Tech News Malaysia Roundup: January 2023
From new launches to tech updates, catch up on the latest attention-grabbing hot topics in Malaysia for the month of January.
Apple debuts M2 Pro and M2 Max chips
Apple has introduced two new chips to the M2 generation: the M2 Pro and M2 Max.
The M2 Pro will feature a 12-core CPU consisting of 8 high-performance cores and 4 high efficiency cores; and a 19-core GPU. The M2 Max on the other hand will comprise a 12-core CPU consisting of 8 high-performance cores and 4 high-efficiency cores; with a 38-core GPU.
Apple will debut the M2 Pro and M2 Max in both the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro, while the Mac mini will see an upgrade to the M2 and M2 Pro.
Read more about the release here.
Apple begins hiring for what might be Malaysia’s first Apple Store
Rumours about Apple opening its first ever store in Malaysia has been in the air for quite some time, and speculations just became more concrete with Apple’s recent job listings.
Bloomberg reports that Apple has opened several job openings on its website for locations in Malaysia. Some of these openings include store managers, technical specialists, salespeople, and operations expert. Apple has not confirmed anything yet, but if the rumours were true, Kuala Lumpur would be the prime location for the highly anticipated maiden store.
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event set for February 2nd, Galaxy S23 to be unveiled
The Galaxy S23 is set to be unveiled in Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for February 2nd, 2AM Malaysia Time (the wee hours of Thursday morning). This will be Samsung’s first flagship launch of the year.
In conjunction with the release of the S23, Samsung is offering RM200 e-vouchers for users who pre-order the Galaxy S23. If you’re interested, you can redeem the e-voucher by registering here.
You can catch the Galaxy Unpacked broadcast live on Samsung’s official website.
Metadream launches Bondee, gains traction in Malaysia
Singapore-based tech startup Metadream has released Bondee, a “next-generation social app” that allows users to interact in a “new virtual world that simulates living with friends.” The app has since gained traction in Malaysia, as well as fellow East Asian neighbours Thailand and the Philippines.
Even hypermarket giant Mydin has joined the bandwagon with this viral Tweet. In this thread, Mydin also included their QR code for customers to join them on Bondee.
We ourselves succumbed to curiosity, and explored what makes Bondee so appealing.
Read: What’s Bondee? The new social media app making waves in Malaysia
Maybank introduces “Kill Switch” to combat online scams
Maybank has introduced the “Kill Switch” to the MAE app and Maybank2u web in their bid to combat online scams. The “Kill Switch” will temporarily deactivate Maybank2u access and instantly log you out of any active sessions. This will block any login attempts and will prevent any unauthorised transaction since scammers won’t be able to log in to your Maybank2u account.
You can read further details about Maybank’s “Kill Switch” here.
