Apple: Schedules iTunes Match Reset for September 26

September 25th, 2011 by ytechcity

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Just like they did last week with the reset of iCloud backups, Apple has now scheduled a reset of iTunes Match libraries for beta testers on September 26th 9AM PST. At that time, all iCloud libraries will be deleted.

To get ready for the big reset, you will simply have to turn iTunes Match off on your computer and iOS devices. Obviously, this will not affect any of the songs that are physically stored on your computer or your iDevice…

Apple claims this step is necessary in order to, “improve the overall quality and reliability of iTunes Match.”

After the reset of iCloud backups and iTunes Match, it is safe to assume Apple should seed the iOS 5 GM sooner than later.

Maxis: Home 30Mbps FTTH plan at RM398 per month

September 25th, 2011 by ytechcity

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Maxis has introduced a higher speed plan for home users with the need for speed, after introducing its 32Mbps FTTH plan for office users.

For 30Mbps plan at RM398 per month which comes with 300GB data quota. This comes out to RM1.33 per GB, the lowest ever cost per GB even in our last broadband comparison update. According to the details above, the quota is only enforced in 2012 which means unlimited downloads for now. Overall, this is 3X the speed and 3X the quota of Maxis Home Broadband Advance at RM218/month.

Also included is 1000 minutes of calls to Maxis Mobile and 300 minutes of calls to IDD. For existing Maxis mobile users, you’ll get 200 minutes too. Calls to Maxis fixed lines are free.

As comparison, the highest home plan for TM’s UniFi is VIP 20 which offers 20Mbps with 120GB quota at RM249 a month. This comes out to RM2.08 per GB. At the present moment, TM is yet to enforce their download quota fully. We wonder if TM Unifi will respond with a higher speed and quota package.

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iPad 2: Smart Cover that looks like a Game Boy

September 25th, 2011 by ytechcity

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This is it right here. Retro designed Smart Covers-inspired iPad 2 covers don’t look any cooler than this — the World 4? iPWN! by Lootiful.

The makers of this drool-worthy cover has begun taking pre-orders for the awesomeness and it comes with the same magnetic mumbo-jumbo as the original Smart Cover by Apple, and it doubles up as a stand as well.

World 4 iPWN Specifications:

•Designed specifically for iPad 2.
•Magnetic technology keeps your Smart Cover snug on your iPad 2.
•Protect your iPad 2’s screen while keeping it slim-fit.
•Close the cover and your iPad 2 goes to sleep!
•Open the cover and your iPad 2 wakes up!
•Full access to peripheral ports and buttons.
•Durable yet lightweight polyurethane material.
•Best of all, the ‘World 4′ Smart Cover also folds into numerous positions, creating the perfect media-browsing/video-playing/web-browsing stand.

The World 4 iPWN! cover is going set you back $79.99 or about RM253 excluding delivery. Reasonable, considering the amount you street-cred you’ll be getting sporting this retro-chic cover.

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U Mobile: offers HSPA+ MiFi with speeds up to 21Mbps

September 25th, 2011 by ytechcity

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U Mobile is boosting up its HSPA+ network offering with a MiFi and a new USB modem. While U Mobile’s network is capable up to 42Mbps, the MiFi offered is limited up to 21Mbps.

The device is priced at RM250 outright and comes bundled on either MB68 or MB128 plans which offers 5GB and 20GB data quota respectively. The price of the MiFi is not bad considering the previous HSPA+ USB modem costs RM450. Like its previous broadband offers, a RM100 upfront payment is required which will be rebated back over 5 month period.

For those that prefer something simpler, they are also offering the HSPA+ USB modem on rental basis for RM20/month. Unlike the previous HSPA+ USB plan, the new USB modem is not available for outright purchase. There’s also a 1 month additional upfront payment required for the USB rental plan.

In addition, if you’re not satisfied with their service for any reasons, you can demand a refund within 7 days with their Money Back Guarantee. Of course there are some T&Cs which includes returning the modem in good order and your usage did not exceed more than 500MB. If all their Money Back Guarantee terms are met, you’ll get a full refund including activation fees. All that without finding a competitive plan with certain number of modems and other criteria.

How fast can you get really depends on the coverage and congestion of their sites. Earlier on, their network was spotted doing a respectable 17Mbps. At RM128/month for 20GB and with speeds above 10Mbps, U Mobile HSPA+ MB128 plan is a steal for wireless broadband. We can’t wait to try it out ourselves and see how it compares with others technology such as 4G WiMAX.

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U Mobile: Samsung Galaxy S II plan details

September 25th, 2011 by ytechcity

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Finally U Mobile has released the full details for its Samsung Galaxy S II offer. As reported earlier, the Galaxy S II is offered as low as RM849 with 24 months contract of U Premium’s RM168/month plan, while DiGi offering Samsung Galaxy S II from RM1349.

While that option is quite heavy for some, there are other lower options which are surprisingly affordable ranging between RM999 to RM1499. The best part is the contract duration of only 18 months instead of 24.

For example, those that want the least commitment and cost of ownership, the Galaxy S II is offered at RM1499 on U Lite plan. The U Lite plan offers combined 300 minutes of calls, 200 SMS (within U Mobile and for other networks) and a rather generous 3GB worth of data for just RM68/month. That totals up to RM1,224 for subscription over 18 months and you get to enjoy RM875 subsidy for the phone. On other telcos, RM68/month only give you mobile internet without any calls/sms included.

Overall, these plans aren’t too bad at all and probably is the lowest ownership plan for the Galaxy S II. The only downside of course is the upfront payment which you would need to pay as much as 7 months in advance. That doesn’t necessary mean its a bad thing since you would be paying for subscription anyway.

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