Google just changed its mind and will allow you to continue using Gmail for FREE with your own domain!
Here is what you need to know!
Earlier : You Must Migrate Free Gmail To Google Workspace Subscription!
Google officially got rid of G Suite, rebranding it as Google Workspace and introducing a cloud-based solution that is more integrated and offers real-time collaboration.
At that time, they still allowed people with free Gmail accounts to continue using them, with custom domains. Like adrian@mywebsite.com, for example.
That changed in January 2022, when Google announced that it “will now transition all remaining users to an upgraded Google Workspace paid subscription based on your usage“.
In other words – you must pay Google if you want to continue using Gmail with a custom domain.
Google gave everyone until May to migrate their emails out of Gmail, or pay to continue using it. Then they delayed it to 1 June to give people more time to decide.
But they met with a lot of anger, and resistance. It was not just a matter of migrating emails from Gmail to a cheaper or even free email service like Zoho.
Many people also use the same Gmail account with a custom domain, to sign in for various services including Google services and Android smartphones. They would have LOST the ability to retrieve or change their password, or even login in certain instances.
Now : You Can Use Gmail For FREE With Custom Domain!
Fortunately, Google appeared to have realised that trying to blackmail loyal Gmail users (albeit free users) into boosting their profit margins was not only bad press, it was counterproductive.
For example, how will Google manage purchases people made in the Google Play Store? Will losing data from so many people be worth it?
In the end, Google folded and quietly allowed people to continue using Gmail for free, and with their custom domain to boot!
From now until 27 June 2022, you will have the option of signing up to continue using Gmail for free, with your custom domain.
Just head to your account’s Google Admin Console, and you should see this option pop-up. Just click Confirm for personal use, and you are done!
Not only will you get to continue using Gmail for free, and retain your custom domain, you will also :
retain access to free Google Workspace services like Google Drive, Google Meet, Google Search, Google Maps and YouTube
keep your purchases in Google Play, and data stored on Google Workspace
However, Google “may” remove business functionality, and will not provide support.
If you had earlier agreed to pay for Google Workspace after getting the migration prompt, but wish to switch to this “non-commercial personal use” option, you need to contact Google Support.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) just announced the latest details of their 4-day traffic offence discount programme!
Now you can actually skip the queue, and pay for your traffic offences with up to 80% discount online!
Discount For Traffic Offences : What Was Announced Earlier
It was announced earlier that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) would be offering massive discounts on traffic offences over four days at the KL Convention Centre (KLCC).
80% discount for traffic summonses within Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya
70% discount for traffic summonses outside Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya
That immediately led to criticism that the tiered discounts is discriminatory. A common refrain -why are people in KL and Putrajaya getting more discount than those from other states?
They also announced that these discounts would only be valid at the KLCC payment counters. That was roundly criticised as it would mean people gathering and queuing for hours – a big risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PDRM + JPJ Traffic Offences : How To Get 80% Discount?
Just before the offer kicked off, PDRM and JPJ issued press releases (JPJ) making changes to the traffic offence discount programme :
Discount Now Up To 80%
PDRM and JPJ announced that they will offer up to 80% discount on traffic summonses, with a minimum of RM30.
There is no longer any reference to a 70% discount for traffic summonses outside KL and Putrajaya.
Discount Programme Runs For 4 Days
The PDRM and JPJ traffic summons discount programme will run for 4 days – from 9 until 12 December 2021.
You Don’t Have To Pay At KLCC!
PDRM will now allow you to pay for your compound at multiple venues, and even online!
PDRM Payment Counters @ KLCC
Summon Payment Counters at Police District Headquarters
Summon Payment Counters at Police Contingent Headquarters
The PDRM launched MyBayar Saman as an alternative payment option, instead of paying over-the-counter, or using private collecting agents like MyEG.
This would also save the public money as MyBayar Saman is FREE, and does not collect service charges. They can also pay their fines at their convenience, without wasting time queuing to pay.
JPJ
Instead of queuing up at JPJ offices, you should use their online mySIKAP online portal.
Please Support My Work!
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp
Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Google Play Music is officially dead across the world, and you have until December 2020 to migrate your music library and playlists to YouTube Music.
Find out how to download your music library and playlists from Google Play Music before they are deleted forever!
Google Play Music Is Dead : Whaaaaat???
On 4 April 2020, Google dropped the bombshell – they announced that they were replacing Google Play Music play with YouTube Music by December 2020.
They would kill off Google Play Music starting September 2020 in New Zealand and South Africa, and October 2020 for the rest of the world.
Users will no longer be allowed to stream from, or use the Google Play Music app from that point onwards. They will only be allowed to transfer their music libraries to YouTube Music.
Even that migration offer is limited to December 2020, after which the Google Play Music libraries will be deleted and will no longer be available to download or transfer to YouTube Music.
Google Play Music Is Dead : Download Your Music Now!
Google offers the option to migrate your Google Play Music libraries and playlists to YouTube Music, but you may not want to do that for these reasons :
128 kbps quality limit for free subscriptions
you can’t upload your own music through the app, only using an Internet browser
offline playback of your own music requires you to upload and then download the same music
Before deciding what to do next, the first thing you should do is download your music library.
You have until the end of December 2020 to download your music, so do it now!
Open Google Play Music.
Tap on Manage Your Data.
Tap on Download your music library.
Leave Google Play Music checked.
Select to export once.
Select the more common .zip file format, or the .tgz alternative
Select the maximum file size you prefer – 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, 10 GB or 50 GB.
Google will split your files into multiple compressed files based on the maximum size you selected.
Newer operating systems (Windows 10, macOS) can support files larger than 4 GB.
Tap Create export and let Google archive and compress your music library.
You will receive an email with a download link when it’s done.
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Mercedes-Benz just unveiled the new Mercedes me Apps. Not just one, but three new and different apps!
Find out more about the three new apps, and what they offer!
Mercedes me : For The Mercedes-Benz Digital Ecosystem
The original Mercedes me App was first introduced in 2015, creating a digital ecosystem around their vehicles.
The current app now connects over 5 million Mercedes-Benz customers to their vehicles and digital services from Mercedes-Benz.
In 2019, they became the first car manufacturer to release a Software Development Kit, granting developers access and rights to develop new functionalities and services for their proprietary platform.
2020 Mercedes me Apps : What’s New?
Join host Yasmine Blair and Mathias Vaitl, Head of Mercedes me & Digital Services Business at Daimless AG, for an explanation on what’s new.
Mathias also offers some insights into their software development kit, and proprietary standardised developer platform.
Instead of the original single app, Mercedes-Benz is now offering three separate apps :
Mercedes me : to control vehicle functions with your smartphone,
Mercedes me Store : to purchase digital products from Mercedes-Benz, and
Mercedes me Service : to book service appointments.
The creation of three separate apps, instead of the original one app, offers these advantages :
improved basic functionalities
improved customer experience through simpler and more intuitive operation
shorter (more frequent) update cycles
The new apps are available with immediate effect from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store in 36 markets, and in all 40 supported countries by end of summer 2020.
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The new Samsung Business TV displays are specially-designed for small- and medium-sized businesses.
Here is a quick primer on what the new Samsung Business TV displays offer, and how much they cost!
Samsung Business TV : What You Need To Know!
The new Samsung Business TV displays combine Samsung’s commercial signage expertise with their advanced TV technologies to deliver customer communications with more impact.
Sleek, Bezel-less Design
The Samsung Business TV displays , available in four panel sizes – 43-inch, 50-inch, 65-inch and 75-inch – feature a sleek, bezel-less design that easily meld with the decor.
4K HDR Crystal Display
The Samsung Business TV lineup boasts a Crystal Display with 4K UHD resolution, and support for HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, delivering bright, high-contrast content that will catch the attention of potential customers.
100 Promotional Templates
Business owners can save time by using the 100 pre-loaded, pre-designed promotional templates to quickly create professional-looking content, from seasonal offers to special deals.
Samsung Business TV App
The Samsung Business TV app – available for Android and iOS devices – is a free content management solution that lets you remotely manage and control content on all of your Business TVs.
You can use it to quickly edit, review, finalise and deploy content across multiple Business TVs using your smartphone.
High Reliability
Samsung Business TVs are built to operate for long hours – 16 hours a day, 7 days a week. They come with an extended warrantee to maximise ROI.
High Security
Samsung Business TVs come with a security lock built-in, with locks for both the panel button and USB port. The app is also protected with a six-digit PIN code. These measures ensure that no one can tamper with the content being displayed.
Samsung Business TV : Price + Availability
The Samsung Business TV displays is available for purchase here in Malaysia with immediate effect, with these recommended retail prices :
75-inch Business TV (LH75BETHLGKXXM) : RM 7,720 (about US$1,817 / £1,403 / A$2,532 / S$2,500)
65-inch Business TV (LH65BETHLGKXXM) : RM 3,575 (about US$841 / £650 / A$1,173 / S$1,158)
50-inch Business TV (LH50BETHLGKXXM) : RM 2,188 (about US$515 / £398 / A$718 / S$709)
43-inch Business TV (LH43BETHLGKXXM) : RM 1,875 (about US$441 / £341 / A$615 / S$607)
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Vettons is a new e-commerce platform that promises to make it easier for consumers to buy original products from authorised retailers.
Find out what advantages Vettons offers over their competitors, both to consumer and retailers in Malaysia!
Vettons : New eCommerce Platform For Smarter Shopping!
Launched on 7 July 2020, Vettons is a new e-commerce platform that promises to deliver smarter and safer online shopping.
As Head of Marketplace, Derek Ng, explains, Vettons is focused on guaranteeing a safe shopping experience, and making it easy for companies to sell and deliver their products.
To guarantee that only genuine products are sold on their platform, they vet companies applying to join their platform to ensure that they are authorised to sell those products.
They also work with brands and have a zero-tolerance policy – companies that sell counterfeit products on their platform are banned.
This not only guarantees consumers a safer shopping experience, it also elevates companies selling genuine products, giving them greater visibility.
On top of that, Vettons make it easy for them to deliver their products using geolocation tagging with smart logistics through their three logistic partners.
Vettons : How To Start Shopping?
The Vettons app is available on both Apple App Store and Google Play Store :
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Will TikTok be banned by Pakistan after the death of a student today, like how PUBG was suspended recently?
Student’s Tragic Death While Shooting TikTok Video
Earlier today, 10 July 2020, a 14 year-old student in Pakistan accidentally shot himself while shooting a TikTok video, in the Bagan neighbourhood of Abbottabad, Pakistan.
The 14 year-old student, identified as Abdul Samad, was killed after he accidentally fired the gun while filming himself on TikTok.
Will TikTok Be Banned In Pakistan After Student Death?
This new tragedy follows a string of unfortunate deaths in Pakistan, while teenagers and children attempt to make popular TikTok videos :
June 2020 : 17 year-old boy accidentally pulled the trigger of his father’s gun while filming himself holding the gun to his temple in a TikTok video.
April 2020 : 22 year-old man died after being hit by a train, while performing a TikTok challenge at the Jumma Goth railway station.
March 2020 : a policeman was accidentally shot and killed while trying to snatch his gun back from a female friend who took his gun to film her TikTok video
December 2019 : 16 year-old boy accidentally shot himself while recording a TikTok video.
Considering PUBG was recently suspended after a student committed suicide, it seems likely that Pakistan may be forced to order a suspension of TikTok after this student’s death.
Should TikTok be held responsible for these deaths? Arguably, they have to consider if it is really smart to allow videos of people showing off and shooting guns on a short video platform that many children and teenagers use unsupervised.
There is no age check so anyone can watch those videos, irrespective of how young they are. Heck, you don’t even need an account to watch!
TikTok Controversies Keep Piling Up!
While TikTok is very popular with children and teenagers, it keeps getting wracked by controversies, some of its own doing.
It was caught spying on what we type in other apps, not once but TWICE. Coupled with Chinese belligerence in the Himalayas, that led to India banning TikTok together with 58 other Chinese apps.
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We had some time with the HUAWEI MatePad Pro – a premium 10.8-inch tablet built around the Kirin 990 flagship platform.
Find out why we love its complete tablet experience so much, we gave it our Reviewer’s Choice Award!
HUAWEI MatePad Pro : 10.8-inch Flagship Tablet
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro (US | UK | MY | SG | AU) is a flagship tablet with a 10.8-inch display. It uses an LCD panel, with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 and a wide DCI-P3 colour gamut.
Built around the HUAWEI Kirin 990 flagship mobile platform, it features fast CPU and GPU cores and two neural processing cores.
HUAWEI is offering it in 5G, 4G and Wi-Fi variants, with 6 GB or 8 GB memory options, and storage options of 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB.
Our review sample is the Wi-Fi only model (MRX-W09), with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. Here is our hands-on experience!
Holding the MatePad Pro vertically, on the left side, you will find its SIM / NM card tray.
In 5G / 4G models, the tray accepts either two nano SIM cards, or one nano SIM card and an NM card.
In Wi-Fi only models like this one – the tray only accepts a single NM card.
The Volume control buttons are located at the top of the right side, near the front and rear cameras.
Next to it is another one of the five microphones that are used to help you record better audio with noise cancellation.
The Power button is located at the top, near the Volume control buttons on the right side. You will also see two rows of speaker ports at the top.
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro actually has a Harman Kardon-tuned quad-speaker system. The other two speakers are located at the bottom, flanking its USB Type C port.
HUAWEI MatePad Pro : A Complete Package
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro (US | UK | MY | SG | AU) can be purchased as a tablet alone. But HUAWEI offers a bundle (Midnight Grey | Pearl White) which includes the Smart Magnetic Keyboard and M-pencil.
The Smart Magnetic Keyboard doubles as a case, and offers two stand angles, and a keyboard with 1.3 mm keystroke travel.
The HUAWEI M-pencil is a full-sized stylus with a built-in battery, that lets you writer and draw directly on the MatePad Pro with 4,096 pressure levels.
Both accessories lock magnetically to, and is powered by the MatePad Pro. The M-pencil can also be recharged by any device that supports the Qi wireless charging standard.
This nice bundle (Midnight Grey | Pearl White) gives you a complete tablet experience, right out of the box.
HUAWEI MatePad Pro : Price + Availability
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro is available in the Midnight Grey or Pearl White colour options at these launch prices :
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HUAWEI MatePad Pro : Key Features
Flagship Kirin 990 Mobile Platform
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro (US | UK | MY | SG | AU) uses the latest Kirin 990 mobile SoC, which also powers the P40 Pro smartphones.
The HiSilicon Kirin 990 features a triple-tier architecture, with :
two ARM Cortex-A76 high-performance cores at 2.86 GHz
two ARM Cortex-A76 sustained performance cores at 2.09 GHz (2.36 GHz for Kirin 990 5G)
four ARM Cortex-A55 low-power cores at 1.86 GHz (1.95 GHz for Kirin 990 5G)
It also comes with a powerful 16-core ARM Mali-G76 GPU, and a new Da Vinci neural architecture.
The regular Kirin 990 has with 1 Big Core NPU + 1 Tiny Core NPU, while the Kirin 990 5G has 2 Big Core NPUs + 1 Tiny Core NPU.
RAM + Storage
Our review sample was the MRX-W09 model, with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage.
Out of the 8 GB of RAM, 5.46 GB is available to use – more than enough to easily run multiple apps at the same time.
For perspective, high-end mobile games like PUBG Mobile and Asphalt 9 use less than 1.2 GB of RAM.
And out of the box, you have a whopping 241 GB of free storage space – enough to store some 68,000 photos!
256 GB of storage is definitely more than sufficient for most users. But if you ever run out of storage, you can always add additional storage through an NM card.
The NM card is basically a microSD card in the size of a nano SIM card. However, because it is a proprietary HUAWEI storage technology, NM cards cost more than microSD cards, and are harder to come by.
10.8-inch DCI-P3 Display
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro (US | UK | MY | SG | AU) comes with a large 10.8-inch display, with a high resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels.
Thanks to its punch hole camera and narrow 4.9 mm bezels, it has a very impressive 90% screen-to-body ratio.
The display has a maximum brightness of 540 nits, which allows for pretty good viewing outdoors, just not under direct sunlight.
More importantly, its wide DCI-P3 colour gamut allows it to accurately replicate the digital movie experience.
Front Camera
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro comes with a decent 8 MP front camera, hidden in a punch hole.
Surprisingly, it can record 4K videos at 30 fps, or 1080p videos at 60 fps. And its large f/2.0 aperture allows for better low-light performance.
Rear Camera
At the back, it has a 13 MP camera with a large f/1.8 aperture for even better low-light performance.
Like the front 8 MP camera, it is capable of recording 4K videos at 30 fps, or 1080p videos at either 30 fps or 60 fps.
This camera is supported by a single LED flash, and a microphone for better audio recording.
HUAWEI MatePad Pro : Specifications (5G / 4G / Wi-Fi)
For your convenience, we created this table to make it easier for you to compare the 5G, 4G and Wi-Fi versions of the HUAWEI MatePad Pro :
If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!
HUAWEI MatePad Pro : Battery Life
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro comes with a massive 7,250 mAh battery. To test its battery life, we turned off Automatic Brightness, and set its display brightness to 50%.
Why 50%? That is actually slightly higher than the average indoor brightness level of 40% during the day, and is what we usually use in all our mobile battery life tests.
It is important to fix the brightness level, to make sure the screen brightness does not change as the room brightness changed.
We then ran the PCMark Work 2.0 battery life test until its battery capacity dropped to 20% several times, and this was the best result we obtained :
That’s a phenomenal 14 hours of battery life on a large 10.8-inch display! Very impressive!
Do remember that the display was set to a slightly higher brightness while running the benchmark non-stop for a full 14 hours.
HUAWEI MatePad Pro : Recharging Speed
Our Wi-Fi only model supports 20 watt fast charging, like the 4G models. But do keep in mind that the 5G models support 27 watt fast charging.
Take a look at how fast the HUAWEI MatePad Pro recharges its 7,250 mAh battery using 20 watt fast charging!
Impressive! The HUAWEI MatePad Pro only took 1 hour 38.5 minutes to fully recharge its battery from 20% to 100%.
That gives it a recharging speed of about 58.9 mAh per minute, which is actually faster than some devices that support 25W or 27W fast charging.
This gives it a good battery life : recharging ratio of 8.5:1. A general rule of thumb – for one of hour battery life, you just need to charge it for 7 minutes.
Incidentally, it recharged fastest up to the 90% point, which took just 1 hour 15.5 minutes. The final 10% required an additional 23 minutes.
HUAWEI MatePad Pro Work Performance : PCMark
We tested its performance using PCMark, which simulates work applications like web browsing, playing video, writing text and editing photos.
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HUAWEI MatePad Pro : Our Verdict + Award
If you are looking for a powerful tablet that is also affordable, the HUAWEI MatePad Pro (US | UK | MY | SG | AU) will be right at the top of the list.
Built around the powerful Kirin 990 mobile platform, it comes with a large 10.8-inch DCI-P3 display, 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage.
All that is powered by a large 7,250 mAh battery (which lasted 14 hours in our test!), packed in a sleek metal chassis that is less than 8 mm thin, and weighs just 460 grams.
Best of all – HUAWEI is only selling it at the RRP of RM 2,399 / ~US$551 / ~£445 / ~A$909 / ~S$790.
Its closest competitor is the 11-inch Apple iPad Pro, and that costs a whooping RM 3,949 / ~US$923 / ~£739 / ~A$1,342 / ~S$1,285 – a 65% premium over the MatePad Pro!
And it gets even better when you add in the accessories. To make it easier to compare, we created this table :
HUAWEI MatePad Pro
(8GB + 256GB)
Apple iPad Pro
(11-inch)
Difference
Tablet Only
RM 2,399
~US$551
~£445
~A$909
~S$790
RM 3,949
~US$923
~£739
~A$1,342
~S$1,285
+65%
Tablet
+ Stylus
+ Keyboard
RM 3,197
~US$747
~£596
~A$1,086
~S$1,040
RM 5,847
~US$1,367
~£1,091
~A$1,986
~S$1,903
+83%
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro with all of its accessories has a RRP of RM 3,197 / ~US$747 / ~£596 / ~A$1,086 / ~S$1,040.
But while Apple products have fixed prices, you can actually get the full MatePad Pro bundle at lower prices. For example, the official bundle deals for Midnight Grey | Pearl White here in Malaysia.
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro definitely wins hands down, based on value proposition alone. You can actually buy two full MatePad Pro bundles (Midnight Grey | Pearl White) for the price of a single 11-inch iPad Pro bundle, and have enough money leftover for a nice meal for two!
That is why we are very glad to give the HUAWEI MatePad Pro (US | UK | MY | SG | AU) our Reviewer’s Choice Award!
HUAWEI MatePad Pro : No Google Mobile Services?
Now, let’s address elephant in the room – the HUAWEI MatePad Pro (US | UK | MY | SG | AU) runs on EMUI 10.1, with HMS (HUAWEI Mobile Services), instead of GMS (Google Mobile Services).
This means you no longer have access to the Google Play Store, and have to use HUAWEI AppGallery instead.
This is really not a big issue for many users, because HUAWEI has worked hard to add many key apps to their AppGallery. You can see just how many apps are already available on AppGallery in this video :
Even so, there is simply no way for HUAWEI to replicate the tons of Android apps that are already on Google Play Store.
For apps that are not available on the HUAWEI AppGallery, you will have to use HUAWEI Phone Clone, or directly download their APK installation files from APK repositories.
The lack of Google Play Services and the Google Play Store will, undoubtedly, be an issue for many users. Some Android require GMS for certain features :
Telegram : GMS is required for location services. You can use it, you just cannot search for a location, or share your location.
Gmail : You will have to use a different email client, like Outlook. Or just use a web browser to get access to Gmail.
YouTube : The YouTube app requires GMS, so you will have to watch YouTube on a web browser.
Grab : The Grab app requires GMS for mapping functions. You can use it, but you won’t be able to locate your current position, or track your trip.
That’s why we cannot give the MatePad Pro our Editor’s Choice Award, even though it would have qualified.
But if you can live with what’s available on HUAWEI AppGallery, or are comfortable downloading from APK repositories, then the HUAWEI MatePad Pro (US | UK | MY | SG | AU) offers truly great value for your money.
HUAWEI MatePad Pro : Price + Availability
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro is available in the Midnight Grey or Pearl White colour options at these launch prices :
If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!
After TikTok was exposed for spying on what we type, it got banned by India together with 58 other Chinese apps, for cybersecurity reasons.
Here is everything you need to know about this new ban, including the full list of banned apps!
India Bans 59 Chinese Apps, Including TikTok and WeChat!
Just two days ago, we showed how TikTok was caught spying on what we type in other apps, not once but TWICE.
The very next day, TikTok joined WeChat as part of a ban by India on 59 Chinese apps identified as malicious or posing data and privacy risks to their users.
The Ministry of Information Technology has received many complaints from various sources including several reports about misuse of some mobile apps available on Android and iOS platforms for stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users’ data in an unauthorized manner to servers which have locations outside India.
The compilation of these data, its mining and profiling by elements hostile to national security and defence of India, which ultimately impinges upon the sovereignty and integrity of India, is a matter of very deep and immediate concern which requires emergency measures.
Based on input from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) and representatives from both inside and outside the Indian Parliament, the Indian government announced the ban of 59 Chinese apps.
No doubt, the recent high altitude fatal brawl between Chinese and Indian troops in the Himalayas played some part in this decision.
This ban by India means that Apple App Store, Google Play Store and even the HUAWEI AppGallery must stop providing access to those 59 banned apps in India.
If you already have them installed, then they will still work. You just cannot install them from official app stores within India.
If you still wish to download and install them, Android users can download and install their APK (Android Application Package) installation files from their official websites and APK repositories.
Apple iOS users, as usual, are out of luck, unless they are using jailbroken devices.
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If you are wondering why you can no longer find AnTuTu apps on the Google Play Store, that’s because they have been banned and removed!
And guess what got AnTuTu apps banned? Cheetah Mobile…
Cheetah Mobile : An Insidious Developer According To Google
On 20 February 2020, Google posted that they removed nearly 600 apps from the Google Play Store, banning many of their developers for “disruptive ads” and “ad fraud”.
One of those developers – notorious Chinese app developer, Cheetah Mobile, with a history of buying over popular apps to load them with spyware and malicious advertisements.
AnTuTu : Banned From Google Play Store!
And now, it appears that AnTuTu have also been affected by the Google ban hammer, with these apps removed :
AnTuTu Benchmark
AnTuTu 3DBench
AITuTu
Why? It appears those AnTuTu apps were banned, because AnTuTu found to be associated with Cheetah Mobile :
Cheetah Mobile CEO Fu Sheng is listed as the Chairman of Beijing AnTuTu Technology Co. Ltd
The AnTuTu privacy policy link used the Cheetah Mobile (cmcm.com) domain.
AnTuTu Shares Their Point Of View
AnTuTu clarified the issue in their statement to Android Police that :
Cheetah Mobile was merely an investor and shareholder, but they remain independent.
They purchased and used the legal services from Cheetah Mobile, so the privacy policy link used their domain.
They are now working to change their “legal supplier”.
Listing Fu Sheng as the Chairman of Beijing AnTuTu Technology Co. Ltd was a requirement of “the investors”.
They have already asked Cheetah Mobile to solve these problems.
AnTuTu apps are still available as APK downloads on their website, but installing them outside of Google Play is not without risks, so caveat emptor!
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An Android malware called Shopper is actively taking over smartphones, to post fake reviews on Google Play.. and worse!
Find out what’s going on, and how to prevent your smartphone from being hijacked by Shopper!
Shopper : What Does It Do?
Shopper (Trojan-Dropper.AndroidOS.Shopper.a) is an Android trojan that uses the Google Accessibility Service to take over your smartphone.
It is not yet known how users are being infected, but researchers suspect that it may be downloaded through fraudulent ads, or third-party app stores when they try to download legitimate apps.
The malware masks itself as a system application, and uses a system icon called ConfigAPKs to hide itself from the user.
After the user unlocks the screen, the Shopper trojan launches and gathers information about the device, which is then sent to the attacker’s servers.
The attacker’s servers will then send commands to the Shopper trojan to execute one or more of these actions :
Check the rights to use the Accessibility Service. If permission is not granted, it will send a phishing request until it gets it
Turn off Google Play Protect, a safety check on Google Play Store apps before they’re downloaded
Post fake positive app reviews in Google Play, for those apps
Open links received from the remote server in an invisible window
Download and install advertised apps from Google Play Store
Download and install apps from the Apkpure third-party app store
Show ads when the smartphone screen is unlocked
Create labels to advertised ads in the app menu
Replace the labels of your installed apps with labels of advertised websites
Use your Google or Facebook account to register on popular shopping and entertainment apps, like AliExpress, Lazada, Zamora, Shein, Joom, Likee and Alibaba
Shopper : Who’s Getting Infected?
Right now, Kaspersky researchers say that it is most widespread in Russia (28.46%), following by Brazil (18.70%) and India (14.23%) :
Shopper : How To Block It?
To reduce the risk of being infected by Trojan-Dropper.AndroidOS.Shopper.a, take these actions :
Do NOT install apps from untrusted sources
Block the installation of apps from unknown sources in your smartphone settings
Be wary of apps that require the use of the Google Accessibility Service, especially if the app is not meant to offer accessibility features to the disabled
Always check application permissions to see what your installed apps are allowed to do
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Ryde, the number one carpool app in Singapore, is introducing the RydePool car pooling service in Malaysia!
Here is EVERYTHING you need to know about Ryde and their RydePool service, as well as their upcoming RydeCity feature!
An Introduction To Ryde + RydePool
Ryde was started by Singaporean financier Terence Zou in 2015, to encourage carpooling as a greener and more convenient transportation option.
Using its in-app request and matching technology, the RydePool service matches drivers on a particular route with commuters hoping to hitch a ride along the same route.
Unlike other ride-hailing apps, Ryde allows both advanced and on-demand bookings for RydePool, so drivers and riders can better plan their journey.
In addition, RydePool fares are based on a not-for-profit model, where riders pay for the cost contribution of the trip, taking into consideration the distance travelled, petrol, toll and car depreciation costs.
Ryde Introduces RydePool Car Pooling Service In Malaysia!
After becoming the number one carpool app in Singapore, Ryde is expanding globally, with Malaysia as their first step. They plan to introduce Ryde to Sydney in 2020, and Hong Kong after that.
Ryde officially launched the Ryde app and RydePool carpooling service today (16 October 2019) in the Klang Valley, with plans to eventually roll it out to other major Malaysian cities like Johor, Penang and Melaka.
You can download the Ryde app and sign up to be a driver or rider starting today, but the RydePool service will only kick off on 1 November 2019.
Ryde is currently offering drivers zero commission fares, which means the driver gets to pocket 100% of their fares to offset their driving expenses.
Later, Ryde may introduce commission rate (currently 9% in Singapore), although they are looking to monetise in other ways, like advertising and partnerships with multinational companies.
Ryde + RydePool Availability
The Ryde app is available for downloads and sign-ups from 16 October 2019 onwards, from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The RydePool service will begin on 1 November 2019.
If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!
A new video has emerged, showing how HUAWEI Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro users can use HUAWEI Phone Clone to get access to apps without Google Play.
Let’s check it out and find out if HUAWEI Phone Clone is a foolproof way to bypass theTrump ban!
Updated @ 2019-10-14 : Added our analysis on the effectiveness of HUAWEI Phone Clone in bypassing the Trump ban.
Originally posted @ 2019-10-09
HUAWEI Phone Clone : Foolproof Way To Bypass Trump Ban?
The HUAWEI Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro will go on sale very soon. But people are wondering – what can you install on the HUAWEI Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro smartphones?
This video that was shared with us shows how HUAWEI Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro users can bypass the Trump ban by simply using the HUAWEI Phone Clone app that is pre-installed in HUAWEI smartphones.
Here is a summary of what the video (which is in Mandarin, with English subtitles) reveals :
The HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro does not come with any Google apps pre-installed.
HUAWEI Phone Clone is then used to clone all data, including apps, from your old Android smartphone to the new Mate 30.
The process is simple, using a QR code to link and sync the two smartphones.
After the cloning process is complete, the HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro will have all of the data and apps from your old smartphone… including Google apps.
According to the host, Mr. Gadget, this is possible because apps that are not based on Google Mobile Services (GMS) are not affected by the Trump ban.
That means important apps like WhatsApp, Waze, Facebook, Instagram and PUBG Mobile (okay, okay… it’s a game, not an “important app”… LOL!) are not affected by the Trump ban.
The YouTube app cannot be installed or migrated since it runs on Google Mobile Services. However, you can still stream YouTube videos through any browser.
Similarly, the Gmail app cannot be installed or migrated. However, you can use the HUAWEI Mail app to access emails from any Gmail account.
Mr. Gadget also recommends installing apps through the Aptoide App Store, as an alternative to Google Play Store (which is not available)
Now, the HUAWEI Phone Clone method is not foolproof.
It allows you to “bypass” the Trump ban by essentially porting over apps that do NOT rely on Google Mobile Services (GMS) to your Mate 30 / Mate 30 Pro smartphone.
But if the app requires GMS (like Gmail or YouTube), you will need to use an alternative app or use the web browser instead. For example :
switch from the Gmail app to the HUAWEI Mail app
use a web browser to view YouTube videos, instead of the YouTube app
This Phone Clone method is also a one-time deal. It lets you migrate the apps (and your data) over from an existing Android smartphone.
But if you ever need to reinstall the app, you will need to do it through the Aptoide App Store, or some other third-party App Store… because Google Play Store is not available.
Similarly, you will need to use the Aptoide app to update your apps, but this works the same way as Google Play Store.
The HUAWEI Phone Clone method is a good option for those with an existing smartphone to migrate most of their apps to the Mate 30 / Mate 30 Pro.
But it doesn’t solve the problem of not being able to access Google Play Store, or apps that use GMS. The good news though is that Trump may soon come to a trade agreement with China, and we could see Google services restored to the Mate 30 / Mate 30 Pro.
Mr. Gadget provided a list of apps that HUAWEI Phone Clone will successfully migrate over to the HUAWEI Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro, which we have summarised in this table :
HUAWEI Phone Clone is pre-installed in HUAWEI smartphones. You can also download and install it for non-HUAWEI smartphones, as well as Apple iPhones, at these locations :
Everyone knows that the HUAWEI Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro are the first smartphones to be “blocked” by the Trump ban. This is a real shame because they offer truly great features at great price points.
HUAWEI Mate 30 Key Features
HUAWEI Kirin 990 mobile platform with Big-Core + Tiny-Core NPU
Leica SuperSensing Triple Camera System that consists of :
– 40 MP SuperSensing Camera
– 16 MP Ultra Wide-Angle Camera
– 8 MP Telephoto Camera with 3X optical zoom
4,200 mAh battery with 40W wired charging and 27W wireless charging
HUAWEI Mate 30 Pro Key Features
HUAWEI Horizon Display which curves at an angle of 88 degrees to maximise display area
HUAWEI Kirin 990 mobile platform with Big-Core + Tiny-Core NPU
Leica SuperSensing Quad Camera System that consists of :
– 40 MP Cine Camera
– 40 MP SuperSensing Camera
– 8 MP Telephoto Camera with 3X optical zoom
– 3D Depth Sensing Camera
4,500 mAh battery with 40W wired charging and 27W wireless charging
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HUAWEI today struck back at the Trump ban, by challenging its constitutionality. Meanwhile, China hints at a Trump card, pun intended…
We examine why the HUAWEI legal motion is too late to help them, but China’s Trump card may be what they need to break through the Trump ban.
HUAWEI Challenges Constitutionality Of The Trump Ban
On 29 May 2019, HUAWEI filed a motion for a summary judgment in its challenge that Section 889 of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (2019 NDAA) is unconstitutional.
In the complaint, HUAWEI argued that Section 889 of the 2019 NDAA singled out HUAWEI by name, and not only bars U.S. government agencies from buying HUAWEI equipment and services, but also bars them from, contracting with, or awarding grants or loans to third parties who buy HUAWEI equipment or services — even if there is no impact or connection to the U.S. government.
Glen Nager, HUAWEI’s lead counsel for the case, said Section 889 of the 2019 NDAA violates the Bill of Attainder, Due Process, and Vesting Clauses of the United States Constitution. Thus, the case is purely “a matter of law” as there are no facts at issue, thereby justifying the motion for a summary judgement to speed up the process.
In line with a court scheduling order, a hearing on the motion is set for 19 September 2019.
HUAWEI also called on the U.S. government to halt its campaign against HUAWEI, because “it will not deliver cybersecurity“.
Banning Huawei using cybersecurity as an excuse “will do nothing to make networks more secure. They provide a false sense of security, and distract attention from the real challenges we face,” said Song Liuping, Huawei’s chief legal officer.
“Politicians in the U.S. are using the strength of an entire nation to come after a private company,” Song noted. “This is not normal. Almost never seen in history.”
“The U.S. government has provided no evidence to show that Huawei is a security threat. There is no gun, no smoke. Only speculation,” Song added.
Song also addressed the addition of Huawei to the “Entity List” by the U.S. Commerce Department two weeks ago. “This sets a dangerous precedent. Today it’s telecoms and Huawei. Tomorrow it could be your industry, your company, your consumers,” he said.
“The judicial system is the last line of defense for justice. Huawei has confidence in the independence and integrity of the U.S. judicial system. We hope that mistakes in the NDAA can be corrected by the court,” Song added.
With a hearing set for 3.5 months later, this legal challenge is frankly too late to stop the Trump ban from doing serious damage to HUAWEI.
Depending on who you believe, HUAWEI has enough components stockpiled for 3-12 months. It’s quite possible they will run out of components for at least some of their devices before the hearing even takes place!
In the meantime, the HONOR 20 and HONOR 20 Pro smartphones that just launched are stuck in limbo, because the Trump ban prohibits them from integrating Google Play services and the Play Store.
The same issue will plague all HUAWEI and HONOR devices that were originally scheduled to be launched after 15 May 2019.
Even worse, the temporary partial licence the Trump Administration issued to let HUAWEI and HONOR support their customers runs out by 19 August 2019 – a full month before the motion is even heard!
Until the Trump ban is lifted or vacated on constitutional grounds, those HUAWEI and HONOR smartphones have no commercial chance outside of China. They will all have to be postponed until this crisis is over…
What will save HUAWEI is no legal challenge… but a Trump card that the Chinese government has recently hinted at using – rare earths.
Rare earths are CRITICAL to the production of electronics, and that includes everything from smartphones to fighter jets and batteries.
China controls 90% of the world’s rare earth production, and more importantly – 80% of rare earth imports by the US. This is literally the Trump card that could force Trump to back off, and save HUAWEI.
Beijing put Washington on notice about their Trump card when both Chinese President Xi Jinping and his top economic advisor, Vice Premier Liu He, made a well-publicised visit to a rare earth factory in Jiangxi, eastern China.
If that was not obvious enough, the Chinese media (often mouthpieces of the party) made sure everyone knew that rare earths was “an ace in Beijing’s hand“, and “Don’t say you haven’t been warned“.
Even China’s economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission, said in response to a question “Do you suggest that rare earths will become a part of China’s countermeasures against the US’s unwarranted pressure?” :
What I can tell you is that if someone wants to use our rare earths to manufacture products and use them to curb China’s development, then I’m sure the people of Ganzhou and across China will not be happy with that.”
Of course, Beijing might just be hoping that the threat of using their Trump card will be enough, because this nuclear option has its drawbacks.
Then again, Beijing has never dealt with anyone like Donald Trump… For a special person like that, perhaps a Trump card truly is necessary…
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SOCAR just announced the YOLO Pass promotion, and the One-Way Airport Drive feature! We got a taste of the YOLO Pass ourselves, with model Alicia Amin and comedian Kavin Jay! Here are the full details!
One-Way Airport Drive
The SOCAR One-Way Airport Drive allows you to select a SOCAR to drive to the airport, with the convenience of just dropping off the car at any valid parking zone at the airport.
No hassle of returning it back from where you first picked the car, or even parking in a special parking area! Just make sure you leave your parking token in the car!
This one-way airport service is open to KLIA 1 and KLIA 2. To let you try it out, SOCAR is offering the One-Way Airport Drive at an introductory flat one-way fee of RM50 plus the hourly rental fee for the choice of vehicle.
Cars for the SOCAR One-Way Airport Drive service can be picked up from any SOCAR one-way zone with a choice of over 10 different car models to select from including hatchbacks and SUVs.
YOLO Pass
Starting July 2018, SOCAR will select a member at random, giving them the once in a lifetime opportunity to go on a spontaneous vacation in true YOLO spirit. The only condition that members need to adhere to would be their availability to take up the YOLO Pass within one week’s notice.
If you had the chance to just pack your bags and leave for the weekend, where would you choose to go? Would you choose to visit the massive ruins of Bayon in Siem Reap, kayak at El-Nido, trek waterfalls in Bali, hitch a helicopter ride to Perak or chill by the beach at Phi-Phi island? With the YOLO Pass being now open to all members, SOCAR will be asking their members the very same question.
Functioning like a lucky draw, winners of the YOLO Pass will be provided with a complimentary round trip one-way SOCAR Pass to the airport and a surprise flight ticket to their desired destination. All members registered to the SOCAR app are eligible to be selected for the YOLO Pass as long as they have one reservation completed with the car sharing platform.
Winners to receive the ultimate YOLO Pass will be announced on the first Friday of the month and will be notified via a text message, phone call or email. The cut-off date and time to join the YOLO Pass will be the last day of every month before 11:59pm.
A Taste Of The SOCAR YOLO Pass
We too got a taste of the SOCAR YOLO Pass, when SOCAR brought comedian Kavin Jay for a YOLO comedy skit, and then took us on a horse riding experience with model Alicia Amin!
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To celebrate Safer Internet Day, Google shared these tips on how to stay safe online! Don’t forget to share this with your family and friends!
We know that keeping your information safe and private is important to you, which is why we’ve baked security features into all our products. We’ve also developed technologies to help keep the broader internet safe, too.
Whether you’re using Gmail, Android, YouTube, or are simply browsing the web, here are some of the tools and features that you can be confident will help you keep safe:
Safer Internet Tip #1 : Personalize your account security
The Security Checkup provides a clear security status and personalized recommendations to strengthen your account security. A green check mark means you’re good to go, and a yellow or red exclamation point means there’s at least one issue for you to take care of.
Safer Internet Tip #2 : Look out for automatic warnings
Spotting phishing scams or dangerous websites can be a challenge, even for savvy web users. Our automated systems detect and warn you about sites with malware, or attempts to phish you. Just keep an eye out for our warnings and follow the instructions—we’ve got you covered.
Safer Internet Tip #3 : Protect your Google account with two-factor authentication
Secure your email inbox by activating 2-step verification. With this feature, you’ll need a password and a verification code that’s sent to your mobile phone to be able to get into your inbox. Enroll in 2-step verification here to add an extra layer of security your account.
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Safer Internet Tip #4 : Download apps on Google Play for peace of mind on your Android
If you’re an Android user, the safest place to download apps is from the Google Play store. Google Play Protect checks apps and your device around the clock to keep out malicious programs and makes sure you have the latest in mobile security protection.
In 2017 alone, we took down more than 700,000 apps that violated Google Play policies, 70% more than the apps taken down in 2016. Google Play Protect is the ideal security blanket for your mobile device, so can you consider yourself and your data covered.
Google Play Protect is also there to help you if you ever misplace your phone. Visit android.com/find to locate, ring, lock and erase your Android devices—phones, tablets, and even watches.
Safer Internet Tip #5 : You too can help keep YouTube safe
YouTube has always allowed people like you and me to report content we think is inappropriate. Once you’ve flagged a video, it’s submitted for review to YouTube staff who then carefully look at the content to determine whether there’s a violation of YouTube’s Community Guidelines to see if it should be removed. You can also flag individual comments under any video for abuse or spam.
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Kaspersky Lab experts have discovered Ztorg apps on the Google Play Store that appear to show cybercriminals trying different ways to get their malware past security – in this case by installing their malicious code in stages and wrapping a Trojan SMS around an encrypted rooting Trojan.
The attackers used the Trojan SMS to make money from victims through Premium-rate SMS while they waited to execute the rooting Trojan. The apps were downloaded more than 50,000 times since mid-May, 2017, but have now been removed from Google Play.
Attackers Hiding Ztorg Trojan Inside Trojan SMS
The determination of cybercriminals to infect Android devices with Ztorg malware through the Google Play Store shows no signs of slowing down, with attackers constantly adapting their tools and techniques to avoid discovery. In May 2017, Kaspersky Lab researchers discovered what appeared to be a standalone Ztorg variant, a Trojan SMS.
On closer inspection, it turned out to contain an encrypted Ztorg rooting Trojan. The Ztorg SMS was found in two apps, a browser and a “noise detection” application. The browser app, which was downloaded 50,000 times, was uploaded to Google Play on 15 May, and never updated – possibly because it was a test run to see if the functionality worked.
The researchers were able to make a more detailed study of the “noise detection” app, uploaded on 20 May and installed more than 10,000 times before being deleted by Google. Their analysis suggests the cybercriminals’ ultimate aim was to execute a regular version of the Ztorg Trojan.
But since they had opted for a stage-by-stage approach involving a series of clean and then malicious updates, they added some supplementary malicious functionality to make money while they were waiting to run the rooting malware.
The Ztorg SMS functionality allows the app to send premium rate SMS, delete incoming SMS and switch off sound.
“The Ztorg Trojan continues to appear on the Google Play Store, accompanied by new tricks to bypass security and infect as many different Android devices and OS versions as possible. Even if a victim downloads what is clearly a clean app, there is no guarantee that it will still be clean in a few days’ time. Users, Google and security researchers need to remain vigilant at all times and to be proactive about protection,” said Roman Unuchek, Senior Malware Analyst, Kaspersky Lab.
Kaspersky Lab advises users to install a reliable security solution, such as Kaspersky Internet Security for Android (Amazon | Lazada), on their device, always check that apps have been created by a reputable developer, to keep their OS and application software up-to-date, and not to download anything that looks at all suspicious or whose source cannot be verified.
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One of the most irritating aspect of travelling is ending up with loose change at the end of the trip. Money changers just won’t take them, so they end up in jars or at the bottom of your drawer. With an average of 10 million people flying internationally every single day, millions of dollars are literally “lost” every day!
Fortunately, the solution is at hand, and it’s called WorldKoins.
What Is WorldKoins?
WorldKoins is a new crowdsourced service that allows you to convert your unwanted change into credit that can be used to redeem gift cards, vouchers or even donate to worthy causes.
At the end of your trip, just drop all of your change with any nearby DropKoins collector. This way, you will go home with usable credit, instead of unusable change. It’s that simple!
How Does WorldKoins Work?
1. Locate a nearby DropKoins collector
2. Drop off your leftover change with the DropKoins collector
3. Receive the credit on the spot
Download and install the free WorldKoins mobile app from Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Open the app and create a new WorldKoins account, or sign in (if you have already registered before).
Use the WorldKoins mobile app to locate and contact nearby DropKoins collectors.
Drop off your leftover change with your preferred DropKoins collector.
The DropKoins collector will validate your transaction on the spot with a verification code.
Your account is credited immediately, and you now make redemptions.
If you do not have sufficient credit to make redemptions, you will be glad to know that the credit have no “expiry date”. Just accumulate until you have enough to make redemptions!
Screenshots Of The WorldKoins Mobile App
Here are screenshots of the WorldKoins mobile app, with step-by-step instructions on the process.
The Home screen
Locate a nearby DropKoins collector
After receiving your change, the DropKoin collector will key in the verification code
The transaction is complete, and your account is credited
You can use the credit to redeem vouchers or services
Just click on the Redeem button to make the redemption
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At Samsung Forum 2016, Samsung revealed details of the mySamsung homebase app. Nicholas Wodtke (Vice-President) and Karen Peck (Marketing Director), of Samsung SEA & Oceania’s Media Solutions Centre, showed off the new mySamsung app in an in-depth session, which we have recorded for you.
The app is an extension of the regional mySamsung ownership program. It lets both new and current Samsung customers manage their devices, get easy and direct access to customer service representatives as well as obtain ownership privileges to get the most out of their Samsung devices.
What Is The mySamsung App All About?
The mySamsung app is designed to be a homebase app – a one-stop app that every Samsung customer can use to access customer service, device information, and ownership privileges.
In this video, Nicholas Wodtke and Karen Peck explain the idea behind mySamsung, and demonstrate how it works. Check it out :
[adrotate banner=”4″]The mySamsung app is compatible with Samsung smartphones from Samsung Galaxy S4 and above, and phablets from Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and above. However, the mySamsung ownership program is currently only offered to owners of :
The mySamsung app and ownership program are already available in Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines, but will soon roll-out for Samsung customers in New Zealand and Taiwan. If you haven’t installed it yet, go and give it a try!
Screenshots
Here are screenshots of the mySamsung app, showing you the setup process, as well as the options available in the app.
The app will come pre-installed in new Samsung models, but users of older models can download the app for free from the Google Play Store.
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9 March 2016, Kaspersky Lab unveils a new version of Kaspersky Internet Security for Android that, in addition to offering improved performance speed and protection quality, includes an option for managing protection via Android Wear devices.
In 2015 alone, Kaspersky Lab registered nearly 17 million attacks by malicious mobile software. These included programs designed for surveillance, extortion, stealing money and other criminal activities.
Kaspersky Internet Security for Android provides protection from these kinds of threats. To make it even more user-friendly and accessible, Kaspersky Lab has released an update that includes control via Android Wear smart watches.
A user’s smartwatch can now display notifications from Kaspersky Internet Security for Android, installed on a paired smartphone or tablet. This could include, for example, notifications about a threat detected on the device. A user can also remotely issue commands to the product via a watch by pressing keys on the screen or via voice control. These commands can activate an audible alarm to find a lost phone, run a scan for Android malware and update anti-virus databases.
In addition, the new version of the security solution is now compatible with Android 6.0, which provides effective protection against online threats to even more owners of Android devices.
“Statistics show that Android continues to be the second most attacked platform after Microsoft Windows, which is why owners of Android-based devices are strongly recommended to use security solutions. At the same time, the Internet of Things market is rapidly developing, attracting more and more users. This means that security solution vendors need to make it possible for customers to use the IoT in combination with their protection solutions,” says Alexey Chikov, Product Manager at Kaspersky Lab.
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Kaspersky Internet Security For Android Availability
The new Kaspersky Internet Security for Android is now available from Google Play, on the Kaspersky Lab site, and as part of Kaspersky Internet Security – Multi-Device, and Kaspersky Total Security – Multi-Device. In 2015, Kaspersky Lab was awarded the Top Developer prize from Google for its innovative approach and high quality products.
In addition to protection against malicious software and websites, the solution includes tools to remotely control a device if it lost or stolen, to filter out unwanted calls and messages, and to hide personal data from prying eyes. The product can also be controlled remotely via the My Kaspersky portal, for example, to activate the Anti-Theft function, to enable or disable the Privacy Protection function or to update anti-virus databases.
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Kuala Lumpur – March 08, 2016 – LINE Corporation has announced the upcoming addition of themes to “LINE Creators Market,” enabling creators to design and sell their own LINE themes, scheduled for late April, 2016.
Prior to the global service launch, the official creation & review guidelines for creators’ themes have been published on the LINE Creators Market site.
“LINE Creators Market has enabled many artists globally, including Malaysia, to share their work with many others. The expansion into allowing creators’ to create their own themes is an extension that enables them to exercise their creativity,” said Patricia Yeoh, Public Relations Manager of LINE Malaysia. “LINE is thrilled to provide this platform that will not only benefit the creators, but enhance the users’ experience to a whole new level as well, especially for Malaysians.”
[adrotate banner=”4″]With creators’ themes, anybody who has a LINE account, be it individual or enterprise, can create LINE themes which, after passing the review process, can be sold to LINE users all over the world through the LINE app’s theme shop and LINE STORE.
Theme prices can be set by the creator at 150 LINE Coins (approximately MYR12.24), 200 LINE Coins (approximately MYR16.33), or 250 LINE Coins (approximately MYR20.42). After handling fees for App Store and Google Play (30%) are deducted, 50% of the remaining amount (35% of total sales) will be paid to the creator.
Creators themes can be based on photos as well as illustrations. Since various graphic elements, such as backgrounds, icons, and menu buttons, are made as separate parts and combined into a set, creators have a lot of freedom in turning their ideas into themes.
Those users who have already created stickers will be able to leverage their own characters into themes, thereby creating more in-depth worlds for their characters, taking advantage of the fact that unlike individual stickers, an interface theme is continuously on display once applied. Artists and entertainers will be able to feature characters or caricatures in their promotional and merchandising activities.
New “LINE Creators Themes” Availability
LINE released the official creation and review guidelines for creators’ themes on its LINE Creators Market official site. Theme submissions for review are expected to commence on April 15, 2016, and the sale of approved themes are expected to start in late April.
Through LINE Creators Market, LINE aims at developing a creator-activity based ecosystem. LINE will continue to move forward with its global platform as an important part of the world’s smartphone based communication infrastructure.
LINE Creators Market is a platform that enables users to sell LINE stickers they have created themselves. The sale of approved creators’ stickers began in May 2014. Participants hail from all over the world and as of today, the number of registered creators has grown to 520,000 users, who have created over 230,000 sticker sets. There are even numerous examples of characters originating from these stickers being merchandised or featured in tie-ins with various businesses, expanding their scope far beyond their original sticker usage.
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Taipei, Taiwan, January 21, 2016 – QNAP, Inc. today announced that the QTS & Android dual-system TAS-168/268 NAS now supports Netflix. The QNAP TAS-168/268 is the first Android-based NAS that supports Netflix, and users can download the free Netflix app from Google Play on Android. Simply connect a QNAP TAS-168/268 to an HDMI display to enjoy the numerous programs and multimedia content on Netflix with a smooth and convenient streaming experience.
”Netflix is one of the most popular Internet video streaming services in the world, and we are pleased to announce that it is compatible with our Android-based TAS-168/268 NAS.” said Hanz Sung, Product Manager of QNAP, “with the addition of Netflix, TAS-168/268 users can further maximize their home entertainment options by streaming their favorite movies and TV shows to a big screen in their living room.”
Powered by an ARM v7 dual-core processor with 2 GB DDR3 RAM, the QNAP TAS-168/268 is designed as a compact media NAS optimized for home use. Certificated by Google, users can download Netflix and many other multimedia apps from Google Play on TAS-168/268.
Coupled with terabytes of storage capacity and 4K (H.265 & H.264) HDMI output, the TAS-168/268 is the optimal budget-friendly multimedia NAS that provides near-unlimited entertainment possibilities for modern digital lifestyles.
Netflix Availability
The free Netflix app for Android devices is available from Google Play, and users can download it from Android Station on their QNAP TAS-168/268.
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