It’s been awhile since we last heard of any Microsoft Malaysia launch of their devices, the last time that they did was the reveal of the Lumia 950 and 950 XL last year and that was about it. Of course, to be fair, they aren’t a smartphone manufacturer company to begin with. But there are new rumours of the company developing a new Windows 10 smartphone that focuses on AR.

In today's news, for those who likes big displays; you'll be happy to learn Microsoft has changed their specs requirement for Windows 10 Mobile by raising the maximum screen size from 8-inches to 9-inches. And that's pretty huge.

The enterprise ready metal frame Microsoft Lumia 650 is now officially available in Malaysia at RM899. However, this is just for pre-order for now on the Microsoft Online Store in Lazada.com.my. There are benefits though, as the first 150 buyers will get 13899 AirAsia BIG points and an RM25 Lazada rebate voucher. The pre-order period ends on 7 April 2016.

Officially, the Lumia 650 should be available at Microsoft Authorized Resellers and Microsoft Mobile Reseller stores from 8 April 2016. An introductory offer of 13000 AirAsia BIG points (equivalent to a free return ticket) will be available until 15 April 2016.

Microsoft officially announced the Microsoft Lumia 650 recently. Going for about $199 (RM825), it is one of the few Lumia smartphones to pack in a good looking metal frame along with Windows 10. However, tech specs are decidedly entry-level which you can see below. This is because it is aimed at the enterprise with integrated Microsoft business applications, device encryption and more business related features. No Malaysia release dates yet but it is going out to Europe on 18 February 2016.

• 1.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 212 processor
• 1GB RAM
• 16GB storage + microSD
• 5-inch display (OLED, 720 x 1280 pixel resolution)
• 8MP rear camera (LED flash) + 5MP front camera
• 6.9mm thin | 122g
• features anodized diamond cut aluminum frame
• 2000 mAh battery
• available in black and white

Microsoft Malaysia held a Windows 10 Treasure Hunt activity yesterday in effort to show more innovative key features of the two Windows 10 devices – the Surface Pro 4 and Lumia 950. Five teams were taught how to use Windows Hello, Edge annotation, superior camera optics, and multitasking functions to finish their respective challenges. Each team had to complete six challenges at six stations, with the help of the Microsoft Senior Leadership Team (SLT) - Michal Golebiewski (Chief Marketing & Operations Officer) and Bruce Howe (General Manager of Consumer Channel Group).

Every station had a challenge that requires the team to use either the Surface Pro 4 or Lumia 950, the devices have help each team to complete the tasks by using their key features such as multitasking between snap assist function, taking a hidden message picture in low light condition, using a biometric security feature (Windows Hello), utilizing the digital pen and sharing the answers via e-mail, and especially learning to use the Continuum; which replicates real-life working scenarios with tight deadlines by having to proofread a PowerPoint presentation with the use of the Lumia 950. 

It was not so long ago that Microsoft Malaysia released the Microsoft Lumia 550 just last month along with the Nokia 230 Dual SIM, but there's a leaked image of a Lumia 650 from @evleaks which shows the front look of the device. 

According to the rumours, the device will look just like the Lumia 550 except for the metal frame. Specifications could include a  quad-core 1.1GHz Snapdragon 210 or 212 chipset, 1GB RAM, 8GB of expandable storage, 5-inch display with 720 resolution, supports WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS, 2000 mAh battery, and of course it runs on Windows 10 Mobile. 

Microsoft Malaysia has recently released two new devices nationwide – the Lumia 550 smartphone and the Nokia 230 Dual SIM feature phone. Both are currently available for RM 559 (with GST) and RM269 (with GST) in selected authorized retailer stores which are listed below.

The Microsoft Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL are now official in Malaysia and they are the first devices to run fully on Windows 10, both devices are now also available for pre-order via the Microsoft Online Store on Lazada and various authorised retail stores (see the list below) for RM2699 and RM2999 respectively. The Microsoft Display Dock, which is worth RM309 will be given away for free to the first 100 customers who purchase either one of the two Lumia 950. Not only that, Microsoft Malaysia has also teamed up with Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd to release attractive phone plans (plans below) for the two Lumia 950 devices. 

Images of the Microsoft Lumia 850, also code name Honjo were leaked online from @evleaks in China during the weekends showing us there could be four different colour options for the device - white gold, rose gold, black and plain steel colour.

Also according to rumours, the Lumia 850 might have tech specs that include a Snapdragon 410 or 617 chipset, 1GB RAM, 5-inch or 5.7-inch Full HD panel display and a 10MP PureView-branded camera. This suggests that the device will be in mid-range class.

Rumours about the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL have cropped up including tech specs and renders of Microsoft's next flagship smartphone in a while. Coming courtesy of @OnLeaks the Lumia 950 XL measures in at 151.9 x 78.4 x 7.8mm but will be 9.9mm at its camera hump. Tech specs and features include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage + microSD, 5.7-inch 2K display, 20MP PureView Camera, 3300 mAh battery, USB Type-C port and Qi wireless charging. Expected to arrive on 6 October 2015 with the Lumia 950 and Lumia 550, there are still no Malaysia release dates or pricing details yet. While the renders and video look accurate, do take this rumour with a pinch of salt as there could still be surprises in store for Microsoft Lumia fans.