Tag Archives: Tencent

Chinese Netizens Explode Over WPS Office Censorship!

Chinese netizens are incensed over evidence that WPS Office was monitoring and deleting their files!

Find out what’s going on, and what it means for the digital privacy of WPS Office users!

 

Chinese Netizens : WPS Office Is Monitoring + Blocking Our Documents!

Chinese company, Kingsoft, is under fire for claims that its productivity suite WPS Office is actively monitoring and deleting user documents that might displease Beijing!

At the heart of this issue is the WPS Cloud platform that works like Microsoft 365, allowing users to store their documents in the cloud, or locally.

Chinese netizens are alleging that WPS Office was actively monitoring their documents, and even deleting those that were detected to contain content that might displease the Chinese authorities.

One novelist who goes by the pseudonym Mitu, claimed that she was unable to access her unpublished 1.3 million character document. Not only was it blocked in her cloud storage, she couldn’t access the local copy using the desktop WPS client.

She was told that “the file may contain sensitive content and access has been disabled“.

Mitu shared her experience on Lkong – an online Chinese literature forum, and the social media platform Xiaohongshu, in late June 2022; and it only began trending in Weibo in early July after an influencer reposted her complaint.

A Weibo post on her complaint appears to have been deleted, but fortunately a screenshot was captured. This was the post in Chinese, machine translated into English :

Simply put, WPS seems to have some kind of sensitive word harmony function, Then after being detected, not only the ones stored on the cloud disk will be harmonized

According to the victim’s complaint, it is not only on the cloud, but also on local files. It’s hard to escape a harmony.

At present, according to some netizens, it may be checked after being saved.Sensitive words are detected and then determined to be files that may contain sensitive information,

Directly blocked, or it may be directly locked after being remotely detected by the background server local files There is no other way but to appeal (and it will be fixed in time) but this Is it remote from the server?

Now there is a lot of panic in the online literature circle, for fear that hundreds of thousands of words of manuscripts will be blocked overnight. Asking both online and offline harmony, many people re-use ms and writing pads write file

Mitu said she reported the problem to Kingsoft, which eventually apologised and restored access to the file within two days. The company admitted that “the file was not problematic”.

However, her story spurred other Chinese netizens to come forward with their own stories. A writer in Guangzhou who goes by the pseudonym Liu Hai also said that his WPS Office document of nearly 10,000 words was similarly blocked on July 1, 2022.

These incidents have sparked concerns about privacy in China. While the Chinese government routinely monitors and censors social media content, monitoring and blocking of personal documents would represent a new level of censorship in China.

 

WPS Office Admits Blocking File Access

After the online furore over claims that WPS Office deleted user files, the software developer issued a terse public statement on July 11, 2022.

It said that WPS Office does not delete the “user’s local files”, and that it was a misunderstanding. They only deleted the “online document link”, and blocked “others from access the link according to the law”.

Here is the Weibo post in Chinese, machine translated into English :

Statement on the exposure of online transmission #WPS will delete the user’s local files

A recent online document link shared by a user is suspected of violating the law, and we have prohibited others from accessing the link according to law. This has been misrepresented as #WPS delete user local files.

To this end, we specifically declare: WPS, as an office software developed for more than 30 years, has always put user experience and user privacy protection first.

WPS Office cleverly claims that it never “censors, locks or delete users’ local files”, which is technically correct but as Mitu and Liu Hai described, WPS Office blocks access to their users’ local files.

It was discovered that the files can still be opened by other software, like Microsoft Word or Tencent Docs. But the blocked files cannot be opened by WPS Office, even if they are stored locally (in the user’s computer).

It should be noted that Mitu never shared her file online. So WPS Office’s claim that they only blocked “others” from accessing the file is misleading.

 

WPS Office Not The Only Cloud Provider Monitoring Content

To be fair to WPS Office and Kingsoft, they are not the only ones monitoring content uploaded to the cloud. They just took things one step further by blocking access to local files.

By default, traffic to and from cloud-based productivity services like Google Docs, Microsoft 365 and WPS Office are not end-to-end encrypted.

That means they can and most likely are reading / monitoring EVERYTHING you type or upload. This includes files uploaded and stored in cloud-based storage services like Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive.

That is the right of cloud service providers, because you are using their servers to store your content.

Google, for example, lists content that can be automatically removed and could even lead to a ban :

  • Account hijacking
  • Account inactivity
  • Child sexual abuse and exploitation
  • Circumvention
  • Dangerous and illegal activities
  • Harassment, bullying, and threats
  • Hate speech
  • Impersonation and misrepresentation
  • Malware and similar malicious content
  • Misleading content
  • Non-consensual explicit imagery
  • Personal and confidential information
  • Phishing
  • Regulated goods and services
  • Sexually explicit material
  • Spam
  • System interference and abuse
  • Unauthorized images of minors
  • Violence and gore
  • Violent organizations and movements

People need to be aware of this, and stop assuming that they have privacy on such cloud services, even if they paid to use them.

So it is not surprising that WPS Office monitors everything its users do. If they stopped at blocking access to the online files that contravened local laws, no one would bat an eye.

What is unusual though is that it also blocked access to the users’ local files! That means that their desktop and mobile apps were specifically designed to enforce a list of blocked files issued by WPS Office / Kingsoft.

If WPS Office / Kingsoft goes to that extent, does it mean that they would also alert the Chinese authorities about users producing content that displease them?

That is something everyone should think about, not just Chinese netizens who are justifiably concerned about WPS Office.

 

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Maxis TV Is Here, But Is It Worth Subscribing?

Maxis TV promises to offer multiple OTT steaming services at a cheaper price.

Take a look at what Maxis TV actually offers, and find out if it’s really worth your money!

 

Maxis TV : Cheaper OTT Streaming Bundles?

What exactly is Maxis TV? Maxis calls it a “first of its kind video entertainment service”.

Let’s be clear – Maxis TV is not a video streaming service. In fact, Maxis doesn’t actually stream anything to anyone.

All Maxis TV really does is offer bundles of five existing OTT streaming services.

  • dimsum
  • iQIYI
  • MUBI
  • viu
  • WeTV iflix

While they call it “completely new in the market and cannot be found anywhere else”, that’s only true if you are too lazy to subscribe to those streaming services yourselves.

Their true value proposition is offering these OTT streaming services at cheaper prices, with a single payment point. That’s really it.

 

Maxis TV Bundles : Are They Worth It?

Maxis TV promises to offer flexible OTT bundle passes, which confusingly, are divided into three categories :

  • Single Pass (should really be called Limited Pass)
    – Daily with 3 GB data limit : RM 3
    – Weekly with 5 GB data limit : RM 5
    – Monthly with 10 GB data limit : RM 9.99
  • 2-OTT Bundle with Unlimited Data : RM 18 per month
  • Unlimited Bundle with Unlimited Data : RM 42 per month

We can quickly identify a few problems with the Maxis TV bundles…

Single Pass with Limited Data

Maxis should have kept things simple – charge by the day, week or month. But they had to complicate it by adding a data limit.

Their potential subscribers are going to have to figure out – how much data does this movie take up? Or that TV episode?

Why add this unnecessary limit? It seems intentionally designed to prevent binge-watching by people on a budget.

2-OTT Bundle

Maxis TV offers only five combinations for their 2-OTT Bundle.

You cannot, for example, choose dimsum and viu, or MUBI and dimsum, or MUBI and iQIYI.

This is partly because WeTV and iflix are much cheaper than viu.

Dimsum, WeTV, iflix Are FREE / Cheaper

You can actually watch dimsum, WeTV and iflix content for FREE.

You only need to pay for VIP access to certain “hot” content, or the ability to skip advertisements (WeTV and dimsum).

Only One Package Worth Considering

Unless you are looking to subscribe to multiple bundles, it is generally cheaper to subscribe directly :

  • dimsum VIP : RM 8.90 per month
  • MUBI : RM 15 per month, RM 120 per year
  • iQIYI Standard VIP : RM 8.90 per month
  • viu : RM 12.90 per month, RM 88 per year
  • WeTV VIP : RM 7.90 per month
  • iflix VIP : RM 3 per week

From our POV, the only Maxis TV bundle worth considering is the Unlimited Pass, which gives you access to all five OTT services. You will then save RM 13 per month.

Even that is assuming you plan to watch all five of them. If you only want to use 3-4 of those OTT services, it is cheaper to just subscribe directly.

 

Maxis TV : Free 1-Month Trial!

Maxis is now offering a free one-month trial for all new Maxis TV subscribers, even for non-Maxis customers.

So you can give it a try, or use it to get some free streaming for a month. Just make sure you discontinue it before the subscription kicks in automatically!

 

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WeChat + Tencent Holdings Ban By Donald Trump Explained!

US President Donald Trump just signed an executive order, ordering a ban of both WeChat and Tencent Holdings, calling it a national emergency!

Find out what this new US ban means for WeChat users, and Tencent Holdings!

 

WeChat + Tencent Holdings Ban Signed By Donald Trump

On 6 August 2020, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order, blocking everyone under US jurisdiction from using WeChat or transacting with its owner, Tencent Holdings.

This effectively bans the usage of WeChat in the United States and by US citizens worldwide. It also prohibits business dealings with Tencent Holdings.

Trump called it a national emergency, citing the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the National Emergencies Act and Section 301 of Title 3, United States Code.

His executive order claims that WeChat collects and potentially shares personal and proprietary data of both American and Chinese citizens with the Chinese Communist Party, citing an example :

In March 2019, a researcher reportedly discovered a Chinese database containing billions of WeChat messages sent from users in not only China but also the United States, Taiwan, South Korea, and Australia. WeChat, like TikTok, also reportedly censors content that the Chinese Communist Party deems politically sensitive and may also be used for disinformation campaigns that benefit the Chinese Communist Party. These risks have led other countries, including Australia and India, to begin restricting or banning the use of WeChat. The United States must take aggressive action against the owner of WeChat to protect our national security.

 

WeChat + Tencent Holdings Ban : What Does It Mean?

The executive order is actually quite wide-ranging. It does not only ban WeChat, but also Tencent Holdings and its subsidiaries.

This could mean other apps owned by Tencent Holdings – like Valorant, League of Legends, Clash of Clans, JOOX, etc. could be affected.

We will only know more when Wilbur Ross, the US Secretary of Commerce, clarifies the ban (as stated in section 1(c) below.

Targeting Tencent Holdings and its subsidiaries will also forbid any financial transfers to and from those subsidiaries, at least within the United States.

The following actions shall be prohibited beginning 45 days after the date of this order, to the extent permitted under applicable law: any transaction that is related to WeChat by any person, or with respect to any property, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, with Tencent Holdings Ltd. (a.k.a. Téngxùn Kònggǔ Yǒuxiàn Gōngsī), Shenzhen, China, or any subsidiary of that entity, as identified by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) under section 1(c) of this order.

(c)  45 days after the date of this order, the Secretary shall identify the transactions subject to subsection (a) of this section.

In addition, it applies not just to American citizens worldwide but to any person or organisation within the United States.

The WeChat ban follows the TikTok ban, and similarly, does not start until 45 days later, on 20 September 2020. That suggests it’s being used as a leverage, rather than an urgent matter of national security.

This could be an effort to pressure the Chinese into agreeing to a trade deal, or a way for Trump to boost his flagging chances at winning re-election.

 

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Pakistan Suspends PUBG Due To Children Suicide Risks!

Pakistan just suspended PUBG due to suicide risks to children, with a hearing scheduled next week! Find out what’s going on!

 

PUBG : PlayerUnknown’s Battleground

PUBG is short for PlayerUnknown’s Battleground – an online multiplayer game in which up to 100 players parachute onto an island to battle it out.

Players have to scavenge for weapons and equipment, while trying to avoid getting killed and killing the other players, until the last person / team standing wins the round.

 

Pakistan Suspends PUBG Due To Children Suicide Risks!

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) just announced the immediate suspension of PUBG, citing physical and psychological risks to children, which have lead to suicides.

On the direction of the Lahore High Court, the PTA is soliciting the views of the public on PUBG, and will hold a hearing next week, on 9 July 2020, on the matter.

Usman Abdul Jabbar shared with us that PUBG Mobile as well as PUBG Lite and PUBG for consoles and PC have been suspended.

Here is the official statement released by the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority :

In view of complaints received from different segments of society, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided to temporarily suspend the PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) game.

PTA has received numerous complaints against PUBG wherein it is stated that the game is addictive, wastage of time and poses serious negative impact on physical and psychological health of the children.

ccording to recent media reports, cases of suicide attributed to PUBG game have also been reported. Honorable Lahore High court has also directed PTA to look into the issue and decide the matter after hearing the complainants. In this regard, a hearing is being conducted on 9th of July 2020.

The Authority also decided to solicit views of the public with reference to the said online game. In this regard public is encouraged to provide feedback through consultation-pubg@pta.gov.pk by July 10, 2020

We should note that this follows the suicide of a 16 year-old boy – Mohammad ZakaryaMohammad Zakarya – after he failed to complete his mission in PUBG Mobile. He was said to be addicted to the game, playing many hours every day.

 

Pakistan Suspends PUBG : Not Geopolitics

While some people have pointed out that this occurred right after India banned 59 Chinese apps for cybersecurity risks, they are unrelated.

The desktop PUBG game was made by Bluehole, a South Korean company. Only the mobile version – PUBG Mobile was developed by Tencent Games.

Pakistan is also close to China, and is thus unlikely to be targeting Chinese companies in support of India, its geopolitical foe.

While it is always good to highlight the importance of responsible gaming, this is likely nothing more than an attempt to find a scapegoat for addiction and mental health issues facing Pakistanis.

 

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ROG Phone 2 India Models vs. Tencent Edition Comparison!

India is getting both the Tencent Edition, and the Global Edition, of the ROG Phone 2… with prices to match!

Let’s compare their specifications against the ROG Phone 2 Tencent Edition, as well as their prices!

 

India Gets Two DIFFERENT ROG Phone 2 Models

ROG Phone 2 (8 GB + 128 GB) For India

Basically, the ROG Phone 2 (8 GB + 128 GB) is the Tencent Edition for India. Here are the differences :

  • It has a slightly slower LTE download speed, compensated by slightly faster LTE upload speed
  • It comes with an Aero case
  • It is slightly – about 10% – more expensive than the Tencent Edition

The ROG Phone 2 (8 GB + 128 GB) is priced at ₹37,999 / ~US$529 / ~£429 / ~A$799 / ~RM 2,249

Recommended : The ASUS ROG Phone 2 vs Black Shark 2 PRO Comparison!

ROG Phone 2 (12 GB + 512 GB) For India

In addition, ASUS will also introduce the far more expensive Global Edition to cater to the richer segment of the Indian population.

  • It comes with 12 GB of memory (which is pointless), instead of “just” 8 GB
  • It comes with 512 GB of storage, instead of 128 GB
  • It comes with faster LTE and Wi-Fi speeds (also pretty pointless)
  • It comes with a 30 W fast charger, instead of an 18 W fast charger
  • It comes with an AeroActive Cooler II, which is basically a bolt-on fan

Now, here’s the kicker – this model costs 58% more than the 8 GB + 128 GB model.

The ROG Phone 2 (12 GB + 512 GB) is priced at ₹59,999 / ~US$849 / ~£689 / ~A$1,259 / ~RM 3,559

Again, we would like to point out that, for gamers, the Tencent Edition and similar variants are definitely A MUCH BETTER DEAL than the high-end / Global Edition ROG Phone 2.

Recommended : Why ROG Phone II Tencent Is Better Than The Global Edition!

 

ROG Phone 2 India Models vs. Tencent Edition

To make it easy for you to determine which is a better model for you, we compare the two ROG Phone 2 India models against the Tencent Edition.

Specifications ROG Phone 2
(12 GB + 512 GB)
ROG Phone 2
(8 GB + 128 GB)
ROG Phone 2
Tencent Edition
Display 6.59-inch AMOLED display (1080 x 2340 pixels)
– 108% DCI-P3 colour gamut, 10,000:1 contrast ratio
– up to 120 Hz refresh rate, 1 ms response time
System Platform Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus
CPU 1 x Qualcomm Kryo 485 Gold core (2.96 GHz)
3 x Qualcomm Kryo 485 Gold cores (2.42 GHz)
4 x Qualcomm Kryo 485 Silver cores (1.8 GHz)
System Platform Qualcomm Adreno 640 (672 MHz)
RAM 12 GB LPDDR4X 8 GB LPDDR4X
Storage 512 GB UFS 3.0 128 GB UFS 3.0
Front Camera 24 MP camera with f/2.0 aperture
Rear Cameras 48 MP main camera, with Sony IMX586 sensor, and f/1.79 lens
13 MP ultra-wide camera, with 125-degree field of view
LTE Speeds 1.2 Gbps DL, 211 Mbps UL 800 Mbps DL, 211 Mbps UL 1 Gbps DL, 150 Mbps UL
Connectivity Wi-Fi : 802.11ad, 4×4 MIMO
Bluetooth : BT 5.0
Wi-Fi : 802.11ac, 2×2 MIMO
Bluetooth : BT 5.0
Sensors Accelerometer, E-Compass, proximity sensor, Hall sensor, ambient light sensor, in-display fingerprint sensor, gyro, ultrasonic AirTrigger shoulder buttons
Audio Dual front-facing speakers with DTS:X Ultra
Battery 6,000 mAh battery
Charger 30 W, USB-A to USB-C 18 W, USB-A to USB-C
AeroActive Cooler Yes No No
Aero Case Yes Yes No
Dimensions 77.6 mm wide x 170.99 mm tall x 9.78 mm thick
Weight 240 g
Price ₹59,999 ₹37,999 Approx. ₹34,599

 

ROG Phone 2 Availability In India

The ROG Phone 2 (8GB + 128GB) model will start selling at 12 AM, on 30 September 2019.

The 12GB + 512GB is not available yet, but will be “coming soon” like someone who has jerked off way too often.

This is not surprising, because ASUS has a history of super-slow rollouts.

They may boast of being the first to launch a Snapdragon 855 Plus smartphone, but what’s the point if they cannot deliver the actual devices?

More nimble, new competitors like Black Shark keep passing them by. The Black Shark 2, for example, launched way back in April 2019 with the Snapdragon 855, and they started selling the Black Shark 2 PRO with the Snapdragon 855 Plus last month!

 

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SYNCED : Off-Planet – Everything On Tencent’s PvPvE Game!

Tencent just unveiled their first-ever AAA game with real-time ray tracing and Siren digital character technologySYNCED : Off-Planet!

Here is EVERYTHING you need to know about Tencent’s upcoming PvPvE sci-fi game, including its gameplay, CG and trailer videos!

 

SYNCED : Off-Planet

Developed by Tencent NExT Studios, SYNCED : Off-Planet is a brand-new PvPvE franchise that has players fighting each other, while surviving over a thousand Nanos!

Set in a future where humanity’s mechanical and technological evolution went violently wrong, players compete against other survivors of the apocalypse to secure resources for their day-to-day survival, and for a chance to escape planet Earth.

Human settlements now struggle to survive the new dangers of the world, while they try to locate transport shuttles that can take them… off-planet.

Officially unveiled at the NVIDIA Gamescom 2019 showcase, SYNCED : Off-Planet will feature a massive PvPvE gaming experience with up to 48 players, and over a thousand Nanos – corrupted human cyborgs.

 

SYNCED : Off-Planet Gameplay

Every round in SYNCED : Off-Planet lasts 20 minutes, with 16 teams of three players each. There will also be 1,500 Nanos that will be introduced into the map in “AI-driven bursts”.

The goal will be to capture a shuttle leaving Earth, and defend it against other teams and the Nanos, of course.

Here is the first gameplay video Tencent NExT Studios revealed, showing off its ray-traced graphics.

Players will earn XP (Experience Points) after every match, which can be used to upgrade both active and passive skills.

However, a team’s ability to gather resources and eliminate other teams will also be important. Resources can be used to upgrade your equipment, as well as your home base.

You will be able to chat with other players and teams in the Haven, a pre-match area where you can also organise your team, and purchase accessories.

 

SYNCED The Horde To Get Off-Planet!

The name itself is a hint on how it differentiates itself from other battle royale or zombie games

For greater situational awareness of the battlefield, players will have the ability to sync with other players, as well as control groups of Nanos by hacking them.

To hack a horde of Nanos, you will need to find a Nano with a vulnerable node and shoot it out. Then you need to hold down a button (which leaves you defenceless) until the malware activates.

Then every nearby Nano comes under your control, and will automatically attack “unhacked” Nanos and enemy players. You can also send them to a designated spot.

The hack or sync will last a minute, after which the hacked Nanos will fall to the ground… dead.

Because the bodies of dead Nanos will lie where they fall and persist in the game, you can use them to build obstacles. You can literally stack them up to block access.

 

SYNCED : Off-Planet Graphics

This is the first official AAA game by Tencent that will feature NVIDIA RTX real-time ray tracing technology to deliver photo-realistic image quality with ray-traced reflections and shadows.

It will also feature the Siren digital character technology that Epic Games showed off at GDC 2018.

It is based on Cubic Motion’s motion capture technology that uses a live actor to instantaneously create digital facial animation, making the characters look remarkably life-like.

 

SYNCED : Off-Planet Ray Tracing Comparisons

Here are the first official SYNCED : Off-Planet ray tracing screenshots and comparisons!

Lakes, puddles, wet surfaces, shiny surfaces and numerous other objects and game elements will naturally reflect surrounding detail.

And all shadows will feature realistic contact hardening and softening, as you see in the real-world.

[twenty20 img1=”30529″ img2=”30530″ offset=”0.5″ before=”NVIDIA RTX Off” after=”NVIDIA RTX On”] [twenty20 img1=”30531″ img2=”30532″ offset=”0.5″ before=”NVIDIA RTX Off” after=”NVIDIA RTX On”] [twenty20 img1=”30536″ img2=”30537″ offset=”0.5″ before=”NVIDIA RTX Off” after=”NVIDIA RTX On”] [twenty20 img1=”30538″ img2=”30539″ offset=”0.5″ before=”NVIDIA RTX Off” after=”NVIDIA RTX On”]

 

SYNCED : Off-Planet Price + Availability

According to NExT, SYNCED : Off-Planet will be monetised through micro-transactions, but they haven’t decided whether to charge for the game upfront, or make it free-to-play.

But NExT Creative Director, Clark Jiayang Yang, said, “We’re not going to do pay-to-win for sure. I hate those pay-to-win games. As long as it’s fair for everyone, I think that’s fine.

They are planning to host a closed beta and early access period next year, where player feedback will determine their final monetisation decision.

 

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Hands On Look At The Tencent QQ Watch

Right after the launch of the MaxisONE Kid smartwatch plan, we had the opportunity to give the Tencent QQ Watch for kids a quick hands-on look. Check out the video we recorded of the QQ Watch.

Please note that this is the Southeast Asian model. There is a different European model, as well as an American model. The Southeast Asian and European models support 900 MHz and 1800 MHz GSM bands, while the American model supports the 850 MHz and 1900 MHz GSM bands.

 

QQ Watch Key Features

Voice Calling – Add up to 5 family members and 11 friends (SEA model) / 16 friends (US, Europe models). Stay connected via two-way voice calls.

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GPS Tracking – Parents can track their child, thanks to built-in WiFi, GPS and GSM connectivity.

Message – Parents can send text or voice messages to the QQ Watch. The children can send voice messages and photos to their parents.

Safe & Dangerous Zones – Parents can set safe or dangerous zones on the app. The QQ Watch will send notifications whenever the child steps outside safe zones, or step into dangerous zones.

SOS Calling – Children can make SOS calls using a dedicated button. The watch will automatically call and send an SOS text message to the first contact in the contacts list.

Water-Resistance – It is splash-proof, with IP65 water-resistance rating.

Built-in Camera – The QQ Watch comes with a 0.3 MP camera so children can take photos to send to their parents.

 

QQ Watch Specifications

SpecificationsTencent QQ Watch (PQ708)
Display1.22" OLED display (128 x 128 pixels) - China-only model
1.22" IPS display (240 x 240 pixels) - other models
System PlatformMTK6260D
ConnectivityGSM : 2G (900 / 1800 MHz - Europe, SEA), (850 / 1900 MHz - US),
WiFi + Bluetooth 4.0
Watch Dimensions41.5 mm wide x 16 mm thick x 57 mm long
SIM Card Supportnano SIM
GPSYes (U-BLOX-7020K7)
Camera0.3 MP camera
Strap Length218 mm
Battery400 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery
Water & Dust ResistanceIP65
Available ColoursQua Blue / Buttercup Yellow / Lavender Pink

 

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The MaxisONE Kid Smartwatch Plan Explained

On the 21st of September 2016, Maxis launched the new MaxisONE Kid smartwatch plan. This is a specially-designed postpaid plan for kids that comes with a kid-friendly smartwatch – the QQ Watch. The smartwatch is constantly connected to the Maxis network, allowing parents to keep tabs on their children, and communicate with them without a smartphone.

 

The MaxisONE Kid Plan Explained

Who best but Arjun Varma, Maxis Head of Postpaid and Adelle Gregory, Maxis Head of Digital Services, to explain the new MaxisONE Kid plan?

 

MaxisONE Kid Summarised

For your quick understanding, here are the key points summarized.

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  • This plan is exclusively for MaxisONE customers only.
  • Each MaxisONE principal account can sign up for up to two MaxisONE Kid plans.
  • The MaxisONE Kid plan costs RM 58 per month, with a 12 month contract.
  • After the contract ends, you may purchase another MaxisONE Kid plan, continue to pay RM 58 per month, or switch to a different plan.
  • The MaxisONE Kid plan comes with a free QQ Watch (rebranded as the MaxisONE Kit Watch), worth RM 569.
  • The plan also comes with 500 MB of Internet and unlimited calls to 10 local numbers (all networks), and voice messages.
  • The MaxisONE Kid SIM card will only work with the QQ Watch.

 

The MaxisONE Kid Press Release

Maxis is making it easier for parents to stay connected with their children with MaxisONE Kid, a specially designed postpaid plan that comes with a kid-friendly smartwatch. Using the MaxisONE Kid watch, parents can keep tabs on their children’s location and easily communicate with them even if their child does not own a smartphone.

One feature of the MaxisONE Kid watch that parents will appreciate is the built-in GPS, which helps track and send the child’s real-time location and movement to an app on the parents’ smartphones. The app also enables parents to manage their child’s contact list, configure alerts to be sent when the child enters safe and dangerous zones, send text messages, make calls and receive pictures taken from the child’s smartwatch.

The app also allows the parent to “switch-off” the calling and chat function during school hours to ensure there are no distractions while the child is in school. The app also displays the battery life of the smartwatch as well as the number of steps the child has taken during the day.

Here’s what MaxisONE Kid has to offer:

  • Smart tracking – Accurate, real-time location reports and history of where your kids have been. You can also adjust the frequency of how often your child’s location is refreshed in the map.
  • Unlimited calls – Make unlimited calls to 10 numbers on any network. This enables parents to control who their child is able to call and who can call the child.
  • Intelligent safety – Remote listening mode (ability to hear your child’s surroundings) and one touch SOS call function in the event of an emergency.
  • Fun additional features – Two-way calling with 0.3MP camera and a built-in pedometer.
  • Share guardianship – Set up to 4 guardians who can monitor the child.

 

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