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Streamline Your Parking Payments at Suria KLCC with Setel’s Automated Feature

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Setel has restarted its automated parking payment feature for Suria KLCC after a temporary shutdown for maintenance. This feature lets registered Setel users enter and exit the car park at Suria KLCC without having to roll down their car windows to pay for parking. It makes parking at Suria KLCC easier and faster for Setel users.

To use the Setel automated parking payment feature, activate it on your vehicle first. Then, drive into the Suria KLCC car park through the Setel lane and stop at the boom gate for the camera to scan your vehicle’s number plate. Check your parking session details on the Setel app and make sure you have enough eWallet balance before leaving. It may take up to 5 seconds for the number plate to be scanned. To avoid running out of balance, consider enabling auto top-up for your Setel Wallet.

The Setel automated parking payment feature is not only available at Suria KLCC, but also at other locations like KL Convention Centre, Neo Cyber, and more. The app also supports street parking payments and can be used for all councils in Selangor including Ampang Jaya. This makes it easier for Setel users to pay for parking at multiple locations without the need for cash or queues.

Malaysian Users Blocked from Sending and Receiving SMS with Links from Certain Mobile Numbers

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Starting from 2nd May, mobile users in Malaysia will not be able to send or receive SMS that contain links from certain mobile numbers. This is due to a directive from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Maxis was the first telco to announce this and others like CelcomDigi, U Mobile, and Unifi Mobile are also following the directive. The SMS blockage is being implemented in stages, starting with SMS sent to or received from local and international mobile numbers. Unifi Mobile has already sent an SMS alert to inform its users about this change.

Maxis will block SMS containing URLs sent by business shortcodes (6XXXX, 2XXXX, and 1XXXX) later, and will notify the business users beforehand. This gives businesses time to switch to app-based or instant messaging-based platforms for sending promo messages and links. If you want to share links with your contacts, you can use other instant messaging or social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Telegram, etc. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) directed all telcos to block links sent via SMS to prevent users from falling victim to online scams. This is a big problem despite various public service announcements.

Many people have been tricked into clicking on links that promise cash aid or rewards, which then take them to fake websites. These websites ask for login details and Time Passwords (OTPs) that are then stolen by scammers. The victims often don’t realize that they’re being scammed because the fake websites look like the real thing. To protect yourself, only log in to your online banking or eWallet accounts through the official app or website. Don’t download or install apps from outside the official app store, as they can put your phone’s security at risk.

Bank Negara Malaysia has asked banks and eWallet providers to stop using SMS-based OTP, as the sender name can be faked and the OTP can be copied by malware. Instead, banks are using app-based SecureTAC to authorize transactions and a cooling-off period to delay scammers from accessing accounts on different devices. If you’ve been scammed or know someone who has, call the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 immediately.

Apple Bolsters Security with Rapid Fixes for iPhones, iPads, and Macs

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Apple has released a new type of security update called “Rapid Security Response” patches. These patches are designed to quickly fix security issues that are actively being exploited or pose significant risks to Apple device users. These updates deliver important security improvements in between regular software updates.

Image from Engadget

Apple introduced Rapid Security Responses to help customers update their devices more quickly than with a typical software update. This feature is turned on by default, and some rapid patches can be installed without restarting the device. The rapid security update is available for devices running iOS 16.4.1, iPadOS 16.4.1, and macOS 13.3.1. After installation, the software version will have an added letter, such as (a). Older software versions will not receive the rapid security fix, but the fixes will be included in future software updates.

Image from Techcrunch

Some customers have reported difficulty installing the Rapid Security Response update. When tested by TechCrunch on iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices, the updates downloaded but did not immediately install. It is not yet clear what this security update fixes and Apple has not commented on the issue.

Spyware makers QuaDream and NSO Group recently developed new exploits to target iPhone owners worldwide. These exploits took advantage of undisclosed vulnerabilities in Apple’s software, allowing their government clients to steal data from victim devices without detection. Citizen Lab noted that Apple’s Lockdown Mode, a feature introduced last year, successfully blocked one of NSO’s exploits that targeted Apple’s smart home feature. As the new security patch appears to be significant, users should try to update their devices as soon as possible to stay secure.

What to Expect from Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5’s Design?

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The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 will look very similar to the Z Fold 3 and Z Fold 4. The new phone will be slightly shorter but not enough to make a big difference. The cover screen will still be small and hard to use with one hand.

The Z Fold 5 will have a pill-shaped camera bump on the back. The bump will have main, ultra-wide, and 3x telephoto cameras. The flash has been moved to make room for larger image sensors. The Z Fold 5 may share its main camera with the S Ultra series, which could be a 200MP unit from the S23 Ultra.

The hinge is the biggest difference between the Z Fold 4 and the Z Fold 5. The Z Fold 5 will have a teardrop-folding screen, which will eliminate the gap near the hinge and result in a shallower crease. The device will also be thinner at 13.4mm, whereas the Z Fold 4 tapers from 15.8 to 14.2mm.

The Z Fold 5 will have largely identical specs to the Z Fold 4. It will have a 6.2-inch cover screen and a 7.6-inch inner display, both AMOLED with 120Hz adaptive refresh rates. The inner display will be significantly brighter than the current model’s display. It will also have an IPX8 water resistance rating, making it one of the few foldable devices to have this feature.

The Z Fold 5 will have hardware upgrades, including the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, LPDDR5X RAM, and UFS 4.0 storage. The battery capacity has not been mentioned, but it may have a marginal increase from the existing 4,400mAh battery. The Z Fold 5 will likely have Qi wireless charging and faster wired fast charging than the Z Fold 4’s 25W. The Z Fold 5 (and the Z Flip 5) may launch earlier than usual in July instead of August. You can watch a comparison test between the Z Fold 4 and the Oppo Find N2 while waiting for the Z Fold 5’s release.

Get Ready for the Ultimate Gaming Experience: PlayStation 5 Final Fantasy XVI Bundle is Now Available in Malaysia for RM2,339

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The Final Fantasy video game series has been around for over 30 years. The newest game, Final Fantasy XVI, is coming out on June 22, 2023. But, it will only be available on PlayStation 5 at first. Sony is offering a new bundle that includes the game and a PlayStation 5 console. This is a good option if you don’t have a PlayStation 5 yet and want to play the new game right away.

There will be two PlayStation 5 Final Fantasy XVI bundles available: one for the PS5 Digital Edition and one for the PS5 Disc Edition. Each bundle comes with a console, a controller, and a voucher card to download the game. The voucher will be valid until 2038, but you need to create a PlayStation Network account. The bundle also includes a free copy of Astro’s Playroom and bonus items for Final Fantasy XVI, such as the Braveheart weapon, currency, and experience boost accessories.

The bundles will be available from 22 June onwards, the day the game launches. You can buy them from PlayStation-authorized dealers, Sony stores, and other authorized retailers nationwide. The Final Fantasy XVI PS5 Digital bundle will cost RM2,339 and the PS5 Disc bundle will cost RM2,769. If you already have a PlayStation 5, you can pre-order the game on the PlayStation store for RM299.

Revolutionizing Gaming: Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon Game Super Resolution Technology

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Qualcomm announced a new technology for mobile gaming called Snapdragon Game Super Resolution or GSR. It can make games run more efficiently and use less power. Super Resolution is a term used in the gaming industry to upscale video resolution from a lower resolution. NVIDIA and AMD have their own upscaling technologies fortified with AI.

There are techniques that make games look better and use less power by upscaling the resolution from a lower one to a native resolution. Bilinear interpolation (bilerp) is a common technique but it can make graphics look blurry. Other techniques require inputs that aren’t commonly used in mobile rendering pipelines.

Qualcomm’s Game Super Resolution method is similar to other upscaling techniques. However, upscaling from a lower resolution can result in a loss of detail and make graphics look blurry. Unlike NVIDIA and AMD, Qualcomm’s GSR technology doesn’t use AI for post-processing to improve the lack of detail.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Game Super Resolution is currently being used to improve graphics in popular mobile games such as Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, Jade Dynasty: New Fantasy, and Naraka Mobile.

Get Ready for the Launch of ROG Phone 7 in Malaysia

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ASUS unveiled their latest gaming phones, the ROG Phone 7 and Ultimate variant. The local launch for the device is on May 10. There will also be a five-day exhibit for the gaming phone. This means people can try out the phone before buying it. The exhibit is a good opportunity for gamers to experience the phone’s features.

The exhibition will be at Centre Court of Pavilion Bukit Jalil. It will start on May 10 and end on May 14. The exhibition is a showcase for the ASUS ROG Phone 7. People can try out the phone at the exhibition. This is a good way to decide whether to buy the base model or the Ultimate model.

The ASUS ROG Phone 7 comes in two versions: base and Ultimate. Previous generations had four versions, but ASUS simplified it this time. The new phones have had small upgrades over the last generation. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and improved cooling system are the most notable changes. The Ultimate model has an extra vent for even better cooling.

ASUS Malaysia has not revealed the RAM and storage configurations of the ROG Phone 7. The price of the phone is also still a secret. These details will be announced during the launch event. We will have to wait for the launch event to know more about the phone.

Unleash Your Gaming Potential: Razer Launches 2023 Edition of BlackShark V2 Pro

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Razer has a new version of its BlackShark V2 Pro wireless gaming headset. This updated version has a USB-C port to charge the headset. This is important because many devices today use USB-C for charging. Razer’s decision to update the BlackShark V2 Pro with USB-C support is a great improvement. This improvement will be appreciated by those who use devices that charge with USB-C.

The new BlackShark V2 Pro gaming headset has a similar design to its predecessor. It is designed for Esports with a sleek design and steel-reinforced headband. The headset has a unique forked slider that provides greater flexibility and comfort, no matter how big your head is. The earcups have Razer’s Ultra-soft Flowknit memory foam cushions that provide breathability and keep your head cool, even on hot days.

The BlackShark V2 Pro has two 50mm titanium-coated diaphragms for better sound quality. The battery life has been improved, and it can run for 70 hours continuously on a single charge. It uses Razer’s 2.4GHz Hyperspeed Wireless technology for a low-latency connection because it’s wireless. The headset still has the same 7.1 THX Spatial Audio surround sound.

The new BlackShark V2 Pro has a detachable super wideband microphone for better voice quality. The microphone can transmit a lot of detail in your voice, making it ideal for Esports. The microphone allows for players to communicate with their teammates without any intermittent cutoffs. The BlackShark V2 Pro is already available and costs US$199.99 (~RM892). The local pricing is not yet available at the time of writing.

Maxis to Block SMS Links Starting May 2, 2023, in Effort to Combat Online Scams

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The Malaysian government wants to stop online scams, so they told telcos to block links sent through SMS. Maxis is the first telco to follow this rule and will start blocking SMS links from May 2, 2023.

Maxis is doing this to protect users from online scams. The block will apply to SMS sent or received from both local and international phone numbers.

After May 2, 2023, you won’t be able to send or receive SMS with links to other mobile numbers. If you try to send a link, the SMS will be blocked and returned as failed, and you won’t be charged for it.

The block will happen in stages, starting with SMS between individuals. Later, an SMS containing links sent by businesses via shortcodes will be blocked too. These businesses will be notified when this happens.

Maxis recommends sharing links through social apps or messaging platforms like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, instead of SMS. They also warn users not to click on links from strangers, and to use official apps or websites for banking and eWallets.

Scammers are using phishing tactics to trick people into giving away their credentials and OTPs for online banking and eWallets. Scams include fake compensation for TNB blackouts, free cash aid from MySejahtera, and free eWallet credit for B40/M40. These scams are very convincing, and victims may not realize they’re entering their details on a fake website.

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has directed financial institutions to implement stricter security measures to prevent scams. Touch ‘n Go eWallet is the first eWallet to implement BNM’s recommended security measures. BNM has advised moving away from SMS-based OTP and implementing a cooling-off period to prevent scammers from accessing an account on a new device. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a scam, you can contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997.

Petronas Legacy AC Chargers Decommissioned for ChargEV, Exciting EV Roaming on the Horizon

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ChargEV is going to replace some older AC chargers located at 18 Petronas stations. This is to make the charging experience better for electric car drivers. They have provided a list of which chargers will be replaced. These chargers are located in the Central and Eastern regions of Malaysia.

ChargEV wants to upgrade its AC chargers to improve the charging experience for all EV drivers. To do this, they need to remove the old chargers. They are trying to make sure the upgrade process won’t cause any problems with their service.

Most of the old AC chargers used by ChargEV require a physical card to activate. Nowadays, most EV chargers can be activated with a smartphone app. ChargEV is working on a collaboration with Gentari and JomCharge chargers. This means users can use the ChargEV app to find and activate other DC chargers at Petronas stations. This will give users access to more chargers in one app. The cross-access charging between ChargEV, Gentari, and JomCharge is expected to be completed by June 2023.