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5 biggest mobile phone releases of 2020

TheHIVE.Asia — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Technological advancements mean almost every month now, we’ll get new upgraded versions of the smartphones that are currently saturating the market. It can be a headache going through each new release and deciding which is the best to get.

So we list down below the five major phone releases this year if you feel like getting only the best of the best. We won’t keep mentioning how pricey each one is, since they come from the the higher end range, they do carry heftier price tags. We’ve arranged them below according to their month of release, including the specifications as sourced from TechRadar, and stated the rough estimate of the prices in USD.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (November 2020)

(Photo source: MacRumours)

Price range = From USD1099

There was a time when bigger phones were laughed out of the building but the trend nowadays seems to be ‘go big or go home’ again. The modern version of this features less chunky, visibly slimmer builds, the screen is where all the size is at now. With Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, that’s exactly what you’re getting. Packed into this sleek-looking device is a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display. If you’re a big screen enthusiast (with a deep pocket, we might add), this one’s for you. (If you prefer a big screen that expands even further than this, keep reading below.) While it doesn’t look much different from the other Apple iPhone 12 versions, it does stand out as the largest and have more refined features. The battery life is great, along with the camera. We’ve seen movies made with iPhones, this one is the best for filmmakers who want to do so, as it has Dolby Vision recording at 4K and 60 frames per second.

Huawei Mate 40 Pro (November 2020)

(Photo source: GSMArena.com)

Price range = USD1500 – USD2400

No Google? No problem. Despite the Huawei Google ban that was declared by Google on 19 May 2019, following the 15 May 2019 executive order issued by POTUS Trump which “bans the use of telecommunications equipment from foreign firms deemed a national security risk”, as per Android Authority, Huawei manages to continue churning out its sleek-looking smartphones. Its latest release is Huawei Mate 40 Pro, great for shutterbugs as it has a great camera (something Huawei’s flagship range is well known for). However, it might not be so great for Android users who depend a lot on Google apps as it, of course, doesn’t come with any.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (August 2020)

(Photo source: Bright Technologies)

Price range = USD1250 – USD1350

The Note range is one of Samsung’s flagship or core lines (alongside S and Z). Though usually bearing similar design and functions to the S range, what differentiate Note phones from the others – even outside of the Samsung lineup – is their inclusion of the S-Pen, which gets upgraded with every release. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra so far has the best S-Pen experience. Those who enjoy taking notes, scribbling, or drawing on their phones using a stylus would find the input is very smooth, very realistically mimicking the feel of putting pen to paper, though this hasn’t been much of a problem anyway in recent Note versions. It also doubles as a remote shutter and remote control, definitely something that doesn’t often come attached to phones. The camera is also arguably the best among Android phones, thanks to its 108MP main sensor, 12MP periscope sensor, and 12MP ultra-wide sensor. One downside is for a recently released smartphone, the charging isn’t as fast as it should be.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 (August 2020)

(Photo source: TechRadar)

Price range = USD2000

TechRadar calls Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 the most futuristic phone of 2020, and we agree. When the 7.6-inch device is folded in half, this phone fits nicely into small purses and pockets even. It still has a big enough screen in its folded state but once unfolded, the screen size doubles – basically going from smartphone to tablet in an instant. This second gen boasts features that have been refined since the release of the first gen last year. The front Cover Display is much bigger and the hinge is not only smoother, but can also prop the phone up in different positions. The downsides are the phone still feels chunky (definitely not for those looking for the slimmest of phones) and the cameras are no match for the ones on Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.

Oppo Find X2 Pro (June 2020)

(Photo source: Techzine)

Price range = USD1200 – USD1800

Knowing the millennial and Gen Z well, Oppo positions itself as the “selfie phone” to stand out among camera-centric smartphone competitors. Its best offering this year is Oppo Find X2 Pro, which sports a 32MP f/2.4 camera that effortlessly takes Insta-worthy selfies. Surprisingly, the phone is missing the wireless charging feature and the battery life doesn’t quite impress. Nevertheless, it still has fast-charging which allows users to quickly charge their phones in between uses.

“Greyhound” confirms date for its Apple TV+ premiere

TheHIVE.Asia — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 21:23:00 +0000

Back in May, it was reported that Tom Hanks’ “Greyhound” would be going straight to streaming platform Apple TV+ but no release date was announced at the time.

Finally, the confirmed date for the war movie’s digital premiere is now revealed, so fans get ready to stream it this 10 July.

9to5Mac reported that Apple TV+ subscribers will get to watch the movie on the Apple TV app on their device of choice, as well as on Fire TV and Roku.

Penned by Hanks himself, “Greyhound” is directed by Aaron Schneider and also stars Stephen Graham, Rob Morgan and Elisabeth Shue.

Apple’s short summary for the movie reads: “Inspired by real events, Captain Ernest Krause (Tom Hanks) leads an international convoy of 37 ships on a treacherous mission across The Atlantic to deliver thousands of soldiers and much-needed supplies to Allied forces.”

Apple bought worldwide rights for the World War II epic through a USD70 million deal with Sony Pictures, beating other streaming platforms that were also vying for it.

Previously, Sony slated for the Tom Hanks-starrer to be released in North American cinemas back in May itself but later postponed it for a month due to the pandemic shutting down cinemas worldwide. Plans for a theatrical release was scrapped when cinemas’ reopening wasn’t looking feasible anytime soon.

“Greyhound” joins a slew of movies that have opted to forgo a theatrical release in favour of premiering on streaming platforms.

Among these are Disney’s “Artemis Fowl”, Dave Bautista-starrer “My Spy” and animated film “Trolls World Tour”, the latter which inadvertently rubbed a few North American cinemas the wrong way with its digital release, causing Universal titles to be banned from future screenings in these cinemas.

Apple TV+ offers free movie and series

TheHIVE.Asia — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 23:15:00 +0000

For a limited time, global streaming service Apple TV+ is offering a selection of Apple Originals for free viewing to customers in over 100 countries and regions.

Critically acclaimed film “The Elephant Queen” is among the free offerings. Narrated by Chiwetel Ejiofor, the genre-crossing documentary follows a majestic elephant matriarch called Athena who leads a herd made up of only females.

Following its premiere at last year’s Sundance Film Festival, it went on to earn the Cinema for Peace International Green Film Award and was nominated for the Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards’ Best Narration and Best Science / Nature Documentary.

Four series of various genres are also available for free streaming, which includes M. Night Shyamalan’s “Servant”. The psychological horror thriller tells of a Philadelphia couple who, after losing their 13-week-old son, replaces him with a ‘reborn doll’ and hires a nanny to take care of it.

Hailee Steinfeld-starring comedy series “Dickinson”, NASA-focused drama series “For All Mankind” and Kumail Nanjiani executive produced anthology series “Little America” round up the series’ lineup.

For kids, three shows are available: live-action pre-school series “Helpsters”, a re-imagining of Sesame Workshops’ 1992 series “Ghostwriter” and the astronaut-themed “Snoopy in Space”.

All the above are now available for streaming without a subscription, though an Apple ID will still be required to access the service via apple.co/FreeForEveryone on the Apple TV app.

Apple TV+ comes to Asia this 1 November!

TheHIVE.Asia — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 00:22:00 +0000

Apple TV+, the much-talked about video subscription service from tech giant Apple, is set to launch in over 100 countries and regions this 1 November.

Priced at RM19.90 per month in Malaysia and SGD6.98 in Singapore with a seven-day free trial, Apple TV+ will be available on the Apple TV App worldwide on the iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, Mac and other platforms, including online at tv.apple.com/my.

Through the Family Sharing option, up to six family members will be able to share one Apple TV+ subscription.

With the launch will come a whole new slate of original shows featuring Hollywood A-listers that were teased since a few months back at Apple’s special announcement event back in March 2019.

These are the original shows that will be available immediately upon Apple TV+’s launch this 1 November:

“See,” an epic drama starring Jason Momoa and Alfre Woodard, is set 600 years in the future after a virus has decimated humankind and rendered the remaining population blind. When all humanity has lost the sense of sight, humans must adapt and find new ways to survive.

“The Morning Show,” a cutthroat drama starring and executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, and starring Steve Carell, explores the world of morning news and the ego, ambition and the misguided search for power behind the people who help America wake up in the morning.

“Dickinson,” a darkly comedic coming-of-age story with Hailey Steinfeld leading, explores the constraints of society, gender and family through the lens of rebellious young poet, Emily Dickinson.

“For All Mankind,” a new series from Ronald D. Moore starring Joel Kinnaman, imagines what would have happened if the global space race never ended and the space program remained the cultural centrepiece of America’s hopes and dreams.

“Helpsters,” a new children’s series from the makers of “Sesame Street,” stars Cody and a team of vibrant monsters who love to help solve problems. It all starts with a plan.

“Snoopy in Space,” a new original from Peanuts Worldwide and DHX Media, takes viewers on a journey with Snoopy as he follows his dreams to become an astronaut. Together, Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts crew take command of the International Space Station and explore the moon and beyond.

“Ghostwriter,” a reinvention of the beloved original series, follows four kids who are brought together by a mysterious ghost in a neighbourhood bookstore, and must team up to release fictional characters from works of literature.

“The Elephant Queen,” an acclaimed documentary film and cinematic love letter to a species on the verge of extinction, follows a majestic matriarch elephant and her herd on an epic journey of life, loss and homecoming.

Oprah Winfrey joins the world’s most compelling authors in conversation as she builds a vibrant, global book club community and other projects to connect with people around the world and share meaningful ways to create positive change.

The following months, Apple TV+ will be releasing these shows:

“Servant,” a new psychological thriller from M. Night Shyamalan starring Rupert Grint, follows a Philadelphia couple in mourning after an unspeakable tragedy creates a rift in their marriage and opens the door for a mysterious force to enter their home.

“Truth Be Told,” a gripping new series starring Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer and Emmy Award winner Aaron Paul, explores America’s obsession with true crime podcasts and navigates urgent concerns about privacy, media and race.

“Little America,” inspired by the true stories featured in Epic Magazine, brings to life the funny, romantic, heartfelt, inspiring and surprising stories of immigrants in America.

“The Banker,” a feature film inspired by a true story, stars Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson as two African American entrepreneurs who try to circumvent the racial limitations of the 1950s and quietly provide housing loans to the African American community in Jim Crow Texas. Nia Long and Nicholas Hoult also star.

“Hala,” a feature film and official selection of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, follows a high school senior struggling to balance being a suburban teenager with her traditional Muslim upbringing.

Apple TV+ will also be available on the Apple TV app on select 2018, 2019 and newer Samsung smart TVs, and on Amazon Fire TV, LG, Roku, Sony and VIZIO platforms in the future.

Surprise! Apple is opening a new store at Jewel Changi!

TheHIVE.Asia — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 10:22:00 +0000

Tech giant Apple is all set to unveil its next big store in Singapore, and it’ll be at none other than the much raved about Jewel Changi Airport.

Opening at 10am on the 13 of July 2019, the space is set to be Singapore’s second Apple store after the first in Orchard Road that was opened back in 2017.

“Today at Apple” programmes will be offered at the new store as well, which is basically tutorial sessions that will guide visitors on the best photography and video aspects using Apple products, amongst others.

Whats great about this new Apple location is that visitors at the Apple Jewel Changi can also experience the amazing “Photo Walk: The Magic of Jewel Changi Airport”.

:This is how it works; visitors will be able to learn how to expand their creativity in using the Live Photos, Panorama and Burst modes on their iPhone and iPads for a 500m stretch ‘photo walk’ to capture amazing photos of Jewel Changi, including its magnificent 40-metre waterfall.

Tips on coding and apps, art and design as well as health, fitness, and music will be shared at the “Today at Apple” daily sessions, that will align the store in Singapore with the rest of the Apple stores around the world.

Psst! The “Today at Apple” programmes begins next month, so sign up at www.apple.com/sg/today !

Here’s how you can create your own remix of Madonna’s single “Crave”

TheHIVE.Asia — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 00:35:00 +0000

Ever wished you could create your own remix of your favourite Madonna songs? Well, let’s start off with the pop queen’s latest single, “Crave”!

From this 28 June, “Music Lab: Remix Madonna” will kick off at Apple Orchard Road – join it to learn how to create your own remix of “Crave” using only your iPhone and GarageBand.

Registration for the session starts from tomorrow, 15 June, at www.apple.com/sg/today/. Devices will be provided.

“A lot of times people remix my songs, and I like them better than my versions, and I end up doing that version live. It’s great to hear how other people hear your music and see what they can do with it,” Madonna told Apple Music’s Beats 1 host Julie Adenuga.

“Music Lab: Remix Madonna” is part of the “Today at Apple Program” which offers free daily hands-on group sessions focused on photography, video, music, coding, app development, art and design and more.

This is just one of a series of Remix sessions where fans will get to learn how to deconstruct hit songs, receive inspiration from the people behind them, and create unique remixes using Apple’s music creation app, GarageBand.

Remix sessions featuring other great artists will be available in the future.

In the meantime, take a listen to “Crave”, which features the smooth vocals of Swae Lee. Watch the official music video below.

The song is included in Madonna’s “Madame X” album, released today. Listen to the whole album right here.

(Photo source: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for dcp)

Introducing Apple’s video subscription service, Apple TV+

TheHIVE.Asia — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 18:45:00 +0000

Tech giant Apple has just unveiled its very own video subscription service, Apple TV+, featuring Hollywood’s biggest names for exclusive original content.

Among the celebrities present at the launch at the Steve Jobs Theater at Cupertino, California today were Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Octavia Spencer, J.J. Abrams, Jason Momoa, Steve Carrell and more.

The filmmakers and stars unveiled their projects for the platform featuring a slate of original series, movies and documentaries.

Filmmaker Steven Spielberg who had once famously snubbed Netflix, is working on the “Amazing Stories” reboot that’s based on author Isaac Asimov’s “Foundation” books.

Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon will go head-to-head with Steve Carrell in “The Morning Show”, a drama set in the ruthless morning TV show industry.

Jason Momoa, hot off the rails from his “Aquaman” success is teaming up with Alfre Woodard for a sci-fi series called “See”.

Comedian-actor Kumail Nanjiani is working on an anthology series called “Little America”, about stories that feature immigrants.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” director J.J. Abrams will be making a music themed series called “Little Voice” which features singer Sara Bareilles.

The much-loved character from “Sesame Street”, Big Bird, also took the chance to get on stage to announce that he and the rest of the gang at Sesame Street will be working with Apple to create a coding-theme show aimed to develop creative kids.

Veteran talk-show host and actress Oprah Winfrey, is working on not one, but two documentaries for Apple. One of which investigate the subject of sexual assault at the workplace.

M. Night Shyamalan, Chris Evans, John M. Chu, Joel Kinnaman and more were also in attendance for the launch, but did not present their shows on stage.

Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed that the service will be an ad-free service and will be made available for online and offline viewing.

With pricing for the service to be announced soon, Apple TV+ is set to be launched this May in selected territories, assumedly in the U.S., Canada and Australia, while dates for its Southeast Asia entry is expected on a later date.

Apple also announced a new Apple TV app, that will allow its users to subscribe to other streaming platforms like HBO, Showtime, Starz and more, all under its Apple TV umbrella.

Here is a special sneak peek of all the celebrities on stage captured by Cinema Online on location at the Steve Jobs Theatre in California for the launch: