Best Indian Online Shopping Deals & Loot offers from Flipkart, Amazon
Grab the Best Indian Online Shopping Deals & Loot offers from Flipkart, Amazon
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Vivo S6 5G Launched In China; Features Exynos 980 Chipset
The Vivo S6 5G has officially launched in China on 1 April 2020. As its name implies, the new mid-range smartphone offers dual-mode 5G connectivity, as well as a rear quad-camera setup and powered by a Samsung Exynos SoC.
Display-wise, the S6 5G features a 6.44-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a waterdrop notch and an in-display fingerprint scanner. It is equipped with the aforementioned Exynos 980 chipset coupled with up to 8GB RAM, and storage of up to 256GB. Other than that, the device features Vivo’s Funtouch OS 10 based on Android 10, and a 4,500mAh battery with 18W fast charging capability.
On the phone’s back is quad-camera setup housed in a circular camera island. The setup consists of a 48MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. In the display’s waterdrop notch is a 32MP selfie camera.
The Vivo S6 5G wil be available in three colour choices: black, white, and blue. It is slated for release on 4 April and pre-orders in China are now live. The new smartphone is priced CNY2,698 (~RM1,646) for the 6GB/128GB configuration, while the higher spec 8GB/256GB costs CNY2,998 (~RM1,830). The company has yet to announce its international availability.
ASUS Perfect Warranty Will Cover Laptops Not Under Manufacturer Warranty
ASUS recently announced its Perfect Warranty service, aimed at all customers who own an ASUS notebook not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. ASUS states that these laptops include models purchased in 2019 and 2020, and that these laptops automatically qualify for the warranty without any additional charges.
As a simple recap, all consumer and gaming-grade ASUS notebooks come with a global two-year manufacturer’s warranty with every purchase. However, this warranty only cover damage that isn’t “induced by customers”. With the Perfect Warranty, any customer-induced damages will be treated as part of the coverage.
As these things usually go, there are a couple of catches behind ASUS’ Perfect Warranty. Firstly, it’s a one-off offer; ASUS will only honour the warranty provided the laptop’s warranty is still within the coverage of the two-year manufacturer’s warranty, hence the purchase period mentioned at the start of the article.
Second, ASUS won’t bear the repair costs entirely. Specifically, the PC and laptop brand will cover 80% of the damage cost. Including spill damage, electrical surge damage, and drop and accidental breakage. In turn, ASUS notebook owners will need to cover the remaining 20%, plus labour fees.
Below are the covered ASUS laptops:
ZenBook Pro Duo
ZenBook Duo
ZenBook Pro
ZenBook Flip
ZenBook
VivoBook S
VivoBook Flip
VivoBook
ASUS Laptop
ROG Mothership
ROG Chimera
ROG Zephyrus S
ROG Zephyrus M
ROG Zephyrus G
ROG Strix Scar III
ROG Strix Hero III
ROG Strix Scar II
ROG Strix Hero II
TUF Gaming
If you happen to own any of the notebooks listed above, simply head on down to any authorised ASUS Service Centre in Malaysia or Brunei. With the damaged notebook and proof of purchase, obviously. You can visit the official support page to learn more about the terms and conditions of ASUS’ Perfect Warranty.
Gamers Hideout Asks Employees To Take Annual Or Unpaid Leave During MCO
Non-essential businesses are expected to be closes during the extended Movement Control Order (MCO). Game retail stores don’t really qualify as essential services, so naturally, you’d expect them to be closed as well. Local retailer Gamers Hideout has complied with this. But it would appear that the company has asked its employees to take either annual or unpaid leave during this time.
An internal company memo has since appeared on the internet, stating as much. The memo also states that outlets are to reopen on 1 April. That said, the memo is dated 17 March, which was way before the MCO extension was announced. We’ve contacted Gamers Hideout, and a representative said no outlets are open while the extended MCO is in effect.
A source familiar with the situation said that, while the outlets are closed, some employees are working from home. Others are still working at the company’s HQ dealing with web store orders and packaging. Employees have voiced their concern regarding the decision, but to no avail.
The Malaysian government has announced the PRIHATIN financial aid to employees affected by situations like this. You can also hit the link above to find out the steps to check if you’re eligible. And as the Ministry of Human Resources pointed out before, not paying employees during the MCO is illegal. If anyone is in a similar situation, do report it to the Ministry of Human Resources.
Batman V Superman: Zack Snyder Explains Knightmare Sequence
Zack Snyder’sBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was released four years ago at a time when the DC Extended Universe was still fairly new. The film did well, financially, earning $873 million (USD) worldwide. Nevertheless, it was a mixed bag on the critical front as many found it to be a dour outing that seemed to have rushed on world-building. The film, however, has continued to spur conversations among the fandom to this date, with many different interpretations and theories being spawned with regard to the actions and motives of the characters in the movie.
Zack Snyder had a blast hosting his own online commentary on the social media app Vero recently when he live-streamed the Ultimate Cut of Batman v Superman on his account. During the commentary, the director revealed loads of filmmaking trivia including one where he told of Ben Affleck’s daredevil leap from a helicopter which got him in trouble with the stunt coordinator. Nonetheless, he also delved into another scene featuring the actor which is one of the more head-scratching moments in the film: the Knightmare sequence (via THR).
The scene in question begins with Bats Rockatansky (sorry*) glancing over a ledge on Apokalips as flames mushroom over the horizon. It quickly escalates into a chaotic battle with Parademons before Bruce is captured and subsequently death-stared by Superman. The sequence then comes to a jolting halt as Bruce wakes up from this other-worldly dream, only to be blinded by flashes of lightning along with Barry Allen’s gentle pleas. What in the blue heck was going on?
Now, according to Snyder’s commentary, the Knightmare sequence is a by-product of Flash using the cosmic treadmill and splitting the essence of time itself. He also explained that a scene in a later film would have had Bruce Wayne and Victor Stone discuss what would be the best time vector to commit to in order to send The Flash back to prevent Lois Lane’s demise. Superman becomes corrupted by Darkseid’s Anti-Life Equation due to his lost love, thus creating a chain of events which would lead to the Knightmare reality.
This lines up with Zack Snyder’s initial zany ideas for the Justice League two-parters which he touched on last year. There was a whole plot involving time travel which is interesting particularly because a certain other superhero event film utilised that device. However, the final product for the 2017 film was devoid of such shenanigans, with the script being reworked after the director stepped down from the project mid-production.
Nonetheless, Snyder’s explanation for this Knightmare sequence has cleared up some doubts. It is indeed an alternate future, one born out of darkness and despair. The symbol of ‘hope’ would have been lost. While it would not make sense now due to Snyder’s vision being discarded, at least we now comprehend the context behind the sequence.
As for his ongoing musings on the mythical Snyder Cut, the director jokingly teased at the end of the live stream, saying that he wishes to catch up on “these guys” in the future.
How many of you would truly like to see his Snyder Cut come to fruition? Leave your #petitions in the comments.
Huawei P40 Series To Launch In Malaysia On 2 April; Alongside MatePad Pro and Watch GT 2e
Huawei has revealed that it will be launching the new Huawei P40 series in Malaysia tomorrow, 2 April. Given the on-going Movement Control Period, it is rather natural that the launch event is taking place online via Huawei Mobile Malaysia’s social media and YouTube channel.
Not only that, the launch event will also be broadcast through Media Prima’s terrestrial TV channels including TV3, ntv7 and 8TV together with seven other digital platform belonged to the giant media conglomerate.
Kingdom Season 2 Review: A Worthy War Between The Living and The Dead
After ravenously devouring the first season of Netflix’s Kingdom, I simply couldn’t help but continue the medieval Korean carnage with its recent second season. The finale of season 1 ended on a cliffhanger with Prince Lee Chang and his former master Lord Ahn Yeong making a stand against the army of the dead with the warriors of Sangju. Right around the same time, a shocking discovery was made by the physician Seo-bi about the undead that could determine the fate of the kingdom of Joseon. If the first season was the appetizer, then season 2 is the mouthwatering entree fans have been waiting for. In nearly every single way,Kingdom’s second season surpasses its first with frightening ambition!
The civil war between Prince Lee Chang’s loyalists and the Haewon Cho royalists in the first season is now in full swing. Amidst the chaos of the undead epidemic caused by Chief State Councilor, Lord Cho Hak-ju’s devious plan to resurrect the King of Joseon, Lee and Cho see both peril and opportunity to further expand their power. The court politics this time around takes a backseat to the various skirmishes taking place across the troubled nation.
As Lord Cho’s hidden coup unravels, more secrets begin to come to light that will forever change Lee Chang’s world and his battle to claim his birthright as King of Joseon. While all this is going on, Lord Cho Hak-ju’s daughter, Queen Cho begins to grow more independent of her father’s influence. She too has dreams of empire. The Kingdom of Joseon has become a battlefield for both the living and the dead!
The major plot threads introduced in the first season ofKingdomcome to a mostly satisfying resolution by the end of season 2. From Lord Ahn’s reveal of a Haewon Cho mole within Lee Chang’s ranks to the true origins behind the undead to Queen Cho’s scheme to solidify her position. All of them are seen to their natural conclusions with results that will leave fans both cheering and weeping. The twists this time around are bigger than ever before with plenty of cathartic moments of karmic payback, exciting battles and heartbreaking tragedies.
That being said, I once again reiterate my point that more seasoned viewers will see a good chunk of these twists and plot beats coming a mile away. Nonetheless, most of them manage to still stick the landing. Setting up major stakes for future events. Season 2 is in a way seen as a conclusion of the arc begun in the first season regarding the Lee Chang-Haewon Cho Civil War. It all reaches a resounding crescendo with the season’s final battle within the Royal Palace. Beyond the overarching narrative, season 2 also manages to add some real depth to fan favourites of the first season. Throughout the war, there are tender and comedic moments of camaraderie that give us a brief respite from the looming doom hanging over Korea.
One of the reasons I’ve really come to enjoyKingdomis due to its unpretentious nature. It’s not trying to sell itself as a highbrow political drama a’laHouse of Cardsor contrive needless, gloomy pathos for its characters viaThe Walking Dead. There’s always been this earnest, fun energy aboutKingdomthat kept me deeply invested in its plot and characters. This is in no small part due to the stellar performances given by the show’s cast.
Actor Ju Ji-hoon reprises his role yet again as the noble, if somewhat one-note, Prince Lee Chang. Season 2’s script at the very least gives Ju meatier material to work. Though, Lee Chang’s personality is often overshadowed by his function to the plot. He is the Crown Prince first and Lee Chang second, if you catch my drift. Rye Seung-ryong’s Lord Cho Hak-ju also returns as the ruthless patriarch of the Haewon Cho clan. Seeing Rye’s Lord Cho finally step out of the shadows to take a more proactive role in the war certainly made for interesting moments this season.
Surprisingly enough, he doesn’t really take centre stage as the season’s main antagonist. That honour goes to Kim Hye-jun’s Queen Cho. Kim channels her inner Cersei Lannister/Claire Underwood as Queen Cho grows from Lord Cho’s familial lackey to being the most powerful figure in the land.Kim’s Queen Cho isn’t the only minor character to be given this treatment.Kingdom’s second season wisely takes its time in further growing its secondary characters with a healthy does of personal arcs and flashbacks.
Kim Sang-ho’s Mu Yeong’s story definitely takes an interesting turn as we see his past catch up with him. We also everyone’s favourite badass rifleman Yeong-Sin, played by Kim Sung-kyu, come to terms with the trauma of his past. Finally accepting his part to play by Lee Chang’s side. He leaves the life of a lone drifter behind to become a true hero to the common man. A rather similar journey is seen with Jeon Seok-ho’s Cho Beom-pal, the black sheep of the Haewon Cho clan. His path from bumbling coward to…well bumbling warrior was one I found quite endearing. Bae Doo-na’s Seo Bi mostly stays the same from the first season. Her character mainly serves to give exposition and move the plot along.
The same undead ghouls you remember from the first season are still just as frightful and animated as they were before.Kingdom’s second season maintains its previous approach in creating its zombies with practical effects and minimal CG work. The issue with zombie-based series or films is that once our characters become accustomed to killing the undead, the horde doesn’t seem so threatening anymore.
Thankfully,Kingdomavoids falling into this trap by introducing interesting and innovative action set-pieces that make the environment as much of a character as the monsters running through them. Lavish palaces can become bottle-neck kill zones and tunnels claustrophobic and frantic escape routes. The show also amps up the gore with soldiers battling both the living and the dead. There are some scenes of stunning brutality that will leave you winging and giddy with excitement.
Netflix’sKingdomseason 2 is a step up from the already impressive first. Its story somehow manages to feel both ambitious and personal, with greater emphasis on character development. All brought to life with spirited performances and ambitious action set-pieces. If you still haven’t given aKingdoma watch, then I have to ask: What the hell are you waiting for? This is the perfect time to catch it on Netflix before we all have to go back to the outside world!
Zoom Video Conferences Not End-To-End Encrypted After All
With the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are using video conferencing services like Zoom. One appeal of apps like this are claims of privacy, with end-to-end encryption. But as it turns out, for this particular app’s video conferencing feature, it may not be as encrypted as claimed.
The Intercept reports that Zoom uses TLS encryption for its video conferences. This means data between you and its servers are encrypted. This is similar to HTTPS websites, which means the server owners still have access to your data. But this also means it’s not true end-to-end encryption like in the case of WhatsApp, where no one else can access them besides the sender and recipient of the messages.
A company spokesperson said that “Currently, it is not possible to enable E2E encryption for Zoom video meetings. Zoom video meetings use a combination of TCP and UDP.” But for what it’s worth, the text messaging aspect of Zoom in indeed end-to-end encrypted.
As for what Zoom will use video conferencing data for, the company said that it only collects basic technical data that it needs for its service to function. These include IP addresses, OS and device details. The company also claims that it has safeguards in place so that no one, including employees, have access to the video, audio, or chat between users during a video meeting.
Ookla Speedtest Q3-Q4 2019: Malaysia Is 3rd In Southeast Asia for Fixed Broadband and 4th In Mobile
Some might not know the name Ookla but it is quite possible that you know the company’s most well-known product, the Speedtest. Ookla has recently published a report that highlighted the Internet experience in Malaysia between Q3 and Q4 2019.
For starters, the company has compared our fixed and mobile broadband experience with other countries throughout Southeast Asia. For the fixed category, Malaysia is apparently behind Singapore and Thailand for both download and upload speed.
Specifically, Malaysia’s average download and upload speed are hovering around the 75 Mbps and 50 Mbps marks respectively. As a comparison, Singapore’s download speed and upload speed are closer towards the 200Mbps line while the download and upload speed in Thailand are up to 125Mbps and 100Mbps marks respectively.
When it comes to latency, Malaysia’s fixed broadband services were the second last among the six countries in Southeast Asia at 24 ms. Interesting enough, Vietnam is apparently on top of the latency chart with just 9 ms as compared to Singapore’s 11 ms.
In the mobile category, not only Singapore and Thailand that are ahead of us but Vietnam is also slightly faster than us. Malaysia’s mean mobile download and upload speed are said to be 22.12 Mbps and 11.40 Mbps respectively although we are somehow in the second place for latency at 29 ms.
Ookla’s report also touched pointed out that Selangor has the best mean performance for fixed broadband while the same ranking goes for Sarawak in mobile broadband. You can check out the full report right here at Ookla’s official website.
For the meantime, please practice good hygiene and stay safe all the time. Also, please stay home as much as possible through the Movement Control Order period, so that together we can stop the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
Batman V Superman: Zack Snyder Explains Why He Killed Off Superman
Batman V Superman is arguably one of the most divisive films of the decade. The received mediocre to poor reviews by critics (28% on Rotten Tomatoes with an average rating of 4.9/10) and didn’t make as much at the global box office ($US 873 million) as a film with the words “Batman” and “Superman” should have (easily more than $US 1 billion). However, to this day the film is argued about passionately. Some of its most ardent fans will even tell you that it’s a misunderstood masterpiece.
One of the many odd decisions made by director Zack Snyder and writers David S. Goyer and Chris Terrio in the second DCEU film is, of course, the death of Superman. But before I get into why that’s an odd choice, let’s see what Snyder himself had to say in a live commentary for the film this past weekend. Per THR:
Snyder revealed that Superman’s death scream, which echoes, was the sound that awakened the Mother Boxes and would have alerted Steppenwolf, hence the Justice League line, “no Kryptonions,” which would have also been in Snyder’s cut of the film.
The film begins and ends with a death, that of the Waynes, and that of Superman. The canon shot fired at Superman’s funeral echoes the bullet firing from Joe Chill’s gun at the beginning of the film. Snyder said the cyclical nature of the film was important to him and the death of Thomas and Martha Wayne broke something, while the death of Superman allowed for healing to begin, not only for Bruce Wayne but for humanity. He said that as the film evolved, Superman’s sacrifice became more impactful on where the characters were left, citing an earlier idea to have Batman brand Lex at the end of the film, but instead showing him struggle with his rage and refuse to brand him, an initial effort to take Superman’s sacrifice to heart.
Now, Snyder does make a good case here. However, while the theme may have thematic significance when put under a microscope, it doesn’t have emotional weight. Why does the fight between Iron Man, Captain America and Bucky in Captain America: Civil War feel so emotionally exhausting. Why did we cry when Tony Stark die at the end of Endgame? Why did we clench our fists when Black Widow plunged to her death? It’s because we’ve gotten to know these characters on such a profound level over the years. We’re connected to them emotionally.
Now, imagine it’s 2010. We’ve only gotten one Iron Man film in the MCU thus far. But in Iron Man 2, Iron Man and Captain America fight each other because they apparently hate each other and then Thanos shows up at the end and Iron Man and Captain America team up to fight Thanos, then Captain Marvel shows up, and in an effort to kill Thanos, Iron Man dies. Would we be emotionally moved? Hell no. But that’s exactly what transpired in Batman V Superman. On top of that, the death becomes even more meaningless when we know for a fact that Superman will be making his triumphant return in Justice League.
WhatsApp Reportedly Working On Multi-Device Support
WhatsApp is undoubtedly one of the world’s most popular messaging app, boasting more than two billion monthly users. Sadly, the app is severely limited by its inability to be simultaneously active on more than one device at a time. The good news is that multi-device support may be coming soon, if a recent discovery is to be believed.
Signs of the upcoming multiple device support were found in the latest WhatsApp beta version 2.20.110 and posted on WABetaInfo. The group had supposedly made the discovery back in November last year, and seemed to function on both iOS and the Android OS.
Testing 👀
When someone adds a new device in his WhatsApp account, you will be notified because encryption keys change.
Unfortunately, how the feature actually works remains a mystery; the group had managed to trigger different event messages that popped up whenever a member’s E2E security code changed, but even then. No further indication regarding the app’s upcoming mechanics seemed to be clear.
Whatever the case, the ability to be active on more than one device would be a welcome, if not necessary feature. Telegram, a directly competing messaging app, has long supported the feature. Despite having approximately 1/10th of WhatsApp’s current monthly users.
Along with the above deals, RedFlagDeals notes that customers can use the promo code ‘APRILSALE’ for an extra ten percent off select computers and laptops, or for an extra six to eight percent of tablets and smart devices over $134.
People are listening to less podcasts, potentially due to less commuting
As more and more people move to remote work and increased social distancing measures, people’s behaviours are changing significantly.
For some, the changes are good. Communication platforms, like Microsoft Teams and Skype, as well as Slack and video conferencing services like Duo have seen massive upticks in use. These shifts are fueled by people working remotely or using these tools to keep in touch with friends and family.
However, not all behavioural changes are good. Podcasts, for example, are suffering thanks to changes caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. One might think the opposite would be true — if people have more time on their hands, they’d listen to more podcasts. But data from Podtrac, as reported by The New Consumer, shows the opposite.
Podtrac, which analyzes podcasts publisher data, shows U.S. podcast audiences are down 10 percent over the last two weeks.
Further, The New Consumer reports that Marco Arment, the developer behind popular iOS podcast app Overcast, saw a 20 percent drop in user sessions for his app. Arment cited Apple’s analytics and noted that weekend usage seemed unchanged.
While the data doesn’t address Canadian podcast fans, podcast audiences are likely down here as well. For myself, I’ve listened to maybe two or three podcasts since transitioning to working remotely in the second week of March. Usually, I’d listen to one or two podcasts a day while commuting to and from the office.
Other podcast listeners at MobileSyrup said they were listening to fewer casts while their viewership of streaming services like Netflix was up. On the other hand, MobileSyrup managing editor Patrick O’Rourke said his podcast listening was up, in part because he played episodes in the background while gaming or doing tasks around his house.
Although podcast listening as a whole is down, not all types of podcasts are. The New Consumer notes that news podcasts have grown alongside the pandemic, while other genres like comedy, sports and true crime have dipped.
What’s most interesting about the data is seeing how much something like podcasts depends on people’s routines. Likely, many people listen to podcasts while commuting and, with a significant increase in remote work, people don’t have their commutes to listen to podcasts anymore. It remains to be seen if the trend continues, or if people find new time to listen to podcasts again.
Financial Bazookas Revealed – Market Strategists Believe the Fed Will Purchase Stocks Soon
Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies may be the only free-market assets left not manipulated by central banks like the U.S. Federal Reserve. Since the covid-19 outbreak, the Fed has unleashed a massive arsenal of monetary weapons to combat the effects on the economy. After the significant rate cuts, quantitative easing (QE), and buying mortgage-backed securities, analysts believe the Fed could start purchasing stocks in order to quell the economy.
The Fed Is Deploying More Than Just a Monetary Policy Bazooka, It’s Unleashing the Whole Arsenal
On Tuesday, the U.S. Federal Reserve threw another tool into the financial system by announcing an international repo option in order to curb investors from panic-selling Treasuries. Since the covid-19 outbreak started spreading rapidly throughout the nation, the economy has been hit hard by numerous industry shutdowns across the U.S. After closing borders and shutting down major U.S. industries, the Fed has tried to save the American economy by using a variety of monetary schemes. The Fed has introduced rate cuts, quantitative easing (QE), foreign currency swap lines, discount windows, a Commercial Paper Funding Facility (CPFF), a Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF), and a Secondary Market Corporate Credit Facility (SMCCF). The aforementioned list just scratches the surface when it comes to the newly introduced schemes the Fed has initiated since the covid-19 outbreak.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell and the bank’s board of directors have unleashed the big guns citing the covid-19 outbreak as the primary reason to throw unlimited amounts of money at private banks. The Federal Reserve said on March 26 that the central bank recognizes that small financial institutions may need additional time to submit “certain regulatory reports in light of staffing priorities and disruptions caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (covid-19).” In order to give Wall Street some leniency, the Fed “will not take action against a financial institution with $5 billion or less in total assets for submitting its March 31, 2020.”
The Fed also invoked a Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility (MMFLF) and bought $185 billion in mortgage-backed securities. However, all these moves have not helped stock and commodity markets and the mortgage-backed securities purchase threatened the U.S. real estate market. After the Fed bought the mortgage securities it caused a massive margin call and put hundreds of lenders at risk and without capital.
To those of you wondering what the US stock market will do on any given day, just remember, the Fed has unlimited purchasing power to buy it all up. They have 100 percent full control over stocks and they will do whatever they please with it. Goodbye price discovery. The end.
Despite the adverse effects on the housing market, the Fed is still attempting to insulate the American economy with the central bank’s parlor tricks. The Fed’s new international repo is an unprecedented move by the central bank, as it will provide foreign central banks with the ability to get USD in exchange for U.S. Treasuries. In addition to the international repo, the Fed also revealed it established a temporary FIMA Repo Facility (FRF) to “help support the smooth functioning of financial markets.”
Fed has printed trillion of $ to do what?
To purchase financial assets
-They already are largest holders of real estate in the world
-Have already pushed the short term yields into negative
-They will soon buy out stocks
The Fed’s Next Step Could Be Purchasing Large Quantities of Stocks
Now economists and investors think the Fed’s next move will see the central bank purchasing stocks. Because the American economy is in turmoil, market analysts say that the Fed will likely use this approach soon to bolster the financial system. “If there were any major dislocations, it is clear that they will go into whatever nook and cranny in the market that starts to choke,” chief market strategist at Prudential Financial, Quincy Krosby, told the media on Sunday. The Prudential executive further stated:
We know that when you have choking in one part of the market, you have choking in another part of the market that leads to dislocation. As soon as you cross that line, you are now facing something else that you could conceivably buy.
Members of the Federal Reserve and the Shadow Open Market Committee have already discussed the possibility of the Fed buying stocks to help the economy. Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren told the committee on March 6 that he thinks the U.S. should “allow the central bank to purchase a broader range of securities or assets.”
The Perfect Storm for Digital Assets Like Bitcoin
Cryptocurrency participants believe that the current economy is the “perfect storm” for censorship-resistant and a mathematically probable financial system. Bitcoin has a lot of benefits to a society that has been having significant problems doing what they want with their own money. In the last six months alone, news.Bitcoin.com has reported on governments and banks in countries like the U.S., Egypt, Lebanon, India, and Germany limiting cash withdrawals. Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin have better properties than gold during an economic crisis, as analysts have questioned gold’s alleged ‘safe-haven’ status since the 2007-2008 financial catastrophe. It’s a well known that central banks oversaturated bullion markets during those years by using bullion-bank repos just like they do with Treasuries today.
Cryptocurrency markets did decline with everything else under the sun on March 12th, otherwise known as ‘Black Thursday.’ The decline has made people assume that BTC and other digital assets have a strong correlation with stocks and equities right now. However, historical data shows digital asset markets have always been non-correlated with stocks, commodities, and equities. A higher correlation during a black swan event (covid-19) doesn’t equate to both markets being tethered together whenever economic environments change.
As the Fed and central banks worldwide pull out every tool they have in the monetary policy toolbox, bitcoiners understand that digital assets cannot be manipulated as easily as fiat currency, property investments, precious metals, and the stock markets. If you have never read or heard about the positive benefits and economic freedom bitcoin can provide, get started today with some of our educational resources.
What do you think about the Fed possibly buying stocks next? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
TM Sees More Than 30-Percent Increase of Usages During MCO
The biggest telecommunication company in the country, TM has revealed that it is seeing more than 30% increase in usage trend throughout the Movement Control Order (MCO) period so far. This figure was part of the response to our query which we sent not long after the Netflix’s announcement last night.
In the same reply, TM also stated there was indeed some additional stress to its network during the earlier part of MCO. However, the company has since able to mitigate the stress by immediately implementing traffic optimization.
Interesting enough, TM has also implemented immediate network infrastructure upgrade as part of the mitigation process. For those who are wondering, the company also pointed out it is not enforcing any traffic prioritization at the moment.
When asked whether it is able to continue servicing consumers without quality degradation if the MCO period has to be extended further (hopefully not), the company has this to say:
TM would like to reiterate that it has a vast and diverse network connectivity worldwide that is sufficient to continuously support any sudden spike in demand for internet bandwidth during the MCO period.
This has enabled us to ensure the functioning of our network infrastructure, having it always-on and available to customers to ensure seamless and uninterrupted connectivity, so customers can stay connected with their family, friends and loved ones wherever they are via TM’s services, keeping them entertained, stay productive, informed and continue to be served during the MCO.
Coupled with our strong relationships with international telco partners for upgradable international interconnection, via submarine cable systems’ network worldwide and co-location as well as peering with the world’s technology giants and social networks, we enable end-users to access and enjoy seamless live video streaming, gaming and other applications provided by multiple content players during their stay at home period.
The company is also making sure that its core network and fibre option infrastructure are ready for any increase in demands including from mobile players that utilize TM’s infrastructure as part their network. TM also insists that it has enough backhaul capacity that can actually be upgraded further in case of any sudden increase of data usages.
Naturally, TM also didn’t forget to point out that its customers service channels are still operational in case customers have any issues. So, all in all, good to know that at least MCO didn’t wreck any havoc on TM’s Internet infrastructure which is being used by a huge part of the country.
LG is planning to drop the ‘G’ series branding of its flagship phone lineup, a new report has claimed. The company is reportedly going to replace the G range with a differently-branded series of phones.
An official working within the South Korean telecommunications industry told Korean publication Naver that LG will leave the G brand behind to introduce a new series of phones. The G series stretches beyond phones too, with the moniker also carried by LG smartwatches and tablets.
The same report states that LG will be releasing a smartphone in the first half of 2020 and that that phone may still be the LG G9 ThinQ. We’ve seen a few leaks about the upcoming handset before but now, given the market conditions created by the coronavirus crisis, and LG’s apparent change of tack on branding, the phone has been shrouded in doubt.
Those who attended the LG product briefing were also given a nostalgic reminder of LG’s ‘Chocolate’ handset. Could the company be thinking of resurrecting the Chocolate? Perhaps LG has been influenced by how much attention the new Motorola Razr garnered with its throwback branding.
This news begs the question: will the expected LG G9 be rebranded? Or will it be the last G series phone that the company produces?
We were expecting the G9 to be released some time around April. However, the coronavirus outbreak has made this unlikely and we’re expecting the launch to be postponed until summer, or even later.
If LG does decide to re-brand the line, that time gap may allow the firm to do so before pushing the handsets out to consumers.
These Are The Drones PDRM Utilises For Surveillance and Public Awareness During MCO
Last week, it was announced that the Malaysian Armed Forces will be using drones to monitor the public’s compliance with the Movement Control Order (MCO). It looks like the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has mobilised its own drones for the effort as well. Specifically, these belong to the Air Wing Unit (PGU).
These drones have been deployed to monitor public movement during the extended Movement Control Order. In addition to the general public, the drones are also being deployed at areas currently under the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO). These include two areas in Simpang Renggam of Johor, and Sungai Lui of Hulu Langat, Selangor.
The drones in question are DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise models. As these come with speakers, the drones are also used to warn members of the public who are not obeying the MCO. Bernama reports that more than 10 drones come equipped with heat-sensing tech, which allow them to operate at night. This suggests that they are specifically the Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual model, which comes with an integrated thermal sensor.
Dron turut digunakan dalam Op Covid-19 bagi membantu mengawal dan memantau pergerakan orang awam sepanjang tempoh Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP). Operasi Unit Dron PDRM hari ini turut disertai YB Dato’ Seri Hamzah bin Zainudin, Menteri KDN.#kementeriandalamnegeri#kdnpic.twitter.com/40u74b4TvZ
The Ministry of Home Affairs also shared a clip of a PDRM drone in action on Twitter. In it, you can hear the speaker of the DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise being used to broadcast the warning.
PDRM’s own Twitter account also posted a reminder for everyone that it has eyes in the sky. And with that, let’s all stay in, stay safe, and do our part to help break the chain.
Google Will Not Run Annual April Fools’ Day Jokes This Year
In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Google has announced that it will be giving its annual April Fools’ Days jokes a miss this year. In an internal email circulated among staff, the search engine said that it would refrain from participating in the annual event. Out of respect for people who are suffering and fighting COVID-19.
To be precise, the email was basically an order sent out by Google’s Chief Marketing Officer, Lorraine Twohill, with the intention of ensuring that all managers within the company’s marketing team do not accidentally post their pranks and easter egg tomorrow.
The subsidiary of the Alphabet family was one of few tech giants to make pranking users on the internet a tradition. Other brands, such as NVIDIA and Activision Blizzard, have upheld their own April Fools’ Day traditions online. Including the alleged creation of an AI holographic assistant, a “Game booster” that was essentially a cheat tool, and a Zergotchi (A Zerg-themed Tamagotchi), among other pranks.
In the meantime, we would like to remind you to stay safe during the remaining two weeks of this Movement Control Order (MCO). Unless you absolutely have to go out, do stay at home. If you must step out, remember to practice social distancing and make sure you’re wearing a mask at all times.
Huawei P40 Pro Scores 128 Points On DxOMark; Beats Out Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro And Oppo Find X2 Pro
Earlier last week, Huawei officially announced the P40 series via its official livestream. Today, DxOMark, the site that benchmarks the photographic capabilities of the phone, released its review of the P40 Pro, giving it a score of 128 points.
Currently, that score is the highest ever bestowed by the site on to a phone. On that note, the score also means that the P40 Pro puts Huawei in the lead, beating both the Oppo Find X2 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro.
According to DxOMark, the P40 Pro’s camera triumphs over the competition with its zoom capability, which is unsurprising, given the hardware the phone is packed with. Additionally, the phone’s quad-camera system reportedly offers improved image quality when used in ultrawide mode. The site also points out that the phone executes good subject isolation and a “pleasant bokeh shape”.
The Huawei P40 Pro is one of three devices announced by the brand during the livestream. Specs-wise, the phone runs on the Kirin 990 5G, 8GB RAM, and an internal storage capacity of 256GB. It also has a 6.58-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. In regards to its main camera, the module comprises a 50MP Ultra Vision Wide, a 40MP Ultra Wide Cine, a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a Time of Flight (ToF) depth sensor.
The P40 Pro will made available first in the EU starting 7 April for 999 Euro (~RM4808). At the time of writing, there’s still no local availability and pricing.
How to delete a Houseparty account on Android, iPhone and Mac
Houseparty has shot from relative obscurity to one of the most popular apps around since social distancing measures went into effect earlier this month. However, the video chat app is currently feeling the heat of a security scandal. If you’re concerned, here’s how to delete your Houseparty account − be warned though, the process is much easier on an iPhone than Android or Mac.
But first, some background on the scandal. Some users have claimed that downloading the app has coincided with their accounts on other services, such as Spotify and Netflix, falling prey to hackers. Houseparty has denied any connection.
“All Houseparty accounts are safe − the service is secure, has never been compromised, and doesn’t collect passwords for other sites,” the company has said, and has gone as far as calling the whole affair “a paid commercial smear campaign”.
How to delete Houseparty account on iPhone
If you’re an iPhone user, you can delete your Houseparty account easily.
Simply tap the smiley face icon in the top-left corner of the main screen, then hit the Settings button, Privacy, and Delete Account.
You’ll have to enter your password and confirm that you do want to proceed with account deletion – but that’s it.
How to delete Houseparty account on Android
Unfortunately, the same method doesn’t exist to Android users. In fact, the process is much more fiddly.
To delete a Houseparty account on Android, you have to email Houseparty − at hello@houseparty.com − with your request.
That the process for Android users is so much less convenient than it is for iPhone users is bizarre, and likely to raise some users’ ire even further.
We’d recommend being as clear as possible when composing your email.
A subject line along the lines of “Houseparty account deletion request” would be a good start, and include your name, Houseparty username and email address − but not your password − in the body of your email.
How to delete Houseparty account on Mac
Apple fans, before you celebrate getting one over Android users, the Houseparty deletion process on Mac is the same as it is on Android.
To delete a Houseparty account on Mac, you have to email Houseparty − at hello@houseparty.com − with your request.
As explained above, be as clear as possible with your account details, but do not hand over your password.
Offline Website Builder Software For Any Business in 2020
Every business needs to get online, now more than ever. A website representing your business not only helps the customers to place orders but also helps them track the order status, order history, support, feedback, queries, deals/discounts, etc. You can provide live chat services and strengthen customer relationships.
A website helps your business grow both locally and globally. It also helps you compete with others better.
So, of course, you need a website but you also need (and I cannot stress it enough) a MOBILE FRIENDLY WEBSITE. You must already be aware that people spend more time on their mobile devices now. The mobile traffic has doubled in the last year. Especially now, when people are confined to their homes due to lockdown, pollution or other reasons. They prefer to get most of their stuff done via the smartphones. Mobile responsive websites quickly load on all screen sizes. Even Google ranks websites higher if they are mobile-friendly. You would want that, wouldn’t you?
Don’t worry, I am not trying to increase your website maintenance budget. There is an amazing alternative to hiring a website developer. You can create a mobile-friendly website on your own – No coding required. But how? I’m glad you asked.
Mobirise Web Builder Software
Mobirise is a free website builder that enables you to create a perfectly responsive mobile-friendly website without any coding. Its interface is so easy and sophisticated that anyone without even basic coding knowledge can create a website. In fact, it’s actually quite fun to design websites with Mobirise.
Mobirise HTML Page Builder provides a simple drag and drop interface. You can just drag the elements you like and drop them at the required locations. A lot of flexibility is provided in terms of design and customizations. You can change the background, text, fonts, colors, forms, add links, blocks, etc.
How to use Mobirise Offline Website Builder
Like I have said multiple times by now, you don’t need to code to create a website using Mobirise. There are however very simple and easy steps –
Step 1 – Download & Install Mobirise Offline Website Builder Software. You can also pay for the premium version if you need advanced features.
Step 2 – Now, you will see a sample page. You can either edit that sample page or create a new one.
Select the elements that you want on your homepage from the right sidebar. You can click on Images & videos to add an image to the homepage.
Similarly, you can custom create the webpage the way you want. The website builder lets you add forms, features, pricing tables, countdowns, locations, sliders, galleries, and a lot more.
For adding every element, there are so many samples and templates. You can choose how to display testimonials or contact details. Select templates and drop them to the homepage. Once there you can just click on the fields to edit them.
You can add tables, links to your social media channels and footer. Everything is so easy to perform here.
Step 3 – Preview the website and check everything. Change the order of a few elements if required. Once you are convinced with your creation publish it.
Please check the below video to see how smooth it is.
How to Create a Website with Mobirise
Key Features
Mobirise is packed with countless features that give a user a lot of options and choices. I have highlighted the noteworthy features below –
Over 2500 website blocks
200+ homepage templates
Image sliders
Gallery options
Social media integration & Google Maps
Image & videos
Progress bar & cycles
Call-to-action
Data tables & pricing tables
Testimonials & reviews
Counters, countdowns, timelines
Flexible customization options
Conclusion
Mobirise not only helps you save a lot of money but also helps you in creating a website of your dreams. You are the designer of your website and you can drag and drop elements exactly where you want. There are plenty of beautiful templates to suit individual requirements. The software helps you customize anything or everything about your website. You can also integrate social media buttons and Google maps for a better presence. The service is perfect for non-techies who do not have any coding knowledge and the end results are professional grade. As we just saw, the interface is pretty neat and easy-to-use. This Offline Website Builder Software is free for commercial and non-profit use.
OnePlus 8: Price, release date, specs and all the biggest leaks
Here are all the latest news and rumours concerning the most ambitious handset yet from OnePlus, from the release date and price to the key specs.
The OnePlus 8 could prove to be one of the most important launches in the manufacturer’s history, with a report suggesting it may launch in the US for the first time in the company’s history, and several sources claiming that there will be three separate variants available from launch (another first). But beyond the sales strategies, we also expect OnePlus to pump up the specs yet again.
With so many leaks and rumours surrounding the new phone, it can be difficult to keep up to date with all the latest news – so here is our definitive guide detailing all the latest credible reports about the OnePlus 8.
OnePlus 8 release date
It’s confirmed: the OnePlus 8 series will be released on April 14, according to the official Twitter account:
This is a little surprising based both on the brand’s recent release pattern and the fact that it was speculated that the coronavirus pandemic might have delayed smartphone production. In fact, co-founder Pete Lau claims that the release date had already been postponed three times due to the health crisis:
To be honest, the launch date was pushed back three times out of concern for the current situation. Now, we must move forward. Soon we'll bring you the products we've worked so hard to develop (3/4)
Excluding the T-series (released approximately six months after the main line of phones), here’s when the mainstream handsets hit the market:
OnePlus 7 — May 2019
OnePlus 6 — May 2018
OnePlus 5 — June 2017
OnePlus 3 — June 2016
OnePlus 8 price
OnePlus’ prices have risen considerably over recent years — but in all fairness, so have prices in the rest of the market as well.
The £699 OnePlus 7T Pro is comfortably the brand’s priciest handset yet, and the OnePlus 7T is excellent value for money but hardly cheap, at £549. Below is a graphic showing the rise of OnePlus smartphones over time, up to spring 2019:
It’s possible that the OnePlus 8 could be an exception to this rule, since trendsetter Apple has reduced the price of its new base model, the iPhone 11, to £729. It would go considerably against the ‘flagship-killing’ philosophy of OnePlus if it was to release handsets costing even more than the notoriously pricey iPhones.
So we’d expect the prices to be around the same again this year, and hopefully, the devices will still deliver the good value for money that OnePlus has traditionally delivered in spades.
OnePlus 8 design
Thanks to a multitude of leaks, we’ve got a very strong idea as to what the OnePlus 8 will look like – and in one way, it seems to actually have taken a backwards step.
The OnePlus 7 Pro made the bold choice to introduce a pop-up selfie camera so that the screen was completely notch-free (in contrast to most of its competitors). But all the leaks are in agreement that the new device will have a cut-out selfie camera similar to that of the Samsung Galaxy S10.
Image Credit: OnLeaks/CashKaro
This rumour first appeared courtesy of OnLeaks and CashKaro, who showed off a render (above) including the cut-out notch, back in early November — before the OnePlus 7T had even gone on sale!
This was given extra weight by a blueprint leaked by True Tech, indicating that the OnePlus 8 will have a single selfie camera, and the Pro edition will have a dual camera cut-out – similar this time to the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus.
Image Credit: True-Tech
Our first sneak peeks of the smartphone out in the wild arrived via the YouTuber Marques Brownlee, who showed off snaps that seemed to confirm the renders and blueprints.
Truly everything leaks. Shots of this unidentified OnePlus phone showed up in my inbox today
OnePlus 8?
Purple color
Glass back
5G logo
Curved edge display
Extra camera sensor
Dual holepunch cutout pic.twitter.com/QTBx7F0CI5
The reasoning behind this controversial decision could be that a cut-out notch allows for two separate sensors for better selfies, and perhaps it was also influenced by consumers who perceived the pop-up module to be more vulnerable to hard knocks. The trade-off is of course that you’ll no longer have an uninterrupted screen.
Aside from this key element of design, the body of the phone looks strikingly similar to the OnePlus 7T Pro. The vertical camera module remains this time around, in place of the circular style favoured by the OnePlus 7T, and the bezels look to be minimal.
Image Credit: PC Tablet
Since MKBHD’s candid snaps emerged, we’ve since seen the OnePlus 8 appear “in the wild” a few other times, including the example above sourced by PC Tablet, which appears to show a curved-screen design somewhat similar to the Huawei Mate 30 Pro.
Even Iron Man himself seemed to be toting the handset – and given that Robert Downey Jr. is a brand ambassador for the OnePlus, it’s hardly surprising that he’d get his hands on the phone before anyone else.
Image Credit: OnLeaks / iGeekBlog
Claimed official renders from @OnLeaks show the device in yet more detail, giving us a good look at the camera module – which appears to have a fairly significant “bump” raised from the rear panel.
Image Credit: @OnLeaks / @91Mobiles
The rumours have also pointed towards there being a ‘Lite’ version of the OnePlus 8, which could be a welcome return to the company’s low-cost, high-performance roots. Above is a render purporting to be of the Lite version, and below is a tweet showing off what is supposedly a dummy model of the handset in the open air.
The leaks appear to show that the Lite version will have three rather than four cameras as one of the compromises we’ll have to accept for a lower price point, and the design is slightly different from the other variants as the camera module is shifted to one side rather than centred.
Renowned Twitter leaker Ishan Agarwal has also joined the fray, announcing three new colours for the new device: Interstellar Glow, Glacial Green, and Onyx Black. The former is by far the most eye-catching,
OnePlus 8 display
With the OnePlus 7 Pro’s 90Hz display, the brand pushed high refresh rates firmly into the mainstream of the smartphone market, no longer leaving them as the sole preserve of dedicated gaming phones such as the Razer Phone 2 or the Asus ROG Phone 2.
It has since become a benchmark to judge most competing flagships, including the Google Pixel 4, offering users smoother scrolling and much more reactive mobile gaming experiences – and now the manufacturer will up the stakes.
During an event in China on January 13, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau unveiled a new 120Hz Fluid AMOLED screen panel and heavily alluded that it will be employed by the company in the very near future, boasting: “We believe that the smoothest smartphone display must also be able to deliver superior visual quality and viewing comfort. We’re sure that OnePlus’s new 120Hz Fluid Display will be the best you’ll lay eyes on in 2020.”
It has since been confirmed definitively that OnePlus’ next flagship will host a 120Hz refresh rate tech, and on top of that the screen will support 10-bit colour and 1000 nits peak brightness, with a 2K+ resolution. These highly impressive display specs will no doubt be a key selling point for the upcoming device.
OnePlus 8 specs
OnePlus was quick to the 5G game, introducing it with the OnePlus 7 Pro 5G – one of the first compatible handsets when the network had just begun to be rolled out in the UK. Since then coverage has improved greatly, and OnePlus is responding to that with
Co-founder Pete Lau declared: “This is a milestone both for OnePlus and our users. We’re proud to be among the first smartphone manufacturers to have full 5G line up for our next launch. OnePlus has achieved many firsts with 5G, and this time’s no exception.”
So if there is indeed to be a Lite version of the handset, it’s a sure bet that even it will offer 5G connectivity.
The OnePlus 8 is sure to run on the latest top-of-the-line Qualcomm processor, as always, which this year is the Snapdragon 865. It can attain 5G thanks to its associated X55 modem, and we expect it deliver a powerhouse performance – an area where OnePlus rarely fails to excel. Combined with that enviable refresh rate, this could indeed be a good choice for gamers.
OnePlus 8 camera
So far, our most reliable camera information comes courtesy of tipster Ishan Agarwal, who scored several coups before the launch of the OnePlus 7 series.
#OnePlus8Pro to feature 48MP IMX689 as the Main Sensor (F/1.78), 48MP IMX586 Ultra-Wide (F/2.2) & 120° FOV. 8MP (F/2.44) Telephoto w/ 3X Optical & 30X Digital Zoom + 5MP Color Filter. New Night Portrait Mode, '3-HDR' Video, Cinematic Effects & Better OIS! https://t.co/2EfheWwNr8pic.twitter.com/kVfZcfk5BQ
He claims that the OnePlus 8 Pro will boast the same 48-megapixel main sensor as the Oppo Find X2 Pro, along with a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens, an 8-megapixel telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom and 30x digital zoom, plus a 5-megapixel colour filter. We can’t wait to see how it performs in action.
The Huawei P40 Pro is one of three devices announced by the brand during the livestream. Specs-wise, the phone runs on the Kirin 990 5G, 8GB RAM, and an internal storage capacity of 256GB. It also has a 6.58-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. In regards to its main camera, the module comprises a 50MP Ultra Vision Wide, a 40MP Ultra Wide Cine, a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a Time of Flight (ToF) depth sensor.
– Cc : @samjonespictures @robertdowneyjr #roberdowneyjr
