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Nokia may soon join LG and Samsung as flexible battery makers when a patent from Nokia recently surfaced. The patent describes a ribbon-like battery strip which can bend, twist and roll up. Tech specs and features are not detailed but the patent does explain how the battery works, which is through an anode block and cathode block connected via a battery ribbon that is vacuum packaged. This ribbon battery is targeted at:

"mobile phone, a gaming device, a music player, a notebook computer, or a personal digital assistant."

However, with the way it can be rolled up, we're thinking it would be perfect as the wrist strap for a Nokia smartwatch, which still hasn't been entirely confirmed just yet. Since this is still just a patent, there is no news on when Nokia will make such a flexible battery or for how much, but it does indicate some interesting things coming from Nokia in the future.

The new Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone utilizes Samsung's own ISOCELL technology for the camera sensor. Looking to explain why the smaller sized ISOCELL camera sensor is such an improvement, Samsung have released a video explaining how it works and what benefits it offers. This includes better performance, less noise and richer picture quality in low light conditions. Check out the video for yourself in this article.

For the most part, smartwatches and smartbands today are just companion Bluetooth remote control devices you wear on your wrist. You actually need your smartphone around for the smartwatch to work. However, there are some smartwatches that let you do away with the smartphone like the Neptune Pine and Goophone smartwatch, but the latest one is the Exetech XS-3. Following the slab of touchscreen school of design, the Exetech XS-3 is a fairly thick smartwatch that has no back cover for the battery underneath it. This battery comes in direct contact with your skin (and sweat) so we're a bit wary that you might short the smartwatch out (and yourself).

While it isn't a smartwatch the Carbon watch does offer your smartphone extra energy by packing in a 800 mAh battery with solar cell. This won't charge your device back to full but sometimes, just a few hours worth of charge can be a life-saver. The Carbon watch also tells time but you won't find it at any normal store. This is because it is a Kickstarter crowd-funded project. To get the basic set without any clock face you can pledge $95 (RM312) or $130 (RM427) if you want the clock built-in. It is an interesting concept, but we're thinking a larger battery would be an even better idea. Check out the video below for more info:

While the Samsung Galaxy S5 is expected to arrive in Malaysia sometime in April, DiGi have already opened up a Registration of Interest page for the flagship Samsung smartphone. Being quite careful this time around, DiGi's teaser doesn't reveal much more than the tech specs that we already know. The only clues visible is that the DiGi page only covers three of the four colours. These include Charcoal Black, Electric Blue and Shimmery White. Perhaps Copper Gold may be offered differently. There is no news about pricing either (which was previously leaked unintentionally) and there are no details of any pre-order promotions either.

ASUS originally made the announcement for other ASUS FonePad 7 versions at MWC 2014, with the dual-SIM version being one of them. It should appear in Malaysia very soon for RM699. While the overall look and feel is the same, certain other tech specs and features are also different as this dual-SIM version carries a 1.2GHZ Intel Atom Z2520 processor (the earlier ASUS FonePad 7 had a 1.6GHZ Intel Atom Z2560 processor). Storage for the dual-SIM version has also been cut down to 8GB.

The first renders of the ZTE Grand S EXT have appeared on a design directory featuring a shiny metal backside. While the listing does mention a metal unibody, the renders reveal that it isn't completely metal as the metal backplate seems fused with a plastic layer. This is apparently achieved through a Nano Molding Technology which allows plastic and metal to be fused together while producing a tough unibody chassis. It also makes the Grand S EXT look more premium while cutting down on production costs compared to a fully metal unibody chassis. Other tech specs include the ability to charge wirelessly through a wireless charging dock but there aren't any other details like Malaysia release dates, pricing or other tech specs and features. 

While it has been announced, the Samsung Galaxy S5 is only coming on 11 April 2014 but if you've missed some of it's features or tech specs, Samsung have come out with some official hands-on videos of this latest flagship smartphone. The video highlights key features like the camera, heart rate monitor and fingerprint sensor while showing how to use them. In addition to the Galaxy S5, Samsung have also come out with an official hands-on video for the Galaxy Gear 2 smartwatch and Gear Fit smartband. Check out the videos for yourself in this article.

Microsoft Malaysia recently announced the arrival of the Surface 2 here in Malaysia at a price tag of RM1399 for the 32GB version and RM1699 for the 64GB version. Tech specs for the Surface 2 look to be upgraded somewhat with a 1.7GHz quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor but it is still running Windows RT 8.1. Additional accessories like the Type Cover 2 or Touch Cover 2 cost RM409 and RM379 separately. The Surface 2 should be available after 14 March 2014 but it's announcement has also meant a price cut for the existing Microsoft Surface RT and Surface Pro tablets. The 64GB Surface RT tablet has been discounted down to RM1199 from RM1399 while the 128GB Surface Pro is now RM1899 from RM2749. Considering the slightly lower pricing for the Surface 2, we expect the Surface Pro 2 to go for around RM2649 making the current Surface Pro tablet a very tempting choice for those looking to get an older but powerful Windows 8 tablet.

It isn't impossible to type on a smartwatch, but the small display size usually means other methods of control like voice commands or gestures are more suitable. Acknowledging this, ASUS could be coming out with a smartwatch that has voice commands, gesture controls and a more natural user interface. We're not exactly sure what they mean by that but Jonney Shih, ASUS CEO has said that they will enter the wearable market with "attractive prices" which would certainly be welcome. Most wearables such as smartwatches, smartbands and smart glasses are rather expensively priced, however, things could change as more affordable wearable devices are coming soon so ASUS should speed it up a little.