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MatePad 12.2 Launch New Tablets with Dual-Layer OLED

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Huawei has launched two new tablets, the MatePad Pro 12.2 and another just called the MatePad Air. The MatePad Pro 12.2 is equipped with a dual-layer OLED screen, featuring a 1,840 x 2,800 resolution, a refresh rate of 144Hz, and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. This setup provides a 33 percent boost in efficiency compared to the previous models.

There are several different memory and storage variants for the MatePad Pro12.2, ranging from 12GB+256GB to 16GB+1TB, with a battery capacity of 10,100mAh, and support for fast charging of 100W. There is a 13MP main camera and an 8MP wide-angle lens on the back, while a 16MP front camera is inducted at the front end.

MatePad Pro 12.2

Compared to the MatePad Air, it has a 12-inch IPS LCD that tops out at 1,000 nits. The resolution and refresh rate are similar to the MatePad Pro 12.2, however. Further, it supports 66W fast charging and comes with an 8MP selfie camera. Storage goes up to 256 GB and 512 GB, while RAM reaches as high as 8 GB or 12 GB.

MatePad Pro 12.2

Although, contrary to expectations, the MatePad Pro 12.2 is surprisingly thinner and lighter than the MatePad Air. It measures 5.5mm in thickness and 508 grams in weight. On its part, the MatePad Air weighs 555 grams and is 5.9mm thick. Both are fitted with HarmonyOS 4.2, making for a uniform experience regarding software.

While the MatePad Pro12.2 is CNY4,299 (~RM2,697), the MatePad Air goes for CNY2,999 (~RM1,881). They will be available starting in China on 13 August, but there is no word on local pricing and availability.

G-Shock GBM-2100 Series Now Available in Malaysia

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Casio has launched the G-Shock GBM-2100 series in Malaysia. This new collection introduces another evolution in the classic GM-2100 design. There are four models in the series, each carrying an octagonal shape. Every model in this series uses durable stainless steel that improves watches’ durability and adds more to their visual appeal.

  • G-Shock GBM-2100
  • G-Shock GBM-2100

Advanced technology for today’s users is brought into the GBM-2100 series by incorporating Tough Solar, Bluetooth connectivity, and functions that further improve user functionality. But with this watch, a super illuminator LED lamp can also bring more readability into dark places.

G-Shock GBM-2100

Other noteworthy features of the GBM-2100 include shock and water resistance. This model also has a 1/100-second stopwatch, a timer, and five daily alarms. Using Casio’s proprietary application, the date, time, and location can also be recorded. These make sure that the watch keeps working with users.

G-Shock GBM-2100

Casio has color options, introducing Classic Black, Sleek Blue, Vibrant Green, and Blackout White. The Blackout White is a Web Exclusive on Casio’s website at RM1,365. Meanwhile, the other colors will sell at authorized retailers for RM1,295 each.

The G-Shock GBM-2100 series marries classic looks with contemporary technology. It has a durable, functional, and stylish feel makes it suitable for every taste.

How Reddit New Paywalls and AI Search Will Change the Platform

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Paywalled subreddits and AI-powered features will be at the front of Reddit’s new revenue strategy. The change comes days after the company went public. According to CEO Steve Huffman, who presented the updates during the second earnings call for Reddit, users need not worry about the free version, as it will continue to grow. Still, exclusive content could soon be placed behind a paywall alongside private areas.

Reddit

The company has been quite aggressive in looking out for new sources of revenue since its initial public offering. It increased API fees for third-party applications that are dependent on its platform. The inked deals with Google and Open AI helped them train AI models using Reddit content.

Later this year, Reddit intends to have a trial for AI-generated search capabilities, in which the company will summarize and recommend content, thus allowing users to find new communities and interests. According to Huffman, in due time, AI-generated search capability can be used to generate ad revenue.

Reddit

It’s Q2 earnings were far improved for Reddit. The sales jumped 54 percent year over year, with net losses narrowing to 10 million from 41 million—an upbeat sign for shareholders but less so for users.

This will be the big turn in Reddit’s revenue strategy. The site aims to strike a balance between user satisfaction and shareholders’ interests. Just like how Reddit is changing, so must its community.

New Google TV Streamer with New Smart Features at $99.99

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Google has announced its newest device, the Google TV Streamer. The new set-top box will have serious upgrades from the Chromecast with Google TV, with a faster processor and double the predecessor in RAM, along with 32GB of storage. For $99.99, it is going to take your entertainment into a whole new dimension.

The Google TV Streamer introduces next-generation smart home integration, featuring a Thread border router and supporting Matter for better connectivity. Now, with the Google Home panel button on your remote, you can easily control devices for the smart home. This is exclusive to the model as compared to its predecessor.

On the hardware front, however, the Google TV Streamer is impressive. It adds HDMI 2.1a, Wi-Fi 5, gigabit ethernet, and Bluetooth 5.1. Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos are also supported for high-quality audio and visuals. The USB-C power supply is another modern upgrade.

It is sleek and low-profiled. Available in porcelain and hazel, it’s meant to sit visibly under your TV. A redesigned remote will add a customizable button and a remote finder feature for an additional improvement in convenience to the user.

It also provides features of Gemini AI from Google. Viewers obtain summaries and reviews of content in detail. Other than that, one can view generative AI screensavers or even Google Photos albums while in ambient mode. All these combine to bring a hint of personalization to your viewing.

Google TV Streamer

The availability of the Google TV Streamer has been set to be on September 24th. With improved performance and smart home integration, it ensures much smoother and enjoyable entertainment compared to earlier times.

Brainstorm with Gemini: YouTube’s Latest AI Tool for Creators

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YouTube is testing a new, still unnamed feature, “Brainstorm with Gemini ” that is integrated with AI technology from Google. This update has been announced on its Creator Insider channel. The said feature will help creators work on video ideas and title and thumbnail generation more effectively.

The platform is currently rolling out this tool to a few creators. Creators will provide feedback on the effectiveness and usability of this tool. By the feedback, YouTube will decide whether to expand this feature for more audiences.

This brings a unique advantage to the new tool, unlike other social media video platforms, as it lets creators do something they can’t do directly on YouTube. If this is taken with Google’s strategy of touting its AI tools over others, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, then integration makes sense.

The Brainstorm with Gemini tool is comparable to another AI-powered feature that was tested back in May. That earlier tool would give creators video topic ideas and outlines. YouTube now wants to know if creators are going to prefer this new Gemini integration or that older inspiration tool.

While TikTok and Instagram were touting AI-generated digital avatars, YouTube is looking to upgrade content creation. This feature gives creators a clear route to find ways of making it easier to create video content.

Huawei Nova Flip A New Era for Foldable Smartphones

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Huawei has announced its Nova Flip in China. The next-generation clamshell foldable phone comes with massive upgrades. One of the more obvious upgrades is the larger, square-shaped external display that sets it apart from its competition.

Dimensions folded are 169.8 x 75.4 x 6.9 mm and unfolded 87.6 x 75.4 x 15.1 mm, a bit larger than the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6. The device uses a waterdrop hinge mechanism rated for as many as 1.2 million bends. It weighs in at 195 grams and remains compact and sturdy.

  • Nova Flip
  • Nova Flip
  • Nova Flip
  • Nova Flip

In folded form, the Nova Flip has a 2.14-inch OLED cover display with a 480 x 480 pixels resolution and supports up to 120Hz refresh rate. It also sports a vertically arranged dual camera setup, which includes a 50MP primary camera and an 8MP ultra-wide lens.

Open the phone and you will find a 6.94-inch LTPO OLED primary display with an FHD+ resolution of 1136 x 2690 pixels and support for as high as 120Hz refresh rate. The device has dual loudspeakers, an on-board USB-C 2.0 port, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

Coming with an unknown octa-core chipset, probably the Kirin 8000, the Nova Flip packs up to 1TB of storage. It packs a 4,400mAh battery with 66W wired fast charging and 5W reverse charging. The device comes with HarmonyOS 4.2, which offers AI image editing tools and a host of app support on the cover display.

Elon Musk’s X to Remove Interaction Button from Replies

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Elon Musk’s X is probably looking at the biggest design change. It is testing the removal of the like, comment, and all interaction button on replies. The update also removes view counts on such replies.

This update was caught by user @aaronp613 in X for iOS v10.53 so it does show that X is, in fact, not kidding about the change but discovered features do not always go live.

interaction button

It would not change the correction users’ viewpoint of their replies, but only their original posts. Clicking a reply still opens up the interaction buttons and view counts. Thereby, the interaction button on the replies themselves does not get lost.

Therein lies some of the basic potential changes to the culture of X completely removing the interaction button would, on Twitter, initiate a situation of “ratio” where replies outshine a post. This might change how people engage with generally unpopular or controversial posts.

X has a history of major changes and their reversals. Just in these last several months, the dramas were happening around the removal of the link headlines and private likes. Many of the decisions concerning X are said to reflect Musk’s ever-evolving vision for the platform.

Meta apologized for Removing Anwar’s Condolence Posts

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Meta apologized for the mistaken removal of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s social media posts. He had posted a video and a picture offering condolences to Hamas on July 31. According to the company, this was an “operational error.” It has since restored the content.

Anwar Ibrahim’s posts were taken down from Facebook and Instagram after showing empathy over the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. This saw the Malaysian government demanding an explanation from Meta over the removal, which they blasted as unfair and amounting to suppressing free speech.

Meta apologized

Meta, which keeps the designation of Hamas as a “dangerous organization”, forbids content in support of the group. It uses automated systems and reviews by human moderators to police and remove content. That process is not perfect and sometimes results in wrongful deletions.

This is the second time Meta has locked horns with the Malaysian government. In May, Meta had already restored the previous posts by Anwar on his meeting with Haniyeh. The social media giant said it had made a mistake and apologized for the error.

The recent Meta apologized has posed various content moderation challenges with freedom of speech. The corrective actions that the company took regarding the issue showed a sense of commitment toward rectifying mistakes and improving the review procedures.

What to Know About Optimus Robot Display at Pavilion KL

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Tesla is back in Pavilion KL, just a little over a year after its grand launch in Malaysia. While the event emphasized the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, the real highlight was a tad bit upstairs. There it is, comprehensively, Tesla officially uncovered its humanoid Optimus robot for development—Tesla Bot—from its original prototype, Bumblebee, unveiled back in 2022.

Robotics and Automation The tasks of the Optimus robot are of the dangerous, repetitive, and mundane type. Most are hyped to view it at Pavilion KL, but they have to be cautioned. To their disappointment, the Optimus robot is only a displayed static model.

Optimus robot

It probably didn’t help that Optimus wasn’t the interactive kind of robot, unlike Honda’s Asimo robot that visited a decade ago – it was confirmed by renowned motoring journalist Paul Tan, who also confirmed this with a tweet sending pictures from the event. The fact that it was not interactive may not please some of its visitors.

Yet, the fact that there was an Optimus may still be able to inspire budding scientists and AI experts. An interactive robot would have left a much stronger impression. So many were hoping the next time Tesla showcased in Malaysia, it was via a live tech demo.

Prism+ Launches Affordable Smart TVs with Exclusive Discounts

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Singaporean electronics manufacturer Prism+ has launched three new smart TVs in Malaysia. Products available include S40, S43 DLED TVs, and Q86 Ultra QLED TVs—all supporting Google TV OS. Prism+ offers a slew of options to fit different budgets and preferences.

Prism+

The S40 and S43 DLED TVs are Prism+’s very first affordable Full HD options. The S40 gets a 40″ display, while the S43 is fitted with a 43″ display. Both models come with a price point of RM1,199 and RM1,349, respectively, with Direct LED backlight technology, HDR10, and Dolby Audio support.

Prism+

For the more premium offering, Prism+ launched the Q86 Ultra QLED TV. Now, this 86″ flagship goes for a whopping price of RM7,999 and packs a 120Hz 4K QLED panel. Other changes that it brings into the device include HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio, HDMI 2.1 eARC, and Game Mode.

Prism+

Prism+ has collaborated with top content providers like MeWatch, Viu, WeTV, and Durioo+. These tie-ups bring an extensive library of shows, dramas, and movies to viewers. This would be bundled with free trial periods of up to 12 months on these apps.

These TVs are available at Prism+’s official online store and also on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop. Besides, the 8.8 sale on August 8, 2024, brings significant rebates to make the prices of these TVs even more pocket-friendly.