SUNDAY STAR, 6 DECEMBER 2015

special

TECH WORLD

Create,
share,
connect

SUNDAY STAR, 6 DECEMBER 2015

2 tech world

AS a leading telecommunications
provider, Digi takes pride in
providing the best solutions for
all your mobile needs.
Digi was the first
telecommunications company in
Malaysia to operate a fully digital
cellular network in 1995.
Twenty years on, it continues
to design and implement
innovative measures to
continuously provide better
mobile voice, Internet and digital
services to approximately 11
million customers across the
nation.

Digi SmartPlan 65
In its latest bid to provide best
service, Digi presents its most
affordable postpaid plan with

Bringing people together

3GB Internet, unlimited calls to
all networks and unlimited text
messages to three friends also
on a Digi plan at only RM65 per
month.
With the Internet plan comes
music freedom access to all the
top music mobile applications,
which include Apple Music, JOOX,
Spotify and MixRadio. This will
allow you to listen to all your
favourite music anytime,
anywhere at no Internet charge.
You also never have to worry
about losing or having to delete
pictures again

with the 30GB free photo and video

storage on Capture cloud.
Keep important information
and essential memories safe at
no additional charge.

Linked to your
online world
Communication is easy, fast
and affordable as you get to use
unlimited WhatsApp and WeChat.
Exhausted your quota too
soon? Worry not as you can even
continue using these applications
at regular speed after you have

reached your quota.

Movie buffs will also enjoy 60
days of full access to movies on
iFlix sponsored by Digi.
Running out of data will not be
a problem too, as you can top up
1GB Internet at a small fee of RM8,
and it will be valid for two days.
Thanks to direct billing on
Google Play, you will also be able to
securely make in-app purchases or
get apps on the Google Play Store,
and pay via Digi.
No more credit cards will be
required because of this nifty
function.

Enjoy the postpaid plan that

gives you unlimited calls to all
networks and 3GB of 4G LTE
(long-term evolution) Internet
and sign up as soon as possible as
the offer only lasts for a limited
time.
Rest assured that you will see
some of the best mobile plans in
the future
At Digi, they just cant get
enough of giving the people
more.

n For more information,

visit digi.my/smartplan65

Network upgrades progress

DIGI makes it its aim to deliver
Internet without barriers,
providing the right combination
of devices and plans that match
its commitment to value.
In keeping with this, the local
telecommunications giant
constantly upgrades and
improves on network
connectivity and coverage in all
parts of the country.
True to its title of Malaysias
widest 4G LTE (long-term
evolution) network provider, Digi
has successfully expanded its 4G
LTE network to cover 60% of the
nations population.
This consists of an impressive
80 major cities and secondary
towns.

Widening coverage
Digi plans to roll out an
additional 1,500 cell tower sites
by the end of the year to further
solidify and enhance its existing
extensive network position.
Thanks to previous efforts,
customers in key areas such as

the Klang Valley, Penang, Perak,

Kuantan, Johor Baru, Kota
Kinabalu and Kuching can expect a
consistent and steady Internet
experience with data speed of up
to 5Mbps 80% of the time. On top
of that, they will be able to enjoy
99.9% accessibility to 4G LTE
services.
Digis 4G networks also support
1,800MHz and 2,600MHz base
bands, which ensure customers
consistently experience higher
Internet speeds with improved
coverage both indoors and
outdoors.
These are in keeping with Digis
philosophy that the best mobile
Internet networks should provide
consistent speeds and not just
average experiences that barely
carry us through day-to-day
activities.
Over the past three years, Digi
has invested RM2.3bil in capital
expenditure primarily to expand
and improve on its network.
This year, it has committed an
additional RM900mil to further
support its promise to strengthen

its network and deliver Internet for

all Malaysians.
This includes plans to
aggressively double the 4G LTE
sites rolled out in this past year to
widen its reach.
On top of impressive 4G LTE and
4G LTE-A (advanced) offerings, Digi
is working to bring Voice over LTE
(VoLTE) and Voice over Wi-Fi
(VoWiFi) services and compatible
4G LTE smartphones to customers
within sometime next year.
With greater connectivity and
better broadband speed, these
functions will undoubtedly
enhance the overall
communicative experience.
VoLTE will improve Internet
call experiences for customers
with higher quality audio, faster
call connections and simultaneous
use of data, while VoWiFi will
help customers enjoy improved
indoor coverage.

In your hands
In what can be considered a
testament of its dedication to

Digis commitment to providing better Internet makes communication fast,

easy and fun.

customer satisfaction, Digi

recently launched its
#DigiWeWant4G Twitter campaign
that seeks to put customers in
control of rolling
out the latest network.
This is done by collecting
customer input on where they
want new 4G LTE towers. Top 10
areas that receive the most hashtagged tweets at the end of the
campaign will be fitted with brand

new cell towers.

Digi sums up this campaign as
You Tweet, We Build, which is
a true reflection of how excellent
customer experience is central to
its business ethos.
To participate, simply tweet
#DigiWeWant4G followed by
the location you want to have
4G coverage, for example:
#DigiWeWant4G in #Kemaman
#Terengganu.

SUNDAY STAR, 6 DECEMBER 2015

SUNDAY STAR, 6 DECEMBER 2015

4 tech world

The Bose
SoundLink
Color is a
compact
yet
powerful
speaker.

The music lover

Your holiday
gift guide
By DELIA AHMAD
THE holidays are here, and with
Christmas around the corner, there
is a long list of people to get gifts for.
You could go for the easy choices
bath and beauty products or socks
but someone you care about surely
deserves a gift with a little more
thought put into it.

The adventurer

What do you give the

person who prefers
spending their time in
nature? An action camera to
record their adventures will
certainly be useful; it will
not only help them keep
track of what they have
done, they will have
evidence to back up all the
stuff they brag about.
But how about something
different something that
will enable them to go off
the beaten track without
buying a four-wheel drive
vehicle?

l Segway x2 Adventure
Segway claims to be a
leader in personal green
transportation, so what
better way to take this
literally than to go off-road
with your Segway?
The x2 Adventure model
is specially equipped for offroad terrain with deeply
treaded
all-terrain tyres.
The best adaptation is its
dynamic stabilisation
technology, which,
combined with its higher
ground clearance and wider
track, means that this
Segway can conquer
uneven terrain.
This model can go
19km on a single charge
and is easily dismantled
for transport in a vehicle.
Find out where to get
one in Malaysia at
www.segway.my

Good music has never been

more accessible, but to really
enjoy it you need good
speakers.
A computers built-in
speakers can only take you so
far, so portable speakers are a
great gift for the music lover.
They can be packed away
and transported with a laptop
and will not take up too much
space next to a desktop.
l Bose SoundLink Color
This Bluetooth speaker is small
it measures 13.5 x 12 x 5cm and
weighs about 500g but provides
quite a full-bodied sound.
Compared to other speakers of
a similar size, it can get louder,
bringing a richer bass for a fuller
sound.
The SoundLink Colors wireless
range is almost 10m, which is

The Canon EOS

5D Mark II is
perfect for
shutterbugs.

The artist

There is not one-size-fit-all when it

comes to technology and gadgets;
something that will suit your best
friends lifestyle perfectly may make
no sense at all to your mother and
vice versa.
Tech World trawls through the
infinite mass of technology available
to find you gift ideas for the different
people in your life.

Use the TomTom

Bandit to capture
exciting moments.

The Segway x2
Adventure
revolutionises
off-road
adventure.

great for
big spaces.
Unfortunately, it is not
weather-proof. It also has an AUXin port. It has a battery life of
eight hours and is charged via
micro USB cable.
The fun thing about this
speaker is that it comes in a
variety of bright colours, or black
for your more sombre friends.
The Bose SoundLink Color is
available on Amazon or at Atlas
Sound & Vision in Malaysia
www.atlasestore.my

TomTom Bandit
Most people may have
one version or another of
the GoPro action camera,
but the TomTom Bandit can
give GoPro a run for its
money.
In fact, this small camera
contains features that many
other actions cameras do
not. The Bandit has a series
of sensors that record
location, speed and even
G-force; when the sensors
pick up something exciting
happening, they
automatically tag the
footage with the relevant
information.
Perhaps even better,
editing and uploading
footage is incredibly
easy with the Bandits
unique shake-to-edit
feature.
When connected to
your smartphone
through its app, a quick
shake of your phone
will prompt the app to
automatically edit
your footage.
Find out where to
Modern
get one at
artists will
www.tomtom.com

appreciate
the
Wacom
Cintiq
13HD.

With modern
technology, taking
photos is made so easy
that almost everyone
seems to be a
photographer. But if
you are looking for a
serious gift for someone
whose hobby goes far
beyond Instagram, the
right camera can be just the
thing.
A creative person needs proper
hard tech with which to carry out
their projects, be it creating art or
designing graphics. Something
portable is a bonus because they
can go wherever their imagination
takes them.
l Canon EOS 5D Mark II
This digital single-lens reflex
(DSLR) camera is considered to be
the successor of Canons EOS 5D,
and it certainly goes a few steps
further than its predecessor.
It has a 21.1-megapixel fullframe 36 x 24mm CMOS sensor,
live shooting on a three-inch LCD
monitor with a resolution of
920,000 dots, an advanced DIGIC 4
processing engine, 1080-pixel HD
video recording with a connection
for an external microphone and an

extended maximum ISO setting of

25,600.
The controls feature Canons
usual two-wheel system, which
makes it easy for loyal Canon
users. One of its new features is the
option to keep track of the charge
level and overall condition of
several batteries. The charge level
can now be shown as a percentage.
This camera is for people who
are very serious about
photography and who want the
best; this fact is certainly reflected
in its price. So only get this for
someone who really knows what
they are doing and who you really
like.
Find out more about the camera
at www.canon.com.my

l Wacom Cintiq 13HD

Digital drawing tablets have
been around for some time. They
are basically a tablet with software
that enables the user to hand draw
graphics with a special stylus just
as how they would draw with
pencil and paper.

The Cintiq 13HD is a tablet

monitor that allows the user
to draw directly on the
screen.
The Cintiq brand is
considered top-of-the-line
by many illustrators and
designers and this
particular device is no
different.
It has a highresolution 13.3-inch,
1920 x 1080 display that
can render 16.7 million
colours and offers 2,048 levels of
pressure sensitivity. That will
certainly blow the mind of any
digital artist.
Wacom digital drawing tablets
are available at digital technology
outlets and online stores.

> SEE ALSO NEXT PAGE

SUNDAY STAR, 6 DECEMBER 2015

BUYING a tech gift for someone in

your life who has specific tastes
can be difficult. Something that
you think is useful may not excite
their interest at all.
Here, Tech World tries to get into
their heads and offers you a few
ideas for tech gifts this holiday
season.

tech world 5

Something for everyone

The SegBoard.

The pop culture expert

If you are trying to find a tech
gift for someone who rides the
edge of the in wave, any old
technology will not do.
They need something that can
suit their up-to-date tastes, serve a
useful purpose and look cool at the
same time.
l SegBoard
Almost everyone knows what a
Segway is; a SegBoard is its cooler
younger brother.
Basically a Segway without the
central column and handlebars,
the SegBoard is almost as futuristic
and as close as you can get to an
actual hoverboard.
The SegBoards foot pads are
packed with motion sensors that
are able to recognise slight
movements and as little as an
ounce of pressure from the users
foot.
To manoeuvre the board, this
data is computed by a central unit
and translated into direction and
speed.
SegBoards (and various models
of swegways) are available for
purchase online.

during indoor flight.

It also comes with
global positioning
system so that the
drone is aware of
its location relative
to the controller.
DJI Phantom
Quadcopters and other
drones are available online in
Malaysia.

The Microsoft HoloLens allows

you to see high-definition
holograms projected and
integrated with the real world.

The geek
l DJI Phantom 3 Quadcopter
Drones are steadily gaining
popularity, which is no surprise
because they are uber cool. Even
better are drones that come with a
camera, allowing you not just to
control your own little flying robot
but to capture aerial film footage
as well.
The DJI Phantom series is at the
higher end of the market there
are other flying cameras that are
more affordable but the devices
advanced systems are worth the
money.
The DJI Phantom 3 Advanced
Quadcopter has a gimbal stabilised
1080p60 camera that takes 12MP
still photos and the drone comes
with a vision sensor to assist

All of us have some kind of

geek in our lives, whether their
interest lies in technology, science
(fiction or otherwise) or the written
word.
What they need is technology to
inspire and fire their imaginations.
l Microsoft HoloLens
This tech gadget is so new it has
not even been released yet. Pegged
as the future of holographic
computing the HoloLens is the
first fully untethered holographic
computer.
The device comes in the form of
a large pair of glasses that you
wear to see the high-definition
holograms that it projects to
integrate with the real world,
providing a unique augmented
reality experience.
The HoloLens contains more

computing power than the average

laptop and its optical sensors
work in step with advanced
sensors, enabling users to use the
holograms to visualise things in
real spaces.
Find out more or get the
development edition (out in the
first quarter of next year) at
www.microsoft.com

l Celestron Astromaster
130EQ-MD (Motor Drive)
Telescope
Sometimes, old-school
technology (updated to modern
times) is the best thing a person
can receive.
This telescope is great for the
beginner stargazer. It is quite basic
and thus easy to handle but still
sturdy.

The Astromaster 130EQ-MD is a

Newtonian reflector, meaning it
uses a concave primary mirror and
a flat secondary mirror to focus
and reflect images.
The 130mm mirror and 650 focal
length have enough magnification
and light-gathering ability to
enable users to view details of the
lunar surface, the rings of Saturn
and even a number of deep-sky
targets, including the Great Nebula
in Orion.
This is a dual-purpose telescope,
so it can be used for both
terrestrial and celestial viewing.
Its motor drive enables automatic
tracking it can track celestial
bodies across the sky.
This telescope and other
beginner ones are available online
or at astronomy shops in Malaysia.

SUNDAY STAR, 6 DECEMBER 2015

6 tech world

FROM the 1940s to the early 1990s,

mobile telephones in automobiles
required people to hold a chunky
and corded handset that was
connected to the cars dashboard.
Now, the latest production
models allow you to easily make
and answer phone calls while still
having your eyes on the road and
both hands firmly on the steering
wheel.
All you need to do is link your
mobile phone via Bluetooth to the
cars on-board unit and use the
cars voice-activated features to
scroll through your contacts and
prompt you when you receive an
incoming call.
This can be done while your
mobile phone is safely kept in your
handbag or pocket.
Technology in automobiles have
advanced tremendously over the
years and automakers are
constantly finding new ways to
make the driving experience
easier, more convenient and, most
importantly, safer.
Here are some of the latest
technological features available in
the market or that will soon be
available in many production cars
in the near future:

Smarter interface
Car makers have taken
advantage of the high usage of
mobile phones by collaborating
with telecommunications
companies to install infotainment

Advancement on wheels

The smartwatch app allows drivers

to control some car functions.

packages that are adaptable to

your mobile phone, such as
Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and
MirrorLink.
In short, drivers are able to use
the functionality of their mobile
phones on the dashboards unit.
Global positioning system
navigation, music control,
telephony, messaging composition
and playback and web search
are some of the supported
functionalities that help to
influence car sales.

Driver assistance
If you think advanced safety
technologies are only available

in supercars or luxury models,

think again.
Adaptive cruise control, forward
collision warning systems,
lane-keeping assist and even
autonomous braking that slows
the car if the drivers fail to
brake are some of the safety
features introduced to the
mass-market lineup.
The extensive use of sensors
around cars also provides
drivers with rear traffic alert,
lane departure warning and alerts
drivers of objects hidden in the
drivers blind spot.
These alerts range from sounds
and vibrational pulses through the
car seat to flashing lights on the
windscreen.

Smartwatch app
This year, car companies such
as Hyundai, Volvo and Ford have
launched a smartwatch application
that enables car owners to control
and access some of the cars
functions from his wrist.
Available for selected electric
and plug-in hybrid models, drivers
with an Apple Watch or Android
Wear smartwatch are able to
check the battery status and the
estimated driving range of

The Strati
3D-printed car.

the car, control the airconditioning, lock and unlock

the car and follow directions to
where their car is parked.
The app provides a personal
driving score that indicates the
drivers average miles to the gallon,
distance travelled and the fuel
efficiency of the owners driving
style.

3D-printed cars
Why settle for technological
gadgets when you can have a
modern and advanced vehicle?
At the North American
International Auto Show early this
year, American company Local

Motors 3D printed, assembled,

debuted and drove the worlds
first 3D-printed car live from
the exhibition floor.
Every part of the batterypowered Strati that was not
mechanically involved in making
the car run such as the powertrain,
suspension and brakes were
printed in front of visitors in
44 hours.
The 3D-printed parts were made
of thermoplastic and carbon fibre.
This feat is even more
impressive considering the design
was sourced from an online
co-creation community and
became a reality in less than
a year.

SUNDAY STAR, 6 DECEMBER 2015

tech world 7

Effective IT
solutions

Project your life

VIEW all your favourite media in large
screen format up to 120 inches by
connecting the Philips PicoPix pocket
projector to your devices.
Enjoy the convenience of cable-free
connection with Wi-Fi and DLNA (digital
living network alliance) functionality. The
new pocket projector with Wi-Fi function
connects to the Internet and allows you to
view your favourite videos or websites.
It also comes with excellent image quality,
allowing you to project high-definition
videos and images up to 120 inches in size.
Its SmartEngine with LED technology gives
brilliant colours and high contrast,
providing a great user experience.
The Philips PicoPix pocket projector also
has wireless connectivity, allowing you to
connect wirelessly with other devices within
a network and set up your own network to
connect to other devices.
The pocket projector is also portable. It
has an internal battery allowing playtime
for up to two hours. You can also play
videos directly from your SD card or

Specifications
Brightness:
Up to 140 lumens
with AC
Up to 60 lumens
in battery mode
Native resolution:
854 x 480 pixels
Operating system:
Android 2.3.1
Screen size
(diagonal): 12
inches to 120
inches

Screen distance:
0.5m to 5.0m
Internal memory:
4GB
Integrated MP4
player
Integrated
TouchPad for easy
navigation
Integrated O_ce/
PDF viewer
Light source: RGB,
LED

USB stick.
You can also go online with the pocket
projector to share web content such as
YouTube videos.

n For more information, visit

www.philips.com.my

SNS NETWORK (M) Sdn Bhd is confident that

it will be part of the exciting growth of the
information and communications technology
(ICT) arena.
Managing director Ko Yun Hung says that
to stay on top of the game, the company
needs to keep up with the rapid changes of
the information technology world.
The environment is extremely
competitive and we cannot compete to be
the best based on price but instead rely on
the strength of our service and the uptake of
change, he says.
Moving forward, SNS Network will
concentrate on ensuring that clients receive
the best of service, consultation and
education from their network of 32 branches
in peninsular Malaysia.
The company brands itself as a one-stop
centre offering comprehensive ICT solutions
and focusing on five core business sectors:
ICT sales and services focusing on
hardware, software and ICT infrastructure
design
Be a reseller to end users representing
various major brands such as Intel,
Microsoft, Samsung and Apple
Bring digital classrooms to all levels of
education
Corporate ICT systems and requirements
ICT needs of small-and-medium industry
and small-and-medium enterprise

SNS Network provides a range of ICT products.

SNS Networks priority is to offer the best

service possible to help uncover and meet
the ICT needs of customers.
With the rapid changes and advancement
experienced in the ICT world, we as vendors
and service providers play a role of
educating customers and bringing new
technology to them, says Ko.
SNS Network has its headquarters in Ipoh.
Within its brand new building is a service
centre that services ICT products across
various brands, including Apple and
Samsung.
The headquarters also acts as a retail
centre and its doors are open to the public
who can walk in to experience the products
on display for themselves.
Although it may seem as if we have made
great strides in this world of ICT, we are
actually just at the beginning of this journey,
Ko says, expounding on the potential of
technology in various spheres of life.
As for SNS, our goal is to continually be
an essential provider of ICT solutions,
growing in tandem with the exciting
possibilities of technology.

n For more information,

visit www.sns.com.my

SUNDAY STAR, 6 DECEMBER 2015

8 tech world

Hi-tech
watch for
modern era
CASIO Computer Co Ltd is
well known for its hi-tech,
carefully designed watches.
The latest addition to its
G-Shock MT-G line of shockresistant watches, the MTGG1000D is in keeping with
the refined look that has
made the MT-G line so
popular with watch
aficionados.
This new model is
equipped with Casios
revolutionary GPS Hybrid
Wave Ceptor time-keeping
system, enabling it to receive
global positioning system
(GPS) satellite signals and
radio wave time-calibration
signals.
The MTG-G1000D joins
Casios list of watches that
has this capability.
Last year, Casio released
various watches in its
G-Shock and Oceanus lines
based on its Global Time Sync
development concept.
Also last year, Casio
released new Edifice models
that are able to synchronise
with the time displayed on
the users smartphone.
With their hi-tech designs
and capability to easily adjust
to local time anywhere in the

world, the models in the

latter three ranges have been
steadily gaining acclaim as
the preferred analogue
watches for a global era.
The new models that Casio
has added to its MT-G series
are set to take their place
among this impressive lineup. In terms of design, they
feature both comfortable-towear resin and beautiful and
refined metal finishes.
The new watches are also
equipped with Casios Dual
Coil Motor.
This motor enables the
watch hands in the inset dial
to move at high speed both
clockwise and counterclockwise from the six-oclock
position, allowing quick and
easy adjustments to the time
shown when world time
functions are used.
This means that the users
home time and world time
can also be instantly
switched between the main
dial and inset dial just by
pressing the button on the
upper right hand corner of
the watch.
Casio has refined its Core
Guard Structure especially
for these MT-G watches.

The MTG-G1000D watches feature hi-tech designs and

capability.

Four stainless-steel pipes

form a metal frame and join
the bezel securely with the
case back.
A resin case is mounted
inside the frame to protect
the module from direct
shocks.
This Core Guard Structure
with its metal frame mirrors
is the basic G-Shock concept
of a hollow structure in
which the module is floated
in the air with support at just
a few points.
By shaping parts to protect
the module and adopting a
new spring-like fine resin
sheet as a cushioning
material, Casio has improved
the watch surfaces resistance
to shocks.
The MTG-G1000D watches
come with brilliantly finished
Sallaz-polished cases and
sapphire glass with nonreflective coating for the
watch faces.
This combination of
strength, beauty and
accuracy makes the new
MTG-G1000D models perfect
for the global traveller.

n For more information,

visit www.casio-intl.com

Model

City code
ring colour

MTG-G1000D-1A2

Blue

MTG-G1000D-1A

Black

Specifications
Construction

Triple G Resist (shock-resistant, resistant to centrifugal

gravitational force and vibration-resistant)

Water resistance

200m

GPS signal frequency

1575.42MHz

Radio frequency

77.5kHz (DCF77: Germany); 60kHz (MSF: UK); 60kHz

(WWVB: USA); 40kHz (JJY: Fukushima, Japan) / 60kHz
JJY: Kyushu, Japan); 68.5kHz (BPC: China)

Radio wave reception

Automatic reception up to six times a day (except for use

in China: up to five times a day)

World time

Standard time for 27 cities (40 time zones; daylight saving

on/off; daylight saving time (summer time) auto switching);
Coordinated Universal Time; home time/world time
switching; direct access to Coordinated Universal Time

Stopwatch

Measuring unit: 1 second; measuring capacity: 24 hours

Countdown timer

Measuring unit: 1 second; countdown range: 1 minute

to 24 hours

Alarm

One independent daily alarm

Other functions

Automatic hand correction (hour hand and second hand),

battery recharge warning, day and date display,
full auto-calendar, LED light (super illuminator)

Power source

Tough Solar power system (solar-charging system)

Continuous operation

About 19 months with the power-saving function on after

full charge (power-saving after a certain period in a
dark location)

Size of case

Approximately 58.8 54.7 16.9mm

Total weight

Approximately 198g

The MTG-G1000D watches are finished with comfortable-towear resin.

The watch is an ideal companion for global travellers.

SUNDAY STAR, 6 DECEMBER 2015

SUNDAY STAR, 6 DECEMBER 2015

10 tech world

Good value for great gadgets

WIRELESS communication has come a long
way and continues to evolve, hardly
displaying signs of slowing down.
One of the most prominent features of
smartphones today is mobile Internet
connectivity, which improves at such a fast
pace that by the time your smartphone is a
year old, it may be already using outdated
technology.
Be on top of your mobile Internet game
with the latest LTE (long-term evolution)
technology, which meets growing demand
for speedy Internet by improving wireless
broadband speeds.
Devices with the latest technology are
often more expensive,
but with Digi offering
LTE smartphones from
as low as RM27 per
month with zero cash
payment upfront, you
could hold a piece of
the future in your
hands too.
All models are
available under Digis
0% interest, 24-month
Easy Payment Plan
with zero cash
payment upfront.
Asus Zenfone
2 Laser
(ZE550KL).

could be yours for just RM27 per

Asus Zenfone 2 Laser
month.
(ZE550KL)
This affordable 4G phone
Asus Zenfone Selfie
won the 2015 iF Design Award,
(ZD551KL)
an esteemed hallmark of
Selfie lovers rejoice, because
design excellence.
Asus has just the phone for you.
Powered by a 1.2GHz quadBoth front and rear cameras
core Qualcomm Snapdragon
boast 13-megapixel definition
410 processor with 2GB RAM
the latter with f/2.0 aperture
and 16GB internal memory
and laser autofocus that
(which can be expanded via a
ensures excellent indoor and
micro SD to up to 128GB), this
close-up shots, and the former
devices most outstanding feature
with f/2.2 aperture, 88-degreee
is its laser-guided autofocus
Asus Zenfone
wide-angle field of view for
system.
Selfie (ZD551KL).
wider selfie shots.
The smartphone also accepts
On top of that, the cameras
two micro-SIMs and has dualhave 5P Largan lenses,
SIM 4G+4G capacity. Its
Toshiba sensors, blue glass
dimensions are 152.5 x 77.2 x
filters, and dual-tone LED
10.8mm (height x weight x
flashes for more precise,
thickness) and weighs 170g.
stunning pictures.
The Laser comes with a 5.5-inch
Notable photography features include the
IPS (in-plane switching) touchscreen
standard automatic mode, detailed manual
strengthened with Gorilla Glass 4, which
mode, HDR (high dynamic range), panorama,
has 267 pixels per inch resolution.
smart remove, slow motion, GIF animation
The 13-megapixel rear camera with dual
and time lapse.
LED flash and laser focus is complemented
These apply to both front and rear
by a five-megapixel front camera for
cameras, and the front camera comes with a
excellent selfies.
nifty selfie panorama option with sliding selfOffering Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and microUSB
timer revolutionising intuitive, self-timed
functions, this Asus phone also has a
shots.
3,000mAh removable battery.
A derivative of the successful Zenfone 2
It runs on Android Lollipop 5 with Asus
line, this unique gadget comes with a
Zen UI front-end touch interface. This Laser
Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor, 3GB
RAM and a 32GB storage that can be
expanded to 64GB using a micro SD.
Other functions available are 3G, LTE,
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS (global positioning
system), A-GPS (assisted GPS) and GLONASS
(the Russian global navigation satellite
system or a version of the GPS) functions.
Completing the package is a 5.5-inch full
HD display at 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution
with Corning Gorilla Glass 4.
The Selfie runs on Android Lollipop and is
powered by a 3,000mAh battery. Get it now
for only RM36 per month.
Xiaomi Mi Note
This smartphone is a combination of the
most advanced technologies a powerful
processor, professional-grade optical image
stabilisation, Hi-Fi audio module, and highcontrast negative LCD technology all in a
light and slim body.
Xiaomi Mi Note uses a 2.5GHz quadcore
Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, has
3GB RAM and 16GB internal storage.
Measuring 155.1 x 77.6 x 7mm and
weighing 161g, this phone also comes with a
13-megapixel primary camera and fourmegapixel front shooter for selfies.
It comes with a 5.7-inch touchscreen
display with 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution at
386 pixels per inch, protected by Corning
Gorilla Glass 3.
Dual SIM
function is
diversified with
micro-SIM and
nano-SIM slots as
well as dual
standby function.
The Xiaomi Mi
Note runs on
Android 4.4
KitKat powered
by a 3,000mAh
battery and is
available at only
RM59 monthly.
Xiaomi Mi
Note.

Xiaomi
Mi Note.

Samsung Galaxy Note 5

Samsungs popular offering is known for
its premium look and feel, super-fast
processor and improved camera, combined
with a new glass and metal design that
reflects the solid construction of the
Samsung Galaxy S6.
Its most outstanding feature is the
exclusive S Pen stylus, which makes notetaking on the 5.7-inch touch screen (with
518 pixel per inch resolution) a breeze.
Powered by the 1.5GHz octacore Exynos
7429 processor and enhanced by a 4GB RAM
and 32GB internal storage, the Note 5
promises faster and stronger performance.
It packs a 16-megapixel primary rear
camera and five-megapixel front shooter to
boot. Externally, it measures at 153.2 x 76.1 x
7.6mm (height x width x thickness).
Internally, it is powered by a 3,000mAh
non-removable battery.
Overall, it weighs 171g and runs on
Android 5.1.1.
Get it today for
just RM91 per
month.
Samsung
Samsung
Galaxy S6 Edge+
Galaxy S6
Launched
Edge+.
simultaneously
with the Note 5,
the Galaxy S6
Edge+ is of
similar build
and quality
though it is
noticeably
sleeker at first
glance.
It features
revolutionary seamless dual-edge
display, which offers an immersive
entertainment experience.
Side screens prove to be useful with
dedicated apps running along the edges
instead of the limited contact apps and
others on the Galaxy S6 Edge.
The 16-megapixel rear camera captures
sharp, clear images even in low light and is
complemented by a five-megapixel front
camera.
Measuring 154 x 76 x 6.9mm and
weighing 153g, the Galaxy S6 Edge+ also
uses built-in wireless charging technology,
an Exynos 7420 octacore processor,
4GB RAM and 32GB storage.
Admirable display is part of the package
thanks to the 5.7-inch Quad HD Super
AMOLED display, which offers a resolution
of 518 pixels per inch.
This 3G, Cat 6 LTE phone effortlessly
executes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, A-GPS, and
NFC (Near Field Communications) functions.
The Galaxy S6 Edge+ runs on Android 5.1
Lollipop and a 3,000mAh battery. It could be
yours for just RM106 a month.

SUNDAY STAR, 6 DECEMBER 2015

tech world 11

The Aspire E series comes

in different colours to suit
individual taste.

Ideal for
everyday use
THE Aspire E Series family is
introducing two new models in
Malaysia the Aspire E14 and
Aspire E15.
Famed for being practical and
solid, the Aspire E Series laptop is
ideal for everyday performance.
The Aspire E Series comes in
four trendy colours to suit every
personality.
It also features the new textile
pattern on the cover and underside
cover design that is part of
Acers innovation practice in
exuding a sense of sophistication
for the user.
The new Aspire E Series

supports up to three times faster

802.11ac wireless speeds with
Qualcomm MU | EFX MU-MIMO
(multiple-user, multiple-input and
multiple-output) technology, which
enables multiple users to
simultaneously access the same
channel.
The Acer Aspire is Skypecertified and delivers lifelike
surround sound with the Acer
True Harmony technology.

n For more information,

call 1800 881 288, e-mail
ama.marcom@acer.com or
visit www.acer.com.my

The specifications for the Aspire E Series are as follows:

Aspire E14 / i5-6200 / 4GB DDR3L

/ 1TB / Nvidia 920 2GB / 802.11ac /
high-definition (HD) webcam /
14-inch HD LED / W10 / charcoal
grey

4GB DDR3L RAM (4GB x 1

upgradable to 8GB DDR3L x 2)
1TB SATA hard disk drive
Gigabit Ethernet, Wake-on-LAN
ready

Estimated battery life: Up to five

hours

Windows 10 Home 64-bit

Wireless-AC, 802.11 ac/a/b/g/n

wireless LAN (local area
network)-supporting MU-MIMO
technology

HDMI (high-definition multimedia

interface) port with HDCP (high-bandwidth digital content
protection) support and VGA (video
graphics array) port

Intel Core i5-6200U processor

(3MB L3 cache, 2.3GHz with turbo
boost up to 2.8GHz, DDR3L
1,600MHz, 15W), supporting
Intel 64 architecture, Intel Smart
Cache
Nvidia GeForce 920M with 2GB of
dedicated DDR3 VRAM, supporting
Nvidia CUDA, PhysX, PureVideo HD
technology, OpenEXR high-dynamic
range (HDR) technology, Shader
Model 5.0, Microsoft DirectX 11.2,
OpenGL 4.4, OpenCL 1.1
14-inch HD 1366 x 768 pixel
resolution, Acer CineCrystal LED

A nod to
the future
FROM compact handheld devices to
large structural innovations, we are
constantly seeing new technology
introduced into the market.
These technologies not only
improve the lives of humanity but
are also capable of boosting national
economies.
Here are some of the technological
products introduced around the world
this year.

Look, no hands
Semi-automated or fully automated public
rail systems are common in many countries
but the town council in Trikala, Greece, has
introduced driverless buses.
Part of a European Union-funded trial
project called CityMobil2, these automated
vehicles are able to operate on normal
roads surrounded by cars, bicyclists and
pedestrians instead of on segregated lanes.
Although special laws were passed to
make way for the project, it is a good
indication of how a fully automated
transportation system can be introduced
into public infrastructure.

Doctor on the skin

Researchers from the University of
Illinois have developed a thin electronic
sensor strip that can measure blood flow
and pick up slight temperature increases
in each pulse of blood just from being
stuck onto your skin or implanted onto
tissue.
Made of thin metallic wires and a central
sensor coated in silicone, the device
produces accurate readings of blood flow
that can be viewed on a computer via a
thin cable.

The CityMobil2 is an
automated vehicle.

The device is a big improvement from the

bulky and uncomfortable ones currently
used in healthcare facilities.
Should a wireless or Bluetooth version
be produced in the future, the device
could be used directly on internal organs,
revolutionising the medical industry.

Remote construction
Smart Construction is a new project by
Japanese construction and mining
equipment company Komatsu and United
States drone maker Skycatch that brings
cloud computing to a new level.
The Skycatch drone first flies over the
construction site to take pictures of the
ground and stitch these pictures to form
a 3D map.
Site planners will then enter the
information of the areas of earth they want
moved, the areas to be left untouched and
how the next stage of construction should
look like into a special program.
Komatsus excavators and bulldozers will
then drive and move earth by themselves
under the supervision of a human
controller or manager.
This high level of drone mapping
significantly reduces the amount of time
needed to survey the entire area compared
to the traditional manual process.

8X DVD Super Multi Plus Drive

(M-DISC Ready Drive)
Multi-gesture touchpad,
supporting two-finger scroll
and pinch. Swipes access charms,
application commands and
previous applications
Acer Crystal Eye HD webcam,
1,280 x 720 pixel resolution
37Wh 2,500mAh 14.8V four-cell
lithium ion battery pack

SD (Secure Digital) card reader

Two USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0 ports

Size: 343 (width) x 245 (depth) x 24.9

(height) mm
Weight: 2.1kg
Three-year local warranty
Free: Acer-designed backpack
Colour: Charcoal grey, ocean blue
and sandy brown
Recommended retail price: RM2,099

SUNDAY STAR, 6 DECEMBER 2015

12 tech world

Ultra-slim and stylish notebook

THE incredibly portable Vostro 14
5000 Series ultra-mobile notebooks
from Dell are perfect for on-the-go
individuals who want an easy,
efficient and convenient laptop for
work.
The notebooks sixth-generation
Intel processor and easy-to-use
security features are ideal for small
business owners and business
professionals.
Value-conscious individuals who
are looking for style, mobility and
performance at the right price will
certainly appreciate the Vostro 14
5000 Series of laptops.

Sturdy style and great

performance
These incredibly mobile
computers have a very thin 14-inch
high-definition wide screen LED
anti-glare display (1366 x 768
resolution). The screen is only
18.45mm-thick when standing.
The cover is anodised
aluminium that comes in trendy
grey or gold colours with a metal
palm rest and attractive finish.
The premium full-size chiclet
keyboard and multi-touch gesture
touchpad make typing and
scrolling quick and easy.
Despite its lean appearance,
the laptop provides robust

Feature

Specifications

Processor options Intel 6th generation Core i7- 6500U (4M cache, up to 3.10GHz)
Intel 6th generation Core i5- 6200U (3M cache, up to 2.80GHz)
Intel 6th generation Core i3- 6100U (3M cache, 2.30GHz)
Display

Non-touch: 14-inch HD wide screen, LED anti-glare

display (1366 x 768) 720 pixels
Touch: 14-inch HD wide screen LED TrueLife touch
display (1366 x 768) 720 pixels

Operating
system options

Windows 10 Home 64bit & Professional 64bit

Linux Ubuntu pre-installed

System memory

4GB 1600MHz DDR3L SoDIMM

8GB supported, 1600MHz DDR3L SoDIMM

Graphics options

Sixth generation processor Intel HD Graphics 520

NVIDIA GeForce 930M 2GB or 4GB DDR3L

screen, which provides intuitive

interaction and impressive
responsiveness.
The laptops simple security
solution features a convenient
secured log that comes with an
optional fingerprint reader as
well as the Windows 10 Hello
biometric recognition software.
The Dell Backup and Recovery
also offers a simple solution and
reliable protection from data
loss.
The Vostro 14 5000 Series is
now available at retail stores
nationwide.

Primary storage
options

500GB or 1TB 5400RPM SATA hard drive

Connectivity
options

Integrated wired: Gigabit Ethernet network

Wireless LAN: Intel 3165 802.11 ac/b/g/n and
Bluetooth v4.0 Combo
WiDi support (Requires an Intel wireless card, compatible
media adapter (sold separately) and HDMI or
composite AV-enabled display)

Multimedia

Integrated stereo speakers

HD audio with Waves MaxxAudio Pro audio enhancement
software
Integrated 720HD (1 megapixel) camera with microphones

Security options

Fingerprint reader (not supported by Windows 7 or Ubuntu)

McAfee Security Center
Physical security Kensington Cable lock chassis
security slot and padlock

n For more information,

Color options

Era Grey: non-touch only

Jingle Gold: non-touch and touch

Moving around is convenient with Dells portable Vostro 14 500 Series

notebooks.

performance with its Intel sixthgeneration processors.

The laptops in the series have
features that include up to core
i7, 4GB discrete graphics, a 1TB
hard drive and USB 3.0 ports,
among others.
These features make it easy for
users to multitask while the long
battery life allows them to get
more work done and boost their
productivity.
Users will receive quick speed,
high-performance and plenty of
storage capacity for important
files with the 1TB hard drive
available.
The Vostro 14 5000 Series
users can opt for a TruLife touch

visit www.dell.com.my

Sleek design, high performance

ONEPLUS has released its newest
smartphone line the OnePlus X
in Malaysia.
Featuring a compact five-inch
display and new range of
premium-build materials, the
OnePlus X, available in Onyx black
glass, showcases the elevated level
of craftsmanship and power of
OnePlus.
Todays smartphone user strives
to find the perfect balance of style
and performance. The OnePlus X is
a design-centric device, which is
chic and powerful enough to suit
any lifestyle, says OnePlus chief
executive officer Pete Lau.
The OnePlus X Onyx is fashioned
from black glass on a metal bezel,
giving the phone a premium feel.
Every glass backplate is cut to
size and polished repeatedly until
it gives a smooth, glossy, mirrorlike finish.
Slightly rounded edges give the
phone a fluid and seamless feel. At
just 138g, it is the lightest and
slimmest OnePlus device to date.
A brushed anodised metal frame
etched with 17 elegant microcuts
surrounds the OnePlus X.
A convenient alert slider for easy
notification adjustments adorns
the left side of the device, with the
power button and volume rocker
located on the right.
Intuitively placed buttons
combined with subtle curves
and ergonomic lines make the
OnePlus X easy and natural to use
with one hand.
The OnePlus X has a
13-megapixel rear camera with
f/2.2 aperture, perfect for

The OnePlus X Onyx

exudes a premium feel.

documenting your unique

everyday experiences.
Optimised white balance and
saturation maintain the integrity of
the colour of your photos, and a
lightning-fast 0.2-second autofocus

with phase detection autofocus

(PDAF) means you will not miss a
moment.
Shoot in auto, high-dynamic
range (HDR) or clear image mode
to perfect your image, or switch to
the eight-megapixel front-facing
camera with a supported beauty
mode to capture a flawless selfie.
Combining the Snapdragon 801
processor with Adreno 330GPU and
3GB of RAM, the OnePlus X is as
powerful as it is stylish.
The five-inch 1,080-pixel active
matrix OLED or AMOLED (active
matrix organic light-emitting
diode) screen is responsive and
very bright under direct sunlight,
and the 441-pixels per inch
resolution keeps the screen sharp
without draining your battery.
Notably, the OnePlus X supports
two nano SIMs for more network
choices and added convenience for
people on the go.
Even better, one card slot
provides optional expandable
storage with your own micro SD
card, allowing a maximum
capacity up to 128GB.
OxygenOS, a custom operating
system developed by OnePlus,
brings a range of unique features
and elements to the OnePlus X.
The AMOLED screen, never
before seen in an OnePlus device,
provides an ambient display that
will activate in duochrome mode to
alert you of new notifications.
A proximity sensor, enabled by
each individual user, also activates
the screen whenever the OnePlus X
detects it being taken out of a
pocket or bag.

The OnePlus X
Onyx is slim,
light and
perfect for
taking photos
and selfies.

Along with OxygenOS features

such as onscreen gestures, an
enhanced file manager and custom
quick settings, the OnePlus X
provides FM radio on your
smartphone through the OnePlus
Radio feature.
It allows you to broadcast your
favourite local stations directly
from your phone without having to
connect to Wi-Fi or consume data
with the new OnePlus Radio.
The new OnePlus X Onyx is
available for sale through major
retailers.

n For more information, visit

www.brightstarcorp.com.my/
oneplus-x/

About OnePlus
OnePlus is a global startup
challenging conventional
concepts of technology.
Created around its
Never Settle mantra,
OnePlus creates
exquisitely designed
devices with premiumbuild quality and highperformance hardware.
OnePlus thrives on
cultivating strong bonds
and growing together with
its community of users
and fans.