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With 5 Microsoft Authorized Reseller stores already launched Microsoft are launching 2 more stores this weekend at Lowyat Plaza on 13 June 2015 and The Mines on 14 June 2015. As usual the store will offer a hands-on experience for Microsoft products like Windows phones, feature phones, Surface tablets, Microsoft Office 365 and more. For customer Sam How, the store opening at The Curve also saw his wedding proposal to his girlfriend of 7 years (who said yes). While there may be no extra festivities this weekend, do check out this article for promotions and activities for the aforementioned store launches.

The recently announced FIRST Basic 38 by Celcom postpaid plan offers a number of attractive features and services for just RM38 a month at full speeds on one of the fastest networks in Malaysia. On top of the 3GB Internet + 3GB WiFi for a limited 3 month promotional time, 50 minutes worth of calls and 50 SMS for free along with up to 3GB of carry forward unused Internet to the next month Celcom is also offering complimentary smartphones. Simply add on RM10 a month to your FIRST Basic 38 by Celcom plan for a complimentary smartphone. These include the Samsung Galaxy V or the Sony Xperia E4g for another RM158 (which was previously available as a separate package). You also have the option to sign up for either a 12 month or 24 month contract. In addition, subscribers can also get two movie passes from ESCAPE as part of the bundle. Check out the table below for a more detailed breakdown of the deal or drop by the Celcom Site or a nearby CELCOM BLUE CUBE store. Check out the tables in this article for more details.

Huawei and the Audi Group recently announced at CES Asia 2015 that they would be doing a partnership to explore interconnected car technology. Huawei will provide the LTE modules for the new Audi Q7 SUV. This will let the SUB connect via 2G, 3G and 4G LTE networks for lightning fast data transfer of up to 100Mbps for an Internet-enabled driving experience on the go. While Huawei and Audi have not offered any detailed information on what features this may offer, it could include Internet enabled navigation and other smart features not just for the Audi Q7 SUV but for other Audi vehicles in the future. Here's what Huawei had to say about it:

“We see the unlimited opportunities available in the interconnected car market and we are excited about our partnership with Audi Group. By partnering with industry-leading automobile companies like Audi, Huawei aims to bring the best interconnection services and solutions to the next generation of cars, while actively promoting interaction between cars, smartphones, wearables and people, creating a seamless communication experience and driving environment.” Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei Consumer Business Group, Huawei.

Apple's WWDC just went down yesterday with a number of major announcements including iOS 9, Apple Music and watchOS 2. Apple iOS 9 will be coming to certain Apple devices with a number of new features including a split screen view for multitasking, a built-in notes app, better Siri and Apple Maps, a news app and improved battery and performance. Instead of 4.6GB free storage space like last time, you only need 1.3GB free storage space to install iOS 9. All devices that ran iOS 8 will get iOS 9 but older less powerful devices may get a slimmer version which is faster but has less features. Apple Music on the other hand will be Apple's take on music streaming much like Spotify. The watchOS 2 on the other hand will offer Apple Watch users some new features and improvements. Other new features for iOS 9 include a screen recording feature, new fonts and changes to the keyboard. Check out the Apple site for more details.

For Computex 2015, ASUS launched their next generation of tablets by announcing four new ASUS ZenPad tablets but only revealed details on the 8-inch ASUS ZenPad S 8.0. This tablet offers an 8-inch display that boasts a resolution of 2048 x 1536 and IPS technology. It is powered by a 64-bit Intel Atom Z3580 processor and runs on 4GB of RAM. As for dimensions, it is 6.6mm thick and weighs 298g. For better productivity, the ZenPad S 8.0 has an optional Z stylus. While ASUS did announce three other ZenPads as well, the company only released model numbers. There's the ZenPad 7 (Z370C/CG/CL), the ZenPad 8.0 (Z380C/KL), and the ZenPad 10.1 (Z300C/CG/CL). No details about Malaysian pricing or release dates yet, unfortunately.

Quite a number of devices caught our eye at Computex but these two from the ASUS booth were just a bit more interesting. This includes the ASUS E1Z, a tiny projector array that fits into your pocket and a new tablet cover that comes with six speakers and 5.1 channel surround sound. The E1Z uses LED technology to project images and videos from your Android phone. It also uses a micro-USB connection, so you won't have to buy an MHL cable. What's more, is that it doubles as a battery bank, and thanks to its 6000 mAh battery, there's sufficient power for emergencies. Official Malaysian pricing and tech specs are yet to be announced, but it seems that the E1Z will be priced around US$200 (RM740). The tablet cover on the other hand comes with six speakers. This allows the cover to support 5.1-channel surround sound and according to ASUS, boost the standard volume of the attached tablet by up to six times. Reports have said that it'll go on sale at the same time as the ASUS ZenPad 8.0, but it remains unclear if the cover is only compatible with the ZenPad 8.0, or can be used with other tablets as well.  

The Huawei Honor 7's launch is imminent - 8 June to be exact. At least that's according to the teaser that was released by the company recently. As you can see from the teaser, there's not much information about the phone itself, but it does have a quote written in Chinese that translates to a quote by Einstein, "Imagination is everything." Unfortunately, it also isn't clear as to which variant, or if both of the Honor 7 variants will be launched on that date. Tech specs have yet to be confirmed but initial images of the Honor 7 have appeared showing a metal frame with a fingerprint scanner, much like the earlier Huawei Ascend Mate 7. Estimated tech specs and features include a a Huawei Kirin 935 processor, 4GB / 3GB RAM, 64GB / 16GB storage, 4G LTE and a 3280 mAh battery. While there are no Malaysia release dates yet, it has already been certified by TENAA. Stay tuned as we'll find out more very shortly.

Sony Mobile Communications are looking for one special individual from their Xperia customers who embodies the spirit, energy and attitude of the brand with their Next Face of Xperia contest. The search will cover Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Those interested in entering can go to http://campaigns.sonymobile.com/86400/ while the closing submission date is 14 June 2015. The Next Face of Xperia should embody at least one of the following:

• Waterproof: I can survive underwater
• Low Light: I can see in the dark
• 2 Day Battery: I can stay awake for days
• Digital Noise Cancelling: I can silence crowds
• Hi-Res Audio: I can hear things you can’t
• Remote Play: I can run through walls
• Smartwear: I can shape tomorrow

Winners will get prizes that include: 

• The opportunity to participate in future Xperia marketing programs
• A Sony Xperia Z3 smartphone and Sony Xperia Z4 tablet 
• Return airfare from the winner's nearest capital city to Manila for a photography shoot 
• Hotel accommodation for the duration of the shoot 

While it isn't the HTC One M8 or One M9, a similarly high-end device has just appeared with the release of the HTC One ME. So far, the phone has only been released in China with no specific Malaysia release dates just yet. This model comes with a 2.2GHZ octa-core Mediatek Helio X10 processor, 3GB of RAM and 32GB hard disk storage which is expandable via microSD slot. Apprently, this is the first and only smartphone thus far that uses the new Helio x10 processor. Other tech specs and features include a 5.2-inch display, 20MP rear camera, 4MP front facing camera and a BoomSound speaker by Dolby Surround. The OS in this device is Adroid 5.0 Lolipop. For connectivity, HTC has endowed the HTC One ME with dual–SIM, 4G LTE, 4.1 Bluetooth and dual–band Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac as well NFC options. The elegant polycarbonate chassis comes in several colours, namely gold sepia, meteor grey and rose gold. Unfortunately for us, HTC has not mentioned any Malaysia pricing details yet but stay tuned and we'll let you know as soon as we find out.

Celcom Axiata Berhad recently revealed their latest limited edition package from Xpax called theMAGIC SIM for what they call the best in class mobile Internet plan for Malaysian users. Offering plans from as low as RM1/day the MAGIC SIM starter pack is available today from RM5. It will feature FREE Basic Internet, FREE High Speed Internet and FREE Call and SMS services. The FREE Basic Internet will offer 64kbps speeds for unlimited use of chat programs while the FREE Hi-Speed Internet will offer up to 75mbps speeds depending on your 4G LTE coverage. Like their previous FIRST Basic 38 plan, you can also carry forward unused Internet. Priced from RM1 for 30MB of Internet, you can also get an additional 30MB from today till 30 June 2015. The MAGIC SIM is maintained according to airtime but the MAGIC RELOADs should help add even more Internet value to those who need it. Launched by Zalman Aefendy Zainal Abidin, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer of Celcom Axiata Berhad, the new MAGIC SIM will also have monthly "miracles" or extra promotional programs that have yet to be announced. Check out the pics below for a breakdown on reloads, top-up value and more or go to the MAGIC SIM site at www.xpax.com.my:

“We wanted to create something special for our customers, a MAGIC SIM that everyone would want to own because of the exceptional value that it offers and the exclusive benefits that they can expect for years to come. There’s something to look forward to every month in line with MAGIC SIM’s tagline of You’ll never let it go. The new MAGIC SIM exemplifies Celcom’s goal of becoming the Internet Champion and ensuring that every level of society is connected to lightning-fast 4G LTE speeds in Celcom territory’s network.” Zalman Aefendy Zainal Abidin, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer of Celcom Axiata Berhad