OpenAI has announced its new GPT-5.6 artificial intelligence model family consisting of their flagship Sol, balanced Terra tier and cost-efficient Luna models. According to OpenAI they offer plenty of cost reductions, stating that the smaller Terra and Luna models match or outperform competing frontier models like Claude Fable 5 at around one-sixteenth the cost.

Meta recently launched Muse Image , its first image generation model from Meta Superintelligence Labs, now available for free in Meta AI as of 7 July 2026. This advanced model uses complex visual reasoning to blend photos, edit background elements, and render legible, styled text for infographics. Available on Instagram, it will eventually come to other Meta products like Facebook and Whatsapp. However, theres a catch, it can access your photos by default unless you opt out.

Meta recently launched Muse Image , its first image generation model from Meta Superintelligence Labs, now available for free in Meta AI as of 7 July 2026. This advanced model uses complex visual reasoning to blend photos, edit background elements, and render legible, styled text for infographics. Available on Instagram, it will eventually come to other Meta products like Facebook and Whatsapp. However, theres a catch, it can access your photos by default unless you opt out.

PERKESO or the Social Security Organization (SOCSO) of Malaysia recently announced that payments for the planned nationwide insurance outside of working hours or LINDUNG 24 JAM are no longer mandatory for Malaysian workers. However, these payments are still mandatory for foreign workers working in Malaysia.

As we ramp up to the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, we finally got to see a little bit of the wider Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 in an official teaser collaboration with the latest Spiderman: A Brand New Day movie. While it just shows a part of it from the side as it is being caught by a web from Spidermans web slinger, it is nice to see something official appear.

OpenAI has officially launched its latest voice model, GPT-Live , that allows ChatGPT to listen and speak simultaneously despite any pauses or interruptions for more fluid conversations. Available globally, all paying tiers will have GPT-Live-1 as the default while the free tier will get GPT-Live-1 mini.

Google recently announced the Video Remix feature for Google Photos , in select countries like the US and Indonesia. Utilizing the Gemini Omni model, it allows you to make videos from your existing photos. Accessible via the Create tab, it is available to eligible Google AI Plus, Pro and Ultra plan subscribers in those select countries.

As the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event approaches on 22 July 2026, leaked renders of the wider Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 , Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 have appeared. While tech specs have not been confirmed, only the wider Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 appears to have any difference from its predecessor. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Flip8 dont appear to be any different though.

Apparently the invites are already out for the upcoming launch of the Google Pixel 11 series and theyve confirmed that it will be on 12 August 2026 in New York City (NYC). Details about the Pixel 11 have been scarce though, but we expect they will retain the signature pill-shaped rear camera bar, it will likely be more expensive due to memory prices and the chipset is probably going to be another Tensor.

U Mobile recently launched the ULTRA Tourist Plan offering international visitors 100GB of unlimited speed data for RM15 over a 7-day period. In a first for Malaysia, this prepaid package also includes a complimentary Grab Visit Malaysia 2026 Travel Pass featuring 22 discount vouchers worth up to RM186. Previously, this combo was in high demand during the initial 24-hour trial run earlier this February.

Astro has finally and officially joined the video streaming bandwagon with the announcement of their Astro X3 service for compatible smart TVs and devices on 20 July 2026. Because of that, the X3 in the name actually refers to X physical box or no physical box required with the other 2 X being X installation and X contract. There is a 12-month contract option though but it starts from RM39.99 per month with contract-free options coming in December 2026.

Samsung Malaysia has officially announced that the next Samsung Galaxy Unpacked will be on 22 July 2026 in London. Set to reveal the Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip8, Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch9 Ultra, you can register your interest for a chance to win RM62,944 in prizes and an extra RM120 e-voucher.

CATL launched the Tectrans II fast-charging battery for light commercial logistics vehicles, featuring an industry-first 8C peak fast-charging capability. Designed to slash delivery vehicle downtime, it achieves a 0% to 80% charge in just 6 minutes and 48 seconds. A full charge takes 8 minutes and 56 seconds, matching the average refuelling time of a standard gasoline vehicle.

OMODA/JAECOO Malaysiaofficially expanded its Klang Valley distribution network with the opening of the OMODA 3S Centre / JAECOO CARRO Selayang . Managed by CARRO Digital Sdn Bhd and appointed as the official distributor in March 2026, this integrated Sales, Service, and Spare Parts (3S) facility offers a premium vehicle ownership ecosystem under one roof. Located strategically in Selayang, it provides convenient physical access for customers in surrounding areas like Batu Caves, Templer, and ..

Following its acquisition by new management, Ahmad's fast food restaurant has rebranded asAhmad's HotChicken.Interestingly, it is now the first fast-food chain in Malaysia toappoint Artificial Intelligence (AI) as its CEO . Ahmad's HotChicken will also leverage AI to handle operations, marketing, and strategic decision-making, aiming to make these processes significantly fas

Microsofthas announced a massive restructuring that includes laying off 4,800 employees , or about 2.1% of its global workforce. This major shakeup heavily impacts the commercial and Xbox sectors, withXboxkicking off its biggest restructure ever by cutting 3,200 roles through FY27, reducing management layers, and spinning off four gaming studios, including Ninja Theory and Double Fine, to new ownership or independence.

Lenovo has officially released the Yoga Mini i Gen 11 mini PC in Malaysia, with customizable configurations starting from RM4,403. Featuring up to 50 TOPS of AI processing performance with an up to Intel Core Ultra X7 385H processor and an ultra-lightweight 600g chassis, the desktop is designed for compact, modern workspaces. Currently available on the Lenovo Malaysia official online store, its scheduled to ship by 17 July 2026.

Recently, Boost has introduced an enhanced version of Boba AI with Agentic AI features. This means that this AI not only answers questions but also helps customers perform tasks. Through a 24-hour voice line, Boba AI can understand voice commands and then resolve inquiries quickly without having to wait for a human agent. This service, known as Boba Voice, is an AI voice line accessible around the clock at +603 8658 3000.

Huawei have officially announced the global release of their Huawei Pura 90 series smartphones with a launch in Malaysia on 14 July 2026. Likely consisting of the Huawei Pura 90 Pro , Huawei Pura 90 Pro Max and the Huawei Pura 90 , they are set to offer dual-tone gradient designs and XMAGE imaging photography. No Malaysia pricing details yet though.

WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that allows channel admins to mark sponsored content directly on Android and iOS devices . This brand collaboration option is rolling out for free, ensuring users can easily recognise promotional materials. The permanent label appears across all versions, including Web and Desktop, and cannot be undone once applied. This update ensures transparency and helps businesses in Malaysia comply with advertising guidelines.

Telecommunications companies (telcos) that are still lax in addressing internet problems in rural areas will be called upon by the Ministry of Communications together with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). According toBERNAMA, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the move was aimed at obtaining clarification from telco companies, as well as accelerating improvement efforts in areas that still face internet access problems.

The Ministry of Communications is now sharing its target to achieve 100% internet access coverage in populated areas throughout Malaysia by 2027. This target is expected to be achieved under the implementation of the JENDELA plan, which aims for universal internet access in Malaysia. As of the end of 2025, broadband coverage in populated areas had reached 99.71%.

Shopee and Meta have expanded their partnership, launching Instagram Affiliate Partnerships in markets like Malaysia. Eligible creators can now link Shopee Affiliate accounts to professional Instagram profiles, earning commissions by promoting products via Reels and Feed. This builds on their 2025 Facebook partnership, which saw over five million global creators link accounts by March 2026, nearly half being new to the program.

Apple is launching its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Ultra, in September 2026. However, it faces major supply shortages . Initial pricing will range between USD2,300 and USD2,600, which is around RM10,166 to RM11,050. Apple will only produce 500,000 to 1,000,000 units in the third quarter of 2026. This low supply will likely delay shipping by one to two months and could cause scalpers to mark up prices by 50 to 100 per cent.

Google Malaysia are now offering 200 units of their Limited-Edition Football Google Pixel Plushie for all the Worldcup fans with Pixels, or looking to get a Pixel. Available on a first come, first serve basis, you can redeem yours for free at the pix-perks site until 31 July 2026. Theres also a Pixel Spotter Challenge for other prizes on the site as well.

A new report indicates that the OnePlus OxygenOS and RealmeUI , may soon be replaced with OPPOs ColorOS . All 3 brands of OnePlus, Realme and OPPO actually belong to BBK Electronics and the move is to reduce costs for software development and support. While OnePlus has already dropped OxygenOS in China, this move is expected to be for everyone else globally.

Apple may stretch its upcoming smartphone lineup into five releasesacross late 2026 and early 2027 to capture market share. However, an extreme global memory chip shortage is driving production costs up, forcing expected price hikes. The premium iPhone 18 Pro will now reportedly start at USD1,399 (~RM5,690). Since models built with traditional physical SIM slots may have asmaller battery capacity than eSIM-onlyversions, Malaysians may get smaller batteries.

Meta recently released an app called Pocket to help create small apps or gizmos, but it is not available in Malaysia yet. However, the surprising thing is that it's apparently not available in the US either. Apparently it's not available anywhere, but you can supposedly just describe your app or game to make it, which is technically vibe-coding.

Samsungplans to increase raw capacityto improve its device endurance and battery life instead of relying on a silicon-carbon overhaul. Testing is currently underway for components within a range of 5,600mAh to 5,800mAh. A successful evaluation means the final hardware will carry a minimum capacity of 5,500mAh, marking the first time the company has exceeded its traditional 5,000mAh limit in several flagship generations.

Starting 1 July 2026, the RM1 fee for withdrawing cash from another bank's ATM has been abolished. You can now use any local banks ATM (like Maybank, CIMB, or Public Bank) to withdraw money from a different bank's account completely free of charge. However, please note that this waiver only applies to ATMs owned and operated by local banks . If you use a non-bank machine, such as an ATM located inside a convenience store, the RM1 fee may still apply.

The Malaysian government, via the MCMC, is cracking down on the use of VPNs and third-party identities used to bypass social media age restrictions. According to Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, the police (PDRM) will utilise public information during investigations to detect the misuse of such technology and use it as evidence to prove wrongdoing under the law.

The Immigration Department of Malaysia has announced that online applications through the MyOnline Passport system are now strictly limited to the 5-year- validity Malaysian International Passport , meaning that applicants seeking the 10-year-validity option must apply in person at designated passport- issuing offices.

Neolix from China was recently approved by the Malaysian government to start sending your parcels in Cyberjaya using their self-driving delivery vehicles . Road trials are expected on public roads in the next coming weeks for parcels, logistics on campus and on-demand e-commerce delivery services. Testing is expected to continue in phases in Q3 and Q4 of 2026.

The Cybercrimes Bill 2026 was approved by the Dewan Rakyat in Malaysia today with penalties for deepfakes and AI manipulated images but must clearly show criminal intent and consequences. Disclosure of data can only be carried out through written notice on the risk that the data could be deleted or altered if no action is taken immediately. The bill is aimed at strengthening existing laws and wont override existing laws such as the Official Secrets Act 1972.

Apple has allegedly left a vulnerability in its "Hide My Email" feature unfixed for over a year after being notified. Discovered by security researcher Tyler Murphy and reported by404 Media, the flaw could expose users' real email addresses . Technical details remain undisclosed to prevent exploitation. Despite the time elapsed, Apple has not addressed the issue, leaving users who rely on the feature for privacy potentially exposed.

TheMinister of Defencenow shares that Malaysia is aiming to begin producing its own rockets within about 2 years. This partnership comes as an extension of the collaboration between Weststar Defence Industries Sdn Bhd and Australia Rocket Technologies International, which focuses on aerospace and defence technology. Both parties will focus on collaboration in the development of aerospace technology capabilities.

Malaysia's data centre electricity consumption is expected to increase to 31% by 2035 from just 7% today. This is driven by the rapid growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) and data centre industries. In total, data centres will consume 73,274 GWh in Malaysia in just 9 years. To meet this high energy demand, the operating hours of existing thermal power plants will be extended as a short-term solution.

Hotlink has launched its new 5G Travel SIM starting from RM25 , providing seamless high-speed internet data across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. Available options include a 7-day plan (RM25/40GB), a 15-day eSIM plan (RM35/100GB), and a 30-day plan (RM64/400GB). All packages include unlimited hotspot sharing and unlimited calls within Malaysia, eliminating the need to swap physical SIM cards or pay expensive roaming fees.

Sony PlayStation recently announced that production of physical discs would end in January 2028 for new games releasing on PlayStation consoles . Any new games will be released in digital format only, either on the PlayStation Store or at other retailers. Previously, GTA VI was also announced with no physical disc, even the box was initially said to just contain the digital version download code.

Recently, the Flexi Parking app was not able to make payments for parking, apparently due to cyber attacks. Vastly used across Selangor in 64 local councils, Flexi Parking have since announced that their app service is now back online. Previously, Selangor MB Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari announced that parking fees and fines in affected areas during the downtime would not be charged.