5 Gifts To Get Your Friends Or Family Who Loves Gaming

Posted by & filed under Lifestyle.

These are the best gifts to get for gamer heads all around

Written by Aqil Nasri

Gaming’s a trend for most people nowadays. The term “nerd” for people who game can’t really be applied anymore in this day and age, as almost everyone has, in some way shape or form, come in contact directly or indirectly with games.

Gaming’s growth in popularity has been such a tremendous feat, that even the mainstream media has properly acknowledged it. It’s now time to embrace the fact that gaming will one day take over the attention of the whole entire world.

With that in mind, what better way to spend your money this Chinese New Year’s holiday than by getting gaming gifts for your friends or family who absolutely loves it. Note that I won’t include any actual consoles (PS4, Xbox One), handhelds, or actual PCs in the list as these are mostly a given for people who have been playing videogames. The list will mainly include accessories and extra add-ons.

Without further ado, let’s get to it.

1) For the ones who love hearing their audio up close and personal

This is one of the best of the best when it comes to over-ear gaming headphones. Designed for competitive and serious playing, be it on PC or on consoles. The 7.1 Dolby surround sound is second to none when compared to other headphones. The out of the world bass coupled with the thumping trebles will show you why this is worth your money.

Not only that, you’ll get the freedom of wires as well, as the wireless system features a 5GHz wireless transmitter that allows low-latency voice communication, while also allowing simple charging and pairing of the headphones. Note that the docking station that comes with the headphones is where you charge and keep the headphones in its docking form. Also, gamers will be able to experience a 15-hour straight gaming session as the battery life on a single full charge will last that long. If your friend won’t hug you and give you a kiss after getting this as a gift, then I’m not sure if you’ve given the gift to the right person.

2) For the ones in love with VR

Probably the priciest in the list, but this one definitely takes the cake when it comes to a premium gaming buy. If you have someone who’s doubting about jumping into the VR landscape, then buying this for them will make them freefall headfirst into the VR world.

This superior entry into VR for PC comes with both the headset and touch controllers, allowing users to fully immerse themselves while allowing interaction with the games that they are playing. Also, bundled in the deal are 6 VR games to help your friend or family member get started on their VR journey. Now it seems like the amount needed to be paid doesn’t seem to be that high.

3) For the ones who sweat a lot

I get it, gaming can sometimes be quite an engaging activity. Some games require extreme focus and attention in order to come out on top. These situations can produce a lot of sweat for the person involved, so getting this gift for them will prove to be an ingenious solution.

The 6-inch frame, 4-inch blade of the fan saves desk space by a lot. This essentially makes it perfect for PC desktop use, as the USB power supply can be connected easily to any power source that enables USB connectivity. Also, the fan is made out of high-quality metal, enabling it to be kept sturdy and durable for long use. So, say bye-bye to sweaty hands and sweaty faces.

4) For the ones in need of a comfortable chair

If you want to get the best out of your gaming experience, you’d have to be as comfortable as you can in order to maintain a level of focus and determination. So, getting this gaming chair as a gift for your gaming friend or family member can prove to be one of the best gifts that they could ever get.

Furniture farm’s new FICMAX X ZEUS gaming chair has undergone a new design that focuses more on long-term sitting. The built-in leg rest allows the chair to be comfortably used on whatever the condition or situation is. There’s also a full-flat 180-degree lean angle that physically transforms the chair into a semi bed. On top of that, you can even remove the neck and waist pillows. This, in turn, completely transforms the whole chair into almost like a full-on bed for anyone using it. If you can even sleep comfortably on this chair, there’s no reason to ever leave it then.

5) For the ones who love to read about gaming

Jason Schreier’s book tells the story about the creation of video games. How it’s made, what are the realities behind creating a single video game, and how much has it affected the people in the industry. This book helps give people the insight on the makings of video games, so we as consumers can learn to appreciate our favourite video games more. This look into the development hell cycle of creating video games proves to be a homage to those who sacrifice their time and money creating games for the many people who love them.

This is a definite read for gamers, casuals or hardcore enthusiasts alike.

Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers Of 2020 So Far

Posted by & filed under TECHNOLOGY.

Written by Aqil Nasri

Gone are the days of carrying huge boomboxes and speakers just to have a sound device that’s capable of playing your favourite tunes with your friends and family. Portable Bluetooth speakers are the in-thing now, and they are definitely here to stay.

The technology has come some distance too, as this generation’s portable Bluetooth speakers are now more versatile, rugged, without sacrificing portability, and works seamlessly with anything that can connect with it.

As such, I’ve listed 5 portable Bluetooth speakers that I consider to be the best in its department, in terms of sound and in terms of portability. Note that the ranking order is random for each number.

JBL GO 2 (RM179.00)

Let’s start the list off with my go-to portable Bluetooth speaker for most outdoor occasions.

While the JBL GO 2 may not have the longest battery life (5 hours) and it doesn’t really have all that much bass, it makes up for it in terms of its portability, size, colour choice, and its fully waterproof design. It’s also one of the least expensive in JBL’s line-up of Bluetooth speakers, but yet somehow I feel like it still brings the most bang for your buck.

With volume controls, a pause/play button, a dedicated Bluetooth button for pairing, a 3.5mm audio input for those wanting wires to connect with the speaker, and a Micro-USB charging port, this little devil of a speaker contains everything that you’ll need from a small portable Bluetooth speaker. It’s not cumbersome to carry and you can fit it into most small pockets or bags. Plus, the sound quality is surprisingly really good for its size.

This little speaker is definitely appealing entry-level portable Bluetooth speakers.

Sony SRS-XB12 (RM199.00)

This speaker definitely belongs in the “ones to get” list, especially if you’re trying to find a portable Bluetooth speaker at an affordable price.

The SRS-XB12 is small and compact yet it somehow still manages to pack a powerful audio performance for its size. Powerful sounding bass manages to keep your heart pumping wherever you may go, indoors or outdoors. You’ll also get colourful LED lights with it, which is always a plus. Also, the speaker is fully waterproof as well, tossing all your worries away when it comes to pool and beach parties.

However, certain downsides such as the volume dipping whenever it’s low on battery may cause small nuisances for users, but that’s nothing when you consider the many benefits that the speaker brings to you.

Bose Soundlink Micro (RM349.20)

Besides being a legitimate good sounding speaker, the Bose Soundlink Micro also has a stretchy silicone strap on its back so you can stick to your backpack strap when you’re on the move.

This speaker might be the same size as the previous two speakers, but the sound quality sounds way better compared to the two of them. Why you may ask? Well, thanks to an extra passive radiator next to the main driver, it manages to pump out consistently amazing audio while providing high-quality sounding bass at the same time.

And it manages to do all of this while being waterproof and maintaining a rugged design.

However, battery life only lasts for 6 hours, so don’t expect all-day usage out of this speaker.

UE Boom 3 (RM530.38)

If you’re looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker that’s matching in fun, convenience, and amazing sound quality at the same time, then look no further than the UE Boom 3.

This speaker puts out some of the most pleasant, balanced sounds for its size. Coming in multiple colours as well, users get to choose their favourite colour in an effort to match it with their overall colour range. It’s also waterproof, so don’t worry about accidentally dropping these speakers in the pool. Also, you can pair the speakers with not one, not two, not three, but with over 150 speakers and create the ultimate surround sound experience. I mean, wow 150? You can cater to a whole concert with that insane number of speakers.

But, the best thing of all is in its battery life, as it’s able to last for 15 hours on a single charge. You can literally use the speaker all day long without worrying about its battery life. Also, it has a 30-meter Bluetooth range, enabling users to connect with it even if they’re in a whole other room.

Marshall Woburn II Bluetooth (RM1547.03)

Okay so this last speaker on the list may be a bit of an overkill when it comes to pricing, but it absolutely justifies it with its overall sound quality.

The excellent audio performance coupled with powerful bass depth and solid clarity in the highs will leave you wondering why you didn’t buy this speaker sooner. It has two 1” tweeters and dual 5.25” subwoofers which are individually powered by class D amps, bringing the total power to 110 watts. Also, it has an In-app EQ and adjustable bass and treble knobs. Plus, it has an awesome overall design, reminiscing to amps that the Marshall brand is known for.

However, certain downsides such as no included audio cables or accessories may be a bit of a bummer to some people.

Zolve Is The Shazam Of Device Repair

Posted by & filed under TECHNOLOGY.

Scan your devices, electronics, power tools, or outdoor equipment on Zolve to find manuals, how-to videos and warranty information

Written by Aqil Nasri

Have you ever been in a situation where your phone, TV or any electronic isn’t working, and now you can’t find the darn instruction manual or warranty information because you threw them aside excitedly when you first got the electronic devices?

Well, you won’t ever have to face that situation again with this new by app by Centriq called Zolve. Basically, it’s Shazam but for fixing your electronic devices.

This new app allows users to take a photo of the product label of more than 450,000 devices, electronics, appliances, power tools, and outdoor equipment and it’ll automatically show you the correct manuals, how-to videos, quick-start guides, warranty and manufacturer contact information. Oh, it also tells you what kind of information on replacement parts and accessories that you need for that certain item that you broke. Whew, talk about making your life literally a thousand times easier.

The app also stores a database for information from retailers and manufacturers on how to operate, fix and maintain products.

Centriq CEO, James Sheppard mentioned this in a statement: “We have another 600,000 model numbers we’re sourcing support content for currently, and that list keeps growing. If ever you find yourself snapping a product in Zolve that isn’t matched instantly, know that you just bumped it to the front of the line and it will be added within hours.”

If you want to download Zolve, find on the Apple App Store or download it here.

adidas Have Developed A Smart Insole That Helps Track Your Football Performance And Rewards You In FIFA Mobile

Posted by & filed under Sports, TECHNOLOGY.

Adidas, Jacquard  by Google, and EA partners up for the next piece of wearable tech

Written by Aqil Nasri

Have you ever wanted to turn your football kicks into rewards? Well, now you just might. The people from Google, Adidas, and EA have banded together to create a smart shoe insole to defeat all other insoles.

Introducing the Adidas GMR, a smart shoe insole that connects to your phone and turns your kicks and movement on the football field into rewards in FIFA Mobile. The tag neatly slips into a pocket on the insole and tracks your physical movements with on-device machine learning algorithms. As such, all the kicks and running that you do while playing football will be translated into in-game rewards in FIFA Mobile. Powered by Google’s Jacquard wearable technology, this new tech is set to optimize your exercise time and gaming time into one.

Now, the GMR tag connects to the new Adidas GMR app, and once users finish setting that up, users will be able to link it with their FIFA Mobile profile. Once that’s done, users will reap the many benefits that it offers, such as unlocking an Adidas GMR-exclusive event in FIFA Mobile that’ll offer new real-world challenges every week, for example, kicking a ball a certain amount of times or running for a certain amount of kilometers. Also, there will also be leaderboards present as well, so you can bet that people are gonna compete like hell on the app.

However, before using the GMR tag, you’ll have to be sure that you keep it charged, as the battery will only last for two to three full games of football. Don’t worry though as the package that you buy the tag with will include a Micro USB cable, so you don’t need to go scurrying around finding an unused cable.

For a price point of just RM171.00, buyers will get two insoles included with their purchase. One of the Jacquard tags will be used to put in the shoe of your dominant foot, while the other will be a dummy tag that goes into the shoe of your other foot.

So, what say you avid football fans? Do you think the new Adidas GMR tag is worth a buy?

OPPO Takes The Camera Fight Forward With The Release Of The Find X2

Posted by & filed under TECHNOLOGY.

Written by Ardi

OPPO has introduced a more polished and stylish successor to their well known OPPO Find X series. OPPO Find X2 5G series is here to serve you the best camera quality and let you explore and enhance your photography skills even better than before! 

Ultra Vision Camera system and buttery-smooth display that supports a 120Hz refresh rate! Also equipped with Ultra Steady technology, you can expect professional-looking content whether you’re shooting photos or videos.

The main camera is a 48MP camera that is accompanied by a 48MP ultra-wide angle camera and a 13MP periscope telephoto camera that supports both optical and electronic stabilization

Apart from the camera, There are other great aspects to this phone. This is the first Oppo phone that supports the latest 5g technology. It enhances the user experience by having a much smoother and faster response and it can be fully charged within 38 minutes.

The phone screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which means clearer and smoother images when viewing videos and an overall smoother scrolling experience.

The Find X2 5G Pro is one of the first mobile phones that works with Qualcomm 865, X55 processor and uses LPDRR 5 memory. With the Kryo 585 CPU, both its performance and energy efficiency are 25% higher than that of the previous generation.

As for the pricing The OPPO Find X2 5G will be available at RM3,999 while the OPPO Find X2 Pro 5G is at . You can already pre-order yours at every OPPO Concept Store, OPPO Official dealer stores or online at OPPO Official Website, e-commerce partners; telco partners namely Celcom, Maxis, Digi and OPPO Chain store partners Seeing, senQ, DirectD and also Aeon Credit.

Fjällräven Wants You To Explore Asia With Their Latest SS20 Collection

Posted by & filed under Fashion, Lifestyle.

Written by Ardi

It’s no secret that Asia hosts some of the most amazing natural landscapes from dense rainforests, to hilly terrains, to volcanic heights, and  Fjällräven’s expansion in the Asian market has directed them to create items that suit the climate of those countries and can be adapted into Asian lifestyles.

For their SS20, the brand has focused on creating garments and bags that can be used in warmer weather. Better ventilation, lightweight and fast drying materials and easy to pack garments are the key elements of this collection.

The collection is divided into two parts:

High Coast Collection

Fashionable yet classic, a mixture between urban and outdoor life, daily and athleisure. These clothes do not compromise on quality and functionality and are produced from well ventilated, quick drying and sustainable fabrics with great durability.

Kanken Collection

One of the most beloved designs by the brand since 1978, when it was first produced. For this collection, there are two new additions which are Kanken totepack and Kanken Hip Pack, offering more options for you to carry your valuables around. Made from durable Vinylon F, and has the same iconic Kanken logo.

Fjällräven Spring/Summer 2020 collections are now available at OUTSIDE store located at Jumpa@Sungei Wang Plaza KL.

Huawei’s Latest Foldable Smartphone, The Mate Xs Gets A Malaysian Release Date

Posted by & filed under TECHNOLOGY.

 

After the long endured foldable smartphone battle, it seems Huawei has emerged victorious, as among its other competitors, the brand has released a working model with all the hitches fixed.

Welcome, to the Huawei Mate Xs, Malaysia’s first 5G foldable smartphone with a crippling price tag of RM 11,111. Let’s get down to the main highlights of the phone.

Falcon Hinge

While you may be aware of the phone’s folding capabilities, it differs very much from its competitors in that the screen folds outwards, rather than inwards to solve the problem of having creases present in the screen. Unfolded, the 6.6 inches unhinges to a diagonal screen size of 8 inches, placing it nicely in a niche between phone and tablet.

F*cking Fast

The Kirin 990 5G chipset contains an octa-core processor, complete with a 16-core Mali G76 GPU, and a Neural-network Processing Unit. Coupled that with increased energy efficiency and an enlarged 4500 mAh battery makes for a phone that lasts a whole day with no strain, but in the case that the battery dies…

Lightning Charge

You can get an 85% charge with only 30 minutes thanks to 55W Huawei SuperCharge, ensuring you’ll never really run out of juice in the times you need it most, like when you wanna shoot with the…

Quad Leica Camera Setup

40 Megapixel wide angle camera, 16 Megapixel Ultrawide, and 8 Megapixel Telephoto camera, coupled with a Time Of Flight camera ensures crispness with every taken photo. As the screen folds outwards, the main camera grid also doubles as a selfie camera, ensuring unparalelled versatility.

All of this, for a price tag of RM 11,111. Huawei’s Mate Xs will be available on both physical and virtual stores 20 March onwards. Would you cop?

This Minecraft Server Houses A Library Full Of Real Life Censored Journalism

Posted by & filed under Art, Entertainment.

Called “The Uncensored Library”, contains articles blocked in countries with no proper press freedoms

Written by Aqil Nasri

Who would’ve thought that one of the most popular video games in the world could house a virtual library that contains censored news articles from all over the world?

The Uncensored Library is a new virtual library that’s been launched in Minecraft to celebrate March 12’s World Day Against Cyber Censorship, and if you think that this is just another super complicated sculpture built in Minecraft just for impression’s sake, then you’re definitely wrong.

This library is literally a genuine virtual library that’s built inside Minecraft in order to house journalism from countries where complete press freedom might not exist for the people, or from places where selective censorship denies access to certain articles that the government might find threatening to the institution.

So, the trick with putting this virtual library inside Minecraft? The game isn’t blocked in most countries.

It’s an ingenious loophole, allowing users to enter the game, load up The Uncensored Library server, and scour through hundreds if not thousands of books that houses republished articles that are blocked from social media and news outlets in several different countries.

Now, each country represented in the library has its own rooms, dressed up with sculptures and statuary that speak to each country’s specific censorship campaigns. For example, Saudi Arabia does not allow independent journalism, so its wing features a singular cage at the centre, which symbolizes the arrests of journalists and how they’re likely to be tortured for their criticism of the government.

This project was done by Reporters Without Borders, a group that’s fully dedicated to ensuring the freedom of press globally, and BlockWorks, a collective of designers and artists that have come together and made a business out of creating elaborate scenes in Minecraft.

In order to browse the library, users will need version 1.14.4 of the Java edition of Minecraft. Now, once that’s installed, open the multiplayer menu and enter “visit.uncensoredlibrary.com” as the server IP. Also, you can download a copy of the library here to host locally or even explore the library by yourself.

Takahiro Miyashita May Have Just Created The Wildest Converse All Star Silhouette Yet.

Posted by & filed under Sneakers.

Avant Garde, contemporary, bold, are just some of the adjectives used to describe designer’s Takahiro Miyashita’s designs, whom frequently draws upon Americana inspirations. Now, after the transition from his previous label Number (N)ine and into TAKAHIROMIYASHITA The Soloist, the designer has brought upon a plethora of Converse collaborations, but none are as bold and wild as his latest work.

Welcome to the brutalist All Star CX Disrupt. What may look just like a chunky All Star from afar, belies microdetails that differentiates this model from literally any other Converse available. For starters, the stitching has been kept to a minimum, replaced instead with CX Stretch Canvas that is reminiscent of stretchy knit, but with canvas instead. Wordings and embellishments like “HELLO! I AM THE SOLOIST” serve to become the only mark of distinction, while a new CX Foam midsole replaces the traditional vulcanised rubber midsole.

Truly, a high fashion iteration of a cult classic, the TAKAHIROMIYASHITA The Soloist X Converse All Star CX Disrupt comes in two colours, triple white or triple black, will be releasing at Crossover Concept Store on the 14th of March. Prices have not been mentioned, but it is estimated to cost around RM 650. Would you cop?

Timberland Wants To Help You Rediscover The Outdoors With Its Latest Collection

Posted by & filed under Fashion.

Written by Ardi

In the age of technology and rapid urbanisation, it’s becoming increasingly harder to justify going into the outdoors for brief exercise or to just get a change of scenery. Hiking has become the activity of choice for the lot who wants to touch with the waters of nature, but often they come with the wrong gear. And Timberland wants to help you be prepared for such an event with its latest collection, namely its jackets and hiking specific shoes.

The brand drew some inspiration from retro fashion mixed with modern street style while using the latest fabric technology, their new collection hits all the right marks and hopes to encourage a new wave of people to go out and explore nature.

Timberland uses a new sustainable material named ReBOTLTM for the lining which is made from at least 50 percent recycled polyester. For example their Mount Hight WG Overhead Jacket is designed with the super lightweight ReBOTLTM material and NeoVent-S technology to give it an amazing breathability.

The jackets are priced at RM859 and the shoes prices start at Rm459 for up to RM659 for the more advanced type.