Technology Archives - Decoding Galvin

Detariffication in Malaysian Motor Insurance

Posted on July 28, 2016July 28, 2016 by Galvin Tan

When liberalisation of car insurance tariffs in Malaysia can help you save more and get better coverage.

The Motor Insurance sector in Malaysia will be shaken up quite a bit in the next few months as Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) recently confirmed that in its Financial Stability and Payment Systems Report 2015 (released back in March 2016) that motor and fire insurance premiums will soon be based on a list of risk factors and not regulated by current pricing policy

The transition will happen gradually and the first phase just kicked off this month, 1 July 2016. So the insurance industry is allowed offer new products with optional add-on covers and the prices will not be regulated. It will also be determined by the market and will allow insurance providers to ‘open price’ to these products as they see fit.

In simple words, your premium rates for car insurance will be based on what car you’re driving and your driving experience. If you just got your driving license and you’re driving a BMW, you could have to pay higher premium than the slow-driving Uncle who drives the same model vehicle. So premium prices may vary across different insurance providers.

This is indeed good news to consumers and car owners. It’s also a good opportunity for insurance providers to push out new products that may benefit certain car owners. In short, it’s a win-win situation for all.

Now the only problem we could be facing as a car owner is the vast option that we will get from all these insurance providers. So how can we get the best and know how to getcover on all these choices? We’ll find out soon enough I guess.

850 by webe Contest – More Prizes To Be Won

Posted on May 18, 2016May 18, 2016 by Galvin Tan

Sick and tired of seeing too many #Webe850 QR code in your Facebook Timeline? Think you’ve seen enough of Webe? Well, think again.

Because Webe is not stopping with the A-maze-ing Maze and the QR code frenzy. To extend the customer engagement campaign, Webe will be extending their activation campaign on Webe850 app starting from today.

In fact, there will be a few more activation from Webe until the month of June. So don’t slack if you want to win those attractive prizes from Webe.

Here are the next and upcoming activation campaign from Webe:

Challenge 1 : The Amazing Maze

Activation Period 1: 11/05/16 – 16/05/16

At the venue, the Contestant is required to (i) answer 1 quiz and (ii) use the webe 850 app to scan for the correct QR code to stand a chance to enter the maze.

If Contestant fails (i) and (ii), Contestant is not allowed to enter into the maze.

If the Contestant succeed in (i) and (ii), the Contestant will then be allowed to enter the maze. There will be many random QR codes being displayed in the maze. Contestant is required to scan as many QR Codes as possible to stand a chance to collect as many scores as possible and stand a chance to win the Challenge 1 Prizes.

Challenge 1: inside the maze: limited to 500 Contestants per day.

Challenge 2: Lifestyle Treats

Activation Period 2: 18/05/16 – 27/05/16

During Activation Period 2, hints will be given on the merchant store in the webe 850 app. Contestant is required to hunt for the correct merchant to scan the QR code at the said merchant store.

Challenge 2 Prizes is limited to 400 daily winners only at each merchant store on a first come first serve basis.

Challenge 3: Looping QR Hunt

Activation Period 3: 25/05/16 – 31/05/16

During Activation Period 3, we will inform you of the venue and relevant information in the webe 850 app.

Contestant is required to go to the venue to look for the randomised running QR code on digital screens and also on webe’s digital kiosk which may be available at the venue. Contestant must use the webe 850 app to scan the QR codes to stand a chance to win scores and Challenge 3 Prizes.

Challenge 4: TGV Activation

Activation Period 4: 18/06/16 (1 day only)

During Activation Period 4, Contestant is required to go to the 5 selected TGV cinemas. You will find the information in webe 850 mobile app.

Contestant is required to go to the correct TGV Cinema to scan the static QR code to stand a chance to win Challenge 3 Prize, which is, a ticket to watch a movie we selected on that day itself.

Challenge 4 Prize is limited to 10,445 Contestants only on a first come to first serve basis.

Lucky Draw

There will be three lucky draws during the Contest Period. During the Contest Period, Contestant should try to play “Today’s Quiz” appearing in the webe 850 app every day to stand a chance to enter the lucky draws to win Lucky Draw Prizes. 1 quiz per day only.

Scores collected during the Contest Period and will be accumulated. The highest scores will win Grand Prizes

Just In Case

If you’re new to this #webe850 frenzy and wanted to know more, head on over to their website here and download the 850 by Webe app.

Once you’ve installed your #webe850 app, don’t forget to scan more QR code :)

Webe QR Maze and Webe850 App

Posted on May 12, 2016May 12, 2016 by Galvin Tan

So if you’ve been wondering what’s with all the #Webe850 QR Code flooding your social media timeline lately, well that’s because the latest telco in town, Webe (previously P1) is having a massive digital treasure hunt.

Using the Webe850 iOs and Android App, user can play answer trivias, play games and scan webe QR codes to collect points. Top 100 users will win prizes with the latest Samsung Galaxy Edge 7 for the taking. However, the Grand Prize to Belize for 4 person is so much more interesting.

Webe also kicked start their first customer engagement campaign with a ‘digitally empowered’ maze in Sunway Pyramid.

The maze is currently based at the Blue Concourse and it is open to the public from 11 May to 16 May 2016. It’s designed to engage the general public using their Webe 850 app that allows customers to pick up bonuses for every QR code they find and scan within the maze.

Webe promised a total RM6 million worth of prizes up for grabs on the Webe850 campaign. To find out more, head over to their microsite and facebook page.

Oh yah, here’s my code. Let’s scan and collect 500 points.

Images source: Sunway Pyramid FB

P1 Is Now Webe, Webe Community and More

Posted on April 13, 2016April 13, 2016 by Galvin Tan

In a closed and colourful event launch today, P1 revealed its new branding, Webe. Webe is unlike other telcos. According to CEO CC Puan, Webe is not about more data or faster speed. It’s about the people and the community. (Whatever that means?)

Well, to be honest, it quite simple actually. Webe is a new telco that will build its brand by empowering people and the community. While other telcos are concentrating more on their products and services, like having bigger coverage and offering higher and faster data, Webe is concentrating on its customers and the community.

That’s where Webe Community comes along. You can find out more about Webe Community here.

Webe Community at Heart

Webe Community is currently backing 7 Projects.

Speculation about Webe came about the sociam media realm a week ago revealing P1 as the new telco offering interesting plans. However, what has been revealed earlier was later on clarified by the Webe team as an unconfirmed source and the plans are non-existence, or at least not for customers.

CC Puan also made it very clear that they’re not launching their telco service yet but very soon.

No, we are not launching our service just yet! it is all about #makeithappen #webecommunity our new brand DNA #webeawesome

— CC Puan (@ccpuan) 13 April 2016

To be honest, I was dissappointed at first but now I’m rather excited to see what and how Webe will changing the telco industry.

I can’t wait to hear more from them soon.

How-to: Sync your WhatsApp on your PC Chrome browser

Posted on January 23, 2015May 12, 2016 by Galvin Tan

Good news WhatsApp-o-holic! If you’re constantly on WhatsApp, you can now use/sync your WhatsApp on your PC using Google Chrome browser. Yep, I did specifically stated ‘Google Chrome’ browser only – won’t work with any other browser. But before you jump in joy and start telling the whole world, you need to know the rest of the story. The WhatsApp Web is currently available for Android smartphone users only.

So if you’re in the office and you don’t want to be seen staring on your mobile screen all the time, then it’s a good time you get connected with WhatsApp Web. Here’s a simple how-to guide for you:

STEP 1: Launch Google Chrome on your PC.

Make sure you have the latest version of Google Chrome installed. If you don’t, do upgrade it with just a simple click of a button.

STEP 2: Goto WhatsApp for Web

Key in the URL http://web.whatsapp.com on your Google Chrome and the WhatsApp Web page will load. Once loaded, you will see a unique QR Code on screen. You will need to scan that OR Code but not with your usual QR Code scanner. The latest version of WhatsApp will have the feature built-in and will launch its own scanner.

STEP 3: Launch WhatsApp on your Android smartphone

WhatsApp Web is only available on Android’s version of WhatsApp. On the ‘Chat List’ screen, click on the option button for more features. You will see ‘WhatsApp Web’, click that and it will launch its built-in QR Code scanner.

STEP 4: Scan the QR Code on your Google Chrome

The QR Code on Google Chrome will refresh periodically so you will get the latest QR Code. Scan the QR Code with your smartphone and it will immediately sync and duplicate your message screen on Google Chrome. Click on any of your chat list and go crazy chatting using your PC keyboard.

For some reason, I’ve got a strong feeling that workplace productivity will drop by another 20-30% with this new WhatsApp Web feature. So do careful with office time and don’t abuse it. Have fun!

User review: Five reasons to get the BenQ F5 smartphone

Posted on January 18, 2015May 12, 2016 by Galvin Tan

BenQ announced their interest in the smartphone industry by introducing their 4G LTE smartphones in late 2014. While BenQ is an unfamiliar name in the smartphone industry, I’m quite sure they could well be an underdog here.

BenQ Corporation is a Taiwanese multi-national company that sells and markets consumer electronics, computing and communications devices and they were huge after Y2K.

Still doesn’t ring a bell? Well, you’d probably know them better for their LCD monitors or CD/DVD-ROMs back then in your PC. BenQ sells and markets technology products, including consumer electronics, computing and communication products. Its principal products include TFT LCD monitors, digital projectors, digital cameras, and mobile computing devices.

I have the chance to play around with the BenQ F5 4G LTE smartphone for the past months and I can only share my admiration for it. Now I’m not going to give you all the technical jargons but instead, I’m going to share with you FIVE GOOD REASONS why you should get the BenQ F5 smartphone if you have the choice.

1) Blazing fast 4G LTE

BenQ jumped straight into a 4G LTE device rather than to come up with another low-end 3G variant. This clearly shows their commitment in providing the best and up-to-date mobile device to the consumers, just like they did before with the rest of their consumer products before. I’ve had superb 4G LTE experience on DiGi and Maxis network so far and the F5 just makes the experience much more enjoyable.

2) Power in your hands

A Qualcomm Snapdragon processor is the crème de la crème of mobile processor and the F5 is equipped with a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. While it may not be the best on its range, it’s definitely capable of executing most tasks much needed for a mobile device. With the 16GB internal storage, you’re able to load in as many apps and media files as you wish. And if you do run out of storage space, you can easily expand up to 64GB with a microSD card. How big is that? Well, you can basically load in the entire season 1-5 of Games of Thrones into your phone. If that is not enough, cloud storage is easily available too.

3) Fun size matters

I truly believe all 5-inch display smartphones are of fun size. They are the right size for viewing pleasure and to get around the device. The BenQ F5 has a 5-inch QHD screen and the display is absolutely brilliant. Okay, put it in laymen term, the F5 has a high-definition display and QHD falls in the mid table of the High-Definition chart. So that’s a pretty awesome display. It allows me to watch my favourite series without needing to squint my eyes all the time. The display performs well under the sun too.

While having a big screen is a great thing, having a big bulky body is not. Thankfully, the BenQ F5 is finesse built. It may not have all the glitter and glossiness of those premium smartphones, the BenQ F5 is built delicately with rounded edges that fill great in your palm. It’s anti-slip plastic back cover and plastic body is not that shabby too. With a thickness of only 8.5mm and weighing less than 140g, the F5 is indeed in the lightweight division of smartphones.

4) Take a break with KitKat

The F5 is loaded with Android KitKat 4.4.2 and it’s pretty awesome. No it’s not some chocolate bar you take a bite off but it is the latest version of Android you’ll ever get on a smartphone that cost less than RM700.

Android KitKat is designed to run on devices with as little as 512MB of RAM. With an improvement in memory management, multi-tasking is much smoother on Android KitKat. And it’s your heavily dependent of Google search on an Android device; Google Now also had a tremendous improvement.

5) Lightweight champion

The BenQ F5 may have been huge on the display real estate, but its physical form isn’t all that big at all. The BenQ F5 is also an absolute gem to carry around in my pocket. Being generously thin, it snugged nicely in the front pocket of my pants and doesn’t give me the bulge unlike those huge phablets which are relatively bulky and heavy.

The F5 isn’t just light physically; it’s also lightweight in the power consumption division. Packing a non-removable Li-Ion 2520 mAh battery, the battery can last me a good 10-12 hours before I frantically search for a charger. Please note that I’m quite a heavy user on this light device – pun intended.

Summary

It has come to my attention that many mid-range smartphones are making their way into the market and we can only expect to see more to come. BenQ is relatively new in the smartphone industry but they are no strangers when it comes to consumer products. The BenQ F5 is only just the beginning; expect to see more from them in 2015.

And with a price tag or RM699 for the F5, you know they are in to give the rest of the smartphone makers a run for their money.

Logitech launches X300 wireless speaker – Also spread joy with AnyAngle, Hinge and Type+ iPad casings

Posted on December 19, 2014May 12, 2016 by Galvin Tan

The Logitech X300 may look like a desktop alarm clock but it’s not. Yes it has speakers and buttons but it does more than just waking you up in the morning. The Logitech® X300 Mobile Wireless Stereo Speaker is a wireless speaker designed for mobility and it’s their latest product to hit Malaysian shores.

The X300 weighs around 355 gram and is engineered for wide-range sound; the speakers are specially angled for a more expansive sound spectrum. You can connect and play music from any Bluetooth®-enabled device, and enjoy up to five hours of continuous play without recharging, giving you a mobile theater sound experience.

The X300 is also a great for conference calls, with a built-in microphone, the X300 is a great companion for travelling business man and it supports all Android, Windows Phone and iOS smartphones, tablets and other devices that support Bluetooth wireless audio profile.

The X300 is currently available in all authorised resellers nationwide at the retail price of RM259.

Also launch this month are some of the coolest mobility products from Logitech – AnyAngle™, Hinge™ and Type+™ iPad casings.

Logitech AnyAngle

The Logitech AnyAngle is a protective case for your iPad Air 2 and all models of the iPad mini that firmly holds your iPad at any angle within a 50-degree viewing range. It has an adjustable any-angle stand that uses a hidden hinge and magnetic system, so you keep a comfortable viewing angle, no matter what you do. Plus, the Logitech AnyAngle comes in a variety of color combinations, designed to suit your style. So whether you prefer a sophisticated, classic black or want to make a statement with violet or teal, we have your unique look covered.

The Logitech AnyAngle is available in all authorized resellers nationwide at the retail price of RM189.

Logitech Hinge

The Logitech Hinge is a flexible case with a smooth-gliding hinge that firmly holds your iPad in any viewing angle within a 50-degree range. Regardless of where you are and what you’re doing with your iPad – watching movies with your family, mastering that difficult yoga pose or learning a new song on your guitar – this case has a comfortable viewing angle.

The Logitech® Hinge is especially made for iPad Air, iPad mini and iPad mini 2 with Retina® display. It is also available in all authorized resellers nationwide for the retail price of RM159.

Logitech Type+

The Logitech Type+ is the all-in-one case providing protection and an integrated keyboard for your iPad Air 2. It leverages the popular thin and light, two-sided protective case from its predecessor, and has a recently-optimized Bluetooth keyboard that is designed to replicate the typing experience of your laptop, so you can smoothly transition from one device to another without losing speed or accuracy. When in the typing position, the iPad screen magnetically attaches directly above the keyboard, keeping the screen right at your fingertips for easy navigation.

I’m particularly impressed with the long battery life for the Type+. On a single charge, the Type+ keyboard can last till 3 months, of course with an average usage of 2 hours a day. Even if last less than 3 months, any mobile electronic devices that last more than 1 month is consider very impressive.

The Logitech Type+ is designed specifically for the Apple iPad Air 2 and it is available now at the retail price of RM329.

Ello & Tsū – Are these new social networks the next big thing?

Posted on December 12, 2014May 12, 2016 by Galvin Tan

Two new social networks emerged recently and I kept saying to myself, what for? Facebook is already so popular and we haven’t really fully explored Google Plus yet. Do we really need another social network?

Well, I’m pretty sure I haven’t got the answer but I’m going to find out what’s the buzz all about.

I first created my Ello account two months ago, just for the sake having an account. I’m hardly active there and I’ve only got one follower. Then just a day ago, I decided to create my profile on Tsū and do a little discovering on both social networks.

Ello requires an invite to register and account while Tsu requires you to know somebody who already has an account there in order to be able to sign up.

What is Ello?

So Ello (https://www.ello.co) is yet another social network site but created by a small group of artists and designers. The minimalistic-looking social network site is originally built for private use but eventually a public version was opened up. Hmm… sounds familiar. Now where have I heard this from?

Now Ello pride itself as an AD-FREE social network that doesn’t sell ads nor they sell your data to anyone third parties. The creators think that ads are tacky and insult our intelligence and that we’re better without them. Well, I’ll drink to that. No more ads on my timeline. However, Ello do occasionally offer special features to its users and its completely free to use.

What is Tsū?

Tsū (https://www.tsu.co) is another free to use social network and its name comes from the appreciation of Japanese aesthetic. Tsū was created by Evacuation Complete, LLC, a Texas corporation in 2008.

Tsū has got a very opposite approach as compared to its competitors, while Ello is ad-free; Tsū wants to share its ad revenues with its users. Tsu’s approach is to instead embrace the user as a product, and to sell data to advertisers and share the profits with the users as compensation.

So how effective are these social networks to marketers? I haven’t got a clue yet but I’m really dying to find out. If you’re interested to find out more about these sites yourself, I’ve got some invites left from my Ello account. And you can create your Tsū account by using my code below.


https://ello.co/galvintan	https://tsu.co/galvintan

Going bezel-less with Sharp Aquos Crystal

Posted on December 9, 2014May 12, 2016 by Galvin Tan

Forget about flexible display and curved bezel screen. This 5-inch display smartphone from SHARP is literally bezel-less! Yes, you heard me right, it’s bezel-less and it’s from SHARP. Not a common name in the industry but Sharp has officially made its claim for a piece of the Android pie.

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Sharp announced the Sharp Aquos Crystal more than 3 months back but I just had to share this. Although Sharp isn’t particularly well-known for making smartphones in the industry, but it is a major supplier of LCDs. Sharp has taken the standard candy-bar form and pushed the display all the way up to the top, creating a device with basically no bezel on the top and sides, which looks extremely slick.

The Crystal is powered by a 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 with 1.5GB of RAM, and 8GB of storage. While it’s not something you should be excited about, the 720p device will definitely be a great conversation piece during dinner.

And with a price tag of on $239 off-contract, the Crystal is yet to make its appearance in Malaysian market.

Source: ArsTechnica.com
Photo courtesy of Ron Amadeo

The launch of HTC Desire EYE and RE Camera in Malaysia

Posted on December 7, 2014May 12, 2016 by Galvin Tan

HTC brings forth yet another desirable smartphone, the HTC Desire EYE. Boasts to be one of the best front-facing cameras available on the market today, and software that puts you center frame and looking your best, the HTC Desire EYE is designed to capture life’s big and small moments in perfect clarity.

HTC Desire EYE is fully equipped to take great photos, videos and selfies. Its BSI sensors capture crisp photos, even in low-light conditions, and intelligent dual-LED flash on both cameras provides flattering, natural tones when ambient light levels drop further.

Post by HTC Malaysia.

The HTC Desire EYE will be available from today onwards at all HTC authorize retailer with a recormmended retail price of RM 1699. Two colors are available for the HTC Desire EYE which is Submarine Blue and Coral Red.

RE is a stunning yet minimalist cylindrical design camera. RE is made to be held, and fits naturally and comfortably in the palm of your hand. you’ll never have to worry about missing a moment fumbling between modes, as RE’s built-in grip sensor instantly activates the camera as it’s picked up, eliminating the need for a power button. Its large, tactile shutter button captures photos with a single tap and videos with a longer press, making it fun and super-easy to capture high-quality, creative imagery or video.

RE applies HTC’s innovative touch and stunning design philosophy to break into a completely new product category and reinvent photography to suit current and future trends.

RE will be available in Malaysia mid-December, and it will be retailing at the price of RM 699 at all HTC authorize retailer. Thr Re Camera is vailable in three colours – Navy, Orange, and White.

Decoding Galvin

Tech & Indulgence

Category: Technology