But is the newly-minted EA FC 24 more than just a name change and roster update? Well, having laid our hands on the pre-beta build of EA FC 24 and later, the closed beta build of the same game, it is. Thanks to the good folks at EA Sports, we were recently in Sydney for the franchise’s special showcase which allowed us access to EA FC 24 and FC Mobile producers.

If you’ve seen many of EAFC’s promotional materials, you would instantly realize the theme of triangles. According to EAFC24 Senior Producer Samuel Rivera, the three key elements which separate EA FC 24 from its predecessors are the Volumetric Capture, Opta Analytics which influences individual players’ playstyle and the enhanced Frostbite Engine.

Enough with the big words. What do these bombastic terms mean for players, then?

As a package, each of these elements work together to present a distinct EA FC 24 experience for those who have grown accustomed to FIFA23.  In EA FC 24, each of the eleven players under your control feels unique from one another which will drastically change how you approach the game. Sure, in the past some superstar players feel a little overpowered but now with a wider variety when it comes to the in-game player’s traits, 1v1s on the field feel less lopsided compared to the past.

“We started testing this (Volumetric Capture) in 2018 but the technology, console and of course artificial intelligence weren’t ready,” said Rivera.

Those coming straight from FIFA23 would instantly feel the game pace in EA FC 24 to be slightly slower and more methodical than the game it is replacing. While it isn’t intentional according to Rivera, he suggests that the game now feels more authentic as each player’s characteristics reflect real life.

It’s In The Game?

Based on the closed event as well as the Closed Beta build which we have gotten our hands-on, the varying styles of player gait make a whole lot of difference when executed properly. For example with Liverpool, Luis Diaz’s smaller strides make him brilliant in changing directions on the fly in the wing while with Cody Gakpo, you can easily leave the defenders in the dust with a quick change of pace.

Opta Anaytics now plays a larger role too on how certain players can impact the game on the fly. With player traits based on their real-life statistics from the most recently completed season, one can expect to make a defence-splitting through ball with Kevin de Bruyne which is otherwise impossible to pull off with Fred, for example.

With sliding tackles, defenders now have a higher chance of retaining the ball instead of seeing it roll away as frequently experienced in FIFA23. As a result, the controversial auto-tackling feature has somewhat benefited from the Volumetric Capture too. Larger but slower defenders now have a fighting chance against smaller yet nimbler wingers who have always tormented them in previous games. Dribbling past defenders now require a more precise run and one of the most effective approaches to capitalize on these new mechanics introduced in EA FC 24 would be to bait defenders into making the first tackle.

We also spoke to Producer on FC Mobile, Timo Mueller who promised a new approach in shooting the ball when using touchscreen controls. By quickly flicking their finger across the screen, players are able to execute the Power Shot feature which is synonymous with the console and PC versions. A risk vs reward feature, all the benefits and setbacks from trying to pull off the Power Shot are also brought to mobile giving players a closer playing experience to that of their console peers.

Clearly aware of the unique nature of mobile gaming where players have differing device specs, Mueller said “We are pushing the visuals in the gameplay to higher heights than ever before but at the same time we have to make sure it applies to any user regardless if they have the iPhone 14 Pro Max or a lower-spec Android phone. We always think about how we can optimize the features in FC Mobile no matter what device the player is using”.

“We actually made specific changes for FC Mobile to actually raise the lower graphic quality to (allow them) to enjoy these new features” he added.

Ultimate Team Upgrades

One major feature which will totally set apart the EA FC brand from the FIFA franchise it is replacing would be the inclusion of female professional players in the Football Ultimate Team (FUT) mode. Having tried it via the closed beta build, female players tend to be zippier on the field but can be neutralized by overtly physical counterplays. Imagine how you would neutralize the opponent’s Raheem Sterling and you should have a rough picture of how female pros such as Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler handle in-game.

Another interesting feature would be “Player Evolutions” which allow FUT players to give players in their squad unique stats growth characteristics. That way, even though you and I have identical teams with identical players, our squads’ actual qualities differ due to differing principles in how we “grow” and nurture players in our respective squads.

However, we definitely require more hands-on time with these new modes and changes so we can’t reveal much about EA FC 24 until we’ve had a thorough experience with the final build. But from our initial experience, EA FC 24 feels distinct from FIFA23 on gameplay and in-game experience.

There’s definitely a lot to unpack as we move closer to the game’s release but what we can say for now, is that EA FC 24 is much, much more than merely a rebrand or a roster update. EA FC 24 will be out for consoles and PC on 29 September.

The best way is to overwork it and overwork it we did. Timely enough, we were invited to a special showcase of an upcoming game in Sydney, Australia so what better way to put the phone through its paces during a hectic four-day trip to Down Under. But before that, let’s talk about what comes out of the box.

Pricey, But…

We are sad to report that for a device that starts from RM6,799.00 for its base model, the package Z Fold 5 is shipped out with left a lot to be desired. Along with the device, you only get the USB-C charge cable, SIM ejector tool and instructions manual. That’s about it. Sure the phone is an engineering marvel and you instantly forget the underwhelming package once you experience the Z Fold 5’s first clap. But to us, the lack of accessories right out of the box is akin to purchasing a luxury car but not even given a complementary window tint, floormats and a carwash.

The fact that users would have to shell out an extra RM399.00 for a phone case which comes with the compatible S-Pen makes it sting even more. Trust us, Samsung. Your customers who commit over a month’s salary’s worth for their Z Fold 5 won’t mind spending a few hundreds more if a phone cases comes packaged with the phone. It softens the blow and allows them to utilize the device to its full potential from day-1.

Sure, by pre-ordering the device now at Samsung’s store nets you an offer to double-up the storage space and a RM600 voucher which can be used for accessories. But our point is this; Samsung owes its loyal consumers a full-fledged experience right out of the box.

Apart from that underwhelming unboxing experience rant, the Z Fold 5 is a gem of a device. We were initially hesitant to commit to it as our main travel device; moreover moving from the brilliant S23 Ultra (which we reviewed here) which has been our daily driver up to that point. However, as a travel companion, the sleeker and easier to grasp build of the Z Fold 5 instantly won us over. It fits perfectly whether in our hands, inside our winter jacket’s breast pocket or any other zippered slots. Since the foldable screens now fold flushed to one another, we find less pocket lint getting trapped in between the screens as well.

The gimmick of the Z Fold line has always been for users to carry ‘two devices’ for the real estate and quite literally, the price of one. A phone and a tablet nicely tucked in your jeans pocket. This solution is perfect for those constantly on the go and indirectly lessens the chance of you misplacing and losing items while in transit. The outer screen is of the Gorilla Glass Victus 2; the same on the S23 Ultra. We would go as far as claiming that operating the Z Fold 5 via its cover screen alone is akin to operating a slimmer yet chunkier S23 Ultra.

The compact cover screen makes one-handed operation much easier compared to the S23 Ultra and when there is an itch to catch up on your favourite show, flip the Z Fold 5 open and voila. Your favourite MCU movie or show is right in your fingertips. However, having experienced peeling of the screen protectors on both the Z Flip 3 and Z Flip 4, we anticipate the same with the Z Fold 5 considering Samsung openly offered a one-off screen protector replacement program. To delay this from happening, we instinctively operate the Z Fold 5 with its screen closed most of the time.

Whether we will fully shift from the S23 Ultra to the Z Fold 5 once our review period ends remains to be seen. But for those constantly travelling and have the need for multiple devices of varying sizes; DO NOT sleep on the Z Fold 5 as it answers several issues at once.

Hold ‘Em, Fold ‘Em

Being a flagship device, it is a given that the Z Fold 5 performs as expected. While its camera offering is relatively ‘less stellar’ than that of the S23 Ultra, they are not in any way incapable. On paper, they are identical to last year’s Z Fold 4 but with the 5 coming equipped with better computational power, a nuanced improvement is expected. Samples of photos taken in Sydney are shared below:

However, those who are keen to know how the Z Fold 5 performs against the S23 Ultra, let us leave you with this: The S23 Ultra captures better photos in all possible lighting conditions and scenarios. If you are a photography enthusiast who puts greater emphasis on quality of photos over everything else, the S23 Ultra would be the right device for you.

Since we never reviewed any of the previous Fold devices in the past, our closest comparison would be the Z Fold 5’s older and slimmer uncle, the Z Flip 4 which we loved. Thanks to its folding screen and strong hinge which keeps the screens stable at almost every angle when unfolded, we’ve found a new favorite mode on the Z Fold 5. Hyperlapse. No longer relying on a tripod or precariously balancing our devices with whatever item we can find, you too will soon be taking Hyperlapse videos whenever presented the opportunity.

Check out a few of our favorite Hyperlapse videos taken during our most recent trip to Sydney.

As for battery life, Z Fold 5’s performance may vary according to your usage habits. 90% of our time on the Z Fold 5 was spent with its outer screen and that alone contributed a ton to its rather impressive battery life. While the 4400mAh battery appears small on print, coupled with the optimization and users’ tendency to use the smaller cover screen, the Z Fold 5 can easily last you over a day.

So that’s it for our first impression of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 after a week’s worth of usage. Of course, a full-on review is coming soon which should also touch on the phone’s multi-tasking capabilities, the S-Pen and its viability to replace your current device and whether it is worth the upgrade. Until then, catch you on the flip … err we mean fold side (that does not make sense).

But you know what kept our sad hearts sane while we see our friends share clips from said concerts? Eargasm-level sounds from the Q-800c Q-Series (henceforth called the Q-800 for brevity’s sake) soundbar blasting Muse’s Uprising. Sorry neighbours. You had your turn with your Taylor Swift. “Plug-In Baby” is up next.

Jokes aside, the Q-800c is the perfect compliment or addition for any home entertainment system enthusiast, be it for those just dipping their toes, or the ones waist-deep in it. Not just limiting itself to audiophiles or cinephiles who put above-average emphasis on sound quality, but also to gamers who prefer to experience sound effects through proper speakers instead of gaming headsets.

Now we aren’t experts when it comes to sound systems but we consider ourselves well-versed in would be entertainment and the best way to consume them. And in our books, we have identified several key areas that make a sound system worth getting; ease of installation, user experience, overall performance and of course, value.

Symphony Of The Night (And Day)

For the first portion, the Q-800 can be linked up to your Q-series TV via several methods although the best method would be through the HDMI eARC port. This is to maximize its performance and should be a straightforward installation as long as you stay close to the instructions manual. However, one standout feature of the Q-800c is that it is the world’s first Dolby Atmos surround sound system which can be connected wirelessly. Perfect if you are aiming for a minimalist setup devoid of wire clutter.

By using the Q-Symphony feature, the audio is vastly improved as the system melds the sound output from your TV with the ones coming from your soundbar for that even more cinematic experience. However, it is worth noting that the True 5.1.2ch Sound works best in small to medium-sized living rooms as the soundbar bounces off the sound from your ceiling to give that surround sound experience.

Needless to say, while the soundbar may appear beefy compared to other models in the market but trust us; that beefiness is all worth it once you hear what’s being pumped out of this baby. Once connected to your television, there are several ways to control the sound volume. You can easily swap between your TV remote, the Samsung SmartThings app or if an app is being cast from your mobile device, the in-app sound controls.

Catch Main Game on RTM 2 every Saturdays and reruns on Sundays, 6PM on RTM Sukan!

Sound has always been given a backseat when it comes to home entertainment spaces and we would be the first to admit – we thought the same too in the past. But the fact is that, the experience of consuming a good movie is instantly elevated once paired with a quality system which pumps out high-quality audio. You would immediately realize; visualization is just half of the experience. Otherwise, why would the cinemas invest heavily in sound technology, right? Speaking of which, we can’t wait to experience Oppenheimer with the Q-800c. Remind us to warn our neighbours about an impending blast.

Master Blaster

Speaking of blasts, while FPS gamers would go with their headsets for better directional sound awareness over a soundbar, those who often play single-player games with huge vistas and ambient noise would love the Q-800c. Cue grand symphonies or impactful cinematic cutscenes or perhaps even quick-time event segments – nothing beats experiencing it with such a powerful audio punch. Games which put a high emphasis on sound effects excel as well. Playing Diablo IV with sound emitting from the Q-800c – nothing beats the sound of clanking steel. Even the sound of barrels being broken is amplified. And let us tell you this – Star Wars Jedi: Survivor was made for the Q-800c. Just imagine hearing the swooshing lightsabers throughout.

If you’re the sort who enjoy having music play in the background as you do your chores or even work, music coming from the Q-800c feels punchy but not overdoing it with the bass. Our go-to music when testing audio stuff is mostly Daft Punk so safe to say – “Lose Yourself to Dance” has never sounded so good.

We paired the Q-800c with the 75-inch QLED TV and by golly – we don’t think we can go back to consuming our favourite shows or music the old way anymore.

Would we recommend it? Of course we would – assuming you have the want to transform your living room to a space worth living in, alongside a sizeable bank balance. At a retail price of RM3,639.00, the Q-800c isn’t chump change but it’s well worth the investment.

FINAL SCORE: 90/100

As for the ‘other’ reveals, feast your eyes on Samsung’s attempt to overthrow Apple’s iPad and the return of a fan favourite. First up is the Samsung tablet line, the S9 series. Available in three distinct sizes; 14.6-inch on Tab S9 Ultra, 12.4-inch on Tab S9+, and 11-inch on Tab S. Whilst the sizes of the screens differ, each model comes with dynamic refresh rate which, in Samsung’s own words, ‘automatically calibrates from 60 to 120Hz to balance smooth responsiveness with optimized battery efficiency’.

All S9 tablets are S-pen compatible for navigation, come in a 16:9 aspect ratio and for maximum media enjoyment, pack an AKG speaker system backed by Dolby Atmos. Couple any of your S9 devices with a proprietary Samsung keyboard and voila – you have a very capable machine that would give any medium to high-spec work machine a run for their money. The brief moment we were allowed to fiddle with the devices wasn’t enough for us to gauge how it performs as a daily drive; whether it is capable enough to replace our X1 Nano as a daily workhorse. However, we can attest to the build quality which screams ‘Premium’ throughout. Fingers crossed, we get to run one of these bad boys through their paces.

Available in just two shades, the S9 is available in multiple configurations, similar to what it’s like when shopping for a car. We aren’t exaggerating; take a look.

Samsung is currently running a special deal for pre-orders where you can save some cash which in return, can be used on the next product, their latest range of smartwatches. Two iterations back, we reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic which we loved. The rotating bezel was the seller as it provides both a rugged and distinguished look from a wearable which is commonly associated with being safe and unassuming. Our only gripe with the Watch4 was the weak battery which would have a hard time staying alive beyond the 24-hour mark.

We didn’t give much thought to the Watch5 since Samsung totally abandoned the rotating bezels but with the Samsung Galaxy Watch6, the bezel is back with the Classic variant. Ignore the slimmer Fold 5, the larger cover screen on the Flip 5, and the premium feel from the S9 tablet range; the returning bezels on a Samsung Galaxy Watch was the one which carved the largest smile for us.

According to Samsung, battery performance on the new Watch6 is much-improved thanks to a larger battery and reduced battery consumption. A Samsung representative claimed that operating the Watch6 with the Always On Display feature turned on ekes about 40 hours of operation time which is a welcomed significant boost. Regardless of the watch face sizes, users stand to enjoy up to 20% larger screen area while those who opt for the bezel-ed Classic variant don’t lose much screen estate as Samsung has reduced the bezel size by 15%.

Samsung boldly claimed the Watch6 as being the most complete smartwatch for fitness enthusiasts available in the market right now and at the price they are selling for, they better be. Available in four colours depending on which variant and watch face size, the Watch6 retails from RM1,099 for the variant sporting the smallest watch face and Bluetooth connectivity. Prices increase by RM300 for each model should you opt for the LTE version.

Like all reveals from Samsung’s Unpacked event, the Watch6 is also available for pre-order. More info here.

Improving when you’re at the front is harder than playing catch-up. Its status as the pioneer of folding screens has made Samsung a “victim” of its own success.

They somewhat found themselves in a hole. A conundrum. With the reveal of the latest iterations of its Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold devices, how does Samsung build upon past success? Easy: by just making it bigger and better.

Flip Out, Fold In

Earlier today, Samsung unveiled the latest iterations of their folding handheld devices. Having started the folding screen trend several years back, Samsung is now no longer the only player in the market and their task is no longer to convince the viability of the product; it’s to maintain their lead in the market.

Starting with the “smaller” model of the two, the Z Flip 5. Clearly addressing requests for a larger cover screen and responding to rivals co-opting the suggestion into their recently released models, this year’s Z Flip 5 sports a significantly larger outer screen. Now called the ‘Flex Window’, a 3.4-inch screen now adorn the outer part of the Z Flip 5 allowing users to run more operations on it without the need to flip the phone open.

Answering texts will not be limited to just stock replies but instead, a full-sized keyboard is laid out. Sure there are some limitations on a significantly smaller screen but this definitely beats whatever was possible on last year’s model. A larger screen also shows more when using the outer screen as a preview window when taking photos using the main cameras. While Samsung did not specify which apps can be used on the smaller screen, viewing streaming services such as Netflix appears to be possible and you can include quick shortcuts for e-wallet and payment apps.

Another issue often raised with last year’s model was that the Z Flip and Fold 4s didn’t completely close, leaving a tiny gap between the folded screens. The Z Flip 5 eliminates this gap altogether thanks to a newly-engineered hinge which folds the screen into a teardrop-like shape when closed. This technology is also present in the larger of the two, the Z Fold 5.

As for the larger sibling, the Z Fold 5 have trimmed down this year thanks to the elimination of the gap when the phone is folded. It has shed about 10g from last year’s model making it a much more manageable device. Unlike the Z Flip 5 where it is easily distinguished from the model it is replacing, most of the improvements on the Z Fold 5 happens underneath the screen. But all the good stuff from the model it is replacing either makes a comeback or comes with significant improvements be it performance or simply quality of life.

The inner screen is still S-pen compatible and the designs of the new official casings are also more streamlined. Updates to the software make multi-tasking even more intuitive and the benefit from the widescreen is maximized with seamless interaction between simultaneous windows of apps operating at the same time.

Despite sporting slimmer looks, both phones appears to carry same-sized battery capacities as their predecessors. However, given that both will be running the latest and fastest chip in the market, expect noticeable improvements in battery life performance.

We had a brief time fiddling with these devices at Samsung’s closed media event recently and from what we’ve gathered, both devices show market improvements from the models they are replacing. Starting at RM4,499 (256GB), the Z Flip 5 comes in four main colours; mint (hero colour), lavender, cream and graphite with exclusive colours of grey, blue, green and yellow being online-exclusive colours. Unlike on the Z Flip 4, there’s no option to customize the cover plates. However, Samsung did show off an NFC plate which when attached to the back of the phone, prompts the phone to produce a matching wallpaper background. We foresee a ton of brands capitalizing on this and selling brand-inspired NFC plates.

As for the Z Fold 5, be ready to set aside at least RM6,799 (256GB) if you plan to get one of these. It will be available in icy blue, phantom black,  and cream with grey and blue being online-exclusive shades.

These are just several standout points based on our first impressions of these two new models. Of course, once we get our grubby paws on the actual products for more in-depth reviews, we will be sharing more thoughts on other elements such as the battery, overall performance and not to forget, the camera. Until then, stay tuned to Kakuchopurei.com.

Meanwhile, you can already pre-order the devices starting today, 26th July to 17th August. You stand to save a top when you register your interest for these devices, with vouchers up to RM400 waiting for you as well. The Z Flip 5 can be pre-ordered here while the Z Fold 5 can be locked in here.

Wireless earbuds have become ubiquitous in recent years, but most users often face challenges when trying to use them for work. If you have tried using conventional wireless earbuds to do voice calls or video calls, the call quality is often below that of dedicated headsets.  

 And increasingly, people want to use lightweight and portable wireless earbuds for their hybrid work lives. True wireless earbuds offer a more discreet look versus bulkier headsets.  

To meet the needs of professionals who want true wireless audio solution for their work and play, Poly has introduced the Voyager Free 60+ UC earbuds. 

One Charging Case To Rule Them All

Instead of having to fumble with controls on your phone or earbud, the Voyager’s unique charging case is designed to be a one-stop control centre you can control the entire audio experience easily.  The case catches your attention immediately due to its unique OLED touchscreen display that lights up with colourful icons when you take the earbuds out or when you press the button that sits next to its USB-C charging port.  Using the touchscreen, you can quickly control music playback, activate active noise cancelling mode, switch devices, adjust the volume and check the battery levels.  

 The touchscreen even displays a QR code if you need to download the Poly Lens app (for your phone, PC or Mac) or the product manual.  That is not all.  

Inside the case is the additional BT700 USB Bluetooth adapter that lets you quickly connect the Voyager Free 60+ UC to a computer or laptop. This adapter provides a rock-solid wireless connection and a range of up to 30m. The adapter also lets you use the charging case as a mute switch during calls.  

 The charging case also becomes Bluetooth transmitter when you use the included USB-C to 3.5mm cable to connect to other devices. This essentially allows you to add wireless connectivity to an inflight entertainment system and will also charge the case at the same time. 

The case’s fast-charging capability gives you an extra hour of talk time every 15 minutes and will fully recharge your buds two times for up to 16.5 hours of active call use. 

Light and Powerful Earbuds

To meet the modern demands of hybrid work, the Voyager earbuds each have a 3-microphone array that triangulates on your voice and minimizes surrounding noise so you always sound clear during conference calls. Adaptive hybrid active noise cancellation and wind-blocking technologies ensure that you are not distracted when making your business presentation.  

The earbuds also offer sidetone technology which feeds your voice back to your ears so you can speak at low volumes instead of raising your voice unnecessarily during calls. The Voyager earbuds have been certified for use with platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom, so you can be assured of a simple plug-and-play experience with every call.  

When work is done, it is time for entertainment. Thanks to Poly’s long history in professional audio, the Voyager earbuds provide clear vocals and lifelike sound staging for music or movies. Using multiple devices? You can use the Voyager at the same time with two devices and pair them with up to 8 devices in total.  

 In terms of ergonomics, the earbuds are lightweight at only 5.8g so you will often forget you are wearing them. They are also IP54 rated so you need not worry about using them in the rain or during sweat-filled gym sessions.  Finally, you can customize the earbuds by using the Poly Lens app, available on Android, iOS, PC and Mac platforms.  

The Voyager Free 60+ UC wireless earbuds are available in Carbon Black and White Sand colours. It comes with a 2-year warranty and is retailing at a recommended retail price of RM1900. Visit here for more information.

Just like most of you reading this, we too, subscribed to this idea for long until recently. Having spent a good amount of time not only watching our favourite shows on Samsung’s latest offering which we recently unboxed, we also dabbled in playing console games on it and boy we have to tell you. It’s hard to go back to our old habits.

Thanks to our friends at Samsung, we managed to test out the latest range of top-shelf, high-end TVs, specifically the 75-inch Neo QLED TV. The unboxing portion was an experience itself, with Samsung opting for a more environmentally-friendly packaging approach. This is part of the company’s global approach to increasing its eco-friendliness one of which, involved using recycled materials as seen in their recent smartphones and lessening wastage when it comes to packaging.

Not only focusing on the product being delivered, the steps required to unbox and install the device were also taken into account to ensure minimal chance of disaster even before you turn it on. Aces!

Giant-Sized Clarity

And now, the product itself. The word ‘huge’ alone does not do it justice. It’s massive, and the 75-inch model which we reviewed isn’t even the largest model in its lineup. The award goes to the 85-inch variant and we highly recommend you bring a tape measure if you do not have a point of reference. Sporting an ultra-sleek design with super-thin bezels, the Neo QLED TV instantly transforms itself into the highlight of any living room while at the same time, elevating your media consumption experience.

For the purpose of the review, the Neo QLED TV was set up in a brightly, naturally-lit room. Even with the sun at its peak (if you’ve been in Malaysia these past few weeks, you’d know how hot the days have been), we didn’t experience any drop in picture quality. The tech and marketing jargon which came with the model emphasises on the processing power – the Neural Quantum Processor 4K – which, using artificial intelligence, upscales what’s on-screen regardless of the quality of the original source. In layman’s terms, this allows ‘older’ content to feel more current, even though they were never originally meant to be viewed in 4K.

On paper, lovers of older movies or streaming content in lower resolution would instantly notice this effect. We have to attest – it works brilliantly. Re-consuming our classic shows such as Ghostbusters and Back to the Future have never been so satisfying and this alone is worth the price of admission (and this is huge, but more on that later).

Another feature heavily emphasized when marketing the product was the Quantum Matrix Technology. Based on our experience consuming various types of content in varying levels of lighting, this feature ensures what is being shown on the screen remains consistent. You know how for some shows, there is a ‘best’ way to consume them – like in a dimly-lit or bright setting for example in order to capture all the details on screen. With the Neo QLED, this requirement has been cast aside making it perfect for those who want to upgrade their living room with a plug-and-play addition, sans the need to renovate or rearrange their present setup.

Massive & Multimedia-Made

Sports fans would love this feature considering the varying lighting conditions shown in different arenas. One second you’re enjoying the outdoor atmosphere of an F1 race crowd and next, intense lighting on the pitch of the Champions League final.

Sound-wise, the TV is best paired with a soundbar to extract the best viewing experience regardless of content. We’ve paired the Neo QLED TV with the Q800 Q-Series soundbar which serves as the perfect audio complement to the already astounding picture quality. A smart TV supported by a ton of apps, it is needless to say that the Neo QLED TV instantly elevates any living room or entertainment hall setup. Your standard streaming apps like Netflix, HBO GO, Prime and even the local sports-centric app Sooka all work well on the Neo QLED. Navigation around the system is pretty straightforward and intuitive even for the most non tech-savvy folks out there.

Eyes will immediately be drawn to it regardless of what’s showing and weirdly enough, its modernistic silhouette fits right in regardless of aesthetic. There are four HDMI ports, including 1 dedicated eARC port all situated at the rear. On top of that, two USB ports and a dedicated LAN port complete the input/ output array.

But Kakuchopurei’s main trade is video games media consumption and we will tell you this. Once you’ve hooked up your console to the Neo QLED TV, you’d be hard-pressed to return to your older screen. Be it Diablo IV, FIFA 23, Elden Ring, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 or F12023 – gaming on 4K, 120Hz is oh so satisfying. Each detail is captured majestically and fans of games showing off vast vistas or dense urban environments would instantly notice the upgrade. Of course, all of these are console-reliant, like the Xbox Series X or the PlayStation 5.

Nonetheless, the gaming experience does not diminish even with ‘older’ or ‘lower powered’ machines like the PlayStation 4 Pro or the Xbox Series S. You still get crispier graphics, a high refresh rate, and lots of real estate to enjoy compared to on screens you played on before. Although we have to admit, it did require some getting used to as you’ll now have to actually move your head a bit to spot what’s at the corner of the screen, rather than simply glancing at it quickly.

Certain gaming consoles, like the Xbox Series X/S, allow you to control the TV with the controller allowing a quick startup for those short bursts of gaming sessions. As an added advantage to present Samsung smartphone users, they can navigate through the Neo QLED by using the SmartThings app as long as both devices are connected to the same Wifi network. Talk about convenience.

Overall, you can’t go wrong with the Samsung Neo QLED TV. TVs are at the very least, a medium-term investment, something that will stay with you for at least for a couple of years. It will set the tone and aesthetics of one’s living space; influencing the ways you spend your downtime at home. Starting at a hefty RM 13,309.00 for the 75-inch variant, it is indeed a sizeable chunk to spend on. Add another RM 3,079.00 for the soundbar to complete the mini home theatre set, that’s already a small fortune. But the value of quality entertainment lies in the eyes of the beholder and if you have the means to afford one and are looking for a setup that’s a solid all-rounder, look no further than this giant.

Final Score: 90/100

Review units of the Samsung QLED TV (75-inch) and the Q800 Q-Series soundbar was provided by Samsung Malaysia. For more details to purchase your own Neo QLED TV, head on over here.

Since the introduction of the first-ever ROG Phone into the mobile gaming-sphere in 2018, Asus has, consistently year after year, released what have come to be the standard bearer of all gaming-centric smartphones in the market. So much so that some rival brands and tech reviewers alike have begrudgingly coined the term, ‘ROG Phone killer‘. Are they closer than ever to supplanting Asus’ ROG Phone line? From what we are seeing with the ROG Phone 7, they will have to wait a little longer.

Gonna ROG Your Gaming World

The sixth generation in the ROG Phone line (Asus skipped the ‘4’ and went straight to 5 due to … reasons), the ROG Phone 7 again comfortably rose to the tippy top when it comes to the most powerful smartphone list. Sticking to what worked in the ROG Phone 6; massive batteries, improved cooling performance and the gaming-centric experience not found on other smartphones; the ROG Phone 7 feels more like an iterative improvement rather than a massive leap.

The staple ROG Phone bells and whistles are all here of course. Air triggers, the crazy high refresh rate which goes all the way up to 165 Hz, a second USB port for more ergonomic charging while gaming and of course, the customisable blinking LEDs on the back panel. All of these combine to make the ROG Phone 7 among, if not, the most stacked mobile device out there, rivalled only by the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Samsung’s S23 Ultra.

But how do all of these translate practically?

The Best Felt Familiar, But Better

For a start, the ROG Phone 7 feels too identical to the model it is replacing. The dimensions and weight are exactly the same, down to a tee. Sadly though, the hard plastic cases which came included with the box are not compatible between versions. This is due to the slightly different rear paneling and camera modules. The cutouts also do not match the rear panel stylings.

The ROG Phone 7 is a flagship-tier device so it comes as no surprise that like the Samsung S23 Ultra, is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. Pair that with 12GB of RAM and you have in your hand, the most capable mobile game machine in the market right now. All of these are encased in a combination of Gorilla Glass Victus for its front and rear panels, supported by an aluminum frame.

Asus didn’t skimp on the experience using the ROG Phone 7 as well. At the start, you are given the choice of a stock-android, minimalist look or the full gamer Chad feel. You can further customize your user experience via the baked-in Armor Crate app which allows you to switch between several modes depending on your playstyle. We tend to stick to Dynamic for a balanced feel while those who want more can always opt for X Mode which cranks up the phone’s capabilities at the sacrifice of battery life. Specific profiles or rules can be applied to specific mobile games titles, allowing the phone to immediately switch performance levels to suit the games you just launched. For example, Dynamic mode would do just fine for playing Marvel Snap but once we launch COD Mobile, perhaps switching to X Mode might improve my chances of being the fragger rather than the fragee.

Instead of the conventional way of having a single battery, the ROG Phone 7 sticks to its tried and tested but improved dual-battery layout. By doing so, the phone feels much more balanced – not top heavy unlike most smartphones. This provides a much more comfortable grip when handling the phone in landscape mode, especially gaming. We stand corrected here, but we feel that the ROG Phone 7 may be the lone, flagship-tier smartphone which still comes equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Speaking of which, the speakers on the ROG Phone 7 are brilliant. They are loud and they are crisp clear – way better than any other flagship-tier phones we’ve tested to date. This is a definite plus if you are the sort who enjoys blasting your movies and shows with the speaker on. It is that clear, that you won’t have a need for a Bluetooth speaker once you own a ROG Phone 7.

The total of 6000 mAh is a blessing for heavy users and based on our experience, would easily last over two day’s worth of normal use. On standby, you will easily have the phone up for close to a week. And when it is time to top up the power, the super-fast 65W charging gets you up to speed in no time. They also included a 10W reverse charging allowing you to power up other ‘lesser’-powered devices if need be. The only downside is, that there’s no wireless charging on the ROG Phone 7. This, however, is balanced out by the fact that right out of the box, Asus included a charging adapter alongside the charging cable.

A vigorous battery test by The Tech Chap saw the ROG 7 emerge as the clear winner which further reaffirms our belief that the ROG Phone 7 is the perfect ‘travel phone’ now that the borders have reopened. Gone are the days when we have to lug around huge power banks or manage our phone usage for fear of it going out of juice by the time we reach the destination. This phone will last for the duration of your flight, and then some.

As confirmed by famed (or notorious depending on who ) teardown TechTuber, Zach of JerryRigEverything,the ROG Phone 7 is more durable than its predecessors, surviving the bend test which has become the bane of all ROG gaming phones of the past. Of course none of us are going to end up subjecting our devices to such torture but it is definitely reassuring to know that your ROG Phone 7 won’t immediately go kaput when you accidentally sit on it.

As a daily-use phone, we have a hard time finding faults in the ROG Phone 7 save for its relatively lackluster camera. We said relatively, because that is the case when compared to photos taken on the S23 Ultra or iPhone 14 Pro Max. HOWEVER, once compared to the rest of the field, pictures taken on the ROG Phone 7 are actually pretty good. Images are crips as expected and the does not suffer a significant shutter lag. The night or low-light photos on the ROG Phone 7 are passable although far from spectacular. But let’s be real – no one would (or should) be spending their hard-earned money on Asus ROG gaming phones for the camera performance. You’re here for the hefty gaming beefcake of a phone.

ROG-Solid Proposition?

Which leads to our conundrum at the start. What confuses us the most about the ROG Phone 7. It is a stacked device; ins on paper and in hand, no doubt about that. But who is Asus selling this phone for? What use is a powerful phone without a target market who wants or can afford it?

The previous model, the ROG Phone 6 had several variations post its initial launch, with each variant sporting slightly meatier specs than the base model. The 7 carries on with that trend of iterative growth. This is why we totally understand if those who bought the ROG Phone 6 feel betrayed by the release of the ROG Phone 7. Give us more. We think we speak for all Asus ROG Phone owners that we would very much prefer to wait slightly longer but in return, see the release of a significantly improved device.

Otherwise, if you are coming off from a two to three-year-old phone and are looking for the alpha in the room (with the cash to spend, of course), then you cannot go wrong with the Asus ROG Phone 7.

Pros:

• A solid all-rounder workhorse.
• The best gaming phone you could buy right now.
• Brilliant speakers.
• Fantastic battery performance.
• It has an earphone jack.

Cons:

• Very iterative from its predecessor; not much major change.

Final Score: 80/10

VITAL STATISTICS

Platform: Android 3
Body: 173 x 77 x 10.3 mm (6.81 x 3.03 x 0.41 in), ~239g
Frame: Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame with IP54 dust/water resistance
Chipset: Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU: Octa-core (1×3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3×2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU: Adreno 740
Display: AMOLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1500 nits, 6.78 inches, 109.5 cm
Memory (Internal): 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, UFS 4.0
Main Camera: 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120? (ultrawide), 5 MP, f/2.0, (macro)
Video: 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@480fps;HDT10+
Sound: Stereo speakers, with 3.5mm earphone jack
Battery: Li-Ion 6000 mAh, non-removable
Price: Starts from RM 4,999

A review unit of the Asus ROG Phone 7 was supplied by Asus Malaysia. 

First up, is this 75-inch beast of a television, the Samsung Neo QLED. The QA75QN85CAKXXM model, to be exact. Sporting a sleek and modern look, this monitor would easily fit into any living room aesthetic.

Obviously boasting crisp and clear images regardless of source, we had very few complaints about this television, apart from the setting up which required more muscle than we anticipated. Nonetheless, the experience is relatively pain-free and should be a breeze for those with the right tools at hand. Whilst the look of the television screams minimalistic, whatever comes with it is anything but.

A definite upgrade to any home entertainment system, the QLED screen instantly becomes the highlight of any living room. Our living room has tons of natural lighting but in spite of that, brought no negative impact to the picture quality.  As for the focal point of our entertainment system, booting up the Xbox Series S has never been satisfying and we don’t know how we will ever cope with anything less henceforth.

No great show is complete without an equally impressive sound system. Like peanut butter to jelly or pork chops and applesauce, the Q800 Q-series Soundbar brings life to an already vibrant setup the QLED tv offers.

Our initial thoughts of the soundbar is that it’s just stellar. We just realized that we now take extra minutes browsing through the movies or playlists just for that one movie or song that brings justice to this must-have addition. Obviously, we will take our time this upcoming weekend, indulging in content that perfectly justifies this expensive setup. Still, for cinephiles and audiophiles out there, this combination right here may be the only thing you need for that cinematic experience right out of your living space.

Our full review of both the TV and the soundbar will come out soon so be sure to keep an eye out for this space. As for now, excuse us while we rewatch Return of The Sith for the umpteenth time.

While you wait, head on over here where Samsung is offering some awesome offers for the QLED TV which you do not want to miss out on. How awesome is it? It comes with a FREE TV upgrade when you place an early order of any selected TVs ranging from Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED to QLED from 3 to 24 May 2023.

Further details for this deal can be found here: https://news.samsung.com/my/wow-free-…

1. Replaying and revisiting Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order serves as a perfect tutorial-cum-warm up for any returning player. The control mechanics remained relatively the same so if you are keen to get Cal hitting the ground running, loading up your old save does wondrous for your first few hours of Survivor.

2. Deflect blaster fire to sender whenever possible. Thinning out ranged enemies early on allows you to concentrate on melee troops. Also, like in the first game, get rid of the Flametroopers as soon as possible.

3. You can use the Force Push to deflect thermal detonators, shock grenades and even rockets into enemies. Just be aware of their presence and time your Force Push properly.

4. Using Force Pull; do not execute the enemy immediately. Instead, use them as meat shields to close down the distance with the ranged units.

5. Utilize the different lightsaber stances for different situations. The Crossguard stance, for example, is great in weakening or even completely breaking down enemies’ guard meter while the dual-blade is perfect for lumbering melee enemies.

6. A timely evasion maneuver (B if you’re using the Xbox controller) immediately opens you up to the unguarded side or rear of the enemies allowing a quick one-strike kill.

7. Let the enemies fight amongst themselves. When the going gets tough, let them fight it out. Despite sharing a common hatred for Cal, the enemies in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor hate other NPCs equally. So if you spot them battling out one another, let them be. Saves a lot of effort and potentially, valuable Health Stims down the line.

8. Make use of the environment. Sometimes the best way to take out a group of Empire troops would be to give them a not-so-gentle Force Push over the ledge

9. The ally combo meter fills up relatively quickly.  Use it to your advantage often, and spam it as much as possible.

10. Do not mash buttons to force a hit on melee enemies. Perfect parry does not only keep Cal safe from harm, it also reduces the enemies’ block meter. Once it is depleted, easy and free hits for you.

11. If the going gets tough and you find yourself unable to overcome the enemies or a specific boss, you can toggle the difficulty before you enter combat. But THAT IS NOT THE WAY.

Bonus tip: Have fun customizing Cal’s look. Jedi: Survivor lets you change up Cal’s office intern look from the past game to something a bit more gruff and venerable. You can even change up your lightsaber colours and handle.