Latest News

The folks at TechRax did a drop test for all of the Apple iPhone smartphones. This included a side drop and front facing drop for each iPhone onto a hard driveway, revealing that while most of the iPhones can take a beating from the side, nearly all of them smashed from the front. Granted, the front of the Apple iPhone 3G did not shatter but this was mainly due to luck as it dropped on the side first. While it doesn't seem to show any difference from beginning to end, it does show that if you're going to get any Apple iPhone, the first thing you should do is get a shock-proof casing around it quick because an accidental front drop will probably result in a shattered screen. Check it out for yourself in this article.

While all of the major Malaysian Telcos have come out with their own teaser images and registration of interest page, Samsung Malaysia have already sent out the invites for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 launch. Our invite revealed that we'll all know a bit more on 15 October 2014. The highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is expected to revitalise Samsung's flagging smartphone sales with tech specs that include:

• 2.7GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor / 1.9GHz octa-core Samsung Exynos 5433 (1.9GHz quad-core + 1.3GHz quad-core)
• 3GB RAM
• 32GB / 54GB storage + up to 64GB microSD
• 5.7-inch display (Super AMOLED, 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution)
• 16MP rear camera (auto focus, Smart Optical Image Stabilization) + 3.7MP front camera (f1.9)
• supports WiFi 802.11 ac (MIMO), GPS, NFC, Bluetooth 4.1, IR LED, MHL 3.0, 4G LTE Cat 4 + 4G LTE Cat 6
• Features: Air Command, S Note, Snap Note, Direct Pen input, Multi Window, Ultra Power Saving Mode, Voice Recorder, Heart rate sensor, Finger print scanner, UV sensor
• 153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5mm | 176g
• Android 4.4 KitKat
• 3220 mAh battery (adaptive fast charging)

The Android 4.4 KitKat update for the ASUS ZenFone 4, ZenFone 5 and ZenFone 6 is now available for download. Do note that ASUS Malaysia will be releasing the update in batches so if you haven't received the update notification yet, wait a while and it should be available soon. To update go to Settings > About > System Update > Check for update. As before, the update is supposed to be available for original ASUS Malaysia sets so do make sure which version you have first.

Intel Malaysia recently held a #GoFaster event to showcase their plans and outlook for tablet and smartphone processors in 2014 to 2015. George Chacko, Regional Director of Tablet Product Marketing at Intel APAC was on hand to provide this information in detail. While nothing new was really revealed, it did show everything Intel has planned for the rest of the year and next year. These Intel technologies and systems include 64-bit processors, Intel 4G LTE Cat6 connectivity, the upcoming 14nm Cherry Trail processors and the SoFIA integrated processors. Both the Cherry Trail and SoFIA processors are set for 2015 but it should bring about, faster, more connected and more affordable devices in the new year. Other notable technologies on the way to Intel powered tablets and smartphones include wireless charging, eye scanning biometrics and RealSense cameras. While there aren't any specific Malaysia release dates or pricing for upcoming Intel powered tablets and smartphones, Intel are working closely with all the big names including ASUS, Lenovo, Acer and much more. For those not in the know:

• Cherry Trail is the next architecture for Intel mobile processors which will use a 14nm fabrication process. The current architecture uses a 22nm process, so with the smaller fabrication, Intel can pack in more for better graphics and better energy efficient processors.
• SoFIA processors will integrate 3G and 4G LTE Cat6 connectivity into the processor itself, making it simpler to design and make a connected tablet or smartphone while also cutting costs. It should also help make connectivity on the go faster.
• RealSense cameras not only capture images they also capture depth like a real human eye allowing it to accurately measure what it sees. This set for use in better gesture controls but could also be useful in augmented reality as well.

DiGi seems to know something we don't and that involves when exactly the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is coming to Malaysia. Already, they've opened up a registration of interest page for the Galaxy Note 4. As usual, you'll be required to list out all your contacts and particulars but it is interesting to note that we could be seeing the Galaxy Note 4 in black, gold and white, instead of just the traditional black and white. The page does not mention any other tech specs but it should still pack in the usual features of Exynos 5433 (N910C) processor to go with the 3GB RAM, 5.7-inch Super AMOLED screen with 2K resolution and 16MP ISOCELL rear camera. If you're interested in hooking up with a DiGi postpaid plan bundle along with the Galaxy Note 4 then do check out the DiGi site.

ASUS Malaysia has just sent out a teaser image for an upcoming Fonepad phablet, this time saying that it will be "slimmer yet larger". Based on the previously released ASUS Malaysia tablet roadmap, we're guessing that this tablet with phone capabilities would probably be the ASUS Fonepad 8 (FE380CG) as it would explain a larger screen but the slimmer 5.06mm bezel. Tech specs for the Fonepad 8 include a 64-bit 1.83GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3560 processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB / 16GB of storage and an 8-inch display with 800 x 1280 pixel resolution. Other tech specs and features include support for 3G, Dual-SIM, Bluetooth, GPS, a 5MP rear camera, 2MP front camera and Android 4.4.2 KitKat. No news yet on Malaysia pricing or exact Malaysia release dates but stay tuned and we'll let you know as soon as we find out. What do you think? Is our guess correct?

While there are still no definite Malaysia release dates or pricing details for the Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, Maxis could be planning to open pre-orders for the smartphones as soon as 10 October 2014. This comes from a teaser image posted by Maxis themselves hinting at the #nextbigthing. Traditionally, the slogan "the next big thing" originally came from the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, however, the teaser image shows toast and a jar of Apple jam, so it could also be for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The reflection seems to indicate 10 while the toaster is all metal and rounded. As it is, China is expected to get the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus on 17 October 2014. We're still expecting the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus to hit Malaysia in late October or early November 2014 though.

The Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime was officially announced recently with it's most notable feature being a 5MP wide-angle front camera. Designed for the selfie taking user, especially those who like group selfies other tech specs include a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, 5-inch display with 540 x 960 pixel resolution and 2600 mAh battery. Measuring in at 144.8 x 72.1 x 8.6mm and weighing 156g, the smartphone also packs in Android 4.4 KitKat. While there is still no Malaysia release date or pricing, it is priced about $250 (RM820) in India and should come here soon considering how many people love taking selfies and group selfies in Malaysia.

Rather infamous Apple iPhone 6 Plus benders Unbox Therapy have done it again, this time out in the open, on the streets and with witnesses. Apparently tired of all the conspiracy theories, the video clearly shows that it doesn't take too much force to bend the iPhone 6 Plus and even the Motorola Moto X is brought in to show that other smartphones don't bend as easily. For those getting the iPhone 6 Plus soon or planning to get one, we recommend you get a case for it and take better care of such an expensive smartphone. For those hoping for an apology from Apple, move on, Apple have already said that they'd replace accidentally bent iPhone 6 smartphones and that should be enough for most people. Check out the video for yourself in this article.

The Project Ara modular smartphone project has revealed some interesting news. Since the frame has it's own reserve power when the smartphone does come out, you can swap out parts like the battery or memory or storage while the smartphone is on. The only two parts that require you to shut the smartphone off first are the processor and display module parts. Still no news on any Malaysia release dates or pricing but Google have said that the basic kit will start from $50 (RM164). We expect it to come in early 2015 but probably just for the US at first and it will likely run the latest Android L operating system. Check out the video in this article for more details on Project Ara.