IT News Week 1 Dec 2016

For IT News Week 4 Nov 2016.

For this week / last week, here are / were the biggest news.
  • PR - Dec 2, 2016 - Revised Kaspersky Safe Kids: Flexibility for Children, Advice for Parents
  • PR - Dec 1, 2016 - Huawei Achieves Major Breakthrough in Graphene-Assisted High Temperature Li-ion Batteries
  • PR - Dec 1, 2016 - Joergen Jakobsen Joins Sophos to Lead Business Growth in Asia-Pacific and Japan Region
  • Forbes - Nov 30, 2016 - APAC Businesses Poised to Become Digital Leaders, Says New Forbes Insights Study
  • PR - Nov 30, 2016 - Say ‘Hello’ to Jabra Halo
  • PR - Nov 30, 2016 - Malaysia winner to receive special award from Her Majesty The Queen
  • PR - Nov 29, 2016 - Siemens and Continental Malaysia jointly launches training centre to strengthen Malaysia's manufacturing workforce
  • PR - Nov 28, 2016 - iPay88 Bags More Awards in 2016
  • PR - Nov 28, 2016 - Goodyear's Eagle-360 Chosen as One of 2016 Best Inventions by Time Magazine


PR - Dec 2, 2016 - Revised Kaspersky Safe Kids: Flexibility for Children, Advice for Parents

Kaspersky Lab has complemented its solution to protect children against digital threats with new features for iOS and Android platforms. Now, children can remotely ask parents for access to a restricted site or app with the touch of a button, while parents receive handy tips when Kaspersky Safe Kids registers difficult situations.

Parents see these tips as a comment in the Kaspersky Safe Kids settings and in a report about the child's Internet activity in the My Kaspersky portal. The tips can also appear as part of an urgent notification to a parent's mobile device, for example, if a child is trying to access a site from a category blocked by the parents (such as a site with obscene language).

The results of a survey conducted by Kaspersky Lab and B2B International show that one in three parents feel they can’t control what their child sees and does on the Web. Even with parental control tools, adults often don’t know how to react to specific online behavior by their kids. For instance, should they confiscate a gadget if their child is caught trying to access gambling sites? Or, how strictly should they talk to their child if the system registers an interest in adult-themed sites?

PR - Dec 1, 2016 - Chiba, Japan - Huawei Achieves Major Breakthrough in Graphene-Assisted High Temperature Li-ion Batteries

Huawei announced today on a major breakthrough in its research into Li-ion batteries, unveiling the world's first long-lifespan graphene-assisted Li-ion battery able to withstand high temperatures. The announcement was made by Watt Laboratory, an organization under Huawei's Central Research Institute, at the 57th Battery Symposium held in Japan. Huawei's research results show that new graphene-based heat-resistant technologies allow Li-ion batteries to remain functional in a 60°C environment, 10°C higher than the existing functional limit. The lifespan of the graphene-assisted Li-ion batteries will also be twice as long as ordinary Li-ion batteries.

Dr. Yangxing Li, Chief Scientist at Watt Laboratory, pointed out that three technologies contributed to this breakthrough. First, a special additive in the electrolytes can remove trace water and prevent the electrolytes from evaporating in high temperatures. Second, modified large-crystal NMC materials are used for the cathode, improving the thermal stability of the cathode powder. Third, graphene allows for more efficient cooling of the Li-ion battery. During the Battery Symposium, Huawei's Watt Laboratory also revealed its quick charging technology, which recharges 48% of a 3000mAh battery in a span of 5 minutes.

PR - Dec 1, 2016 - Joergen Jakobsen Joins Sophos to Lead Business Growth in Asia-Pacific and Japan Region

Sophos, a global leader in network and endpoint security, today announced the appointment of Joergen Jakobsen (“JJ”) as regional vice president for Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ). Jakobsen brings more than 25 years of experience as a senior executive for global technology brands and has a successful track record for driving business growth through the channel. Jakobsen will be based in the Sophos office in Singapore and as the most senior sales and channel executive for the region will report directly to senior vice president of global sales, Michael Valentine.

Joergen Jakobsen, Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ), Sophos

Jakobsen joins Sophos from EMC where he was vice president and general manager of EMC Channel Sales (Asia-Pacific and Japan). While at EMC, Jakobsen launched the EMC Business Partner Program across the region to focus on products, services and end-to-end customer solutions. Prior to joining EMC in 2011, Jakobsen was vice president and general manager of the Solution Partner Organization for Asia- Pacific and Japan at Hewlett-Packard. Jakobsen spent more than 20 years in sales and business development roles at Hewlett-Packard, including 14 years in leadership positions in APJ.

Forbes Media - Nov 30, 2016 - APAC Businesses Poised to Become Digital Leaders, Says New Forbes Insights Study

Companies in Asia Pacific are pulling ahead when it comes to the implementation of digital projects, with 55% of APAC respondents to a new Forbes Insights global study expecting their organizations to undergo vast digital transformation in the next two years, 6% more than the global average of 49%.

Mark Ablett, general manager and senior vice president,
Hitachi Data Systems Asia Pacific.

The global study revealed that regardless of industry or location, companies are being placed under increasing pressure to transform to keep up with market demands. Transition toward digital maturity pointed to five major steps including making transformation a top strategic priority, the need for business outcomes to drive digital transformation, using the untapped potential of data and analytics for further revenue increases, adopting an enterprise-wide approach to digital transformation, and learning how best to marry technology with human resources.

The findings also pointed to a growing awareness of cloud and the internet of things (IoT) in the region. When asked about the technology focus for digital transformation, 64% of respondents in APAC selected cloud as a priority (same as the global average), while 41% opted for IoT, which was 10% more than the global average, making IoT the second most important focus for APAC respondents. In addition to this, when asked about top investment priorities, 45% of APAC respondents selected IoT technologies, versus the global average of 38%.

PR - Nov 30, 2016 - Say ‘Hello’ to Jabra Halo

With an emerging trend for multi-functional devices, and calls and voice becoming more of priority, the Jabra Halo series is uniquely placed to meet the needs of the increasingly ‘converged’ consumer. Offering a choice of two compact audio solutions, Jabra recently announced Jabra Halo Smart and Jabra Halo Free to address the growing needs of consumers who want headphones for both calls and music.

Jabra Halo Free side EarGel EarHook 

In response, Jabra has introduced the Jabra Halo series. Developed using GN Group’s unrivalled expertise in sound, the Jabra Halo franchise which includes Halo Smart, Halo Free and Halo Fusion, now provides a full range of headphone solutions for those seeking superior audio for calls and quality sound for music, on-the-go.

Jabra Halo Smart uses high quality microphones with integrated wind noise protection for enhanced in-call quality, and subtle vibration alert to ensure calls are never missed. Calls can be easily accepted by separating the two earbuds, and can be used independently to take phone calls or listen to music.

The 10mm speakers provide uncompromising sound quality and the versatile neck-band wearing style gives comfortable all-day use. With up to 17 hours talk time and up to 15 hours of music listening with just one charge, Jabra Halo Smart is intended to be used all-day, every day.

Jabra Halo Smart is available in three colours: Impact Red, Electric Blue and Black and retails at RM399. Jabra Halo Free is sold at RM279.

Product Specifications:
Jabra Halo Smart
Jabra Halo Free
Jabra Halo Fusion
Comfortable neck band wearing style
In ear style with hook option
Neckband
Up to 17 hours talk time and 15 hours of music
Up to 5 hours talk time
Up to 6.5 hours talk time
Wind protected high-quality microphone
Enhanced microphone
9mm speakers
10 mm speakers with superior sound quality
8 mm speakers
3 gel sizes
4 gel sizes and bendable flexzones
3 EarGel sizes, 2 EarWing sizes and Earhook
One button operation
Dedicated voice button for Google Now and Siri
Dedicated voice button for Google Now and Siri

Water resistant
Water resistant

Neck band vibration alert
Readouts for Android users (calendar, emails, texts, etc.)

Intelligent magnetic buds


Readouts for Android users (calendar, emails, texts, etc.)





PR - Nov 30, 2016 - Malaysia winner to receive special award from Her Majesty The Queen

The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme is today delighted to reveal that 60 young people from across the Commonwealth, including Heidy Quah from Malaysia, have been selected to receive a prestigious Queen’s Young Leaders Award.

The Queen’s Young Leaders Awards recognise and celebrate exceptional young people aged 18 to 29 in the Commonwealth who are driving change within their communities and transforming people’s lives. Now in its third and penultimate year, the 60 young people announced today become part of the growing Queen’s Young Leaders community, a unique network of influential young change-makers who are coming together and being supported to become an even greater force for good. They will receive their Award from Her Majesty The Queen at a ceremony in London next year.

This year, Award winners are leading projects tackling global issues including education, climate change, gender equality, mental health and disability equality. Heidy Quah, 22 years old from Petaling Jaya, has been chosen in recognition of her commitment to championing refugee issues in Malaysia.

Heidy Quah said, “I am delighted to have been selected for the Queen's Young Leader Award and hope to expand my role as a youth advocate and spokeswoman for refugees.”

PR - Nov 29, 2016 - Siemens and Continental Malaysia jointly launches training centre to strengthen Malaysia's manufacturing workforce

Siemens, a global technology powerhouse and Continental, one of the largest tyre manufacturers in the world, announced today the launch of the Control & Drives Training Centre in the Continental facility based in Petaling Jaya. Through this initiative, piloted by Continental Malaysia and supported by Siemens, the two companies aim to further develop Malaysia’s human capital and boost Malaysia’s adoption of digitalization and Industrie 4.0 technologies, especially in the manufacturing and tyre industries.

(L-R:) Cameron Wilson, Managing Director, Continental Tyre PJ Malaysia, Adam Yee, Senior Vice President and Head of the Digital Factory and Process Industries and Drives Division, Siemens Malaysia and Gerhard Janotta, Plant Manager, Continental Tyre PJ Malaysia.

At the first of its kind training facility, local trainees and employees will be empowered with the necessary skills and capabilities of digitalization such as next-level automation, predictive maintenance, remote monitoring and more, using Siemens’ state-of-the-art manufacturing solutions such as Industrial PC Management and SIMATIC S7 provided by the Siemens Process Industries and Drives Division.

Adam Yee, Senior Vice President and Head of the Digital Factory and Process Industries and Drives Division, Siemens Malaysia said: “Through this close collaboration between Siemens and Continental Malaysia, the centre is expected to plug a critical capability gap in the local Malaysian market. During our conversations with customers in Malaysia, we find that while they are keen to digitalize their factories to remain competitive, many feel that they lack the skills and expertise to implement new Industrie 4.0 technologies required to augment manufacturing.”

PR - Nov 28, 2016 - iPay88 Bags More Awards in 2016

iPay88 Sdn Bhd – Malaysia’s leading online payment gateway provider in Asia, continues its winning streak with more awards this year. Two of iPay88’s Founders cum Executive Directors, Chan Kok Long and Lim Kok Hing, have jointly been shortlisted for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ (EOY) 2016 Malaysia - Technology Entrepreneur category.

In Year 2016, iPay88 was also the recipient of the Malaysian e-Payments Excellence Awards 2016 - as Top FPX Acquirer (Non-Bank category), awarded by Bank Negara subsidiary, the Malaysian Electronic Clearing Corporation (MyClear).

Muhammad Syarizal, Partner from EY (middle) presenting the Technology Entrepreneur nomination to iPay88 Executive Directors, Lim Kok Hing (left) and Chan Kok Long (right).

Meanwhile, iPay88 was also recognised as one of the winners of the inaugural Malaysia Digital Business Awards (MDBA) 2016 – a platform to honour outstanding businesses which are making waves in the Digital Business Community as one of the catalysts and disruptors of change.

“We are excited by the nomination for this prestigious award, and are grateful that iPay88 is part of the incredible innovators who are recognized as alongside Malaysia’s entrepreneurs who are trailblazing the efforts to uplift the nation’s international prestige,” said Chan

PR - Nov 28, 2016 - Goodyear's Eagle-360 Chosen as One of 2016 Best Inventions by Time Magazine

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s Eagle-360 concept tire has been named one of TIME magazine’s “Best Inventions of the Year 2016.”

Each year, TIME magazine’s technology editors list the year’s “best inventions that are making the world better, smarter and—in some cases—a little more fun.” This year’s list includes 25 inventions, which in addition to Goodyear’s Eagle-360 concept, includes a virtual reality headset, shoes that lace themselves, a solar roof collaboration between Tesla and SolarCity, and the Chevy Bolt electric vehicle.
Goodyear Ealgle-360

“By steadily reducing the driver interaction and intervention in self-driving vehicles, tires will play an even more important role as the primary link to the road,” said Goodyear’s Chief Technical Officer Joe Zekoski. “Goodyear’s concept tires play a dual role in that future both as creative platforms to push the boundaries of conventional thinking and testbeds for next-generation technologies.”

“Although the Eagle-360 is a future concept, it represents an essential aspect of Goodyear’s innovation strategy and our vision for smart and safe mobility.”

The Goodyear Eagle-360 is a spherical-shaped design concept tire that would provide self-driving cars ultimate maneuverability, connectivity and biomimicry to increase safety.


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