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Xiaomi's latest flagship smartphone the Xiaomi Mi 4i has been announced globally and officially here in Malaysia though it will only be available on 28 May 2015 (this Thursday) for RM749. While it packs in similar tech specs with the Mi 4, the Mi 4i goes for a plastic back which is currently only available in white, but more colours are also available. Stand out features include a 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor, 5-inch full HD display with Sunlight Display tech for outdoor viewing, 4G LTE connectivity and a large 3120 mAh battery. Other tech specs include 2GB RAM, 16GB storage (no microSD slot), a 13MP f/2.0 rear camera with 5-element lens, 5MP f/1.8 front camera with wide angle lens and dual SIM support. Xiaomi Malaysia will offer the Mi 4i at RM749 on 28 May 2015 from 12PM in conjunction with their 1st Anniversary celebrations which will also include priority sales for loyal fans, various accessory bundles, discount vouchers and more.

The ASUS ZenFone 2 is really making waves as an affordable yet performance-level smartphone. It turns out that it also has a tool to make the transfer from your old smartphone easier, allowing you to transfer stuff like contacts, calender and bookmark data to your new ASUS ZenFone 2. While it has a whole bunch of different smartphones to choose from like Samsung, Apple, Huawei, Lenovo and LG, it seems that this is the perfect tool for those who previously got an ASUS ZenFone 4, ZenFone 5 or ZenFone 6 to transfer your data over. Personally, I did it with my ASUS PadFone S as the list of models available is both comprehensive and up-to-date. The transfer is done via bluetooth though, so make sure your phone supports bluetooth if you intend to use the Data Transfer tool for your new ASUS ZenFone 2.

We previously reported on the ASUS ZenPad 7 but now pics and tech specs of the ASUS ZenPad 8 have also appeared. Rumoured to be coming at Computex 2015 next week the ZenPad 7 is rumoured to have a 7-inch display with 600 x 1024 pixel resolution. However, the ZenPad 8 reportedly may have an 8-inch display with 1536 x 2048 pixel resolutions. Quite obviously, the ZenPad 8 is likely meant to rival the Apple iPad mini with Retina Display and probably will be a bit more expensive. Since the ZenPad 7 is rumoured to come with an Intel Atom x3 processor it makes more sense for the ZenPad 8 to also come with an Intel Atom x3 processor as well, but it will likely be higher clocked and come with 3G or 4G LTE connectivity. No Malaysia release dates or pricing details yet, but the ZenPad 7 is rumoured to come at $160 (RM579). We shouldn't have to wait too long to find out, so stay tuned for more developments.

While it looks like the Apple Watch may not be coming to Malaysia officially anytime soon, third-party sellers like SatuGadgetDotCom and DirectD are now selling it here in Malaysia. Granted, choices are limited to the Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch versions but both sellers provide fairly good aftersales services. Pricing starts from RM1769 and both the 38mm and 42mm size versions are also available but you can probably find cheaper pricing at other lesser known sellers. Originally, pricing for the Apple Watch began from $349 (RM1263) but you have to expect this kind of price increase for something as premium as the Apple Watch. No news yet on an official Malaysia release date or pricing details, but if it does come, it will likely be at the end of the year with the new Apple iPhone.

How do you improve on a good smartphone like the ASUS ZenFone? You add on more useful  features and make it prettier than before, or at least that's how it seems with the ASUS ZenFone 2. We managed to do some hands-on time with the new and improved ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551MLsmartphone with tech specs that includes a 64-bit Intel processor, 4GB RAM, 32GB storage and a 5.5-inch full HD display. Apart from these features the new ZenFone 2 moved the power button to the top, volume controls to the back along with a brushed metal-like backplate. Check out our hands-on video of the ZenFone 2 in this article.

TechNave.com recently had the opportunity to interview Intel Rockstars at the recent Intel Intelligent Generations showcase in Penang. These Rockstars included the design team from Intel Malaysia responsible for the Intel Compute Stick and 5th Generation Intel Core processors along with the Intel Singapore team in charge of the Intel Atom X3. According to these Intel Rockstars, the Intel Compute Stick was initially created on the theme of miniturization, trying to see how small they could make an effective x86 based machine. Powered by an Intel Atom processor, the Compute Stick plugs into any HDMI-ready display or HDTV and turns it into a desktop PC. While there are still no plans for an Intel Core M powered Compute Stick or one with a discrete graphic card (we asked, they said not yet) they are open to suggestions, with coming Compute Stick devices perhaps offering other options instead.

Regarding the Intel Atom X3 processor formerly known as SoFIA, the Intel Singapore team revealed that they have already been provided to manufacturers. This jives with rumours about the upcoming Intel Atom X3 powered ASUS ZenPad. However, they did admit that these processors have been provided earlier to China-brand manufacturers partly because of China's larger tech ecosystem and market and also as a testing ground for other markets. As such, we should see other Intel Atom X3 powered devices within 2015. What does this mean for normal consumers? Well, considering that the Intel Atom X3 packs in built-in 3G/4G LTE connectivity at lower price points it could mean more affordable tablets and smartphones in the near future. So if you're looking to buy an Intel powered tablet we'd recommend waiting for a while first. We shouldn't have to wait too long though as this next wave of Intel Atom X3 powered devices are expected in the next couple of months.

Intel recently held their Intelligent Generations showcase in Penang displaying the recent achievements and products from Intel including the newly launched Intel Compute Stick, Intel Atom X3 processors and 5th Generation Intel Core processors and their relevant devices. TechNave were thankfully on hand to cover all of this with the main event being the launch for the Intel Compute Stick. Designed to be a portable x86 Windows 8.1 desktop you can bring in your pocket, the lightweight Compute Stick plugs into any HDMI port for display or HDTV and turns it into a fully fledged desktop PC. A demo of the device showed that it could load large Microsoft PowerPoint files with as fast a performance as standard desktops and play games like Minecraft.

Granted, you may have to use Bluetooth enabled keyboards and mice to control it, but the Compute Stick brings a new device form factor to the current computing environment. Priced at RM599 for the Windows 8.1 version it will be made available sometime in June 2015 or afterwards. An Ubuntu (a Linux based operating system) powered version is also expected for RM499. At this price point we can see this being used as the family or living room PC especially for those who already have a HDTV or HDMI ready display. Intel envisions even more use-case scenarios including digital signage, education and more. Check out the full tech specs and features in this article.

The rumoured OPPO R7 and a larger OPPO R7 Plus version have been officially announced for 2499 CNY (RM1451) and 2999 CNY (RM1741) respectively. Featuring a semi-curved 2.5D glass front for an almost bezel-free look, the two smartphones also have metal unibody frames and more. These tech specs include a 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor, 3GB RAM, 13MP F2.2 rear camera and 8MP F2.4 front camera. The differences in features are mostly in terms of size as the R7 sports a 5-inch display while the R7 Plus has 6-inch version. Both offer full HD 1920 x 1080 pixel resolutions but the larger R7 Plus features a bigger 4100 mAh batery and a fingerprint scanner. No Malaysia release dates or pricing details yet, but there should be more developments coming soon.

In line with their previous statement to open 39 more Authorized Reseller stores in Malaysia by end of 2015, Microsoft Malaysia will be opening their second Authorized Reseller store at Sunway Pyramid on 23 May 2015. Like the first store recently opened in KLCC, this store in Sunway Pyramid will feature an assortment of best-in-class Microsoft products, including Windows Phones, Feature Phones, Surface devices as well as Windows, Microsoft Office 365 and more. Visitors can get a hands-on experience of all these devices and products, and special consumer training sessions will also be available on the opening day. If you've been curious about Windows 10, a preview version of the operating system will also be made available to try. Check out this article for more promotions, deals and details.

The second inaugral Huawei ICT Roadshow recently occured. Inaugrated by Dato' Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Communications and Multimedia Minister for Malaysia, the platform allowed industry experts in Malaysia to further discuss and exchange ideas regarding the connectivity within Malaysia. Mr. Wu Zhengping, Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Embassy of People’s Republic China in Malaysia also attended the event with the main focus of the platform being Huawei;s Smart City Solution for end-to-end security, a convergant command center, video surveillance cloud and mobile policing. Here's what they had to say on the event and the solution:

“I am delighted to be among the nation’s ICT experts and policy makers at the Huawei’s ICT Roadshow 2015. We want to use today’s platform to get the ecosystem to start thinking about the way ahead in using technology for a Smart Malaysia with the end goal of complementing and enabling all other nation building initiatives. By building on Smart Economy, Smart Environment, Smart Governance, Smart Mobility, Smart Living and Smart People, we are already infusing ICT into all spheres of the society, and in doing so, accelerating Malaysia towards a developed and modern country and enriching the lives of the rakyat. As a global ICT leader, Huawei has the technology know-how and experience in the development of smart country initiatives. I hope that in the near future, more experts from across the ecosystem join the partnership we have formed with Huawei to jointly build a Smart Country. Let’s work together towards a common vision, and overcome challenges we face along the way. In that aspect, we welcome constructive dialogue with industry players, agencies and technology partners.” Dato' Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Communications and Multimedia Minister for Malaysia

Digital connectivity and inclusion across urban and rural centers, genders, and economic strata enables countries to attract investment by providing access to skill development and employment opportunities and promoting sustainability. Innovative ICT infrastructure is fundamental to the digital restructuring of industries and the long-term development of a Better Connected Smart Country. I want to take this opportunity to announce that Huawei is committed to partner in Malaysia’s endeavor to be a Better Connected, Smart Country. Cities today need effective public safety solutions for incident prevention, emergency response, and evidence collection that address these challenges. As Malaysia gears up towards its Smart Country vision, it has vast potential to leverage technology for public services and safety of its citizens. Today’s launch is a first among many pillars of our commitment to bring world class connectivity and technology to empower Malaysians.” Mr Abraham Liu, Huawei Malaysia CEO