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The Vivo Xshot features extreme Hi-Fi and video capture but Vivo may already be working on a new model with upgraded camera features, including an improved autofocus function to enhance user’s photo capturing experience. This upgrade may also introduce a new phase detection system. Phase detection is primarily used in DSLR cameras and is presently in the Apple iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, LG G3 andSamsung Galaxy S5. Quick autofocus ability gives the phone an edge over other models, especially where capture speed is priority. Initial testing shows that the phone may be 0.09 seconds or 30% faster than the iPhone 6. The existing Xshot features a 13MP camera and the successor phone may even employ an upgraded 20MP camera. Rumour has it that Vivo may roll out its next model as early as May 2015. It remains to be seen if the new phone features the above upgrades, but if it does, it is welcome news. There is no news on Malaysia release dates and Malaysia pricing for the new model yet.

Lenovo’s latest model is a budget phone with attractive features. The Lenovo A1900 has been released this month for the China market. At the price of only USD60 (RM223), the phone targets budget-conscious users. Although it is an entry-level device, it packs decent performance with the following tech specs: a 1.2GHz quad-core Spreadtrum SC7730 chipset and Mali-400 GPU, 512MB RAM, 4GB built-in storage with expandable micro-SD, 4-inch IPS LCD (800x480 pixels) display with 233 pixels per-inch, dual-SIM compatibility, tri-band 2G, 2100MHz 3G connectivity, GPS, Wi-Fi, FM radio and 1500mAh battery. The device measures 121 x 62 x 9.5mm weighing 117g. Unfortunately this model may only be exclusively retailed in China. There is no news yet about Malaysia release dates or local pricing details but we could see it at third-party sellers.

While Malaysia didn't get the ASUS ZenWatch, we can still hope for an ASUS wearable in the near future as ASUS have just announced the ASUS VivoWatch smartwatch. Featuring a built-in heart-rate monitor, a 10 day battery life and a stainless steel frame design, the VivoWatch comes in black or white and looks to be IP67 dust and water resistant. However, it does not run Android Wear and there are still no pricing details or Malaysia release dates just yet but it is expected to be priced from around $158 (RM586) which would be quite attractive all things considered.

Like a sign of the inevitable, Sharp has announced the world's first 5.5-inch IGZO display with 4K or 2160 x 3840 pixel resolution. This results in another world's first 806ppi pixel density. Considering that the technology for 8K or 4360 x 7680 resolution displays have already been worked on and announced it just seems like a matter of time before we should expect 5.5-inch 8K displays as well. No news yet how much power the new 4K display screen requires or if there are any new devices which will carry this new Sharp display but it is only a matter of time before the first 4K display smartphone arrives, perhaps even with the Samsung Galaxy Note 5? No Malaysia release dates or pricing details but we expect the first 4K display smartphone to be priced very premiumly.

LG’s latest flagship phone, the LG G4, is set to be unveiled on 28 April 2015. Ahead of its debut, some photos and tech specs have been leaked. The leaked photos seem to point to a leather casing option, as first seen in the event invite from LG for the model’s premiere. The leaked tech specs contained a mix of surprises and the expected. The rumoured tech specs include a hexa-core Snapdragon 808 CPU processor, 5.5-inch Quantum display with 1440 x 2560 pixel resolution, a 13MP rear camera with an aperture of f/1.8, 8MP front camera, Android 4.4.2 and 3000mAh battery. The earlier news from LG was that the camera would feature a 16MP camera with an aperture of f/1.8 and Android 5.0.  If the rumours are true, the change in 16MP camera to 13MP would be a let-down. For the flagship phone, Android 5.0 was also expected instead of Android 4.4.2. Aside from the leather back skin, the LG G4 will be available in burgundy red, metallic black, moon violet, shine gold and silk white. Answers to questions will be out in 2 weeks, on 28 April 2015. No Malaysia release dates or pricing details yet.

The ZTE Nubia Z9 was recently pictured featuring dual curved edges. The only other smartphone in the world to have dual-curved edges is the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge, but it appears that the curved screens on the Nubia Z9 are less curved than the Galaxy S6 edge. The Nubia Z9 still looks very nice though with it's metal frame and what looks to be a one-touch fingerprint sensor under the home button. Other tech specs and features may include a 64-bit octa-core Snapdragon 810 processor or a similarly 64-bit hexa-core Snapdragon 808 processor. Other notable tech specs could include 3GB or 4GB of RAM and a 5.5-inch display with 2K or 1440 x 2560 pixel resolution. No news on any Malaysia release dates or pricing details yet, but it could well appear via third-party sellers in the near future.

The recently announced Microsoft Lumia 640 Dual SIM and Lumia 640 XL have been announced for Malaysia at RM739 and RM929 respectively. Both will be available through authorized channels and merchants on 17 April  2015 with plans for the Lumia 640 XL Dual SIM to come in later on. The Lumia 640 Dual SIM offers both 3G and 4G LTE connectivity while the Lumia 640 XL offers Dual SIM 3G connectivity. Both come with various Microsoft applications but from 1 April 2015 to 30 June 2015, both phones will also offer a 1-year subscription for Office 365 Personal, 1TB of OneDrive storage and 60 Skype World minutes. Features and tech specs for the Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL includes the following:

• Microsoft Lumia 640
• 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 quad-core processor
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB storage + up to128GB microSD
• 5-inch Clearback IPS LCD display, 1280 x 720 pixel HD resolution, Gorilla Glass 3, Sunlight readability enhancements
• 8MP ¼" rear camera sensor with f/2.2 aperture, dynamic flash, auto HDR + 0.9MP front camera
• 141.3 x 72.2 x 8.8mm | 145 grams
• supports dual SIM, 3G, 4G
• available in cyan, orange, black and white colors
• 2500 mAh battery
• Windows 8.1 Lumia Denim

The 2015 Auto Shanghai Exhibition offers a glimpse to the new and promising developments in the future of automobile technology. One of the stand-outs is BMW's Mini with the Mini Augmented Vision Goggles meant for its Mini series. The goggles combine navigational and safety information during drives such as curb distance/view for parking, destination point selection, incoming messages from your smartphone, mileage, points of interest, road arrows, speed limits and x-ray sight of the car, in a see-through format so that no obstruction is caused to the actual driving sight. BMW Mini is seen to be moving along the direction that is inevitable - the need to evolve beyond cars by offering futuristic technology to enhance driving experience, performance and pleasure. No word on its actual availability and pricing to the mass market yet though. 

Apple has announced that its latest premium offering, the Apple Watch, is available from 24 April 2015 and is now open for exclusive online pre-oder from its US store. Shipping for pre-orders takes about 4-6 weeks. It comes in 3 versions, the Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Sport and the Apple Watch Edition. The appeal of a variety of color, size and strap selections makes it highly versatile. The cheapest model which is a 38mm Sport version costs USD349 (RM1281) while the standard Watch version costs USD549 (RM2015) upwards. The costliest of them, a 38mm 18-karat yellow gold Apple Watch Edition with bright red modern buckle can set one back by USD17000 (RM62387). All watch purchases comes with optional add-ons which includes a magnetic charging cable for additional USD29 (RM107), a USB power adapter for USD19 (RM70) and the AppleCare+ bearing USD49 (RM180), USD69 (RM253) and USD1500 (RM5501) for the Sport, Watch and Edition respectively. No Malaysia release dates or pricing details via the Apple Malaysia store just yet but stay tuned for more developments.

Huawei's latest offering, the Huawei SnapTo, has been made official. It is available to the US market from 17 April 2015 onwards. It features the following tech specs:  a 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400  and Adreno 305 GPU, 1GB RAM, 8GB built-in storage with expandable micro-SD card, 5-inch 720p touchscreen, 5MP rear camera with LED flash, 2MP front camera, 4G LTE-connectivity, Android 4.4 KitKat with Huawei's Emotion UI 2.3 and a 2200 mAh battery. At USD 179.99 (RM 661), it rivals theOPPO Neo 5 in terms of pricing and specs. SnapTo comes in black (available 17 April 2015) and white (available 15 May 2015) and pre-orders can made through Amazon. Unfortunately shipping is only within the US. There has yet to be news on Malaysia release dates or pricing details but the recently releasedHonor 4X offers better tech specs and features at just RM619 which you can see with our exclusivepreview and hands-on video.