Mercedes-AMG Unveils Its First Ever “Office” Chair

Mercedes-AMG, the high performance focused sub-brand of Mercedes, is now looking to deliver its luxurious and comfortable seating experience from its cars and straight into your workplace. Recently unveiled is the all-new and aptly named AMG Office Chair, which is also its first ever product of this category.

Now, some of you may recall a somewhat similar throne by Noblechairs that was released in 2019, which also featured the AMG branding (or rather its official F1 team). This new chair, on the other hand, isn’t a collaborative release, and is actually designed and manufactured by the Mercedes high performance arm itself. Amusingly, the first-party AMG throne isn’t marketed as a gaming chair despite featuring a design that is often reflected on similar products from the likes of Secret Lab, Razer, and the previously mentioned Noblechairs. And for car brands releasing their own chairs, consider this circle now complete.

The AMG Office Chair bears similarities to the brand’s A45 performance seats – complete with a bucket form factor with an integrated headrest, a metal badge featuring the company’s branding, black high quality Artico artificial leather upholstery, as well as red decorative stitching and stripes. Unique to it is a black powder-coated steel base, black back shell, chrome castors, and adjustable padded armrests. Other than that, the throne also comes with height adjustability and a control lever to adjust its reclining position. Weight-wise, Mercedes-AMG says the entire chair comes in at around 39 kilograms.

Unfortunately, you won’t find the usual fancy features that are typically offered by Mercedes in their cars, such as memory seat adjustment, massage functions and so on. But that’s actually a good thing, as the inclusion of such things will further bump up the chair’s price even further.

Speaking of which, the cost of bringing the Mercedes-AMG certified comfort into your own home (or workplace) will only cost you EUR 3,500 (~RM 15,900). The new AMG Office Chair is available for pre-order now via its official online store, though the company notes that the first 50 units will first ship out exclusively for Private Lounge members.

Xiaomi Unveils Its Own Smart Glasses

Beyond phones, Xiaomi has made just about every other smart device under the sun. So it was only a matter of time before the company gave smart glasses a go. And it looks like that has finally happened, as the company announced the simply named Xiaomi Smart Glasses.

On the face of it, the company’s smart glasses works just about as you’d expect. As Xiaomi describes it, the company’s smart glasses uses MicroLED for its display, which is claimed to be longer lasting and has higher pixel density than OLED. It also works in quite the non-conventional way. Rather than just projecting an image in front of your eye, this pair of smart glasses uses a neat combination of reflection and refraction to direct images to the wearer’s eye, all with a single lens. 

While the Xiaomi Smart Glasses has its display on the right lens, the left side houses its 5MP camera. Compared to the smartphones of today, the pixel count is pretty modest. But it is still enough to allow for more than just taking photos. With it, you can get text translations in real time. For those worried about privacy, the camera also has an indicator light to let other people know that it is in use.

Overall, the Xiaomi Smart Glasses looks to be the smallest one among its kind, being just slightly bulkier than your average eye wear. It also weighs in at 51g. Though all that being said, the company did not say if it will actually be selling these smart glasses to the average consumer.

OPPO Officially Unveils Find X3 Pro Photographer Edition

Not long after a live photo of the device was leaked online, OPPO earlier today has officially confirmed the existence of the Find X3 Pro Photographer Edition on Weibo. The limited edition smartphone is slated to launch in China on 16 September 2021.

Other than showcasing the phone’s vintage camera-inspired rear panel design through multiple images, the company did not provide much details regarding its specifications – sans its IP68 waterproof rating. However, it is speculated that the Photographer Edition will only differ in terms of visual appearance but retains the same specs as the original Find X3 Pro that was launched locally in April 2021.

OPPO also revealed that the limited edition smartphone will be packaged together with several different accessories that are decked out in the same colour theme. These include a storage case, lanyard, a near-identical phone cover, a USB-A to USB-C cable, wall plug, SIM ejector pin, and what appears to be wired earphones.

Interestingly enough, the Find X3 Pro Photographer Edition’s unveiling did not make any mention of the rumoured OPPO x Kodak collaboration. It is possible that rumours of the partnership may be inaccurate, or the company is actually saving the reveal as a surprise during the phone’s launch. On that note, other information such as its date of release and pricing is also expected to be announced this Thursday.

Fujifilm Unveils Its New GFX 50s II Medium Format Mirrorless Camera

Fujifilm has recently announced the GFX 50s II, the latest addition to its G-mount medium format mirrorless camera line-up. An upgrade to the original that was released back in 2017, the new shooter comes with various improvements such as in-body stabilisation (IBIS), among other things.

The GFX 50s II sports the same 51.4MP sensor as its predecessor, which is capable of capturing images of equivalent pixel size and recording Full HD videos at up to 30fps. Again, much like the original model, there are no 4K options available for video recording. Newly introduced on the camera is the aforementioned 5-axis IBIS system and Fujifilm’s latest X-processor 4. When working in tandem, both of these enables for fast and high-precision shooting, burst shots at up to 3fps, and improved autofocusing capabilities such as face, eye and contrast detection.

Features found on the device includes the new Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode which relies on the IBIS and sensor to produce images of up to 200MP in size. Fujifilm explains that the mode is capable of achieving this by capturing 16 RAW files and then combining them into a single Digital Negative (DNG) RAW via the onboard Pixel Shift Combiner software. Also onboard are 19 of the brand’s Film Simulation modes, and a large number of exposure controls.

The GFX 50s II sports a magnesium alloy body that weighs approximately 900 grams and is also weather-resistant, allowing it to operate in temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. Design improvements featured on the medium format camera includes a new grip to reduce hand strain, a 1.8-inch LCD monitor on its upper body for EXIF settings, a 3.69M-dot electronic viewfinder with 0.77x magnification, a two-axis tilting 3.2-inch main LCD display on its back, and dual card slots for UHS-II media support.

The new Fujifilm GFX 50s II is expected to be shipped out in late October at a recommended retail price of US$3,999 (~RM16,586) for body only. There’s also a kit bundle which includes the GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR lens for US$4,499 (~RM18,655). It is also worth noting that the GFX 50s II is listed on Fujifilm Malaysia’s website, but details of its potential local availability and pricing are not known at this time.

Lamborghini Officially Unveils Its New Limited Edition Countach LPI 800-4 Supercar

Lamborghini has finally unveiled its new Countach LPI 800-4, which is a fully modernised version of the iconic supercar to celebrate its 50th anniversary. True to what was teased and leaked prior to this, the model will sport a new design and a hybrid powertrain, as well as several new modern additions to both its interior and exterior.

The updated Countach’s redesign isn’t as retro-inspired like Hyundai’s modernisation of its Pony hatchback, which retains most of the car’s original 1975-era aesthetics. Instead, the new model sports a modern wedge design that is similar to current generation Lamborghini supercars such as the Aventador and Sián, while still maintaining some recognisable features from the original. The car also lacks a rear spoiler, which is likely a homage to the original 1971 concept. Another nod to the prototype is the “Countach” branding that is situated on the vehicle’s thin front grille – a design element that is removed from the actual LP400 production model and its successors.

The new car comes with a chassis, panels and other miscellaneous parts that are made out of carbon fiber, giving it a dry weight of 1,595kg. Modern touches include movable air vents and a cool photochromatic roof that can shift from solid to transparent electronically via a touch of button. Of course, no Lambo is complete without the car maker’s signature scissor doors, but Countach purists will be disappointed to know that the new model does not come with pop-up headlights.

Found inside the new Countach is an interior that somewhat resembles the Lamborghini Sián’s, complete with an 8.4-inch touchscreen for managing the car’s controls. The car maker noted that the infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay, but made no mention of Android Auto. Also found in the interface is a “Stile” button, which enables the system to explain to users (assumingly verbally) regarding the Countach design philosophy when pressed – because why brag about your new car when the vehicle itself can do it for you?

Next up is what most of us are eager to find out: its performance. Under the Countach LPI 800-4 is the aforementioned hybrid powertrain, which consists of a 6.5 litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine and a Lithium-Ion supercapacitor-powered 48V electric motor. This enables the car to generate an output of 770 horsepower (hp) via the engine, and an additional 33hp from the motor – totalling up to 803hp when combined. Lamborghini claims that the supercar is able to go from nought to 100km/h in just 2.8 seconds and features a top speed of 355km/h, which is on par with the Aventador Ultimae and the Sián.

As mentioned in our previous report, the new Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 will be a limited release – with only 112 units planned to be shipped in the first quarter of 2022. By the way, “112” is actually a reference to the original 1971 Countach prototype’s internal project name. If you have the cash to throw, you can order the new model at a modest price of only US$ 2.64 million (~RM 11.2 million). For the rest of us who wish to get our hands on this new supercar, our best option is to wait for it to be featured in video games such as Gran Turismo or Forza.

Jordan unveils underwater military museum off the coast of Aqaba

Jordan has unveiled an underwater military museum dive site off the coast of Aqaba. The attraction has opened for divers to explore tanks, troop carriers, and a helicopter.

According to an Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) statement, the military machines were sunk and stationed along coral reefs, imitating a battle formation.

The formation includes tanks, a military crane, a troop carrier, an anti-aircraft gun, a combat helicopter, and an ambulance. More acquisitions will be sunk in the future.

Some of the vehicles sit at 15-20 metres below the surface of the water, and some sit at 20-28 metres. Visitors can find them by snorkelling, diving, or via a glass bottom boat, in a new type of experience.

The statement also said the ASEZA took measures to ensure the protection and safety or marine life and its environment. All hazardous materials were removed from the military vehicles.

All the vehicles come from the Jordanian Army, and include a Chieftain main battle tank (Khalid Shir) with 120mm tank gun, an unarmed FV104 Samaritan tracked military ambulance, and an M42 Duster anti-aircraft gun with twin 40mm Bofors gun (via Popular Mechanics).

Also submerged are an FV701 Ferret armoured car and a South African Ratel (Honey Badger) 6 x 6 wheeled infantry fighting vehicle. The most important vehicle is a Royal Jordanian Air Force AH-1F Cobra attack helicopter.

Earlier this year, a 70-metre Boeing 747 was submerged as part of an underwater theme park, opening to the public in August 2019.

The plane is located off the coast of Bahrain and sits at around 20m deep, also encouraging new coral growth and acting as a safe haven for marine life.

More items will be submerged alongside the Boeing, including a traditional Bahraini pearl merchant’s house, artificial coral reefs and sculptures made from eco-friendly materials.

Sony Unveils A New Variation Of Its Lamp-Like Portable Speaker Series

Some brands have the tendency to take some creative liberties with their portable speaker designs, with the more recent one featuring a form factor that resembles a book. Another product that falls into the “weird but cool” category is Sony’s LSPX series, which combines the functionality of a candle lamp and a 360-degree bluetooth speaker together. No, really.

As bizarre as it sounds, the product itself seems to be popular enough to warrant a new entry. Revealed just recently is the new Sony LSPX-S3, the third variation of its lamp-inspired speaker that was originally launched globally back in 2019. According to the brand, this new model sports a variety of hardware and features, as well as a more attractive price tag.

Unique to the LSPX-S3 (and the rest of the LSPX series) is an organic glass tweeter with three actuators that emits sound in all directions. Sony claims that the tweeter is capable of producing “well balanced midrange”, “clear high tones” and “clear bass” that can “fill every corner of the room” via its onboard 46mm speaker unit. It also comes with a built-in microphone for voice calls, but does not feature any onboard voice assistant.

In addition, the speaker comes with the brand’s LDAC technology that enables for high resolution audio transmission over a Bluetooth connection – ensuring an unhindered, lossless listening experience when connected to a compatible output device. You also have the option to enable stereo playback by linking two LSPX-S3 units together, or even connect it to your home’s existing (and compatible) multi-speaker setup.

It’s no denying that the main draw of this particular Sony product is its lamp-based function. Despite flickering like an actual candlelight, the LSPX-S3 relies on an LED light to create a cozy ambiance. This can be personalised by choosing between different lighting modes and brightness levels, including one where the light pulses along to music beats. Speaking of which, both lighting and audio customisation are handled by the Sony Music Center app for mobile devices.

Other than that, Sony says the LSPX-S3 is capable of lasting up to eight hours and charging is done via the onboard USB-C port. For battery conservation, the speaker also comes with a sleep timer that you can customise anywhere between 15 to 120 minutes.

The new Sony LSPX-S3 portable speaker is set to retail at US$350 (~RM1,466), with orders only opening sometime in August 2021. The brand has yet to confirm its global availability but seeing that its predecessor is already available in Malaysia, chances of it arriving to our shores is very likely. That being said, as reference, the older LSPX-S2 model is currently retailing at RM2,599 on Sony Malaysia’s website.

Cooler Master Unveils StreamEnjin All-In-One Livestream Mixer: Coming To Malaysia Soon

Marking its first foray into the streamers market, Cooler Master has unveiled an all-in-one live broadcast solution called StreamEnjin. In case you are wondering whether there was a typo in the name, no, that is exactly what the company is calling its new streamer mixer which will be released in Malaysia soon.

Through the new StreamEnjin, Cooler Master said that it aims to provide a simplified livestreaming setup especially for those who are new to the activity. Equipped with dedicated HDMI input ports for 4K and Full HD videos, users can utilise the all-in-one solution to livestream up to two streaming platforms simultaneously at Full HD resolution.

Working together with the onboard physical control panel, all editing, transitions, queuing, and previews can be done directly through the proprietary iPad app that Cooler Master has created for StreamEnjin which also comes with up to 8 preset scenes. Unfortunately, the device can’t be used with other operating systems at the moment although Cooler Master did say that the support for selected Android tablets is currently in the works.

At the same time, the price tag for StreamEnjin is rather hefty despite it being targeted at newcomers. While Cooler Master did note that the pricing has yet to be finalised, we were informed that the StreamEnjin is expected to cost RM 3,999 once it arrives here in Malaysia sometime in September.

Snapchat Unveils Spectacles Specially Made For Augmented Reality

Snapchat just revealed the latest generation of its Spectacles which are specially designed for augmented reality (AR). Though previous generations of Snapchat’s camera glasses have been sold to consumers, this one is apparently only available for AR content creators – at least for now.

The state-of-the-art glasses come with two RGB cameras, four built-in microphones, two stereo speakers, and a touchpad to provide a multi-sensorial experience. Weighing light at just 134 grams, they can operate for roughly 30 minutes per charge.

Additionally, they come with dual 3D waveguide displays and are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 Platform. To provide a satisfying AR experience both indoors and outside, the display dynamically adjusts up to 2,000 Nits of brightness.

The glasses’ temple touchpad allows the user to fiddle with the display and launch the Lens Carousel. Pressing the right button activates Scan, which analyses what’s in the field of view and suggests relevant Lenses based on the user’s surroundings.

Pressing the left button captures 10-second Snaps of Lenses overlaid on the world allowing users to send Snaps right from the glasses. There’s also a Voice Scan function that allows users to verbally launch Lenses.

Snapchat said it already has offered the new Spectacles to a chosen group of creators. The company is obviously keen to show off what the glasses are capable of. Maybe one day, they’ll be available for the rest of us.

Govt Unveils The First Set of High-Risk Locations Detected By HIDE COVID-19 Early Warning System

(UPDATE – 10:46 PM): The government has since directed HIDE locations to be shut down for three days immediately. More details here.

ORIGINAL STORY (12:30 PM):

The government has released the first list of high-risk locations that could potentially turn into COVID-19 hotspots. Originally scheduled for release yesterday, these locations were determined using the newly introduced Hotspot Identification for Dynamic Engagement (HIDE) system which is developed and managed by a unit under the Ministry of Health called CPRC Analytics.

Here is the list in full as provided by the National Security Council (MKN) Telegram channel this morning:

According to the general FAQ that was also listed in the channel, HIDE is an early warning system that utilises big data analytics and artificial intelligence to perform predictions on locations that have the potential to become COVID-19 hotspots within seven days.

The FAQ further pointed out that these predictions are done using the check-in data from MySejahtera and the existing medical database. However, locations that are listed by the HIDE system are not yet deemed as COVID-19 clusters and they will not be asked to temporarily shut down their operations.

That being said, authorities do recommend the owners under the locations listed by HIDE to increase their awareness, perform COVID-19 tests on their staff, and impose a more stringent crowd control method at their premises. Premises will be taken off from the HIDE  list once the system deemed them as safe enough after seven days.

If you have visited any of the locations listed by HIDE, you are advised by the authorities to minimise your contact with other people in the next seven days. Additionally, you also should perform a COVID-19 test if you develop any related symptoms within 14 days of your visit to the locations.

The authorities have also advised the general public to avoid visiting the locations listed by HIDE for the time being. If you still have to go there, do follow the guidelines provided by the premise owners and continue to perform social distancing as well as wear your face mask properly, and wash your hands often.

LEGO Unveils An Updated Version Of Its Star Wars R2-D2 Kit; Available This May

The term “remastered” isn’t exclusive to video games and films, but to toys too. In a recent announcement, LEGO has revealed that it will be releasing a heavily updated version of its discontinued Star Wars R2-D2 kit that was originally released in 2013.

According to the Danish toy maker, the 2021 R2-D2 model now sports a more pronounced and near-screen accurate design. This time around, its head module features a smoother-looking dome, and the same can be said for its cylindrical body. Intricate details such as optics, vents, panels and leg battery hoses on the droid are shown to have received makeovers as well.

In terms of size, the new 2021 R2-D2 measures about a foot tall and appears just slightly larger than the original model. The kit is also revealed to feature a total of 2,314 pieces of LEGO, which exceeds the 2,127 brick count of its predecessor.

Of course, this new version of R2 will come with new playability features. LEGO says that it now comes with a hidden manipulator arm in its body, and a retractable periscope module on the head. Also, if you happen to be threatened to be thrown overboard from a floating sand barge, you’ll be pleased to know that the astromech droid comes with a hidden pop-out replica of Luke’s green lightsaber as well. Last but not least, included in the box is a display plaque and an R2-D2 LEGO minifigure.

Being a remaster of the original, it looks like the new Star Wars LEGO R2-D2 may be the droid that Star Wars fans are looking for. The kit is priced at US$180 (~RM740) and is set to be globally available at the beginning of next month – just in time for Star Wars Day on May 4th. LEGO Malaysia has yet to announce its local pricing and expected availability.

Sony Unveils WH-1000XM4 Silent White Limited Edition; Available This May At RM 1799

Sony will be celebrating its 75th anniversary on 7 May 2021. In conjunction with the occasion, the brand has announced that it will release a new Silent White limited edition of its popular WH-1000XM4 ANC wireless headphones around the same time.

This version of the headphones retains the same design as before, but is now presented in a snowy white colour with striking gold accents. According to Sony, the finishing on the WH-1000XM4 Silent White comes with an additional coat of paint in order to retain its colour, as well as to increase its stain-resistance. Much like the releases, this version of the headphones also come with an assortment of cables and a carrying bag – also sporting the same Silent White colour scheme, of course.

No change in hardware specifications either – which is not a bad thing whatsoever, considering the WH-1000XM4’s top notch performance in audio, noise cancellation and other advanced features. For those who’ve missed it, you can check out our review of the Sony headphones.

Sony Malaysia has confirmed that the new WH-1000XM4 Silent White will be arriving in the country this May and available via its official stores in KLCC and The Curve, as well as its online store. The limited edition headphones is retailing at RM 1,799, which is a slight bump from the RM1,599 price tag of the original release.

Mercedes-Benz Unveils New EQS EV; Features Level-3 Automated Driving And 56-Inch Hyperscreen

Months after previewing its impressive all-in-one 56-inch Hyperscreen, Mercedes-Benz has now officially unveiled the vehicle that will hold the honour of featuring it. Meet the new EQS sedan, the company’s first long-range electric vehicle (EV) out of nine others that it plans to release by 2022.

Unlike the original Vision EQS concept which featured a futuristic and sci fi-esque design, the actual EV sports a look that is akin to Mercedes’ S-Class series. In a bold move by the luxury car brand, the new car features a two-tone colour scheme, where the upper half of the vehicle is in black and the other in silver. On its front is what Mercedes refers to as a “black radiator grille” that features 3D star patterns, paired with headlights on each side which are connected by a light bar. Instead of an ornament, the EQS’ comes with an embedded logo of the luxury car brand on its hood, and an even larger and prominent logo is also featured on its grille.

Mercedes revealed that the car will be available in two variants: the rear-wheel drive EQS 450+, and the all-wheel drive EQS 580 4MATIC. Performance-wise, the former is equipped with a single rear motor electric powertrain (eATS) that can produce 245 kW of power and 568 Nm of torque, capable of hitting 0 – 100 km in 6.2 seconds and a capped top speed of 210km/h. Meanwhile, the latter comes with a twin motor that produces 385 kW and 855 Nm, and is expected to go from 0 – 100 km at a faster rate of 4.3 seconds. It’s top speed, however, is also limited to that of its single motored sibling.

Both models will come with a 107.8kWh battery pack, and a smaller 90kWh version is planned to go on sale as well, according to Mercedes. The claimed operating range is 770km based on the European WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) cycle, but the company did not specify if this applies to both of the aforementioned EQS variants, or just one of them.

Apart from the all-digital HUD and infotainment system provided by the aforementioned 56-inch MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) Hyperscreen, the new EQS EV comes with a variety of features. Featured within its interior are a total of 15 710-watt Burmester surround sound speakers, customisable interior ambient lighting, HEPA air filtration system, rear infotainment systems for passengers, and onboard sensors which can detect hand gesture controls for operations such as opening and closing car doors. The last one, especially, is pretty cool.

Driving features, on the other hand, include a slew of driver assistance and safety systems. These include Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Change Assist, and the new Attention Assist which sends out alerts if it detects any anomalies with the driver’s driving behaviour (ie; microsleep).

The EQS also comes with Mercedes’ lidar-powered Drive Pilot system, which allows for Level 3 semi-autonomous driving. However, the manufacturer noted that this feature will only be enabled in the first half of 2022, and for now is only compatible for selected highway sections in Germany at speeds of up to 60 km/h.

The new Mercedes EQS EV is slated to be available at US dealerships in fall 2021. Its global availability, however, has not been determined at this time.