Given all the attention and popularity of AirPods audio devices, some may think Beats are on the way out. Well, that is not the case just yet as the subsidiary of Apple has just unveiled a new product called the Beats Studio Buds.
Even though they technically came from Apple, many out there would be glad to see that the new Beats Studio Buds still looks distinctively different from the AirPods or AirPods Pro. The company didn’t provide in-depth details regarding the audio drivers that they used for Studio Buds but they apparently featured a two-piece diaphragm and designed specifically for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
As you may expect, Studio Buds also comes with Transparency mode that allows users to hear sounds from their surroundings. Alongside its dual beam-foaming microphones, the IPX4-rated earbuds are also able to deliver up to 8 hours of listening time which can go further up to 24 hours with its charging case.
They also support Fast Fuel quick charge tech which enables them to provide up to 1 hour of playback with just 5 minutes of charging time. Interesting enough, the Studio Buds are able to support both Apple’s quick pairing tech on iOS as well as Google Fast Pair for Android devices.
Available in Beats Red, White, and Black, the new Beats Studio Buds have been listed on Apple Malaysia’s website for RM 629. However, they are still yet to be available for purchase through the site at the moment though.
You may not recognise Poly by its current name but you are likely familiar with the name Plantronics. The name switch took place in 2019 when the company decided to fully focus on the enterprise market but interesting enough, Poly recently has unveiled a family of video conference gears in Malaysia that are designed for those who work from home.
First launched to the world in February, among the new products that were introduced under the Poly Studio P Series is the Studio P21 Personal Meeting Display. As you may be able to guess from its name, this particular device is essentially a display that has integrated video conferencing hardware and enhancements.
That includes built-in lighting which users can choose to tune the levels to their own preferences or have it to adapt surrounding conditions automatically. The Studio P21 also comes with a 21.5-inch Full HD LCD panel, a Full HD camera with privacy shutter, a uni-directional MEMS microphone, dual stereo speakers, a USB hub with Type-A & Type-C ports, and a wireless charger.
Next on the list is the Studio P15 Personal Video Bar which is essentially an all-in-one video conferencing solution that is designed to be mounted on the user’s monitor. Equipped with a 4K camera that also has a physical privacy shutter and automated camera framing capability, this particular device also comes with a 3-element beamforming microphone array as well as an integrated speaker, alongside various in-house noise suppressing technologies from Poly.
There is also the Studio P5 which Poly said is not only able to deliver high-quality video and output but is also designed to be a highly mobile and rugged webcam to carry around. Alongside its Full HD autofocus camera with integrated privacy shutter and adjustable monitor clamp, the Studio P5 also has a built-in USB-A port if users want to utilise their wireless headset instead of the webcam’s directional microphone.
The Studio P5 can also be obtained as part of the Studio P5 Kit which bundles the webcam with selected audio solutions from Poly. Customers can choose to have either a Voyager 4220 UC wireless headset, a Poly Sync 20+ speakerphone, and a Blackwire 3310/3325 wired headset with the kit.
Even though they are meant for those who work from home, you can’t simply walk into a store to directly purchase any of these Studio P5 Series gears though. Instead, you have to reach out directly to Poly’s Malaysian partners to purchase them, due to Poly’s enterprise-oriented nature.
For the same reason, Poly didn’t provide us with the Malaysian price tag for these devices but if you need a comparison, the Poly Studio P21 is priced in the United States for USD 815 (~RM 3,346) while the Studio P15 and P5 cost USD 599 (~RM 2,459) and USD 129 (~RM 530) respectively.
As for the Studio P5 Kit, it starts from USD 149.95 (~RM 616) onwards. All of these products can be pre-ordered from Poly’s Malaysian partners right away with the exception of Studio P21 which will only be released sometime in mid-2021.
Equipped with a best-in-class flagship chipset and an outstanding battery capacity, it is without a doubt that the Xiaomi Mi 11 is one of the most powerful Android smartphones currently available in Malaysia. The handset also comes with the largest camera sensor ever on mobile devices, a high-resolution display and immersive audio system, much like having a movie studio and cinema – all neatly packed in a compact size that will fit nicely in your pocket.
So how powerful is it? Let’s take a detailed look at what Xiaomi has to offer on its latest flagship-tier smartphone.
Snapdragon Powerhouse
The Mi 11 holds the honour of being the first ever smartphone in the world and in Malaysia to showcase the capabilities of Qualcomm’s latest high-end Snapdragon 888 processor. It is fitted with eight Kyro 660 CPU cores and an onboard Adreno 660 GPU, which is capable of delivering 35% faster graphics rendering with 25% higher performance than its predecessor and competitors.
This in turn enables the Mi 11 to provide users with the best image quality and superior power efficiency. Regardless whether for your daily drive or for gaming, you can expect the Xiaomi flagship to effortlessly provide you with the best performance ever found in a handset.
All-In-One Imaging Studio
Combining the capabilities of a DSLR and a cinema camera into a smartphone, the Xiaomi Mi 11’s imaging setup ensures that you’ll never miss a moment, or even the slightest detail in every frame. This is thanks to its onboard 108MP main camera sensor which is capable of capturing crisp and vivid images, as well as recording videos of up to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second. Complementing it is a 13MP ultra-wide angle and a 5MP telemacro camera, enabling for high quality panoramic shots and bokeh portraits respectively.
Further enhancing the imaging capabilities of the Mi 11 are a slew of photo and video modes such as one-click AI cinema features, Pro Time-lapse, HDR10+ and more. These give the user more freedom to control every aspect of their shots, while at the same time providing post-processing conveniences without having to edit their photos or videos via external means.
Also not forgetting the new BlinkAI-powered night mode technology, which allows for real-time low light enhancements for video recording – a first for mobile imaging. Thanks to the power of machine learning, the Mi 11 is able to brighten videos shot in poorly lit environments on the fly while retaining a respectable amount of detail in the process.
Home Entertainment In Your Hands
Whether you’re watching a video, reviewing your captured images or enjoying some mobile gaming, you’ll be treated to an incredible view via the Xiaomi Mi 11’s display. The smartphone is equipped with a large 6.81-inch AMOLED WQHD+ curved screen, along with an eye-pleasing 120Hz refresh rate. It also boasts a tremendous colour range of one billion, ensuring accurate and rich colour visuals for your viewing pleasure.
Of course, no immersive video or gaming experience is complete without including an equally powerful audio system. Luckily, the Mi 11 has got you covered in that regard. Thanks to its onboard Harman Kardon enhanced dual front-facing speakers, you won’t be needing any external speakers in order to enjoy your favourite music, TV shows, movies and games.
Fully Charged In No Time
The Mi 11 is fitted with a large 4,600mAh battery that will ensure hours upon hours of entertainment and use. Even on its last legs, you can be rest assured that the phone will jump back into the game in mere minutes.
Thanks to Xiaomi’s groundbreaking fast charging technology, the Mi 11 is able to support speeds of up to 55W via USB-C. This enables it to top-up about 50% of its capacity in half an hour, and 100% in just 50 minutes. In addition, the phone also comes with wireless charging support at 50W, as well as 10W reverse wireless charging.
Rest assured that its 55W GaN charger is included in the box in order for you to enjoy the flagship phone’s incredible fast charging capability at its fullest potential.
Premium At An Attractive Price Range
Phones that come with powerful chipsets, advanced camera setups, and a wide array of astounding features often fall into an intimidating price range. Fortunately for consumers, this isn’t the case for Xiaomi’s latest flagship.
Despite currently being the brand’s most premium smartphone offering, the new Mi 11 is available at a competitive price – enabling fans and new users alike to experience top-of-the-line performance and features without needing to break the bank!
Xiaomi’s brand new flagship smartphone is priced at RM2,799 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage configuration and RM2,999 for the 8GB + 256GB. It is also available in two colour options: Midnight Gray and Horizon Blue. Those interested in owning your very own Xiaomi Mi 11 flagship smartphone may check out the brand’s official store on Lazada, as well as all Authorised Mi Stores nationwide.
And that’s not all! Each purchase of the new handset will also include 24 months warranty and 12 Months Screen Protection Guarantee from Xiaomi Malaysia!
Equipped with a best-in-class flagship chipset and an outstanding battery capacity, it is without a doubt that the Xiaomi Mi 11 is one of the most powerful Android smartphones currently available in Malaysia. The handset also comes with the largest camera sensor ever on mobile devices, a high-resolution display and immersive audio system, much like having a movie studio and cinema – all neatly packed in a compact size that will fit nicely in your pocket.
So how powerful is it? Let’s take a detailed look at what Xiaomi has to offer on its latest flagship-tier smartphone.
Snapdragon Powerhouse
The Mi 11 holds the honour of being the first ever smartphone in the world and in Malaysia to showcase the capabilities of Qualcomm’s latest high-end Snapdragon 888 processor. It is fitted with eight Kyro 660 CPU cores and an onboard Adreno 660 GPU, which is capable of delivering 35% faster graphics rendering with 25% higher performance than its predecessor and competitors.
This in turn enables the Mi 11 to provide users with the best image quality and superior power efficiency. Regardless whether for your daily drive or for gaming, you can expect the Xiaomi flagship to effortlessly provide you with the best performance ever found in a handset.
All-In-One Imaging Studio
Combining the capabilities of a DSLR and a cinema camera into a smartphone, the Xiaomi Mi 11’s imaging setup ensures that you’ll never miss a moment, or even the slightest detail in every frame. This is thanks to its onboard 108MP main camera sensor which is capable of capturing crisp and vivid images, as well as recording videos of up to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second. Complementing it is a 13MP ultra-wide angle and a 5MP telemacro camera, enabling for high quality panoramic shots and bokeh portraits respectively.
Further enhancing the imaging capabilities of the Mi 11 are a slew of photo and video modes such as one-click AI cinema features, Pro Time-lapse, HDR10+ and more. These give the user more freedom to control every aspect of their shots, while at the same time providing post-processing conveniences without having to edit their photos or videos via external means.
Also not forgetting the new BlinkAI-powered night mode technology, which allows for real-time low light enhancements for video recording – a first for mobile imaging. Thanks to the power of machine learning, the Mi 11 is able to brighten videos shot in poorly lit environments on the fly while retaining a respectable amount of detail in the process.
Home Entertainment In Your Hands
Whether you’re watching a video, reviewing your captured images or enjoying some mobile gaming, you’ll be treated to an incredible view via the Xiaomi Mi 11’s display. The smartphone is equipped with a large 6.81-inch AMOLED WQHD+ curved screen, along with an eye-pleasing 120Hz refresh rate. It also boasts a tremendous colour range of one billion, ensuring accurate and rich colour visuals for your viewing pleasure.
Of course, no immersive video or gaming experience is complete without including an equally powerful audio system. Luckily, the Mi 11 has got you covered in that regard. Thanks to its onboard Harman Kardon enhanced dual front-facing speakers, you won’t be needing any external speakers in order to enjoy your favourite music, TV shows, movies and games.
Fully Charged In No Time
The Mi 11 is fitted with a large 4,600mAh battery that will ensure hours upon hours of entertainment and use. Even on its last legs, you can be rest assured that the phone will jump back into the game in mere minutes.
Thanks to Xiaomi’s groundbreaking fast charging technology, the Mi 11 is able to support speeds of up to 55W via USB-C. This enables it to top-up about 50% of its capacity in half an hour, and 100% in just 50 minutes. In addition, the phone also comes with wireless charging support at 50W, as well as 10W reverse wireless charging.
Rest assured that its 55W GaN charger is included in the box in order for you to enjoy the flagship phone’s incredible fast charging capability at its fullest potential.
Premium At An Attractive Price Range
Phones that come with powerful chipsets, advanced camera setups, and a wide array of astounding features often fall into an intimidating price range. Fortunately for consumers, this isn’t the case for Xiaomi’s latest flagship.
Despite currently being the brand’s most premium smartphone offering, the new Mi 11 is available at a competitive price – enabling fans and new users alike to experience top-of-the-line performance and features without needing to break the bank!
Xiaomi’s brand new flagship smartphone is priced at RM2,799 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage configuration and RM2,999 for the 8GB + 256GB. It is also available in two colour options: Midnight Gray and Horizon Blue. Those interested in owning your very own Xiaomi Mi 11 flagship smartphone may check out the brand’s official store on Lazada, as well as all Authorised Mi Stores nationwide.
And that’s not all! Each purchase of the new handset will also include 24 months warranty and 12 Months Screen Protection Guarantee from Xiaomi Malaysia!
Sony Interactive Entertainment is closing its oldest first-party developer studio, known simply as Japan Studio. The studio was responsible for a wide range of games, such as Ape Esape, Patapon, Gravity Rush and Knack.
Sources to VGC say that the “vast majority” of its staff were let go, with their contract not renewed ahead of the company’s next business year starting 1 April. That being said, localisation and business staff will remain. And Team ASOBI, which made the Astro Bot games, will continue as its own standalone studio.
In a statement to IGN, SIE confirmed that it is reorganising the Japan Studio, re-centering it to Team ASOBI. External production, localisation and IP management of Japan Studio titles will be handled by the “global functions” of PlayStation Studios.
The restructuring follows a number of high profile departures, and announcements of that nature. According to VGC, Sony Japan Studio veterans Kazunobu Sato, Junya Okura and Keiichiro Toyama left late last year to set up Bokeh Game Studio. Toyama was the director of the Gravity Rush and Silent Hill series. Then there was Teruyuki Toriyama, producer for Bloodborne and the Demon Souls remake, who said he was leaving at the end of 2020.
A VGC source also said that Sony Japan Studio hasn’t been profitable enough in recent years. The studio wanted to prioritise making games that appeal to the Japanese market first. This meant that its projects were overshadowed by big international hits by other first-party studios.
