Author: Mei Ling Tan

  • Kobo launches improved Elipsa 2E e-ink tablet with magnetic stylus

    Kobo launches improved Elipsa 2E e-ink tablet with magnetic stylus

    Kobo’s new Elipsa 2E easily goes into the large tablets category considering that it has a massive 10.3-inch display. It also features an upgraded magnetic stylus that can be easily attached to the side of the tablet.

    The Elipsa 2E offers an upgraded digital reading and writing experience made from eco-conscious materials. The 10.3-inch glare-free e-ink touchscreen and ComfortLight PRO reduces blue light and eyestrain features that many other eReaders provide to different degrees.

    The tablet has around 32GB of storage and it’s supposed to offer weeks of battery life on a single charge, but that will highly depend on how you use it. It’s fully compatible with audiobooks, so you can switch between reading ebooks to listening to Kobo audiobooks with Bluetooth wireless technology.

    As per Kobo’s statement, the tablet’s exterior is 85% made of recycled plastic, while 10% is made of ocean-bound plastic. The Elipsa 2E can be protected with the eco-friendly SleepCover, which is also made with 97% recycled plastic, including 10% ocean-bound plastic. This is only available in Black and promises to save battery life by putting the tablet to sleep when you close it.

    As mentioned earlier, the Elipsa 2E has an upgraded Kobo Stylus 2 that has been redesigned for better ergonomics. It’s also rechargeable and allows users to write directly on the tablet. You can make highlights, use the eraser on the back, write in the margins, and highlight standout passages with the dedicated button.

    Regarding the price, Kobo Elipsa 2E is now available for pre-order for $400. The tablet can be picked up in stores and online as of April 19 in Canada, the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and Turkey. The retail package includes the Kobo Stylus 2.

  • Electricity prices will rise

    Electricity prices will rise

    The Ministry of Industry and Trade is considering an electricity price hike following the huge loss reported by state utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN) for last year.

    “The rate and time of the increase will be considered carefully to safeguard the benefits of EVN, the public and businesses and control inflation,” Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai told VnExpress recently.

    The ministry said last week that EVN’s costs rose by 9.27% last year, and it caused a loss of VND36.29 trillion (US$1.55 billion).

    Deputy CEO of EVN, Nguyen Xuan Nam, said the huge loss puts the company in a difficult financial situation, and so it has sought a hike in tariffs this year.

    According to estimates by the Ministry of Finance, if power tariffs increase by 5% this year the consumer price index will see a 3.9% increase.

    Hikes of 7% and 8% will push the CPI up by 4.4% and 4.8%.

    The government targets containing inflation at 4.5%.

    The prices consumers pay have remained unchanged since March 2019.

  • Buyers keen to take stake in PGBank

    Buyers keen to take stake in PGBank

    Sixteen potential buyers have registered to purchase a combined 213 million shares of PGBank, almost twice the number its biggest shareholder is selling.

    The buyers, comprised of nine individuals and seven domestic organizations, have signed up to participate in the auction of 120 million shares of PGBank, or a 40% stake, which is being sold by Vietnam’s oil and gas giant Petrolimex.

    At a starting price of VND21,300 ($0.91) per share, Petrolimex is set to get at least VND2.55 trillion from the sale.

    MSB, another lender, is set to seek shareholder permission to buy a domestic credit organization which is “operating normally and high credit quality.”

    PGBank is among the lenders that MSB is interested in buying, a leader of the latter told reporters recently.

    Several key leaders of MSB have left the lender for PGBank in recent years.

    In March 2020, Hoang Xuan Hiep left MSB for PGBank and is now the deputy director in charge of debt handling.

    In November 2020, Nguyen Phi Hung, a former deputy director, became the CEO of MSB.

    In February this year, Do Thanh Cong, who used to be a member of the risk department of MSB, became a deputy director of PGBank.

    PGBank had total assets of nearly VND49 trillion last year and equity of VND3 trillion, the lowest in the banking system.

  • Comarch’s Solutions Nominated at the International Loyalty Awards 2023

    Comarch’s Solutions Nominated at the International Loyalty Awards 2023

    We are very proud to announce that Comarch-powered loyalty programs were nominated at the International Loyalty Awards 2023 in ten different categories!

    These categories include Best B2B Loyalty Program, Best Customer Experience, and Loyalty Redefined. The International Loyalty Awards recognizes the most innovative solutions for building long-lasting and profitable customer relationships.

    The fact that Comarch has been nominated for such a prestigious event is a testament to the effectiveness of its technology.

    Here’s the full list of Comarch’s nominated partners and the initiatives we helped them develop:

    • FordPass Rewards – Ford with Comarch (Loyalty Redefined)
    • Puntos Colombia with Comarch (Loyalty Redefined)
    • Globe Rewards – Globe with Comarch (Best Loyalty Industry Innovation)
    • Tudo Azul – Azul Airlines with Comarch (Best Loyalty Industry Innovation)
    • Puntos Colombia (Grupo Éxito and Bancolombia) – Puntos Colombia with Comarch (Best Loyalty Industry Innovation)
    • Yes Rewards – ENOC with Comarch (Best Customer Experience)
    • Puntos Colombia (Grupo Éxito and Bancolombia) – Puntos Colombia with Comarch (Best Loyalty Marketing Campaign)
    • Tudo Azul – Azul Airlines with Comarch (Best Loyalty Initiative within Travel)
    • Tudo Azul – Azul Airlines with Comarch (Best Short-Term Loyalty Initiative)
    • Device Club – Xl Axiata with Comarch (Best B2B Loyalty Program)
    • Yes Rewards – ENOC with Comarch (Best Loyalty/Benefits in a Financial Product)
    • EKO Smile – EKO (HELLENiQ Energy) with Comarch (Best Loyalty Launch of Initiative 2023)
    • Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ – Exxon Mobil with Comarch (Best Long-Term Loyalty Initiative)
    • Globe Rewards – Globe with Comarch (Best Long-Term Loyalty Initiative)

    Congratulations to everyone who made the list – we’re very excited to be a part of your loyalty journey and couldn’t be happier for the recognition that honors our joint efforts in driving customer engagement. 

    The Loyalty International Awards ceremony will take place on June 13th, 2023. Hope our clients bring home as many accolades as possible!

    ABOUT COMARCH

    Comarch is a multi-industry loyalty marketing specialist delivering IT solutions for building and managing customer engagement. Comarch’s tools help companies from all over the world drive brand loyalty, optimize day-to-day marketing operations, boost conversions, and improve ROI. Comarch is responsible for over 10 billion processed transactions and more than 100 successfully implemented loyalty initiatives in 50 countries around the world.

    Want to know more? Go to Comarch’s page.

    Keep doing what you do best – leave customer loyalty to Comarch.

     

  • Exploring the Appeal of Online Slot Games Across the Globe

    Exploring the Appeal of Online Slot Games Across the Globe

    Online casinos have transformed the world of gambling by offering players the convenience of playing their favorite games from anywhere, at any time. One of the most popular forms of online gambling is online slot games, which have seen a significant surge in popularity.

    Convenience, Accessibility and Variety of Games

    When it comes to online slot games, players are attracted to the wide range of slots on offer. Online casinos offer an extensive selection of great slot games, each with different themes, paylines, and bonus features, making it easy for players to find the games that best suit their preferences and playing style. Moreover, online casinos regularly release new slot games, keeping the selection fresh for players.

    In addition to the variety of games, online slot games are also known for their convenience and accessibility. Players can enjoy the adventure of gambling from the comfort of their own home, without the need to travel to a casino. This accessibility benefits players who may not have access to physical casinos or who find it difficult to travel long distances. Also, they are available 24/7, which means that players can play whenever they want, regardless of their location or time zone.

    Security and Fairness

    Online casinos prioritize security and fairness in their slot games, using random number generators (RNGs) to ensure that the games are fair and unbiased. Additionally, they use encryption technology to protect players’ personal and financial information.

    This level of security and fairness gives players peace of mind when playing online slot games, knowing that their personal information and gameplay are protected. It also ensures that players have an equal chance of winning, regardless of their skill level or experience.

    Entertainment Value

    Online slot games are designed to be visually appealing, with high-quality graphics and sound effects. They offer entertainment value, with themes ranging from ancient civilizations to superheroes, and the chance to win some money adds to the enjoyment of playing.

    Many online slot games also offer some bonus features, such as free spins and multipliers, which can increase the player’s chances of winning. Being able to play multiple games simultaneously, without leaving the comfort of home, makes online slots an attractive option for those seeking a fun and convenient way to gamble.

    The Rise of iGaming in Asia

    Source: Pixabay

    It’s worth noting that the popularity of online slot games in Asia continues to grow. According to a recent report by AGBrief, Genting Malaysia Berhad, one of the largest gaming companies in Asia, reported a net loss of RM393.96 million ($88.82 million) in the fourth quarter of 2022, despite a 28.8 percent increase in revenue year-on-year to RM2.43 billion ($548.9 million). Most of the revenue came from Resorts World Genting, the only licensed casino in Malaysia.

    Despite the challenges faced by Genting, with the rise of mobile gaming and the increasing availability of high-speed internet, the online gambling industry in Malaysia is expected to grow in the coming years. The Malaysian government has been exploring ways to legalize and regulate online gambling to boost tax revenues and support the tourism industry.

    In conclusion, online slot games have become a popular form of entertainment for players around the world. Their convenience, variety, security, and entertainment value make them appealing to a wide range of players. With the continued growth of online casinos, online slots are sure to remain a major player in the world of online gaming.

  • Google Search’s new features can help you save money when traveling

    Google Search’s new features can help you save money when traveling

    Travelling provides new experiences and new experiences are the key to keeping stress levels low and happiness levels high. But what do all good trips have in common? That’s right: we take some of the best smartphones on them with us, because they are helpful travel companions.

    How would we make them more helpful though? Well, easy: new Google Search features. Most people are already using the search engine when planning out their trips, so incorporating new tools into it is a simple no brainer.

    And would you look at that? Google was thinking the same thing! The latest update to the platfor has introduced a brand new workflow, consisting of three separate features:

    • Browsing hotels
    • Saving money on flights
    • Discover what the destination holds in store

    Once a user is done with the process, they would effectively have chosen their next travel destination with ease, all from the comfort of their smartphone.

    In order to kick things off, you are expected to search for a location, combined with “hotel”. At that point, Google will present a series of “stories”, as seen on major social media platforms. Each entry will showcase features related to the hotel in question. Once the choice has been made, a helpful button can be tapped to take you straight to that hotel’s booking page.

    Still, you have to get there, and for that we can get help from Google Flights. It monitors flight prices and recognizes if a given ticket price is low, standard or high. The platform will then label the listings it shows accordingly, so that you can pick out the best deal.

    The last thing on the list is choosing what to do once you land and Google can help you optimize that too. If you search for, lets say, a monument, Search will also offer worthwhile sights nearby, so that you can get the most out of your day. Each recommendation also comes with directions and a link to buy tickets if need be.

    Summertime seems far away, but it’ll be here before you know it. If you were hesitant to start planning your trips, because of all the related hassle, this may have been the nudge you needed. Why not take a chill pill and let Google do the heavy lifting?

  • WhatsApp may soon allow you to lock specific chats

    WhatsApp may soon allow you to lock specific chats

    It seems like ages ago when WhatsApp faced intense criticism about its lack of security features. That, however, isn’t something that can be said in today’s reality, where WhatsApp is one of the most feature-rich messaging apps on the market.

    While end-to-end encryption and sweet features such as spam prevention are awesome, there are always ways to step up the game further. So how about the ability to lock specific chats? Options like this are highly coveted, especially to those of us who use their phones for work.

    Well, WABetaInfo — the blog dedicated to uncovering the hidden features of the WhatsApp beta program — has managed to unearth exactly this type of feature. It seems to be still in development, but traces of it are found in the WhatsApp beta release for Android, version 2.23.8.2.

    The feature is seemingly designed to enhance user privacy, allowing users to lock individual and specific chats with a passcode or on-device biometrics. When locked, chats won’t display previews and any media on them won’t be automatically downloaded.

    After a locked chat has been set up, only persons, who are able to verify through the chosen security measure, can gain access to their contents. Chats of this type will be kept in a separate category too, for an extra bit of clarity.

    Naturally, this doesn’t mean that such a choice will impact all WhatsApp conversations. Users can enable the feature on a by-chat basis, ensuring that only those chats containing sensitive information remain behind an extra security layer.

    As of now, we have no word on when this feature will be rolled out officially by WhatsApp, but it appears to be in development at the moment. If you are interested in being among the first users to try it out, then make sure to sign up for the WhatsApp beta program.

  • Vietnam to inspect TikTok content to stop harmful videos

    Vietnam to inspect TikTok content to stop harmful videos

    Vietnam will begin to conduct an inspection of TikTok next month to deal with harmful content and false information.

    Le Quang Tu Do, head of the Department of Radio, Television and Electronic Information under the Ministry of Information and Communications, said that recently a lot of toxic, offensive, false and superstitious content has been appearing on the social media app TikTok in Vietnam.

    The inspection, to be conducted by the communications ministry, seeks to ensure that the social media complies with Vietnam’s regulations, both in content and operations.

    “TikTok, Facebook and YouTube are all cross-border social media with international standards,” Do said. “But when entering Vietnam, they need to comply with Vietnam’s laws, which includes regulations on content management and tax, payments and commercial policy.”

    TikTok was launched in Vietnam in 2019 after a year of beta testing. It now has nearly 50 million Vietnamese users aged 18 and above. Vietnam ranks sixth out of 10 countries with the biggest number of TikTok users, according to research company DataReportal.

    In the first quarter of last year TikTok said it removed some 2.43 million videos uploaded by Vietnamese users for violating its community guidelines related to nudity and sexual acts involving minors, inciting violence and also frightening content, harassment, bullying, suicides, and more.

  • AirAsia Xpanding Services To China And Australia

    AirAsia Xpanding Services To China And Australia

    Australians have another way to get to Asia now AirAsia X restarted its Kuala Lumpur to the Gold Coast service yesterday. The nostalgic service retraced AirAsia X’s first-ever route, launched over 25 years ago.

    AirAsia X started the Kuala Lumpur to Queensland’s Gold Coast in November 2007, but it has been suspended for more than two years due to the pandemic restrictions. The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s premier tourist destinations for domestic and international travelers and has been one of AirAsia X’s most popular destinations.

    Radar24.com, flight D7200 departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) on Friday at 23:43 for the 6,500 kilometers (4,000 miles) flight to the Gold Coast. The flight was operated by a nine-year-old Airbus A330-300, registration 9M-XXK and manufacturer serial number 1433.

    After 7:51 hours of flying, it landed at Gold Coast Airport (OOL) at 09:34 yesterday morning. The A330-300 was on the ground for just over two hours before departing at 11:36 and arriving back in Kuala Lumpur at 17:44. It then returned to Australia as flight D7288, arriving at Sydney Airport (SYD) at 09:45 this morning.

    Fleet data from ch-aviation.com shows that AirAsia X (AAX) has a fleet of thirteen A330-300s, with three inactive. The data shows it also has 20 Airbus A321XLRs, 15 A330-900neos, and one A330-300 on order.

    AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail was on the flight. He said it was a crucial day for the airline that will “strengthen the ties between Malaysia and Australia.

    “The Gold Coast will always hold a special place in our hearts, and what makes this announcement even more of a major milestone is that AAX is now the only airline connecting Kuala Lumpur directly to the Gold Coast and to Queensland on the whole.

    “Our newest route now provides the most affordable and convenient air travel option for guests who want to explore one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations and for Australians seeking to visit Malaysia or continue on throughout Asia with our vast global network, including to leisure favorites like Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, India and more.”

    In March, AAX resumed flights from Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai and Hangzhou in China and restarted services to Beijing. Flight D7342 departed KUL on March 30th at 19:15 and landed at Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) at 00:55 on Friday. The Airbus A330-300, registration (M-XBF), left Beijing at 03:32 and, after a 5:49 hour flight, landed in Kuala Lumpur at 09:21.

    The route will operate twice weekly and will stimulate business travel and tourism in both directions. Now that China has resumed issuing tourist visas, AAX believes it will see a surge in demand for flights between KL and PKX. AirAsia X last operated the route on April 12th, 2020, although it operated in and out of Beijing Capital Airport (PEK).

    The airline plans to ramp up Beijing frequency to four flights weekly starting from June 1st to meet growing forecast demand. Beyond that, AAX is planning more expansion to more unique, less traveled destinations in China soon.

  • Soy milk contaminated during shipment to Japan

    Soy milk contaminated during shipment to Japan

    A consignment of soy milk found contaminated and destroyed in Japan must have been tainted en route, Vietnamese exporter Vinasoy has said.

    Tests by the National Institute For Food Control on Monday did not find coliform bacteria in the Fami Calcium Soy Milk samples it had retained from the export consignment, it said.

    But 640 packs imported to Japan by Next Trading company were found to have coliform and ordered to be recalled and destroyed in Chiba city.

    A Vinasoy spokesperson said the contamination must have happened during the shipment or distribution process in Japan.

    The spokesperson said that Coliform cannot survive the enzyme inactivation processes in which soy milk is heated to 120 degrees Celsius (248 Fahrenheit) and ultra-high-temperature sterilization at 140 degrees Celsius.

    A carton of soy milk with coliform would be bloated and go sour in two to four days, and so the factory would have noticed any contamination right away, the spokesperson added.

    Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare confirmed the contamination.

    But a spokesperson for Next Trading told broadcaster NHK that while the company was “surprised and sorry” to learn about the contamination, it had tested the products based on health ministry standards before distribution and had not detected any coliform.

    Since the news broke, Vinasoy has consistently said its product was not contaminated.

    It has 25 years’ experience in making soy products and is the industry leader in Vietnam.

    It exports to several other markets with high standards such as the U.S. and South Korea.

    Coliform, which can be found in water and the feces of warm-blooded animals, does not often cause serious illness, but a person exposed to it could have an upset stomach, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea.

  • Waze adds ability to personalize drives, launches new zodiac driving experience

    Waze adds ability to personalize drives, launches new zodiac driving experience

    Waze is launching two new features at the same time this month, which is a little bit unusual for the navigation app. I know everyone is used to getting a new driving experience almost every month, this time around Waze is bringing more than just a fun way to spend your time while driving.

    The company announced earlier today plans to bring Waze users more ways to stay entertained on the road with Customize Your Drive and an astrological driving experience. The new ability to personalize drives allows users to choose from various driving experiences and access more such content in one place. For example, you’ll be able to select a theme that fits your mood and change it with ease.

    Whether you’re driving with some of your favorite personalities like Boy George, Christina Aguilera, or Karamo, or looking for something more kid-friendly like PAW Patrol or Fraggle Rock, there’s certainly something for everyone on their journeys.

    Now, the bad part is that while “Customize Your Drive” features is rolling out in the United States today, it will be launched globally in the future. So, unless you live in the U.S., you won’t be able to personalize your driving experience yet.

    On the bright side, there’s something else available those who don’t have access to “Customize Your Drive,” a new zodiac driving experience! Regardless of your zodiac sign, Waze’s resident astrologer has the right driving experience for you.

    The new zodiac driving experience includes a custom vehicle and Mood for each of the 12 signs. Waze users can start driving with a vehicle and Mood that match their sign today. If you live in the United States, the zodiac driving experience can be found through “Customize Your Drive,” The rest of the world can find it via the left menu in the Waze app.

  • iOS 17 could end software support for the iPhone X and other Apple devices

    iOS 17 could end software support for the iPhone X and other Apple devices

    Apple’s iPhones have a general reputation for being considerably more future-proof than the average smartphone, to the extent such a concept is possible in the mobile tech world. This sentiment is partly based on the fact that the Cupertino company commits to ensuring the long-term software support of all of its devices.

    But all good things must come to an end… even software support for smartphones as iconic as the iPhone X. According to a new leak, iOS 17 will be dropping the support for a number of iPhones, including the iPhone X, and the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. All three of the aforementioned devices were launched in late 2017.

    Similarly, several iPads are also on the chopping block with iPadOS 17 – namely, the original 12.9” iPad Pro (1st generation), the 9.7” iPad Pro (1st generation) and the fifth-generation vanilla iPad. All devices listed by MacRumors were released between 2015 and 2017.

    For reference, iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 are expected to debut at WWDC 2023, alongside the Apple AR/VR headset. The conference will take place between June 5 to June 9. Beyond the recent leak, we know relatively little about the new iterations of Apple’s operating systems.

    Most reports indicate that iOS 17 will be a somewhat incremental update, focusing more on Apple’s commitment to complying with European legislation. The Cupertino company will likely roll out support for third-party App Stores for the first time.

    On the other hand, we know absolutely nothing about iPadOS 17. In all likelihood, Apple will continue implementing sophisticated multitasking features to facilitate a better 2-in-1 fantasy on its high-end ‘Pro’ iPads.

  • Cebu Pacific to launch Laoag flights in May

    Cebu Pacific to launch Laoag flights in May

    Budget carrier Cebu Pacific is set to mount flights to the Ilocos Norte capital of Laoag starting May 22, making it the 35th domestic destination in the airline’s network.

    Cebu Pacific said flights from Manila to Laoag will be daily, as the airline seeks to tap travelers seeking to explore the Ilocos region.

    “Laoag plays a crucial role in preserving the country’s rich history and culture, and we are excited to finally be able to bring more Juans to this beautiful city,” President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao said in a statement.

    “We hope the launch of the Laoag route will encourage more people to travel and experience the Ilocos region,” he added.

    The carrier reported a P14-billion net loss in 2022, marking an improvement from the P24.9-billion net loss incurred in the previous year as it cut its operating loss by about half to P11.4 billion.

    The company is set to add 11 more aircraft to its fleet this 2023, seeking to return to profitability within the first quarter of the year.

    Shares in Cebu Air Inc., which operates the carrier, were trading up by P0.05 or 0.12% at P41.70 apiece as of 11:59 a.m. on Wednesday.

  • Bacardi launches its first premium spiced liquor

    Bacardi launches its first premium spiced liquor

    Bacardi has announced the launch of its new Bacardí Caribbean Spiced rum, which is said to be the brand’s first premium spiced aged product.

    The aged rum-based spirit is created with pineapple, coconut, vanilla, and cinnamon.

    To create the Caribbean Spiced rum, Bacardi’s process uses both a heavy-aged rum base which provides the bold smoky flavors of molasses, and a light-aged rum base, along with blending coconut blossom sugar, pineapple and coconut water. After being rested and filtered, cinnamon and vanilla are blended into the spirit, followed by a further rest and a second polishing filter for clarity and color.

    Dickie Cullimore, global brand ambassador for Bacardí Rum, said: “Category research showed us that flavored and spiced are the fastest growing segments in rum and specifically premium rum, and the Piña Colada has risen through the ranks as a top five cocktail. Even more exciting was our discovery that people were looking specifically for unique flavors and aged rums.”

    He continued: “Understanding this desire was key in creating Bacardí Caribbean Spiced and ensuring the flavors and aged rum quality were intensified to deliver the best craftsmanship and taste”.

    Bacardí Caribbean Spiced, which has an ABV of 40%, is currently available at Ocado and will roll out in retailers nationwide, including Tesco and Waitrose, from next month.

  • Insurance sales at banks boom

    Insurance sales at banks boom

    More than a dozen lenders achieved bancassurance revenues of over VND1 trillion ($42,633 million) from new customers last year, according to Vietcombank Securities.

    Bancassurance refers to insurance products sold through banks.

    Premium income from new customers increased by 45% during the year, and overall premiums at by 16%.

    Military Bank led with more than VND2.1 trillion from new customers. It was followed by VIB, Sacombank, Vietcombank, Techcombank, VPBank, HDBank, and VietinBank, who all achieved premiums of more than VND1 trillion.

    Banks have an advantage over conventional insurance agents thanks to their existing customer base and financial know-how.

    Bancassurance contributed 40% of the insurance industry’s revenues from new customers last year, and this is expected to increase to 50% in the next two years.