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.

ASUS Malaysia has officially announced the availability of the 6-inch ZenFone 6 (A601CG) smartphone in Malaysia. While it has been available here and there, this is a newer version with a slower clocked Intel Atom Z2560 processor. As always, to get further info about where to buy your new ASUS ZenFone 6, do check out the ASUS Malaysia Facebook Page. For a refresher, tech specs and features for the ASUS ZenFone 6 include a 13MP PixelMaster rear camera, 6-inch Corning Gorilla Glass 3 covered display with 720 x 1280 pixel resolution, 2GB of RAM and 2MP front camera but now at much lower RM699 (the initially priced RM899 ASUS ZenFone 6 has a 2GHz Intel Atom Z2580). This RM699 pricing puts it closer to the overseas pricing and makes it a lot more attractive but do remember that you're gettting a slower clocked device. We expect a 4G LTE version to come out soon but the current ZenFone 6 (A601CG) still supports 3G and Dual SIM which is still good enough for most users.

ASUS Malaysia recently announced that they would hold a roadshow for various ASUS products that would include the ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE170CG), ASUS Transformer Book T100 and ASUS ZenFone smartphones at Centre Court in Mid Valley Megamall from 20 august 2014 to 24 August 2014. The roadshow would include various activities and the chance to redeem ASUS Zen Owl premiums and freebies. In addition, the first 50 customers in the queue on 23 to 24 August will get the chance to purchase certain ASUS products (ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE170CG), ASUS Transformer Book T100, etc.) at just RM1 or get free ASUS accessories. Lucky draw winners who Like the ASUS Facebook Page and fill out the Zen Owl Survey Form may also win either an ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE170CG) tablet or ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG) smartphone. Check out the full promo in this article.

While ASUS Malaysia have yet to make any announcements, it seems that the 16GB version of the ASUS ZenFone 5 (A501CG) smartphone may soon get a price drop down to RM519. Originally retailing for RM599 for the 1GB RAM version, this price-cut version not only offers 2GB of RAM but also the aforementioned 16GB of storage instead of the 8GB of storage space it started out with. Other tech specs and features remain the same and are listed below. While we got this information from local distributors, there is still no news yet on availability, which ASUS Malaysia will no doubt come out with soon. For now, check out the tech specs below and stay tuned for further developments.

• ASUS ZenFone 5 (A510CG)
• 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z2560 processor
• 2GB RAM
• 16GB storage + up to 64GB microSD
• 5-inch display (720 x 1280 pixel resolution, Corning Gorilla Glass 3)
• 8MP rear camera (Sony BSI sensor, f/2.0, LED flash, 5-element lens)
• Supports Dual SIM, 3G, WiFi, GPS, ASUS ZenUI
• Android 4.3 (upgradeable to Android 4.4 KitKat)
• RM519

We've covered the arrival of a 4.5-inch display version for the ASUS ZenFone 4 recently and now ASUS Malaysia has officially confirmed the availability of the ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG) smartphone. While retaining most of the tech specs from the original ASUS ZenFone 4, the key differences include a 4.5-inch display with 854 x 480 pixel resolution, an 8MP PixelMaster rear camera, 8GB of storage and a larger 1750 mAh battery. Another welcome feature includes Android 4.4 KitKat right out of the box while other features such as a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 layer on the screen and Dual SIM support remain the same. The larger 8MP rear camera now means that this ZenFone 4 has the Low-light feature so you can take great pictures even in the dark. The ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG) should be available at all major stores and authorized distributors at a price of RM369. We'll let you know more as soon as we get a review unit so stay tuned for further developments.

While it hasn't officially landed in Malaysia just yet, the ASUS ZenFone 6 has arrived in limited quantities. Thankfully, ASUS Malaysia dropped one off for us to check out so we'll start out with an unboxing video before going on to a hands-on video and full review. Thanks to some really good tech specs and features like a 13MP PixelMaster rear camera, 6-inch Corning Gorilla Glass 3 covered display with 720 x 1280 pixel resolution, 2GB of RAM and 2MP front camera at RM899 it is currently being awaited for more than the other ASUS ZenFone smartphones. For now, check out the unboxing video of the ASUS ZenFone 6 in this article.

The ASUS ZenFone 5 remains one of the most wanted smartphones in Malaysia thanks to top range features and tech specs at a very affordable RM599 retail price. According to ASUS Malaysia, we will be getting the enhanced version with 2GB of RAM with no changes in pricing (the original version was priced at RM599 with 1GB of RAM). Other features include a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z2560 processor, 5-inch Corning Gorilla Glass protected display with 720 x 1280 pixel resolution, 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera and Android 4.3. It may have taken some time to reach us, but we finally have the ASUS ZenFone 5 for review so we'll start out with an unboxing video but do stay tuned for a hands-on video and the full review later on.

Dynamics Distribution, main distributor of the ASUS ZenFone products recently confirmed tech specs for the newly released ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG) and yes, it sports a 4.5-inch display with 8MP rear camera (still no LED flash though). It will come in Black, Blue and White with a retail price of RM369. Another notable feature is that it will come with Android 4.4 KitKat right out of the box. No news yet on when stock for the ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG) might be available, but we expect it to already be around here in Malaysia, if in limited quantities. Check out the full tech specs list of the ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG) below:

• 1.2GHz Intel Atom Z2520 processor
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB storage + microSD + 5GB ASUS Web Storage
• 4.5-inch display (480 x 854 pixel resolution)
• 8MP rear camera (no LED flash) + VGA front camera
• supports Dual-SIM, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS
• Android 4.4 KitKat

The ASUS ZenFone range of smartphones are selling quite well here in Malaysia, which could be the reason why they may be bringing in new models for it. This includes the ASUS ZenFone 5 LTE (A500KL) and the ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG). The major differences in these two new models is that the ZenFone 4 (A450CG) will sport a 4.5-inch display while the ZenFone 5 (A500KL) will have 4G LTE connectivity. Still no word from ASUS Malaysia on the exact tech specs for these smartphones but it could have tech specs that include an 8MP rear camera, 8GB storage, larger 1740 mAh battery and weigh in at 134g as opposed to the 115g of the ASUS ZenFone 4. Based on direct distributors, it seems that the ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG) is already available in the Malaysian market but the ASUS ZenFone 5 LTE has yet to be officially available.

ASUS Malaysia recently released a Firmware Over-the-Air (FOTA) update for the ASUS ZenFone 5 smartphone. While it isn't the Android 4.4 KitKat update everyone is waiting for, this 30MB download offers a number of bug fixes and improvements to the existing firmware. This includes better audio quality, compatibility, stability and power efficiency. A new feature is that you can now activate the flashlight via the Flip cover. ASUS Malaysia go on to say that the update is only applicable for those who purchased the ASUS ZenFone 5 original set perhaps because the imported or AP sets don't have the same firmware. In any case, you can download the FOTA update numbered 1.15.40.35_20140715_3835 by opening About>System Update in the Settings.