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Rumours surrounding the existence of a more rugged and waterproof version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 were put to rest recently. This happened when the Samsung Galaxy S4 Activ (whose name is still not confirmed) was recently certified by the Bluetooth SIG. Its user agent profile then showed up on Samsung's website. While the Bluetooth certification does confirm that yes it does exist, it doesn't confirm much else.

Adding on even more value to their already very affordable plans and packages, U Mobile has upgraded it's Unlimited Mobile Internet (UMI) packages with a more balanced UMI 38 plan along with a number of other interesting upgrades. The UMI 38 plan combines the best of the UMI 28 plan along with free 200 minutes of calls, something which even the higher end UMI 48 plan does not offer. Combined with it's 500MB data quota, 30 free SMS and free chat app charges it makes for a more nicely balanced plan for smartphone and feature phone users who like to talk more.

While the BlackBerry Q10 may arrive very soon (15 May 2013) Maxis are opening up Pre-order packages for the smartphone. For those of you too antsy to wait, Maxis are offering the BlackBerry Q10 from RM1178. This is for new subscribers only though and cover the BBMore55, BBMore88 and BBMore148 plans. Check out the table below for more details:

While Samsung have already come out with their Galaxy Camera they still intend to stick a more powerful camera sensor on one of their smartphones like Nokia's EOS and Sony's Honami. Upping the sensor megapixels to 16MP from the current standard of 13MP, the new cameraphone from Samsung will most likely be called the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom, making it a variant of the current flagship Samsung Galaxy S4. Other tech specs rumoured to come out for the Zoom include:

• 10x Optical Zoom
• 16MP camera sensor
• 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display
• 8GB storage + 64GB microSD
• Bluetooth 4.0 LE, Wifi 802.11 a/b/g/n, A-GPS

Confirming earlier rumours about the tougher more waterproof Sony smartphone coming after the Sony Xperia Z, Sony recently announced the Sony Xperia ZR. As mentioned previously before, the new Sony Xperia ZR can now be submerged under 1.5m and complies with the aforementioned IP58 durability ratings. Asides from this it is more dust resistant and has an anti-shatter film (of the kind that can probably take power tools on). Other tech specs include:

• 1.5GHz Qualcomm S4 (Quad-core) processor
• 2GB RAM
• 4.55-inch display (720p, anti-shatter, 319ppi)
• 13MP rear camera (Exmor RS sensor, fast capture, 16x digital zoom, Full HD video recording)
• Mobile Bravia Engine 2
• NFC + LTE support

Samsung recently released a new feature called SideSync that allows you to work between your Samsung Notebook and Samsung Smartphone through a USB cable. While it does work a lot like Syncing program it offers bit more by allowing you to work seamlessly between your smartphone and computer. This includes the ability to drag and drop text from your notebook computer to your smartphone and vice versa. Type an SMS on your smartphone from the keyboard on your notebook or just use your smartphone like a second display for your notebook computer.

A bit lower than the BlackBerry Q10, the BlackBerry R10 is the company's upcoming midrange smartphone. From leaked images it looks to be about the same size and shape as the Q10 but has some slightly lower-end tech specs. These tech specs include:

• 3.1-inch screen (720 x 720 pixel resolution)
• 2GB RAM
• 5MP camera
• 8GB storage + MicroSD slot
• 1800 mAh battery (non-removable)
• Uses BlackBerry 10.1

As the BlackBerry Q10 looms on the horizon (due in Malaysia this Wednesday), Celcom are now offering pre-registration of interest for the Q10. While the device retails at RM2388 minus any other plans or subsidies, it does offer 4G LTE support and an actual physical QWERTY keyboard as opposed to the previous touch-screen based BlackBerry Z10.

Been waiting for Celcom and the HTC One to join forces? Well,  if you have then now is a good time as Celcom are now offering the HTC One for as low as RM1428. As befitting Celcom's flexibility, the telco is offering the 32GB version of the HTC One under 12 months, 18 months and 24 months contracts. For the full pricing details check out the table below:

Calling all young Malaysian Photographers!

Canon Singapore Pte ltd and the National Geographic Channel have recently announced the official launch of the EOS Young Photographer Award contest for Malaysia. The contest is open to aspiring young Malaysian photographers from 13 years old to 25 years old to submit their best photographs under the main theme of "A Celebration of Colour".