PC.com-March_2015

SCORE GOLD CHOICE AWARD 9.0nice touch, a large aluminium backplate is be included natively with Windows 10. If SpECSaffixed to the card, a unique add-on that is you feel a single graphics processor is not Dimensions (W x H x D)exclusive to the 100 Million Edition GPU. sufficient, you can pair another GTX 960 267 x 139 x 48mmThe usual line of MSI Twin Frozr graphic card in SLi mode for extra grunt. This is, of Weight 860gcards do not have this. Also the words course, recommended if you’re looking for GpU Nvidia GeForce GTX 960‘Limited Edition’ are emblazoned on it 4K gaming. Interface PCI Express x16 3.0as well. Core Clock Speed (MHz) SpEED DEMOn 1241MHz CoreCOOL AnD QUIET The card is also factory overclocked as it (Boost Clock: 1304MHz – OC Mode)A new gimmick that most third party now sports a running base clock speed of 1190MHz Core (Boost Clock:manufacturers are using now is the totally 1216MHz. This can ramp up to 1279MHz, a 1253MHz – Gaming Mode)silent fan concept. Well, technically it decent core clock boost. Both increases are 1127MHz Core (Boost Clock:should be in theory. By design, the fans raised a notch from the default 1127MHz 1178MHz – Silent Mode)won’t work until the card reaches a certain and 1178MHz respectively. The GPU uses Memory Size 2048working threshold - a feature that can also an 8-pin GPU power connector, a direct Memory GDDR5 2GBbe found with the MSI’s Twin Frozr. This upgrade from the default choice of using Memory Interface 128 bitsmeans that you won’t be distracted by the a 6-pin connector. This, combined with Memory Clock Speed 7010MHzwhirring of the fans under normal usage, the highly efficient MSI Twin Frozr cooler, Output DVI x1, HDMI x1, DP x3like Web browsing or word processing. gives the display system a lot of headroomOnly when you’re busy gaming, would in terms of overclocking. Also, as with all 3D Mark Fire Strike Extremethe noise kick-up but then you’d be new NVIDIA graphic offerings, the more 3087distracted by the game itself to care about you can keep the card stable in terms ofany fan noise. It’s a really good trick, heat and power, the more juice you can get VERDICTespecially since it also has the side effect out of it.of prolonging your fan’s life. Note that the A great way to celebrate a big dealrather large heatsink also helps dissipate WORLD BEATER for the brand.the high temperatures more efficiently. So is the MSI GTX 960 Gaming 100 Million Edition card the real deal? Well, 10GAMInG GOD I certainly loved it. It’s good enough for 9The card packs some cool features under normal performance demands and can be 8the hood, like 2GB GDDR5 VRAM that pushed to take on Full HD gaming as well. 7runs on a performance base-clock of Battlefield 4 and Metal Gear Solid Ground 67010MHz. The GPU also sports one DVI Zeroes have been smooth throughout with 5and HDMI port each and three full-sized no stutter, and as promised, the GPU is 4Display Port outputs. With the popularity of totally silent when I am not on any gaming 3DisplayPort on the rise, you’ll certainly be binge. If you’re looking for a mid-range 2guaranteed to be future-proof. In addition, card and you’re a large NVIDIA fanboy, 1it will support the upcoming DirectX 12 well then, why are you not buying this 0graphic API, a graphic platform that will card yet? 95 MAR 2015

TESTEDDivide and ConquerHP Pavilion X2 by matthew yapAs technologies improve, people startforming new ideas of what works for themand what doesn’t. Notebooks burst ontothe scene around turn of the Millenniumand have evolved since then. Withsmartphones and tablets now capable ofperforming like mini-computers, there’sa need to re-think the notebook model tobecome competitive. Thus, we begin tosee 11in devices or ultra-portables that aregood for both work and play. Just like manyothers, HP has worked portable computersin the ultra-portable category. Say hello tothe HP Pavilion X2. TableT or NoTebook? RM1,199 has an excellent tactile feel and proper key Similar to the Microsoft Surface Pro travel. The stand that’s attached to the devices, this PC looks like a tablet that can is on the left side. That’s almost everything dock works well enough too, though it may be docked to a keyboard. At 10in, while that people frequently use these days, slide off easily if not used properly. considered large for a tablet these days, especially those who are always on the would still be called tiny as a notebook. go. A PC like this would be great for deCeNT display It’s so small in dimensions and weighs just frequent flyers. At the price it’s selling, the Pavilion X2 is over 500g, you wouldn’t think that it’s a great option for those on a low budget. Of notebook at all. The ‘laplet’, a term I found Creaky keyboard course, being affordable would sometimes amusing, is definitely what I’d call an ultra- I have some misgivings for the keyboard means reduced specs. The biggest portable. You could keep the whole device as it bends slightly when you apply a bit difference this device has with other and the charger in a small messenger bag of pressure. Since it’s made of plastic and ultra-portables is the display. With only and not be able to feel its presence there. If shouldn’t be able to flex easily, I find that 1280 × 800 resolution, this isn’t going to convenience is a priority for you, then the just a bit worrying. To be fair, it’s possible be the sharpest screen you’d ever set your Pavilion X2 can be an excellent choice. that HP has opted for that type of plastic eyes on. It does have very good viewing to keep the device light. In practice, it angles and is touch-enabled, making it Travel buddy shouldn’t be an issue, unless you happen convenient and somewhat useful. What Physically, the Pavilion X2 looks exactly to be one of those who’d leave things on this simply means is that you could start like a notebook once it’s docked. It has a couch and accidentally sit on it later. a video, share it your friends and they’ll a trackpad with clickable left and right However, I will say that the keyboard is, mouse button as well as a compact generally, good. Typing is a breeze as it QWERTY keyboard with no numpad (sigh!). On the main unit itself, there’s the LCD screen, two front-facing speakers, and a camera. You’ll note that the I/O ports are on the main unit too and there’s only a few of them compared to most notebooks. Still, there’s the microUSB port of the DC-in, one USB 2.0 port, micro-HDMI port, microSD card reader, Windows button and the volume rocker on the right. The audio jack96MAR 2015

SCORE SILver recommeNded aWard 8.2be able to see it clearly at most angles amount of space wouldn’t be enough SpecSwithout any contrast or colour shifting. On for anything else. Fortunately, there’s a dimensions (W x H x d)the other hand, it suffers under sunlight as microSD slot that supports SDXC cards (up 264 x 170 x 9.6 mmthe screen is reflective and its maximum to 128GB) for additional storage. Weight 550gbrightness is only average. display 10.1in LCD (LED backlit), Up to atom 1280 X 800Starved Storage Some might be surprised that this is cpU Intel Atom Z3736FLooking to get a portable PC for work? This running on a full desktop Windows 8.1 RAM 2GBshould definitely be in your shortlist. Not system, since you’d normally expect an gpU Intel HD Graphicsonly does this device come with a free year Intel Core i3 but the Pavilion X2 is using a Storage 32GB flashof Microsoft Office 365, it lets you browse 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z3745D from the Bay- connectivity 802.11 b/g/n,the Web or entertain yourself with videos Trail family. It may just be a 2GB RAM to Bluetooth 4.0and music. If there’s one bad thing about complement the processor but it performs I/o Micro HDMI, Mic/audio jack,the Pavilion X2 that has to be shared, it’s well for casual use and work. As long as microSD slot (SDXC compatible),the lack of storage. Thanks to its form you’re not trying to watch high-bitrate 1 x USB 2.0factor, it’s not possible to cram even a videos or play games on this, you won’t2.5in hard disk or SSD inside. For storage, run into any stutters or slowdowns. This BenchmarksHP equipped it with a 32GB internal flash is probably the best value proposition pcmark 8 Home 1227storage, much like the ones you’d find on for working adults who are always on pcmark 8 creative 1041smartphones or tablet. Now with Windows the go or students on tight budgets. pcmark 8 Work 12498.1 and Microsoft Office 365 installed, Indeed, it doesn’t get any more affordableplus whatever apps you might need, that than this. verdIct An affordable ultra-portable that’s great for productivity. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 97 MAR 2015

TESTEDDeath Comes FromAbove ASUS GTX980 STRIX OC bydin What do you get when you cross ASUS’ the STRIX design is based upon. As with you would take-up three slots with this silent yet most powerful cooling solution any other ASUS’ graphics product, you graphics platform in your casing. That with NVIDIA’s most powerful GPU on will find a small box that contains a driver means you have to make sure there is the market? Well you get the ASUS GTX DVD, 6-pin to 8-pin GPU power adapter, ample room inside the casing. 980 STRIX OC, of course! STRIX, ASUS’ and two stickers that, if you want, allows cooler that is based on its highly lauded you to change the accent colours on Hard Back Direct CU II cooler has been making the STRIX. It might be a small thing but To make sure that the GPU will have a very waves in the computing world due to sometimes there are gamers out there that efficient thermal displacement, the whole its innovative design where its fan are are really particular on how their gaming back side of the ASUS GTX970 STRIX turned off by default when the GPU it’s machine should look like. OC is covered in a large, black aluminium being paired with is not being subjected backplate. Besides heat management, it to any load. This means that you will have LargE guns also help with the structural integrity of a more silent PC, a longer lasting fan, Taking the GPU out of its foam protected the PCB since, on its own, the heatsink and lower power consumption rates. It is enclosure, I can see why the STRIX is and fan combo would be too heavy for the truly a no brainer that I would see ASUS said to look like an owl. From above, the PCB alone to support. Ensuring its role in pair this cooling solution with NVIDIA’s two large dual fans seem like a pair of providing improved cooling efficiency, the most powerful GPU - the GTX 980. Add eyes that belong to an owl. The red ring backplate is drilled with holes for better a dash of overclocking by ASUS and now accent on both fan modules also help heat dissipation. The ASUS logo as well the world has a salivating prospect in its with this illusion. As with all Direct CU as ‘DirectCU II’ branding is etched on hands. So let’s make haste and test out II based cooler, the shroud encompass the backplate. this baby. the whole PCB as well as the large and heavy heatpipes. The latter are made to be powEr wings Hypnotic EyEs sizably large so that heat can be managed To power this behemoth, you will need The ASUS GTX 980 STRIX OC comes efficiently when the fans are not turned an 8 pin + 6 pin GPU power combo setup. in a rather large box. At the front, ASUS on. On the downside the card is a little The original GTX 980 from NVIDIA only included a picture of an owl, the bird that bit larger than two PCI-slots - so in theory needs two 6-pin cable. However, since98MAR 2015

SCORE plATINUM eXcelleNce AWARD 9.6this STRIX entry is overclocked, the extra eyeS OF A HAWk SpecSpower it draws from the secondary cable To tap all of this potential, the ASUS GTX Dimensions (W x H x D)gives it extra stability. Not only that, it also 980 STRIX OC has a myriad of outputs to 297.2 x 152 x40.6mmmeans that the graphics system itself can choose from. You will be getting a single GpU Nvidia GeForce GTX980be manually overclocked further as the DVI (the one and only that can also output Memory GDDR5 4GBDirect CU II STRIX cooler should keep the on VGA using a converter), HDMI, and clock 1178Mhz (1279Mhz Boost)heat down during such processes. At the triple DisplayPort outputs. With the rise VRAM 4GB GDDR5top of the GPU, the dual SLI contact juts of DisplayPort, the number and choice of Memory clock 7010MHzout and make itself very obvious. Using ports is pretty much a foregone logical Memory Interface 256 bita board with the added-on PLX chip or conclusion. In fact, this monster GPU is Output 1x DVI-I, 1x HDMI 2.0,the X99 board with an Intel processor of definitely powerful enough to be used 3x DisplayPort40 lanes, you can pair up to three of these for a triple monitor gaming setup. Justvisual powerhouses at the same time via make sure that all three displays are of 3D Mark Fire Strike extremeSLI. I would really love to see the potential the same make and brand to maintain 6082of that setup but even one is powerful performance consistency.enough for your gaming needs. VeRDIcT Fly FReeMORe pOWeR I tested the GPU by using multitudes Overpowered graphics but onAs the OC monicker suggests, the GTX of modern games and set them on the silent running. That’s insane!980 STRIX OC, as the name shows, is highest setting that I could possibly find.overclocked out of the box as per ASUS’s For Battlefield 4, it’s all the way up for Ultra 10practice. Indeed, the OC speed is excellent settings. Same goes for Titanfall. Results? 9bar none, considering that it is designed As expected the owl-inspired graphics 8and specifically targeted to be silent. You card performed well on both games, 7will get a performance bump of 1178MHz returning constant framerates above 60FPS 6for the default clock, with the boost clock and churning out a butter smooth gaming 5hitting 1279MHz. Paired with 4GB GDDR5 experience. The same can be said for 4VRAM that run at 7000MHz should give 3you enough headroom to play with. Even 2gaming at 4K resolution will not phase it. 1If you feel that it’s not enough, just pour 0on the juice. After all, the potential is rightthere at your fingertips. Metal Gear Solid, with Snake standing in a manly manner in the rain looking like it had been shot in a movie instead of being rendered in videogame visuals. Honestly, the STRIX is a good option if you want a silent but still yet powerful graphics card for your high-end system. 99 MAR 2015

TESTEDThe Joy of CreationRicoh MakerBot Replicator (Fifth Generation) by sia zhen ning When 3D printing is mentioned, a few USB jack located at the top of the device. so to speak. The Smart Extruder is things immediately pop into my mind. Top Aside from that, the machine is open air, designed to be easily swappable, allowing of that list is - “So I can finally download a meaning that there is no glass or Perspex it to be effortlessly replaceable should car?”. While the MakerBot Replicator isn't enclosing it. Overall, the entire chassis it malfunction. exactly large enough to print a full blown looks sturdy and tough as nails. sedan, that doesn't mean it can't print ‘Ink’ caPacIty a small toy car. Size aside, I've seen the PlastIc nozzle 3D printers are unique machines, and Replicator in action and what I can say for Of course, being a 3D printer, the key therefore, require unique consummable. sure is that this is a really exciting device. component is the device that prints The most common filament that the the models itself. This important duty Replicator uses is PLA, a biodegradable IndustrIal desIgn falls to the Smart Extruder. Think of thermoplastic aliphatic polyester, or to First thing you'll notice about the the Smart Extruder as the print head put it in simpler terms, plastic. Apart from Replicator is that it looks like something of the 3D printer, except unlike print PLA, other common materials such as you'll find in a factory. The machine itself heads, the extruder utilises plastic ABS can also be used. Capacity-wise, the is rectangular, with a screen, a knob and a filaments, commonly PLA, as its ‘ink’ Replicator is capable of fitting a large-sized100MAR 2015

SCORE GOLD cHOIce AWARD 9.0spool of filament (25cm in diameter, 1.36 Firstly, the machine needs to calibrate SpecSkg). While it can support smaller filament itself. After that, the Smart Extruder is Dimensions 52.8 x 44.1 x 41.0 cmspools, Ricoh does not sell them for the heated to 215°C, which takes around 10 Weight 16kgReplicator as it is deemed cost inefficient. minutes from a cold start. Finally, once print Technology Fused the Smart Extruder is heated up, the Disposition ModellingTAILOR-mADe pROGRAm Replicator begins printing. The time it Build VolumeLike many printers on the market, the takes to complete a print varies depending 25.2 x 19.9 x 15.0 cmReplicator does require its own software on the size and quality of the output. For Layer Resolution 100 Micronsto work. Enter the MakerBot Desktop. small, simple designs, it can take around Filament Diameter 1.75 mmUtilising this software, you can customise 20 minutes to be completed; larger designs Filament compatibilitythe finer aspects of 3D printing such as may take up to 3 hours to complete. Makerbot PLA filamentthe speed of the print, the size of the print, Solidity of the model is also a factor in the Nozzle Diameter 0.4 mmand the solidity of the model. The software print time, as a completely solid model Supported File Types STL, OBJ,itself is clean and easily accessible, takes more time to print than a model THING, MAKERBOTallowing you to get to the fun part within whose interior is more of a honeycomb. connectivity USB, Ethernet,seconds. 3D designing-wise, the Replicator WI-FIsupports all mainstream 3D modelling eye FOR DeTAILsoftware such as AutoCAD, Maya, 3DMax One thing you should note if you're using VeRDIcTand so on. If your 3D model project is in the your own 3D models for printing is thatformat of one of the supported file types, the Replicator operates on a what-you- The 3D Printer for small workshops.you can easily import it into the Desktop see-is-what-you-get basis. Basically, ifsoftware and start printing ASAP. If you your 3D models aren't completely perfect 10find your model particularly good, you can and contains a few blind spots here and 9upload it onto the MakerBot Thingiverse, there, the printer will do a rather patchy 8a community of 3D printer enthusiasts job on that particular section of the 7who regularly uploads their own designs model when it comes to printing. That 6to share with everyone. If you're not a aside though, the Replicator is a highly 5designer, you can utilise this to download impressive 3D printer on its own. While 4someone else's models to print it out the price tag may seem a little on the high 3for yourself. side, do note that this machine is meant 2 more for the prosumer instead of Regular 1cReATION BeGINS Joes like you and I. So if you're in an 0With all that talk about components and industry where 3D modelling is par for thesoftware, how does the Replicator print? course, the Replicator is the perfect fit for 101Let's start from the top at the warm up. your company/start-up. MAR 2015

TESTEDCooling Done RightHIS R9 290X iPower Hybrid IceQ by din HIS has been on a roll this past month. glance, I immediately realised that HIS did overclocking process. Interestingly, the A deluge of product had been handed to a brilliant job in designing this card. GPU kept the normal AMD Radeon I/O PC.com Tested Labs for review, and most, offerings - dual DVI outputs, single HDMI if not all of them have quickly became my hyBriD tech jack, and a DisplayPort. Note that you can favourites. In my hands now, I have the The genius of this card is the Hybrid setup Eyefinity-type triple monitor displays highest-end AMD Radeon card, the R9 cooler system. The card combines a with the dual DVI and HDMI without using 290X paired with the HIS iPower Hybrid normal fan cooling system, ALONGSIDE the DisplayPort - something of an anomaly IceQ cooler. Of course, this is no ordinary the liquid cooler. This means the normal on an AMD card. How cool is that? R9 290X card. No sir, this one is not only fan design on the card itself can be kept graced with the awesome IceQ cooler but at the minimum, with most of the cooling Being huge fanS also has its own liquid cooling system. Yes bulk being based on the radiator that The water cooling radiator is affixed to a folks, HIS, knowing that most users would has a dual-hose system connected to 120cm fan, featuring a normal three-pin find it difficult to buy and connect a third- the graphic card. The normal fan on the motherboard head as well as a 12V Molex party liquid cooling to a graphic card, has graphic card will only cool down the VRM, connector. On the card itself, you will find decided to add its own take of the liquid while the GPU is cooled via the primary it needs two 8-pin GPU connector since cooler. So how does the R9 290X iPower liquid system. Hence you won’t have a the R9 290X iPower Hybrid demands up Hybrid IceQ with the liquid-type cooler really heavy and bulky card as the cooling to 375 watts of power. This means that perform? Let’s find out. footprint is kept to a minimal. you have a lot of overclocking headroom on this card. To make sure that you have Beautiful Death Single iS BeSt no bottleneck, the graphics solutions also What struck me first is that the box that The single fan cooling shroud is nicely comes with 4GB GDDR5 VRAM. This the R9 290X comes packed in is not really designed with a stylistic and angled fan is to ensure that even at 4K resolution, bulky or even that large. True, the box IS on the extreme right of the GPU. Novelty you would no problems rendering big compared to boxes that lower rated branding comes in the form of a blue IceQ such graphics. cards are stored in, but for something 290X Hybrid sticker being placed on the that touts having its own liquid cooling middle of the shroud. While the graphics harD for Multi system, I’d honestly expected it to be card is not as heavy as air-cooled card, I While the slim fan and cooling shroud larger. It’s not even really that heavy either. am happy that HIS still kept the aluminium means that the GPU won’t use more than Opening the box, I had been greeted with backplate to give it an extra level of build two PCI-e slots as well as the card being HIS’ own gaming mousepad. Underneath, stiffness. At the rear of the card, a BIOS able to support up to triple Crossfire in safely inside its own foam box, is the HIS switch can be found to provide users with multi GPU mode, I find that in practice, it R9 290X iPower Hybrid IceQ. Upon one a fail-safe option if one ever screws up the would be a really hard thing to do. While102MAR 2015

SCORE GOLD CHOICE AWARD 9.4the dual liquid cooling piping is flexible pOWERS COMbInED SpECSenough to be moved in any way you The HIS iPower Hybrid R9 290X hybrid Chipset AMD Radeon R9 290Xwant to point it, the real problem here cooling system really does work. The Memory 4GB GDDR5would be the rather large 120cm fan and card is audibly more silent than other R9 Core Clock 1100Mhz Boost Coreradiator combo. Normally you would fix 290X that I have tested and the cooling Memory Clock 6Gbpsthe radiator and fan to your casing, where performance is way better as well. The Memory Interface 512 bitlike any normal casing, it would have a performance is also as good as it gets with Max Resolutionsingle location to install the fan in at the the default setting producing a lot of high Displayport 1.2 4096 x 2160rear. Sure, you can also use the roof of framerates in games such as Battlefield HDMI 4096 x 2160the casing, but this would mean some 4, Titanfall, as well as Battlefield Hardline Dual-Link DVI with HDCpweird hose routing. Thus, by all practical Beta. I also managed to pull off a test with 2560 x 1600purposes, you would honestly only have my make-shift triple monitor setup in I/O 2x Dual-link DVI-D, 1xone of this cooling beasts in your casing. Eyefinity mode (thank you AMD for letting DisplayPort, 1x HDMI me use Eyefinity with different monitors!).FAST AnD FuRIOuS Even on Assetto Corsa, the FPS hardly 3D Mark Fire Strike ExtremeWhile a multi-GPU solution for the R9 290X dipped below 60 as well. 5205iPower Hybrid won’t be an elegant thingto see, the graphics IS a really powerful FInAL THOuGHTS VERDICTsystem. Paired with the fact that HIS has The HIS R9 290X iPower Hybrid IceQ isoverclocked it to make sure that it can one GPU that really surprised me. Slim, Cool running for an extreme GPU ishandle everything that you throw at it, and well designed, totally cool, and well within rare. This is one of those.you’d get really awesome stats. On the a power user’s budget, it has a really highspecs, HIS claims nearly 1100MHz for the potential to deliver. This is honestly one of 10clock speed on the GPU Boost core and my favourite performance cards out there. 96Gbps on the memory clock. Now imagine If you’re looking for the best AMD Radeon 8the latent overclocking potential you can R9 290X to power your system, you might 7get. Pretty amazing really, confirming that want to give this card a go. 6you have a real monster on your hands. 5The card supports the upcoming DirectX 412 API as well as Mantle, so you’re future 3proof for Windows 10 when it comes out. 2 1 0 103 MAR 2015

TESTED SCORE SpecS Sd adapter dimensionsSuper by victor yap Gold 240 x 320 x 21mmMicro Flash cHoice capacities 16GB, 32GB, 64GB aWaRd performanceKingston 64GB microSDHC/SDXC 90MB/s Read and 80MB/s Write,UHS-I U3 90R/80W 9.0 UHS-I Speed Class 3 (U3) operating temperatureBig flash storage has become an in-thing -25º C to 85º Cfor many vendors oft late as they move Storage temperaturesinto the 64GB realm. Of course, storage -40º C to 85º Cspace alone doesn’t mean, so how does voltage: 3.3Vone differentiate? Kingston has decided togo all in with its 64GB UHS-I U3 90R/80W veRdictvariant. What does that all mean? Superfast performance. A small mouse for a small palm.Native 4K loNG HouRS 10Why does one need a fast and overtly large Flash cards are durable and microSDs are 9flash card? Well, with 4K recording now even more so. This microSDHC/SDXC 8the norm, it only makes perfect sense. For card is all that and more as it is design 7the Kingston UHS-I U3, which means ultra to operate with the hardiest of cameras 6high-speed, it's the de-facto standard for that are favoured to work in the most 5seamlessly speedy 4K recording. While I extreme of conditions. In my case, I tried it 4rarely shoot in 4K, I do take shots in RAW underwater, specifically with the HTC Re 3and I can safely say, it’s lightning fast. and it works like a charm. 2 1Smart Typist byvictoryap 0Microsoft All-in-One SCOREMedia Keyboard SGilovledR RecoacaMWHWoMaaiReRcdNdeded SpecS 9.0 dimensions (W x H x d) 365.8 x 20.3 x 132.1mm It’s not every day I get a wireless keyboard sans the numpad. The trackpad, hotkeys, Weight 433g from Microsoft. Rarer is the fact that it and volume rocker controls make for easy Key-type 104 Chiclet comes with a built-in trackpad and macro use and do not seem out of place at all in Hot Keys Volume and Media keys for easy Web browsing. Well now, let’s the layout. Assignment see what the Microsoft All-in-One Media battery 2x AAA Keyboard can do for me. RobuSt iNNovatioN You’d think having a trackpad, which is veRdict Well-Spaced multi-touch and very fun to use once it As someone who uses the Microsoft becomes second nature to engage, macro Pretty much the best wireless Surface Pro 3, I have come to expect a buttons, and chiclet-style keys would keyboard around, though it could decent typing experience is to be had on mean the design is straightforward. Not do without the USB dongle. all Microsoft keyboards. Suffice to say, so with for Microsoft as it made sure the the tactile and key travel experience is entire chassis is spill-resistant and durable 10 decent, thanks to the up-raised keys used. to bumps and falls. Now this is a true 9 It feels like a full-sized keyboard for me, road warrior! 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0104MAR 2015

Octo-Port bysiazhenning SCORELinksys WRT 8-Port GoldGigabit Switch cHoice aWardMy need for super-fast broadband speed RM290boarders on addiction. Every time my 9.0YouTube video stops to buffer, my eyes Warp Speedtwitch, and my temper flares. Simply put, I Setting this up is just a matter of plug SpecSneed super-fast Internet. So when the WRT and play, as there is no need to dive into ports 8 x Gigabit LAN8-Port Gigabit Switch arrived at the office, the settings page to get it ready for use. power 100 – 240V, 50-60HzI gleefully took it back home for a test run. Then the moment of truth: how fast is this Warranty 1 YearI had to see for myself if the pitch on the thing? Well, it outperforms the standardbox, promising fast wired speeds, is the TMnet router that I have at home, nearly Verdictreal deal or not. doubling the speed of my default internet connection. YouTube videos aren’t a A switch for the masses who likeYou’re Fat problem and download speeds manage speed.Opening up the box, the first thing that to break the 1Mbps barrier; my defaultcame to mind is that this is the biggest connection tends to choke at 500Kbps. 10Internet Switch that I’ve ever seen in my Now, then - it's go time! 9life - bigger than any router or modem that 8I have ever owned. For its size though, the 7switch itself is lighter than I expected it to 6be so that’s a plus. 5 4 3 2 1 0Solid Mouse SCORE ASUS ROG Gladius Gaming Mouse SGiloVledr recoacamWHWomaairercdNdeded by edward mass 9.0 SpecS dimensions (W x H x l)When you think of ASUS cuStom modeS 67 x 45 x 126mmRepublic of Gamers (ROG), Unlike most gaming mice, which comes Weight 116gyou’d think of gaming with physical body customisation, the connectivity Wiredhardware and monitors. So ROG Gladius offers two innovative ideas tracking Opticalwhere does this - ROG on its platform - easy switch upgrades and resolution 6400dpiGladius Gaming detachable cable for compact storage and interface USBMouse - fit in? travel. The former sees ASUS includingWell, read on to find out! two exclusively Japanese-made Omron Verdict switches that can be changed to fit theFitS NicelY user clicking experience. The latter, Gaming mouse like no other!Gaming mice are known to be usually found on travel-type mice, makes itergonomically designed and, depending super easy to keep everything quickly and 10on the size, would fit in most hands of go. Perfect on so many levels! 9gamers. For the Gladius, it is curved just 8the right way to be easily gripped by right- 7handed (sorry lefties!) gamers with no 6issues. For me, being ambidextrous, using 5the ROG Gladius felt like it had been made 4to pair natively with my right hand. Wow. 3 2 1 0 105 MAR 2015

COVER STORY GOODS. bysiazhenning SERVICES. TAXES. Just one month shy from a new taxing system. Are you ready? M arch has arrived and with it comes an impending sense of dread. Starting from 1 April 2015, the infamous Sales Tax and Service Tax will be abolished in favour of the newly implemented Goods and Services Tax, also known as GST. This major change is set to shake up all sectors in Malaysia, ranging from the average household to general operations in the corporate world. Now before going deeper into the subject matter, let’s clarify a few things. Firstly, this in-depth feature is not about predicting whether the GST will help Malaysia’s on/off flagging/fledging economy. That role is left to the experts in Business Today. Secondly, there will be no discussions in regards to the political aspects of implementing GST. Simply put, geeks (or partial ones) should stay true to their appreciation all things tech. Lastly, all examples given in this article is based on how GST will be applied THEORATICALLY, so do not be surprised if the effect turns out differently from how what its being discussed within.106MAR 2015

Six Percent input tax is higher than their output tax, with such products and operations areSo what exactly is GST? In summary, it is they can recover back the difference from not eligible to claim input tax credit anda multi-stage consumption tax levied on the government. are not allowed to charge output tax togoods and services. If you’ve ever travelled the consumer.to foreign countries, you may have heard of Next is Zero-Rated Supplies. Thissomething called Value Added Tax (VAT) is specific for taxable supplies that are tAxeS And comPuterS- a form of tariff that is literally identical subjected to a zero rate. Businesses Now that you have a quick overview ofto GST in nature. How does it work? GST utilising these type of supplies are eligible how GST works, let’s focus on how GSTis charged on the supply of goods and to claim input tax credit as and when they will affected the ICT industry. Would theservices at every stage of the supply chain. acquire the goods/services. Consumers prices for all electronics increase after theThis starts from the supplier side and will not be paying GST for these supplies implementation of GST? While it’s easy tocontinues downwards to the retail level. as businesses can only charge GST at a lump anything and everything electronics zero rate to the consumer. into one group, reality proves otherwise With the tax being applied to each as there are different types of gadgets andstage of the supply chain, naturally, that Last, and most important, is Exempt gizmos that carry different tax rates priormeans the cost of the product would Supplies. Stuff that fall in this segment are to the introduction of GST.snowball dramatically once it reaches the non-taxable, meaning they are exemptedconsumer level, correct? Not necessarily, from GST altogether. Businesses dealingsince eventhough GST is applied at everyhand-over point of the chain, GST paid atthe business level are claimable. Therefore,GST will not affect the overall cost of goodsuntil it reaches the consumer level.requirementS neededThere are a few criteria that need to befulfilled before GST can be applied. Firstof all, for GST to be used, there must bea supply of goods or services. Secondly,the supply must be made in Malaysia andhave been categorised as taxable. Finally,it must be produced through a taxableperson and determined for used in thecourse or furtherance of business. Loosely,supply refers to all forms of supplication,up to and including the provision ofimported services. If you’re bringingin goods from outside the country,the tax would be imposed at the timeof importation.Selective APPlicAtionIf you’ve read the news, you’ll probablyknow that different supplies are chargeddifferently under GST. The first of thesesupplies are called Standard-Rated. Asthe name implies, these are products andservices that are charged with a standardGST rate. Businesses that use Standard-Rated Supplies are allowed to recovercredit back on their inputs and if their Wee: Several other elements would need to be factored into the equation when it comes to pricing as well - this includes the exchange rate during that time and the input costs. 107 MAR 2015

COVER STORYCheong: Purchasing power will definitely be affected upon theimplementation (of GST), and we are expecting a shift of devicepurchases towards the mid-range. Let’s begin with the more common These changes can come in the form of have decided to keep mum over what products that many would have today. modifying software, hiring new people, or they are doing to prep for GST, a few had Think smartphones, notebooks, desktop buying new software to replace the current been more than happy to share with their PCs, iPads, tablets, cameras, and so on - all ones that are out of date. Depending on upcoming plans for the rest of 2015. of them are currently tax free. Come the the readiness of the company, it may have beginning of April 2015, all these devices to invest a not so insignificant amount One question that will come to mind will be charged 6% GST. This, obviously, of money to be prepared for the coming when GST is discussed is the price of makes them more expensive than they of GST. devices. After all, this directly ties into the currently are. If you’re looking to get a new sales performance of the company. smartphone or computer, it is wise to do so This need to adapt has led to many by the last week of March. accounting software companies ramping “We do have a range of services and up its advertising efforts with gusto. products, of which, its pricing will very The second group of electronics are If you’ve listened to the radio recently much depending on whether the particular ones that are already subjected to taxes or drove around the city, you’d have offering is currently subjected to the sales prior to the introduction of GST. These probably seen or heard advertisements or service tax. They, of course, will soon be batch of electronics include items like where software such as MYOB are replaced by GST. Having said that, several air conditioners, refrigerators, home touting their GST-ready capabilities. other elements would need to be factored theatre systems, and TVs, all of which While the effectiveness of this marketing into the equation when it comes to pricing are already subjected to a 10% sales tax. campaign has yet to be measured, it’d as well - this includes the exchange rate After the implementation of the GST, be pretty obvious that many can’t help at that point of time and the input costs. these devices will have their tax rates but realise that this is probably the most In light of consumers and businesses reduce to 6%. Thus, in effect, they would aggressive marketing campaign that most expecting to face tough operating have become cheaper when compared to would have ever seen for the accounting conditions in the immediate future, we pre-GST pricing. software sector. will, where possible, reduce the prices as it will be a definite strategic advantage,” EntErprisE shakE-up prEparation status says Peter Wee, Chief Operating Officer at Since introducing GST would change Seeing as the preparations that a Ricoh Malaysia. the way businesses are taxed, numerous company is required to do is numerous companies are expected to make changes and, most definitely at times, can be to their accounting department - both on complicated, PC.com has moved to tap the software side (AKA accounting) and onto every ICT vendor it knows to ask how to manage personnel service taxing. if they are ready for April. While most108MAR 2015

Ricoh isn’t the only one that predicts customers. We are always looking for ways In addition, 11street has gone up aa shift in the market as HTC Malaysia is to improve on this part and so will ensure notch by deploying an invoicing systemplaying with the same predictions as well. that the GST implementation will not that allows its sellers and buyers to keep affect this negatively,” says Cheong. record on their transactions, such as an “We have a wide range of products electronic tax invoice to track any eligibleranging from high-end, mid-range, and Services aren’t limited to after sales tax credit claim for the GST paid.even entry level devices that target support as e-commerce is also affecteddifferent segments of users within the by the coming changes this April. We’ve “I definitely want to highlight that formarketplace. Thus, purchasing power asked 11street about its preparations goods and services sold or physicallywill definitely be affected upon the for GST and this is what Hoseok Kim, supplied to customers overseas, the salesimplementation (of GST), and we are CEO, 11street.com shares: “It’s all about can be zero-rated. It is important to retainexpecting a shift of device purchases optimising. This is something we have proper records and documentation of thetowards the mid-range,” says Cheong Wah prepared and so can safely say that as an business transaction to prove the export.Tong, Country Manager of HTC Malaysia. optimised e-commerce platform, 11street This is why I feel an optimised online is pre-built with flexible tools and features marketplace with flexible tax features isTwo SideS of Service to support the new tax system that will be now essential for GST–registered sellers After sales support is also a huge implemented in April 2015. Briefly, GST- and business entities that are running registered sellers can display their goods online businesses, or planning to ventureaspect that will be affected when GST and services on 11street with tax inclusive into e-commerce,” Kim adds.rolls around. “If you look at the law, a price. As for sellers and small- to medium-slew of services, in general, will attract sized businesses (SMBs) with taxable LaST MinuTe ruShGST. Hence in the menu of services that turnovers of RM500,000 or below, they are Knowing the mentality of the Malaysianis not zero rated or exempted, it will offered the option not to impose GST onbe taxable,” adds Wee. That certainly their products when they upload onto the consumer, you could probably guess thatconfirms that GST will affect the after sales marketplace for sale. This is in accordance March will be the month where sales ofsupport charges. to the GST rules that we had been briefed devices skyrocket. Many would do their early on. As it is, all products and services last minute shopping before the GST However, it is yet to be known if after displayed on our platform will indicate increases their retail pricing. Sure enough,sales would truly be affected positively whether GST is included or not.” some of these companies are registeringor negatively. “After sales support is an spikes in sales. “We’re seeing an uptick inimportant experience we offer to our 109 MAR 2015

COVER STORY demand for certain printer segments in the can also be a double edged sword if not The most enthusiastic responder in recent months hitherto,” Wee shares. managed well. “The GST is part of the regards to GST is Ricoh. It believes that government’s tax reform programme to now is as good a time as any to implement If the last month of pre-GST prices enhance the capability and effectiveness GST, since it is a more efficient tax system isn’t enough motivation of consumers to of tax administration and management. No to collect revenue. “There is a saying that get into the spending mood, the vendors doubt the GST is a more comprehensive I uphold when I had been in the audit themselves are putting out deals to entice and business transparent tax system practice - “There is never a right time to more customers. Case in point, Jabra is that can and will help overcome the introduce a tax”. However, for the sake offering a 10% discount on many of its various weaknesses inherent in the of the nation’s finances, the time is now products starting from the 1 March until present consumption tax system, such as - or should I say that it is an absolute 31 March 2015. cascading tax charges, pyramiding levies, necessary at this juncture,” says Wee. and inconsistent leakages through transfer “GST is coming in and we’re looking pricing. However, there is always two At the end of the day, regardless of to help customers enjoy savings as we sides to a coin. On the question of whether what everyone thinks about GST, the help them make a purchase decision. We now is the right time to implement GST, reality is that April is coming soon and know that Jabra products are well liked we also need to take into considerations GST WILL be implemented, even if public in Malaysia and the campaign lets people of the uncertain global economy’s state as sentiment is mixed. Will GST help the enjoy great value for great products before well as the weaker market consumption nation or will it just force the rakyat to GST is implemented. The discounts are and spending that is possibly influenced have more troubles on their plate? Time given across the board on a wide range of through global crude oil prices,” will tell but for now, consumers should products so that more buyers can benefit,” explains Kim. brace themselves for the dreaded fourth says Ann Goh, Sales Director of Central month of 2015. Asia for Consumer Solutions. Are We reAdy? Introducing GST has always been a highly controversial topic among Malaysians. When the Prime Minister discussed in one keynote of how Malaysia is ready to adopt GST, the general public created a huge uproar over it. Vendors that responded to queries had, understandably, mixed reactions to the GST being put in place. HTC wisely sidestepped the topic at hand, as per practice for all multi- nationals, but promises that it’ll comply to the government’s wishes. “HTC Malaysia will not be able to fully comment on the government’s decision about the GST implementation. Even so, we have already complied to the regulations and will make sure our products and services meet our consumers’ needs under the new tax rule,” Cheong shares. As for 11steet.com, the e-commerce player believes GST has its benefits yet it Kim: There is always two sides of a coin.110MAR 2015

111MAR 2015

subscription formRM115 Subscribe Now &1 yeAr - 12 issues Save Up to 20%Peninsular Malaysia& sabah and sarawak (rM134)RM2302 yeAr - 24 issues ORDER HOTLINEPeninsular Malaysia& sabah and sarawak (rM268) Call us to get the next issue delivered right to your doorstep 03-7880 2611 (Mondays to Fridays, 9.00am-6.00PM) Plus! Two lucky subscribers stand a chance to win an Audio-Technica ATH-C100G HeadphonesYES! I would like to subscribe to PC.com PAYMENT DETAILSPeninsular Malaysia & East Malaysia x Mastercard x visa expiry date x x / x xx 1 year (12 issues) rM115 / rM134(eM) x norMal post (free) credit card no:x 2 year (24 issues) rM230 / rM268(eM) x special courier rM78 / rM96(eM)x renew/extend My current subscription using this offer xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx x x xlast 3 digits stated on back of the cardComplete the Slogan in not more than 20 wordsi like pc.coM because naMe on card signaturenaMeoccupation cheque nocoMpany Money/postal order noMailing address (please indicate either x hoMe or x office All cheques must be crossed and made payable to postcode “Reach Publishing Sdn Bhd” signaturenric no age Mail to: Reach PUblishing sdn bhdMobile nuMber__________________________ sex No. 15-3, Block F1, Jln PJU 1/42, Dataran Prima, 46500 Petaling Jaya,e-Mail SelangorDELIVERY Please allow approximately 4-6 weeks for first issue to be delivered.CANCELLATION You may cancel at any time and receive a full refund on allunmailed copies minus RM20.00 for cancellation and processing charges.

showdownCtonhvreorwtidbolwe nby victor yap by matthew yap by sia zhen ning 113 MAR 2015

showdown P Cs seem to be resurging in recent times, though Team they differ from one another. Hopefully, this article will give you PC.com has agreed that this is primarily due to the rise in some knowledge of this new trend of PCs if you don’t already demand for hybrid notebooks - be it ultra-portables with know. The actors for this month are the ASUS Transformer Book detachable keyboards or convertibles with the 360-degree Flip TP500LN, HP Pavilion X2, Lenovo YOGA 3 Pro and Microsoft hinge. Both concepts continue to surge in momentum and, Surface Pro 3. really, it probably won’t be long before they become mainstream and move to bolster the phasing-out of regular mid-range and In terms of comparisons, the team has decided to work on productivity-focused platforms that lack the flexibility these new two aspects: usability and design/build. Pure performance is also breeds possess. taken into consideration but not given full prominence as each flagship allotted for this Showdown represents different segments Thus, this month we set out to pick out convertible notebooks that vary in user demands. Hence, the first two elements will play from the manufacturers that are active in Malaysia and see how a more critical role.114MAR 2015

115MAR 2015

showdown ASUS TrAnSformer Book flip Tp500ln Some of you have already seen our review on the ASUS Transformer Book Flip TP500LN a couple of months back. As the largest unit of this month’s showdown, it does stand-out for the wrong reasons in this fisticuffing line-up. Obviously, the bigger screen makes it great for general use and productivity. However, on the flipside - it loses out on true portability. Design anD BuilD For a 15.6in device, the ASUS notebook has an excellent build. Its brush aluminium body is cool to the touch while the keyboard maximises its size by nicely spacing out the keys and even include a numpad unit - truly an uncommon sight. At that size, it is on the slightly heavy side of just over 2kgs. Certainly not as bad as actual gaming notebooks. It’s easy to tell that the ASUS Transformer Book Flip seems more geared towards productivity. On the side are a rich set of ports, featuring three USB 3.0 inputs along with a handy SD card reader, one HDMI dock, and an Ethernet LAN jack. usaBility Adopting the 360-degree rotating design, this notebook can be used in several modes besides the default: tent form for watching movies, or a tablet format that is suitable for small business meeting presentations. Thanks to its 15.6in screen, it’s great for watching videos or even playing some games - as long as the render settings are lowered for the latter. However, due to its metal chassis, it does get a little warm to the touch when the processing is ramped up. Occasionally, I ended up getting sweaty palms when using the ASUS Transformer Book Flip in none air-conditioned rooms. To round up the package, ASUS gave this machine a sound system that utilises its in-house SonicMaster tech, making it good for both work and play. ASUS outfitted this model (and the smaller TP300) with an Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA 840M GPU, so it takes top spot in performance here. If you prefer a little more power over portability, the ASUS is a solid choice.116MAR 2015

HP Pavilion X2The 10in HP Pavilion X2 is an interesting system. LikeMicrosoft’s highly rated Surface Pro 3, it’s between atablet and a notebook. Dare I say - a ‘laplet’, if you will.HP is offering a different take on the whole 2-in-1 ultra-portable segment with how convenient it is to carry thisaround. Powered by an Intel Atom processor, you mightbe surprised that it also runs on a full desktop version ofWindows 8.1.Design anD BuilDThe main tablet PC lacks some of the ports andcomponents you’d see on actual desktops, as it is onlyequipped with one USB port and an internal storage of32GB. Fortunately, there’s a microSD slot for expandedstorage, as well as a HDMI port to use the device withlarger monitors. There’s also a pair of front-facingspeakers framing the two sides of the device. Ofcourse, to make it into the pseudo notebook, there’s adetachable keyboard stand that the HP Pavilion X2 candock with.usaBilityThe keyboard itself flexes considerably, bending slightlywhen pressure is exerted. This can be a concern.Considering that this unit is a demo type, it’s safeto claim that a retail unit should be sturdier. It goeswithout saying that its ultra-portability is its biggestplus point. Tactile feedback for the keys is good so thereshouldn’t be any issues typing on it. However, the standisn’t very good and I found that the tablet often slidesoff, falling flat on its back easily. Finally, HP’s ‘laplet’ comes pre-loaded with a freesubscription to Microsoft Office 365 for a year. This isjust what you’d need to do simple office work as youbrowse the Internet with seamless Office integrationand engage your multimedia assets at the sametime. Value is this platform’s main draw as it is a veryaffordable tablet that doubles as a PC. The drawbackhere ties into the small storage size, meaning you canill afford to install too many software or you’ll end upcarrying too many microSD cards around. 117 MAR 2015

showdown Lenovo YoGA 3 Pro The Lenovo YOGA series of tablet/notebook hybrids needs no introduction at this point. Since it first appeared in 2012, it is possibly the first and proper mobile All-in-One (AiO) to appear within the ICT industry, it is only natural that this series of hybrid PC get an update - both literally and figuratively - in the form of the YOGA 3 Pro. Design anD BuilD One-upping the YOGA 2 Pro is the raison d’être of this new YOGA iteration and it clearly shows in the design language of this 360-degree flipping wonder. Being thinner and lighter than the already slimmed down form factor of its predecessor, the new YOGA entry manages to be one of the most portable AiOs in and around the marketplace. The hinges used have also been modified heavily from before, resembling something you’d likely see on a classy wristband of a Swiss-manufactured timepiece. These five complex hinges, which is made out of more than 800 critical mechanical pieces, look sturdier and feature a more robust flexibility, allowing you to move the screen all the way to the back repetitively without worrying about any breakage or loosening of the movable parts. usaBility Being a top-line YOGA AiO, the YOGA 3 Pro - naturally - retains its 360-degree rotating feature. Also included is the 13.3in Quad HD display that enables the system to put out stunning graphics and enriched visuals. Productivity wise, what it comes packing with under the hood performs amazingly well thanks to the Intel Core M processor powering the machine. Backing that up is the 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and Intel HD 5300 Graphics. As for gaming, it is mostly meant for casual and not-so-hardcore videogames. This includes loading up simple, low demand resource indie-developed games. As for the battery on this thing, it lasts around five hours, decent enough for a multitasker device that operates on a can-do, will-do drive for perfection. In terms of ports and controls, Lenovo made doubly sure that the YOGA 3 Pro is not lacking in that aspect. Not only does it pack in a pair of USB 3.0 ports, there is also a mini-HDMI jack and one 4-in-1 multi-card reader. This, undoubtedly, seals the deal that Lenovo is out to do more with what it has within the fridge.118MAR 2015

Microsoft surfacePro 3Among the entrants, this take from Microsoft, whileunsurprising, had been an unexpected move. As manywould know, the Surface Pro 3 (SP3) is dated andruns pretty hot. Even so, this inaugural winner of thePC.com Perfect 10 rating is more than ready for thetask of taking on the new kids on the block and showit’s still up to snuff.Design anD BuilDIf anything, the original Surface Pro set the bar forfuture design understanding of convertible Ultrabooks. From the versatile variable kickstand to squeezing in a 12in display into a slim form factor, and improving the understated minimalistic look and feel that Microsoft first introduced in the original take of the Surface, it feels as if theoperating system vendor is trying to prove a pointwith this tablet-first platform. Since its rollout, manyvendors have already taken design cues from theSurface. For third take, Microsoft stepped up its gameby re-evaluating its natural orientation - from horizontalto vertical, cutting down the thickness by a couple ofmillimetres here and there, revolutionising the digitiserstylus, and enhancing the heat-vents. How it managedto do the latter, I will never know but it works!usaBility Magnetic locks, universal charging port, andclose to 10 hours of battery life all complement thenever failed-to-deliver promise of decent computingperformance thanks. The new Surface Pro is ableto achieve this thanks to the decent Intel-poweredplatform, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD it uses. It evenrocks a microSD slot under the kickstand to expand thecore storage by another 64GB. Now that’s a lot. Theonly downside: the lone USB 3.0 port. I really wished ithad more than one port. I don’t even mind the removalof the mini-HDMI slot just so one more USB port canbe included. I suppose this is why the Microsoft ArcMouse is a highly recommended companion for theSurface range of hybrid tablets. Long life operation, seamless construction, almostfluid chassis control, and offering proper desktopoperations in a compact form factor, prove that eventhe dated Surface Pro 3 can still kick the proverbialbehind of many new market entries. 119 MAR 2015

showdownSpecificationS Price ASUS Transformer HP Pavilion X2 Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro Microsoft Surface Weight Book Flip TP500LN RM1,199 RM4,999 Pro 3 Dimensions 550g 1.19 kg (W x D x H) RM2,599 RM4,199 Display 2.26kg 264 x 170 x 9.6 mm 330 x 228 x 12.8 mm 800g 380 x 258 x 22mm 10.1in, LED-backlit, 13.3in, touchscreen CPU 292.1 x 201.4 x 9.1mm 15.6in IPS display, 1280 X 800 (3200 x 1800) Memory 1366x768 Intel Atom Z3736F touchscreen 12in ClearType Full Graphics Up to Intel Core M HD Plus, 2160 x 1440 Intel 4th Generation 2GB Storage Core i5 4210U Intel HD Graphics Processor Multi-Touch 4GB 8GB Intel 4th Generation 32GB flash NVIDIA GeForce GT 802.11 b/g/n, Intel HD Graphics 5300 Core i5 4300U 840M 2GB DDR3 Bluetooth 4.0 Up to 512GB SSD 8GB 500GB 5400rpm 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Micro HDMI, GIGA LAN Intel HD Graphics Connectivity Gigabit Ethernet LAN, 3.5mm audio jack, 4400 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi microSD slot (SDXC 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x DC-in with USB 2.0 function, 256GB SSD Ports 1 x COMBO audio compatible), 1 x 4-in-1 card reader (SD, (up to 512GB SSD) jack, 1 x USB 3.0 port, USB 2.0 Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x MMC, SDXC, SDHC), ac, Bluetooth 4.0 HDMI, 1 x SD/SDHC Microsoft Surface Micro-HDMI out, Audio with Low Energy Pro 3 card reader 2288 Combo Jack Technology 2267 1x USB 3.0, 1xBenchmark 2278 HP Pavilion X2 microSD Slot, 1x 1227 Mini DisplayPort, 1x PCMark 8 ASUS Transformer Flip 1041 Headseat Jack, 1x Home Book TP500LN 1249 2132 Cover Port PCMark 8 Creative 2563 Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro PCMark 8 2871 1682 Work 1860 2160120MAR 2015

winner SHOWDOWN Winner Best Overall: Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Besides the lack of speedy USB ports, the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is not to be trifled with still. Even if it runs on first generation Intel 4th Generation Core CPU, which is known to be a battery guzzler, Microsoft managed to optimise the overall performance to extend the battery life beyond its intended limits. Now that is true future-proofing right there.Best PerfOrMance:ASUS Transformer Book Flip TP500LNIf raw horsepower is what you desire, then the ASUSTransformer Book Flip TP500LN is your best bet. Sure it maynot be the most portable out of the machines showcasedhere but in terms of computing power, no machine on thislist can hold a candle to it. Why? Well…it has to do withbeing the only entry with a discrete graphics module.MOst stylish:Lenovo Yoga 3 ProIt may not be the most powerful of the lot, but the Lenovo YOGA3 Pro is hands down the sexiest looking machine on the entry list.If advance aesthetics, innovative styling, and ultra-detailing meananything to you, then the YOGA 3 Pro will be the one in your sightsas it not only looks pretty but also packs some serious functional,design, and performance firepower within. MOst POrtaBle: HP Pavilion X2 The smallest and the most portable convertible Ultrabook of the lot, the HP Pavilion X2 is tailor-made for those who prefer not to lug out any of the machines above. Being able to fit inside a handbag, the Pavilion X2’s portability can’t be matched. It helps that it also has the performance chops to complement its svelte size. 121 MAR 2015

Inview Top 10 What to lookout for the coming year 2015 Strategic Technology Trends By David Cearley, Research Vice President, Gartner David Cearley, Vice president and Gartner Fellow in Gartner Research, is a leading authority on ICT market research. As a member of Gartner Research, Cearley analyses emerging business and technology trends, as well as exploring how these trends shape the way individuals and companies derive value from technology.122MAR 2015

E ver wonder what technology consumer electronics and connected biomedical, and consumer applications trends are likely to have screens for the workplace and even will also continue to demonstrate that 3D a significant impact on at public spaces. Increasingly, it’s printing is a real, viable, and cost-effective organisations in 2015? So do the environment that needs to adapt means that can help reduce spending inmany analysts. This is why Gartner has towards the requirements of the their respective sectors through improvedmoved to address the question at hand mobile user. This will continue to raise designs, streamlined prototyping, andwith its own Top 10 Strategic Technology significant management challenges for short-run manufacturing.Trends for 2015. IT organisations as they lose control of end-point devices. On some level there will • ADvAnCED, pErvAsivE AnD For Gartner, the definition of a strategic be increased attention given to the user invisiblE AnAlytiCstechnology trend is one with the potential experience and device design as well. Analytics will take centrestage as thefor significant impact on the organisation volume of data that embedded systemsin the next three years. Factors that denote • thE intErnEt of things (iot) are generating will increase, creating vastsignificant impact include a high potential The combination of data streams and pools of structured and unstructured datafor disruption to the business or end-users; services created by digitising everything inside and outside the enterprise that needthe need for a major investment; and creates four basic usage models - Manage, to be analysed.influencing the risk of being late to adopt. Monetise, Operate, and Extend. Thusly,In short, these technologies impact any enterprises should not limit themselves Every app now needs to be an analyticbusinesses’ long-term plans, programmes, to thinking that only IoT-type assets and app. Indeed, organisations need to manageand initiatives. machines have the potential to leverage on how best to filter the huge amounts of these four functions. In fact, the concept data coming from the IoT, social media, Thus, the list will cover three themes: can be applied onto industrial equipment, and wearable devices, and then deliverthe merging of the real and virtual worlds; services like pay-as-you-drive insurance exactly the right information to the rightthe advent of intelligence everywhere; deals, people who empower these services, person, at the right time. Analytics willand how technology impacts the on-going places that offer information analytics such become deeply, but invisibly, embeddeddigital business shift. as parking spots, and networked systems everywhere. In fact, while Big Data like the Cloud. remains an important enabler for thisThe Top 10 for GarTner are trend, it needs to shift its focus towardsas follows: • 3D printing the big questions and even bigger answers Worldwide shipments of 3D printers are first - the value is in the answers, not• Computing EvErywhErE expected to grow by 98% in 2015, followed the data.As mobile devices continue to proliferate, by a doubling of unit shipments in 2016.there will be an increased emphasis on This growth will reach a tipping pointserving the needs of the mobile user in over the next three years as the marketdiverse contexts and environments as for relatively low-cost 3D printing devicesopposed to focusing on devices alone. continue to expand rapidly as its industrial use ramps up significantly. New industrial, Smartphones and wearable devicesare now part of an expanded computingenvironment that includes immersive • ContExt riCh systEms Ubiquitous embedded intelligence combined with pervasive analytics will drive the development of systems that are alert to their surroundings and, thus, are able to respond appropriately. Context- aware security is an early application of this new capability. Of course, others will emerge. By understanding the context of a user request, applications can adjust their security responses and even modify how information is delivered to the user. This greatly simplifies the already increasingly complex computing world. 123 MAR 2015

Inview Even if Web-scale IT does not happen immediately, it will evolve over time as commercial hardware platforms embrace new models, while Cloud-optimised and software-defined approaches reach mainstream understanding. The first step towards this future will see DevOps bringing development and operations together in a coordinated way, as it drives rapid and continuous incremental development of applications and services. • Smart machineS coordinating television viewing with use of • riSk-baSed Security and Deep analytics applied to an understanding a mobile device. In the future, games and Self-protection of context provide the pre-conditions for a enterprise-types will use multiple screens All roads to the digital future must include world of smart machines. This foundation, and exploit wearables and other devices to security. However, in a digital business when combined with advanced algorithms deliver an enhanced user experience. world, security cannot be a roadblock that that allow systems to understand their stops all progress. Thusly, organisations environment and learn for themselves, • Software-defined will increasingly recognise that it is provides the basis that enables devices to applicationS and not possible to provide a 100% secured act autonomously. Prototype autonomous infraStructure environment. In understanding this, they vehicles, advanced robots, virtual personal Agile programming - from applications can begin to apply more-sophisticated risk assistants, and smart advisors already to basic infrastructure - is essential assessment and mitigation tools. On the exist and will evolve rapidly, ushering in a to enable businesses to deliver the technical side, perimeter defence can now new age of machine-type helpers. flexibility required for the digital be considered inadequate as applications business to work. Software-defined need to take a more active role. This gives • cloud/client computing networking, storage, data centres, and rise to a new multifaceted approach. The convergence of Cloud and Mobile security protocols are maturing. Cloud Security-aware application design, Computing will continue to promote services are software-configurable dynamic and static application security the growth of centrally coordinated through API calls, and applications, too, testing, and runtime application self- applications that can be delivered to any increasingly have rich APIs that allow for protection combined with active context- device. Already, the Cloud is renowned for enhanced functionalities and immersive aware and adaptive access controls are offering a new style of elastically scalable, programming. To deal with the rapidly all needed in today’s dangerous digital self-service computing, on which both changing demands of digital business world. This will lead to new protection internal and external applications are being and scale systems up - or down - rapidly, concepts being directly incorporated into developed. While network and bandwidth computing has to move towards dynamic applications. Current solutions are no costs may continue to favour apps that models. Essentially, there must be rules, longer enough; every app needs to be self- use the intelligence and storage of client platforms, and codes that can dynamically aware and self-protecting. devices effectively, coordination and assemble and configure all of the elements management will be based in the Cloud. needed from the network or application. In the near term, the focus for Cloud/ • web-Scale it client will be on synchronising content and Web-scale IT is a system of global-class application state across multiple devices computing that delivers the capabilities and addressing application portability of large Cloud service providers within an across devices. Over time, applications enterprise IT setting. Currently, more are will evolve to support simultaneous beginning to think and act like the Web use of multiple devices. The second- giants - Amazon, Google, and Facebook. screen phenomenon today focuses on124MAR 2015

125MAR 2015

Biz 2.0TteocphesnttoerriepsriseCustomer “What we have here is an on-goingSatisfaction byvictoryap trend that is highly pervasive as it goesMicrosoft transforms customer and business dynamics across all channels and operates beyond on-premise channels and processes. ThatW hen it comes to customer As businesses are facing increased means engaging services that are in place, service management, pressure to transform the way they engage like customer relationship management resource planning, and customers in a digitised and consumer- (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), managing work processes, driven era, this begs the question - how and Software as a Service (SaaS), to dohow things are done used to be silo does a business address customers who more,” Chan shares.and not closely related. With the advent originally operate in silos and get them toof mobility, instant gratification and engage with each other more? Part of this ‘engagement’ requireconsumerisation of the ICT industry, businesses wanting to manage theirthings have started to blur, especially For John Chan, CRM Solutions personnel, clients, and the in-betweens. Byhow customer expectations are being Lead, Microsoft Dynamics Asia, it’s a doing so, these new services will be able tomanaged. The past few years have seen relationship game as customers are now gather deeper insights that can be bettersolutions appearing that are specifically dictating the manner and medium in used to do more. This includes havingdesigned to deal with these changes. which marketers must use to reach them improved business engagements and and win their business and loyalty. driving up operational efficiencies. (From left) Rukmani sharing how Microsoft Dynamics 2015 can help improve customer engagement as Microsoft is set to take on a more in- Chan looks on. depth role as it put out its new Microsoft Dynamics 2015 platform. According to126 Rukmani Subramanian, Chief Marketing and Operations Officer, Microsoft Malaysia,MAR 2015 this new take on Dynamics is set to address all these pertinent areas. “What we want to do is provide a broader and more macro view for businesses. This includes pulling analytics, engaging social touchpoints, and reaching out to different areas of interests to ensure every base is covered. This is how Microsoft manages CRM as it’s all about deploying tools that reach out and augment current processes to generate better results. This, of course, includes working with Cloud apps like Office 365,” she adds.

Si is keen to share the new direction VMWare has in mind when deploying Cloud services.HybridRolloutVMWare and Cloud ConvergenceT he Cloud has been redefined recently with its increased use among organisations, creating two specific variants - Public and On-Premise Cloud. While both operate with different parameters, VMWare sees it fit introduce a unified platform for the hybrid system of the Cloud, equally serving both platforms. An industry first, this ‘One Cloud, Any App’ concept offers virtualised computing, networking, and storage services that are fully powered via software-based systems. This Software- as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, according to VMWare, will enable customers to create one consistent environment across the private and public Cloud to run, protect, and manage any Cloud-native or traditional apps. This also includes offering customers openness and choice in how to build and manage their services and environments. No matter the type, choice or cloud consumption model, this unified platform brings the flexibility and choice to create new or update existing applications, with greater ease of manageability and security across the business. “Malaysian companies are among the most dynamic and competitive businesses in the world. The Cloud is highly pervasive among market players here and thus, VMware’s new offerings is uniquely positioned to partner with Malaysian companies as it simplifies the management of their Cloud and enable them to focus on the more important elements of their business,” says Laurence Si, Country Manager, VMware Malaysia and Brunei. 127 MAR 2015

BIZ 2.0The Era ofConnectionArrives Design and creation will never be the same again I n the technology industry, new to digital modeling and 3D rendering. Now By Phil Bernstein, Vice President for advancements are often thought you are not only documenting design but Strategic Industry Relations, Autodesk to bring along a ‘revolution’ where also simulating and analysing how it will Phil Bernstein is responsible for the things will ‘never be the same’. be in reality. In fact, these digital models company’s future vision and strategy for Technology does tend to stir things up, so allow you to measure new aspects, alter technology, as well as cultivating the firm’s it’s not always an overstatement. these elements, and update designs on relationships with strategic industry leaders the fly. and associations. Formerly a principal with This word is especially apt today. Now, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, he teaches more than ever, the world is changing. Currently, this is where the process Professional Practice at Yale where he How people design and make things is now stands today. However, industries are received both his B.A. and his M.Arch. not just evolving, but being completely about to enter into the ‘Era of Connection’. He is co-editor of Building (In) The Future: disrupted yet again. We’re on the cusp of a Whereas in the second era, you made sure Recasting Labor in Architecture and BIM new (and very real) revolution: It’s the ‘Era your design worked - this coming of a third In Academia, a Senior Fellow of the Design of Connection’. paradigm shift ensures you even have Futures Council, and former Chair of the AIA the right design to work on. This is not National Contract Documents Committee. How will people design and make just about the design of independent and things in the future? It’d be helpful to take isolated items anymore. Everything is -and collaboration is reaching new heights. a look at the past in order to understand will have to be -connected and understood Attitudes toward IP are shifting too. With the major changes that are on the horizon. within the given context. Think ‘Big data’ Elon Musk as a prime example, inventors meets ‘Killer Digital Models’, and you can and designers are opening access to First, there is the ‘Era of see where we’re going. patents and IP sharing, helping to drive Documentation’, which went from pencil, even further innovation where everyone paper, X-Acto knives, and wood prototypes The disruption is happening. Thusly, shares their insights and competes on to processing with CAD. Now, for the first we must be ready. ideas. How is all of this being fueled? time, you can draw something precisely Infinite computing and increasing amounts and accurately, and then realistically SignS of DiSruption of computational access from the Cloud, add-on elements like geometry, diagrams, So what are the events that now social networks, and mobile technologies and text. However, you still have to make are the ones providing increased access decisions about that design through foreshadow this new age of design and and empowerment. In fact, winners will intuition and plain-old judgment calls creativity? Indeed, the hidden signposts because even the best drawing is just that are very strong and telling. - a drawing. The way you can produce things - The mid-1990s brought the ‘Era of intellectually and physically - is changing. Optimisation’. The world moved from CAD Crowdsourcing and vast global, open128MAR 2015

be chosen based on who creates the best are made and the implications of their They’re connected to their devices, whichideas - not who owns it. choices. It’s a new level of buying power in turn is linked to other technologies that where a purchase can also be a personal are designed to sense the surrounding For physical production, the statement or allegiance. Customers world and feedback the information itpossibilities are endless as the are even cognizant of carbon footprint, perceives to its users. Increasing accessdemocratisation of manufacturing ‘blood diamonds’, and underage workers to unfathomable amounts of data and rawprocesses is already in full swing. in overseas factories. They are driving computing power will deliver even more3D-printing, robotics, and composite how companies choose materials and pertinent information to our figurative andmaterials, just to name a few, are production, so they can feel they’ve made literal fingertips.gaining incredible momentum - from a responsible purchase.prototyping to part development to In this new world, the competitivefull-blown production. This shift also sees the world now landscape is set to change. Anyone rapidly moving away from a disposable can now take down a titan. What do As it is, there are now more flexible society with products needing to return to I mean by that? It’s the small productglobal supply chains and easier access resiliency and quality. Consumers expect company that makes a car. Or a singlepoints via distributed digital networks. their smartphone to improve over time architect designing a skyscraper. WithMost of the capital that fuels innovation and evolve through software - not from enhanced access to capital, talent, and- money and ideas - is now available buying new hardware. In fact, when they processing power, it’s a brave newthrough crowdfunding and Big Data. purchase a smart device, consumers want world for organisations of all sizes. TheHence, investments can happen at the more than just the device as they expect to balance of power is shifting - for once,grassroots level and no longer be solely build a new relationship with the product towards real innovators instead ofdependent on a venture capital, holding and service providers. entrenched incumbents.company, or the government. Make Ready the ConneCtion Essentially, the circuit of connections Another sign of disruption is how The ‘Era of Connection’, in essence, and the Internet of Things are just tipscustomers have become incredibly of the iceberg. Hardware and softwareempowered. Already, a new digitally savvy is an ever-increasing interactive web in their current form will becomeconsumer class numbering in the billions between people, technology, and the world extinct as they transition to completelyis emerging - they know what they want around them. People are connecting to integrated products.and when they want it. Even deliveries each other through crowdsourcing/funding,can be arranged as and when they want social networks, mobile, and innovation. As such, design will play the crucialit as well. They care about how things role. Prepare now. 129 MAR 2015

spotlightProactiveControlSecurity has to gobeyond the norm by victor yap Ellis W hen PC.com had been : What sort of threats have we smartphone to access corporate e-mail?” invited to cover the RSA faced in 2014 and is it more of the same Unsurprisingly, nearly the entire room Singapore event last in 2015? raises their hands. year, the team certainly John Ellis: The short answer: Plenty and didn’t expect to be inundated yes! Well, essentially, the three key areas Of course, that’s an example of where with so many facts and data about that the world is currently facing that corporate data is living, beyond designated security. Certainly, not from the are present in the threat landscape. In data centres and literally operating beyond upper echelons at least. Among fact, I want you to start thinking of this businesses premises. those that had been interviewed, an discussion as a high level overview as InfoSec man that had cybercrime and these three, more or less, represent the The last point is placing focus on cyberwarfare insights showed up on entire backdrop on cyber-attacks. First, the employing strategies needed to deal with the radar. bad guys are going global by operating on the problem. It cannot be a one-brand-for- a more controlled strategy that is defined all solutions. That is a myth that most are Having missed the opportunity via three attack prongs: Sophisticated, coping with or trying to overcome. to pick on the mind of John Ellis, Automated, and Distributed (SAD). It’s Director, Enterprise Security, a moniker I made up so that the topic at : Why do you call this market Asia Pacific & Japan, Akamai hand is able to tie-in with the conversation understanding of security a myth? Technologies at the time, another pieces. Ellis: In essence, it is the concept of interview had been arranged with decentralisation. What had once been a the ample hours to find out what The second part is how traditional heavily secured platform, AKA your data he thinks of the current trends the defences are, basically, failing you. That centre, is now linked to many outside InfoSec industry is facing. means, the way people invest in security systems like your branch network, the today, or have been in the past, is not Internet, as well through the fibre, your130 keeping up with the pace of change today. business partners who are connected This situation is not by design, rather it through proxies, customers with theirMAR 2015 came about simply by consequence as mobile devices and Cloud-linked apps, the world has been evolving in terms of and, finally, services and systems that ICT innovation and advancing businesses Amazon Web Services provide. ecosystems. For example, I’ve asked a lot of questions to the audiences I present Now, the question is: where do you to, like “Who here uses their personal deploy your firewall in all of this? Where is your designated perimeter? Do you

protect the guy over there who happens to very high-level malicious activities. That understand the nature of the business theyhave data relevant to you as well? It’s no means, the InfoSec guys need to take are trying to protect.longer about defending content generation a more holistic and unparalleled globalthat happens within your controlled approach to security. What I mean by that is as securityenvironment, as such activities are no vendors and practitioners, we can nolonger confined. What does holistic mean? Well, in the longer keep to the narrow worldview case of addressing these multiple areas of fighting against viruses. Malicious Sensitive information is being made of concern, it goes beyond managing the activities have a knack of adapting toas we speak. In fact, the interactivity perimeter. You, as a user, have to accept company policy so we have to be clearbetween consumers and brands can that your data lives everywhere. Thus, on what is right and wrong with thebe considered as critical data. This has it needs a holistically comprehensive processes. That means IT has to beled many to ask this currently popular protective solution. extremely well-versed with the businessquestion: “Where do people go to interact strategies, the company core principles,with your brand?” Already, far too much has been and targeted bottomline. If you don’t invested in front lighting our security understand that as a security person Short answer: Social media. measures with protective controls. Just by within your organisation, then you have no How does one go about leveraging on purchasing this little box here, it’s going right being there.so much unstructured data? That is one of to somehow solve every single securitytwo big questions many businesses have problem. In fact, for the wonderful price : How do you educate yourasked me, with the second being: what of X dollars, you’re going to be able to clients to think like that? As it is, Asia iscan I do with the analysed sentiment of get everything thrown in as well. Sounds about prevention and mitigation. How domy customers towards my product? Does familiar? That’s how a lot of vendors you turn that mindset around?that make sense? Already, there are a are selling their solutions. They and the Ellis: You know, that’s an excellentlot of Cloud services out there that study customers they work to protect have to question. Honestly, I don’t have the perfectunstructured data to provide insights of move up and transcend all of that as they answer for you because there is the Johnwhat your customers are saying. That take a more mature approach. That would Ellis answer and the Akamai answer. Thewould, by default, classify such findings mean being more consumable to people latter, obviously, is very much aroundas sensitive. Even content generation who bother to stop and listen in on what I what we’re doing with our technologyand aggregation now falls into the same am saying. capabilities. I don’t think for a secondcategory. Thus, corporations need to learn that anyone in the security communityquickly how they can put in place proper : So what can we do then? can call themselves the silver bullet. Evenpreventive and security measures. Ellis: Would you believe it if I said that we at Akamai are not as bold, though we traditional security, the way we have come close. We’re not advocating the : Isn’t such practices always been doing things, are now holding silver bullet, but when you start saying tosubjective based on user wants and us back from doing our job properly? New people that you need to do some thingsdifferent brand deployment processes? methods that require us to turn around here with your security strategy, to be ableEllis: That is true since security practices and introduce improved controls have to now move to being more advanced,vary for each organisation. However, been limited due to the legacy systems then it would be more about putting in awhen you start to say “Okay, I now need we have in place. Better encryption, proactive security process.to protect this information because it is toolkit innovation, and advancedsensitive to me and contains competitive service infrastructure, all of that can be Reactive is a thing of the past.data. Or maybe it’s something I have to incorporated easily provided the IT teams Personally, I don’t want to look at the dataprotect because of my responsibility to mystakeholders, customers, and shareholders.Even working in a regulated industrywould mean I have to work within certaincontrolled expectations. How do I do this right? This is why, from the get-go, I believethe perimeter you play in is the data youneed to protect. The InfoSec industryhas to move away from a networksynchronisation approach to security,which we have been doing for years andworked on the “This is untrusted, andthis is trusted” model. What we need tounderstand now is that everything is nowuntrusted in the context of what we’retalking about. : Where do we go fromhere then?Ellis: Well I have shared on how the badguys are now going global, especiallynow that they have a big shot at doing 131 MAR 2015

spotlight because the data is going to tell me I’m Based on my answer, it is clear this has : One last question before we doing a bad job. Instead, when I study the become second nature. When I talked to close this off. I recently spoke to a Trend data, I want to figure out how a business a lot of customers about this, they have Micro cybercrime expert on trends and can automate incident responses. But no idea what they are getting into. So she shared about Operation Mantle, where when/where/how is the situation proper eventhough you’ve invested in all these you poke holes in the network to locate for you to hit that big metaphorical red controls and capabilities for protection, any security breaches that can possibly be button that activates all the security how do you know that it’s working for you? exploited. Based on the work carried out, it controls. During a DDoS? In the middle of a Are you doing all these fire drills correctly? had been revealed that many are not ready natural disaster? When? How prepared are you to say “Okay, we for these new threats. What’s your take on have a major malware outbreak and we it? Will this trend be a mainstay for 2015? Now, coming from my own experience, didn’t upgrade our software nor patch Ellis: Absolutely. If you take a step back it’s all about having a certain level of our systems. We are now exposed to a and see where Asia is going in terms of understanding. From my time as a malware, what are we going to do?” infrastructure capabilities, we’re looking Security Lead for Barclays Capital in at a US$650 Billion e-commerce market APAC, I’ve had a team of 17 folks at Tier : It’s a question of being by 2020, which reflects growth of up to 3 protocols on my watch. At any time, we truly protected. three times than standard retail. This is carry out project delivery and operate as Ellis: Exactly. The compelling reason to go phenomenally fast. Thus, there’s always the escalation point. So if Tier 1 or Tier 2 out and buy all these new security tech is this explosive growth that generate guys can’t solve it, it falls on us to solve because of the recent cases that Malaysia, new data points that you could leverage it. If we had an attack or an incident, the Singapore, and Korea have experienced. on. So, I think, from a cybercriminal’s first thought process is “What do we do?”, Once the hype goes away, they’d be like, standpoint, the great opportunity that then “How do we bottom out that we “Right, now what do I do with it? I bought exists for them is the ability to go out actually have an issue here that we need it because everyone told me I need to have and build more attack infrastructure for to respond to, and which playbook are we cyber-intelligence and threat intelligence. many different purposes. It’s either to going to run with?” Then what?” simply push out things like spam, with the Botnets for DDoS attacks hidden I would turn around and say “Right, Really, is all that necessary? beneath or maybe put out some other we’re under attack, we need to do this!” All you need to do is ask yourself this: sophisticated command and control right in the middle of training day. how will this new security acquisition infrastructure that operates with some Obviously, we already have this lined up positively impact my security posture and level of the logic. That’s going to be not so with management. With the ‘attack in can I measure it? That means considering much hosted in the Cloud, as it is going progress’, let’s say DDoS, we need to pick the following facts: Would it reduce to be hosted, illegally, in your network. a playbook fast, and then boom, we get defensive response time? Perhaps by five Malicious users will believe they can pick to it! minutes? Would my response be more up some latent computer capacity for their progressive? If you can’t answer those own nefarious activities or even to power132 questions effectively, then you probably advance malware controls that propagate need to go back and re-evaluate. This is no on actual logic that is located at otherMAR 2015 longer about some simple hack as you’d actual endpoints. be dealing with criminals with cyber- warfare backgrounds or face, in rare cases, country-backed intelligence.

Hands-freehouse-keepingCorvan believes it’s timeto give smart-home a try by matthew yap Kevin Lee, General Manager of Corvan Malaysia : Yes, could you tell us more about your principal brand, Neato?S mart-home appliances can help us : You mentioned connected Kevin: In 2012, we won sole distribution in our daily lives, but not many of devices, which relates to Internet of rights for Neato in Malaysia. What’s us know much about it. PC.Com Things. Are there differences between special is that Neato robotic vacuums are gets in touch with Kevin Lee, that and smart-living, or have they the only ones using a technology calledGeneral Manager of Corvan Technologies become integrated? laser mapping. This helps the roboticto discuss the topic. Kevin: I do believe that they are beginning vacuum scan the layout of the room for to integrate, if not already. Now we can see a more systematic and efficient way of : Hi! we’re from PC.Com, such devices widely pushed, sold in online cleaning, instead of running randomly.thanks for having us. To start off, could you sites like Taobao. Comments are positivetell us about yourself and Corvan? and you can gauge that the trend does : Besides the roboticKevin: I’ve always wanted to be my own seem to be tying in to IoT. vacuums, what other product is popular?boss and the opportunity came in year Kevin: The Neato robotic vacuums are2000, after the completion of my last : Talking about online sites, obviously going to be our key product, butproject, the Star LRT ticketing system. I how is the adoption rate locally? there are others like smart kettles. Thosefelt that it was a good time to start my own Kevin: That’s a good question. Malaysia is allow you to set different temperatures forcompany and founded Corvan with some a market we want to focus on this year and brewing floral tea, black tea, or coffee.investment from partners. we have been using online marketplaces such as Rakuten MY and Lazada. The : Thank you for your time. In : Why did you decide to get pickup rate has been encouraging. closing, is there anything else you’d like tointo the smart-home business? share with our readers?Kevin: We were having problems with : If there’s one product you’d Kevin: Many still can’t live without maids,maids and it got frustrating after we recommend for households, what will but we stopped hiring them when my kidscycled through a few of them. But it got it be? were ten years old. Being over reliant onus thinking, why don’t they use maids Kevin: Smart-appliances are relatively maids could cause kids to grow up cluelessoverseas? Because many of them use new compared to handheld devices, but about how to do things on their own andsmart-home appliances for chores instead. I believe that they are fast becoming while helpers may seem the cheaperWhat if we could vacuum our place clean, household items. Like the robotic vacuum, option, investing in the right technologieswithout the need to sweep and mop? for example. can replace the need for them entirely. : Going forward, what are your 133expectations for smart-home appliancesthis year? MAR 2015Kevin: Our principal, Neato, believes thatthis year would be a phenomenal yearand we agree. Conventional appliancemanufacturers are coming into the pictureand we expect them to launch a lot of newthings like connected devices, InternetWiFi-connected and smart device robotics.

ContestNot To Miss!Neato BotVacTM 85 GiveawayNamed ‘King of the Robotic Vacuum’ by in an organised back and forth pattern.CNET and IT Trends, Neato vacuuming Way better than moving around therobot has the strongest suction power room randomly!and is currently the only of its kind in theworld that uses an advanced and highly NoW, this awesome top-spec Neatooptimised Simultaneous localisation and BotVacTM 85 cleaning buddy, which isMapping (SlAM) navigation system - the retailing at RM3,788, can be yours! Allsame technology used by Google Driverless you need to do is to tell us (in less than 30Cars. It creates detailed and accurate words) what you would do with the freemaps of the environment, including time when the buddy is doing the cleaningobstacles and then uses it to clean rooms chores for you to win and take home a brand new Neato BotVacTM 85.Slogan With the Neato BotVacTM 85, my cleaning chores are now much easier and more efficient!I will make use of the free time toName: while the buddy is doing the job!Address: IC Number:Email: Contact Number:MAIl youR ANSWERS By 30 APRIl 2015 To:Neato/PC.com Contest: Rules and Regulations:Reach Publishing, 15-3, Block F1, Dataran Prima, Participants may only send in one entry per name* Reach PublishingJalan PJu 1/42, 47301, Petaling Jaya Sdn Bhd and Corvan Technology employees and their immediateoR EMAIl uS AT: [email protected]. families are not eligible for this contest* Any decision about the winners is final* All prizes must be collected in person or by representatives* Participants must be 18 and above Closing Date: 30 April 2015

spotlight (Second from right) Chang with Margaret Koh, Sales Director, WD Asia South, and Susan Chong, Senior Sales Manager, Branded Product, WD Malaysia during the WD My Cloud and My Cloud EX2 launch.Traditional BoundaryBreakthroughs byvictoryapBig storage for the massesW hen it comes to storage, : How has 2014 been for the platforms - all of that now define how only a few brands come storage industry? WD is approaching the marketplace. to mind. In the case of Albert Chang: It’s a mixed bag really as we Diversification is the key to growth and Western Digital (WD), that is see the overall pricing for storage dipping sustainability, thus, it has become thethe first name that many would bring up further, while the demand for more data prime strategy for the brand.when the topic of hard disks come up. storage is on the rise. Such distinctiveWhile this renowned hard disk vendor trends, even if it is remarkable, have been In moving to go beyond our traditionaldoes not play in the flash memory space the order of the day for this industry in the offerings, it can be said that WD is settinglike the rest, it doesn’t really need to as it last year or so. Personally, this is a market benchmarks for innovation within thehas been making its own waves with the trend that will not be changing anytime storage sector. Are we truly doing that?new innovations that are being put out. soon and so we at WD move to make the From the consumer perspective, we best of it. definitely are. For businesses, it really Speaking to Albert Chang, Senior depends since there are larger concerns toManager of Product Marketing for WD : How so? And would 2014 consider like disaster recovery, zero down-Asia Pacific, PC.com managed to get spill-over into 2015? time, and data de-duplication.some insight as to why WD is being Chang: Well, you’ve seen the innovationsmore obstinate than it should be when that WD has come up with in 2014 - : Let’s not get to the complexit comes to sticking with its guns. By from wireless storage management, to bits yet and focus on the stuff you sharedthe looks of it, for WD it is really all about larger portable drives, and even advance on earlier. How has WD applied its flavourdoing more with what it has on hand. Network Attached Storage (NAS) of innovation in the consumer space? Chang: Well, there is this understanding that consumers want to be mobile. They 135 MAR 2015

also want to be seamlessly connected. things going. Add to that the need for : How would that work for you Smart devices have delivered that on some disaster recovery, data management and in the enterprise and business-to-business level and trends like Internet of Things analytics, data de-duplication, as well as space? (IoT), Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD), content on-demand, and things now look Chang: Well, what we have done in the and the Consumerisation of IT further very complex. consumer space can be up-scaled for reinforces that notion. Now you have enterprise deployment. Take for instance, gadgets and gizmos that are perpetually Personally, the Cloud is like some the WD My Passport Wireless - a storage creating, consuming, and managing data omnipresent platform that can be device that is specifically made for the every second. accessed from just about anywhere. everyday consumer that needs his smart That is, provided there is a reliably stable device to be seamless linked to every other How would storage fit into all this? and speedy broadband connection. I’m gadgetry. The minimalistic yet industrial Firstly, there is the realisation that reiterating here: What if there is no link design, while stylish and sleek, is equally storage is still in demand. Of course, in this to the Web? Would that mean you have as suitable for business people who are day and age, it isn’t about just providing a no access to your files? Well, with WD always on-the-go or constantly need a permanent solution to store data - it is also portable hard disks, it’s not as bleak really. robust storage device that syncs data in about making it seamlessly convenient. I’ll let you ponder about that on your own. real time. With many users now on mobile platforms, it only makes perfect sense to incorporate : With the propagation of If the looks doesn’t cut it enough to an easy-to-use yet robustly versatile Cloud, wanting to stay ahead may be qualify as business-ready, well - who wireless transfer system into portable hard ideal. How has WD played up that aspect? wouldn’t want a portable 2TB hard disk disks. The same goes for video/content Chang: Ah, the Cloud. It is such a seamless anyway? Flash drives have their place streaming. This is the real reason why WD piece of innovation. Cloud storage is a and it’s nowhere near the level of this WD has decided to play up the user experience big deal, but can only be accessed when Passport entry. It certainly would work of the devices we have in our stable. there is Wi-Fi or mobile data. This is why well as a temporary back-up drive for Secondly, understanding that it is no WD devices are still sought after. It’s server migration. longer about just providing the basics. even better now that current, new, and This goes back to the user experience that upcoming WD device will have native I refer to - there must now be functions Wi-Fi and streaming capabilities built- that provide real added value for storage in as well. Of course, that means devices. In fact, these advanced features we’ve truly transformed the must match the progress that the BYOD entire ecosystem and made the and Mobility trends have brought about. devices ready for mobility. : Let’s change gears here - How do the things we do would the Cloud really take over? go up against something like Chang: From a company standpoint, the the Cloud? Honestly, we don’t. Cloud will play an important role in how We, instead, work with these storage evolves with the ICT industry. industry disruptors. How can we With everything moving onto an on- not be a part of the disruption? demand and service-based platforms, I’d rather ask: why not be a part having storage go into that direction is of it? That way we can lead the only logical. Would that mean the end of way and put our own input with physical hard disks? Not really since the the disruptors at hand. This is back-end will need our technology to keep how WD differentiates itself from136 the rest.MAR 2015

: Major business insightproviders now use in-memory data storageinfrastructure, something WD has notinvested in fully yet. Can you comment?Chang: In-memory has been created forone thing in mind - to boost performance,agility, and reliability of back-end basedstorage systems. This is how the Cloudis able to offer seamless delivery andmanagement of data of all kinds in aninstant. While there is merit to invest insuch innovations, WD is still very focusedon producing what we do best - platter-based drives. There is no end to innovationso I can say for sure that we’re looking intosqueezing more bits and Bytes into thehard disks we make. Is it possible? But, of course! It’s only amatter of how it can be done and what isneeded to pack in that extra Terabyte ofspace onto the denser materials used. : In your opinion, would flashstorage rule the day?Chang: Flash is easily as old as traditionalplatters and have given birth to what wenow know as Solid State Drives (SSD).While demand is still growing, it is clearthat the larger and hardier drives thatoffer 1TB or 2TB of space to keep all yourcontent have the bigger lead on marketdemand. 64GB does sound massive butwhen put next to a WD 1TB drive…well,you can make the guess yourself. Would WD move into the flash storagespace? For now, there is no immediateplan for it, but everything is possible. Wewould like to continue focusing on whatwe do best, which is platter based drivesand continue to fulfil the demand of ourcustomers, big or small. It is our goal asa storage company to understand thedemand for DATA and yet create a newform of “digital life style”. 137 MAR 2015

celebtalk A dated picture of Rinzler with a plastic model of the Death Star. Recent shot of Rinzler at The Prop Shop where he poses with the USCSS Nostromo, the transport ship that had been featured in the Aliens film. It’s All in the WritingOpening doors with Star Wars by edward massW riting comes in many forms and in the case of Jonathan W. Rinzler, it is a fun yet arduous journey of moving from non-fiction tofiction and then getting wedged in betweenboth during his time at the Star Warscompany, aka the production company thatGeorge Lucas - the creator of the Star Warsfranchise - established and currently owns. If technicalities come into play, thenRinzler has two official roles in the company.Currently, he is attached to the Lucasfilmdivision as Executive Editor (for his role inmanaging parts of the Star Wars: The CloneWars series. The other part he plays is thatof a Writer/Editor for many non-fictionalbooks that chart, track, and expound onthe Star Wars franchise. From the Makinganthologies to geographic tomes, deepinsights into George Lucas himself, andeven timeline almanacs, Rinzler had beeninvolved in most of these published works. PC.com secured an interview with himduring his recent visit to KL for the KLCONVERGE 2014 conference where hespoke about story-telling and writing. Didwe ask about Star Wars? You bet’cha!138MAR 2015

: We usually start this with 3. This is how my role sort of became the the idea of bringing back Darth Maul bya short intro about yourself and what fly on the wall. giving him mechanical legs. That gotyou’re currently working on. However, a lot of traction so eventually GeorgeI feel it’s good if you take the lead I had been at the first art department (Lucas) brought back Darth Maul. Excitingon this. meeting, all the way through and times indeed.Jonathan W. Rinzler: Now that’s an eventually I somehow made it to all theinteresting approach right there. Well, art department meetings. There are also : Are you involved in thelet’s do this - since I’m speaking at KL various meetings I had to attend to, as story for any of the games?CONVERGE, I’ll start by saying that well as going to the set and even being in Rinzler: Not really. While I work on booksI am here to basically do a lecture on Sydney - the closest I’ve been to Malaysia about the games, my team and I havestory-telling. at the time. In between, I head back to HQ pretty much nothing to do with the games. for any critical dailies and even stopped However, we did a really great book about : It’s the advance focus by the England Studios for other material the history of LucasArts. Also, another funworkshop right - the MasterClass? pick-ups, like voice overs. My trips to fact - I worked at a videogame magazineRinzler: Yeah, that’s the one. I guess you London gave me the opportunity to watch before, though - honestly - I’m not reallycould call it ‘The Guru Speak’ session! John Williams conduct at the London a gamer.(laughs!) Symphony Orchestra. Amazing stuff! : So how is your : So what is your session So all of that, and I can ramble on relationship between the two teamsgoing to be about? Perhaps you can but shall not, allowed me to work on since you came up with parts of thetell us a little bit about your history at the Star Wars Empires and Jedi books. mythos for Star Wars and LucasArtsLucasarts/Lucasfilms as well. Coincidentally, that spurred me to branch handles the game components thatRinzler: Well, let’s start with the second off into fiction, allowing me to write a refers to your source materials? Ishalf of your question. I’ve started this couple of Clone Wars episodes, an Indiana there any kind of cooperation orjourney with an interview there in 2001. Jones novel, and a couple of Indiana Jones consultation between both sides?Fun fact, D.C. Wilson, who is the first kids’ books. Did I go beyond after? Well Rinzler: Well, back in the day up - andemployee of Lucasfilms, personally I’m sure the Boba Fett series counts for even up until recently, the Nexus ofinterviewed me. For those who don’t know, something. The writer for those scenarios Information has always been George. Hehe started in 1974 as the accountant and didn’t want to come out with the plots and provided the background for the peopleended up as the Head of the Department. I remembered her saying: “You guys just writing novels. I’m not really involved inSo when I had been hired, I aced the role tell me what the story is and I’ll write the this whole thing as long as it isn’t aboutof a non-fiction editor and that’s where book!” Now that’s a fun experience as I Yoda. If it is, it’s my job to make sureit segued into writing books about the had been the first-in-line to come up with that they ‘don’t do this’, or ‘don’t go overmaking of the film. The first job - Episode stuff. Thus, I made it important that Boba there’. As long as you aren’t breaking Fett should try and get revenge on Mace convention for Yoda, George didn’t really Windu for killing his father. This team-up of mine went on to do another Star Wars graphic novel based on Star Wars Visionaries. This is the exact moment Alan McBride, who joined up shortly after we started work, crafted 139 MAR 2015

celebtalkwant to butt in. Simply put, all he wantsfrom the writers is for them to do the bestbooks they can. Now with games - that is a differentstory. They costs millions and millionsof Dollars, have so many see and play allover the world, and are hyper-interactive.Thus, whenever they are going to do astory for the videogame, it must be pitchedto George as he has the final say. Forexample, someone once wanted to makean entire game on Wookies… : Wow!Rinzler: Exactly - but in a bad way!Wookies don’t talk so you can’t do that.That was an infamously terrible meeting. : While your backgroundis mostly in books and the Star Warslore based on your work at Lucasfilms,I want to focus on a similar aspect ofwriting but from a different angle -gaming. Have you been involved withwriting for videogames? If yes, wheredoes the story-writing componentcome in?Rinzler: Well, I once made a game inFrench called ‘The Wall Street Trader’. Itis an educational game that deals withbuying and selling stocks. So I came inand I directed the cut-scenes - all of themmade as live-action. Personally, it’s really alot of fun. We had been living in a chateauand filmed in and around the set locationduring our stay in France. So in that sense,I had been able to write a story that workswithin the framework of the game. : The key difference Of course, you’d also have your different : Is this more of a time between storytelling for a movie or kinds of storylines. For a novel, you can constriction or a resource issue? a novel and a videogame is how the pick up and put down, you could even Rinzler: It’s both because you are always latter is more immersive since you write a 1,000 or 2,000 page novel and it going to have a time constriction for a get to interact directly with whatever won’t make a lot of difference because movie. Think of it like a piece of music, as story it is set in. What challenges did people are going to read it at their own it exists in real time. When you’re writing you encounter when writing for these pace. However, with a movie - you’ve got for film, you control everything within that three media types? a 120 minutes to tell your story. If you ever medium just like how a music producer watched a Hitchcock movie, it’s obvious controls every element of a song. For Rinzler: Obviously, writing a novel is a lot that the writing is very simple since hardly videogames, it’s different because you cheaper. If you’re doing it for videogames, anything happens in a Hitchcock movie. have different story branches so people the biggest problem is resources. As for That’s not a bad thing, truly! Why? Well, can have all sort of story experiences - films, well, the cost is enormous, making I think a lot of the problems with movies keeping in mind that it really depends on it a pretty big factor. I remember hearing today are how they’re trying to cram too what genre is being used. Personally, I like about Matt Groening of The Simpsons, much stuff into that given time span, linear stories in gaming because I feel that and they asked him to do some live action giving them no opportunity to create if you’re a creator of some kind that has a thing with the first scene being something scenes that build suspense. In fact, there knack for artistic experiences, you’d have to do with a raccoon. The executives are too many scenes used that start to control enough of it to elicit a certain had been hesitant as they need to train a cancelling each other out. raccoon and that is very expensive. So it’s a big factor that you have to keep in mind when you’re writing.140MAR 2015

alchemy really so it’s hard to know what works. If I recall, Malaysia has a high literacy rate? : Honestly - the literacy rate is high but the reading culture is low. Rinzler: That’s true in America as well. We did a few copies that managed to get on the New York Times’ Bestsellers List, so you’d think it’ll be hundreds of thousands in sales but it’s not. If you hit the right thing and sell a few thousand copies in Barnes and Noble’s - that means you’d probably get on the Bestsellers. Really, hardly anyone reads books in America now. It’s sad.response. Indeed, this understanding is neither like the final interpretation that : So you’re saying thatapplicable beyond gamers as shown and each came up with. publishers need to be willing to investproven in fantastically written novels and in the writers and trust them to comehyper-engaging movies. As for videogames, it’s straightforward: up with something good that can drag take what you can from the movie that’s them out of the novel market and onto : There is a trend where going to work and vice versa. Word of the silverscreen?games are being released as movies advice: once you get a committee to make Rinzler: It doesn’t really happen entirelyand vice versa. This usually has a decisions on such projects, the whole that way. Writers come in with a pitchknown issue called adaptation loss project is set to go down a rocky road. and once they are accepted, the outline ofas the media transformation process Personally, these ideas need someone who the show/movie will be worked on. Thesecauses parts of the story to be lost is strong enough, given enough power to are basically baby steps. Of course, ator omitted. What is your opinion of make changes, and get things done the some point, producers or investors wouldthat? Do you think it is a creatively way he/she wants it. say: “Here’s are sacks full of money, so goconductive relationship? ahead and make your show with it!” AtRinzler: Going by experience, I can tell : Suppose you want to that point, it is all about taking a big risk.you that this entire process, which you breed a culture of creative writers - Now that is where the fun begins.refer to as adaptation, primarily involves what would you need to get it going?studios that are trying to make a buck. Rinzler: Well, writers need to eat and : Can you share a majorWhile everyone has a job to do, that same pay rent so...I don’t know, there are ways example of a ‘big risk’?may want to be really conscious about the that sort of come together. For instance, in Rinzler: When we worked on Empirelaws they apply are in accordance to the New York, the newspaper industry thrived (Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back), we camemedium that is being worked on. Stanley for a long while, ensuring a lot of writers up with the idea to make Yoda into thisKubrick is a good example of this concept wanting to work for the newspaper and little puppet. The problem - there hasas he has successfully made novels into write their stories. On many levels, they never been a puppet like Yoda before. Theblockbuster movies. He is infamous made a living somehow as it had once prop-makers didn’t really know how to dofor taking exactly what he needed and been cheap to live in New York. Thus, you it and tried all sorts of ideas like measuringchanging things very dramatically to fit have the right economic circumstances a monkey as they thought of putting afilm and make it work. However, there is and solid proof that having some kind of monkey in a costume at one point.also that famous feud between Stephen patron offering awards allow for talentsKing and Kubrick over The Shining, where to do all the writing they want for two They had been just trying stuff until years or so with no issue. This is all weird finally Jim Hensen and Frank Oz came on and made puppets. What they had in mind is to use animatronics in a puppet, a totally new idea that had never been done before. George asked who is going to voice Yoda and Frank Oz suggested Miss Piggy (from The Muppets). George’s response: “Can you imagine Yoda opening his mouth and sounding like Miss Piggy?” So they hadn’t necessarily wanted to use Frank Oz as the voice. Doing so had all been a big chance. Basically, it’s like taking calculated chances. In the old days, people who made movies are also movie fans - this makes it easier for them to take risks. 141 MAR 2015

TECH 101 Snooze in Inbox Not everything needs to be done right now S noozing the alarm in the morning is so satisfying. You get those extra few minutes of sleep without worrying you’re going to miss anything. That’s exactly what ‘Snoozing’ for the new Inbox app will be like. Whether you’re in an inconvenient place or simply need to focus on something else first, you can snooze away emails, notifications, and critical reminders to a better time or place without worrying whether you will forget about them. For example: maybe today’s crazy busy but you still want to get back to your New Year’s Resolution to clean the garage - whether that’s tonight, tomorrow, or next week. With Inbox you can either ‘snooze the task’ by using the convenient quick options or go with setting a timed custom reminder alert. Inbox responds to your preferences and adjusts its quick options to match. Sometimes it makes more sense to snooze your emails to a place, instead of a time. For example, you might want to snooze your ticket to the game, a reminder to buy milk to the grocery store, or even the article that mum sent you to when you get home.142MAR 2015

Once you start snoozing, you’ll notice that Inbox can make the entire emailtracking process a whole lot easier. Snoozing to a location is easier too since you canname and save common places in the app. And if, say, you’ve resolved to call your mother more this year, you can just createa reminder. Inbox will help you snooze to a time or place with Assists. If you ever get ahead of schedule (lucky you!), you can check out all of yoursnoozed emails and reminders by opening the app menu and tapping on ‘Snoozed’.From here you can edit all snoozed items, move them back into your Inbox, or justreview everything you’ve snoozed to ‘Someday.’ Ultimately, Inbox is about helping you getback to what matters. So give Snooze a try,and take back your inbox this March. 143 MAR 2015

New Appointments PC.com would like to congratulate the following for their new appointments within the ICT industry: • Albern Murty has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of DiGi. Formerly, Chief Marketing Officer of DiGi, Murty has replaced Lars-Åke Norling, who was in turn appointed Chief Executive Officer of dtac (Total Access Communication PCL). Mobile World Congress 2015 (2 – 6 March 2015) As Chinese New Year comes to a close, techies and geeks in Malaysia get ready for the big launches in Barcelona from the Mobile World Congress. Here’s a few things we’re sure will be out, of which you have already predicted or may have seen: • Samsung GALAXY S6 • HTC One M9 • Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet • New Microsoft Lumia smartphone • New BlackBerry smartphone144AUG 2014