Singapore

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 now comes in beautiful Alpine White

White is the new black

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In case you haven’t already noticed, we’ve gone gaga over white phones. The understated and sophisticated color has graced many devices and we are all for it. Another device joins the mix and we can’t be any happier.

Yes folks, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 now comes in Alpine White and it’s a definite looker. According to Samsung, this new color option is “a luxurious white hue coated in restrained glass.” The new color option features a matching white S Pen to complete the look. It adds to the already colorful Note 9 roster which consists of Lavender Purple, Ocean Blue, Metallic Copper, and Midnight Black.

Previously launched as a special edition device in India just last month, this great-looking color is now available in Singapore starting January 12. This version will have the same specs and 128GB storage, and it will retail for SG$ 1,398.

Time to bust out those all-white outfits! 👯‍♀️

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Malaysia

The OPPO Find X9 Ultra is Galaxy S26 Ultra’s biggest enemy

The most extreme camera system in a smartphone so far

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Three weeks after the launch of the vivo X300 Ultra, there’s another “Ultra” flagship gleaming on the horizon.

The much-awaited (and much teased) OPPO Find X9 Ultra has finally reached the Eastern shores.

X-treme Cameras

On paper, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra packs the most extreme camera system in a smartphone so far.

First, it has a 200MP f/1.5 main camera based on the newer (and ginormous) Sony LYT-901 1/1.18-inch sensor. This also happens to be the same camera sensor used by the vivo X300 Ultra — just with a tighter 35mm focal length and slightly narrower f/1.85 lens opening.

Second, its 50MP f/2.0 ultra-wide lens with Sony’s 1/1.95-inch LYT-600 sensor.

But, what makes this camera system more extreme? It’s the inclusion of dual periscope telephoto lenses with larger sensors compared to its closest rival, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Find X9 Ultra’s biggest accomplishment can be seen with its 200MP 3x periscope telephoto. This is based from OmniVision’s OV52A sensor at 1/1.28 inches.

GIF by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The next periscope module is a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JNL 1/2.75-inch sensor. This second zoom shooter can capture 10x optically-zoomed shots, 20x “optical quality” snaps, all the way to 120x.

A dedicated camera button stays — now in the signature Hasselblad orange shade.

All in all, these are ultimate upgrades to the quad 50MP camera setup of last year’s OPPO Find X8 Ultra.

For video shooting, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra is capable of shooting up to 4K/120fps or 8K in 30fps. LOG Mode is also supported via OPPO’s O-Log2 with support for Custom 3D LUTs.

X-citing Partnership

The Find X9 Ultra’s massive camera module are all co-produced with Hasselblad — further solidifying the partnership between the Swedish camera brand and the Chinese phone maker.

To make things even more X-citing, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra has a special edition Hasselblad Earth Explorer Kit.

This optional camera kit consists of a massive 300mm LUMO telephoto kit lens, camera lens ring module, set of filters, adapters, and hood, pouch to house them all in, an embroidered Hasselblad lanyard.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Heck! Even a custom camera grip case reminiscent of Hasselblad’s very own X2D 100C Earth Explorer camera.

Speaking of, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra comes in the Tundra Umber colorway of the same earth-like hues and signature Hasselblad orange detailing.

GIF by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

If that isn’t your cup of tea, there are two more color options: Polar Glacier (white) and Canyon Orange. Albeit, the special grip case is only available in one color.

If the Hasselblad Kit already feels like an overkill, check out the TILTA KHRONOS Kit suited for videographers and aspiring filmmakers alike.

It’s a different set-up with follow-focus power handle, cooling back clip, ND filter adapter ring, side handle, and expansion dock.

X-quisite Flagship

Just like any 2026 flagship, the Find X9 Ultra runs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC based on the 3nm process.

GIF by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

LPDDR5X memory choices are either  between 12- or 16GB while its UFS 4.1 internal storage now has a bigger 1TB option (the X8 Ultra has a 512GB limitation).

Its 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display has been improved too. Now, it has an even smoother 144Hz refresh rate with brightness as low as 1 nit.

Compared to the 6100mAh battery of its predecessor, the Find X9 Ultra has a boosted 7050mAh Si/C battery. It’s currently the largest capacity in any Ultra flagship slab so far.

However, wired and wireless charging speeds remain at 100W and 50W respectively.

X-plit Strategy

The Find X9 Ultra isn’t the only phone being launched.

Find X9s (Left), Find X9s Pro (Right)

OPPO aims for a split strategy this time by separately unveiling the Find X9s Pro and Find X9s for the Chinese and global markets respectively. JSYK, these are two different phone models.

OPPO adds an iPhone-like “Camera Plateau” cutout to Find X9 Pro’s camera system — highlighting various earth-like textures. That system includes dual 200MP Hasselblad cameras (main and telephoto). On the other hand, the ultra-wide camera is capped at 50MP.

Meanwhile, the Find X9s borrows the same square cutout of last year’s Find X9 series with a consistent triple 50MP camera system.

Also, the Find X9s Pro has its own Special Camera Kit. The Find X9s doesn’t have one.

Moreover, the Find X9s Pro rocks MediaTek’s flagship-level Dimensity 9500. While the Find X9s has the slightly-underpowered Dimensity 9500s chipset.

While both phones support LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 ROM protocols, configurations are different. The Find X9s Pro has choices between 12 or 16GB of memory and up to 1TB of storage. However, the Find X9s only has a lone 12GB memory with limited storage options between 256 or 512GB of storage.

Surprisingly, the Find X9s Pro has the smaller 6.32-inch AMOLED display — a departure from the 6.78-inch Find X9 Pro. Whereas the X9s boasts a bigger screen at 6.59 inches, which is the same as the Find X9.

The only thing these models both share are the 7025mAh Si/C battery and 80W wired SUPERVOOC speeds. Unfortunately, only the X9s Pro supports 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging that the base X9s lacks.

Ultimately, the Find X9 Ultra and X9s series all possess triple IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings for utmost durability.

Pricing and Availability

The OPPO Find X9 Ultra is currently open for pre-orders in Mainland China:

  • 12+256GB = CNY 7499 (US$ 1100 / EUR 900 / GBP 780 / SG$ 1345 / MYR 4355 / PhP 59,590 / INR 90,980)
  • 12+512GB = CNY 7999 (US$ 1115 / EUR 960 / GBP 820 / SG$ 1430 / MYR 4645 / PhP 63,685 / INR 95,930)
  • 16+512GB = CNY 8499 (US$ 1185 / EUR 1020 / GBP 870 / SG$ 1520 / MYR 4925 / PhP 67,670 / INR 101,930)
  • 16+1TB = CNY 9299 (US$ 1365 / EUR 1155 / GBP 1010 / SG$ 1735 / MYR 5390 / PhP 81,880 / INR 126,520)
  • 16+1TB Satellite Communication Version = CNY 9499 (US$ 1325 / EUR 1140 / GBP 975 / SG$ 1695 / MYR 5505 / PhP 75,625 / INR 113,920)
  • 16+1TB Hasselblad Explorer Master Kit = CNY 11,999 (US$ 1260 / EUR 1070 / GBP 920 / SG$ 2235 / MYR 6965 / PhP 105,110 / INR 164,550)
  • Hasselblad Earth Explorer Set = CNY 2499 (US$ 360 / EUR 315 / GBP 270 / SG$ 465 / MYR 1450 / PhP 21,900 / INR 34,270)

If you opt for the Tundra Umber colorway, it’s only limited to the higher 512GB and 1TB configurations.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Meanwhile, the OPPO Find X9s Pro is available in four color choices: Vitality Orange, Native Titanium, Free White, and Riding the Wind (乘风青).

Shockingly, it shares the same price as last year’s Find X9 Pro:

  • 12+256GB = CNY 5299 (US$ 745 / EUR 645 / GBP 560 / SG$ 965 / MYR 3145 / PhP 43,360 / INR 65,995)
  • 12+512GB = CNY 5499 (US$ 770 / EUR 660 / GBP 570 / SG$ 985 / MYR 3190 / PhP 43,700 / INR 66,720)
  • 16+512GB = CNY 5999 (US$ 845 / EUR 730 / GBP 635 / SG$ 1095 / MYR 3560 / PhP 49,085 / INR 74,715)
  • 16+1TB = CNY 6999 (US$ 980 / EUR 835 / GBP 730 / SG$ 1260 / MYR 4130 / PhP 56,440 / INR 87,110)

* These are all estimated pricing conversions

Global Availability

As promised, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra is launching outside China.

In Singapore, it’s currently open for pre-orders at SG$ 1899 (12+512GB) and SG$ 2199 (16+1TB). This also entitles the buyer over SG$ 700 worth of freebies plus 20% off when purchasing the Hasselblad Earth Explorer Kit.

After that period, pricing rolls back to SG$ 2199 and SG$ 2599 respectively.

In Malaysia, pre-ordering the Find X9 Ultra until May 7, 2026 (Thursday) with a small fee of MYR 200 entitles you to a free upgrade from a 12+512GB configuration to an extreme 16+1TB model. That’s worth MYR 6799.

On the other hand, the Malaysian Find X9s is only available in a 12+512GB variant for MYR 3599.

Specific pricing for other markets are yet to follow.

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News

Global tech leaders to convene in Singapore for GITEX AI Asia 2026

Even to feature 550 enterprises, 250 investors, 175 speakers

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Singapore will host the second edition of GITEX AI Asia next week from April 9 to 10, with more than 550 enterprises, 250 investors, and 300 startups from over 110 countries expected to convene at Marina Bay Sands.

The event comes as Asia-Pacific’s AI spending is projected to hit US$ 78 billion by 2026, according to an IDC report.

Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia are also projected to account for 40% of global data center capacities by 2030. Singapore itself produces about 15% of the world’s semiconductors and recently launched a new quantum research center.

The conference underscores the region’s rapid adoption of AI across healthcare, finance, and public services. It will feature global technology leaders, investors managing US$ 350 billion in assets, and policymakers discussing Asia’s role in shaping the next era of AI and quantum innovation.

There will be a total of about 175 speakers. Among them are Japan former senator and vice minister Kotaro Tamura, and Aires Applied Quantum Technologies CEO Ken Lin They will highlight the region’s growing quantum IP base.

In addition, startups at North Star Asia, the regional edition of Expand North Star, will showcase breakthroughs. There are energy-efficient AI systems, real-time translation earbuds, and brain-computer interface rehabilitation tools.

Major firms including Ericsson and Gorilla Technology will likewise present infrastructure solutions for AI-driven urban environments.

Meanwhile, Belgium, Canada, the Philippines, and more countries will debut country pavilions. They will join mainstay participants like Australia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, the Netherlands, Pakistan, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and of course, the host Singapore.

For investors and innovators alike, GITEX AI Asia signals Asia’s inflection point as a global leader in AI and quantum technologies. It also reinforces Singapore’s role as a high-impact gateway linking the continent’s innovation ecosystems with global capital and markets.

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Luxury Smart Home

Sony brings cinema home with new BRAVIA 3 II TV, BRAVIA Theatre lineup

Full cinema-style experience

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Bravia 3 II | Bravia Theater

Sony is expanding its home entertainment push with a new range of BRAVIA Theatre audio products and the BRAVIA 3 II TV. The lineup aims to make a full cinema-style experience more accessible. That’s true whether you’re starting with a soundbar or building a complete surround setup.

Soundbars designed to fill the room

Leading the audio lineup is the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 7, a compact yet powerful soundbar built with nine speaker units. It includes up-firing and side speakers. These work alongside Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping to create a wider, more immersive sound field from a single unit. Room calibration further optimizes audio based on your space. There are also optional subwoofers and rear speakers unlock deeper bass and fuller surround.

For a more accessible option, the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 5 offers a 3.1-channel setup with a wireless subwoofer. It focuses on delivering clear dialogue and strong bass, using S-Force PRO Front Surround and Vertical Surround Engine to simulate a three-dimensional listening experience.

Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, integrate with compatible BRAVIA TVs for unified control, and can be managed via the BRAVIA Connect app.

Expanding the surround experience

Sony is also introducing a set of optional speakers designed to complete the home cinema setup. The BRAVIA Theatre Sub 9 and Sub 8 deliver deep, room-filling bass, with the Sub 9 featuring dual opposing drivers to reduce distortion. Notably, the lineup now supports dual subwoofer configurations for the first time.

Meanwhile, the BRAVIA Theatre Rear 9 adds height and depth to rear channels through its up-firing speaker. This helps create a more convincing surround environment when paired with compatible soundbars.

A bigger screen to match

Alongside the audio products, Sony is rolling out the BRAVIA 3 II, a mid-tier TV available in sizes up to 100 inches. Powered by the XR Processor and XR Triluminos Pro, it aims to deliver natural colors, strong contrast, and refined detail.

The TV supports Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X, and is also positioned as a capable gaming display. It comes with 4K at 120Hz and four HDMI 2.1 ports. Sony is also introducing a new Inclusive Remote with improved button layout and a Remote Finder feature for easier accessibility.

Price and availability

In Singapore, the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 7 will be available starting May 2026. Suggested retail price is SGD 1,299. Meanwhile, the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 5 follows in June 2026 at SGD 599.

The BRAVIA Theatre Sub 9, Sub 8, and Rear 9 will arrive in July 2026, priced at SGD 1,099, SGD 799, and SGD 899, respectively.

The BRAVIA 3 II TV will be available from June 2026 in sizes ranging from 43 inches to 100 inches, with pricing starting at SGD 1,499.

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