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Here’s Why Meta Abandoned Its High-End MR Headsets Project

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The latest MR headsets from Meta are axing a highly anticipated project. According to Engadget, the company has stopped working on this high-end gadget, internally codenamed La Jolla, after a product review meeting between chief design officer John Cormack and CEO Mark Zuckerberg. This next-generation headset was supposed to be available in 2027 with capabilities beyond the Quest 3.

MR headsets

One of the major reasons cited behind the axing is related to its estimated price. Meta has been trying to keep this headset under $1,000—approximately RM4,343. However, its ambitious scope made it hard to reach this goal. Supposedly performing way better than the current Quest 3 would have made this very hard to manage in terms of pricing.

Although it is already officially canceled, Meta hasn’t given up on MR headsets yet. The company is expected to release a new model by 2026, the Meta Quest 4. With that model, advanced technology will supposedly be integrated, possibly including facial muscle movement tracking, which was hinted at in recent patents.

The decision reflects Meta’s continuous strategy of balancing innovation and cost. While the project in La Jolla is scrapped, the focus stays on delivering top quality at affordable prices in MR devices. An MR device Quest 4 will more than likely say a lot about where Meta is headed and if they can continue to push the envelope within practical pricing constraints.

Microsoft 365 Copilot: New Branding for AI Tools

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Microsoft is renaming its Copilot AI tools to “Microsoft 365 Copilot.” The name will place more of a spotlight on the paid AI service as part of the company’s wide-ranging Microsoft 365 umbrella. The new name will be applied to the paid variant as well, replacing “Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365.

Microsoft 365 Copilot

The rebranding reaches different applications individually. For example, “Copilot in Word” will be named “Copilot in Word.” Other services, like Sales and Finance, have taken names like “Copilot for Sales” and “Copilot for Finance.”.

According to The Verge, Microsoft is also rolling out a new chat module that will be named “Business Chat” in their suite. This move is pretty typical for Microsoft with their structural rebranding strategy. This renaming has, however, brought about a little internal confusion within the teams.

Microsoft 365 Copilot

However, no major concerns have been brought up within the organization. It appears as though the Microsoft 365 team truly wishes to adopt the Copilot branding systemically. This is an effort to place all AI-related items under the Microsoft 365 name.

The rebranding mostly affects Microsoft’s AI products. There do not appear to be immediate changes for consumer-facing Copilot tools managed by Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman. Much of this will bind AI tools to the Office suite.

Microsoft 365 Copilot

While this does make business-facing Copilots outdated as it binds AI tools with the Office suite, it remains to be seen if future Copilots will similarly be made obsolete outside of the suite. All in all, it is clear from this that Microsoft’s move toward consolidating artificial intelligence products under one brand.

The overall move is towards Microsoft 365 Copilot, meaning it’s just strategic for driving brand cohesion. This new, unified identity will probably see further updates and expansions of the Copilot brand in the future.

Xiaomi Redmi A3 Now Available for RM349 in Malaysia

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Xiaomi Malaysia has confirmed that the Redmi A3 will be subject to a permanent price cut to RM349. This represents a discount of RM80 compared to its launch price in March.

Redmi A3

The Redmi A3 comes with a 6.71-inch LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1650 pixels and is equipped with a 90Hz fast refresh rate, plus a claimed peak brightness of 500 nits, apart from Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

Redmi A3

The device is powered by a MediaTek Helio G36 chipset, giving it good performance. Besides, it has 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, moreover, it provides a microSD card slot for expansion. Handled by Android 14, it is also fitted with 4G, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity.

Redmi A3

For the Redmi A3, photography is done through a dual camera setup that consists of an 8MP primary lens and a 0.08MP auxiliary lens, while an in-display 5MP selfie camera adorns the front side with a notch of tear-drop design.

Redmi A3

It is available in Midnight Black, Forest Green, and Star Blue. The device also features either a glass or faux leather back, depending on the color. You can now purchase it at its new price through Xiaomi’s official online store or Lazada today. The price update will go live tomorrow if you’re on Shopee.

Everything You Need to Know About the iQOO Z9s series

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iQOO has launched the Z9s series with two models added, the iQOO Z9s and Z9s Pro, it comes fitted with a 6.77-inch 1080p AMOLED display that runs at a refresh rate of 120Hz. There is, however, one more nit difference, the standard Z9s goes up to 1,800 nits, while the Pro does up to 4,500 nits.

iQOO Z9s

Under the hood, the iQOO Z9s is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset. In comparison to the Pro version with Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, it had way better performance compared to the vanilla version.

iQOO Z9s

In the camera segment, both phones come with a 50MP main sensor that comes with OIS. While the Z9s has only a secondary depth sensor backing the primary sensor, the Pro variant will have an additional 8MP ultra-wide lens. Up front, however, both phones retain the same 16MP front-facing camera for taking selfies.

iQOO Z9s

On both models, battery life is quite strong, powered by a 5,500mAh cell. The Z9s supports 44W fast charging, but the Pro version comes with 80W fast charging. There’s another point of differentiation.

iQOO Z9s

Availability and pricing vary Z9s at INR19,999 (~RM1,043) versus Pro at INR24,999 (~RM1,304), so they hit significantly divergent price points. There is no word yet on availability outside of India.

Beats Studio Pro Latest Firmware for Dual Audio Sharing

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Apple has just updated the firmware of the Beats Studio Pro to support the audio-sharing feature. Now, users will be able to stream audio with two pairs of Beats headphones from an iPhone or an iPad. Earlier, audio sharing was available for all Beats headphones with either W1 or H1 chips. However, the Beats Studio went on sale last year with another chip that supports Apple and Android devices.

Beats Studio Pro

For iPhone and iPad users, turning on audio sharing just takes placing the Beats headphones in pairing mode next to the device. For everyday users, the firmware update, version 2C301, should auto-install.

Audio sharing brings the Beats Studio Pro closer to Apple’s AirPods Max. In nearly every way now, both have similar features for Apple consumers. For AirPods and Beats headphones, Apple publishes support guides online.

Beats Studio Pro

This still means that Android users can’t share audio. The update makes things a bit better for Apple users but leaves Android ones waiting.

Vivo V40 Series Official Launch in Malaysia: All You Need to Know

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Vivo launched its V40 series in Malaysia with two models. The V40 Pro, being the flagship of the company, features an AMOLED 6.78-inch display with a peak brightness of 4,500 nits. Further, it supports a refresh rate of 120Hz, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 Plus chipset. In addition, it comes loaded with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. It also offers a rating of IP69 for water and dust resistance.

V40 Series

The V40 Pro has quite a phenomenal camera system: it sports a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultra-wide lens. Besides that, it has a 50MP autofocus selfie camera. There is a 5,500mAh battery on the device, backed up with 80W fast charging. On the other hand, the V40 removes the telephoto lens and goes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor.

The models will hit the market on August 31, 2024. The V40 Pro will be sold for RM3,299, and the V40 will have a price tag of RM1,999 for the 12GB+256GB model while the higher storage variant will sell for RM2,399. Gifts for pre-orders include a DJI OSMO Mobile SE and TWS 3e earbuds.

  • V40 Series
  • V40 Series

Besides these smartphones, vivo also launched the Watch 3, its first flagship smartwatch. The Watch 3 sports a 1.43-inch AMOLED display and supports cellular connectivity. It is billed at RM899 for the silicone band and RM999 for the leather.

These newest devices are available through Vivo’s Shopee and Lazada stores, as well as its authorized retail outlets across Malaysia. Many features impressed on the V40 Series and Watch 3 during the launch event.

JBL Tour Pro 3: New Wireless Earbuds with Innovative Case

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Now, there’s a new line replacing the JBL Tour Pro 2: the Tour Pro 3. It will still include that screen from the last model but introduces a new game changer in the fresh layout, a case for the JBL Tour Pro 3 that acts as a transceiver for various music inputs in the wireless form of attaching it.

JBL Tour Pro 3

This gets extremely crucial during flights. The user can, for instance, pair it with in-flight entertainment. The TWS buds will pick the sound up directly from the source, not using the aptX LL codec. This direct-link connection gets a lower latency and more stable experience.

However, it has not specified the latency figures or even the wireless technology itself, hence one doesn’t know if this feature even supports gaming. On the codec front, Tour Pro 3 features LDAC, to enhance the sound quality.

Interestingly, there is no mention of battery life figures. Even though it’s made with a 30% bigger screen, the overall take from JBL on its effect on battery consumption has not yet been finalized. Further down the line, it comes with Auracast, even though the addition might not be heavily solicited by users of TWS.

JBL Tour Pro 3

The JBL Tour Pro 3 features 11mm drivers, six in-built microphones, and advanced ANC. It also supports Spatial 360 and head tracking. Local pricing and availability have not yet been provided.

Google Essentials App Now Available on New HP Laptops

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Google has announced a new application called Google Essentials for Hewlett-Packard Laptops. The application comes as a promoted placement on the “Start” menu of new HP devices. It bundles essential services such as Google Photos, Google Drive, and Google Messages into one place. This acts as one place for your Google account and hosts saved materials like documents or photos.

 Google Essentials

Additionally, customers will receive a two-month trial of Google One cloud storage, which has a capacity of 100GB. Eligible subscribers can avail of this offer. Save games from Google Play Games are also brought into the grasp of Google Essentials. It will at first come pre-loaded on the latest HP devices like Spectre, Envy, Pavilion, OMEN, and Victus.

Kind of like a Google version of Windows Live Essentials. Windows Live Essentials made it easy to download Microsoft applications like Mail, Movie Maker, Messenger, and Writer. An archived copy of Windows Live Essentials remains online courtesy of the Internet Archive.

 Google Essentials

It is in Google’s plans to expand the availability of Essentials to more Windows PC brands in the future, allowing more people to experience a more streamlined version of Google service. For now, HP users will be the very first to use this integrated app.

The introduction of Google Essentials marks another mega stride toward centralizing all services offered by Google on Windows PCs, increasing user convenience and access to key Google applications.

LG Unveils Cutting-Edge CordZero™ All-in-One Vacuum Solutions

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LG Electronics to Unveil Innovative Vacuum Solutions at IFA 2024. The new LG CordZero™ All-in-One Tower Combi is the company’s first model to have a stick vacuum and a robot vacuum in one. This all-in-one innovation makes cleaning simpler by bringing together various functions in one compact design.

It is equipped with the Dual Auto Empty function, whereby the system empties the two vacuum dustbins. Additionally, it charges while on the dock, so the devices will always be ready for use. The slim docking station adds advantages through space-saving and the presence of a UVC LED that stops bacteria growth.

The LG CordZero™ A9X is built with the LG Smart Inverter Motor. The motor is especially useful to give strong suction to collect dirt and other sorts of particles effectively from the floor. KOMPRESSOR™ technology compresses the dirt, which gives more capacity to the bin. Its Spray Mop provides effective mopping.

It’s unprecedented in simultaneous vacuuming and mopping. This robot vacuum has an automated water supply for a hassle-free cleaning experience. Enhanced navigation around obstacles with a 360 LiDAR sensor reduces the chances of accidents, thereby ensuring comprehensive floor care.

It also tackles odors with an automatic cleanser dispenser and drying function, reducing pungent smells from wastewater by about 30%. The development of LG will enhance product security through its development cycle.

GrabPay New 1% Top-Up Fee: Alternatives to Credit Card Reloads

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Effective September 11, 2024, GrabPay will impose a 1% charge on credit card top-ups. It forms part of Grab’s new policy, which affects all users when reloading their eWallet with a credit card. For instance, if you reload RM100, the amount charged to you will be RM101, which includes the extra 1%.

GrabPay

The move brings GrabPay to par with other eWallet services, which also charge similar prices. In 2022, BigPay introduced a 1% fee for reloads with local credit cards and 3% for foreign ones. Just this year, Touch ‘n Go eWallet added a 1% convenience fee for credit card reloads.

But don’t worry – there are ways to avoid this new fee. Still free to reload GrabPay wallets via debit cards, bank transfers, and GX accounts. The Grab Mastercard Credit Card will also continue to be exempted.

GrabPay

The Boost eWallet, however, continues to allow free credit card reloads up to RM1,000 per month. Beyond that, Boost charges a 1% convenience fee on credit card reloads.

This change in fees is part of broader industry trends, as providers of eWallets seek to control the cost of credit card transactions. While eWallets are continuously changing, it will be up to the users to reconcile these changes as they maintain their reload options.