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Canon Seeks Partnership with Smartphone Manufacturer: Expanding Possibilities in Imaging Technology

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“Canon Eyes Smartphone Partnerships: Co-Designing Cameras for Enhanced Photography” Canon aims to collaborate with smartphone brands to tap into the growing trend of smartphone photography. Digital Chat Station reports Canon’s interest in co-designing smartphones with an international reach. Potential partners may include Samsung, Honor, ASUS, OnePlus, Google, Realme, and Motorola. Canon’s goal is to enhance the camera capabilities of smartphones and offer improved photography experiences.

Xiaomi-Leica, vivo-Zeiss, and OPPO-Hasselblad are already collaborating for flagship smartphones. Canon will become the fourth camera manufacturer to work with smartphone brands. Given Canon’s reputation and market position, its camera expertise is expected to enhance flagship devices as well.

“Potential for Incredible Camera Phones as Canon Enters the Market” Canon’s entry into smartphone-camera partnerships could lead to impressive camera capabilities in future devices. Unlike the other brands involved, Canon has a strong global presence and expertise in various types of cameras. Being a leader in the camera industry, Canon may excel in developing cameras specifically designed for smartphones.

Neeva, Potential Google Competitor, Shutting Down Search Engine Operations

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Neeva, Potential Google Competitor, Shuts Down Search Engine Operations” Neeva, a startup aiming to challenge Google Search, is closing its search engine. The company plans to focus on AI and may be acquired by Snowflake. The co-founders acknowledged the difficulty of building search engines but believed they had created a competitive one. Neeva was ahead of Google in certain aspects, such as visual page design and human-created information emphasis.

The co-founders of Neeva state that building the search engine was actually the easier part of their journey. They faced numerous challenges, including Google’s billion-dollar deals to become the default search engine on devices. The popups and obstacles that appear when users try to change the default browser or search engine settings were frustrating. Finding these settings and dealing with the complexities of the Chrome Web Store added to the difficulties. Overall, building a new search engine is a highly challenging and uphill battle.

Neeva was a paid product, offering an alternative business model to ads and surveillance. Convincing users to pay for a better search experience was easier than getting them to try a new search engine initially. However, with a challenging economy and other factors, Neeva couldn’t find a viable business path forward. Interestingly, Neeva’s shutdown comes at a time when there is growing dissatisfaction with Google’s ad load and search results. The rise of AI chatbots like Bing and ChatGPT has also changed users’ expectations of interacting with the internet. Neeva developed Neeva AI, a language model-based system that offered useful features, but it wasn’t enough to sustain the company.

The competition to challenge Google in the search market is ongoing, with Bing, Brave, you.com, and DuckDuckGo among the contenders. Brave recently announced it operates on its own search stack, while others are rethinking search with the help of AI. However, Google still appears to be its own main competitor in terms of market dominance. Neeva’s search engine will cease operation on June 2 as the company shifts focus, possibly related to LLM and the Snowflake acquisition. Users will receive refunds for their unused Neeva subscriptions, and all user data will be deleted. The co-founders express gratitude to the community and apologize for not being able to provide the desired search engine experience.

WWDC 2023: Unveiling Apple’s Innovations and Insights for Developers

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Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is an important event where Apple reveals new products and updates for developers and users. This year’s WWDC is expected to be significant, with rumors suggesting the unveiling of Apple’s mixed reality headset, a new product category for the company. The mixed-reality headset aims to showcase Apple’s investment in virtual reality technology and may provide a glimpse into the future of immersive experiences.

In addition to the headset, WWDC will likely feature updates to Apple’s operating systems, such as iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. New apps and features are also anticipated to be announced, enhancing the overall user experience across Apple devices. Furthermore, there might be surprises in the form of new hardware releases during the conference. To stay updated, you can watch the main WWDC keynote, which will be available to stream online at a specified time. Overall, WWDC 2023 promises exciting developments from Apple, including the potential introduction of a mixed-reality headset, software updates, new apps, and hardware announcements.

The WWDC 2023 keynote is scheduled for Monday, June 5th. The keynote will start at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT. The event will be a combination of digital and in-person, taking place at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. Apple CEO Tim Cook will begin the keynote.

You can watch the WWDC keynote live on Apple’s website and YouTube channel. The live stream will also be embedded at the top of related articles. If you can’t watch it live, you can catch the prerecorded version on YouTube after it has aired.

Apple is rumored to be unveiling a mixed-reality headset at WWDC. The headset is said to offer both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences. It may be called the “Reality Pro” and have a ski goggle-like design. The headset is expected to feature external sensors for hand tracking and internal sensors to track eye movement. It will likely be a standalone device with a battery pack connected by a proprietary cable. Apple has reportedly been developing VR versions of its native apps like Safari, FaceTime, Apple TV, and more. The headset is rumored to have a high price tag of around $3,000. There may be more affordable versions in the works, but they may not be announced at this year’s event.

Apple is rumored to be introducing a larger 15-inch option for the MacBook Air. The current MacBook Air has a standard 13-inch display. The new 15-inch MacBook Air is expected to feature the same in-house M2 chip as the previous MacBook Air models. The screen resolution may be similar to the 14-inch MacBook Pro, but slightly less sharp due to the larger display size. It’s unclear if Apple has plans to announce any other new Mac models at WWDC. Rumors suggest they might be working on a refreshed 13-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch MacBook Air, and a 24-inch iMac, possibly with a new M3 chip.

At WWDC, Apple is likely to introduce updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and other operating systems. iOS 17 is expected to bring various quality-of-life improvements, including new accessibility features like the Personal Voice tool. iPadOS 17 may receive updates to improve the functionality of the multitasking interface called Stage Manager. Details about macOS 14 and tvOS 17 are limited at the moment. However, watchOS 10 is rumored to receive a significant update with a new interface featuring more widgets.

Apple is rumored to introduce a journaling app for the iPhone in iOS 17. The app will allow users to write down their thoughts and activities. It may suggest topics to write about and track who you spend time with. The app may even detect when you engage in unusual activities. While it will be revealed at WWDC, the app is expected to launch in the fall.

Apple is under pressure to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA requires “digital gatekeepers” like Apple to allow third-party app stores and app sideloading. Apple has expressed opposition to this due to security concerns. It is possible that Apple will preview changes to its iPhone and iPad ecosystems at WWDC to comply with the DMA. These changes may include allowing sideloading and potentially no longer requiring third-party browsers to use Apple’s WebKit engine. There is speculation that Apple may also open up access to its NFC chip, currently limited to Apple services.

Apple has several new Macs in the pipeline, including MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, 24-inch iMac, and Mac Studio models. Apple’s plans in the AI space are becoming more apparent, with job listings and restrictions on the use of ChatGPT. There is speculation that Apple may develop its own AI system for employees, similar to Samsung. The release of the iPhone 15 is expected later this year, featuring the Dynamic Island and possibly a USB-C charging port. However, we’ll have to wait until September for more information on the iPhone 15.

Experience Next-Level Gaming: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Series Now Available from RM1,539 in Malaysia

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The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 lineup will be available in about a week. The pricing for these cards in Malaysia has been revealed ahead of time. The recommended retail pricing for the non-Ti RTX 4060 will start at RM1,539, making it the most affordable GPU in NVIDIA’s RTX 40 Series. The higher-end RTX 4060 Ti 8GB will have a starting price of RM2,050. These prices make the RTX 4060 series an attractive option for gamers looking for powerful yet affordable graphics cards.

The 16GB variant of the RTX 4060 Ti will have a retail price starting from RM2,570. These prices are recommended by NVIDIA, but the actual prices may vary depending on the GPU brand’s partners. Founders Edition cards will not be available in an official capacity. The RTX 4060 Ti 8GB will be released first on May 24th. The 16GB RTX 4060 Ti and non-Ti cards will be available in July, but the exact date has not been specified yet.

The RTX 4060 Series is NVIDIA’s latest addition to their graphics card lineup. It serves as an entry-level option for gamers who want to experience the new Ada Lovelace architecture without spending too much money. The cards come with a minimum of 8GB of GDDR6 graphics memory, providing better performance than their predecessors. They also feature advanced technologies such as DLSS 3 AI upscaling, 3rd generation RT cores, 4th generation Tensor Cores, and support for the AV1 codec. Reviews of the card will be available in the next week, so stay tuned for more information.

Maybank Services Temporarily Unavailable on the 20th and 21st of May for Maintenance

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Maybank has informed its customers about temporary service unavailability during the upcoming weekend. The reason is system maintenance taking place on Saturday, May 20, 2023, and Sunday, May 21, 2023. The maintenance will impact Maybank2U (its online banking platform), Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), and Self-Service Terminals (SSTs). Maybank2U and Mobile Banking Services will be unavailable in a staggered manner from 12 AM to 7 AM on both days. However, the bank’s tweet mistakenly mentioned the unavailability starting from 3 AM to 7 AM instead of midnight. In simpler terms, Maybank’s online and physical services will experience temporary downtime due to system maintenance on the specified weekend, affecting Maybank2U, ATMs, and SSTs during the early hours of the morning.

During the system maintenance period, the operating hours of Maybank’s ATMs and SSTs will be slightly adjusted. Instead of starting at 6 AM, they will begin operating at 7 AM on both maintenance days. It is important to plan ahead if you need to use any of these services for online shopping or other purposes during the specified periods. This time, the downtime is planned in advance, unlike the previous incident when services became unexpectedly unavailable, causing frustration and inconvenience for customers. In simpler terms, the operating hours of Maybank’s ATMs and SSTs will start at 7 AM during the maintenance period. It is advisable to plan accordingly for any banking needs, and fortunately, this downtime is scheduled and not due to unexpected technical difficulties like before.

Maybank is reminding its customers through social media that it will fully transition from one-time passwords to Secure2u by the end of June. From 1 July onwards, all online transactions with Maybank cards will require authorization through Secure2u using the MAE app. Maybank has also extended the kill switch feature from Maybank2u to its credit cards and charge cards, allowing users to quickly freeze their accounts if they suspect any compromise. However, this feature is not available for debit cards. In simpler terms, Maybank is replacing one-time passwords with Secure2u for online transactions, and customers need to use the MAE app for authorization starting in July. Maybank has also added a kill switch feature to credit and charge cards, allowing users to freeze their accounts if they suspect security issues.

Google Chrome’s New Feature: Detecting and Correcting URL Typos Automatically

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Google has revealed that its Chrome browser will soon be able to detect and suggest corrections for typos in URLs. This feature aims to improve accessibility for users, including those with dyslexia and language learners. However, even people who often make typing mistakes can benefit from this functionality. The announcement was made as part of a broader accessibility update by Google, coinciding with Global Accessibility Awareness Day. In simpler terms, Google Chrome will help users by identifying and suggesting corrections for URL typos, benefiting various user groups and enhancing accessibility.

When you type a URL in Google Chrome and it detects a typo before you press enter, the browser will present you with a few options for correction. This feature is likely dependent on your browsing history, so if you have visited the website before and haven’t cleared your history, it will be easier to access it despite spelling errors. Initially, this feature is available on the desktop version of Chrome, but it is expected to roll out to mobile devices in the coming months. It will likely be more useful on mobile devices where a keyboard is available. In simpler terms, Google Chrome will suggest corrections for URL typos before you press enter, starting with the desktop version and later coming to mobile devices.

In addition to URL typo correction, Google has introduced several accessibility improvements across its products. Live Caption, a feature that provides captions for media, is being expanded to more Android devices and languages. Google Maps now includes wheelchair-accessible indicators for places, making it easier for people with disabilities to navigate. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is utilized to generate more descriptive captions and alt-text for images shared online, enhancing accessibility for visually impaired users. In simpler terms, Google has made various accessibility enhancements, such as expanding Live Caption, adding wheelchair-accessible indicators to Google Maps, and using AI to improve captions and alt-text for images on the internet.

Samsung Commits to Google: The Default Mobile Search Engine for the Future

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Samsung has decided not to use Bing as the default search engine on its mobile web browser. The Wall Street Journal reported that Samsung stopped its internal review of replacing Google with Bing on its in-house Internet Browser. In simpler terms, Samsung won’t be switching to Bing for search on their browser as originally considered.

Samsung’s Internet Browser, which is already installed on Samsung phones, has been using Google as its default search engine for a while. However, there were discussions within Samsung about possibly switching to Bing. This potential change worried Google employees because it could impact the $3 billion in annual revenue that Google receives from the existing deal with Samsung.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Samsung believed that switching to Bing wouldn’t create significant issues since most Samsung smartphone users don’t actually use its in-house browser. However, Samsung has now decided not to proceed with the change due to concerns about its relationship with Google and how the market would perceive the move. In simpler terms, Samsung reconsidered switching to Bing because they worried about their relationship with Google and how people would react to the decision.

The exact reason why Samsung wanted to switch to Bing is unknown. However, it’s speculated that Microsoft’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) may have influenced their decision. On the other hand, Google has been focusing on incorporating AI-powered features into its search engine. Recently, Google has introduced its Bard chatbot to a wider audience, making it available to everyone outside of its initial waitlist. In simpler terms, Samsung’s interest in Bing might have been related to Microsoft’s AI advancements, while Google has been working on AI features for its search engine, including a chatbot called Bard.

Even though Samsung has decided not to switch to Bing as its default search engine for now, it doesn’t mean they will never consider it in the future. The Wall Street Journal reports that Samsung is not completely ruling out the possibility of using Bing at a later time. In simpler terms, while Samsung has decided against the switch currently, they are open to the idea of using Bing as the default search engine in the future.

Carl Pei Reveals Nothing Phone (2) Powered by Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1

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Nothing Phone (2) to Feature Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, Confirms CEO Carl Pei. Nothing CEO Carl Pei has confirmed that their upcoming premium smartphone, the Phone (2), will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. Pei shared this news on Twitter and highlighted several reasons for choosing this chipset. Despite being a year old, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 showed significant performance improvements compared to the Phone (1), which uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 was able to open apps on the Phone (2) twice as fast and offered an overall performance boost of 80% compared to the previous model.

Carl Pei emphasized that the choice of Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is not solely based on performance, but rather the overall package. Opting for the Snapdragon 8 series chip over Snapdragon 7 brings improvements in battery life, network connectivity, and camera capabilities. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, built on the TSMC 4nm process, is known for its enhanced efficiency compared to the original Samsung-fabricated Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. It features an improved 18-bit image signal processor, enabling Nothing to offer additional features like RAW HDR and 4K recording at 60fps on the Phone (2). By selecting a slightly older yet still powerful chipset, Nothing can potentially achieve a more cost-effective solution compared to the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

The confirmation of the Nothing Phone (2) being powered by Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is not surprising, as it was previously announced during MWC 2023 by Carl Pei and Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon. A Qualcomm executive accidentally revealed the specific chipset on LinkedIn, confirming the earlier announcement. For those disappointed with the Snapdragon 778G+ on the Phone (1), the confirmation of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset in the Phone (2) brings excitement for those seeking a unique smartphone experience.

GoCar Subs Expands EV Fleet: Try an EV for a Week from RM1,200!

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GoCar Subs Expands EV Fleet: Affordable Subscription Plans to Experience Life with Electric Vehicles. GoCar Malaysia has expanded its electric vehicle (EV) lineup for its GoCar Subs subscription service. You can now subscribe to an EV for as low as RM120 per day on a monthly plan or RM171 per day on a weekly plan. GoCar aims to increase the accessibility and availability of EVs to the public by offering a range of EV models and shorter-term subscription options. The electric fleet now includes seven models, including the Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, Hyundai Kona Electric, Hyundai Ioniq 5 e-Plus, Ora Good Cat 400 Pro, Electric Mini, and Tesla Model Y.

The Nissan Leaf is the most affordable option, priced at RM1,200 for a 7-day subscription, including the subscription fee and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). For a month-long subscription, the Nissan Leaf costs RM3,600, inclusive of the subscription fee and CDW. The premium option is the Tesla Model Y, priced at RM5,000 for a 7-day subscription and RM15,000 for a 30-day subscription, both including CDW. The Tesla Model Y offered is the Long Range model, which offers a range of 533km on a full charge. The monthly subscription includes 2,500km of bundled mileage. If you plan to drive more, you can add RM800 per month for unlimited mileage.

To get more details, you can visit GoCar Subs’ EV listing on their website. If you’re new to electric vehicles, it’s recommended to download certain apps that can assist you in finding and activating public EV chargers. These apps will provide helpful information and guidance to locate and use EV charging stations effectively.

ChargEV Boosts Publika EV Chargers with 50kW DC Charging and kWh-Based Pricing for Faster and Fairer Charging

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ChargEV has upgraded its EV chargers at Publika Shopping Gallery. They have installed 50kW DC chargers at the location for quick top-ups of your EV. The pricing for the DC chargers is based on the kWh consumed, with a rate of RM1.20 per kWh. In addition to the DC chargers, there are also two 11kW AC chargers available. The pricing for the AC chargers is RM0.80 per kWh for non-members and RM0.60 per kWh for members.

ChargEV has extended its trial pricing for Kempower DC chargers at Berjaya Times Square until June 2023. The DC chargers at Berjaya Times Square can deliver up to 320kW of power. The pricing remains unchanged at RM1.20 per kWh, which is currently the most affordable rate in its class.