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CHIP - November 2014 MY PDF
CHIP - November 2014 MY PDF
colophon
In Just A Blink Of
An Eye!
T
ime sure passes by in a the security side of things as almost day in and day out, we get
flash when you’re having reports of major leaks and hacks. And according to our cover story
fun and when you’re this month which is a report after the Black Hat and DEF Con event,
constantly busy. With that line it things might just get even more serious as hackers have found
feels a little like déjà vu as I’m sure I said the same thing last year. ways to infiltrate just about every device that surrounds us. Do
But yes, we’re almost at the end of 2014, how crazy is that? And for read our cover story for some startling revelations.
us, things are really going to get busy as the year end usually On top of that, we also have plenty of interesting feature stories
marks a busy time for the tech industry as most companies in the once again and one of them is a tutorial that teaches you how to
industry will want to capitalise on the holiday season. So we’re in lock down your data. We also have some very cool game reviews
for a barrage of new devices and games. which include Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, a game set in the
There weren’t many overseas trips for the month of October but Lord of the Rings universe and also Wasteland 2. Besides just
that is definitely a good thing as things were pretty busy back here games, we also have plenty of reviews with some of the latest
locally. There were plenty of launches and of course the major one devices including variants of NVIDIA’s latest GeForce GTX 900
had to be the launch of Samsung’s GALAXY Note 4. So the series graphics cards, X99 motherboards and slew of mobile
question is, with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus imminent arrival, which devices.
will you be going for? Or are you waiting for other devices to hit So on that note, I shall let you explore the pages of the
like maybe say the Google Nexus 6? magazine. Enjoy and until next time, stay safe and live for the
Other than products, another thing that got our collective moment.
attention had to be data security. Things have been a little crazy on
Jeremy Cheong
Managing Director Noor Azman ONLINE DISTRIBUTED BY not necessarily represent those of CHIP
www.chip.com.my MPH Distributors Sdn. Bhd. magazine / the publisher.
Head of Department YK Cheah Ground Floor Warehouse, Lot 2, Bangunan
@CHIPMY TH,
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Editor Jeremy Cheong CHIP Malaysia 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor is provided ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ and
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Contributors Edwin Lee, Tim Lee, representations and gives no warranty of
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to the accuracy, adequacy, completeness,
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contents
november 2014
063
The State Of Malware
As everything around us goes digital, we learn just how much our lives can be in
danger as hackers and malware are able to target just about every device in our
homes, offices and pockets
052 056
Put A Lock On Microsoft Makes
Your Data
Learn how you can easily protect your files and A Comeback
communication against cybercriminals with a few free Over the last few years, Microsoft lost its footing and
tools and simple methods slipped a little, however, the company now seems
poised for a return to the top of the mountain where
they once sat
contents
november 2014
CHIP Downloads
We’re back with our monthly dose of interesting, free and handy tools for you to enhance your PC experience. If you want to know how
you can get these files, follow the instructions below:
1. Head on our website @ www.chip.com.my and right at the top, click on the “Downloads” tab
2. After that, click on the respective month’s post (eg. November 2014). You will then be prompted for a password. The password can
be found on this page monthly.
3. Navigate using the tabs and pick the categories you want to download the files from. Once you find the file you want, just click on it
and you’re good to go!
Featured Tools
Enigmail Clipboard Master
Enigmail is a security Clipboard Master is a free
extension to Mozilla software that allows you to
Thunderbird and Seamonkey copy, paste, collect and
whereby it enables you to organise not only text but
write and receive email images, files and folders as
messages signed and/or well. Unlike Windows default
encrypted with the OpenPGP clipboard, Clipboard master
standard. When using this allows you to store up to
software for the first time, you will be guided through the basic 10,000 entries which can be copied onto the multi-clipboard. This
setup. It also features integrated OpenPGP key management user software also offers a wide variety of predefined salutations for
interface and it automatically encrypts or sign attachments for emails, special characters and HTML code for programmers.
inline PGP messages.
Boxcryptor DiskCryptor
Boxcryptor protects your files Diskcryptor is an encryption
in the cloud by creating a software, that has the ability to
virtual drive on your computer provide encryption for all disk
that allows you to encrypt your partitions including the system
files locally before uploading partition. It supports
them to your cloud or clouds encryption algorithms such as
of choice. This encryption AES, Twofish, and Serpent
applies to individual files and it which has transparent
does not create any containers. The encryption used are the AES- encryption of disk partitions, full support for dynamic disks and
256 and RSA encryption algorithms. It works for most major cloud support for disk devices with a large sector size. Additionally, it can
services and also ones that use the WebDAV standard. also create encrypted CDs, DVDs and USB flash drives.
Essentials
Our list of essentials consists of programs and software such as graphic drivers, browsers, compression software and even Cloud
storage software that will improve a PC user’s experience. The links on our website won’t provide you with the files, instead it will lead
you to the developers’ official website, where you can find the right file for you.
November 2014
The Monthly Ten
openSUSE 13.1 KDE-Live DVD Vera Crypt 1.0d
Operating System: Linux Operating System: Win XP / Vista / 7 / 8
SUSE is a user- and beginner The sleek tool VeraCrypt hides
friendly Linux variant which can also important files folders or entire
be used as a live system, for partitions. Click Create Volume and
example: if Windows refuses to work choose one of the three options. For
and doesn’t boot, you can access example, if you want to protect
your files and take backups. individual files select the first option
openSUSE also has other and follow the wizard.
advantages such as it comes with all
the software such as image editor and the Office package.
Letters
Thanks For The Intel On Intel
Letter of the Month
Dear CHIP,
Best Router To Take? I read with great interest your article about the Intel Developer
Forum that you attended last month. It is quite interesting to read
Dear CHIP,
how Intel is slowly, but surely shifting their focus from desktop
I have been a reader for almost 2 years now, recently my UniFi
processing to mobile and portable devices. Internet of Things also
router was damaged by lightning, and I have been searching
looks like it’s finally taking shape after hearing about it for several
high and low for a replacement. Surprisingly there are quite a few
years now.
selections with prices that range between RM100 and RM600.
But the biggest news for me has got to be about how places like
What is the difference between a cheap and an expensive
Pakistan and India are fast adopting these brand new technologies
router? Are there any extra features other than wider range and
when the tech infrastructure in those places don’t seem to be as
faster speed? There is not much to read on the box. Someone
advanced as the ones in more advanced countries.
might end up buying an expensive router, but not using the extra
Kelvin Ng
features in it. Most of my friends have no idea what is the function
of USB port on a router and they use it to charge their phone
Dear Kelvin,
instead.
Glad that you enjoyed reading our coverage of the Intel
I would really appreciate it if CHIP could cover this topic
Developer Forum. It was certainly an eye-opening experience,
regarding routers, and choices that we have based on budget and
to be able to see that Intel’s products and services traverse
features we need (gamer, heavy downloader, movie streaming,
beyond that of what you see on your desktop and your lap. Intel’s
NAS) I believe a lot of broadband users are searching the right
commitment to the concept of IoT and bringing technological
router to replace the default one.
advancements to places that need it most is extremely
I am really looking forward to read this topic in near future,
commendable, and is what a lot of companies should aspire to do
and thank you for providing us with great useful articles every
as well.
month.
The examples you mentioned with regards to the IoT projects
Winson Lee
are certainly great, and the best part is that they all make use of a
single computing system that is no bigger than the size of a credit
Dear Winson,
card. Imagination is key here, and with the right idea, anyone can
We’re sorry to hear about the loss of your router. Lightning
create the next big Internet of Things concept.
strikes can be quite the nuisance, and sometimes even a well-
protected router can get fried as well. We highly recommend
that you ask the shopkeeper if it supports UniFi connections as A Perfectly Televised Article
there are special VLAN configurations that you need to set so Dear CHIP,
that it works in conjunction with HyppTV as well. As a television junkie, I quite enjoyed reading one of your feature
As far as differences in router go, the more expensive ones articles last month about the evolution of the HD television. It is
generally are capable of handling more connections than really interesting to note how people used to consider broadcasting
budget models, and have features things like dual-band, better televisions to be high definition, even way back in the 30s.
802.11 support and even faster local network speeds. Even better was how quickly the ever-changing standards of
Also, we would like to thank you for giving us the video broadcasting was adopted, paving way for companies to
suggestion of creating an article create televisions that make full use of the technologies that are
that compares routers For this great available. It’s a shame however to see that TV technology has
suggestion and also continuous seemed to hit a wall now that we’re finally here at 4K resolution. The
support, we are happy to name this adoption rate is extremely slow, and it would be pretty great to read
letter our “Letter of the Month” and what you guys think about it.
with that you get a Kingston SDCA10 Ranjit Singh
Class 10 UHS-I/16GB. We hope it comes
in handy! Dear Ranjit,
First of all, we’re happy that you enjoyed reading that particular
Kingston SDCA10 Class 10 UHS-I/16GB article and yes, we were as surprised as you are to find out the
term “high definition” has been used since all those years ago.
To answer your query, in short, adoption of 4K television is
mostly stagnant now due to pricing of said television, and the
overall lack of media that uses the 4K standard.
Write to us at letters@chip.com.my. Alternatively, log on to the forums at forum.chip.com.my and make yourself heard! The Letters page is an outlet for you to voice your
views and opinions towards the magazine as well as general tech trends. Feedback sent to us may be edited for suitability without altering the intended point-of-view. The
monthly winners for LoTM will be contacted for further details.
Play
much older PC. This means you can create
and consumer more.
Speaking of business, the Intel Core
M processors also come with Intel vPro
Intel Malaysia shows us how the new Core M technology and will support Intel Pro
processors can change the 2-in-1 landscape Wireless Display which delivers a high
quality visual experience with enhanced
D
uring the recent IFA held in at Intel Corporation. “Core M is the first of security for IT and data privacy for end
Germany, Intel launched their a new product family designed to deliver users. Select Intel Core M vPro platforms
new Core M processors, which the promise of one of the world’s thinnest will also support WiGig-based wireless
will not only power new 2-in-1 devices laptops and highest performance tablets in docking capabilities. Intel Core M vPro
but also give them a makeover as the a single 2-in-1 device.” platforms also have additional, hardware-
new processor enables razor-thin and The processor formerly codenamed as assisted security enhancements like:
fanless designs combined with impressive “Broadwell Y” and also known as “Llama enhanced encryption and secure managed
performance and battery life. Early in Mountain” is truly an impressive feat of containers with Intel SSD Pro 2500 series.
October, Intel held a little event in their manufacturing as it is currently the only With all those features packed into
office to give members of the media a 14nm processor that features 2nd Gen it, the Core M processor is 50% smaller
closer glimpse of the capabilities of the Tri-Gate Transistors. Despite being smaller compared to 4th generation Intel Core
new processor and what it can do. compared to other CPUs, Core Ms are able processors (Y series) and Intel has also
“We’ve been on a multi-year mission to deliver up to 50% faster compute and managed to achieve a 60% reduction in
to address end-user requirements 40% better graphics performance versus thermal design power (TDP) versus the
and transform mobile computing. The the previous 4th Generation Intel Core Y series. This enables Intel’s partners like
introduction of Core M marks a significant processors. Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Toshiba
milestone in that journey,” said Kirk Intel has noticed that the workforce is to create devices that are sleek, silent
Skaugen, Senior Vice President and moving towards mobility and require more fanless systems less than 9mm thin.
General Manager of Personal Computing than just a simple tablet or laptop. They www.intel.my
(From leŌ): MaƩhew Ng, Sales Director, Mobile Division; JusƟn Joo, Business Manager, Mobile Division; Lee Jui Siang, Vice President, Mobile, IT & Digital Imaging; Lee Dong Yong, President; Luke
Au, Head of Product MarkeƟng; and Go Benn Lee, Manager, Product MarkeƟng of Samsung Malaysia Electronics with the new GALAXY Note 4 and Gear S
T
he Samsung GALAXY Note 4 At a glance, the device looks
White and Bronze Gold. Seen here are the black and white
is finally here in Malaysia and very similar to its predecessors but variants
we’re sure many of you have Samsung went ahead and gave it a little
been waiting for it and to some it will something different this time around. watching HD and Full HD videos a truly
definitely be worth the wait as the latest Taking a page out of the design of the breathtaking experience.
expansion to the GALAXY Note series GALAXY Alpha, the GALAXY Note 4 Multi-tasking will definitely not be
comes with a slew of improvements. also features a premium metal frame a problem for the GALAXY Note 4
“The GALAXY Note series signalled with fluid curvature that seamlessly as it comes with some very serious
extraordinary innovation within the blends with its display. The new flagship hardware. Under its elegant shell, the
technology industry. Its larger screen phablet also features a 2.5D glass GALAXY Note 4 comes with the 1.9GHz
size and iconic S-Pen technology screen that offers extra protection, while Octa-Core Exynos CPU, accompanied
launched a new standard in smartphone perfectly complementing the device’s by 3GB worth of RAM and an internal
culture,” said Lee Dong Yong, President rich viewing experience. storage of 32GB. Storage can of course
of Samsung Malaysia Electronics. While its display size hasn’t changed be further expanded via a microSD
“With the introduction of the GALAXY from the GALAXY Note 3, the GALAXY card up to 128GB. To ensure users
Note series, we brought the age-old Note 4’s 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display remain productive throughout the day,
culture of the pen and notepad into the is now Quad HD which means it has the GALAXY Note 4 also comes with a
digital world. The new GALAXY Note more pixel thus being able to reproduce 3,220mAh battery.
4 introduces the most refined Note clearer and more vivid images with deep Retail pricing for the Samsung
experience to-date combining all the contrast and better viewing angles. The GALAXY Note 4 is RM2,499.
latest technology that users expect from response time of the screen is as fast www.samsung.com/my/
the GALAXY series.” as a millionth of a second, which makes
Hatano Satoshi, Managing Director of Sony Malaysia; Hideyuki Wada, MarkeƟng General Manager of Sony Malaysia and Chiw Yew Meng, Sales General Manager of Sony Malaysia oĸciaƟng the
launch of Sony Malaysia’s new line of headphones
T
he Sony Xperia Z3 smartphone usage, the Sony MDR-1ADAC headphones
and tablet weren’t the only things incorporate an integrated Digital-to- The Sony MDR-1ADAC meanwhile feature a built-in DAC which
keeps your high resoluƟon audio crystal clean, while amping
Sony unveiled at IFA this year as the Analog Converter (DAC) that’s capable of the treble and bass to boost sound quality
Japanese electronics giant also showed accepting High Resolution audio signals
off a bevy of audio products that are set to up to 192KHz/24 bit. Auto imput selection storage which is plenty for hours and hours
make audiophiles drool with anticipation. allows easy connection with a wide3 of exercising.
Malaysians don’t have to wait for long as variety of portable devices, including The WS615 also doubles as a wearable
Sony Malaysia recently unveiled the same Walkman and Xperia devices, PCs, iPod, Bluetooth headset, which allows you to
audio products here in KL. iPad and iPhones via a Lightning Digital wirelessly listen to your music right from
The Sony MDR-Z7 is Sony’s high-end AV converter. There is also the S-Master your smartphone while you’re working out.
audiophile headphones, packing a pair of HX amp built-in that helps maintain signal The ring-type remote control allows you to
70mm drivers that reproduces both high purity, and the battery on the DAC allow up control your music without having to fiddle
and low notes faithfully while providing an to 7.5 hours of music-listening. around with the headphones.
excellent overall listening experience. If you lead an active lifestyle, and want All of Sony’s new headphones will be
The Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragms a pair of headphones that can withstand available at Sony Stores nationwide by the
minimise colouration, which means the some level of abuse, Sony also announced end of October. The Walkman NWZ-A15
sound signature of the MDR-Z7 is neutral, its latest Walkman headphones with the will cost RM699, while the Sony MDR-Z7
while bass-lines are reproduced without waterproof NWZ-WS615. Complete with its headphones will cost RM2,349, the MDR-
being too obnoxiously loud, thanks to own ring-type remote control, the WS615 1ADAC for RM1,299 and the Walkman
Sony’s Beat Response Control that vents makes a perfect companion for those who WS615 headphones RM699.
airflow to optimise diaphragm movement. enjoy uninterrupted music listening as you www.sony.com.my
Designed for both home and mobile run or swim. It also comes with 16GB of
SebasƟan Tan, CEO, Global Line Network Sdn. Bhd. and Julynn Yap, MarkeƟng Director, APAC, Yota Devices oĸciaƟng the launch of Yotaphone in Malaysia oĸciaƟng the launch of the Yotaphone in
Malaysia
Something A Little
Different
The Russian made smartphone that made waves all
over the world is finally here as Yotaphone officially
makes it presence felt
Y
ota Devices, a Russian-based the latest Android operating systems out
smartphone maker announced there.
earlier today the availability of The original YotaPhone is powered by a
its much-talked about smartphone, the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor,
Yotaphone here in Malaysia, the first but the version we will be receiving
country in Asia to receive the phone. This is powered by a 1.7GHz Qualcomm The YotaPhone is powered by a 1.7GHz Snapdragon 400
is the same YotaPhone that was launched Snapdragon 400 instead, 2GB of RAM processor, 2GB of RAM and 32GB of built-in storage, featuring
a 4.3-inch 720p display
in Russia last year, but it does come with and 32GB of on-board memory, which
a few upgrades that makes it a bit more unfortunately is not expandable. Bookmate, an e-book reader.
relevant for today’s users. The E-Paper Display essentially Not only that, the YotaPhone also
The YotaPhone features two 4.3-inch functions as a screenshot display of sorts, comes with LTE connectivity and a 13MP
displays on both sides of the phone, with which allows you to transfer “screenshots” camera is also fitted at the back of the
the main display being a 4.3-inch IPS of the main display, allowing you to check phone, underneath the E-Paper Display.
display at 720p, and the rear display being on things like maps, lists and even e-books. The YotaPhone will be made available
an E-Paper Display with 170ppi that runs The YotaPhone also comes with a variety in Malaysia on the 24th of December this
on very little battery power, which will last of apps that make full use of the phone’s year for RM1,699, but customers may
for a whole 50 hours, and even after the E-Paper Display, such as displaying web- pre-order the phone now on the GlobalLine
main phone is actually out of battery. It based notifications, listing down notes website.
also runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, one of and lists via a special notepad app, and yota.globalline.my
(From leŌ): Simon Chan, Regional Manager, Intel APJ MNC Sales, Intel; Jimmy Lin, Country Manager, SYSTEM Group, ASUS Malaysia and Paul Tsai, Tablet Country Product Manager SYSTEM Group,
ASUS Malaysia posing with the two new tablets
Another Duo Of
Attractive Phablets
ASUS continues to offer consumers with more
choices of phablets that come with a slew of features
A
t a gathering held in their office, is a little more premium, the MeMO Pad Seen here next to each other are the Fonepad 8 (leŌ) and
MeMO Pad 8 (right) that caters to two diīerent target
ASUS unveiled two new phablets, 8 (ME581CL). This is also an 8-inch tablet
markets and yet come with plenty of niŌy features
the Fonepad 8 (FE380CG), MeMO and ASUS claims that it is currently the
Pad 8 (ME581CL) and also the newest lightest 8-inch LTE tablet in the market event, ASUS also showed us the PadFone
PadFone S. So without delaying any as it weighs just 299g. The device is also S, which is a very impressive device in its
further, here are the details of the new super thin as it is only 7.45mm thin and own right as it comes with features that
devices. can easily be held with one hand without rivals other flagship devices.
First up is the Fonepad 8, which is any discomfort whatsoever. While it may This 5-inch Android smartphone boasts
a 8-inch tablet that features 3G phone be just an 8-inch device, it actually boasts a 5-inch Full HD IPS display and is 4G LTE
functionality as it is powered by a 64-bit a Full HD resolution IPS display. The added Cat4 ready. The device is powered by a
Intel Atom Z3530 1.33GHz processor, ASUS Splendid and TrueVivid colour 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon
coupled with 1GB worth of RAM, has an enhancement technologies will of course 801, has 2GB RAM and an internal storage
internal storage space of 8GB and supports deliver even more accurate and stunning of 16GB with support for microSD cards of
microSD cards of up to 64GB. lifelike images. up to 64GB. Other cool features packed into
Besides the upgraded internals, the As for its hardware, the MeMO Pad 8 the PadFone S is its a 13-megapixel rear
Fonepad 8 also sports a new design that is powered by a 64-bit Intel Atom Z3560 camera with Sony BSI Sensor, 5P Largan
is lighter and narrower compared to its 1.8GHz quad-core processor and 2GB Precise Light Control and f/2.0 aperture.
predecessor. One of the main changes worth of RAM and 16GB internal storage. All three devices are already out in
of the new Fonepad 8 is its super slim It of course supports microSD cards up the market and come with asking prices
5.06mm thin bezel which gives users to 64GB. Designed for heavy users, the of RM1,099, RM649 and RM899 for the
more display real-estate for better viewing MeMO Pad 8 comes with a 4,000mAh MeMO Pad 8, Fonepad 8 and PadFone S
angles. battery. respectively.
Next up, we took a look at a device that Finally, as a surprise entrant to the www.asus.com/my/
(From leŌ): William Tan, head of Enterprise SoluƟons, Dell Malaysia; Sumir BhaƟa, General Manager, Enterprise SoluƟons, South Simply tap your Android device to the iDRAC NFC panel and
Asia, Dell and Foo See Han, Server Product SoluƟons Manager, South Asia Product SoluƟons, Dell at the Dell PowerEdge 13th all of the server’s conguraƟon details will be uploaded to
generaƟon servers launch demo the device
Server
Dell Unveils New PowerEdge 13G Servers in Malaysia
Another noteworthy feature is the NFC
reader on the R730, R730xd and the R630.
This allows users to easily manage their
servers by simply tapping their Android-
A
t the recently concluded South Asia closer to the processor for increased based smartphones onto the NFC tag, and
Dell Enterprise Forum (DEFSA), application performance. with the OpenManage app, they are able
Dell unveiled a series of 13th As an example, the R630 is capable of to easily get the server’s configuration,
Generation PowerEdge servers, designed storing 1.8-inch SATA flash drives, and is modify it on the spot, and upload the
to help customers worldwide address capable of delivering 2.4 times more I/O changes back to the server all in one go.
and optimise the evolving spectrum of operations per second in the same amount The new PowerEdge servers also help
application and workload requirements. of space as typical 2.5-inch SSDs. The businesses improve their profit margins
These new generation of servers feature R730xd meanwhile is capable of providing by reducing cooling costs as the new
customer-inspired engineering built to up to 100TB of storage for workloads such servers are now capable of operating
optimise price-performance for the widest as Microsoft Exchange, where it delivers up at much higher temperatures than their
range of web, enterprise and hyperscale to 50 percent increase in mailbox size over predecessors. The R730xd, R730 and R630
applications. previous generation servers. in particular can all run at temperatures up
The new Dell PowerEdge servers The Dell PowerEdge servers were made to 40 degrees Celcius.
include the PowerEdge R730xd, the R730 with the concept of “Rack, Cable and Walk With up to 10 times improvement in
and R630 rack servers, and completing Away”, and they’ve also made it so that deployment times with industry-leading
the lineup are the M630 blade server and maintenance and updates can be done systems management capabilities and
the T630 tower server, all of which are quickly, with reduced risk of downtime. zero-touch automation, Dell’s PowerEdge
built with the latest Intel Xeon processor Working with OpenManage, Dell has also G13 servers don’t only make it easy for
E5-2600 v3 processor family. implemented the integrated Dell Remote companies to set up their own server
Dell’s new PowerEdge servers are Access Controller (iDRAC) with Lifecycle environment, but provides them with
designed to leverage modern storage Controller Technology, which means that enough compute powers to keep their
technologies that enable customers to server deployment, configuration and businesses up and running.
accelerate applications by bringing data updates are all streamlined across the www.dell.com.my
Jacky Zhang, CEO of ZTE Device (second from leŌ, standing) with Alex Yee, Head of ZTE Malaysia’s Terminal Division (rst from right, standing) taking a group shot with the local distributors
T
he smartphone boom continues as the Blade Vec Pro, Blade V5, Blade L2 and
ZTE (Malaysia) Corporation Sdn. Blade G Lux, whereby their goal is to prove
Bhd., one of the global leaders in the that quality should not be hindered by
mobile handset manufacturing industry price.
unveiled their highly anticipated ZTE STAR ZTE entered the mobile industry in 2010,
1 smartphone yesterday in Malaysia. This and has been slowly and steadily making
launch was part of ZTE’s goal in providing their brand known in the Malaysian market.
all Malaysians with affordable yet high This evolution hopes to see ZTE answer A sneak peek at the new ZTE STAR 1 shows the beauƟful
quality smartphones while also being the the growing and subtle consumer demands design coupled with its amazing performance
first STAR 1 launch out of China. within the industry. The launch of these
The STAR 1’s unique selling point lies in devices projects a total unit sale for 2014 in the retail market, and we are confident
its powerful camera capabilities which can and 2015 combined to be over 15 percent. that our products will suit consumer
be compared to a DSLR grade camera as This has placed it well within its sale trends needs. It is also our goal to cement ZTE
it is equipped with a 4cm macro shooting with 6.2 million units sold in 2013. as an innovative and leading smartphone
capability, Clarity and imaging technology Jacky Zhang, Ceo of ZTE Device, Asia provider in Malaysia. We intend to increase
capturing HD photos, and dual-colour Pacific and Commonwealth Independent year-on-year sales by three percent by
temperature flash which improves the states (CIS), spoke about ZTE’s vision continually adopting and incorporating new
white balance and effects of pictures. and mission for the Malaysian Market: technologies and releasing new state-of
Malaysia is the first country in Asia “Malaysia is one of the biggest potential -the-art devices that can meet consumer
Pacific to receive the STAR 1. Besides the markets in the region. ZTE had focused demands on performance, before they
flagship Star 1, ZTE used the launch as a on B to B business sector in the past. But even realise they want it,” added Jacky.
platform to also reveal four other devices, now, we are ready to establish our brand www.ztedevices.com
Simply tap your Android device to the iDRAC NFC panel and
all of the server’s conguraƟon details will be uploaded to
(StarƟng from second from leŌ): Kid Chan, Entrepreneur, Best-selling Author and Renowned Photographer; Margaret Koh, Sales the device
Director, Asia South, WD; Simon Whiƞord, Senior Regional MarkeƟng Manager, Asia Pacic, WD and Susan Chong, Senior Sales
Manager of Branded Product, WD Malaysia with the new My Passport Wireless
O
n 21 October, WD launched devices and enjoy that content anywhere
The USB 3.0 port enables users to transfer large les quickly.
their very first wireless external they go.” The port can even be locked using the the WD My Cloud app
hard drive, known as the My Besides just transferring and accessing
Passport Wireless, which is an easy to files wirelessly, the My Passport Wireless of standby power, which is great as you
use Wi-Fi enabled storage drive that also comes with a USB 3.0 port that won’t have to constantly charge it when
allows consumers to save, access and enables users to transfer large amounts you’re travelling or when you’re out of the
share stored content wirelessly with any of data in a jiff. On top of that, it even office or house.
smartphone, tablet computer or other features an integrated SD card slot, which To fully utilise the device, users will
device. This device is definitely a must- means users aren’t just limited to their have to download and install the WD My
have for frequent business travellers, smartphones and tablets but can also Cloud mobile app on their iOS or Android
creative professional working in the field, use it to store photos from their DSLRs device. The app will then give users
jetsetters or family that loves their road or cameras. Additionally, the integrated intuitive navigation, sharing and playback
trips. FTP enables users to connect to multiple of the drive’s content. The app will also
“As we celebrate its 10th anniversary, wireless cameras so that users can help unify all of a users’ content under a
the success of WD’s My Passport line of automatically transfer photos from their single app and user interface by allowing
portable hard drives is unprecedented,” cameras to the drive as they are taking access to content on the My Passport
explains Jim Welsh, Executive Vice them. Wireless drive, WD’s My Cloud family of
President, WD Content Solutions Business With features such as Wireless N personal cloud storage devices and on
and Worldwide Sales. “Our new My with MIMO technology for enhanced major cloud services such as Dropbox,
Passport Wireless drive continues the wireless performance, users will be able OneDrive and Google Drive.
evolution, resolving a common problem to access and transfer files quickly, as The WD My Passport Wireless is now
for today’s mobile consumer; too many well as stream up to four HD videos available at select retailers and comes
devices with limited storage and no way simultaneously. The built-in 3,400mAh with a suggested retail price of RM599
to offload their content and free up space rechargeable battery is also said to and RM699 for the 1- and 2TB variants
on-the-go. Now, consumers will have one be able to provide up to six hours of respectively.
drive to easily store content from all their continuous streaming and up to 20 hours www.wdc.com/en/
The Malaysian Invasion team tests out the new Acer V Nitro in
a gaming session
(From leŌ): Jeīrey Lai, Product Manager; Johnson Seet, Head of Mobile Notebook & Smart Handheld and Alex Chu, Sales
Director, NVIDIA posing with the new Acer Aspire V Nitro Black EdiƟon gaming notebook
while enhancing the performance of
Nitro
Gamers nowadays want to play high quality games
temperatures.
Gaming would not be complete
without a good set of audio support,
thus the notebook is equipped with
while on the move, thus ASUS has answered that call four built-in speakers, whereby the
with the Acer Aspire V Nitro Aspire V Nitro delivers premium audio
entertainment experience with its
R
ecently, gaming got a whole lot It has a 15.6-inch display Full HD 1,920 powerful surround sound with full range
more portable with the launch x 1,080 pixel resolution screen with auditory experience from all angles
of the Acer Aspire V Nitro Black IPS technology, which provides clarity when listening to music, watching
Edition gaming notebook, which boosts and sharp images for your viewing movies or gaming. Additionally, the
the processing experience and provides pleasure. The notebook is also equipped Aspire V Nitro is also equipped with
users with an immersive gaming with a spacious red glow back-lit Dolby Digital Plus Home Theater which
experience. It is designed with the latest keyboard which is suitable for low light further provides maximum audio
in graphics support and comes with a environments which provides a high stimulation to its users. This technology
rapid processing power, which gives this octane feeling. reduces dialogue intelligibility and
notebook the power needed to satisfy The Aspire V Nitro also comes interference from other background
any multimedia demand. equipped with the Acer DustDefender noise.
The new Aspire V Nitro has a sleek technology which is an intelligent The unique Acer Aspire V Nitro Black
and stylish design that shows its sharp dust removal design which uses the Edition is priced at RM3,399 and is
angles, a slim outlook, and a patterned notebooks, high speed fans to remove available now at all major Authorised
cover made from soft touch Nano- the internal build-up of dust thus Acer Resellers nationwide.
Imprint Lithography (NIL) technology. prolonging the lifespan of the notebook www.acer.com.my
Clouds
security to the experts. By choosing
security as a service, businesses no longer
have to worry about the IT security,
Internet security is scrutinised daily and F-Secure is security settings or software updates
trying to alleviate your concerns with the Protection PSB protects all devices against the latest
security threats, and F-Secure maintains
for Business (PSB) security solution the whole solution together with the local
IT security partner to monitor and manage
T
echnology is massively integrated protection for Windows and Linux servers, the customer’s devices. No additional
with modern business, but many e-mail and Server Security for users who hardware investment is required, which
of those businesses still lack a runs Microsoft Exchange and Mobile translates to direct costs savings to the
modern security solution which helps Security which handles the security for enterprise, and increased productivity for
protect against vulnerabilities in each all mobile platforms with features such the business,” said Christian Fredrikson,
layer of organisation. With the Protection as antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-theft, and President and Chief Executive Officer of
Service for Business (PSB), this changes browsing protection. F-Secure Corporation yesterday at the
everything. It is a unique breakthrough PSB is a cloud based platform which launch of PSB in Kuala Lumpur, which
on technology which provides total delivers to companies, small to medium was also attended by Paul Palmer, Vice
protection yet increased productivity within sized enterprises, the next step in President of F-Secure APAC.
businesses, and this revolutionary product productivity as well as a complete overall Repeating Fredriksons comments,
was introduced by the leading online protection for the entire IT environment, Palmer explained that, with Malaysia being
global security company F-Secure. while reducing costs for businesses. IT can Southeast Asia’s third largest economy
PSB Solutions comes with a variety also be described as a turn-key protection and ranking sixth in the list of world 20
of features such as the Workstation suite for multi-device settings, which offers emerging markets, PSB is expected to
Security which provides protection for the best security in the market bundled propagate the SME security market and is
all of the customers computers within with advanced value-added features such the most suitable fit for small and medium
one subscription regardless of platform, as the Software Updater, which gives state businesses in Malaysia.
the Server Security which gives real time of the art security solutions. www.f-secure.com
Paul Palmer, Vice President, F-Secure APAC (leŌ) and ChrisƟan Fredrikson, President and CEO, F-Secure CorporaƟon (right) handing oī the launch of the new PSB soluƟon
Security
to being hacked, especially in this era of
security breaches.
In the effort to help fight against
Trend Micro brings security to the next level with the passwords and identity theft, Trend
Trend Micro Maximum Security 2015 Cloud Edition Micro Maximum Security 2015 Cloud
Edition includes a password manager
T
here are nearly 60 percent of Trend Micro Maximum Security 2015 which encrypts all online passwords
respondents in Malaysia who Cloud Edition which is an all rounded without the fear of theft when logging
are not prepared against attacks consumer solution which handled in to online websites. The password
against their mobile devices and both security and privacy issues which manager also works across all platforms
personal computers according to a continues to harass Internet users today. and helps by providing a password
recent online poll conducted by Trend Solutions such as the Trend Micro generator to stop the common but
Micro Incorporated, the global developer Maximum Security 2015 Cloud Edition unreliable habit of using the same
of security software. This places them at are more of a need than a want as it passwords for multiple accounts. In
a high risk of falling prey to cybercrime is shown through the results of the an effort to provide online privacy and
especially in a time where we are facing poll which reveals the risky behavior security of Internet users, Trend Micro
3.5 new cyber threats every second. by Internet users was gathering new Maximum Security 2015 Cloud Edition
The poll surveyed a population of 600 ways for cyber criminals to exploit your has expanded its social network Privacy
individuals in Malaysia which revealed system. Scanner to scan LinkedIn, in addition
that 73 percent of Internet users are Trend Micro Maximum Security 2015 to Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
concerned about sharing their private Cloud Edition helps secure Internet users Users can now rely on Trend Micro’s
information on social networking sites, from eminent threat online. The solution technology to help maintain privacy,
and 69 percent has deleted or hid their delivers industry-leading anti-virus and security and positive online reputations.
previous posts on their timeline. Web-threat protection which identifies Trend Micro’s Maximum Security
Recently, Trend Micro launched and blocks dangerous links in websites, 2015 along with the Trend Micro Internet
one of the most comprehensive social networks, emails and instant Security 2015 are now available at all IT
security solution available which offers messaging. It can also detect spam retailers and the prices for the products
protection from cyber threats for PC, emails containing phishing scams that can be viewed on our web coverage of
Mac, Android and now even the iOS can trick users into revealing private the story.
platforms to protect consumers from personal information. Additionally, www.trendmicro.com.my
the dangers of the Internet across all Trend Micro had also found that 46
platforms This product is called the percent of the surveyed respondents
A Gathering Of
Ideas
The AEC Symposium held recently highlights
the groundbreaking engineering and
technologies used in creating the Asia
Aerospace City (AAC)
E
arlier this month, the Asia Located at the well-
A 3D demonstraƟon was held at the event allowing visitors to wear 3D glasses to
Aerospace City (AAC) gathered established Subang take an in-depth tour of the future Asia Aerospace City
an interdisciplinary blend of aerospace engineering
architects, engineers and construction and MRO centre, the Asia
industry players for the Architecture, Aerospace City’s Subang
Engineering and Construction (AEC) nexus development is paving
Symposium 2014 at Hotel Premiera in the way in the property
Kuala Lumpur. The symposium is a and construction industries
medium for discussions, exploration and by adopting 3D modelling
the exchange of the industry’s insights technology or Building
on technologies which can help change Information Modelling (BIM)
and innovate our built environment. for its Infrastructure planning,
AAC is an aerospace hub that serves design, construction and
to combine the capabilities, assets management.
and aerospace players worldwide with M-Aerotech oversees A full demonstraƟon table with a plasƟc model highlighƟng the design and
architecture of the AAC.
the opportunity for growth in Asia, the revenue generation
with Subang Nexus serving as the of AAC and it is also a subsidiary of government agency for human capital
foundations of its physical infrastructure. Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), the key and entrepreneurship development
that supports AAC whilst Permodalan
MARA Bhd. (PMB) as MARA’s strategic
investment and Asset-management
Company serves as the master developer
in meeting AAC’s infrastructure needs,
and it also works closely with ATKINS
as the lead consultant and it is also the
master planner of Subang Nexus.
Subang Nexus assimilates work,
study, live and play in state-of-the-art
design that symbolises AAC’s vision.
There will be activity nodes which
provide a conducive environment for
the propagation of creative culture,
balanced work-life, and curated living
spaces all within a cosmopolitan
scheme. Its design is inspired by the
wing of an airplane, the Subang Nexus
is a true complete business ecosystem
which offers a high-end workplace
that sets a new benchmark in the
region for tomorrow, with academics,
research & technology, with custom
designed accommodation and modern
retail facilities within reach. With an
iconic industry & technology savvy
development, the whole area represents
a strong identity of the Asia Aerospace
City as the aerospace hub for Asia.
The main speakers for the AEC Symposium which is aimed at helping shape Malaysian building environment www.asiaaerospacecity.com
(From leŌ): Wayne Lee, Head of Product Management and Global Product Manager, Jabra; Ben Samman, Managing Director, The agship Jabra 80 gives users producƟvity coupled with
ASEAN, Jabra; Saurabh Singhal, Head of MarkeƟng APAC, Jabra; and Gladys Kong, Sales Manager, Malaysia and Brunei, Jabra high quality audio
J
abra, the leading manufacturer loud and distracting workspaces,” a music- friendly experience.
of innovative audio solutions said Ben Samman, Managing Director, “We are excited to announce the
announced yesterday the Jabra ASEAN. Studies show that launch of the Jabra Evolve headsets in
availability of their latest product knowledge workers are interrupted Malaysia and we believe that this is truly
series, the Jabra Evolve. The Jabra every 10 minutes. We have designed an innovative and unique offering to the
Evolve is the first in the industry of the Jabra Evolve series with both the office workspace,” said Samman.
professional headsets that caters to the employer and user in mind, delivering Some of the features available on
communication needs of knowledge a vital solution to improve return on the Jabra Evolve series are industry
workers whereby in a recent survey investment through increased workplace leading noise cancellation from the large
states that the disturbances in the open productivity and accelerated user ear cushions designed with a foam that
office have a negative impact on their adoption.” adapts to the users ears with full ear
performance. With their advance noise Their new series consists of five coverage, Busy lights to show when the
cancellation technologies, Jabra aims to headsets with all purpose built for user is busy signalling colleagues nearby
improve work productivity by delivering shutting out the hustle and bustle of on the users availability and is mobility
a personal concentration zone. the open office, such as the features ensured with its built-in Bluetooth
“The Jabra Evolve headsets create that signal when a user is busy. The capability with plug and play options for
a complete personal concentration zone Jabra Evolve also has a microphone the PCs or mobile devices through USB
that boosts focus and work satisfaction boom arm which discreetly integrates cable.
for employees in increasingly open, into the headband to avoid any social www.jabraevolve.com
A Cure For
Sleepless
Nights
Spend Late-Nights Watching
Free Online Videos with U
Mobile
I
f you’re a student, or a young adult
(From leŌ): Lam Swee Kim. Group General Manager, Media Prima Digital; Jasmine Lee, Chief MarkeƟng Oĸcer of U
who’s looking to spend late nights
Mobile and Shylendra Nathan, Head of TelecommunicaƟons, Technology & Government of YouTube Malaysia during
away watching TV shows or online the launch of U Mobile’s Free Data for Non-Stop Streaming on YouTube and Tonton content
videos, you’re in luck as U Mobile has
recently announced a collaboration with relevant to the industry. All U Mobile customers who subscribe
YouTube and Tonton to offer a game- This new add-on is available for all of to the telco’s internet plans will also be
changing service: an add-on that allows U Mobile’s customers, be they prepaid, notified about the promotion via SMS
U Moible customers to watch videos and postpaid or even mobile broadband throughout the promotion period.
shows on both YouTube and Tonton for customers, all of them will be able to The introduction of this free data plan
free. enjoy watching videos for free from for non-stop video streaming is in-line
This strategic partnership is in line 2:00am to 10:00am from now till 31 with the company’s recently-announced
with U Mobile’s commitment to provide December 2014. Vision 2 Million campaign, which is U
the best-in-class mobile experience to its As January 2015 comes around, Mobile’s aim to grow its subscriber base
customers through innovative products customers can also continue to enjoy with 2 million new customers by the end
and services whilst delving deeper this special video streaming add-on by of the year.
into consumer insights and trends paying an additional RM3.00 a month. www.u.com.my
Lenovo Raids
The IBM Pantry
Again
Lenovo Acquires IBM’s x86 Server Business
I
n 2005, Lenovo acquired IBM’s NeXtScale and iDataPlex
notebook and PC business and turned servers and associated
itself into the world’s number one software, blade networking Khoo Hung Chuan, Country General Manager, Lenovo Malaysia lling members of
PC maker, and with the acquisition of and maintenance the media in with details of the new servers
Motorola Mobility from Google, the operations. storage arrays and more.
company is poised to be the world’s Clients and customers who are As for maintenance, IBM has also
third largest smartphone maker. Now, currently using IBM’s servers and mentioned that they will continue to
the company has gone back to IBM services need not worry as the two maintain their customers’ servers for
to purchase its x86 server business companies have established an alliance the next five years, as IBM slowly hands
to bolster its PC and smart-connected which will see Lenovo serving as an over its server portfolio to Lenovo. The
devices businesses. OEM to IBM and resell selected products transition began on the first of October
The acquisition of IBM’s x86 portfolio from IBM’s storage and software this year in countries that are part of
includes the System x, BladeCenter and portfolio, including the entry and the initial closing, which includes most
Flex System blade servers and switches, midrange Storewize storage product major markets.
x86-based Flex integrated systems, family, Linear Tape Open products, flash www.lenovo.com/my/en/
A GALAXY of
Wonders
Samsung GALAXY Note 4 Goes On
Sale Nationwide
A
few days after the media launch, received a
Samsung Electronics (M) Sdn. complementary
Bhd. finally made public the Samsung Gear
long-awaited Samsung GALAXY Note Circle Bluetooth
4 here in Malaysia. To commemorate headset.
the occasion, Samsung Malaysia held At the big
a three-day tour around the nation to launch at the
allow Malaysians from every state in Blue Atrium
the country to purchase the brand new in Sunway Lee Dong Yong, President of Samsung Malaysia Electronics showing oī the Samsung GALAXY Note 4
and Samsung Gear 2 at the consumer launch
phablet device. Pyramid,
The three day tour around the Samsung also customers who lined up to buy a
nation was held from 17 October to collaborated with Celcom, DiGi, Maxis GALAXY Note 4 at Sunway Pyramid
19 October, at the following locations; and Harvey Norman, as they set up each receiving a Samsung Gear S as a
Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang, Cnetre service booths throughout the three token of appreciation.
Point Shopping Centre, Kota Kinabalu, days to allow customers to make Available in two colours, Charcoal
City Square, Johor Bahru and Kuantan purchases with ease. The three-day tour Black and Frost White, the Samsung
Parade, Pahang. features a series of activities which were GALAXY Note 4 retails for RM2,499,
On top of that, the first 100 customers set up in several zones for consumers to while the Gear S and Gear Circle each
who purchase a Samsung GALAXY Note have a go with the Samsung GALAXY cost RM1,099 and RM209 respectively.
4 at participating Samsung Experience Note 4.
Stores and authorised dealers also It also saw five of the earliest www.samsung.com/my
L
ate in the month of October, at the prospect of working with the Sumner Lemon, the new Country General Manager for Intel
Intel Malaysia announced the Malaysian and Singaporean teams to Malaysia and Singapore
appointment of Sumner Lemon bring these solutions to market. It is
as the Country Manager of Intel a privilege to have been appointed to Intel Asia Pacific and Japan.
Malaysia and Singapore. Lemon is this position and I am ready to build Prior to joining Intel, Sumner worked
now accountable for all of Intel’s sales on the firm foundations laid by my as a journalist, covering the technology
and marketing activities in Malaysia predecessor,” Lemon said. industry in Taiwan, China and Southeast
and Singapore. He will also be Lemon has been with Intel for over Asia. Lemon earned an MBA with honors
driving strategic partnerships with the four years as he joined the company in from the University of Chicago Booth
government and ecosystem partners in 2010 as a corporate communications School of Business and holds a BA in
order to accelerate technology adoption manager based in Singapore. For the East Asian Studies from Colby College.
in both countries. last two and a half years, Lemon was Originally from the U.S., Lemon has
“2014 has been a very exciting year based in Hong Kong where he served lived in Asia for 23 years and is fluent in
for Intel in terms of innovation and as technical assistant and chief of staff Mandarin.
product offerings and I am very excited to Gregory Bryant, General Manager for www.intel.my
Frag In Style
ASUS Announces Availability of ROG
G551 Gaming Notebook
A
SUS recently announced its latest very impressive
gaming laptop in the form of the NVIDIA GTX 860M
ROG G Series G551 notebook, discrete GPU, which
which represents a performance leap over provides the gamers
previous models. The gaming notebook with the firepower
features the most powerful set of CPU and necessary to make
GPU which allows gamers to play the latest the most out of the
games smoothly at the highest settings notebook’s 15.6-inch
possible. Full HD IPS display. The ASUS ROG G551 gaming notebook is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor, an NVIDIA GTX
The ROG G551 notebook features a It also features an 860M and features a 15.6 inch IPS display
matte-black aluminium finish with red advanced cooling
diamond-cut edges with an illuminated system that efficiently removes heat with ASUS Golden Ear team for an even more
ROG logo at the back. In keeping with the minimal noise so as to not disrupt the immersive experience.
ROG theme, the ROG G551 has a seamless user’s gaming experience. As for availability, the ASUS ROG
one-piece chiclet keyboard and specially- For those who prefer to game with G551JM-DM052H, which comes with 4GB
marked WASD keys for easy navigation multiple displays, the G551 also comes of RAM and an NVIDIA GeForce 860M
and gameplay. The backlit keys glow red with the Trinity Display technology which with 2GB of GDDR5 memory is available
to make it easy for gamers to read keys in allows users to hook up to three external now for RM3,499, while the ASUS ROG
dim environments, and further adds to the displays via HDMI or Mini DisplayPort. G551JM-DM053H, with 4GB of RAM and
ROG mystique. Audiophiles will also be happy to know an NVIDIA GeForce 860M with 4GB of
As mentioned earlier, the G551 features that the G551 comes with a powerful GDDR5 memory will be available at the
the latest 4th generation Intel Core i7 headphone amplifier that has been end of October for RM4,099.
processor, and this is coupled by the fine-tuned by audio specialists in the rog.asus.com/
Fuelling The
Octane
Entry level gamers have another bundle
they should be looking out for as Cooler
Master has recently released their CM
Storm Octane combo
C
ooler Master, the leading creator, that pulsate. These
innovator and manufacturer of colour changes are
desktop components and gaming customisable for
The eĸcient combinaƟon of the CM Storm Octane Combo allowing gamers to seƩle in to their
peripherals recently announced the both mouse and
rigs faster
immediate availability of CM Storm Octane keyboard.
in Malaysia. The CM Storm Octane is a The mouse is built with an AVAGO 3050 media control keys, a windows key which
gaming keyboard and mouse combination optical sensor with four DPI levels which can be switched off, adjustable repeat
which covers every area. range from 500 DPI to 3500 DPI, the Octane rates, and 19 anti-ghosting key technology
With the huge success from the mouse is as accurate as you need it to be. that allows for uninterrupted commands
Devastator gaming keyboard and mouse This mouse is capable of handling up to 10 when using hotkey modifiers.
combo, Cooler Master has introduced a million clicks throughout its lifetime thus The CM Storm Octane combo is
new combo for those looking to enter the allowing worry-warts easy breathing space. available immediately at a retail price of
world of gaming. The Octane comes with The Octane keyboard however, gives RM199.
seven different backlight colour options as gamers everything that they would need apac.coolermaster.com/en/
well as full backlighting and glow modes in a gaming keyboard. It sports dedicated
WikiLeaks Sweating
Surrenders? For
A Power
fter two years of running, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange
allegedly wants to surrender himself to the authorities. Assange
could leave the Embassy of Ecuador in London where he had
taken refuge in for the last few years. The authorities are hunting down
C
alifornian researchers has recently developed
Assange for not only the secretes that he leaked but he is also wanted in
a stick-on tattoo that generates electricity
Sweden where he is allegedly charged for sexual harassment and rape.
from lactate, which are the acids contained in
the sweat generated by strained muscles. With this
in mind, researchers are hoping that couch potatoes
are able to produce more electricity due to their
Trillions Heads Up
A
n American start-up company by the
J
apanese scientists have built the fastest video camera in the world which
brand of Skully has developed a
can shoot up to 4.4 trillion frames per second. This would allow slow
motorbike helmet that provides
motion to be played in very quick occurrences. During the tests, it was
information to the rider on a heads up display.
possible to view heat conductions for the human eye, an occurrence which
The information includes speed and navigation
takes place at a speed that is one-sixth that of the speed of light. The camera
because the helmet is linked to a smartphone
can also capture chemical reactions and plasma movements. The only
application that is connected via Bluetooth and it
drawback is that the camera only has a resolution of 450 x 450 pixels.
also has a rear camera.
e
Bay has apparently wanted to test the
“message retracted”. However, you still can’t retract attachments or file transfers.
virtual currency called Bitcoin as a
A second new feature, called Timed Messages, mimics vanishing message
mode of payment and it has conducted
apps such as Snapchat and allows you to control how long the message and
initial discussions with companies from the
pictures you send to your contacts remain visible. Your message stays hidden
Bitcoin economy. Tests are being conducted
until your recipient touches and holds on the chat, according to Blackberry. After
at eBay’s daughter company Braintree,
the timer expires or the recipient is no longer touching the screen, the message
which was bought by eBay last September.
disappears and you will also be notified if your recipient tries to preserve the
It processes payments such as AirBnB and
message by taking a screenshot of it.
the taxi service Uber. Braintree is a
Blackberry has also added a few other features to the BBM such as if your
department of PayPal. eBay chief Donahoe
recipient gets a picture during a chat, that person can ask for a HD version to
feels that the integration of the crypto
view the image in greater detail. You can now easily browse BBM Stickers to add
currency is inevitable especially in countries
them to a chat, and you can find new music by checking out what tunes are
like USA, where Dell and Expedia have
popular among your BBM contacts.
already tested Bitcoins.
Yondr
Kills The
Addiction
W
ith musicians fed up and audiences glued
to their mobile devices, Yondr has
arrived with a solution which operates
on a fundamental premise whereby smartphones
can be a distraction and a crutch that creates a
distance from our surroundings. Yondr’s mission
statement is to show people how powerful a
moment is when we are not focused on just
broadcasting it. Yondr is among the first company
to cater to the unplugging movement. Thus, if you
have not been asked to stow away your gadgets,
you could soon be asked to do so.
A café in Vermont made headlines in September
when it said sales has jumped after it banned laptops and cut the cord on public Wi-Fi, whereby the Motion Picture Association
has a zero tolerance policy for any recording device of any kind to be used while movies are being shown. Yondr expects interest
to pick up as more concert goers and venue owners get used to the idea, while Yondr is currently leasing its gears for places
wanting to set up phone-free zones.
A Rentable Samsung
Windows? Goes
Microsoft Metal?
Confirms Not Quite
W
ith Windows 365, users can not only buy Microsoft’s
operating system in the future but you can also rent it out
F
our aluminium-ribbed smartphones in rapid
on a payment of a monthly fee or annual fee similar to launches are a common denominator that
Microsoft Office 365 whereby subscription is already introduced. sends a clue that Samsung is embarking on
Several LinkedIn profiles of Microsoft employees has confirmed the a change in its smartphone design. The high-end,
subscription plans for Windows 365 whereby it could also be metal-framed Galaxy Alpha and Galaxy Note 4
available as classic software, but with the monthly fee. are just the tip of the iceberg, with the newly
revealed midrange Galaxy A3 and A5 stalking
Samsung’s first claim in all-metal backings to
Falling Digital match the aluminium edging. But does this mean
that Samsung is going to be converting to metal
only phones? Not exactly.
“Each product has its own design concept,” a
T
he number of legal music downloads has gone down for the first nevertheless on a budget -- want in a phone.”
time in six months, with 2014 seeing a 7.1 percent decrease in the On another note, the design team’s restriction
first two quarters. Surprisingly, 18.6 percent of downloads are of metal elements to the Galaxy Note 4’s
making the second highest turnover which shares the major share of perimeter was intentional, as they has wanted to
65.6 percent of sales from CDs. The main cause of the decline can be keep the identity of the leather look and stitching
attributed to the boom in the music streaming industry which has consistent.
increased by 77 percent and has gained 7.7 percent in the turnover.
Virtual Safety In F1
R
acers may find that safety vehicles are often as dangerous to racing drivers as they are actual competition, which was
evident when Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi recently crashed into a recovery tractor that was sent out on an earlier
accident. These incidents may be less of an
unintentional threat if a virtual safety car (VSC) trial at
the US Grand Pric pans out whereby instead of using
a lead car to slow things down during yellow flags,
the system relies on dashboard displays to tell racers
to stay under a given speed limit whereby they would
face penalties if they go over the limit.
The technology is only being used in practice
sessions so far, but the FIA is working with teams to
determine when VSC would be viable to proper actual
races. Thus far, VSC has been a mixed success as
some drivers are complaining that it is too difficult as
they are spending a lot of their time staring at the
dashboard rather than the road ahead, and they have
to manage the speed very carefully if they want to
keep up when race organisers give the all clear. That
being said, the hassles might be worth the trouble of
avoiding collisions.
3DPrinting
Just Got
Smaller
There are many types of 3D Printers but the iBox Nano
could be one of the smallest made yet. The creators claim
that the gadget is not only the most diminutive resin
printer, but it is also the most affordable in addition to
being the world’s quietest and lightest 3D printer to date.
It achieves these in a few ways such as using LEDs
instead of DLP bulbs for lights, and it uses acrylic parts for
the actual printer body. The final result is a box that measures 4 x 3 x 8 and weighs three pounds. The idea behind the small
design is that the people who buy the bigger designs end up printing only small objects thus it is all a matter of calculated
efficiency.
Additionally, you would be able to print without installing any software thus everything is handled using Wi-Fi and your web
browser, thus you can even print from Android and iOS devices.
Millions
Affected
By Hack
Attack
R
ecently, up to 12 million websites may have been
exploited by attackers who took advantage of a bug
in the widely used Drupal software as these sites
use Drupal to manage web content and images, text and video. Drupal had issued a security warning saying users who did not
apply for a patch recently should assume they had already been hacked. It was said that the automated attacks took advantage of
the bug and allows the attackers to take control of a site. It was estimated that up to 5.1 percent of the billion or so sites on the
web use Drupal 7 to manage their content, thus increasing the number of sites that requires patching up to 12 million.
Data Theft Of
The Month
DATA THEFT: PASSWORDS
STOLEN
According to security experts at Hold
Security, Russian hackers have stolen
1.2 billion passwords, alongside their
usernames which included 500 million
email accounts. That being said, the
astronomical numbers of accounts
It may sound silly, but one of the easiest things you can do to prevent someone from stealing your PIN number is by simply
covering the keypad stolen is likely the result of several
hack attacks that were made recently.
Secure
Symantec has a few tips for bank customers to keep their
seized by cyber criminals. According
to the security service provider
TrustedSec, the hospital chain was a
information secure new victim of the Heartbleed SSL bug.
It was also discovered that the attack
A
s Malaysians, we often hear at the ATM area so that security can
about bank accounts being at least trace back the footage in case likely happened as early as April or
hacked and ATMs being rigged anything untowards happens. The ATMs June, and the culprit, likely a Chinese
overseas. Not too long ago, the country are essentially computers that dispense hacker group were not able to get
was shocked by the revelation that money, and so the BIOS of the ATMs their hands on credit card data and
several foreigners entered Malaysia and can also be locked down to prevent medical files.
hacked into a number of ATMs around booting from unauthorised media such
the country, costing banks millions of as CDs and thumbdrives. FLIGHT MH370: HACKER ATTACK
ringgit in cold hard cash. Symantec For those who often do online ON INVESTIGATION DATABASE
has recently offered a list of preventive banking transactions, one of the most Months after the mysterious crash
measures when it comes to making key things to remember is to never of Malaysia Airline’s MH370, it was
public transactions, both online and with perform banking transactions over
discovered that a hacker group
the ATM. open Wi-Fi connections as hackers will
attempted to attack the investigation’s
As customers, when making be able to sniff packets that you send
database. A spokesperson from Kuala
transactions with ATMs, they must over the connection and use that to
Lumpur said that the data about the
always be on the look-out for suspicious gain access to your bank account. You
investigation status of the case was
devices on the ATM that would be should also always ensure that your
capable of striping and read your antivirus software and operating system stolen. It was also mentioned that the
PIN number. If you are concerned is updated, and check if the banking attacks appear to have originated from
that someone is watching over your site is genuine by double-checking the China, and that the affected computers
shoulder, cover the PIN pad when keying web address to ensure that you’re not of the investigators were infected with
in your PIN number. Whenever possible, rerouted to a phishing site. malware.
you should also avoid using ATMs that You should also never share your
are located in isolated locations. phone number and sensitive information
Banking institutions could also online via email, IM or chat, especially
help to improve the security of their if there are e-mails that are supposedly
customers and ATMs by upgrading the from your bank asking you for these
machines’ operating system such as information.
Windows 7 or 8 and ensure that they www.symantec.com/en/my/
are patched. CCTVs can also be installed
Danger Barometer
Researchers
High risk
Taking Action
Against The Lynx
presented a report
that proves over
14,000 routers
and networked
surveillance
cameras have
security loopholes
Medium risk
A
coordinated operation involving Vulnerability allows attackers to
Symantec and a number of other embed files from external locations.
security companies has delivered The vulnerability can be exploited to
a blow against Backdoor.Hikit and a download and install malware on to the
Low risk
number of other malware tools used target’s computer. Symantec regards
by the Chinese-based cyberespionage this as critical since it allows attackers
group Hidden Lynx. to remotely run code on the target’s
A critical new vulnerability in computer.
the Windows operating system, the www.symantec.com/en/my/
Microsoft Windows OLE Package
Less data loss in Manager Remote Code Execution
companies
According to the statistics website
Kaspersky Builds
breachlevelindex.com, data losses can
definitely be reversed. The exception
here is the month of May, where data
was stolen from several big companies
including eBay
No. of thefts in million data records
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
127,73
Stronger Ties
K
43,61 aspersky Lab recently improved and run Interpol’s digital forensics
MARCH
its anti-cybercrime cooperation laboratory and other operations of the
33,38
with both the Interpol and newly-established center. Kaspersky
APRIL 27,57
Europol to a new level with the signing Lab will organize and run a series of
MAY 147,29 of key cooperation documents with training sessions for Interpol officers to
Source: Kaspersky the two international law enforcement transfer to them expertise in malware
bodies. analysis, digital forensics and financial
Under the new agreement with threat research. Kaspersky Lab has been
Cases of computer crime Interpol, the company will provide working with Interpol since April 2013.
on the rise threat intelligence as well as both
Cyber crime has gone up in the past few
years. In 2013 alone, there were about hardware and software to establish www.kaspersky.com
89,000 cases of cyber crime in Germany.
Criminal prosecution authorities are
estimating a higher count this year
90.000
80.000
70.000
Anything For
60.000
50.000
40.000
30.000
88722
cases
Internet
I
20.000 n a Europol-backed investigation, the conditions such as giving away their
10.000
1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 20092011 2013
researchers have recently found out first-born child in exchange to use their
that consumers don’t mind giving Wi-Fi.
Source: Statista out their personal information via public In a 30 minute period, over 250
Wi-Fi as long as they are able to connect devices connected to the Wi-Fi
Number of the Month: to the Internet. automatically and 33 of them actively
F-Secure, alongside the Europol and used the connection to send various data
Brian Choi, Senior Product Manager provides an in-depth preview on the eĸciency of the NVIDIA BaƩery Boost
S
hortly after their event that times its market
highlighted the latest GeForce GTX value which marks
900 series of desktop PC graphics its staggering
cards, NVIDIA held yet another event in demand by
Bangkok and this time the focus was set gamers. In 2010,
on their new GeForce GTX 900M series NVIDIA released
of mobile GPUs namely the GeForce GTX the GTX 480M
97M and 980M GPUs. The launch of the which allowed
two new GPUs was followed by a sneak gamers to play
preview of upcoming gaming laptops that games in 1080p
will be harnessing the power of these high-resolution
GPUs. graphics but not
Gaming notebooks evolved from at the highest
a niche audience into a strong home and best settings
grown audience with the advancements possible, fast
in technology providing a much better forward to 2012,
performance for mobile solutions and the 680M was
portability. In a short span of three years, released and Brian provides members of the media a brief introducƟon to the latest technologies in the
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 900M series of graphic cards.
gaming notebooks grew to over five it allowed game
The model holds up the the unique NVIDIA Shield and the
Shield controller which can stream games direct from your PC
KT Ong is Dell Malaysia’s more than four times the resolution of current HD displays.
current General Manager for Spoilt by increasingly sharper graphics on television and
the Consumer and Commercial
movie screens, end-users are looking for the same level of
Business.
clarity on their personal devices. As such, monitor and laptop
W
ork and personal life used to be separate entities. displays are rising to the occasion, providing visuals that
Today, however, it is not uncommon for people to previously can only be experienced on much larger screens.
use their work devices to surf social sites or their This means increased benefits in graphic editing and text
personal mobile phones to access work emails. 2014 is turning reading, with sharper images and reduced screen glare. In
out to be exciting with a host of new products and services particular, people who are accustomed to using workstations
dedicated to merging work and life, pushing the boundaries of for graphics editing now have the added option of using more
the consumer experience. Users today have more choices on convenient devices such as mobile workstations or notebooks
hand; keeping them on the cutting edge of day-to-day to work on-the-go.
computing as well as enhancing their work and personal lives.
Here are three trends Dell envisions will continue to Storage moves to the Cloud with devices
contribute to the pervasive interchangeability of work and life: becoming a gateway to information
Today’s workforce wants total mobility from any device,
Continued growth of tablets and rising anywhere, anytime. CIOs are increasingly moving corporate
popularity of 2-in-1s data into the cloud. With more data moving to the cloud,
When tablets first hit the market, they were adopted mainly as security and accessibility have never been more important.
complementary gear for people to consume content on the go. Cloud storage allows people to store their data securely on
While tablet demands will continue to grow in the near future, the Internet, providing safe and convenient access regardless
mobile professionals today are increasingly demanding to of location as long as there is an Internet connection. Several
work and play on devices with tablet-like form factors but laptops and tablets today also come bundled with free cloud
laptop-like performance. storage options, simplifying the user experience. Instead of
As the workplace shifts to Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) employees endangering the security of sensitive information
or Choose-Your-Own-Device (CYOD) ecosystems, 2-in-1 on personal devices which may be lost or stolen, they can now
devices are the answer to allowing consumers to enjoy the choose to save their data on such free and secure cloud
mobility and slimness of tablets as well as the strong, stable storage options.
performance of laptops. Besides consuming content In line with the aims of a mobile workforce, devices will
conveniently while on-the-go, users can also employ these evolve from being a storage bank to becoming a conduit to
2-in-1 devices for work as moreapplications and services are information, regardless of where that information is stored.
moving to the cloud. Due to the rising popularity of 2-in-1s in CIOs will also want solutions that enable them to manage and
the market, Dell expects an increase in the variety of 2-in-1 secure company devices as well as the personal devices that
devices developed to meet different users’ needs, working their employees bring onto the network.
habits and lifestyles. 2014 has seen the increased blurring of the lines between
work and play. People will continue to be empowered with
Bridging the 4K frontier with end-user corporate content on-the-move, as well as devices that merge
devices form and function. At the same time, this year promises a
The undying quest for sharper images with higher clarity has whole new immersive experience for the modern end-user
brought about the advent of high definition (HD), full HD and with ultra-high definition graphics and faster performance. The
even HD plus displays. Today, graphics have gone one step switch from work to play and vice-versa has never been easier
further with the introduction of 4K resolution, which provides or more pleasant.
Internet
Pornography
– What is
Legal, What
is Not?
The World Wide Web is a double-edged sword. It can be a treasure
trove of useful information but it also houses a boatload of adult-
only and smut material. Most of us take it for granted that since it’s
already there on the net, it’s fine to consume, but is it really or will it
land you in a hot sticky mess? By Edwin Lee Yong Cieh
A practicising lawyer specialising
in telecommunications, media controversial couple, Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee, who had
& technology law, Edwin is in a
deliberately uploaded nude photos and sex videos of
constant effort to educate users
on the many legal happenings in themselves onto the Internet, which landed them in hot soup.
the IT world This article sets out to examine the legality issues revolving
around pornography, nude photos as well as obscene
A
slew of nude photos of various celebrities such as materials on the Internet. Is hacking and circulating nude
Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Upton, Jessica Brown and photos a sex crime, as described by Jennifer Lawrence?
many other A-list celebrities, was recently leaked on Without a doubt, the act of hacking into someone’s computer
the Internet. The photos were obtained from the online file is a computer crime, but it may not necessarily amount to a
storage offered by Apple’s iCloud platform. Apple later sex crime, which usually refers to sexual offences such as
reported that the victims’ iCloud account was hacked using “a rape, molest, sexual harassment, sexual assault etc.
very targeted attack on user names, passwords and security The advent of the World Wide Web has led to the growth of
questions”, such as phishing and brute-force guessing, rather Internet pornography, and has made it so easy for any Internet
than any specific vulnerability in the iCloud service itself. Many users to stumble upon, or accidentally or deliberately view
have condemned such action as an act of invasion of privacy, explicit images while surfing the Internet. Pornography
with Jennifer Lawrence calling the leak a “sex crime” and magazines and videos have always been banned from entering
saying that “anybody who looked at those pictures, you are into Malaysia. Now with the Internet, these materials are easily
perpetuating a sexual offence”. accessible to anyone, without any form of restriction or
Many of you would recall that back in 2008, similar incident censorship. The phenomenon of revenge porn i.e. an act where
also took place in Hong Kong where hundreds of intimate and ex-partners post sexually explicit or indecent photos and
nude photos involving Hong Kong celebrities such as Edison videos of their former partners, and sexting i.e. an act of
Chen, Gillian Chung, Cecilia Cheung and others were leaked sending sexually explicit messages (which sometimes contain
and circulated all over the Internet. In Malaysia, the most photos and videos) between mobile phone users are also
famous nude photo shared incident is none other than the getting popular worldwide.
Unmatched Performance
The GT72 is powered by a 4th Generation Intel Core i7
processor, coupled with up to 32GB of DDR3L RAM,
alongside an NVIDIA GeForce GTX880M discrete graphics
card which provides users with gaming performance that is
almost unheard of in a gaming notebook. As far as storage
is concerned, the GT72 comes with up to 512GB of Super
RAID 3 SSD and a 1TB HDD that spins at 7,200RPM, very
similar to performance levels that you’ll get from desktop
storage solutions.
It also features a 17.3-inch anti-
glare Full HD display, which is
gigantic by notebook display
standards, and is sure to provide
you with enough display real estate
for both work and play. Thanks to
Mini DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4
ports, users can also hook up three
4K monitors to the GT72 for a truly mesmerising gaming experience.
Efficient Cooling
A common problem with gaming
PCs is the fact that they all more
often than not turn into a furnace
whenever you game on them for
long periods of time. MSI’s Cooler
Boost 3 dual thermal system is
made to cool down the high-end
components that are inside the
GT72.
What MSI has done here is to
install a fan each for the CPU and
GPU, and whilst the standard
cooling speeds of the Cooler Booster 3 is already very good, you can
crank the fans up even further to decrease the temperature of the CPU
and GPU respectively. MSI also claims that with the boosted fan
speeds, it could decrease the CPU temperature around 8-10-degrees
Celsius and GPU temperature around 4-5-degrees Celsius.
For the past few months, Tech Spelunk has been mostly about desktop PC components
(CPUs to be exact), and while it’s great to be able to build powerful desktop PC for
gaming purposes, for some people, it could be a tad bit too troublesome, or lack of
space may be a main cause as to why a desktop PC might not be a viable option. Fret
not however, as MSI has just the thing for your portable gaming needs in the form of the
MSI GT72 2PE Dominator Pro. By CHIP Team
Modular By Nature
For enthusiasts, one of the best parts
about the GT72, besides the
components it comes with is the fact
that they are all modular. The GPU
deserves special mention here as MSI
chose to introduce their MXM modular
system in the GT72. The GTX880M can
be upgraded to the newer and more
powerful GTX970M or GTX980M,
depending on your needs. Users will
also be able to swap the RAM sticks
and SSD/HDD as well, making
upgrading a very straight-forward deal
with the GT72, which is a first for notebooks.
1985
Amiga 1000
With real multitasking, a
big competitor of the
IBMPC – at about half the
price
1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989
"
IBM PC/AT
IBM PC/AT (5170) (5170)
Launch of sales:: 1984 Powered by Intel’s new
PHOTOS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: INTEL; APPLE; WIKIPEDIA/RAINER KNÄPPER, FREE ART LICENSE (HTTP://ARTLIBRE.ORG/?PAGE_ID=65);
Production end: 1987
"
286-series CPU, the PC/
Chip architecture: Intel 80286 AT became a model for
CPU/RAM: 6MHz/up to 512KB future PCs
Price: starting from approx. US$4,000 (RM13,160)
WIKIPEDIA/TULLIUS/CC BY-SA 3.0; WIKIPEDIA/KONSTANTIN LANZET/CC BY-SA 3.0; WIKIPEDIA/KAIIV/CC BY-SA 3.0; IBM
CHIP TIMELINE
IBM PC/AT
Mocked by Bill Gates as brainless, the PC/AT 1984 rang in a new PC era – with a new
Intel chip, BIOS forerunner and multitasking
A
dvanced technology: that’s what (RM13,160), while the variant with 512KB turned out to be a successful
“AT” in the name IBM PC/AT RAM and a 20MB hard disk cost experiment, which gave rise to the
stands for. In 1984 “advanced” US$5,795 (RM19,000). technological wonder that is the 5170.
was made up of 6MHz of computing With PC/AT, Intel went all out on the The revolutionary feature in Intel’s
power, 256KB worth of RAM and PC DOS young PC market. The first IBM PC that 286-series chip was the Protected Mode.
3.0 as the operating system. And even was launched three years before that, This operating mode made it possible to
the price for the first PC with Intel’s executed only BASIC programs with its restrict the memory access rights of
80286er architecture clearly indicated: poor 16KB RAM. It was an experimental individual applications for the first time –
dear PC enthusiast, you can’t get more. move played by IBM to test its chances Windows continues to use this memory
The base model cost US$4,000 against Apple, Commodore and Xerox. It management to date. Furthermore, the
1999 2013
AMD Athlon
Intel Baytrail
The fastest x86 processor
Intel’s latest multi-core
in the world at that time
chip for all device classes
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
2006 2013
Apple MacPro
Intel Pentium D
1993 The first dual core CPU
The high-end model
among Apple desktop
Intel Pentium P5 for desktop systems computers with a 6 core
The first CPU with Intel Xeon CPU
parallel command
processing (superscalar)
– and the start of the
Pentium era
Protected Mode made the most of the CPU, PC/AT also had a CMOS RAM on remaining keys. Moreover, IBM built in
equally new 16-bit system bus. However, board for the first time. This battery- LEDs for the Shift, Num and Scroll keys
it still had a drawback: MS-DOS backed memory in an IBM PC contains for the first time.
programs could be executed only hard disk configurations; the memory in The success of the AT platform
sporadically since most of them the latest PCs contains BIOS was evident from the different cost-
demanded full access to the system. This configurations. Even the 20MB hard disk effective reproductions of the same –
is the reason Microsof’s head Bill Gates was a highlight with its access time of 40 especially in Asia. They not only adopted
mocked the chip as “brainless”. milliseconds – today we have access the Intel architecture but also the AT
However, it was still a success for Intel – times of about 8 milliseconds. The label. In the end, IBM lost the price war
and the basis for all the subsequent keyboard of the IBM PC/AT too marked a because even the follow-up model PS/2
processors, for example, the ones from major development leap. The number could not attain the success achieved by
the 80386 series. In addition to a new pad in this model was offset from the PC/AT.
Router with
MU MIMO
ASUS RT-AC87 is the
first router that
communicates with
several WLAN
devices at the same
time
802.11ac Wave 2
Multi-user MIMO is an inherent part of
the 802.11ac standard. However,
so far there have been no
devices that supported this new
WLAN standard 802.11b 802.11g/a 802.11n 802.11ac 802.11ax*
type of multi-antenna Maximum data rate per 11 54 150 866 Min. 3500
technology. The present WLAN stream (in MBit/s
Frequency band (in GHz 2,4 2.4 / 5 2.4 und 5 5 Between 1 and 6
routers as per the 802.11ac
Channel range (in MHz) 20 20 / 20 20 und 40 20, 40, 80 or 160 Yet to be decided
standard are therefore called Antenna technology Single Input Single Single Input Single Multiple Input Multi- MIMO/MU-MIMO MIMO/MU-MIMO
Wave-1 devices. MU MIMO was Output (SISO) Output (SISO) ple Output (MIMO)
Maximum no. of spatial 1 1 4 8 Yet to be decided
introduced with Wave 2 devices streams
and ASUS’ RTAC87 leads this Supports beam forming Q Q Q Q Q
second wave. * IN THE PLANNING STAGE Q YES Q NO
1 Notebook Notebook
2 Tablet Tablet
3 Mobile Mobile
phone phone
4 TV TV
Band- No. of
SU-MIMO width
ID
streams
Coding Checksum End
Multi-User MIMO
So far, new WLAN standards were only able to accelerate individual connections. A clever
technology now tunes the WLAN throughput for everyone, which also means faster and
more stable connection for all By Jörg Geiger
W
LAN can be compared to a heavily trafficked becomes costlier. The MIMO technology was developed so
motorway: in addition to PCs and notebooks you that adding more antennas becomes worthwhile. For the sake
will find tablets, smartphones, TVs and gaming of clarity, let us correctly name the present MIMO as a single
consoles (depending on what time of day it is) connected to user MIMO. It can transmit several spatial streams at the same
the radio traffic. In an average household today, you will find a time – as described in the beginning – but only to one address.
total of 5.3 Internet enabled devices connected to the WLAN – Multi-user MIMO now resolves this bottleneck. Using this
and the numbers are constantly increasing. At a rate of 11MBit technology, WLAN bases can transmit to up to four clients
per second that the primary WLAN standard 802.11b offers, simultaneously. A device with eight antennas for instance, can
you need a lot of patience while surfing on the Internet or use four for a notebook and simultaneously two others for a
uploading or downloading files because, strictly speaking, the tablet and a smartphone.
router is always only connected to one device. If three devices
use the radio communication, each client gets one third of the MIMO with an accurate directional radio
connection time; two third of the time is lost in waiting. For the base station to send WLAN packets to different clients
WLANs as per the 802.11ac standard offer GBit bandwidths, simultaneously, it requires information about the location of
but their speed still slows down due to the waiting time. It is the clients. For this, test data packets are sent in all directions
the next device generation (802.11ac Wave 2) that promises first. The clients respond to these packets and the base station
better performance for radio networks when it comes to stores information about the signal strengths. One of the most
working with more than one device. important aids of MU MIMO is the so-called beam forming.
However for a better understanding of this technology, let Although it was also present in 802.11n, it has been improved
us take a quick look back: the previous WLAN standards have for 802.11ac. During beam forming, bundled radio signals are
already scooped out more performance from the radio turned towards the client in the optimal direction. The base
networks by employing various tuning measures. One of the station determines the optimal alignment of transmitting
most effective accelerator since 802.11n is the so-called MIMO antennas separately for every radio signal. The challenge
technology (Multiple Input Multiple Output), where several associated with multi-user operation is that the channel
radio antennas transmit parallel data streams. For example, if information must be absolutely correct because a change in
a video file is being sent via WLAN and if you use a MIMO location of even one single client can change the complete
router with three antennas, each transmission unit transmits transmission path and break down the WLAN throughput. This
one third of the file in an ideal case scenario (spatial is why channels are measured every 10milliseconds (ms). On
multiplex). Each of the three antennas uses a fingerprint of the other hand, a Single User MIMO measures only every
sorts for transmission, which arises from the spatial 100ms. So that things don’t get over complicated, a MU MIMO
arrangement of the antennas. The recipient can thus can serve only four clients at the same time; each client can
differentiate between the data streams. The WLAN client receive up to four parallel streams, i.e., 16 streams need to be
works just like a download manager, which receives a file in managed at the topmost configuration level. The reamed
several parts from the server. The client must recognise what MIMO requires new WLAN routers for this because they need
it has already loaded and join the individual parts correctly. more computing power. They negotiate the coding separately
for each client (see graphics on the left). An important fact is
The cost increases with every antenna that the clients too must be MU MIMO compatible because it
In the 802.11n WLAN, each of the spatially separated data is their task to filter out the data packets intended for them
PHOTO: ASUS INFOGRAPHICS: DOREEN HEIMANN
streams (spatial streams) provides a gross speed, i.e., from the multi-user data stream.
inclusive of control data, of 150MBit per second. Devices with One of the biggest problems of MU MIMO is the
four antennas achieve 600MBit. On paper, the current WLAN interference between clients. Although channel assignment is
standard 802.11ac yields about 6,900MBit per second. Apart often measured, this is not enough. Moreover, individual
from wider radio channels and improved modulation, new frames are prioritised if required, while others are withheld.
additions to MIMO are responsible for the higher speed: For this, 802.11ac uses different queues, which process these
802.11ac allows up to eight MIMO streams. with varying speeds depending on the data packet type and
However, there is no guarantee that the data transmission prefer video packets. However, the ac standard does not solve
speed will increase with the addition of every antenna. On the one problem: MU MIMO only functions from the base to the
contrary, after four antennas, the administration overheads clients. The confirmations about received data packets occupy
increase drastically and collision detection in radio signals the entire channel.
that hackers have additional problems such as new cases of transmit and receive data with
avenues of access to a user’s USB hacks and the recent ATM minimal worries and in your
personal data. Are Malaysians bank heists? opinion, what would be the
finally wising up & learning Firstly, let’s use an example in the form best way to achieve that goal?
how to protect their devices or of the Android platform since it has First and foremost, the word cloud is
are the vast majority remaining been the most targeted platform for the overrated. Whatever you don’t keep in hand
unprotected? mobile. Many users would download free or in your device is in the cloud. The most
The weak points are actually found in the applications from various websites but this important factor needed by cloud services
mobile space, because of the nature of would place them in immediate danger of is trust. Users will only use a particular
these devices. A common mistake made malware, as such we would normally advise cloud service because they trust it. Which
by the general public is assuming that them to use recognised application stores is why, the most critical criteria needed by
smartphones are just a standard phone, and such as Google Play. One example of a cloud companies is to earn trust from their
this train of thought is extremely dangerous dangerous website would be a third party customers while bolstering their ability to
because what most users don’t know today website like the many Chinese websites that provide privacy.
is that smartphones today contain more offers free (but malicious) apps. Secondly,
information compared to PCs five years ago. before we even think about USBs being Besides the cloud, the Internet
Another aspect that the public is not aware hacked, we need to show them how it has of Things also seems to be one
of is the value of the data that is being been hacked and that is through malicious of the major topics within the
stored on their mobile devices. If I were to software that has been downloaded industry. With that in mind, do
give you an example, if you were to give me unknowingly because of a lack of antivirus. you think its implementation
your mobile device, I can tell you when you Thus, the public audience should emphasise will open up new ways for
got it, whom you have been chatting with, on preparations before they can finally hackers to benefit from it?
whether you do mobile banking, which are answer the bigger question which is “Why What is your opinion on the
the restaurants you frequent most, if you are these attacks happening?” steps needed to ensure that
have any important pictures and much this does not happen?
more. As you are well aware, the A few years ago, I had a colleague who
recent leaks from the celebrity joked saying “Soon, we will have to
Following up on that question, cloud databases and the devise an antivirus for our fridge and TV.”
there are many applications recent mass public leak from Today, that notion is already happening
that we use on a daily basis Snapchat has brought privacy as technology has advanced beyond
that instantly uploads our concerns to new heights. What comprehension. Nowadays, mobile
location, however many users is F-Secure’s advice when it operating systems are found on many
aren’t aware of this. Is this comes to handling threats everyday devices like in-car entertainment
something a developer should from cloud breaches and system for cars, TV’s and even home
look into and is it ethical? what methods does F-Secure appliances. Hackers are an opportunistic
Unfortunately, this is actually the most employ to curb the unwanted bunch whereby if there is money to be
challenging factor for most users and attention? made, they will attack it. Thus we too see a
security companies, because this falls into The interesting thing about this issue is potential in creating security solutions for
a grey area. As most users do not read that most of the breaches weren’t hacks these devices.
the terms and conditions, this becomes per say. They were mostly obtained from
harder for such enforcement to be applied leaked passwords. The main issue from this Lastly, it is not unheard of
reasonably. This also brings us to the topic case is actually password management. for black hat hackers to join
on whether free applications are actually An example of this issue was the same security teams to help stop
better. Most application companies provide with Dropbox in which passwords were other hackers from releasing
free apps, but at the costs of privacy or leaked and everyone became worried. The threats. Is there a chance for
being used for profiling. In the end, this all key to solving this issue would be in two these types of hackers to hop
boils down to the user and their awareness factor authentication whereby you secure over to the other side to protect
on these factors and conditions that these your accounts with what you know, and us from these mobile threats?
applications impose on them. with what you have. This means that a The situation is exactly the same as when
hacker will need both parts to access your it comes to PC. Today, black hat hackers
In many cases, when the public data, making it harder for hackers and are finding flaws in mobile platforms for
asks about how cyberthreats safer for you. Having very good password Google. As the saying goes, “If you can’t
are being managed, they management software is also another beat them, you make them join you.” It is
receive answers that points good way to solve this issue, a password not just Google as there are many software
towards being proactive and manager helps users handles all your vendors out there who actually offer and
learning how to react to these passwords and encrypt it. reward hackers with attractive incentives
threats. However, is it time to help them root out problems in their
for the public to learn about Will cloud technology ever products.
the mediums that cause these reach a point in which it can www.f-secure.com
S
ince the NSA scandal, it is a known fact that in digital data the files on to the Cloud storage of Google & co. without having to
traffic, there is no guarantee for protecting one’s privacy. It worry about snooping.
is not just hackers who steal data; even government Security-conscious users were impacted severely when the
organisations such as NSA are alarmingly effective in storing and development of the widespread crypto software TrueCrypt was
PHOTO: NIKOLAUS SCHÄFFLER SCREENSHOTS: PROVIDER
analysing every bit of information that passes via digital channels discontinued in May. If you have used the software to encrypt your
– partially in forced cooperation with device and software files, you should move these to other open source solutions
manufacturers. Providers of mail and cloud services such as recommended by us – before people take advantage of the
Google make money by analysing your communication and security loopholes in the software.
displaying relevant ads. The only solution for this is to store and You can reproduce the features of TrueCrypt containers that
transfer files in an encrypted manner. The power encryption that is can be integrated as drives with the Windows tool “Virtual disk”
possible today provides protection, which, as per the available and DiskCryptor. Only a few users with Windows Professional
knowledge, cannot be cracked even by NSA. versions can follow the recommendation of TrueCrypt developers
to switch to Microsoft’s Bitlocker. Furthermore, contrary to the
Making access as difficult as possible statements of Microsoft, one can never exclude the possibility that
With the recommended software we will use, you can protect files the manufacturer and institutions, which can put pressure on the
and drives on your computer as well as your email manufacturer and gain access to the data when it comes to
communication. Once correctly encrypted, you can even upload proprietary software.
1 Setting up Gpg4win
Install Gpg4win after downloading it from our site or directly 2
from gpg4win.org. For private use, install and use the software
with your usual user account. For enhanced security
requirements, you should minimise the possibility of attack by
using separate Windows accounts for instance – an unprivileged
one for surfing, from which the profile data of the account
cannot be accessed and in which encrypted communication is
possible.
3 Managing keys
You can now see your key pair in Kleopatra – this is enough for
encrypting files for yourself. If you want your acquaintances or
colleagues to be able to open a file, you need to add its public
OpenPGP key to Kleopatra via “Import certificates”. This is also
applicable to all email contacts, who need to decode the mails
encrypted by you. You will have to send your public key by right-
clicking your key and selecting “Export certificate”. If someone
wants to encrypt the file for you, they must first import the
resulting .ascfile in their Kleopatra.
4 Encrypting files
To encrypt a file or folder, right-click it in the Explorer and in the
context menu, click “Sign and encrypt”. In the next dialog, select
4
the “Sign and encrypt...” option. Then look for the public keys
for encryption by clicking these in the top field and then clicking
“Add”. Add your own key and then the key of the recipient.
Select your own certificate as the OpenPGP signature certificate.
Then enter the passphrase you have created as mentioned in
point 2 and the encrypted .gpg gets generated.
feature
lock down your data
Protecting 1
your mail
traffic
You can also encrypt emails with the method set out on page 51.
Enigmail makes this possible. This add-on with the free mail
program Thunderbird uses the secure OpenPGP encryption
directly on texts and attachments of the mails that you exchange
with other Enigmail users.
1 Setting up Thunderbird
Install Thunderbird once you’ve downloaded it and set it up for
your email account. If you use one of the popular providers, you
just need to enter the email address and password in the setup
2
wizard that you would otherwise use for logging into the web
interface of the service.
2 Configuring Enigmail
Unzip Enigmail 1.7.2 to your desktop or folder of your choice. In
Thunderbird, press [Alt] to view the menu and then click “Tools |
Add-ons”. Pull the XPI file to the left section of the add-on
manager and confirm the installation. You will see the Enigmail
options after restarting Thunderbird. Select “Convenient
encryption settings”, “Do not sign mails... by default” and “Edit
Rules: Yes”. In the “Key selection” dialog, click the key that you
generated in step 2 on pg. 51.
3a
3 Sending encrypted mails
You can continue to send and receive unencrypted mails with
Thunderbird or the web interface of your provider. If you want to
send an encrypted mail, ask the recipient to send you his/her
public key and import this in Kleopatra. To encrypt a mail, write
it and add attachments if any. Then click the “Enigmail” in the
“Compose” window. Here, the first two entries indicate the
current encryption and signature status of the mail (see image
3a). You can send an encrypted or unencrypted mail by clicking
the adjacent arrow. You should also add your signature to
encrypted mails so that the recipient can verify whether the mail
3b
has actually come from you. Enigmail then encrypts the mail text
and the attachments with Gpg4win before they are sent via
Thunderbird (Image 3b).
Securing
drives
It is easy to lose USB flash drives or external hard disk drives.
When you encrypt a drive, the content can be read only after the
2
correct password has been entered.
Secure use
of Cloud
Cloud providers such as Dropbox and Google can read all your
data. The tool BoxCryptor (available on our website) encrypts data
before it lands in Dropbox or Google Drive folders. This way, only 1
you can access that data.
1 Setting up BoxCryptor
At the time of installation, BoxCryptor creates a virtual drive for
encryption. Give your consent to install the drive. To access the
encrypted Cloud files from two computers (or from more than two
on paying some charges), you need to create an account with
BoxCryptor – the local account provided works for one computer
only.
Is Microsoft
Back On Track?
Opinions about Microsoft differ quite starkly: Some are forecasting an imminent collapse,
but many experts think the company’s on the fast track back to being a global powerhouse
By Uli Ries
I
f you take a look at the Facebook fan pages for Microsoft, company techconsult believe that such issues do not exert a real
Windows or Internet Explorer, you will inevitably conclude that influence on the situation: “Neither Windows 8 nor the NSA affair
Microsoft is doomed. Such massive amounts of malice, ridicule can exert a negative influence that would be powerful enough to
and rejection is really quite hard to come by and there’s a lot of affect Microsoft’s most profitable domains, namely, the domains
hate festering in Facebook. Users around the world consider associated with wholesale customers, servers and licences.” The
Windows 8 to be vastly more irritating than delayed trains and numbers bear him out: In the second quarter of 2013, Microsoft
defective air-conditioning units, and that’s really saying achieved a turnover of about US$14 billion (RM46 billion) on the
something. basis of its business clients. Peter Burghardt believes that this can
This emotional impression is countered by hard-headed be attributed to the fact that customers make their decisions on the
numbers: A profit of US$22 billion (RM72 billion) between June basis of their own requirements – and as far as the commercial
2013 and June 2014; with 36 million Nokia smartphones sold, domain is concerned, Windows continues to be the only system
more device sales than Apple – per quarter. A stock price that that can satisfy them.
hasn’t scaled such heights in a good 14 years. And a new CEO, Axel Oppermann, an analyst working for Avispador, believes
Satya Nadella, who is going all in with his focus on futuristic there are other factors that explain why Microsoft makes so much
themes such as the cloud and mobile domains. That’s really money out of business clients: “Thanks to clever and tricky
saying something, too. agreements, Microsoft has managed to directly and monetarily
PHOTO: MICROSOFT (U.L.) SCREENSHOTS: SUPPLIERS
Nadella was right to remodel the company and point it in a new involve customers in the pre-financing of new technologies and
direction. After all, quite a few of those billions that were taken in products”, he explains. And it gets better: “Microsoft also
came from the declining sales of Windows licences. However, the succeeds in binding the customers to the company.”
traditional Windows PC is going to lose ground to tablets and Consequently, it wouldn’t exactly be disastrous if all the customers
smartphones in the coming years. And the company’s image has did not immediately upgrade to the newest software. Furthermore,
taken a few hits, too: Microsoft’s totally late entry into the mobile in recent years, the company has been able to use its products to
market, the touch-optimised Windows 8 that is hated by consistently penetrate new sectors. According to Oppermann,
customers and last but not least, the rumours that Microsoft is Microsoft has significantly raised the prices of SQL servers and
helping the NSA. Is this the beginning of the end? client licences.
Despite the company’s continuing success with business
Business clients as cash cows clients, it has spotted the signs of the times. In an e-mail that was
Experts such as Peter Burghardt from the market research sent to all of Microsoft’s employees at the beginning of July 2014,
is the question of whether Microsoft’s local distribution partners again. Microsoft is only too aware of how interdependencies work,
are going to get into the cloud game. so it may still be too early to write off the long-established
These partners are indispensable, thanks to the fact that there company. In fact, Amazon, Apple, Google and the others could
are so many small and medium-sized companies in the country: probably learn a lot from it.
H
ave you ever lost your mobile phone or smartphone? equip their mobile operating systems with appropriate
You are not the only one! Day in and day out, there are protective functions. On the following pages, we show you how
many who make reports about losing their devices either to locate, lock and erase your mobile phone with Android, iOS
due to carelessness or because of theft. The number of phones or Windows Phone without using additional apps. You will also
lost is quite high and usually, three out of the four stolen learn about the measures you should take to locate your device
devices never make it back to the owner. But this problem isn’t at a later point in time. If everything goes well, the location of
just isolated to Malaysia and a few different governments are your device shall be displayed on a map. To do so, all three PHOTO: THINKSTOCK/ALEXYTRENER SCREENSHOTS: PROVIDER
now demanding an “immobiliser system” of sorts for providers use GPS data, which ideally gives the current location
smartphones and tablets to make the devices less attractive for of the device that is quite precise with a few metres give or
thieves. As it so often happens in politics, it is still not clear take. If the GPS is deactivated, you will still have some not-so-
how this demand can be implemented concretely. Among other accurate location data from used WLANs or cellular towers.
things, there were talks of a “Kill-Switch app” which enables However, the device cannot be located if it is switched off.
providers to render mobile devices unusable. Such technical The location finding function also helps the police in case of
measures should prevent thieves from simply resetting stolen theft but one must be quick, before the thief switches off the
smartphones or tablets to the factory settings and using them mobile phone. Whether a thief can actually be tracked down
again. also depends on spatial and temporal factors. Identification is
However, users need not wait for politicians to take action often quite difficult in the inner parts of a city. In sparsely
because while they are still contemplating on the methods to populated areas however, devices can be located very
be used, smartphone manufacturers have provided a few effectively. The chances of locating a device are quite high at
solutions quite a while back. Apple, Google and Microsoft night time.
Android
Google has installed a location finding feature in Android. All
1 2
mobile phones with Google’s operating system with version 2.2 or
higher can be easily located via the Internet with the help of the
Android device manager.
iOS
iOS devices are always on top on the hit list of mobile phone
thieves. To curb this Apple has equipped its devices with a function
that enables them be tracked, locked and erased via iCloud.
1 Setting up iCloud
iOS devices are located via iCloud. To use iCloud, you will need an
Apple ID, which iOS device users generally have. If not, get
1 2
yourself an Apple ID from https://appleid.apple.com/. On the
device, login with this ID under “Settings” and “iCloud”.
Extra apps
Locate, play the signal tone, lock and erase: mobile operating
systems offer excellent basic functions to find lost mobile phones.
The following apps can do even more.
1a 1b
1 Locating friends
Apple offers a free app called “Find My Friends” (1a). With this
app, you can invite friends and determine the location of their
device live on a map. There is a similar app called “Find my
friends” (1b) for Android. But be careful: you should limit the time
for which your location is displayed so that your friends cannot
locate you at all times.
3 Security apps
Functions for tracking a mobile are often a part of security apps.
Avira Antivirus Security (Android) or Avira Mobile Security (iOS)
has its own locating, locking and erasing functions.
The Major
Security Report
At the Black Hat and Def Con hacker conferences, IT experts demonstrated how they can
destroy - or rescue - the world’s data systems By Fabian von Keudell
W
hen Jason E. Street came on stage in Las Vegas, Maggie Jauregui showed that radio signals can be used to
people cheered him on. He never dreamed he’d be melt home fuses, while Charlie Miller can hack into just about
on the receiving end of such a response – by his any car, take over the on-board computer and thus commit the
own admission, he was always teased when he was in school. perfect murder. Others, like Cesar Cerrudo, can paralyse the
Today, he’s one of the biggest names in the hacking traffic-light systems of large cities. Karsten Nohl and Jakob
community. He and his family (which is what he called his Lell, on the other hand, are aiming for the USB port. They can
comrades-in-arms who were in attendance) could change the use a manipulated USB flash drive to take over the entire
world. If you take a look at the presentations that were made computer. Even mobile telephones are much more vulnerable
at this year’s ‘family reunion’, you will admit that he’s than everyone thought, as proven by Mathew Solnik and Marc
probably right. At the Black Hat and Def Con events, which are Blanchoud. The two hackers demonstrated an attack in which
the biggest hacker conferences in the world, the domain’s best they masqueraded as the mobile service provider vis-à-vis the
IT security specialists showed everybody what can be mobile OS. At the end of the event, the same thought was
attacked. The sheer breadth of the security loopholes that running through the heads of the audience members, even
were introduced was larger than ever before. For example, though none of them said it out loud: “Nothing is safe!” For
hackers Deviant Ollam and Howard Payne demonstrated the Jason Street, who was a nobody in school, one thing has
manipulation of elevators – you can obliterate all the become crystal clear: People like him can destroy the world –
respective security systems with just a few manoeuvres. or save it.
Cars are the next system to, for example, make turns when the car is at full speed
52 %
According to a study, many new cars will AUTOMATIC LIGHT 48 %
not have steering wheels from 2035 ELECTRONIC STABILITY
onwards – for hackers, the times just 47 %
access cards that can be used to launch attacks. For years, Miller
and the members of his team have been exposing security Cars of the future will use well-known
loopholes in automobiles, which hackers can use to take over the operating systems – and their loopholes
vehicles’ on-board computers. Cyber-gangsters could then use the In the future, commercially available browsers will be available in
internal auto network to take over the brakes, the steering and the entertainment systems of cars. The flipside is that there’s no
other safety-relevant systems. However, the experts painted an shortage of browser-loopholes, but updates for the cars are few and
even bleaker picture at this year’s Black Hat conference in Las far between.
Vegas. Modern cars are being networked to an ever-increasing
degree, and are therefore becoming easier to hack into. 140,000 Number of loopholes
In the near future, many cars will feature a pre-installed browser, 120,000
Linux
which will allow occupants to surf the internet. However, the fatal
100,000 QNX
flaw is that browsers are hacked on a daily basis. Attackers could
filter. They could then send commands to the critical network. In all
similar cases, a firmware update is the only thing that could rectify
the situation.
Source: Statista
statistics on the right). Up to now, this procedure was considered ITAN 29 %
to be secure, but hackers have found a way to breach the two- PUSH TAN 1%
8%
factor authentication method that is used to log into the online
NONE OF 3%
banking system. This is what security researchers from Trend THE ABOVE 11 %
Prominence Usage
Micro found out. The first stage of the attack involves the Retefe
Trojan, which is distributed through fraudulent e-mails bearing the
names of well-known online retailers. The malware changes the Many users misjudge the risk factors
DNS settings on the victim’s computer and installs an SSL associated with online banking
certificate. Now, if the victim tries to visit an online banking site, Only one-third of users believe that the home PC can be risky when
they will be redirected to a forged banking website via the it comes to online banking, but it’s quite easy to hack into.
manipulated DNS setting. Thanks to the installed certificate, this
PUBLICLY
fake site signals the presence of an encryption system, but it does ACCESSIBLE PC 87 %
not display a warning similar to those that are usually displayed for SMARTPHONE 75 %
unknown certificates. Consequently, the user won’t find out that
MOBILE 70 %
the site is fraudulent. After he uses his login data to log onto the TELEPHONE
TABLET 63 %
site, he is requested to install a smartphone app. The site informs
TELEPHONE
him that he will not be able to use online banking facilities unless BANKING 53 %
he complies. When the genuine banking site is accessed in the CREDIT CARD 45 %
future, this app intercepts the SMS message sent by the bank. The
CASHPOINT 38 %
devices, after which he captured the account data that was stored Infected
Online- Changed
on the encrypted chips. Shops websites
Changed
Web-
Insecure
sites Key- connection
logger
066 november 14 chip malaysia
INFO
Smartphones are at a of which were discovered last year. According to Kaspersky, the
tendency is obviously pointing in the direction of intensive growth.
Source: Kaspersky
with an anti-virus software application – not that it always helps. At
the Black Hat hackers conference, IT security experts Mathew 60,000
Solnik and Marc Blanchoud demonstrated how the security
30,000
mechanisms of mobile devices can be circumvented in order to
execute malicious code on mobile phones or tablets that feature a 0
Q.1/2013 Q.2/2013 Q.3/2013 Q.4/2013
mobile communication facility. This attack can affect all devices
running iOS, Android or Windows Phone. Towards that end, the
experts use a software interface that is only supposed to be Android users are the most popular targets
available to the providers. Telcos can use this interface to change More than 98 percent of all malware targets the Google OS. In
the configuration of the devices in a manner that is independent of many cases, anti-virus systems are unable to help.
the manufacturers, in order to, for example, install updates for
Source: Kaspersky
mobile telephone system profiles. The experts cracked the security 1.55 %
0.27 % Android
keys that the providers use to install code on the devices. This 0.13 %
J2ME
password is made up of the combination of a device ID – either the
98.05 % SymbOS
IMEI (International Mobile Station Equipment Identity) or the MEID
Andere
(Mobile Equipment Identifier) – and a manufacturer-key. Since the
latter is encrypted in a simple manner and identical for all devices,
the attackers can reach the data quite easily. The attackers can also
capture the IMEI or the MEID, since the device transmits these in
an unencrypted form over the mobile phone network. All the
hackers need to launch the attack is a mobile radio cell (a so-called
Mobile phone hack
femtocell), so that the victim’s mobile phone can register itself
within this cell. It’s not hard to build, either; all the parts that are At the Def Con security
conference, hackers managed
needed can be obtained over the internet. It is also possible to
to deactivate the security
acquire ready-made devices. Once the hackers get their hands on
mechanisms of the
the access data, they can redirect conversations associated with
Blackphone. The telephone is
the devices or install malicious software on the mobile
equipped with special security
components. Not even a virus scanner can offer protection against
software called Silent Circle,
such an attack, since the access paths for the providers enjoy the
which was supposed to
highest priority and are anchored deep in the system. Effective prevent just such a scenario.
protection can only be offered by the provider, who would have to
provide better protection for the mobile phones and the code keys.
codes that had not been marked with a security certificate. In the
beginning, the manufacturer denied the validity of the hack. 10
However, the company eventually did an about-face and thanked
the hacker for the contribution that he had made to the security of
the Blackphone. 0
JULY OCT. DEC. FEB. JUNE OCT. FEB.
2012 2012 2012 2013 2013 2013 2014
test lab
test bed
TEST LAB 15 10
8
The 14 24
Technologica
Crux
12
October has been a relatively quiet
month, with a few exceptions, one of
which happens to be launch of
Samsung’s much awaited GALAXY
Note 4 smartphone. Lenovo
completing their rout of IBM’s
business also is a pretty big deal,
depending on which tech circles you 1 Samsung GALAXY Alpha 078
hang around in.
2 ASUS STRIX GeForce GTX 980 OC Edition 079
At the time of writing, Malaysia also
seems to be getting ready for Apple’s
3 Blackberry Passport 080
iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, which, despite 4 SonicGear Titan 5 081
many naysayers seem to be doing very
well in parts of the world that have 5 Logitech G710+ 082
been having them on sale. Will you be
getting either phone? Or is the HTC
6 MSI GTX 980 Gaming 4G 083
Butterfly 2 or the Sony Xperia Z3 more 7 Yotaphone 084
to your liking considering the fact that
they have much more practical 8 Lenovo Y50-70 085
features such as water and dust
resistance?
9 BenQ F5 086
And before I part, we managed to get
10 MSI GAMING Nightblade Z97 087
our hands on a couple of NVIDIA GTX 11 Epson L1800 088
980 OEMs for review. These are
definitely a couple of our favourite 12 Kingston HyperX Savage 089
cards to have come out recently, and if
you read on, you’ll know why we’re so
13 HTC Butterfly 2 090
excited about them. 14 MSI GT60 20KWS 091
15 Dell UltraSharp UP3214Q UHD Monitor 092
16 Cooler Master Nepton 120XL 093
17 Huawei Ascend P7 Arsenal Edition 094
CONTENTS
22 18
5
6 16
4
23
2
11
19
20 13 1 21 7
9 3 17
An Honourable Mention
Huawei continues their barrage of new devices with the Huawei Honor 6.
This new smartphone is touted as the first ever to use an octa-core LTE Cat
6 chipset. It is powered by Huawei’s own Kirin 920 processor and runs on
Android 4.4.2 KitKat. On top of that, it has 3GB of RAM, and 16GB of internal
storage, which can be further expanded up to 64GB via a microSD card. The
Honor 6 also features a 5-inch Full HD display as well as a 13-megapixel
camera that has Huawei’s IMAGESmart 2.0 processing engine. Finally, a
3,100mAh battery keeps the phone powered and is coupled with power-saving
technology that is able save energy up to 30%.
Huawei Honor 6
Price: RM999
Contact: Huawei Malaysia Mobile Hotline
Phone: 1 800 22 0086
Info: www.huawei.com/my
Sony NWZ-A15
Price: RM699
Contact: Sony (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
Phone: 1 300 88 1233
Info: www.sony.com.my
Mesmerising Memories
The tablet market shows no sign of slowing down especially since ASUS is
constantly releasing new devices like the ASUS MeMO Pad 8. The tablet comes
with an 8-inch LED Backlight WXGA (1,280 x 800) screen, IPS Panel with 10
finger multi touch. It is powered by a 64-bit Intel Atom Z3560 1.8GHz Quad Core
processor while running on the latest Android 4.4 operating system. In terms of
memory and storage it has 1GB RAM and 16GB worth of internal storage space
that is expandable up to 64GB. Camera-wise, it has a 5-megapixel rear camera
and a 2-megapixel front camera. Finally, the MeMO Pad 8 is also the lightest
LTE tablet in the market as it weighs just 299g and is only 745mm thin.
Keeping Charged
Tired of running out of battery when using your smartphone or tablet, then fret no
more with the Powerlogic SLIM 5000, this is a great powerbank for jetsetters
and roadwarriors and it is superbly portable due to its slimness and
lightweight. It comes with over current protection, low voltage safeguards,
short circuit prevention, over voltage protection, over-charge protection
and overload protection. With a battery that comes with 5,000mAh capacity,
it should be able to keep your mobile devices charged up with plenty of juice to
spare.
HTC RE
Price: TBA
Contact: HTC Careline
Phone: 1 800 88 9855
Info:www.htc.com/sea
No Wires, No Worries
With the magnitude of gadgets an average
person carries around with them throughout the day, one can imagine the horrors of
each cable getting entangled among themselves. With the Jabra Move Wireless, you can
now move around cable free while listening to your favourite music. Like most wireless
headsets, the Move Wireless connects to your device via Bluetooth but this one uses
Bluetooth 4.0 which means the data transfer is much more stable and uses less energy.
The speakers feature a Hifi frequency response to ensure the best in audio quality. Seeing
as this headphones is targeted at individuals that are constantly on the move, it is also
built with premium materials including a stainless steel arms and dirt resistant fabric
which is able to withstand the environment. Finally, it also comes with a talk time of up to
8 hours and a standby time that spans up to 288 hours.
WD My Passport Wireless
Price: RM599 (1TB), RM699 (2TB)
Contact: Amble Action Sdn. Bhd., Eternal Asia (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Phone: (03) 7955 1768, (03) 5613 5600
Info: www.wdc.com
Reaching Stardom
The affordable Android smartphone market continuously expands, and this time
a new challenger comes in the form of the ZTE STAR 1. This 5-inch device is a
14 band smartphone with LTE capability and has a Full HD IPS LCD screen with
441ppi. It runs on Android 4.4 KitKat and is powered by a 1.6GHz quad-core
Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor. Other goodies hidden under the shell is
2GB worth of RAM and 16GB internal storage, which is expandable up to 64GB
with microSD. Camera-wise, it comes with an 8-megapixel rear camera with dual
LED flash and 5-megapixel front-facing camera. It also has a 2,300mAh battery
ZTE STAR 1
Price: RM1,088
Contact: INGENS Sdn. Bhd.
Phone: (03) 7688 9888
Info: www.ztedevices.com
Sony MDR-Z7
Price: RM2,349
Contact: Sony (Malaysia) Sdn bhd
Phone: 1 300 88 1233
Info: www.sony.com.my
Logitech G430
Price: RM289
Contact: Ingram Micro Sdn. Bhd., MCL Sdn. Bhd., M-Link Sdn. Bhd., Kaira
Technologies Sdn. Bhd.
Phone: (03) 7955 8188, (03) 8023 3800, (03) 7728 9003, (03) 7955 3669
Info: www.logitech.com/en-my
Samsung Gear S
Price: RM1,099
Contact: Samsung Malaysia Electronics Sdn. Bhd.
Phone: 1 800 88 9999
Info: www.samsung.com.my
ASUS PadFone S
Price: RM899
Contact: Dynamics Distribution Sdn. Bhd., ECS Astar Sdn. Bhd.
Phone: 03 8024 2100, 03 6286 8222
Info: www.asus.com/my
Samsung
GALAXY Alpha
Price RM1,899
Info Samsung Malaysia Electronics
Phone 1 800 88 9999
Contact www.samsung.com/my/
Specifications
A Beautiful
HSPA 850/900/1900/2100MHz, 4G LTE
Screen: 4.7-inch HD (1,280 x 720) Super
AMOLED
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/ac/b/g/n (2.4 &
5GHz) VHT80, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, USB 2.0
Memory: 2GB
Storage: 32GB (internal)
Others: 12-megapixel rear camera,
2.1-megapixel front camera. IP67 certified
Dimensions: 132.4 x 65.6 x 6.7mm
Beginning
Weight: 115g
If the GALAXY Alpha marks the beginning of how the
next wave of Samsung devices will look like then it is
RATINGS
a great start By Jeremy Cheong
Performance
W
hen it comes to their and the display is very bright and produces
Features smartphones, Samsung have vivid colours.
Design always given their customers The GALAXY Alpha comes with
the best in terms of features and hardware. high-end hardware and was able to blast
Value
However, the smartphone game took through our standard suite of benchmarks
Elegant and compact a little turn in terms of design as many and produce respectable scores. Day-to-day
design smartphone manufacturers started using use was also a breeze as the phone was
Snappy performance more premium materials for the body constantly snappy and multi-tasking proved
Great camera
of their devices and while Samsung’s to be no problem for the phone. We could
No microSD support devices were still stylish and sleek, they even play games such as Dead Trigger 2
Only HD display were getting a little stale. Until now that and Asphalt 8 with no lags whatsoever.
Battery life
is, as the GALAXY Alpha marks a dawn of One final downside we found with the
something new for Samsung. GALAXY Alpha is its battery life. Equipped
BENCHMARK RESULTS
The GALAXY Alpha bears many of with only a 1,860mAh battery, the device
3DMark Ice Storm: Maxed out! the same design elements that make was able to last us a whole day before
3DMark Ice Storm (Extreme): 9,600 points it a Samsung device and but the metal needing to charge but this was with light
3DMark Ice Storm (Unlimited): 9,010 points
design really makes the phone feel more to medium usage. When we were testing
AnTuTu: 50,358 points
sturdy and its slimness and lightweight it with benchmarks and games though,
makes it very comfortable to hold and the battery drained extremely quickly and
use. The device isn’t entirely metal though this is where the removable back panel
as Samsung have opted for a removable and spare battery come in handy for heavy
plastic back panel, which has a nice users.
rubberised texture to it, giving users a little
extra grip. However, it is quite a shame that CHIP CONCLUDE :
Samsung didn’t include a microSD slot to All in all, the Samsung GALAXY
the device. Alpha is a stunning looking
In terms of display, the GALAXY Alpha smartphone with plenty of things
boasts a 4.7-inch 720p Super AMOLED done right and a few niggles here and
display, which is also our second gripe there but at the end of the day it also
with the device as there are devices with marks a new and exciting direction for
The camera may only be 12-megapixel but
it takes really beautiful photos thanks to the that same screen size and yet boasts Full the company as the recently launched
always-on HDR HD resolution. With that being said though, GALAXY Note 4 also bears the same
images and texts are still crisp and clear metal design, which is stunning.
ASUS STRIX
GeForce GTX
980 OC Edition
Price RM2,199
Contact Build Technology Supply Sdn.
Bhd., ECS Astar Sdn. Bhd.
Phone (03) 7955 3699, (03) 6286 8222
Info www.asus.com/my/
Specifications
RATINGS
Performance
Striking Games
Features
Design
Value
At The Extreme
The next generation of PC gaming has arrived and
Very quiet
Powerful Performance
Price
W
ith NVIDIA just releasing their graphic card is the ASUS GPU Tweak 3DMark (Fire Strike Extreme): 5,918 points
latest slew of graphics cards, which allows users to easily stream their
it is a good time for NVIDIA games and view detailed specifications
partners to put their twist on the NVIDIA on their system.
GeForce GTX 980 and ASUS has done Moving on to the fun part, we took
just that with this model which comes the card for our benchmark test and also
overclocked for even more graphics played a few games on it. We tested
processing power. the device on Futuremark’s 3DMark and
ASUS gave this card its usual red the results were predictably amazing
and black design, and one of the more with the graphic card flying through
noticeable aspect of the graphic card is all the tests with little effort. When we
the copper wiring entwined within the tested games such as Crysis 3, Thief and
device. It also has two cooling fans with Skyrim, we were able to bring out the The Strix allows gamers to choose their
the usual variety of display ports on its maximum settings in all of the above display of choice with all the main display
ports avenues available such as DisplayPort
back which include a HDMI output, three with anti-aliasing and ultra-high settings and HDMI
DisplayPorts and one DVI-I port. Other being activated on all these games. The
than that it has a solid build that feels results were beautifully rendered games
durable and lasting. that flow with minimal lag.
As part of the new generation of
NVIDIA graphic cards, this device comes CHIP CONCLUDE :
with all the latest features from NVIDIA So for those who are looking to
such as Voxel Illumination and Dynamic upgrade their rigs from the old
Super Resolution. It also features an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 Ti would
The latest graphic card by ASUS uses its
extremely quiet setup thanks to its find the new ASUS Strix GeForce
trademark Direct CU II technology to provide
DirectCU II with 0dB Fan Technology GTX 980 to be a worthy successor as a cool operating temperature coupled with a
which provides minimal noise during it provides silent gaming at amazing silent gaming atmosphere
Blackberry
Passport
Price RM2,399
Contact Brightstar Corp Malaysia,
Brightpoint Malaysia
Phone (03) 7960 4877, (03) 9274 6000
Info www.blackberry.com.my
Specifications
Operating system: Blackberry OS 10.3
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 801
Frequency: 2G: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G: HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 HSDPA 850
/ 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100
4G: LTE 850 / 900 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600 LTE 700/8
00/850/900/1700/1800/1900/2100/2600
Screen: 4.5-inch IPS LCD Touchscreen (1440 x
1440), Corning Gorilla Glass 3
A Passport To
Productivity
Connectivity: nano SIM, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC,
microUSB, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Memory: 3GB
Storage: 32GB expandable up to 128GB
Others: geo-tagging, face detection, HDR, Blackberry intends to make a comeback with the
13MP Rear Camera, 2MP Front Camera
Dimensions: 128 x 90.3 x 9.3mm Blackberry Passport which is a unique looking device
Weight: 196g
but is it be able to compete with the other
powerhouses in the market? By Nicolas See Tho
RATINGS
B
lackberry has definitely had it tough organised in one place reducing the need
Performance
over the years with its competition for multiple open applications,
Features from Android and Apple The latest Blackberry device comes
Design smartphones dominating the headlines, with a performance that can withstand
thus it has decided to stick at what it does its competition. During our benchmarks
Value
best with the Blackberry Passport, focusing using Futuremark’s 3DMark, it passed all its
more on work productivity and keeping tests with flying colours. We tested it with
Seamless navigation
Has better app selection professionals ever ready. movies and high resolution games with
Keyboard increases work Following its namesake, the Blackberry astounding results. The only downside is
productivity Passport design makes it look like you are that there is no option to zoom in due to
Beautiful display for reading
and watching movies carrying a thick black square passport with its even design. The return of Blackberry’s
you which may seem to be awkward at QWERTY keyboard could not come at a
The square design makes
first but it grows on you. The square design better time as the keyboard makes typing
single handed usage
impossible makes it hard for single hand usage on the and sending out messages much more
Keyboard keys spaced too go but on the plus side, it makes typing comfortable. The downside however, is
closely
easier and more uniform without the need that its keys are spaced too closely which
Camera focus is slow
to go into landscape mode. It has volume can cause typos easily. The camera also
controls on the side with the power button provides beautiful images, but it takes time
BENCHMARK RESULTS on its top. It also has the additional button for the device to focus. This device has an
for the Blackberry Assistant in between the amazing battery life which comes at the
3DMark Ice Storm): Maxed Out
volume controls. cost of a non-removable battery.
3DMark Ice Storm (Extreme): 9,278 points
3DMark Ice Storm (Unlimited): 12,289 points The device has packed some features
that helps power professionals throughout CHIP CONCLUDE :
their busy day while keeping the process In overall, the Blackberry Passport
simple and seamless. When it comes to is a definite must for the business
security, the Blackberry is renowned for professionals and the modern road
it, and as such its new Blackberry Blend warriors, it packs performance
feature allows you to integrate files from with easy to manage applications
the device to your PC through Wi-Fi or the while you can sort out most of your
mobile network. The latest Blackberry Hub work on the go. If you can get used
also keeps the modern road warriors happy to its awkward design, then this
with all their emails and social networks smartphone is a no brainer.
SonicGear Titan 5
Price RM129
Contact Leapfrog Distributions Sdn. Bhd.
Phone (03) 7803 6703
Info leapfrogglobal.com/amg
Specifications
RATINGS
Features
Shake Your
Design
Value
Room
Plenty of access points
Good Bassline
T
here has been a wide variety of allows you to set the level of bass at your
audio products from SonicGear convenience.
this year and with the Titan 5, they Despite its small size, this device
might have provided a smaller yet equally manages to pack a punch when it comes
powerful speaker for those looking for a to delivering ear-shattering audio. During
smaller speaker set which suits rooms or our test we were able to feel the deep
table space perfectly. We took the Titan bass from music genres such as electronic
5 for a test run and we came back with music and studio soundtracks clearly and The additional USB and SD ports allow users
to enjoy their music straight from a source of
varying results. the clarity of the sounds were astounding. their choosing directly on the Titan 5
The speaker was simple enough to However, the audio quality suffers a bit
setup with just the usual plug-ins and from videos and movies as the audio
arrangement of the satellite speakers. The tracks are barely audible even with the
device came with a jet black theme.The bass turned down low. However, the
front panel is very straightforward with the background audio provided a different
usual volume controls, auxiliary settings experience as each explosion was
and media playback settings. On the top impactful and the sounds were crisp and
of the device is a USB port and a SD card clear.
reader which is a plus for accessibility. On
its back, it has similar ports as the Titan CHIP CONCLUDE :
7 with the audio in and out ports and the As we come to a close, the SonicGear
bass control dial being in place. Titan 5 is an interesting choice for
Feature-wise, this speaker does not those who would like a decent level
differ much from the Titan 7 as it still of audio immersion without the size
provides the optional Bluetooth add-on to of a big stereo set. While movies and
increase your points of access, and it also videos may have certain downfalls The back panel of the Titan 5, showing the
has FM radio capabilities for those who still in terms of voice audio, this device is bass dial to set your bass levels and also the
input for the FM antenna
enjoy good old radio stations. Just like its definitely useful for parties and the
bigger counterpart, it has a bass dial which sort
Logitech G710+
Price RM499
Contact Ingram Micro Sdn. Bhd., MCL
Sdn. Bhd., M-Link Sdn. Bhd.,
Kaira Technologies Sdn. Bhd
Phone (03) 7955 8188, (03) 8023 3800, (03)
7728 9003, (03) 7955 3669
Info www.logitech.com/en-my
Specifications
Switches: Mechanical
NKRO: USB 3.0
Interface: USB 2.0
Others: 2x USB ports
Game On With
RATINGS
Performance
Features
Logitech
Design
Logitech offers up a gaming mechanical keyboard this
Value
time around with the Logitech G710+, we take it for a
spin to see how well it does By Nicolas See Tho
Fast response rate
L
Multi-Function light ogitech doesn’t make many play their games with increased accuracy
indicators mechanical keyboards but the with the game mode button which turns
Variety of features
Logitech G710+ changes that as its off your Windows key. Additionally, it has
Awkward macro appearance marks the rise of Logitech a removable Palm rest support at your
placement prominence in the gaming platform. But convenience for long gaming sessions.
how well does it perform compared to its The gaming keyboard is not just
competition in the market, we help you for show as it provides gamers with
find out. an avenue for destruction with its
First off, the design of the keyboard performance. We tested the keyboard
brings back the usual Logitech design on three varied genres of modern
with its logo and product name visibly gaming, such as FPS, RTS and MOBA
seen all around the keyboard. This styled games to test how well it does
keyboard has six macro keys located in different scenarios. In games like
on the left side with orange borders to Company of Heroes 2 whereby it’s all
separate it from the standard keys, as well about the response, the keyboard does
as three memory profile buttons, separate exceptionally well as we were able to
light indicators and media keys all located send army commands while utilising
on the top of the keyboard. It also has a command shortcuts easily and quickly.
The G710+ provides up to six customisable
buttons for in-game advantage which can be unique volume roller to easily change the We had also tested the device on MOBA’s
changed on-the-fly volume on the fly. Additionally, it also such as Dota 2 and LoL with the keyboard
houses an external USB port making it 26 key rollovers performing at satisfactory
easier to plug your headphones in without levels with no lag in between actions. The
searching for one on your PC. only downside thus far is the awkward
Logitech keyboards are well known macro placement on the side makes it
for their variety of features that always hard to actually utilise on the fly.
come with the package. It has dual zone
lighting functionality, which is useful for CHIP CONCLUDE :
gamers in their dark gaming dens as it After all is said and done, the
allows users the choice of illuminating Logitech G710+ is a gaming keyboard
the usual gaming keys or the whole worth mentioning but at its current
The keyboard has 3 profile settings which can keyboard. The sic G-keys located on the price, it might be too pricey for some,
be switched at anytime with a profile reset in
case you need to change the settings after all keyboard also provides 18 additional but for those with cash to splash, this
three slots are full functions per game, all within a single keyboard should be on the top of your
keystroke. Gamers are also be able to wish list.
Specifications
RATINGS
Performance
Design
T
he launch of NVIDIA’s new GTX900- each plug to power the GPU.
series cards has seen some superbly Despite the overclocked settings, as May not fit some cases
marked improvements in terms of we mentioned earlier, the fans do not
GPU performance unlike anything we’ve kick in until a certain temperature level
seen in quite some time. We reviewed the is reached. When we ran our 3DMark BENCHMARK RESULTS
stock GTX980 last month, and we were left benchmark tests, it wasn’t until halfway 3DMark (Fire Strike): 10,320 points
with nothing but nice things to say about through the Fire Strike Extreme test that 3DMark (Fire Strike Extreme): 5,821 points
it. MSI sent us a unit of their take on the the fan started spinning.
GTX 980, and what a card it is. As far as performance goes, we were
With the launch of the MSI GTX 980 able to max out settings on new games
Gaming 4G, MSI is also introducing such as Shadow of Mordor, running
the Twin Frozr V, the fifth generation at 60FPS with relative ease. Even as
of its Twin Frozr cooler. While the fans we pushed the card with games set at
themselves appear to be smaller now, high-end settings, the card remained
they generate way more airflow than the silent even while the fan is spinning. The
predecessor, and only runs when the GPU temperatures also lingered around the 70
core hits a certain temperature point. degrees Celcius mark even during high
While the stock GTX 980 impressed load times. The MSI GTX 980 4G Gaming comes with a
bevy of video output ports that allows users to
us by only requiring two 6-pin PCIE plugs
have a multi-monitor setup
to power it up, the MSI variant uses two CHIP CONCLUDE :
8-pin plugs, and for good reason. As far The MSI GTX 980 Gaming 4G
as video output is concerned, the GTX graphics card is one of the best GPUs
980 Gaming 4G comes with the standard we’ve tested that combines both
single DVI, HDMI and three DisplayPort superb graphical performance with
ports that allows users to hook up to four low noise and power consumption.
displays on one single card. The fact that the GPU is capable of
The GPU core is overclocked from the running above 60 degrees Celcius
stock 1,126MHz to 1,216MHz in the MSI without the fan running is also super
variant, although everything else remains impressive, which makes this card
the same. That being said, the GPU core one of our most recommended one To fully utilise the Twin Frozr V cooler. MSI
can still be overclocked to over 1,300MHz, if you’re looking to build a high-end bumped up the PCIe power plug count by two
pins on each plug
hence the need for two additional pins on gaming PC.
Yotaphone
Price RM1,399
Contact Global Line Network
Info www.yotagloballine.my
Specifications
Two Sides Of A
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n ,Bluetooth 4.0
Others: 13MP rear camera, 1MP front camera,
A-GPS, Glonass, compass
RATINGS
Performance
Coin
The unique Yotaphone has finally arrived on our
Features shores and its dual display setup is definitely a
Design feature many would play with By Nicolas See Tho
Value
Y
otaphone is a product of Yota be controlled using a touch panel located
Devices which has a unique design on the bottom of the screen to swipe either
Easy to read E-ink display
Second display screen with its very own set of unique left or right. The background picture can
can be viewed even with features such as a dual display screen. The also be changed by swiping two fingers
low power device aims to become the go to device down to capture any graphics on your
E-Ink Screen is when it comes to personal functions. We home screen and imprint it to the back.
insensitive took the device for a spin to see how it The device’s performance can be
Awkward camera fares. described as mixed at best, despite
placement
At first glance, the design of the having high benchmark scores, it tends to
smartphone reminds you of an oddly freeze and slow down when using certain
BENCHMARK RESULTS
shaped box with a slight curve near the applications. While the E-ink feature is
3DMark Ice Storm: 9,952 points top. It has a microUSB port placed on its unique, the touch panel to control the
3DMark Ice Storm (Extreme): 7,156 points bottom with volume controls placed on screen are insensitive to the swipe gestures
3DMark Ice Storm (Unlimited): 10,724 points its right side. If you were to continue to and it requires multiple attempts to execute
observe the device, it seems that the rear a command. Watching videos and movies
camera is placed at an odd angle on the on the device however is rather enjoyable.
bottom right of the device which makes The same is true when reading with the
it awkward for taking pictures. The back second display panel as it goes easy on
panel display is monochrome in colour the eyes. The camera is also easy to use
yet pleasing to the eyes. On the top of the with high quality shots consistently being
device is the power button and a singular captured.
audio jack.
One does not need to look far to see
the distinctive features on the Yotaphone CHIP CONCLUDE :
as the dual screen design stands out by In conclusion, the Yotaphone is
itself. The second display screen uses definitely for a niche audience as it
The E-Ink feature on this smartphone makes
the electronic paper technology which will appeal to those who enjoy the
reading text more enjoyable without the strain is always on providing you with alerts, quirks of its unique features. They
at looking at LED screens
amazing reading experience and show will however have to deal with the
schedules, even when your power is awkward camera position as well as
completely drained. The e-ink display can the insensitive back panel display
Lenovo Y50-70
Price RM4,699
Contact Lenovo Technologies Sdn. Bhd.
Phone 1 800 80 7148
Info www.lenovo.com/my/en
Specifications
RATINGS
Features
That Doesn’t
Design
Value
Excellent performance
Battery life
PCMark 8 (Home):
PCMark 8 (Creative):
1,995 points
2,292 points
Lenovo’s new Y50-70 laptop is for the multimedia PCMark 8 (Work): 2,413 points
3DMark (Fire Strike): 4,388 points
junkie on the move By Nazrin Zain 3DMark (Fire Strike Extreme): 1,757 points
W
hen it comes to Lenovo’s powerhorse. Playing back 1080p media
laptops, they have always is not an issue, and running software
been associated with business. and games on it proved to not be an
However, over the years, they’ve managed issue either. What we do find to be very
to successfully branch out to other impressive is the fact that when we run
segements and the company’s latest CPU and GPU intensive tasks, only the rear
multimedia/gaming notebook, the Lenovo portion of the Y50-70, where the battery
Y50-70 is proof that they can do more. is located heats up. While the laptop’s
Being a multimedia and gaming underbelly can get a bit warm, it’s not
notebook, the Y50-70 is housed in a dark, prohibitively hot, and it’s great if you plan
brushed aluminium chassis that exudes to have long periods of gaming. The Lenovo Y-50-70 comes with a powerful
classiness all around. The notebook itself is Battery life is the only kink in an CPU and GPU which allows heavy duty users
to both work and play hard
powered by a 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-4710HQ otherwise excellent device. Depending on
processor, coupled by up to 16GB of RAM configuration, Lenovo says users should
and a 1TB hybrid SSHD that combines be able to get five hours of battery life on a
both the speed of an SSD and the storage full charge, however, we only managed to
capacity of a HDD all in one component. get about three hours.
The Y50-70’s display measures in at
about 15.6-inches, and you have the option
to either have go with a Full HD display, or CHIP CONCLUDE :
the UHD display. The one Lenovo sent to The Lenovo Y50-70 is an excellent
us was the UHD model, and we must say, gaming notebook with top-notch
it scales quite well to the 15-inch display, specs at mid-range prices. It also
The laptop also comes with a complementary
and the icons aren’t as tiny as we feared it comes in multiple configurations so external CD/DVD drive, for your optical media
to be. you can choose which model works reading needs
Performance-wise, the Y50-70 is a the best for your needs.
BenQ F5
Price RM799
Contact BenQ Service & Marketing (M)
Sdn. Bhd.
Phone (03) 7954 7800
Info www.benq.com.my
Specifications
W
hile the name BenQ will always text was crisp and the viewing angles
Features be synonymous to monitors were wide enough. On top of that, BenQ
and projectors, they are actually has incorporated the Low Blue Light
Design
no strangers to the smartphone game technology from their PC monitors into
Value as they have released multiple offerings the F5. What this does is it minimises the
to the market in the past. These devices light aggravation and adjusts the display’s
LTE Ready unfortunately didn’t make quite a big brightness level depending on ambient
Affordable
Decent performance splash here in Malaysia but that is set to light to help protect the user’s eyes. This
Rear camera produces change with their recently released F5 works pretty well as we spent quite some
great photo smartphone that is a serious contender time using the F5 to browse the web and
Low Blue Light display
technology when it comes to the affordable Android reading articles.
device market. For those of you who love smartphone
Non-removable battery Frankly speaking, the design of the F5 is photography, the F5 will definitely be
pretty plain and simple and isn’t really that a steal as it boasts a 13-megapixel rear
BENCHMARK RESULTS eye-catching. It is however quite a sturdily camera with a Back-illuminated sensor and
build device and while it may be made f/2.2 aperture. With this camera package,
3DMark Ice Storm: 5,697 points
out of polycarbonate, it felt solid. The F5 photos taken were great as details were
3DMark Ice Storm (Extreme): 2,885 points
3DMark Ice Storm (Unlimited): 4,690 points is also very nice and slim, which is always sharp, colours were accurate and it even
AnTuTu: 17,451 points a plus point. The removable back cover of manages to brighten up darker spots
our black coloured review unit had a very in an environment. It even manages to
nice and rubbery feel to it which adds extra produce some very nice photos in low-light
grip to the device and that is always nice. environments.
As for buttons layout, the volume rocker is
located on the right side of the device while
the power/lock button is placed on the top CHIP CONCLUDE :
right. The power/lock button isn’t hard to For its asking price of RM799, there’s
get to as this is just a 5-inch device but we really nothing we can complain about
would still have preferred it to be on the when it comes to the BenQ F5. In fact,
sides. we would say it is quite a steal as it is
If you love taking photos with your Speaking of its 5-inch display, the pretty much an all-rounder in terms
smartphone, the F5 with its 13MP camera and F5 comes with just a HD display that of performance, camera quality and it
affordable price is quite a steal
isn’t too bad as colours were accurate, even supports LTE.
MSI GAMING
Nightblade Z97
Price RM1,699
Contact MediaForte (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
Phone (03) 7960 6868
Info game.msi.com
Specifications
A
bout seven months ago, MSI enough room to easily fit either an AMD 1x LAN (RJ-45), 2x USB 2.0, 4x USB 3.0, 2x
loaned us what was easily one Radeon R9 290X or NVIDIA GeForce GTX eSATA, 1x Optical S/PDIF Out connector, 6x
of their most exciting and new OFC audio jacks, 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort
780 Ti without a problem. Of course, don’t
Connectivity: E2205 Killer Gigabit LAN,
products then for a review. It was the expect to get a system with a CrossFireX 802.11AC + Bluetooth 4.0
GAMING Nightblade barebones system or SLI multi GPU configuration. For even Mic-in / Headphone-out: 1 / 1
that was designed to provide gamers with better performance, there’s also enough PSU: 600W 80 PLUS Gold
Dimensions: 345.8 x 277.33 x 175.7mm
an easy solution when it comes to building space for multiple SSDs and mSATA
Weight: 7.6kg
a portable gaming PC. The first Nightblade storage devices and if you have the cash
utilised Intel’s Z87 chipset and since Intel for it, you can always take advantage of
launched their new 9-series chipset awhile MSI’s Super RAID technology. RATINGS
back, MSI went ahead and refreshed the One of the major changes this time Features
GAMING Nightblade and it now comes around however when it comes to the
Design
with a Z97 motherboard. overall package is the fact that MSI is
Design and looks wise, the Z97 version no longer bundling the custom size CPU Value
of the GAMING Nightblade actually looks heatsink, this is quite unfortunate as the
exactly the same as the Z87 version, which CPU cooler made buying components less Portable chassis
is not a big problem to us as we believe of headache. But with that said, the chassis Easy assembly
Enough space to fit high-end
that if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. This still comes with the MSI Dragon case fan graphics cards
means that the Nightblade is still nice and that has maximum fan speed of 3,600RPM, Z97I GAMING motherboard
portable and yet has enough space on three air vents for maximum air flow and Powerful PSU
More affordable compared
the inside to fit some high-end hardware. an open bottom for the graphics card to to previous Nightblade
Seeing as this is a barebones system, it disperse heat.
only comes equipped with a Z97I GAMING Looks the same and comes
with same features
AC mini-ITX motherboard, a 600W 80 CHIP CONCLUDE : No CPU cooler
PLUS Gold PSU and optical drive. Like we All in all, the refreshed MSI GAMING
said before, this is quite a good foundation Nightblade Z97 is just as attractive
for a mid-range to high-end gaming rig, as the previous version plus it is
especially since it now supports Intel’s 5th also much cheaper compared to
Generation Core i processors. the Z87 variant. However, the lower
Much like before, users will have to price does come with a compromise,
equip the Nightblade with the components namely the CPU heatsink. But with
such as the RAMs, HDDs, SSDs and what it offers, it is still a great option
graphics card of their choice. Seeing as the for gamers who don’t want a more
chassis hasn’t changed, it still comes with simple solution to rig building.
Epson L1800
Price RM1,588
Contact Epson Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
Phone (03) 5628 8288
Info www.epson.com.my
Specifications
RATINGS
Performance
Features
Design
Value
Photo Perfect On
High quality photo printing
Economic Ink Tank
technology
Allows A3 borderless
photo printing
Print
There are not many printers that provides high quality
Bulky photo printing yet reduce cost at the same time but
Slow printing speed
with the Epson L1800, the combination is easily
achieved By Nicolas See Tho
E
pson has always been a household A3+ size borderless photo prints which is
name when it comes to printer perfect for designers and those who work
products and they have shown their with graphics design.
specialty once again with the Epson L1800 When it comes down to performance,
Ink Tank System Printer which provides this printer has varied results. The photo
economical savings with high performance prints from this printer was superb with
printing. the colour saturation and accuracy are on
Looking at the printer, once can see that point and the quality of the image was
it stands out first with its size and secondly sharp and clear. The same is true for black
its weight. Its width is a definite downer and white prints, the ink does not show
when it comes to finding a perfect spot for heavy bleeding and the text was clear
it. Its trademark Ink Tank system is located and readable. The trade-off for the quality
The high capacity ink tank on this printer
provides an economical edge as it can last up on its right, and it has a choke valve which comes in its printing speed, during our
to 4,000 black and white pages is useful for transportation purposes. On printer speed test, it took nearly 17 minutes
its back, it has a USB port to connect to to print 25 pages. Another aspect to note
your PC and a power outlet. It has simple is that the printer is highly technical and in
controls located on its top with the bare order to get the prints out with the quality
essentials. you require, you would need to heavily
One of the core features on this printer tinker with its software.
is its Ink Tank technology which provides
immense savings that sustains ultra-high CHIP CONCLUDE :
paper yields of up to 4,000 black and In conclusion, The Epson L1800 is a
white pages all at a low running costs high grade photo printer that has long
when compared to other printers. This term savings built-in. While it is not
The front panel shows the basic functions for
the printer including the power button and the printer also provides wireless printing via recommended for heavy office use,
usual print settings the Epson iPrint app which allows you to those who needs high quality photo
print web pages directly from your phone. prints should highly consider this
Another feature it has is the ability to print printer to do the job right
Kingston
HyperX Savage
Price ~RM709
Contact Amble Action Sdn. Bhd.,
Convergent Distribution (M) Sdn.
Bhd., Ingram Micro Malaysia
Sdn. Bhd.
Phone (03) 7665 3939, (03) 2144 1881,
(03) 7952 8188
Info www.kingston.com
Specifications
Kingston Goes
RATINGS
Performance
Features
Savage Cooling
Value
E
nthusiast-level PCs have seen a fair together with large coolers that would Price
bit of growth in recent times, and usually cover some of the DIMM slots
while motherboards and graphics on the motherboard. There aren’t many
cards appear to have the look and feel high-performance RAMs that come with BENCHMARK RESULTS
down to a pat, but RAMs appear to have hit low-profile memory, so this is a good thing
AIDA64 (Read): 33,432 MB/s
stagnant waters. Kingston aims to change if you’re building a high performance, AIDA64 (Write): 32,109 MB/s
all that with their latest DDR3 offering in low-profile PC.
the form of the Kingston HyperX Savage Enthusiasts and overclockers will be
that offers both performance and style. happy to know that the HyperX Savage
A thing to note is that these new comes with two XMP profiles that have the
Kingston HyperX Savage DDR3 modules RAMs clocked at 2,133MHz and 2,400MHz
are the replacements for the previous respectively, and with a bit of tuning can
generation Kingston HyperX Genesis line go to 2,600MHz and above, perfect for
of RAMs, which is one of the company’s those who are looking to make the most
popular enthusiast memory lines for quite out of their memory setup.
some time. As far as performance is concerned, the
The new Kingston HyperX Savage HyperX Savage breezes through all our
RAMs come in a variety of different benchmarks and tests with ease. Software
configurations, but the one Kingston sent startup is electrifyingly fast, and there is
us is the two 8GB set, clocked at 2,400MHz. no lag when we have multiple instances
The first things enthusiasts are likely of Adobe software and other memory-
to notice is the fact that the low profile intensive multimedia suites open.
heatsink that covers the DIMM chips are The asymmetrical heatsink design makes the
HyperX Savage look really cool, and adds a
asymmetrical. The design adds to the CHIP CONCLUDE : touch of aggressiveness to custom-built PCs
coolness factor, but at the same time it still If you’re looking for a set of low-
helps cool down the DIMM chips, so users profile RAMs that have excellent
need not worry about the heat dissipation performane and great overclocking
being affected by this design choice. capabilities, we highly recommend
Thanks to the cool, low profile design the Kingston HyperX Savage RAMs as
of the HyperX Savage, users can use them they meet all of these criterias.
HTC Butterfly 2
Price RM2,299
Contact SiS Distribution (M) Sdn. Bhd.,
Brightstar Distribution Sdn. Bhd.
Phone (03) 5569 8878, 1 300 88 2744
Info www.htc.com
Specifications
RATINGS
Again
Performance HTC’s Butterfly 2 shows plastic can be sexy By Nazrin Zain
Features
H
TC’s stable of high-end in the Duo Camera system.
Cooling smartphones have been One of the biggest features HTC is
impressive lately as the HTC pushing with the Butterfly 2 is the fact
Value
One M8 continued to wow critics that it is IP67-certified for water and
and consumer alike, thanks to its dust resistance. As if that’s not all, the
Superb performance
Long battery life all-aluminum build and excellent Butterfly 2 is capable of this without the
performance courtesy of the use of flaps like so many other brands
Price components it boasts. The HTC Butterfly do. HTC uses a special substance to help
2 aims to do more of the same, but in coat the insides of the ports to keep it
slightly different ways. waterproofed.
BENCHMARK RESULTS
Much like previous iterations of The best part about this is that unlike
3DMark Ice Storm: Maxed Out
the Butterfly, the Butterfly 2 features most phone and tablet displays, water
3DMark Ice Storm (Extreme): Maxed Out
3DMark Ice Storm (Unlimited): 18,629 points a polycarbonate body that houses a splashes do not affect the display, so
ANTUTU Benchmark: 41,724 points 5.0-inch Full HD display, and is powered you can use it as you would normally
by a 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 underwater.
CPU, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage Performance-wise, we have
which is expandable via microSD up to absolutely no complaints about the
128GB. Butterfly 2. It performs any task that you
The Butterfly 2 runs Android 4.4.2 Kit can throw at it with ease, and even with
Kat out of the box, with the minimalist so many apps running at the same time,
HTC Sense 6.0 user interface overlaying it hardly lags at all, and the 2,700mAh
the operating system. With the recent battery ensures that no matter how
announcement of Android 5.0 Lollipop, heavy your usage pattern is, the phone
HTC has also stated that the Butterfly will last you throughout the day.
2 will be receiving new OS updates
alongside the HTC One (M8) and One CHIP CONCLUDE :
(E8). As far as performance goes, the HTC
Similar to the One (E8), the Butterfly Butterfly 2 is a great phone to look at
The Butterfly 2’s 13.0MP Duo camera takes 2 features a 13.0MP Duo Camera at and use, and its waterproof feature
some pretty excellent photos
the back, allowing users to not only is a great selling point, if you’re
take sharper and brighter photos, but looking to upgrade to an excellent
allows them to refocus shots after taking high-end phone that can withstand
photos, thanks to the depth sensor used the elements.
MSI GT60
20KWS
Price TBA
Contact MSI Malaysia Office
Phone 1 300 22 1386
Info my.msi.com
Specifications
RATINGS
Performance
Design
Go
The MSI GT60 20KWS may deceptively look like the
High performance
Durable keyboard
Heavy
M
SI has a wide range of powerful and Cooler Boost 2 to keep its temperature PCMark 8 (Home): 4,003 points
devices that provides powerful down during gaming. It also features PCMark 8 (Creative): 3,720 points
results, and the same is true with backlit keyboard perfect for both work and PCMark 8 (Work): 3,669 points
the MSI GT60 20KWS. MSI created this gaming.
device with professionals in mind and with Performance-wise, the workstation
its hardware, it is not just for eye candy. breezed through our benchmarks without
Its exterior may remind gamers of fail. It should be noted however that the
MSI’s trademark gaming laptop series but benchmarks for its graphics card could not
the big emblem shows that this laptop is be used as we do not have the appropriate
vastly different as it is a workstation. It is software to test the NVIDIA Quadro series.
fitted with the same SteelSeries keyboard However, its 3K display really comes into
that MSI usually uses. On its sides, it has play when watching movies and videos.
USB2.0 and 3.0 ports as well as the usual We were even able to enjoy casual games
array of audio ports. The back of the laptop like LoL and Dota 2 which provided The back of the laptop shows a wide variety
shows a wide variety of ports which are amazing gameplay experience. It also of display options such as DisplayPorts and
HDMI. It also has a singular Ethernet cable for
HDMI, Ethernet and DisplayPorts as well as has a high quality camera which makes network connection
the power port. The one thing you should Skyping a delight to play with as it portrays
watch out for is its weight may prove to be your video clear and without delay.
a hassle to carry around.
This workstation comes with many
powerful features such as compatibility CHIP CONCLUDE :
with Adobe Creative Suite 6, Autodesk, After all is said and done, the
and Solidworks which can all be featured MSI GT60 20KWS is definitely a
on its first ever 3K ultra High resolution workstation for the professionals.
display screen. It is also able to support This would be a good pick for those
up to three separate displays. Should you who needs the performance on the
want to relax, it has gaming potential with road to run the most demanding of The workstation also has 4 audio ports which
handles the usual array of audio options.
KILLER Doubleshot network connectivity software.
Dell UltraSharp
UP3214Q UHD
Monitor
Price RM8,199
Contact Dell Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd.
Phone 1 800 88 0301
Info www.dell.com.my
Specifications
Truly Bigger
Contrast Ratio: 1,000:1 (Native), 2.0M:1
(Dynamic Contrast Ratio)
Stand: Tilt, swivel
Connectivity: 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x Mini
DisplayPort, 1x HDMI
RATINGS
Performance
Than Big
Dell’s new UHD display provides you with more
Features
digital real estate than you’ll know what to do with
Cooling By Nazrin Zain
Value
M
ore and more display you to make the most out of it is hook up
manufacturers have come out the DisplayPort 1.2 port and cable to a
Excellent display output with 4K UHD displays, and DisplayPort 1.2-compatible GPU, otherwise,
quality having played around with a few before, at the highest resolution, it will only output
Feature-packed
we’ve finally managed to get our hands on the resolution at 30Hz, which can hurt the
USB ports and card Dell’s very own Dell UltraSharp UP32214Q eyes when you stare at the display for long
reader difficult to acess
UHD monitor that came out earlier this periods of time.
year. One things for sure, it’s big, heavy As far as colour quality is concerned, the
and very colourful. UP32214Q is simply superb, as expected
As far as look and feel are concerned, of a monitor from the Dell UltraSharp
the UP3214Q monitor looks just like any line. Using an IGZO/IPS panel, the colour
UltraSharp monitor you may have seen for standards is amazing, as the coverage
some time now. It’s a very professional- includes 99 percent of Adobe RGB and 100
looking 31.5” display with sharp black percent of sRGB. This means crisp colours,
bezels and a touch panel at the side to amazing reproduction and hues that would
access the monitor’s on-screen display usually be undiscernible when using
options. monitors that simply don’t have the same
At the back, the UP3214Q monitor output capabilities.
Dell did not skimp on video input ports here as
it has something for everyone
features a wide variety of display outputs, Not only that, the monitor also has
including HDMI, Mini DisplayPort and excellent viewing angles, which is
DisplayPort 1.2. There are also four USB important if you’re doing collaborative
3.0 downstream ports at the back, with design work and the monitor isn’t exactly
one USB 3.0 upstream port connecting the in a good position for other people to see.
downstream ports to the PC. The UP3214Q
also has a 6-in-1 card reader.
All of which are actually very useful,
however the problem comes in the fact that CHIP CONCLUDE :
all these ports are located directly at the The Dell UltraSharp UP32214Q 4K
back of the display, which is very difficult to UHD monitor is a display that works
reach to, especially the USB ports and the great for creatives, be they designers
The Dell UltraSharp UP3214Q also comes with card reader. or video editors who will require the
a card reader for quick and easy access to
media files As the UP32214Q is a 4K monitor, it display real estate to edit some really
needs to be noted that the only way for high end artworks, photos or videos
Cooler Master
Nepton 120X
Price RM369
Contact Ban Leong Technologies Sdn.
Bhd.
Phone (03) 7956 6300
Info www.coolermaster.com
Specifications
Performance
Features
Makes A Return
Cooler Master’s Nepton 120XL features new upgrades
Design
Value
Cools well
that promises quieter cooling performance By Nazrin Zain Silent
C
ooler Master, as it name implies first The Nepton 120XL supports a wide small parts
made its name by making coolers variety of CPU sockets, ranging from Intel’s
for CPUs and such. The brand may LGA775 to LGA2011- to AMD’s FM2, all the
have expanded to include power supplies way to AM2+. There is a manual on how
and gaming peripherals and such, but its to install the appropriate brackets for each
core businesses, the PC cooling solution, is CPU type, and they’re all pretty straight
still going strong. The company’s Nepton forward, although you will need a Philips-
watercooling setup has gotten an upgrade head screwdriver to install them.
in the form of the Cooler Master Nepton Cooler Master’s claims about the
120 XL, and we’re going to take a look at Nepton 120 XL running silent are not
what has changed. unfounded. As we tested it on our
The Nepton 120XL is an all-in-one motherboards, there was an initial murmur
water-cooling solution that is fairly straight of the motor inside the pump running, but
forward to set up. It consists of a copper beyond that, it was pretty much silent all
water block, a pump and a radiator that the way.
The Nepton 120XL’s pump starts with a
keeps the coolant flowing when activated. As far as cooling is concerned, the slight whirring sound before running silently
Changes in the Nepton 120XL include Nepton 120XL does an excellent job throughout our tests
Huawei Ascend
P7 Arsenal
Edition
Price RM1,799
Contact Huawei Malaysia Mobile Hotline
Phone 1 800 22 0086
Info www.huawei.com/my
Specifications
Performance
A
rsenal is not a name that many as Fifa 14 and Yakatak Soccer to keep the
Features can forget as it is one of the most football fever going. Additionally, it also
successful football clubs in the has the Panorama Selfie feature which
Design
world, winning numerous amounts of takes a wide panoramic background when
Value achievements and trophies. As such, capturing the usual selfies to include more
Huawei as the partner company for Arsenal details within a single photo.
Good Camera
has decided to reveal the new Huawei When it comes down to performance,
Slim design
Ascend P7 Arsenal Edition to show their this device performs at a slower pace
Can’t remove battery support for the team. compared to its competition, but it is still
Low volume threshold
The device makes all the colours of manages to score above average in some
Arsenal visible in its theme on the phone of our benchmarks. It is still powerful
BENCHMARK RESULTS as well as displaying the Arsenal badge enough to play the most graphically
on the back of the phone. It has a single intense games available on the Android
3DMArk Ice Storm: 7,307 points
3DMark Ice Storm (Extreme): 5,057 points microUSB placed on its bottom and its market today albeit with certain delays on
3DMark Ice Storm (Unlimited): 7,398 points sides has the usual volume and power certain game modes. It displays movies
AnTuTu: 28,207 points buttons and last but not least, an audio and videos beautifully but it has a low
jack placed on its top. This smartphone volume threshold even when cranked to
has dual SIM compatibility for the busy the maximum settings. Camera-wise, it has
individual and it has the latest Gorilla Glass the absolute advantage here with beautiful
3 both front and back for durability yet style shots taken from both the rear and front
on both sides. camera, with many modes to play from.
An Arsenal smartphone device would
not be complete without features which
makes it stand out as an Arsenal fanboy’s CHIP CONCLUDE :
phone, such as the sounds of the Emirates So for those Arsenal fans out there
stadium chanting whenever you switch the looking for a device to swear their
device on, or the full Arsenal theme within allegiance to, now you can with the
the device itself with each application Huawei Ascend P7 Arsenal Edition.
The back end of the Huawei Ascend P7
Arsenal edition will show the world your having specific Arsenal related symbols Its slim, yet beautiful design coupled
allegiance to the Gunners and graphics. Besides that, it also comes with its Arsenal theme will make this
pre-installed with football related apps such a first choice for many fans.
ASUS X99-Deluxe
Price RM1,560
Contact Build Technology Supply Sdn
Bhd., Servex (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd
Phone (03) 7955 3699, (03) 8024 6688
Info www.asus.com/my/
Specifications
Running On A RATINGS
Performance
Features
Value
ASUS opens the doors to Christmas early with the Plenty of features
Easy to use BIOS
ASUS X99-Deluxe motherboard which satisfies Good audio support
with Crystal Sound 2
cravings from both gamers and professionals alike
By Nicolas See Tho Plastic design covers
Price
T
here are a new generation of delivers customised settings to each fan.
BENCHMARK RESULTS
motherboards coming in the form The motherboard also highlights its Crystal
of the Intel X99 chipset series and Sound 2 audio optimisation which provides PCMark 8 (Work): 4,743 points
ASUS gives their customers the ultimate PCMark 8 (Creative): 4,523 points
high quality audio for any purpose.
PCMark 8 (Home): 4,625 points
bang for their buck with the ASUS X99- The motherboard shines best when it
Deluxe motherboard for the premium comes down to performance, as during our
users. benchmarks using Futuremarks PCMark
At first glance, the design cover for 8, the motherboard has scored decently
the motherboard has changed from the in overall. Gamers will be impressed with
traditional gold to sleek futuristic white, the powerful networking provided by this
giving the motherboard a cutting edge motherboard which provides seamless
look. Its CPU socket allows for the latest online gaming and the ability to handle
generation Intel Core Processors to be NVIDIA SLI support for those who aim
used and there are six PCIe expansion slots to play games at the best quality. The
on the motherboard with five being a full UEFI BIOS is also a trademark of ASUS
physical x16 slot. It also has eight DIMM to which they make navigation painless
The motherboard provides a wide access to a
slots for up to 128GB DDR4 RAM allowing and overclocking easy with the EZ Tuning multitude of ports leaving plenty of room for
power users to boost their rig. Ports-wise, Wizard. any device
it has a wide variety of access points such
as 10 total USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, two
LAN ports, Wi-Fi antenna ports and two CHIP CONCLUDE :
SATA Express ports with eight SATA 6gb/s As far as premium motherboards go,
ports. the ASUS X99-Deluxe are some of the
The motherboard comes with many latest ones on the market now and is
features such as a unique cache bus a good choice for those who want to
voltage adjustment system that provides play with the newest toys. However,
faster sub-system performance, the the price for premium goods is the
inclusion of the ASUS 5-Way Optimization premium price which is rather steep
which dynamically optimises the essential for those who does not need all the A high end motherboard is not complete
without a premium audio optimisation system
factors of your system and Fan Xpert 3 power, nonetheless, it provides the such as Crystal Sound 2
which scans each fans characteristic and performance to back its value.
Philips A5-Pro
Professional DJ
Headphones
Price RM1,999
Contact WOOX Innovations Malaysia Sdn.
Bhd.
Phone 1800 807 332
Info www.woox.com
Specifications
RATINGS
Performance
Features
Not Just For DJs
Listen to some good music with these headphones
Design By Nazrin Zain
Value
D
espite reviewing various types of the headphones can be folded up for easy
headphones every other month and compact packing, something that
Great build, audio here at CHIP, it’s not very often many people would definitely love.
quality
Foldable design that we get to play around with some of As far as audio quality is concerned,
the more premium models out there in the A5-Pro ranks as one of our favourites
Price the market. Philips has been kind enough for music-listening. Marketed as a pair
to pass us the Philips A5-Pro Professional of monitoring headphones, the sound
DJ headphones, which was made in signature for these headphones are quite
collaboration with celebrated DJ Armin van neutral, leaning towards the warm side
Buuren. of things, which makes the headphones
As expected from an expensive pair of great for listening to genres such as EDM,
headphones, the A5-Pro looks and feels like rock and even live albums, as the details
it was made to look good, and withstand pop out in such detail that it’s like a new
some degree of abuse. The chassis of listening experience even if you’ve listened
the headphone is made out of reinforced to the same thing hundreds of times
aluminium, which is then wrapped in before.
leather to ensure comfort. The audio separation of the A50-Pro
The A5-Pro uses 50mm drivers which is excellent as well. Some music listeners
The headband of the A5-Pro is made out of are engineered to be able to handle up to like to be able to listen to every single
aluminum, making it a very sturdy pair of 3,500mW of power are used to ensure that instrument used in a song, and the
headphones
no matter what kind of set up used, the headphones provide that sort of listening
headphones will be able to handle it all, experience without compromising audio
which is especially perfect for DJs who tour quality.
often, and work with different audio setup
every time.
Swiveling earpieces on headphones are CHIP CONCLUDE :
pretty standard fare for DJ headphones, The Philips A5-Pro headphones
but the collaboration with Armin van are engineered to look and sound
Buuren has lead to several quality of life awesome. The pricetag may be a bit
improvements. For starters, there are too extravagant for most, but those
one 3.5mm audio ports on each side of who truly appreciate the look, feel
The cables on the A5-Pro are detachable,
and can be plugged into either side of the the earpiece, which allows users to use and performance of a good pair of
headphones either one depending on which is more headphones will definitely like what
comfortable for them. The second is that the A5-Pro has to offer.
ASUS Fonepad
8 (FE380CG)
Price RM649
Contact Dynamics Distribution Sdn. Bhd.,
ECS Astar Sdn. Bhd.
Phone (03) 8024 2100, (03) 6286 8222
Info www.asus.com/my/
Specifications
T
hroughout this year, we’ve reviewed such as music, videos and games.
about three different devices in ASUS have also equipped the
RATINGS
ASUS’ Fonepad family and it doesn’t Fonepad 8 with a camera albeit it is only
seem like the expansion of this family is a 5-megapixel one. However, it does Performance
going to slow down as the Taiwanese tech come with plenty of features thanks to the
Features
powerhouse recently unveiled the Fonepad PixelMaster technology. It produces decent
8 (FE380CG), which we got to review this photos in bright environments but falls flat Design
month. Much like the previous devices in in darker ones as it doesn’t come with an Value
the series, this one comes with its own LED flash.
Good overall performance
set of charms that will definitely attract When it comes to overall performance,
Dual SIM
consumers to it. the Fonepad 8’s Intel Atom processor Affordable
As always, we’ll take a look at its does a great job at keeping up with the Lightweight and slim
design first. For an 8-inch device, we were pace of users. It produced solid scores in Rear camera is only 5MP
surprised at how slim and light it actually our suite of benchmarks and was snappy & has no flash
is. Holding it with one hand is comfortable and smooth throughout our time with it Only 1GB RAM & 8GB
internal storage
enough but there’s no way you’ll be able even when we were multi-tasking. Playing
to operate it one-handed. Our review unit games such as Dead Trigger 2 and Asphalt
came in black and we really liked it as it 8 was also great as there was no lag
comes with a nice rubberised textured whatsoever. As for battery life, the device BENCHMARK RESULTS
back which not only gives you better grip managed to last us about two days with
3DMark Ice Storm: Maxed Out!
but also doesn’t attract smudges easily. light to medium usage, for heavy users
3DMark Ice Storm (Extreme): Maxed out!
Much like previous Fonepads, this one also it should be able to last a full day before 3DMark Ice Storm (Unlimited): 13,817 points
supports dual SIM cards. needing a recharge. AnTuTu: 33,004 points
Another great thing about its design is
how ASUS managed to slim down its bezel CHIP CONCLUDE :
to a mere 5.06mm, which means users get All in all, ASUS have once again
more screen real-estate and better viewing created a device that offers
angles. The 8-inch display has a 1,280 x 800 consumers a good balance between
resolution and brightness of 400nits that price and features. The Fonepad 8
makes it usable in any lighting condition, may not come with the highest-end
even under direct sunlight. Combine hardware or fancy features but it
its brilliant display with front-facing comes with all the right stuff that
MaxxAudio tuned speakers, this makes the most users look for in a phablet and
device great for consuming multimedia that’s what really matters.
Specifications
Features
Design
N
Good performance okia, or Microsoft Devices as as OneDrive help store your photos, videos
it is now known, continues to and documents on the Cloud so that you
Battery life
announce and launch more mid- don’t have to worry about losing important
ranged phones for the local market, and data in case the phone goes missing.
this time, we’ve got the relatively high end Where performance is concerned,
Lumia 830, which Nokia claims provides the Lumia 830 proves that you don’t
the perfect mix of price and performance. necessarily need a powerful quad-core
Much like many of the Lumia devices, processor to have a smartphone that
the 830 features a stellar build quality, as performs without any lag. For the most
it features a 5.0-inch 720p IPS display in a part, the phone performs like a charm
polycarbonate chassis that is reinforced by when performing daily tasks such as
an aluminum bezel that catches the eye. checking emails, social media accounts and
The Lumia 830 is powered by a 1.2GHz the like. That said, it does tend to lag a bit
Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor when you play graphics intensive games,
The Lumia 830 features a 10MP PureView
with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of storage and heats up a fair bit whenever you use
camera that does an excellent job at taking space which is expandable up to 128GB via the phone for a bit too long.
great-looking shots
microSD. Having said that, data junkies will
Cameras have also always been a also love the fact that the phone comes
strong point of many a high-end Lumia equipped with LTE connectivity, which
phone, and the Lumia 830 is no different means blazing fast data transfer speeds,
here. It features a 10MP PureView camera but this unfortunately comes at the
with LED flash, which allows users to take expense of battery life, which roughly lasts
some really excellent photos, regardless from morning to early evening on a single
of the lighting conditions. For video full charge.
enthusiasts, the Lumia 830 is capable of
recording at 1080p, and with 3 mic Rich CHIP CONCLUDE :
Recording, records crystal clear audio as If you’re a casual social media user
The removable back cover unveils a nano-
SIM slot and a microSD card slot for storage well. who occasionally checks his/her
expansion As the Lumia 830 runs Windows Phone emails two or three times a day, the
8.1, it also has a wide variety of apps that it Nokia Lumia 830 is a great affordable
is able to utilise to make the most out of its mid-range smartphone that comes
exceptional hardware. First party apps such with a lot of cool features.
ASRock Fatal1ty
X99X Killer
Price RM1,149
Contact AMT PC Distributors Sdn. Bhd.,
Cudo Technologies (M) Sdn.
Bhd., Ingens Sdn. Bhd.
Phone (03) 3344 1124, (03) 2148 1177,
(03) 7688 9888
Info www.asrock.com
Specifications
A Killer RATINGS
Performance
Features
Value
A Killer PC
ASRock’s new X99 offering is an excellent option for
Great performance
Supports up to 128GB
of RAM
T
he X99 bandwagon continues to Armor, which includes components such BENCHMARK RESULTS
grow, with many motherboard as high-density power connectors, gold
PCMark 8 (Home): 3,862 points
manufacturers now taking advantage contacts in DIMM and PCIe slots, Nichicon
PCMark 8 (Creative): 3,609 points
of the new Haswell-E’s many features. 12K platinum capacitors, as well as using PCMark 8 (Work): 3,340 points
ASRock reently sent us one of their X99 2oz copper PCB in the manufacturing of
gaming boards, in the form of the ASRock the board itself. These components help
Fatal1ty X99X Killer. the board to efficiently transfer and utilize
The X99X Killer motherboards features electricity, while reducing heat output and
eight DDR4 DIMMs that are capable of improving overall performance.
supporting up to 128GB of RAM with As far as computing performance is
speeds of up to 3000+MHz. ASRock is also concerned, the X99X Killer works great
generous enough to provide users with regardless if you’re a PC overclocking
up to ten SATA III ports, alongside an M.2 enthusiast, gamer or even a professional
SATA port that can support up to M.2 who works in the multimedia line and
devices that are 110mm in length. is looking for a build that the average
ASRock is also very generous with the
Unlike the other X99 motherboards that enthusiast-grade PC wouldn’t be able to I/O ports on the X99X, even featuring two
we’ve reviewed however, the X99X Killer is provide. We managed to overclock our different LAN ports from Intel and Killer LAN
only capable of supporting up to triple-way Haswell-E PC to about 3.5 to 3.6GHz on air
NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireX multi- without too many problems.
GPU configurations.
At the back, ASRock has fitted the X99X CHIP CONCLUDE :
Killer with eight USB port, six of which The ASRock X99X is another great
are USB 3.0, two LAN ports, one Intel X99 motherboard to consider if
Gigabit Ethernet, and a Killer Ethernet port, you’re looking for an upgrade to the
together with an e-SATA port and surround Haswell-E platform. The fact that it
sound audio ports. only does three-way SLI and CFX
Following in the footsteps of other should not bother you all too much
The X99X Killer supports three-way SLI and
OEMs as well, ASRock has donned the because everything else it has to offer CrossFireX multi-GPU configuration
X99X Killer in what it calls the Gaming is pretty much spot-on.
Samsung
Smartphone
GamePad
Price RM399
Contact Samsung Malaysia Electronics
Phone 1 800 88 9999
Info www.samsung.com/my/
Specifications
M
obile gaming has grown to the right analogue stick instead of two
Features
extremely fast and is now one analogue sticks side-by-side. We found the
Design of the most lucrative markets action buttons to be nice and responsive,
Value for game developers. These days, mobile however, we felt that the analogues were
games no longer just rely on swipes and a little unresponsive as they felt a little stiff
Supports a good range of device simple gestures to play, in fact, mobile and since it isn’t raised it feels as though
sizes games now come in the same genres as movement was a little limited.
Nice and responsive action
PC and console games. For those who Pairing the GamePad with your
buttons
Comfortable & compact design prefer more tangible and tactile controls, smartphone is also pretty straightforward
Easy to pair and setup this is where accessories like the Samsung as it can be done via NFC or Bluetooth.
Limited game compatibility
Smartphone GamePad comes in. Both provide a quick and easy way to
Limited support for non-Samsung To cater to mobile gamers, Samsung connect to the device. You can use the
devices have done quite a good job at making the GamePad with just about any Android
Analogue sticks not raised
enough GamePad quite portable. It may not be device but it is definitely better with a
the slimmest controller compared to the Samsung branded smartphone as it
many third-party ones but it won’t add too requires the S Console app and this is
much heft to your laptop bag or backpack. where a disappointing bit comes in as at
Samsung also have placed two rubber time of writing the GamePad only supports
grips on the sides that gives it that little about 50 games and while you do have
extra grip. some great titles here, they are a bit old. So
One of the neatest things about this if you do use a non-Samsung device, you
GamePad though is how you attach your may have to play a little guessing game
smartphone to it. Samsung have found a first to find a game that works.
way to retain the GamePad’s portability
and yet support smartphones with displays
ranging from 4- to 6.3-inch and this is with CHIP CONCLUDE :
the adjustable holder situated between the At the end of the day, we have to say
two trigger buttons which slides in and we like the Samsung Smartphone
The button layout of the GamePad mimics the out from the top of the device. The holder GamePad for its portability and also
Xbox controller and is very easy to get used to holds on to devices pretty snuggly. the fact that it gives gamers more
The button layout of the GamePad tactile controls. But with that said
draws inspiration from Microsoft’s there are a few niggles such as the
Xbox controller where the Direction pad analogue sticks and limited game
(D-pad) is placed on the bottom left next support.
ASUS Vivo
PC VM62
Price RM1,249
Contact Build Technology Supply Sdn.
Bhd.
Phone (03) 7955 3699
Info www.asus.com/my
Specifications
A Compact PC
OS: Windows 8.1 Professional
RATINGS
Performance
Design
Play Value
Great performance
Modular parts
The ASUS Vivo PC does not look out of place either
Lags when playing
on an office desk or a TV cabinet By Nazrin Zain back 4K content
T
he launch of Intel’s 4th generation port, one DisplayPort, six USB ports, four
of computer processors have truly of which are USB 3.0. Also included are
given a lot of people reasons to 3.5mm audio and microphone ports, an S/
celebrate. PC manufacturers have also PDIF port, a LAN port as well as an SD card
become a lot more creative when it comes reader.
to design, and companies like ASUS has The Vivo PC VM62 also supports
decided to go ultra-small with the Vivo PC 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 2.0, for those
VM62. who prefer to have less cables connected
The Vivo PC VM62 looks very to the machine. This ensures that your
reminiscent of Intel’s very own NUC mini office space or living room is kept clean
computer unit. But what ASUS has done from cables, while ensuring that you still
is to elevate it to a much more chic and get to use the PC to its fullest.
stylish machine, incorporating a brushed As far as performance goes, the Vivo PC
aluminium chassis that house components VM62 actually works great. ASUS claims
For a mini PC, the Vivo PC VM62 omess
that don’t look out of place in a mid-tier that it is capable of playing back up to 4K packed with a lot of I/O options
desktop-sized computer. media, and from our tests, they’re not far
Inside, the Vivo PC VM62 is powered from wrong. 720p and 1080p playback is
by an Intel Core i3-4030U processor, 4GB as smooth as butter, although 4K media
of RAM and a 2.5-inch 500GB HDD,all of still lags a fair bit, but that can be fixed if
which can be hotswapped with other parts, you decide to go for the Intel Core i5 model
if you so desire. Out of the box, it runs instead.
Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 operating system.
The Vivo PC VM62 features the Vivo
DualBay, a flexible dual-storage design that CHIP CONCLUDE :
allows users to store two 2.5-inch drives The ASUS Vivo PC VM62 is a compact
or one 3.5-inch drive inside the enclosure, computer that performs great for
and all you need to access these parts is a many general tasks. Use it as a small This dual-bay drive storage solution is capable
of storing two 2.5 inch storage drives or one
Philips-head screwdriver. office PC or change up the storage
3.5 inch storage drive
As far as I/O ports are concerned, configuration a bit to have it function
ASUS have been very generous with the as a HTPC. Whatever your choice, this
Vivo PC VM62 as it comes with one HDMI machine does not disappoint.
Everything To Fear
It’s a typical weekend and I’m lounging on the couch, phablet in hand, surfing my usual mix of news
websites, forums and catching up on whatever’s hot By Tim Lee
I
f you had a packet sniffer running on my home network or jailbroken your device and disabled those chatty system
on my router, you could find out the most important things frameworks.
about me – my interests, philosophical and political leanings Silent Circle’s Blackphone aims to be the first of the NSA-
and what I spend my money on. proof (or at least NSA-deterrent) mobile devices. It runs
This isn’t news. Until recently, Internet users implicitly PrivatOS, a locked-down Android fork that gives you fine
trusted everyone in the chain not to eavesdrop, but that’s like control over what each app exposes to the world, to stop the
leaving a bowl of sugar outside and telling ants not to help OS and apps from phoning home without permission. Phone
themselves to it. Google has a monstrous database of calls and messages are encrypted so only recipients can
individual behaviour culled from each decrypt them and routed through
interaction you have with Google Silent Circle’s servers. What I find
search and Gmail; Amazon knows all funny is that Silent Circle moved its
about your online purchasing habits; headquarters to Switzerland so it
Facebook and WhatsApp know about wouldn’t be hassled by the US
your daily moods, your friends and government, at the same time it’s
family; and government agencies like pitching its devices to the US
the NSA and GCHQ have a government.
panopticon-like view of everyone by What can the privacy-conscious
sniffing on main cables and combining person do? Other than join the tinfoil-
data from all these commercial hat brigade and burn all your gadgets,
sources. They probably know more I would start by using a VPN to
about me than I know myself. encrypt your Web traffic and using the
You could switch from Google or Tor Browser Bundle for anonymous
Bing to DuckDuckGo as a secure surfing. That’s mainly for PCs though.
search alternative. It’s harder to stop The key to real privacy and security
using Facebook, Twitter and is to own the hardware and software
WhatsApp, at least if you don’t want to you’re using – having the freedom to
be branded a digital-age hermit. Even use and tinker with it – so you’re not
Whisper, supposedly a secure and beholden to a proprietary
anonymous messaging service, keeps manufacturer who may not have your
messages for years, allows staffers to best interests at heart. You could run
track individual users and hands over your own open-source Owncloud
data to government agencies. server so you can sync files over
It’s a lot more difficult to dump free WebDAV, contacts over CardDAV and
email providers like Gmail and calendar entries over CalDAV. It’s not
Hotmail for secure encrypted as convenient as the Google or Apple
alternatives because services like equivalent and you have to keep it
Lavabit have been shut down. Secure secure, but the software and data are
cloud alternatives are few and far yours.
between; the recent iCloud leaks Now having free and secure social
showed that it’s not smart to trust a networking is a lot harder. I’ve been a
third party provider to keep your most Diaspora* user for a while but I’ve had
private data secure, especially when a single password unlocks zero luck getting family and friends to use it. In fact, most of
the keys to all your data and linked devices. them give me a funny look when I gently suggest that
There’s not much you can do to secure mobile devices Facebook makes a ton of money off their postings without
either. iOS dumps all your contacts, images, videos, giving them a single cent in return.
documents and now payment information on Apple’s cloud That old adage of having nothing to fear if you’ve done
without giving you the choice to opt out. Google does the nothing wrong rings false nowadays, when the definition of
same for Android, with the added creepiness of them tracking “something wrong” ends up being so flexible and fluid.
your location and usage data throughout the day. There’s not Someone’s always listening and watching, ready to monetize
much you can do to stop data leaking unless you’ve rooted or you or monitor you, and the only solution is to keep vigilant.
Smart Launcher 2
Developer: GinLemon
Price: Free, RM4.99 (Pro)
For a minimalist look and feel for your Android device, you definitely can’t go wrong with Smart
Launcher 2. Its simple and clean design is optimised for various screen sizes, with the home screen
featuring your most-used apps in a circular flower-shaped pattern that gives you access to your
most-used apps. There is also a double-tap feature that allows you to immediately access certain
functions on the phone, or you can double-tap the app icon to activate a secondary activity.
The app can be downloaded for free, but paying for the premium version unlocks more features,
which will provide you with even more customisation options, as will the extra Smart Launcher 2
add-ons which can be downloaded from the Play Store.
Apex Launcher
Developer: Android Does
Price: Free, RM12.99 (Pro)
The aptly-named Apex Launcher is quite possibly the most feature-
packed launcher we’ve played around with so far. The launcher takes
customisation to a whole new level by allowing users to modify even
the home screen grid size, icons, app drawer animation and more.
Much like Smart Launcher 2, Apex Launcher comes in a free and paid
variant (Pro). The Pro version gives you additional features such as
unread count notifications, more gesture options, additional
transitioning effects, enhanced folder options and more.
that the main character is able to solve the mystery. This novel
highlights the tale of immortality and its consequences in the
form of a mystery narrative as well as a sneak view into a
dystopian society whereby everyone can live forever.
A Philosophical Investigation
Author: Phillip Kerr
Publisher: Chatto and Windus
Published: 1992(UK), 1993 (US)
In a twist for variety, this novel takes a look at Britain in an
alternate but near future where a British neuroscientist has
found a portion of the male brain the VMN to be twice the size
of the females. While the case only happens in 1 out of 100,000
individuals, the abnormality was found to be an accurate
indicator for violent sociopathic tendencies. The story revolves
around a serial murderer who was tested to be VMN negative,
killing all the other VMN negatives, and on another narrative
the detective who was assigned to catch him, Isadora “Jake”
Jakowicz. The themes in this novel presents themselves in
certain ways such as the punitive coma punishment which is
dubbed more humane when in actual fact it hides the more
serious implications. This novel will leave you pondering with
questions thus giving you an incentive to have multiple
reading sessions with this book.
Psycho Pass
Author: Makoto Funami
Publisher: Mag Garden
Published: 2013
Fans of the anime would come to know this title well, as it
brings forth the technology of
Ghost in the Shell, Blade
Runner and Minority Report all
in one to create a diverse and
vivid cyberpunk universe. In
the future, there are
psychological scanners being
placed in each part of the city
where every person has their
psychological status scanned
and presented in numbers
called Crime Coefficients.
Should one’s numbers go too
high, they would be made into
a suspect for latent crimes in
which the crime has not yet
been committed but the
suspect is in that state of mind.
In order to regulate high Crime
Coefficients numbers,
Inspectors and Enforcers work hand in hand to deal with the constant monitoring and it also touches on the fragile state of
various situations. This novel takes us into a dysfunctional mind and how it can be misread as evil.
utopian society where crime can be prevented through
Knowledge Is Power
We watch countless amounts of science fiction movies, and we dream of the future that is to come. But
many of us hardly know anything about the basis of these fantastic ideas and how they are relevant in
society today. This month, we are sharing with you a list of scientific documentaries for your viewing
pleasure, whereby they educate us on the miracles of science, roots of our origins and mostly about how
some of these technological aspects in the movies are being implemented in real life. As a plus, some of
these documentaries are hosted by familiar faces By Nicolas See Tho
Mythbusters
Hosts: Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman
Original Channel: Discovery
Episodes: 257
Production Company: Beyond Television Productions
WASTELAND 2
C
ustomary to most games set in a disappoint as there are no class limitations
post-apocalyptic setting, Wasteland and plenty of skills to pick from. However,
2 is set in an alternate timeline, in it is best to build a balanced team and Wasteland 2
which a nuclear holocaust takes places have a good range of characters such as
DEVELOPER inXile Entertainment
in 1998 and the world is pretty much a medic (very important), a charismatic wasteland.inxile-entertain-
INFO
left in ruins. Countries are left without leader, a sneaky sniper and so on. There’s ment.com/
governments and the lands are lawless, really no limit to your imagination and SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
PLATFORM : Windows, Mac OS X, Linux
where you either kill or be killed or are this also opens up replayability as you can
forced into servitude. However, there are try out different builds during your next RATINGS
those who do their best to uphold the law playthrough. Gameplay
and bring some peace into the desolate Once you’re done with creating
Graphics
lands, this band of self-appointed lawmen your squad, you’re then thrust into the
are the Desert Rangers and you are part of Wasteland and set on your quest. The Sound
them. game is played out from a top down view Replayability
The game is actually set fifteen years and moving out of battle is in real time.
Great storyline & theme, Challenging
after the events of the original Wasteland, Unlike Fallout 1 and 2 where each step and and fun tactical combat, Plenty of
where an experienced ranger is found action costs action points (AP), Wasteland 2 character customisation options,
Choices that matter
brutally murder and your squad of rookies only uses AP in battle and this element will
are tasked to investigate and solve the keep you on your toes as there is no undo Objectives can be confusing, Not
the best looking game, Optimisation
murder of said ranger. Yes, instead of feature and we found ourselves carefully issues in some areas
An Unexpected Return To
Middle Earth By Nazrin Zain
regardless if they’re a normal or Captain-
class Uruk, you will revive back at the
previous checkpoint you were from, but
the enemy that killed you will have gained
infamy, levelling himself up and attaining
new abilities.
As you progress through the story,
Talion will eventually gain an ability called
Brand, which will allow you to brainwash
the Uruk you’re currently fighting into
joining your cause. This works for Uruks
of all levels, however, you will need to
damage them enough before you can
actually do this.
The end goal of Shadow of Mordor
is to seek revenge on the Black Hand
of Sauron, but the game is so much
more than that. The Nemesis System
in particular makes the game a very
Shadow of Mordor's baƩle system is highly reminiscent of that of the Batman: Arkham series games, where combos and immersive one as the enemies that kill
counteraƩacks are key in taking down the enemy you will remember you, and the dialogue
The story revolves around Talion’s is varied enough that it doesn’t sound
quest to take revenge on the Black repetitive. The Brand ability meanwhile
Hand, as well as to regain Celebrimbor’s lets you infiltrate the Uruk’s ranks without
memory, which was lost due to him you having to dirty your own hands, and
reviving as a wraith. Along the way, Talion you can watch how a few well-placed
will come across iconic characters such Uruks in the hierarchy can make for
as Gollum and Saruman, as they too have some pretty gruesome, yet entertaining
The Black Hand's army of Uruks will be out to get you, and
their own agendas that revolve around the backstabbing take place.
every Ɵme they kill you, they will level up and gain new One Ring and Sauron.
abiliƟes ACTION ROLE-PLAYING
The game’s graphics are pretty
Middle-earth:
T
he story behind J.R.R. Tolkien’s good, however, in order for you to truly
Lord of the Rings spans way maximise your gaming experience, you Shadow of Mordor
more than what the trilogy of will be required to download a free HD DEVELOPER Monolith Productions /
novels suggest. With novels such as The texture patch that can only be properly Behaviour Interactive (PS3/
X360)
Silmarillion and The Hobbit featuring taken advantage of by a GPU with at least INFO www.shadowofmordor.
as lengthy prequels to the story of the 6GB of VRAM. com
Fellowship of The Ring, it may be in your Gameplay is where Shadow of Mordor SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
PLATFORM : PC, PlayStation 3,
best interests to at least read up on a bit truly shines. The fight mechanics are a PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
of the lore behind the series before you lot similar to the Batman: Arkham series
pick up Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, of games, where grappling and counter- RATINGS
so that you wouldn’t be too lost when the attacking moves are key to staying alive. Gameplay
references to the tale come hitting fast Talion fights with a sword, a dagger and a
Graphics
and hard. bow, and they level up in a similar fashion
Shadow of Mordor tells the tale as you do, as you clear main and side- Sound
of Talion, a Ranger of Gondor whose missions to gain new abilities and unlock Replayability
family was murdered, and he himself is weapon upgrades.
Excellent gameplay, Nemesis
sacrificed by the Black Hand of Sauron, in The developers of the game also System adds a breath of fresh air to
an otherwise cookie-cutter genre
order to revive Celebrimbor, the one who introduced a new system in the game
was responsible for forging The One Ring called the Nemesis System. Any time Insanely large install size, Requires
a very powerful GPU to max out
and The Rings of Power. you are killed by an enemy in the game, graphics
O
ptical drives are no longer a necessity these days as fast SSD, then install it in the HDD slot and mount the old hard
music and movies can be sourced from streaming disk in the new frame in the ODD slot. Although these frames
services such as Spotify and Maxdome or they can be are also provided for SSDs as per the manufacturer’s
purchased as downloads in iTunes, etc. Even software today is information, there may be loss of speed or booting problems
downloaded directly from the Internet - and no longer installed in future. Before you begin, you must load the data from the
from optical disks. So it is obvious that the optical drive HDD to the SSD. This is most easily done using the Samsung
should be replaced by a large hard disk or a fast SSD. This is Data Migration Software. In our case, we removed the DVD
relatively easy when it comes to a Desktop PCs, however, for drive and placed the already existing HDD in the adapter and
notebooks; you have to take note of some special features. the SSD in the hard disk slot.
this may vary in some notebooks. Do not forget to measure should also earth yourself. For this, touch something made of
the drive before you buy the adapter. Also note whether your metal like a door knob or stair railing. There are so-called
notebook uses a SATA or IDE connection. grounding straps for approx. 10 Euro (~RM40) available online.
In addition to the adapter, if you have to buy a hard disk Clamp the banana plug on the cable of the strap at a suitable
then pay attention to its size. Only 2.5-inch hard disks fit in the position.
frame. The 3.5-inch hard disks usually found in Desktop PCs
are too big for most notebooks. If you want to splurge on a
T
he 50s was considered as the golden era of advertising. layer and
A whole new picture language emerged mainly in the paint over the model using a large hard black brush. Set the
United States during this time and this language today opacity of the layer to “21%” and Blend mode to “Overlay”.
is looked upon as the Vintage Look. You need only one proper
portrait photo to convert it to this classic look in Photoshop. If 2 Add a few circles
you do not wish to take the photo yourself, look for popular Select the Mould tool via the [U] key in a new layer and select
Microstock sites such as Istock and Fotolia and search for a the Ellipse. Paint a black circle using the Ellipse. Then drag the
suitable model using search terms as “Vintage Lady”. If you layer under the model and change the opacity to “73%”. Copy
wish to pose for the photo yourself, then you should wear the layer several times to add a few more circles, possibly with
clothes from the 50s i.e. a petticoat or a pencil dress. Using different opacity and sizes, as per your liking.
small accessories will ensure that the entire composition is
finally harmonious. 3 Fill circles using Grunge brushes
Now search for “Grunge Brushes” on the website www.
Do not follow instructions to the T deviantart.com. Download a brush set that you like, unzip the
You need to add a personal touch if you want the picture to ZIP file and copy the ABR file included in it, to the folder
turn out really good. In this tutorial, we will demonstrate the “Programs\Adobe\Photoshop\Presets\Brushes”. Subsequently,
PHOTO: THINKSTOCK/WAVEBREAKMEDIA
necessary technique but you can be creative with our create a layer mask on every layer of circle and paint the
instructions but be sure to do a little experiment yourself. circles carefully using the Grunge brush. If the brushes cannot
be used, then you have to reload them first via the Brushes
How to proceed panel. Specify the folder with the ABR files there.
1 Prepare the portrait and background
To achieve the perfect result, start with a new document and 4 Insert Triangles
fill the area with grey colour (Value: #9A9A9A). Then place the Go back to the Mould tool again with [U] and select a triangle
model on to the picture, cut out the main subject and copy it in the menu bar with “Form”. Paint several triangles and
as a new layer over the background. Now create another new arrange them into various patterns as per your liking. Mirror a
3 8
8 Final fine-tuning
In the last step we have added two more triangles and
softened them with the mode “Overlay” and an opacity of
50%. The model was sharpened a bit using the filter “Unsharp
mask”
6
Automate Your
Social Networks
The free service Zapier automates web services, interlinks them and relieves you of a lot of
tedious routine tasks By Markus Hermannsdorfer
F
ans and friends on Facebook, Twitter or Google Plus hope original and human.
they are kept permanently up to date - mainly when you
support one of the social networks in a professional or semi- How to proceed
professional environment, either at work or in a community with 1 Register with Zapier
many members. If you do not comply with this obligation, then Go to the website https://zapier.com in your browser and click on
you are going to lose fans very quickly. But who has enough time “Sign up”. Enter your Email address, your first and last name and
to support several social networks more than once every day? The also a password and click again on “Sign up”. You need not
automation service Zapier (https://zapier.com) is a great solution respond to the dialog “Get personalised recommendations” to
as it relieves you of a major part of this work and keeps your fans start using Zapier.
happy while you find more time for other things.
2 Select free tariff
The ingredients: Zaps, Trigger and Action After installation, Zapier offers a 14-day trial period with all the
Create a task in Zapier and name it as “Zap”. There is a trigger in functions. Thereafter, if you do not switch to a paid plan you are
the task that starts an action. For example, if you publish an article downgraded to a limited free version. We recommend using the
in your blog (trigger), Zapier will automatically announce it to your Free Plan so that you do not have to set up your automation again
Facebook friends that there are new items that could be of interest after fourteen days. To do this, click on “Choose the best plan for
to them (Event). We will show you exactly how it works, in steps 1 you” and select “Free” in the next window via “Switch to this
to 8 below. Similarly, mail accounts, Evernote, Microsoft OneDrive plan”. The Free Plan is absolutely sufficient for private users. You
SCREENSHOTS: ANBIETER
and hundreds of other services can be linked. can always switch to higher tariffs in future.
Despite the euphoria, you should not overdo the automation.
People on Facebook and Twitter do like to speak to people and not 3 Set up a new task
to robots. Use Zapier sparingly and upload posts every now and In our example we are hoping that a new blog article published on
then in social networks so that it is clear that you are personally WordPress is automatically announced on a Facebook fan page. In
active. Ensure that your presence in social networks remains this case, click on “Make a Zap!”, select the software “WordPress”
3 8
under “Choose a trigger app” and then click on “New Post” in the
list under it.
7 Fine-tuning
You can now precisely specify - under what conditions should a
blog post be published on the fan page. All the information in this
step is optional.
Tips
Tricks
NOVEMBER 2014
03
Starting Autostart programs and thereby
Windows is clearly faster if the starting delay
is disabled in the Registry
04 05 06
After disabling the question, Windows 8 starts Here you can set the frequency of You can prevent the display of “thumbs.db”
without the Login screen synchronization of your personal data using in the network drive with the help of a new
Windows 8 Registry key
this with the [Enter] key. Disable the
check mark right on top against the under “Add network address”. Confirm search field of the Start menu or
option “User must enter a user name with “OK”. Click on “Exclude folders” open the dialog “Run” in the Desktop
and password to use this computer”. on the left if you do not wish to view of Windows 8 by pressing
Subsequently click on the “Apply” synchronise specific directories. This [Windows] + [R]. In the registry editor,
button and another window will open. can be useful if, for example, a folder first go to the key “HKEY_LOCAL_
Enter the name of the account in would need too much memory space MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
this window and confirm the relevant on the external hard disk or if the data Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
password twice. Then click on “OK” in it is not at all important. Explorer”. Generate a new entry
which will close the window. Now In the “Advanced Settings”, you can “DisableThumbsDBOnNetworkFolders”
again click on “OK” and your settings set the frequency of synchronisation via the command “Edit | New |
will be saved. Entering the password or remove older versions of individual DWORD-value” and open the entry by
will not be necessary when the files. If required, click on “Enable” on double-clicking for editing. Change the
computer is restarted. the home page of the “File History” to “Value” to “1” and confirm with “OK”.
start the synchronisation. You will also Add this new value in the “HKEY_
find the option “Restore personal files” LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\
WINDOWS 8 in the menu on the home page of the Microsoft\Windows\Explorer” key as
05 Synchronise important personal
data directly via the system
“File History”. Here, you can view the
stored file versions on the external
well. You may also have to create the
last subkey “Explorer” with the help of
hard disk and restore them if you want. the command “Edit | New | Key”. Close
You can directly synchronise files via It is even easier when it comes to the registry and restart it.
the operating system in Windows 8. All individual files: In Explorer, look for the Note: The preview databases of the
personal data, for example, is mirrored file from which you wish to restore an local folder are retained during this
on an external hard disk and can also older version. Select this file by clicking procedure and are used further. Even
be restored from there using this on it and select the option “History”. the “thumbs.db” files already present
function. If the saved files are changed, Now all the existing older versions of on the network drives are not deleted.
then the backup is also changed the file will be displayed to you. You This must be done manually if needed.
accordingly. Open the Control Panel can restore the displayed version at the
and go to the tab “Save backup copies original storage location by clicking on
of your files with the File History” the green arrow below. You can switch WINDOWS 8.1
in the tab “System and Security”.
Alternatively, look for something
versions using the arrows. 07 Display the Desktop
background even on the Start
where you can enter “Backup copies” page
while you are on the screen and click WINDOWS 8
on “Settings” on the left. A standard
configuration will be displayed. If you
06 Stop the “Thumbs.db” file
from being created on network
Finally, the background image of
the Desktop can be displayed on
are happy with the current settings, drives the Start screen in Windows 8.1. To
then just press “Turn On” and do not do this, right-click on the Taskbar
pay attention to the following steps. Windows 7 and 8 generate the preview (in the Desktop mode) so that the
Otherwise go to “Select Drive” on the file “thumbs.db” for every individual context menu opens. Select the option
left side and search for the external picture. This consumes bandwidth “Properties” there. A small window
hard disk that you wish to use for in the network. You can prevent this will open where you have to go to the
backup. If you wish to use a hard disk via a registry entry. In order to go “Navigation” tab. Now a check mark
on your home network, then select it to the registry, type "regedit" in the must be set for the option “Show
07 10
Select “Show my desktop background on You can quickly create a slide show of your
Start” and Windows 8.1 will replace the blue- WINDOWS holiday pictures in PowerPoint
tiled background
09 Convert units at lightning speed
with the help of the integrated Presentations need not be boring all
my desktop background on the Start” calculator the time. You can create a photo album
under “Start screen”. After clicking in Microsoft PowerPoint using pictures
“OK”, your Desktop wallpaper will now from your last vacation with just a few
be displayed on the Start screen. clicks.
Start PowerPoint and go to the tab
“Insert”. Click on “Photo Album” and
WINDOWS then on “New photo album”. Press
08 Replace the cursor arrow with a
more beautiful one
the button “File/Disk” to select the
pictures you want to use. You can
also edit the pictures on the right
The default cursor in the form of an side, if needed. You can adjust the
arrow in Windows is a matter of taste. brightness and contrast or rotate the
If you do not like it, you can simply picture. If you wish to add text, then
replace it. You will find many templates 09 click on the button “New text box”. In
on the website www.devianart. In the extended view, the Windows Calculator the section “Album layout”, select the
com. Search for "Cursor Windows", can convert units too thumbnail for the album. You can also
download the cursor pack you want select among different layouts and the
and unzip the file. If you wish to convert one unit into relevant windows. A new presentation
Right-click on the Desktop and select another, then this can be easily done of your photo album will open by
“Personalize” in the context menu. using the Windows calculator. In this clicking on “Create”.
You will find the entry “Change mouse regard, there is a whole range of
pointer” on the left side. Then open unit types available and the result is
the “Mouse properties”. Click on the displayed clearly HARDWARE
tab “Pointer”. You will see a field with Click on “Start” and search for KEYBOARD
the name “Customize” here. Click the
mouse pointers one after the other
“Calculator”. Select the first result.
Select “View” upon starting the
11 What to do when you spill
liquids on your keyboard
and then select the new mouse pointer calculator and click on the option
from the downloaded cursor pack. Click “Unit conversion”. The functions of If you have spilled coffee or water on
the calculator will then be extended the keyboard, then you should act fast.
accordingly. Immediately disconnect the cable from
Now click on the topmost Dropdown the computer so that the power to the
menu and select a unit type, for keyboard is cut off. If you have spilled
example, “Power”. Open the middle a lot of liquid on the keyboard, then
Dropdown menu and select the unit hold it upside down so that most of
which, for example, has the initial it flows out. If you have spilt only a
value “Foot-Pound/minute”. Enter this bit of liquid then move the keyboard
value in the field “Enter Value”. In the as little as possible. Now remove all
last Dropdown menu, set the unit to keys from the keyboard. This can be
which you wish to convert the initial done using a knife or a screwdriver.
value, for example, in “Kilowatt”. The The keys need to be lifted up slightly
result will be directly displayed. Note so they can be removed. Clean the
08 that the calculator can only compute keys from inside as well as the outside.
Double-click here on the Cursor icons to
replace them by new ones units up to a length of 16 digits Cotton swabs or paper towels are
perfectly!! Plug
the defective
flash drive into
a free USB port
and click on
“Computer”.
The connected
device should
be seen in the
list of devices.
Right-click on
it and select
11 13
“Properties”.
When you spill liquids on your keyboard, do not panic but act fast - then the The free tool FurMark heavily loads the
mishap will not be so bad Now look for graphics card and thus helps detect errors
the tab “Tools”
the best tools for this. After cleaning and select it. You should see “Error errors. For this press [Windows] + [R],
is complete, leave the keyboard in a Checking” in the list. Click on the type “dxdiag” and confirm with “OK”.
well-ventilated area for several hours. “Check now” button. Set a check mark When the program loads, go to the
You may have to wait for a minimum before the listed options by clicking “Display” tab. You will find an area
of 24 hours if water has penetrated the box. Lastly, click on “Start” to start for notes below. If the errors are listed
deep into the keyboard. You can the check and repair procedure. This there, then you can take further steps
somewhat speed up the process using procedure can last for a few minutes to rectify the error. If not, then your
a hair dryer but do not hold the dryer depending on the capacity of the flash graphics card does not have any errors.
too close to the keyboard. If you spill drive. The USB flash drive should work As some errors occur only at
liquid on a laptop, then immediately again when the procedure is complete. higher loads, you have to subject the
shut down the laptop and disconnect The Windows tool removes all files and graphics card to a stress test. To do
any electrical connections. Wipe the sector fields that were found on the this, download the free tool Furmark
water from the surface of the keyboard. USB flash drive. from our website. After starting the
If possible, remove the battery. Do not program click on “Burn-in benchmark
move the laptop if possible. Remove 1920 x 1080 15 min”. This will start a
the keyboard if you can and wipe the GRAPHICS CARD 15-minute long load test. Subsequently,
insides of the laptop. Leave the laptop
to dry in a ventilated area for at least
13 Check the installed graphics
card for hardware errors
a text file will be displayed, in which
all the errors will be listed.
three days so that all components are
completely dry. If your computer is crashing when
graphic-intense applications are USB Flash Drive
MEMORY
running, then you should get your
graphics card tested. This can be done
14 Maximise the speed of the
computer using a USB flash
12 Repairing a faulty USB flash
drive
using Windows on-board resources
and a free tool. The most frequent
drive
sources of error are overheating or You can speed up older PCs running
Is it possible to repair a USB flash a non-working driver. If you have on Windows 7 and 8 with the help of
drive when it can no longer be recently changed the settings of your a USB flash drive by forcing Windows
read? With a little luck, it will work graphics card, then this may lead to to starts frequently used programs
heating problems. A defective fan will
also guarantee that your GPU gets
overheated. If there is an error in the
driver, then you must replace it with
a newer version. You can download
the latest version of the driver from
the website of the graphics card
manufacturer. Then open up the
“Device Manager” via the Search in the
Start menu and uninstall the defective
driver. Now replace it with the latest
version downloaded and restart the
12 computer. 14
If Windows detects a defective flash drive then If the problem persists, then let Here, select the memory size you wish to
you can check it for errors like a hard disk and release to speed up the PC
get it repaired Windows check the graphics card for
from the flash drive instead of the hard PlayStation 3 to the smartphone. Then IPHONE
disk. Connect the USB stick to your
PC and select “Accelerate System” in
by connecting the smartphone to a TV,
you have a full-fledged gaming console
17 What to do if the phone reports
a missing or invalid SIM
the Autostart menu. Important: This is ready for you.
function is displayed only when your First, go to the settings menu of
USB stick has a minimum read speed the smartphone and click on “Xperia
of 3MB/s and minimum write speed Connectivity”. Now go to the Setup
of 5MB/s! In the next window, click Assistant by tapping on “Connect a
on the option “Use this device” - thus Controller”. You will be requested to
the so-called ReadyBoost feature will connect the controller to your Xperia
be activated. Using the slider, select device using a USB cable. When the
the memory that you wish to use device is paired with the controller,
for the extension on your USB stick. you must disconnect the cable so that
Subsequently click on “Apply” and you can use the controller wirelessly.
then “OK”. Bluetooth will be automatically
enabled on your smartphone and 17
you can stop the coupling by tapping Updating to a newer version of iOS will
GALAXY TAB on “Terminate”. To continue playing probably help if a SIM card is not recognised
16
Since the release of the Xperia SP WINDOWS PHONE
18
Connect the smartphone to a PS3 Controller
(June 2013), all Sony smartphones from via the option “Connectivity” Export contacts to Android
the Xperia series are equipped with a phones or iPhone
software, by which, you can wirelessly
connect the Dualshock Controller of the The built-in features of Windows Phone
TWITTER
21 Reach more people by using the
correct hashtags
18 19
The correct hashtag on Twitter
Windows phone does not offer any export of Go to Settings to stop annoying messages
contacts - Take a diversion via your Microsoft from Farmville & etc from appearing on your ensures that your tweets are found
account wall & spamming your friends. and viewed by the right people. If you
tweet regularly regarding a specific
are of no use when you want to export you can block people, event invitations topic, then a hashtag search can be
your contacts to other smartphones. and queries by apps. very helpful. Search for all possible
The easiest way to deal with this If you play these games yourself keywords that can be associated with
problem is to synchronise contacts with and do not wish to annoy anyone with your topic, directly on Twitter. Such
your Microsoft account. status updates, then click on the tab a hashtag search is simplified by the
As Microsoft also uses Cloud “Notifications”, Open the Drop-down Hootsuite app which is available on
technology, your contacts are, by menu for “App requests and activities” www.hootsuite.com. Make a list and
default, stored in your Microsoft and remove the check mark for the arrange the hashtags according to
account. To export them, log in to corresponding games. different priorities. Only use appropriate
people.live.com or select “People” next hashtags for your tweets. A hashtag is
to Outlook.com (in the top left corner) nothing more than a keyword which,
in your Live Mail account. Click on FACEBOOK for example, would also be used for
“Manage” in the bar above and select
“Export for Outlook.com and other
20 Transfer account data to a new
smartphone with a new phone
Google Search. With an extensive list,
you will always have the appropriate
services”. Your contact will now be number hashtag ready for your tweet. However,
downloaded as a CSV file. Thus, you this requires some efforts as you need
can back up your contacts or transfer to search and analyse every keyword
them to your new smartphone. Android That suits your topic. Creating a
as well iOS devices support the suitable hashtag is often difficult. It is
importing of CSV files. best used with the help of a marketing
campaign or a large community in the
background. For example, if you are
SOCIAL NETWORKS planning a large event then a suitable
FACEBOOK hashtag, will increase your visitor
19 Stop messages from Farmville,
etc. on your wall
count.
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Next Issue
Technic
Lexicon:
Satellite
Over IP
For the longest time now, households have
been connecting to cable TV via a very
complicated network setup process that
requires extensive planning. With the Internet
being faster than ever before, there are new
ways for users to get their cable fix without
having to go through such a process. Sat-IP
removes the need of complicated networking,
and has everything delivered to you with the
use of a box and a simple network solution.
Combining Man
and Machine
Exoskeletons and motorised prosthetics used to be
commonplace only in science-fiction movies and novels. The
advancement in engineering and technology in recent years
have turned fiction into reality, and thanks to that, we may be
on our way to the first cyborgs sooner rather than later.
Ten Ingenuous
Kickstarter
Products
Kickstarter is a treasure-trove of innovative products and
services if you know where and what to look for. In this article,
we take a look at ten products that would have never seen
manufacturing daylight if not for the power of crowd-funding.