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Despite all the successes Microsoft has been having with its Lumia phones, it appears that we may soon see less Lumia phone releases in the near future. This comes about as Microsoft have laid off 7800 employees "generally working on smartphones" and writing off the $7.6 billion Nokia acquisition. In response to rumours that Microsoft would stop making Lumia phones entirely, Satya Nadella, Microsoft's current CEO announced that there would be restructuring and streamlining, resulting in flagship, business and value smartphone categories for any new upcoming Lumia smartphones. Bloomberg also found out that there may be just 1 or 2 devices for each category. Obviously, Microsoft have already released more than six Lumia smartphones already, but this likely means that this streamlined approach will be the way Microsoft will operate their streamlined phone business from now on. As it is, we are expecting some flagship Lumia smartphones to appear shortly.

After our in-depth testing and ASUS ZenFone 2 review, we're quite certain about how powerful the smartphone really is. However, an XDA member took it a step further by hacking the device to allow it to run a full-fledged Microsoft Windows 7 operating system. According to Yua Ca Van, the same process can allow installation of Windows 8, 8.1 and even Windows 10. Furthermore, the Windows 7 that was installed ran with next to no bugs with performance on par with normal Windows 7 systems. While this certainly shows the power of the Intel-based ZenFone 2 it isn't actually easy to use Windows 7 on the ZenFone 2 due to the size constraints. Check it out for yourself in the video in this article.

While many ASUS users are wondering when they'll get their Android 5.0 Lollipop upgrades, quite a few of the tablet users have already started receiving theirs. This includes those who got the ASUS Fonepad 7 FE375CG. Powered by a 64-bit 1.83GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3560 processor, the new update offers native 64-bit processing. While many ZenFone users are silently screaming "why not us too?" this order does make sense as the Fonepads and other ASUS tablets did get their 64-bit Intel processors first. It does indicate that there is progress so those users should get their updates eventually. So far, the interface looks to have been revamped with some smoother animations and nicer layouts but this is just what we've seen so far at a glance. You also get some new apps and bloatware so make sure you have some extra space available. If you're interested in the ASUS Fonepad 7 FE375CG do check out our full review of the tablet but for now you can see the screenshots of the update along with some design changes and an early benchmark in this article.

Logitech recently announced a new logo, label and design changes in what they term as something more than just a rebranding exercise. According to them, this will include more colourful designs and vibrant products for everyday use. So far, Logitech has already made a name for itself as one of the leading brands in peripherals such as keyboards, mice, headsets, speakers and more. The move will also see the introduction of another Logitech label going by Logi, with more details on their blog and Logitech site. The overall rebranding effort looks to be very colourful with more stylish designs and packaging overseen by their first-ever chief design officer, Alastair Curtis. Check out the video and what they had to say about it all below:

“We’ve been reinventing Logitech, creating products that strive to blend advanced technology and design to bring you amazing experiences. We’ve built a world-class design team, led by chief designer Alastair Curtis. We’re putting Design at the center of everything we do. Our approach to Design goes beyond the classic definition. Design to us is the combination of advanced technology, business strategy and consumer insights.  Our products have come a long way, and now it’s time to bring the brand forward too.” Bracken Darrell, Logitech president and CEO

“Logitech has undergone huge changes, so we’ve created an identity that is an expression of who we are today and who we will be moving forward. A company transformation of this magnitude should come with an equally bold transformation of its brand.” Alastair Curtis, chief design officer at Logitech

OPPO Malaysia have launched their OPPO R7 series... without the OPPO R7. Instead, we have the OPPO R7 Plus for RM1998 and the OPPO R7 Lite for RM1298. Both feature full metal frames, 2.5D glass on the front, a midrange 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor and dual-SIM 4G LTE. The R7 Plus sports a larger 6-inch full HD display, a fingerprint scanner on the back, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage with 128GB microSD, a 13MP rear camera with dual tone LED flash, 8MP front camera and 4100 mAh battery. Measuring in at 7.75mm thin and a rather hefty 192g it will be available for pre-order on 11 July 2015, or this Saturday. Tech specs for the smaller R7 Lite include 2GB RAM, 16GB storage with 128GB microSD, 5-inch display, 2320 mAh battery and measures in at just 6.3mm thin. No Malaysia release dates yet for the R7 Lite or the original R7 yet but these are expected later in the year.

Another day another OnePlus 2 teaser, this time around OnePlus have confirmed that their upcoming smartphone will have 4GB LPDDR4 RAM. It joins a number of other 4GB RAM smartphones like the ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML and the Lenovo K90 but sets itself apart by using the faster DDR4 RAM, a tech spec which only a few smartphones offer. Other confirmed features for the OnePlus 2 include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, fingerprint scanner and be priced "under 450 USD" (RM1717). It will also have a full metal frame and USB Type C port. No Malaysia release dates but the OnePlus 2 is expected to be announced officially on 27 July 2015.

ASUS have just launched their "100 Days of Zen" campaign where everyday for the next 100 days, one winning photo will get their photographer a free ASUS ZenFone 2 smartphone. Done in collaboration with Robert Jahns (otherwise known as nois7 on Instagram) all you have to do to enter is download an image by Robert from the site and add a little something of your own (keep it G-rated please). Hashtag this collaboration creation with #100DaysOfZen and post it on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Check out the sample below and then go to the 100DaysOfZen site for more information. Robert Jahns used the ASUS ZenFone 2 to do all of the photos being used in the contest and if you need a few more details about the smartphone do check out our ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML review as well.

OnePlus continues to drop the OnePlus 2 teasers as it heads towards the 27 July 2015 unveil date. Previously we reported on its Snapdragon 810 processor and fingerprint scanner but now a tweet from Pete Lau, CEO of OnePlus reveals that the OnePlus 2 will be priced "under 450 USD". While this could mean the OnePlus 2 gets priced at $499.99 (RM1717) it is a significant step up in pricing from the original OnePlus One which started from $299 (RM1141). This could be caused by other OnePlus 2 features like a full metal frame and USB Type C port but if it does reach $449.99 it isn't a "flagship killer" anymore as it essentially becomes a flagship smartphone itself. The recent Huawei P8 flagship smartphone was priced at RM1799 and other similar flagship level smartphones are also being priced around this point as well.

Rumours about the upcoming Sony Xperia Z5 have surfaced detailing tech specs and features. The rumours indicate that the Xperia Z5 could be coming in September 2015, which jives with what we know from those in the industry. However, the rumours also show tech specs that include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB RAM, 21MP Sony Exmor RS IMX230 CMOS rear camera, 4500 mAh battery and a fingerprint scanner. The new camera should allow for 4K video recording. While there are no specific Malaysia release dates, we expect the Xperia Z5 to also come with the Xperia Z5 Compact, Xperia Z5 Ultra and Xperia Z5 Tablet. As usual, do take this with a pinch of salt, but it does sound like the correct timing for it to happen.

Samsung Electronics has managed to maintain its position as the highest ranking HDTV manufacturer for the 2015 J.D. Power HDTV Satisfaction Report in the 50-inch and 50-inches or below for the second year in a row. J.D. Power surveyed more than 3750 consumers who purchased a HDTV in the past 12 months to arrive at these rankings. Satisfaction is measured on a scale of 1000 based on eight factors: overall satisfaction, performance, reliability, ease of operation, style/appearance, features, warranty and price. According to the study, Samsung ranked highest in the 50-inches and above category with a score of 871 and highest in the 50-inches and below category with a score of 856. In both categories, the brand ranked highest for overall satisfaction, performance, reliability, style and appearance, features and warranty. Leveraging years of expertise in the home entertainment space, and taking into account the voice of market and customer needs, Samsung continues to elevate the viewing experience for consumers with its new SUHD TVs. With superior 4K UHD picture quality, brilliant colors and details, the SUHD TVs continue to set a new standard in TV innovation. Here's what Samsung had to say about it:

“We strive to innovate and provide an unrivaled home viewing experience for consumers with spectacular picture quality. Samsung is honored to receive a top ranking in customer satisfaction for two years in a row and we look forward to delivering top quality and innovation in years to come.” Bill Lee, Vice President of the Television Product Marketing Division at Samsung Electronics America