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U Mobile recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ZTE Corporation to drive the development of pre-5G and future implementation of 5G mobile network technologies here in Malaysia. While it will likely be a while yet till 5G actually gets implemented, pre-5G tech could get implemented first and even then pre-5G can offer speeds of up to 10x the current 4G LTE networks. When it does come in though, 5G networks are expected to hit peak download speeds of up to 20Gbps (LTE-A is currently 1Gbps). No specific dates when we might see pre-5G or 5G networks in U Mobile yet but here's what they had to say about it:

“U Mobile is constantly exploring new technology that will provide best in class users experience to our customers. We see 5G technology as the technology that would support the ever increasing communication needs of the future. The collaboration with ZTE will also support our government’s vision of being a Smart Digital Nation by 2020.” Too Tian Jen, Chief Technology Officer, U Mobile Sdn Bhd

“ZTE is delighted to work on 5G technologies with U Mobile, the leader in network innovations in Malaysia. ZTE is making major investments in 5G to lead the industry in the research and standardization of this key technology of the future” Steven Ge, Managing Director of ZTE Malaysia

Canon Malaysia recently announced a new digital camera with the premium high-zoom Canon PowerShot G3 X. Available in Malaysia from August 2015 at RM3299, the PowerShot G3 X features a 24-600mm 25x optical zoom lens with improved Zoom Framing Assist and Dynamic Image Stabilization. The new zoom lens is based on EF lens technology for better image quality with a high-speed and quiet Micro USM II (UltraSonic Motor) for smoother performance. The Zoom Framing Assist Auto Function automatically calibrates zoom distance for optimal framing while the bulb exposure feature enables long exposure shots, making it great for light painting or light trail shots. Featuring built in WiFi and NFC enable easy transfer along with interesting functions like Remote Shooting, which lets you use your smart device to control the camera remotely. 

Dell Malaysia have announced their new Latitude 12 Rugged Tablets for those who need performance and reliability in the harshest of conditions. Consisting of the Latitude 12 Rugged Extreme flip-hinge convertible notebook, the Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme notebook and the Latitude 14 Rugged notebook, this new portfolio of devices can survive water, sand, dust, extreme temperatures and drops from over four feet. Tech specs include a crisp 11.6-inch Direct-View outdoor-radable HD display with glove-enabeld multi-touch for the Latitude 12 Rugged Tablet along with powerful yet power efficient fifth Generation Intel Corm M processors. Other features include a 12 hour battery life, 512GB in solid state storage, 802.11ac WiFi, dedicated GPS and Dell Data Protection with Intel vPro and Intel TPM 1.2. Still no exact Malaysia release dates or pricing details yet, but these are set to be revealed by the end of August 2015. Here's what Dell had to say about these IP-65 rated devices:

“Dell Rugged devices are critical to many industries including military, emergency response, public safety, industrial work, scientists and even adventurers. It’s important for Dell’s Latitude Rugged devices to provide superior computing power and the mobile capabilities they require to accomplish their jobs. Whether it’s a first responder to an emergency or an avid outdoorsman scaling an untouched summit for the first time, Dell’s Latitude 12 Rugged Tablet is built to deliver the performance they need, wherever they need it, without worrying about what their environment throws at them.” KT Ong, general manager, Commercial Business, Dell Malaysia

Press renders of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ and Galaxy Note 5 smartphones have appeared, apparently leaked by @evleaks. Both are expected to be announced during the upcoming Samsung Unpacked event on 13 August 2015. While the tech specs for the Galaxy S6 edge+ looks to be the same as the Galaxy S6 edge, the edge+ is rumoured to come with a larger 5.7-inch display. Tech specs for the Note 5 on the other hand are rumoured to include a Samsung Exynos 7422 processor and as usual will come with an S Pen stylus. The leaked pics certainly look official and @evleaks does have a good record for such things so you only need to take a small pinch of salt with this rumour. No Malaysia release dates or pricing details yet, but we expect either one or both devices to arrive in Malaysia sometime in August 2015 due to previous releases.

No surprises yesterday as Samsung launched their latest and greatest addition to the Galaxy A range of smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy A8 for RM1888. Featuring a mix of midrange and flagship tech specs and functions such as a fingerprint sensor, 16MP ISOCELL rear camera, 5MP wide f/1.9 aperture front camera (yep, the one from the Galaxy S6 series) and a midrange 2GB of RAM. Our first impressions of Samsung's thinnest smartphone (5.9mm at it's thinnest point) is that it certainly feels premium and not as large as the 5.7-inch display might suggest. According to Samsung, this is because of even thinner bezels than before while keeping the size compact. Check out our tech spec comparisons below but feel free to use our tech spec comparison tool to compare the Galaxy A8 against any smartphone you can think of. In any case, the Samsung Galaxy A8 is available in black, gold and white at all authorized stores. As part of the launch festivities, Samsung had Juliana Evans as their brand ambassador on hand to give away autographs.

The HTC One E9+ was recently launched here in Malaysia for RM1899. Available for purchase in Gold Sepia and Classic Rose Gold, the HTC One E9+ is currently on sale at authorized resellers. Tech specs and features look to be the similar as the asian release with a few exceptions which include a Mediatek Helio X10, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage expandable via microSD card, 5.5-inch 1440 x 2560 pixel resolution LCD display, a 20MP rear camera, 4MP UltraPixel front camera, and a 2800mAh battery backed by Android 5.0 (Lollipop) with HTC Sense UI 7.0. Similar to the HTC One E9 the One E9+ has 3GB RAM, a 20MP rear camera and a higher-end 2K or quad HD display. The design is also different in that the One E9+ uses a plastic back with glossy finish. Standout features include HTC Boom Sound and up to 2TB microSD (for when they actually exist), support for flac audio and dual nano SIM 4G LTE. 

Another year and another ASUS Fonepad 7, but wait, recent announcements have revealed that everything will be replaced by an ASUS ZenPad tablet with the ASUS ZenPad 8.0, ZenPad 7.0 andZenPad C. While the Malaysia release date is expected sometime in August or afterwards an anonymous tipster recently sent us pics of the ASUS ZenPad C along with the bumper casing. The pics reveal a slim and premium shape different from previous Fonepad and MeMo Pad tablets. The pics also reveal some features, such as DTS-HD audio technology, something which we'd hardly expect from an entry-level device like the ZenPad C. The tablet is also expected to have tech specs that include the latest 64-bit Intel Atom x3 or SoFIA processor adding that much more value to those who like making calls with tablets. Stay tuned for more developments and many thanks to the anonymous tipster.

Sony Mobile Communications has launched the Sony Xperia Z3+ smartphone for Malaysia. Available starting from 29 August 2015 at Sony Stores and Sony Centres priced at RM2599, the first 200 buyers will get a micro USB charging dock (DK52) worth RM139 for free. While it retains many of the same features as the Xperia Z3, the Xperia Z3+ is a slimmer 6.9mm and lighter 144g with the same signature 2-day battery life. This is the dual SIM version which should be good news for those who have multiple SIMs. Like the rest of of Sony's newer waterproof smartphones, the Xperia Z3+ also has a capless micro USB port so you don't have to worry about any fiddly ports if it gets wet. Check out the full tech specs for the Sony Xperia Z3+ below:

• 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 810
• 3GB RAM 
• 32GB storage + up to 128GB microSD
• 5.2-inch Triluminos display (1920x1080 pixels, X-Reality engine)
• 20.7MP rear camera (Exmor RS) + 5MP front camera (25mm wide angle)
• 146.3 x 71.9 x 6.9mm | 144g
• features IP68 waterproofing, 4G LTE Cat 4, dual SIM
• 2930 mAh battery (2 day battery life with Sony Stamina Mode)
• Android 5.0 Lollipop 
• Available in black and copper

Samsung have officially sent out the invites for a Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event dated for 13 August 2015. Like most other invites this one hints at a device with a curved display which could be the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus. The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 could also make an appearance as well. While the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus is expected to feature the same Samsung Exynos 7420 processor as the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge but with higher clock speeds and 4GB of RAM. Tech specs for the Note 5 include Samsung Exynos 7422 processor, a 5.7-inch 2K display and a fingerprint sensor. No pricing details or specific Malaysia release dates but we expect it to be near the end of August 2015 as release times in Malaysia have generally been from 2 weeks to a month from the international release date.

With the OnePlus 2 expected to be revealed in a matter of hours, leaked images of the smartphone have appeared. While it isn't the most innovative design we've seen, it does bring a number of new features to the OnePlus One. This includes a full metal frame, dual-led flash and what appears to be rear camera controls. The removable sandstone backplate remains though so it should satisfy most OnePlus purists but there are still no details about specific tech specs and pricing. Previous reports had the OnePlus 2 priced below $450 (which would make it flagship level priced already) and coming with 4GB RAM, a fingerprint sensor and graphite-cooled Snapdragon 810 processor. The leaker who showed these new pics actually had a few comments on the new OnePlus 2 which you can see in this article.