Latest News

As we get closer and closer to the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV launch date, it was inevitable that prices for the previous version, the Samsung Galaxy S III would drop. However, we didn't think that it would drop this soon or this low as DiGi is now offering the Samsung Galaxy S III for RM399 under their DG Smart Plan 148 with a 24 month contract. In addition to dropping the S III's price, DiGi have also done the same for the HTC One X and the LG Nexus 4. Now all three of the devices are priced the same for the DG Smart Plan 58, DG Smart Plan 88 and DG Smart Plan 148. Check out all the details in the table below:

Earlier rumours that Malaysia would be getting both the Non-LTE Exynos 5 powered Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV or I9500 and the LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV or I9505 have turned out to be true. While the Non-LTE Exynos 5 powered Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV or I9500 has been in the SIRIM database for quite some time, a recent search has also revealed the LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV or I9505 as well. Now, if we could just get our hands on the rumoured LTE-enabled Exynos 5 Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV version supposedly only available in South Korea, our collection would be complete.

It's finally official. The Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV is going to be officially launched in Malaysia on 27 April 2013 at a still 'secret' location. Thankfully, Malaysia is one of the countries to get the first roll-out of Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV smartphones. Still no news on pricing but all things considered you should probably prepare around RM2200 as all of the Malaysian Telcos we've seen have the RRP for the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV at RM2199.

Smartphones have come a long way in so little time, so much so that their design are also influencing devices completely outside of their scope. One of these devices is the HP Prime, a scientific graphing calculator which looks alarmingly similar to a smartphone and even packs in a 3.5-inch colour touchscreen with brushed metal chassis and removable li-ion battery.

Apps for more functionality
While it definitely looks good, the HP Prime also packs in various apps for quick and easy access to problem solving solutions that would have normally taken a slide rule and quite a few pieces of paper to go through. The HP Prime still has all the standard buttons you'd normally find on a scientific calculator but the apps add on a whole new level of functionality while the colour touchscreen makes it look good doing so.

Celcom has officially begun the roll-out of its 4G LTE network with a 1000 first-come first-serve deal for all their subscribers. As mentioned earlier, this deal is for 3-months service with the USB dongle. While this seems to be the only device and plan for Celcom 4G LTE for now, the company have stated that more plans and more devices are coming.

At their official roll-out the company listed the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV, Apple iPhone 5, Nokia Lumia 920 and Sony Xperia Z as smartphones that would support Celcom's 4G LTE network. They hope to roll out LTE support for the iPhone 5 this 18 May 2013 (which according to them is the actual commercial launch date for the service).

In an SMS broadcast, Maxis revealed that they will release the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV on 27 April 2013 (this Saturday) at Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre. So far, the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV is set to be offered at a subsidized price of RM1499 under an RM118 per month commitment plan. While we were rather expecting a bit more in terms of details or promotions (Maxis One Club offers for example), this wasn't made clear in the SMS.

Microsoft's Windows 8 powered Surface tablets are finally coming to Malaysia in full force. While the lower-end Microsoft Surface RT is set to make an appearance tomorrow, the Microsoft Surface Pro may arrive in Malaysia by the end of June 2013. No exact date was specified exactly but it does mean that we'll see the Surface Pro in just a few more months.

Volkswagon recently showed off the iBeetle at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show. Featuring a Volkswagon Beetle with better Apple iPhone integration, the iBeetle offers a built-in docking station which allows the Apple iPhone 5 to be used as a mobile navigation system, entertainment hub and access the Beetle app on the iPhone.

Right now, early-adopters of Google Glass are running about recording everything and trying out the $1500 Google Glass Explorer Edition, but while Google have said a more affordable version is going to be produced they have yet to sat when exactly that may be. This particular information may have been inadvertantly revealed in a quote from Eric Schmidt, Google's Executive Chairman. See this quote below:

• "It's fair to say that thousands of these will be in use by developers over the next months, and then based on their feedback we will make some product changes, and it's probably a year-ish away," said Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman, Google.

Recently, we reported on the upcoming BlackBerry Q10 that may come to Malaysia this 30 April 2013. Searching through the SIRIM database reveals that it will most likely be the 4G LTE version. This version is labeled as the SQN100-3 (RFN81UW) and should be coming under Brightstar Distribution Sdn Bhd.