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The ASUS ZenFone 2 #IncredibleZenDay launch has just happened, confirming earlier rumours about pricing, tech specs and variants for the ASUS ZenFone 2 smartphones available for Malaysia. These include the lowest-end 5-inch display ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE550CL for RM599 and the highest-end ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage for RM1299. Check out the full pricing which is inclusive of the 6% GST below:

• ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE500CL - 1.6GHz Z2560, 2GB RAM, 8GB storage, 5-inch 1280 x 720 HD display = RM599
• ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE550ML - 1.8GHz Z3560, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, 5.5-inch 1280 x 720 HD display = RM74
• ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML - 1.8GHz Z3560, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD display = RM899
• ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML - 2.3GHz Z3580, 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD display = RM1099
• ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML - 2.3GHz Z3580, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD display = RM1299

The Canon Professional Services (CPS) program provides after-sales support to help Canon users to maintain their cameras and other related equipment. While the membership is free for Malaysians who use Canon professional cameras and equipment it provides exclusive benefits that include discounts on servicing, priority repair services and back-up equipment loans during repairs. Recently, the CPS program has gotten an upgrade with new enhanced privileges that include regional membership so that if you're in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, India or Indonesia, your CPS membership is still valid. CPS membership is currently divided into Gold and Silver levels with different levels of discounts and benefits for each tier. Gold members are those Canon users who are professional photographers but for more information regarding CPS do check out the Canon site.

The most recent tablet with S Pen capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A is now available in Malaysia from RM1299. To be more precise, the 8-inch display Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is going from RM1299 while the 9.7-inch display Galaxy Tab A 9.7 is going for RM1599. Both will be available in black, titanium and white from Samsung Experience Stores and authorized dealers. Stand-out features for the Galaxy Tab A include S Pen support designed for business users, as the built-in S Pen replaces your keyboard and mouse with ease. Another interesting feature is Capture It which offers short cuts and enhanced camera functions for the 5MP auto focus rear camera. Check out the full tech specs and features for both Samsung Galaxy Tab A tablets below:

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0
• 1.2GHz quad-core processor
• 2GB RAM
• 16GB storage + up to 128GB microSD
• 8-inch display (1024 x 768 pixels)
• 5MP rear camera (auto focus) + 2MP front camera
• supports 4G LTE, GPS, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1
• features S-Pen, USB2.0
• 137.9 x 208.4 x 7.5mm | 338g
• 4200 mAh
• Android Lollipop

Celcom Axiata Berhad and Sony Mobile Communications are now offering the Sony Xperia E4g with FIRST by Celcom postpaid plans. The Xperia E4g can be had or as low as RM158 on a 24-month contract with advance payment of RM250. If you don't paying a bit more at RM298 you can sign up for a 12 month contract with advance payment of RM100. The Xperia E4g offers tech specs that include a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage + up to 32GB microSD, 4.7-inch 960 x 540 pixel display, 5MP rear camera, 2MP front camera and 4G LTE/3G connectivity. Check out the tables and links in this article for more information about the plans.

The new BlackBerry Leap touchscreen smartphone is now available in Malaysia. This comes courtesy of 11street.my who are offering the smartphone on pre-order at RM1089. It will also come with a number of freebies which include an RM150 11street.my shopping coupon for every confirmed pre-order purchase and a free leather pocket worth RM95 and BlackBerry cap for the first 100 pre-order buyers. The next 100 only get the BlackBerry cap. Shipping starts from 19 May 2015 with other retailers offering the BlackBerry Leap from 20 May 2015. The BlackBerry Leap brings 4G LTE connectivity, a 5-inch edge-to-edge HD display and BlackBerry's secure BlackBerry 10.3.1 OS platform for users who want a smartphone that is more secure. Here's what 11street and BlackBerry had to say about it:

“As online shopping is fast becoming a part of everyday life for Malaysians, we are well aware that many business executives and professionals are looking for a user-friendly, secure mobile device, which allows them to shop online at anytime, anywhere – all while safeguarding the privacy of their personal data. Partnering with BlackBerry here in Malaysia to offer consumers a mobile device equipped with high security features underscores our commitment to providing customers a safer online shopping experience.” Hoseok Kim, CEO, 11street

“We are excited to be working with 11Street and our other partners to bring BlackBerry Leap to Malaysia. It is a smartphone we believe will resonate well with our Malaysian customers. The latest addition to our BlackBerry 10 portfolio was built specifically for professionals who see their smartphone as a powerful and durable productivity tool, which also safeguards sensitive communications at all times.” Cameron Vernest, Managing Director for Malaysia at BlackBerry.

There are still not that many apps for the Apple Watch but Hong Leong Bank Berhad have just announced the extension of their Hong Leong Connect mobile banking app for the Apple Watch. While Malaysian users may have to wait a while for the official release here, those that have gotten their hands on Apple Watch can quickly install the Hong Leong connect app for Apple Watch. As the first bank in Malaysia to do so, the app allows Hong Leong Connect mobile banking customers to view balances of their Savings, Current and Credit Card accounts along with receive TAC notifications. Other features are coming soon. Here's what Hong Leong Bank Berhad had to say about it:

“It came to our attention that some of our customers were already wearing the Apple Watch even though it is not yet available here, and we wanted to ensure that they would be the first customers in Malaysia to enjoy the convenience of Hong Leong Connect from their wrist.” Galvin Yeo, General Manager for Digital Innovation & Transactional Banking, Hong Leong Bank Berhad.

“Technology adoption is evolving and we take it very seriously. We believe that this digital offering will provide Hong Leong customers with the next level of convenience.” Tan Kong Khoon, Group Managing Director/CEO, Hong Leong Bank Berhad.

Project Inspire recently made a call for Malaysian youth to submit ideas for their Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World campaign. The project offers a US$25000 (RM89000) Grand Prize and US$10000 (RM35000) Runner-Up Prize for youths to make their ideas a reality. For this year, Project Inspire 2015 will take on the theme of ‘Technology or Design for Economic Empowerment’. The project is open to 18 - 35 year olds with applicants required to submit a five-minute video detailing how the US$25000 grant could be used to improve the lives of women and/or girls with focus on how design and technology can be used to empower women economically. Those interested in applying should check out the Project Inspire site. The closing date is 1 July 2015 and 20 semi-finalists will be chosen initially. Project Inspire is a joint initiative from MasterCard and the Singapore Committee for UN Women. It is also supported by INSEAD: The Business School for the World, Bain & Company, Hilton WorldWide and Top3 Media.

The upcoming ASUS ZenFone 2 launch in Malaysia on 9 May 2015 at KL Live may well be as incredible as ASUS says it will be. While registration has been closed to 1500 lucky ZenFans, the first 100 who queue up early for the 11.00am start will win brand new ASUS ZenPower powerbanks for free. Those looking to buy the 64-bit Intel Atom powered ASUS ZenFone 2 can also get it on the same day with numerous lucky draws and activities planned for the event. In addition, each activity has awesome prizes and giveaways which include what appears to be an ASUS ZenWatch or ASUS VivoWatch, ASUS laptop and ASUS ZenFone smartphones. Cute ZenPillows will also be given away along with many other products. The recent regional launch in Indonesia saw many other accessories being sold such as the 2-colour Fusion backplates, Illusion patterned backplates, flip covers, ASUS ZenFlash, ASUS LolliFlash and ASUS ZenEar headsets. With just 2 days away from the #IncredibleZenDay stay tuned for further developments as we'll be on hand covering the action.

Microsoft Malaysia recently and officially launched their new Microsoft Surface 3 tablet. While it is the thinnest and lightest Surface tablet to date, it is also the most affordable, starting at RM1989 for the version with 2GB RAM and 64GB storage while the version with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage retails for RM2389. Designed as the tablet that can work like a laptop, the Surface 3 tablet will be available in Malaysia from 9 May 2015 at authorized retailers like Aone Plus Supplies & Services, Harvey Norman, All IT Hypermarket, PC Image Sdn Bhd, Senheng Electric, senQ Digital Station, SNS Network, Thunder Match Technology, Viewnet Computer System, Hello Station at Suria KLCC, and Style Vision. Stand out tech specs and features include a 10.8-inch ClearType HD multi-touch display, Surface Pen stylus, Dolby Audio-enhanced sound and built-in three-position kickstand. The durable magnesium case only weighs 622g and it comes with the full Windows 8.1 experience with free upgrade to Windows 10 and one-year subscription to Microsoft Office 365 personal. Here's what Microsoft had to say about it:

“When we first envisioned Surface years ago, we challenged ourselves with an ambitious goal: to build a perfect product, a tablet that can replace your laptop. It wasn’t something we would achieve overnight and we couldn’t do it alone. So we went on that journey with our customers – listening and learning – and that desire to build something that people will love is what drives us. We are extremely thrilled with the enthusiastic response from Malaysians when we began our Surface journey in Malaysia – beginning with Surface RT and Pro in 2013, which continued with Surface 2 and our big hit release Surface Pro 3 last year. The feedback we have been receiving consistently shows us that when people try Surface, they love it. So our next challenge became how we get Surface into more people’s hands – and the result is Surface 3. Surface 3 is the best of a tablet yet works like a laptop – offering productivity and design people love about Surface Pro 3 in a thinner, lighter, more affordable package.” Rukmani Subramanian, Chief Marketing and Operations Officer, Microsoft Malaysia. 

While it was announced earlier alongside the Microsoft Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL, the Microsoft Lumia 430 Dual SIM smartphone will be available for users in Malaysia at a super affordable price of RM319 starting from 8 May 2015. As a refresher, tech specs and features of the Lumia 430 Dual SIM include a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor, 8GB storage + up to 128GB microSD + free 30GB OneDrive, 4-inch WVGA display, 2MP rear camera, VGA front camera and 1500 mAh battery. Measuring in at 120.5 x 63.2 x 10.6mm and 127.9g the Lumia 430 Dual SIM offers a tough but curvy polycarbonate casing in black and bright orange. Here's what Microsoft Mobile Devices had to say about it:

“The Lumia 430 is our latest introduction to the Malaysian market which brings Windows Phone experiences to a new level, and at an even lower price point, making it possible for more people to own a Windows Phone. Lumia 430 made us look for new ways to drive technological innovation by keeping the cost low and delivering greater value with the latest Windows Phone experiences like Live Tiles and Action Center. It will also come with Office, Skype and OneDrive built-in, and will be upgradable to Windows 10.” Bruce Howe, General Manager, Microsoft Mobile Devices Sales for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei