera performance and surprisingly high‐end craftsmanship that gives this affordable device a truly sophisticated appearance" that the P8 brings to the market. Tech specs and features like the P8's 5.2-inch full HD IPS-NEO display, f/2 lens and 2680 mAh battery were also highlighted along with its dual-antenna design and light painting low-light camera. We've been equally impressed by the Huawei P8 which you can find out in our Huawei P8 review. Here's what Huawei had to say about the EISA award:

“We are proud to be presented with this award for the third year in a row. We are committed to challenging the industry and revolutionizing how a smart phone is used - the Huawei P8 is the most user-friendly smartphone for consumers globally.” Glory Zhang, Chief Marketing Officer, Consumer Business Group (BG)

ASUS Malaysia just launched their new ASUS ZenPad 7.0 (Z370CG) tablet phone for Malaysia at RM749 pricing. Launched alongside the ZenPad C 7.0 (Z170CG) the new ASUS ZenPad tablets will replace the surprisingly popular ASUS Fonepad 7 and MeMO Pad tablets with mobile Internet call capabilities. Designed with a new fashionable clutch case look complete with interchangeable backplates, the ZenPad 7.0 was also launched with various accessories that helps you to customize the tablet phone according to how you want it. This includes a leather Zen Clutch case for the fashionista, a 5.1 channel Audio Cover with 1 built-in subwoofer and six speakers along with an extra Power Case interchangeable backplate with built-in battery which makes the tablet a bit thicker but adds on additional battery life. The Zensation roadshow showcasing the ZenPad tablets and their various accessories along with the ZenFone 2 and the upcoming ASUS ZenFone Selfie (due on 30 August 2015) will be held from today till 30 August 2015 with various activities at Centrecourt, Mid Valley Megamall. Even today, several ASUS ZenFans walked away with brand new ASUS ZenPad tablets.

We recently spotted something interesting in the ASUS Malaysia product guide indicating that the top-of-the-lineASUS ZenFone 2 Deluxe  is coming to Malaysia. No specific Malaysia release dates or pricing details were mentioned but with the product guide being for August to September we assume that the ZenFone 2 Deluxe is coming to Malaysia sometime in September 2015 next month. Tech specs  also indicate that this is the version with 128GB and not the recently announced ZenFone 2 Deluxe Special Edition that had 256GB storage. Rest assured though, as you should still be able to stick in a 128GB microSD for further expansion. Stay tuned and we'll update you as soon as possible.

Samsung Malaysia has just confirmed the pricing and sent out the invites for the Malaysia launching of their latest Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ and Samsung Galaxy Note 5. According to Samsung Malaysia the launch will be on 3 September 2015 but both will be available on 4 September 2015. The Galaxy S6 edge+ will be priced at RM3099 (inclusive of 6% GST) with 32GB storage and come in black and gold. The Galaxy Note 5 on the other hand will be priced at RM2699 (again inclusive of 6% GST) with 32GB storage and in gold or white. While both feature nearly the same tech specs, the Galaxy Note 5 features the latest in S Pen stylus technology, while the Galaxy S6 edge+ offers a larger 5.7-inch dual edge curved display with 2K resolution. Both feature a more premium design of metal and glass along with the latest ISOCELL camera technology. Stay tuned for more details and information as we'll be covering the launch come 3 September 2015.

Sony Mobile recently launched their new Sony Xperia C5 Ultra Dual and Xperia M5 Dual for Malaysia. The Xperia C5 Ultra Dual features a large 6-inch FHD display with 13MP Exmor RS and LED flash front and back cameras for RM1399. Also for the midrange is the Xperia M5 Dual for RM1599 with a waterproof full metal body, Mediatek Helio X10 processor and 21.5MP Exmor RS with Hybrid AF rear camera and 13MP front camera for RM1599. LINE users can also enter a special contest on the Sony Mobile Malaysia LINE Official Account at "Sony Mobile MY" and answer the questions to win a brand new Sony Xperia C5 Ultra Dual and Sony Xperia M5 Dual. Both are available exclusively on 11street.my via pre-orders with benefits from 17 August 2015 to 31 August 2015 where the first 200 customers can receive complimentary gifts worth up to RM250. A contest to win a device and other gifts is also available on the 11street Facebook page.

The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ is the latest dual curved display to come from Samsung and sports a larger 5.7-inch 2K display. It also takes a step up from previous plastic Samsungs with the Galaxy S6 edge use of metal and glass for a more premium feel. Like a few other Samsung devices before this, Samsung have since released the inboxing video for the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ where everything is put together and boxed. Check it out for yourself in this article.