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As is standard of every 1 April 2015 the tech companies are releasing their April Fools stuff and Samsung has started it off with an announcement for the Samsung Galaxy Blade Edge, the world's first connected, smart knife with a clear design and display built into the blade. It even comes with some really impressive hardware and tech specs. Obviously, Samsung is just joking here but it is nice to see them not taking themselves too seriously. Check out the Samsung Galaxy Blade Edge for yourself as well. Any Malaysia release dates or local pricing details? Again, obviously not but Samsung did manage to get this in before the smartphone manufacturers who actually make the world's thinnest smartphones. Enjoy the chuckle for yourself below:

Microsoft recently announced their new Surface 3 tablet for work and play starting from RM1879. Featuring a 10.8-inch 1920 x 1280 full HD display, the tablet offers the same look and feel of the Surface range of tablets with it's adjustable built-in kickstand but is just 8.7mm thin. Powered by a new quad-core Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor, stand-out tech specs and features include 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac WiFi, optional 4G LTE, Surface Pen support, an 8MP rear camera, 3.5MP front camera, 2GB / 4GB RAM and 64GB / 128GB storage. It also packs in a USB 3.0 port, microSD, Mini DisplayPort, MicroUSB port and stere speakers with Dolby audio technology. Thankfully, it comes with the full Windows 8.1 and Office experience. Like other Surface tablets it also comes with a Type cover and other accessories. While it isn't available off the shelf yet, you can get it on pre-order here in Malaysia.

ASUS recently sent out invitations for the launch of the ASUS ZenFone 2 range of smartphones. Like the original ASUS ZenFone range before it, it seems that the ZenFone 2 will be seeing a regional launch on 21 April 2015. While so many new smartphones have already been announced the ZenFone 2 remains the only smartphone in the world with a version packing in 4GB of RAM. Other tech specs look to be equally impressive with a 64-bit Intel processor, 4G LTE, 5.5-inch display, brushed metal design, rear controls and a better PixelMaster camera that allows you to see what others can't see. Pricing details have already been announced with the 5-inch display version with the model number ZE550CL, 2GB RAM and 16GB storage at just 4990 NT$ (RM582).

The 5.5-inch -display ZE550ML will come with a 720p display, 2GB RAM and 16GB storage at 5990 NT$ (RM699) while the ZE551ML 32GB storage version with a 1080p display is priced at 6990 NT$ (RM815). The most premium 5.5-inch 1080p display ZE551ML with 4GB RAM, NFC and 32GB storage version will go at 8990 NT$ (RM1049) and the version with 64GB storage will go for 9990 NT$ (RM1167). No exact Malaysia release dates or pricing yet but expect the recent 6% GST to raise prices somewhat. We also expect other ASUS Zen products to appear like the ZenFlash but it hasn't been confirmed yet if we will also see the ZenFone Zoom. Stay tuned as we'll be going over to cover it directly.

After initially being priced at RM699, the Honor 4X is due for pre-order release today at 3.08pm. However, according to an anonymous tipster that's not all as the Honor 4X surprice or surprise will be an 11.44% discount inclusive of the 6% GST due on 1 April 2015. This means that instead of RM699 + RM42 (6% GST), those who pre-order the Honor 4X at 3pm will be able to get the smartphone for just RM619. Tech specs and features for the Honor 4X are quite high-end including a 64-bit octa-core Kirin 620 processor, 2GB RAM, 5.5-inch display, 13MP rear camera, 5MP front camera, 4G LTE and 3000 mAh battery. While this may be different from our expected surprise of extra freebies like a casing or memory card, this RM619 pre-order pricing is still a very welcome surprise, especially with brand new implementation of GST today. Stocks are limited to just 3000 however, so if you're interested in the Honor 4X do check out our preview or hands-on video of the smartphone and then head on over to VMALL.my at 3.08pm for the pre-order. Shipping will begin on 18 April 2015.

Featuring a new and much improved design the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge look to make a splash on 2 April 2015 here in Malaysia but before that, more than 60 lucky winners may get the opportunity to get one for free. From 23rd of March onwards, Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge hunters can hunt down Mr.S6, a fugitive on the run with 30 Samsung Galaxy S6 and 30 Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge smartphones to give away. Done in collaboration with www.hitz.fm and www.era.fm, I want #myGalaxyS6 hunters must hunt down Mr.S6. Clues can be obtained from Samsung Mobile Malaysia’s Facebook page daily from Monday to Friday and 23 March 2015 till 10 April 2015. Identify the location of Mr.S6 and find him. If you think you’ve found the correct Mr.S6, say the password “I want #myGalaxyS6”, answer the question and you will be the lucky winner of either the Samsung Galaxy S6 or the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge. Of the 60 lucky winners, 19 have already been found so check it out soon. Here's what Samsung Malaysia had to say about it.

“People are the starting and end point of Samsung’s design philosophy and we are always looking for ways to create new experiences for our consumers. With that in mind, we organised the “I want #myGalaxyS6” hunt for you to join us as we gear up for the official arrival of two latest smartphones with capabilities no other phone can match; the ground-breaking Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge,” Lee Sang Hoon, President of Samsung Malaysia Electronics Sdn. Bhd.

The GST is set for implementation on 1 April 2015 and quite a few of you are worried that tech and gadget merchants or smartphone makers will raise prices. The good news is that vivo Malaysia is one of the few companies who guarantee that the pricing of their smartphones will not be affected by GST. This includes the recently announced vivo X5Max featuring it's extreme HiFi audio and slim body at the same initial pricing of RM1799. Other Vivo model smartphones should also remain at the same pre-GST pricing as before.

Canon recently announced that they have maintained their position as the No. 1 share of the global interchangeable-lens digital camera market for the 12th straight year from 2003 to 2014. Canon have maintained this position due to a robust product line-up spanning the development of CMOS image sensors, image processors and interchangeable lenses, employed in its interchangeable-lens cameras. Milestones for the company include the EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D Digital in other regions) in 2003, the EOS-1D series of digital SLR cameras targeting professional users, and the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording thanks to its full-frame sensor employing a video-capture function. More recently Canon launched the EOS 7D Mark II for 2014 with it's fast continuous shooting speed of 10 frames per second and five new camera models in February comprising of the EOS 5DS and 5DS R, which achieve the world’s highest pixel count among 35 mm full-frame sensor digital SLR cameras, the EOS 8000D (EOS Rebel T6s or 760D) and EOS Kiss X8i (EOS Rebel T6i or 750D in other regions) entry-level digital SLR cameras and the EOS M3 digital compact-system camera, which achieves greatly enhanced AF performance. Check out the samples taken using the EOS 5DS in this article.

SNS Network initially released the JOI 8 Windows 8.1 tablet powered by an Intel processor last year but soon followed up with the larger keyboard equipped JOI 10 Flip. They have recently added more models to the JOI Tablet family with the 3G enabled JOI 8i and the more compact JOI 7 tablets. All of the tablets feature Intel Atom processors at below RM1K pricing, making it even easier for Malaysians to get their hands on an affordable computer device for both work and play. Other new additions to the range include the JOI Docking Station and other tablet variations. All of the tablets and devices are currently available via SNS GLOO retail outlets or third-party sellers. Check out what they had to say about it, the full price list and tech specs below:

“Our first Windows tablet was a hit, which led us to design more tablets to meet the different needs of all our consumers. Today I am proud to launch our new range of JOI tablets – the JOI 7, JOI 8i with 3G, and JOI 10 Flip. For work or for play, at home or on the go – our tablets are now available in various sizes for everyone!” Ko Yun Hung, Managing Director, SNS Network

“We’re proud to work together with SNS Network to bring to Malaysians these amazing tablets. With our Atom processors inside these tablets, users can expect an experience as sleek as the device they hold in their hands. We look forward to supporting local companies like SNS Network in creating more local tablets with world class experiences in the future,” Sumner Lemon, Country Manager, Intel Malaysia and Singapore

• JOI 7 – RM299
• JOI 8 – RM499
• JOI 8i with 3G – RM649
• JOI 10 Flip 32GB – RM799
• JOI 10 Flip 64GB – RM999
• JOI Docking Station – RM299

DirectD is one of the better known third-party mobile device sellers and retailers in Malaysia. This is due to their often lower than average prices and early (before official release) inventory of the latest smartphones, tablets, mobile devices and more. Recently, they held the grand opening for their latest DirectD Gadget Mega Store here in Petaling Jaya. Featuring 18000 square feet and lots of nearby parking space, DirectD say that they have the largest mobile phone shop in Malaysia yet. While there are more than 300 smartphones and tablets and 1000 or so accessories available at a time, the store also has the latest devices on display, a dedicated service center with comfortable waiting area and telco center for both new subscribers and bill payment. These telcos include DiGi, Maxis, U Mobile and YES with plans to add more soon. In addition, free WiFi is available throughout the store. Individual buyers can also opt to pay via installment plan or credit card while wholesale buyers are also welcome with no minimum order required. The DirectD Gadget Mega Store will be open from 9.00am to 9.30pm everyday. Here are some of the highlights and promotions available;

• located at Lot 11, Jln 51A/219, PJ (next to Mazda service Centre, same row with Avon and Hong Leong bank, along side Federal Highway)
• a snap post & win contest!
• the first 50 or so customers were able to buy a power bank at just RM1 or phone at RM10 or bid for a smartphone starting from RM10!
• those who came could also buy 1 and get free 1 original Lumia 530 smartphone
• "I am a member" membership program with redemption prizes and other benefits
• "I am a dealer" dealership program 

SNS Network continued their Joi series of tablets recently with the announcement of the Joi 7 for just RM299. This 7-inch display tablet is again powered by a 64-bit Intel Atom processor and Windows 8.1 but comes with a few changes in tech specs compared to the Joi 8, Joi 8i and Joi 10. This includes a 7-inch display with 1024 x 600 pixel resolution, a 2MP rear camera, VGA front camera and 2600 mAh battery. Some feaures remain the same like the 1GB RAM, 16GB storage, expandable microSD slot, mini HDMI port and MicroUSB port. You also get a free 1 year's subscription to Office 365 Personal (which also comes with a license for a PC or Mac as well) but we assume that some sellers may sell this separately to cut the price tag down further. The Joi 7 is a purely WiFi tablet with Bluetooth 4.0 support but there could be a 3G/4G LTE version like the recent Joi 8i. We also hope that build quality also follows the later Joi 8i as well but we'll only know more once a review unit comes our way. The Joi 7 is currently available at SNS Network outlets and their GLOO online store.