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Move over fingerprint scanner smartphones, the iris scanner equipped Fujitsu Arrows NX F-04G smartphone has been officially announced. Tech specs are quite high-end with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, 5.2-inch 2K display, 21MP rear camera, 4G LTE-A connectivity, Voice-over-LTE, NFC, WiFi ac and a 3120 mAh battery. The overall design is rectangular with very slim bezels. Thankfully, the iris scanner, which is called Iris Passport has been quite integrated as it can be used to unlock your phone, for any password and as payment authentication. It is even fast and smart, taking just about half a second to scan your eyes and featuring the ability to differentiate between different eyes. Unfortunately, the Fujitsu Arrows NX F-04G looks to be a Japan only release at $750 (RM2813) but it could be a sign of things to come with iris scanning hopefully becoming more common in smartphones for Malaysia soon.

Microsoft Devices has just announced that the Microsoft Lumia 540 Dual SIM smartphone  will be available at all authorized dealers and distributors from 19 June 2015. It will be priced for only RM569. Tech specs and features include a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage + up to 128GB microSD, 5-inch laminated display with 1280 x 720 pixel resolution, 8MP auto focus rear camera, 5MP wide angle front camera and 2200 mAh battery. The Lumia 540 Dual SIM measures in at 144 x 73.7 x 8.6mm and weighs 152g. It will also come with Microsoft Office, Skype and OneDrive with Dual SIM support. There will be black, cyan, orange and white colours to choose from but this is what Microsoft Devices had to say about it:

“The Lumia 540 Dual SIM is a welcome addition to our affordable smartphone portfolio running the latest Windows Phone 8.1 operating system and Denim update. With its generous HD display, front and rear cameras, great apps, and Microsoft Office, Skype and OneDrive built-in, the Lumia 540 Dual SIM is a well-rounded package at an appealing price.”Bruce Howe, General Manager, Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

Intel recently launched their #WorkFromHappyPlace campaign in conjunction with Intel-powered devices like the HP Stream 8 tablet and HP Pavilion x2 2in1 convertible. The campaign aims to restore work-life balance, redefine productivity and reinvigorate creativity in the workplace. Utilizing the latest Intel Atom processors, the two HP devices are designed to allow work and play regardless of location with both devices coming with free one-year subscription to Microsoft Office 365 Personal. The HP Stream 8 tablet is priced at RM847 while the HP Pavilion x2 2in1 convertible goes for RM1377. Both should be available at authorized resellers and distributors and there is also a contest for the campaign where you describe your dream place to do work. For more information regarding these devices and the Intel #WorkFromHappyPlace campaign do check out workfrommyhappyplace.com.my. Here's what Intel had to say about it:

“For over 50 years, Intel has been refining microprocessor technology to the beat of Moore’s Law. These microprocessors power the continuing evolution of computing devices - from massive data centers and sleek 2in1 devices to smartphones and tablets. Thanks to the close cooperation we here share with customers like HP, we have been able to offer these innovations to consumers. With Moore's Law celebrating its 50th year anniversary this year, Intel is committed to driving the evolution of the PC with our partners to provide devices that’ll keep up with your every need. Encompassing a wide range of form factor, tasks you wish to complete or how you use your machine - Intel® processors are engineered for performance at every price point, for every need.” Karen Chow, Head of MNC and Telco, Intel Malaysia and Singapore.

Huawei recently launched its first Regional Data Hosting Center called the Asia Pacific Digital Cloud Exchange in Iskandar Johor. The centre will aggregate and distribute digital music, mobile games, video and other multimedia services to telcos in Malaysia and the rest of the Asia Pacific region. Officiated by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Tan Sri Dato’ HJ Muhyiddin HJ. Mohd Yassin and Mr. Wu Zhengping, the Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Embassy of People’s Republic China in Malaysia, the centre marks Huawei's commitment to Malaysia's ICT vision of the future. Huawei envisions exponential growth in ICT across industries by 2020 and the Asia Pacific Cloud Exchange in Iskandar should provide a firm bulwark and hub for the upcoming "Digital Tsunami". Other initiatives announced include Memorandum of Understanding with Uzone games, Les' Copaque Production, M-Mode Mobile, Elite Entertainment and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia for various digital content. Here's what Huawei had to say about it:

“As one of the fastest growing markets in the region, we are pleased to open our first Data Hosting Centre, the Huawei Digital Cloud Exchange, in Malaysia. Our investment in this facility is a major milestone in making Malaysia our regional business gateway. Malaysia’s investment-friendly policies, its skilled workforce and geographic advantages underline our confidence in the country’s potential as a Regional Digital Cloud Exchange. We hope that Huawei’s Digital Cloud Exchange will not only help nurture Malaysia's creative content and the vast pool of local talent and but also create a productive and innovative digital market worth billions of USD.  We are keen on partnering with the public and private sectors to turn this vision into reality. We are grateful for the enormous support from the Malaysian government that continues to encourage a partnership approach with investors. Their policies and approach to foreign investment make investing in Malaysia win-win proposition. We are happy to share our experiences with other investors looking to expand to Malaysia.” Abraham Liu, CEO of Huawei Malaysia.

After all the teasers and leaks, the invitations for the Honor 7 smartphone launch have been sent out, confirming the launch for 30 June 2015. Bear in mind that this will probably be for China but we expect Malaysia and other regions to get it in July or the next few months afterwards. The invite does not reveal much except that the Honor 7 will likely come with a metal body and a fingerprint scanner. Other tech specs have not been confirmed but many are expecting a Kirin 935 processor, 3GB / 4GB RAM, 16GB / 64GB storage, a 5-inch FHD display, a 3280 mAh battery and a 13MP rear camera with OIS. No news yet on specific Malaysia release dates or pricing details but we'll let you know as soon as we find out.

NowSecure recently reported that a security vulnerability found in the default SwiftKey keyboard app pre-loaded on some Samsung Galaxy smartphones could put said smartphones at risk. Since this includes more than 600 million devices, this is quite a big thing. According to NowSecure, they informed Samsung last year in December but while Samsung have released the patch, not all distributors have rolled it out. The security vulnerability allows an attacker to remotely execute code as a privileged (system) user, allowing the attacker to steal confidential information or install a backdoor app or virus. The vulnerability is only accessible if you connect to an insecure Wifi network, something which quite a few people in Malaysia do at coffee shops. Since it is classified as a system app, SwiftKey cannot be uninstalled from your Samsung Galaxy smartphone and the vulnerability is still active even if you switch to a different app. Check out the NowSecure site for more details.

Samsung Electronics has been voted the Best Brand in Asia in 2015 for the fourth year in a row from the 'Asia's Top 1000 Brands' annual online survey. Conducted by Campaign Asia-Pacific with Nielsen the survey covers Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam encompassing 14 major categories. Samsung Electronics scored top 5 in all 14 consumer electronics categories which also includes smartphones, mobile phones, refrigerators and TVs. The award goes hand-in-hand with Samsung's continued investments in research and development resulting in the recent curved SUHD TV and dual-curved Samsung Galaxy S6 edge. Here's what Samsung Electronics had to say about it:

“Samsung Electronics is proud to be voted as the best brand in Asia for the fourth consecutive year. Just ten years ago, we were ranked as the 15th brand in Asia. Samsung’s rise to the top in Asia has not come about by chance. Our brand resonates positively with consumers because we understand what consumers in the region want. Our deep consumer insights and relentless drive to innovate allow us to stay ahead of dynamic market demands, technological changes, and localised consumer needs across different countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania.” Irene Ng, Vice President, Marketing, Samsung Electronics Southeast Asia & Oceania.

Samsung Malaysia Electronics is currently holding their Samsung Hari Raya Festival promotion starting from today till 19 July 2015. All you have to do to enter is buy any Samsung Galaxy device within the contest period. Those who buy Samsung Galaxy devices wil also get instant freebies such as a free clear cover and battery pack worth RM405 for the Samsung Galaxy S6, a free 32GB dual-USB 3.0 drive and 500 music voucher worth up to RM569 for a Galaxy A device (A3, A5, A7) and a free book cover for a Galaxy Tab A worth up to RM179. There aren't even any forms to fill out, just retain the original recept and answer a simple question correctly, then submit this answer via SMS to 33310 with your details in this format - “SAMSUNGRAYA <SPACE> Answer <SPACE> CONSENT (Y/N) <SPACE> NRIC <SPACE> IMEI NUMBER <SPACE> FULL NAME”. Check out more details at www.samsung.com/my/raya2015 and what Samsung have to say about it below:

“Samsung is extremely proud of our Galaxy devices. Combining design, craftsmanship and performance, our Galaxy products seamlessly blend premium materials with the most advanced Samsung technology to offer consumers an unmatched mobile experience. Our flagship Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge smartphones are the top of its class. It is our privilege to reward our customers through this promotion. Not only can our customers enjoy the excellent performance of our Galaxy devices, but also stand a chance to enjoy the comfort of a brand new car this year!” Lee Jui Siang, Vice President, Mobile, IT and Digital Imaging, Samsung Malaysia Electronics

Sony Mobile Communications have just launched the Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet, Xperia C4 Dual and Xperia M4 Aqua Dual for Malaysia. The Xperia Z4 Tablet will be available on 22 June 2015 with the 4G LTE version priced at RM2699 while a version with a keyboard combo will be priced at RM3199. The Xperia M4 Aqua Dual on the other hand will be priced at RM969 with a Malaysia release date expected as soon as next week. Pricing details are still unannounced for the Xperia C4 Dual but it is expected to arrive sometime next month. Check out the tech specs below and hands-on photos below:

• Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet
• 64-bit 2GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810
• 3GB RAM
• 32GB storage + up to 128GB microSD
• 10.1-inch display (2560 x 1600 pixels, scratch resistant + anti fingerprint coating)
• 8.1MP rear camera + 5.1MP front camera
• Features IP65/8 waterproof and dust tight, Sony 3D Surround Sound technology, aGPS, 4G LTE, FM Radio, WiFi
• 167 x 254 x 6.1mm | 389g (WiFi) / 393g (4G LTE)
• Android 5.0 Lollipop
• 6000 mAh battery

Joining the ranks of large but premium smartphones like the Huawei P8 Max is the Gionee Elife E8 smartphone which was recently and officially announced. Tech specs include a 2GHz quad-core MediaTek Helio X10 processor, 23GB RAM, 64GB storage, a microSD slot and the aforementioned 6-inch AMOLED display with 2K or quad HD pixel resolution. It also features a 23.7MP rear camera with quick phase detection autofocus and a sapphire glass six element lens. Clearly, Gionee are hoping to make the Elife E8 a total cameraphone as it also packs in optical image stabilization (OIS) true tone LED flash, 4K video recording, a 100MP interpolation function and lossless zoom. No Malaysia release date or pricing details but it is being offered at 3999 CNY (RM2401) in China from 15 July 2015. Also revealed with the Elife E8 was the Marathon M5 with midrange tech specs like a 5.5-inch 720p display, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage , 13MP rear camera and 5MP front camera for 2299 CNY (RM1501). However, it is the world's first smartphone to pack in dual 3010 mAh batteries (for a 6020 mAh battery) which they say will give the Marathon M5 a 4-day battery life. It will be available from 25 June 2015 but again with no specific Malaysia release dates yet.