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The Huawei MediaPad M2 tablet was recently revealed in France for €349 (RM1397). The flat and thin tablet with an 8-inch display a more grippy chrome trim but retains the same metal body and high screen to body ratio as the previous MediaPad M1. Tech specs and features have obviously been upgraded with a 64-bit 2GHz octa-core Kirin 930 processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage and 8-inch display with 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution. Other tech specs include an 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, 4G LTE connectivity and Android Lollipop along with a 4800 mAh battery. Retaining the flat and thin look, the MediaPad M2 measures in at 7.8mm thin and weighs 310g but the price is higher than the previous RM1099 of the MediaPad M1. No Malaysia release dates yet but it should arrive in France or Europe sometime in June 2015. 

It looks like the supply shortage that plagued the ASUS ZenFone range of smartphones last year is thankfully a thing of the past as Dynamics Distribution Sdn Bhd have announced that new units of the ASUS ZenFone 2 will be available on 12 May 2015 at all authorized ASUS resellers. The first to get their hands on an ASUS ZenFone 2 smartphone were about 1500 ZenFans at the recent ASUS Malaysia #IncredibleZenDay launch last Saturday. DirectD have already announced that all ASUS ZenFone 2 variants will be available at certain branches today but if you're looking for a nearby ASUS Reseller you can contact ASUS Malaysia or Dynamics Distribution via their Facebook pages directly. Pricing looks to be the same as previously mentioned starting from RM599 to RM1299. Incidentally, all 4GB RAM version ASUS ZenFone 2 smartphones are also available here in Malaysia and remains the most affordable 4GB RAM smartphone in Malaysia for now.

We don't like being right sometimes and this is one of those times as the LG G4 is now available in Malaysia, but with third-party sellers like SatuGadgetDotCom and DirectD. Priced from RM3749 this is quite a big increase from the $649 (RM2329) pricing that it is normally going for but considering that LG Malaysia may never bring it in officially this may be the only way to get the LG G4 for some people. As a refresher, tech specs and features for the LG G4 include a leather backside, curved display and 16MP rear camera with F1.8 aperture, OIS 2.0 and a new Color Spectrum Sensor which improves colour accuracy via RGB values of ambient light. The 5.5-inch display also comes with a new Quantum display with 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution that according to LG offers better brightness compared to other quad HD displays. Other tech specs include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB storage, 4G LTE connectivity, a 3000 mAh battery, NFC,  802.11ac WiFi and Android 5.1 Lollipop. As usual with such buys expect warranty to be AP or store only but both SatuGadgetDotCom and DirectD have fairly good service track records. If the LG G4 stock doesn't get bought up we expect the rather high current pricing to drop exponentially like the LG G3 before it but only after 6 months to a year or so.

The ASUS ZenFone 2 #IncredibleZenDay launch has just happened, confirming earlier rumours about pricing, tech specs and variants for the ASUS ZenFone 2 smartphones available for Malaysia. These include the lowest-end 5-inch display ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE550CL for RM599 and the highest-end ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage for RM1299. Check out the full pricing which is inclusive of the 6% GST below:

• ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE500CL - 1.6GHz Z2560, 2GB RAM, 8GB storage, 5-inch 1280 x 720 HD display = RM599
• ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE550ML - 1.8GHz Z3560, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, 5.5-inch 1280 x 720 HD display = RM74
• ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML - 1.8GHz Z3560, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD display = RM899
• ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML - 2.3GHz Z3580, 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD display = RM1099
• ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML - 2.3GHz Z3580, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD display = RM1299

The Canon Professional Services (CPS) program provides after-sales support to help Canon users to maintain their cameras and other related equipment. While the membership is free for Malaysians who use Canon professional cameras and equipment it provides exclusive benefits that include discounts on servicing, priority repair services and back-up equipment loans during repairs. Recently, the CPS program has gotten an upgrade with new enhanced privileges that include regional membership so that if you're in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, India or Indonesia, your CPS membership is still valid. CPS membership is currently divided into Gold and Silver levels with different levels of discounts and benefits for each tier. Gold members are those Canon users who are professional photographers but for more information regarding CPS do check out the Canon site.

The most recent tablet with S Pen capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A is now available in Malaysia from RM1299. To be more precise, the 8-inch display Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is going from RM1299 while the 9.7-inch display Galaxy Tab A 9.7 is going for RM1599. Both will be available in black, titanium and white from Samsung Experience Stores and authorized dealers. Stand-out features for the Galaxy Tab A include S Pen support designed for business users, as the built-in S Pen replaces your keyboard and mouse with ease. Another interesting feature is Capture It which offers short cuts and enhanced camera functions for the 5MP auto focus rear camera. Check out the full tech specs and features for both Samsung Galaxy Tab A tablets below:

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0
• 1.2GHz quad-core processor
• 2GB RAM
• 16GB storage + up to 128GB microSD
• 8-inch display (1024 x 768 pixels)
• 5MP rear camera (auto focus) + 2MP front camera
• supports 4G LTE, GPS, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1
• features S-Pen, USB2.0
• 137.9 x 208.4 x 7.5mm | 338g
• 4200 mAh
• Android Lollipop

Celcom Axiata Berhad and Sony Mobile Communications are now offering the Sony Xperia E4g with FIRST by Celcom postpaid plans. The Xperia E4g can be had or as low as RM158 on a 24-month contract with advance payment of RM250. If you don't paying a bit more at RM298 you can sign up for a 12 month contract with advance payment of RM100. The Xperia E4g offers tech specs that include a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage + up to 32GB microSD, 4.7-inch 960 x 540 pixel display, 5MP rear camera, 2MP front camera and 4G LTE/3G connectivity. Check out the tables and links in this article for more information about the plans.

The new BlackBerry Leap touchscreen smartphone is now available in Malaysia. This comes courtesy of 11street.my who are offering the smartphone on pre-order at RM1089. It will also come with a number of freebies which include an RM150 11street.my shopping coupon for every confirmed pre-order purchase and a free leather pocket worth RM95 and BlackBerry cap for the first 100 pre-order buyers. The next 100 only get the BlackBerry cap. Shipping starts from 19 May 2015 with other retailers offering the BlackBerry Leap from 20 May 2015. The BlackBerry Leap brings 4G LTE connectivity, a 5-inch edge-to-edge HD display and BlackBerry's secure BlackBerry 10.3.1 OS platform for users who want a smartphone that is more secure. Here's what 11street and BlackBerry had to say about it:

“As online shopping is fast becoming a part of everyday life for Malaysians, we are well aware that many business executives and professionals are looking for a user-friendly, secure mobile device, which allows them to shop online at anytime, anywhere – all while safeguarding the privacy of their personal data. Partnering with BlackBerry here in Malaysia to offer consumers a mobile device equipped with high security features underscores our commitment to providing customers a safer online shopping experience.” Hoseok Kim, CEO, 11street

“We are excited to be working with 11Street and our other partners to bring BlackBerry Leap to Malaysia. It is a smartphone we believe will resonate well with our Malaysian customers. The latest addition to our BlackBerry 10 portfolio was built specifically for professionals who see their smartphone as a powerful and durable productivity tool, which also safeguards sensitive communications at all times.” Cameron Vernest, Managing Director for Malaysia at BlackBerry.

There are still not that many apps for the Apple Watch but Hong Leong Bank Berhad have just announced the extension of their Hong Leong Connect mobile banking app for the Apple Watch. While Malaysian users may have to wait a while for the official release here, those that have gotten their hands on Apple Watch can quickly install the Hong Leong connect app for Apple Watch. As the first bank in Malaysia to do so, the app allows Hong Leong Connect mobile banking customers to view balances of their Savings, Current and Credit Card accounts along with receive TAC notifications. Other features are coming soon. Here's what Hong Leong Bank Berhad had to say about it:

“It came to our attention that some of our customers were already wearing the Apple Watch even though it is not yet available here, and we wanted to ensure that they would be the first customers in Malaysia to enjoy the convenience of Hong Leong Connect from their wrist.” Galvin Yeo, General Manager for Digital Innovation & Transactional Banking, Hong Leong Bank Berhad.

“Technology adoption is evolving and we take it very seriously. We believe that this digital offering will provide Hong Leong customers with the next level of convenience.” Tan Kong Khoon, Group Managing Director/CEO, Hong Leong Bank Berhad.

Project Inspire recently made a call for Malaysian youth to submit ideas for their Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World campaign. The project offers a US$25000 (RM89000) Grand Prize and US$10000 (RM35000) Runner-Up Prize for youths to make their ideas a reality. For this year, Project Inspire 2015 will take on the theme of ‘Technology or Design for Economic Empowerment’. The project is open to 18 - 35 year olds with applicants required to submit a five-minute video detailing how the US$25000 grant could be used to improve the lives of women and/or girls with focus on how design and technology can be used to empower women economically. Those interested in applying should check out the Project Inspire site. The closing date is 1 July 2015 and 20 semi-finalists will be chosen initially. Project Inspire is a joint initiative from MasterCard and the Singapore Committee for UN Women. It is also supported by INSEAD: The Business School for the World, Bain & Company, Hilton WorldWide and Top3 Media.