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The ASUS ZenFone smartphone range caught our attention when it was first announced at CES 2014 due to it's design, price and performance. Now ASUS already have several smartphone devices in the market, but the ASUS ZenFone smartphone range look to be the first to seriously target the entry-level to midrange market with it's focus on price and performance. Rather than go for a Malaysia launch, ASUS Malaysia were kind enough to invite us for the ASUS Regional launch where the ASUS ZenFone 4, ZenFone 5 and ZenFone 6 smartphones were announced each for below RM1000. Check out the tech specs below for a refresher of the ASUS ZenFone 4, ASUS ZenFone 5 and ASUS ZenFone 6:

• ASUS ZenFone 4
• 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Atom Z2520 processor
• 1GB RAM
• 4GB storage + microSD
• 4-inch TN TFT
• 5MP rear camera
• 124.4 x 61.4 x 11.2mm | 115g
• supports Dual-SIM, 3G, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, MicroUSB
• 1170 mAh battery

In time with their launch of the Samsung Galaxy S5, Samsung Malaysia provided 55 selected buyers of the new Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone with special gifts worth RM200. The 55 fans were selected from five locations as previously reported. These locations included:

• Celcom Blue Cube at the Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall
• Digi Concept Store at the Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall
• Maxis Centre at Suria KLCC
• Samsung Experience Store at The Gardens Mall
• Samsung Experience Store at the Gurney Paragon Mall Penang

A roadmap stating when we might see Apple's upcoming products has appeared from KGI Research. Granted, it isn't a leaked semi-official roadmap from Apple but it does come from a source that has generally been accurate when it comes to predicting what Apple will do. The roadmap reveals that Apple may come out with a 4.7-inch Apple iPhone 6 in Q3 of 2014 while a 5.5-inch Apple iPhone will come during Q4 of 2014. Before that, the analysts go on to predict that the Apple iWatch smartwatch could be coming before the iPhone but still in Q3 of 2014. No news yet on pricing or Malaysia release dates but do remember that this is very much a rumour still, so do take it with a good pinch of salt.

While it isn't the first Android powered digital camera from Nikon, the recently announced Nikon Coolpix S810c offers some impressive refreshed tech specs and features along with a more up-to-date Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. Notable tech specs for the Nikon Coolpix S810c include 12x optical zoom, a 3.7-inch touchscreen, WiFi and GPS. Feature-wise, the Coolpix S810c can record 1080p video with stereo sound and also has a Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction system (Lens-based anti-shake or OIS) with an ISO range up to 3200. While we don't have any specific Malaysia release dates the Nikon Coolpix S810c is expected in May 2014 for $349.95 (RM1131).

Nikon recently announced their new mirrorless interchangeable camera, the Nikon 1 J4. Featuring some really awesome tech specs and features, this compact sized camera uses the Expeed 4A imaging engine to enable a super fast 20fps burst mode. Other stand-out features and tech specs include an 18.4MP camera sensor and the ability to shoot 1080p video at 60fps or 720p video at 120fps. A 2-inch electrostatic touch screen helps move things along and the Nikon 1 J4 is actually smaller than the previous version at 99.5 x 60 x 28.5mm and weighing in at just 232g. The only downside is that you have to use microSD with it, instead of the usual SD card. So far, no Malaysia pricing or specific Malaysia release dates are available but it is expected to come in May 2014 with a choice of black, orange, silver and white.

Tied down by keyboard cables? Too many batteries needed for your wireless keyboard and mouse? Simplifying this, RANGER have released their RANGER Touchpad Plus Keyboard which is a 2.4GH wireless keyboard with built-in touchpad. The touchpad doubles as a number pad and can switch between touchpad mode and keypad mode with ease. The RANGER Touchpad Plus also features a number of integrated multimedia shortcut keys and comes with island type keyboard keys for a more comfortable and easier to clean design. Just in case you do need a wired connection, the RANGER TouchPad Plus keyboard also includes a USB extension cable, so that you have the option to connect if you need to. Check out the tech specs and features of the RANGER TouchPad Plus Keyboard below:

• 2.4GHZ wireless connectivity
• 87 keys
• 5000000 times life cycle
• Up to 10 meters operation range
• 0.5 Watts maximum power consumption
• features 76mm x 105mm TouchPad (400 dpi)
• 4100mm x 131mm x 26.8mm | 475g

Cisco Systems recently announced that their Advanced Malware Protection (AMP) system, which was originally developed by Sourcefire, has receieved a "Recommended" rating from NSS Labs latest Security Value Map (SVM) for Breach Detection Systems (BDS). NSS Labs testing reveals that the AMP solution provides 99% overall breach detection and offers one of the lowest cost-of-ownership solutions in the market. Further testing revealed that AMP has a 100% detection rating for exploits and detected 99% of Web-based malware delivered by browsers and 98% of malware delivered using email.

“Cisco is taking a leadership position in delivering end-to-end protection for our customers including against advanced threats. The innovation in Advanced Malware Protection from Sourcefire, is a critical component of our strategy. With the lowest TCO of all tested solutions, Cisco provides users with confidence that they are protected from the vast majority of attacks with defenses that are persistent, agile and highly cost-effective.” Christopher Young, Senior Vice President, Cisco Security Group.

Barely a week after Google's Project Ara progress report video and they have already announced the first Project Ara Module Developers Kit or MDK for developers of the Project Ara modules. As it is, the MDK outline three sizes, with Google currently being the only producer of the endoskeletons. The MDK doesn't reveal everything though, perhaps because Google are still working on it, as there is mention of an online marketplace for Project Ara phone modules but no details on where just yet. Check out the full document at the Project Ara site with more MDKs and Project Ara developer conferences expected soon. Still no definite news on pricing or Malaysia release dates but we hope that it comes within 2014.

One of the main problems BlackBerry has in the consumer market is that they have no device or BlackBerry smartphone to target the lower-end and entry-level market. Fans have had high hopes for practically every rumoured BlackBerry device said to be coming out soon, but it seems that one of the more affordable BlackBerry devices from the Foxconn deal could be coming soon bearing the name BlackBerry Kopi. Recently pictured side by side with the BlackBerry Q5 the device is nearly identical, except perhaps for a silver frame and textured backside rather than the standard all black matte. Unfortunately, there are only pictures, with no details or tech specs or even pricing. Rumours say the BlackBerry Kopi could be priced at RM818 though. BlackBerry have said that they will try to include 4G LTE support for any BlackBerry so we assume that the BlackBerry Kopi can do the same. No Malaysia release dates just yet but rumours say we could see the BlackBerry Kopi after Q2 of 2014.

Samsung Malaysia has announced that they will be offering special gifts for 55 fans who purchase the Samsung Galaxy S5 during the 11 April 2014 launch this Friday. In addition to these special gifts and the Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone at RM2399, Samsung will also be selling the Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 smartwatch at RM899 and the Samsung Gear Fit smartband at RM599. This 1-day promotion will be available at:

• Celcom Blue Cube at the Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall
• DiGi Concept Store at Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall
• Maxis Centre at Suria KLCC
• Samsung Experience Store at The Gardens Mall
• Samsung Experience Store at the Gurney Paragon Mall Penang