Media Prima Berhad had been hit by Ramsonware and, all the computer systems in the company have been locked, by cyber criminal, who then, demanded a RM26m equivalent to 1000 BTC as per current date.
According to The Star Online report, the attack took place on the 8th November 2018 and thus, the entire computer system has been locked. Ransomware is a type of malicious software from cryptovirology that threatens to publish the victim’s data or perpetually block access to it unless a ransom is paid.
It has been reported that, Media Prima has migrated to Google’s G Suite email system, which, in general, it always scans an extensive scanning for any malicious attachment within the email itself.
As for the outcome of this cyber attack, the Media Prima Chairman, Datuk Kamal Khalid, had decided on not to pay the amount of the money asked by the cyber criminal.
I am still waiting for an official statement from the media company regarding this issue.
ASUS was widely known for their best wireless router available in the market, not only in Malaysia, but throughout the world. What makes ASUS router were widely accepted by the users to enhance their networking performance? One of the reasons is, the built-in protection, ASUS’s most famous AiProtection powered by Trend Micro.
Generally, you’re not secure in the digital world. With the massive growing cyber threats in a big way, the importance of cyber-security becomes utmost priority for almost, all digital users nowadays. Now, let’s have an overview why, cyber security is important and crucial for home networks.
Snowballing threats on digital space
According to security researcher from McAfee, the number of cyber-security attacks were increasing every year, and, there is no sign of decreasing in the attacks. The cost of cybercrime was reported over $ 650 billion in the year of 2017. The cost keeps increasing as per current year. Reported by Cybersecurity Ventures, the cost of cyber threats will rise approximately to $6 trillion annually by the year 2021.
Rigorousness of cyber attacks
The number of cyber-attacks in the digital space are on upsurge as well. These attacks have become so severe as, it destroys the client device with a simple coded program, which cause a high number of cost to recover the damages.
Amassed Hacking Tools
As the world is moving in the direction of a digital era, progressively newly programmed hacking tools let it be a paid or an open source were widely available in the market. The commercialization of cybercrime has made it easy for the hacker to obtain the resources they need in order to launch a damaging attack as, happened last year, by which, Ransomware WannaCry creates a havoc around the world.
Rise of IoT devices
New IoT device were being developed, thus, the importance of having an internet connection is a must these days. IoT refers to, Internet of Things, and widely used in home, offices, schools and government office buildings. As for the positive side, these devices can simplify and speed up the task by giving a greater level of usability and accessibility. The dark side is; it presents a problem as well. If an IoT devices not configured properly, the cyber criminals could break through it and get into their main agenda’s to do the damages to a business or homes.
This is where, AiProtection from ASUS plays a crucial role in securing your home and office networks from the cyber-threats. Let’s move to our agenda today.
What is AiProtection?
ASUS’s famous built-in network monitoring feature was commonly known as AiProtection. AiProtection offers real-time monitoring of your home network to detect any present malware, viruses and other intrusions that, may, crawl from the websites you used to visit to infect (harvest) in your current device by blocking it.
AiProtection’s Feature Highlight.
AiProtection was powered by Trend Micro and, the protection will be always up to date and the detection rate will always be updated. If you’re a parent, then, you can schedule the duration of a particular device to have an access to the internet and, one of the best feature of this feature is, unwanted website or application can be blocked.
AiProtection Phase 1: Network Protection
The first phase of the AiProtection deals with “Network Protection”. Under the network protection, there are four sub-features, commonly function as, Router Security Assessment, Malicious Sites Blocking, Vulnerability Protection and Infected Device Prevention and Blocking. Now, lets us see what each sub-feature benefits us.
Router Security Assessment
This is a feature to allow the user to know which settings they should change / update as per the indicator. If the indicators shows green, then, your home network is safe from the internet and, if any, of the security settings shows red in color, then, the user can review them by clicking the “No” link, by which, links to the directed setting page for further configuration change.
Router Security Assessment.
Currently, I customized all my settings to protect my home network. It is highly advisable to disable WPS feature along with creating a strong username and password for administrative credentials, in addition to creating a super strong wireless password and, disable the UPnP feature.
Malicious Sites Blocking
The first sub-feature of Network protection is Malicious Sites Blocking. This feature, restrict the client device that connected to a network that’s running on AiProtection, from accessing websites containing malware’s and, this detection rate right, thanks to the Trend Micro’s database whose keeps updating malicious website frequently.
AiProtection Pro in Blue Cave AC2600 Dual Band Wireless Router.
Besides that, if you’re accessing the malicious website from your smartphone, your smartphone will display the warning message from AiProtection similar to the warning displayed on the web browser on the desktop or a laptop.
Vulnerability Protection
The second sub-feature of Network Protection is Vulnerability Protection. This feature is also known as Two-Way Intrusion Prevention System. The major function of this feature is to prevent spam or DDoS attacks on any connected client device to the wireless router. In addition, it also blocks malicious incoming packets hovering from the internet from passing through the router to the connected client device.
Two Way IPS.
Additionally, it detects suspicious outgoing packets from an infected client device from affecting other connected client device, thus, prevents attacks from malicious malware and botnets.
Infected Device Prevention and Blocking
The third sub-feature of Network Protection is Infected Device Prevention and Blocking. This feature blocks the attacks from the malware or botnets hovering around the internet in the form of hiding itself in malicious website, waiting for their turn to infect the device that, pays a visit to the website, successfully.
Infected Device Prevention and Blocking – No infected device found in my network.
It also protects your personal information and preventing potential attacks on other connected device, let it be connected via wired or wireless.
AiProtection Phase 2: Parental Controls
The parental control integrates all the parental management features, needed in a single place, thus, ease the task to add, view, update and delete any security settings via the application or via the web admin interface.
Parental Control in AiProtection.
The given feature in the AiProtection’s Parental Controls is:
Internet Activity Dashboard
Kid-safe preset
Schedule Block Time
Content Filter
According to a source, the Internet Activity Dashboard is not yet available on mentioned wireless AC router model, namely, DSL-AC3100, DSL-AC88U, DSL-AC87VG, DSL-AC68VG, DSL-AC56U, DSL-AC55U, DSL-AC52U.
Wireless Router Supported Models
Below, are the list of wireless router models from ASUS that, comes with AiProtection.
Supported Wireless AC Router models.
AiProtection only comes with the selective wireless router model from ASUS and, if you’re using a Wireless N router, then, your wireless router won’t come with AiProtection feature due to hardware limitations of Wireless N Routers.
AiProtection Pro vs AiProtection Classic
The table below shows the differences between AiProtection Pro and Classic.
AiProtection Pro vs AiProtection Classic.
AiProtection Classic offers stock features, by which, includes a firewall, site blocking, encrypted incoming and outgoing connections along with a parental control feature.
AiProtection Pro offers an addition of a feature compared to the Classic. AiProtection gets an Intrusion Prevention System that, traces and abort unknown devices from joining the home network, and, for Parental control feature, features such as website and application content filtering were added.
When the word “Pro” were meant, this will be a subscription based service. Fortunately, AiProtection is free of charge, and, there will be a big NO subscription based service, in a simpler explanation, it is free for lifetime.
Conclusion
5 Stars
As a conclusion, this feature is widely accepted by the users like me and, as per current situation, a dedicated protection for all connected devices apart from laptop or desktop were needed, hence, the AiProtection is the answer to securing your home network. For me, AiProtection works well for me and, it does the job thrown at it perfectly. No complaints from me so far. For such an awesome feature, I would like to proudly give 5 Stars for the awesome feature as the best network protection from a router manufacturer like ASUS.
In general, we have few major ISP’s Provider here, in Malaysia. With TIME being the “King of the fastest internet”, offering up to 1Gbps in their recent plans for high rise building equipped with fibre, UniFi however, conquer most of the residential areas and be the “King of the residential area” internet provider.
ISP’s Package offering in Malaysia.
Most of the time, the ISP will supply a decent router for their customers, being, the most cheapest in the market for the plans. Most of the entry level dual band wireless router with Gigabit ports able to support up to 300 Mbps via wired connection.
Ethernet Cable
In general, an Ethernet cable was widely used in the form of a network cable primarily used on wired networks. An Ethernet cable connects devices within a network such as LAN, WAN, PC, wireless routers and switches. Normally, an Ethernet cable provides a backup alternative when wireless connectivity is down. However, it not only serves as a backup, but, also serves as the main connectivity option for those who wish to use the internet via physical connection.
Does cable length matters?
Most standard Ethernet cables were set to 100 meters as the maximum allowed length, and, even if a shorter cable was bought over the long (100 meters) cables, doesn’t matter as, you won’t see any data loss in that.
Cable Type
Currently, there are several variants of the Ethernet cable that available in the market, one of them differs in the Ethernet Categories type, as an example, Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a and Cat 7.
Ethernet Cable Categories.
Category 5 (Cat 5) is an old standard cable that will support up to 10 – 100 Mbps and considered as an “outdated” network cable, currently.
Category 5E (Cat 5e) is the most preferred cable currently and will support until 1Gbps (1000Mbps) and, its technology cuts down the infra-wire interference within the cable.
Category 6(Cat 6) is the newer version of Cat 5e cable where, it can support up until 1Gbps.
Category 6 Advanced (Cat 6a) is the upgraded version of Cat 6 network cable, where, the maximum speed it can support is up to 10 Gbps.
Category 7is the fastest Ethernet network cable currently in Malaysia, by which, it can support up to 10Gbps solid and most expensive network cable type. Price varies according to the brands.
What are the best Ethernet cables (Brands)?
Wait, don’t skip this part yet, currently, there are several brands of Ethernet cable in Malaysia. I will list out the brands here from the low quality to the highest quality Ethernet Cable.
AMP (Cheaper)
D-Link (Recommended)
Dintek (Highly Recommended)
UrGreen (Highly Recommended)
For the users who subscribed over 500 Mbps packages, it is highly recommended to shift to Cat 6 Ethernet cable.
I am currently using D-Link Cat 6 network cable for all my physically connected devices. If, you wished for a good brand, then, it is highly recommended to try Dintek or UrGreen cable.
Networking Equipment’s
In general, each internet bandwidth requires a specific router to let it be a low end to a higher end wireless router to fully utilize the internet subscribed bandwidth. As an example, a low end Gigabit router might support up until 300Mbps solid via wired and wireless while a higher end Gigabit router might support up until 1Gbps solid via wired and perhaps, 500 – 1Gbps bandwidth over the wireless depends on the specification of the router (MIMO), by which, will be further explained in this post.
ISP’s Modem
The major disadvantage of using an ISP’s modem, you can’t customize or purchase (upgrade) from the shop is, your ISP’s modem, also known as “Modulator and Demodulator” device. Currently, if you’re using fibre broadband, your ISP should give a device called Modem that converts the analog signal to a digital signal to be sent/received to/from the wireless router connected to it.
Modem models that supports 1 Gbps internet speed
Huawei HG8240x
AN5506-04-BG
Alcatel Lucent I-240-G
Nokia G-240G
If your modem is not in the list, then it is time to hit up your respective ISP’s to get a modem replacement to fully utilize your new internet speed.
Wireless Router
This is an important part of how, you’re going to fully utilize your internet bandwidth subscription.
Wireless Router Class
A gigabit wireless router is won’t promise you an actual gigabit speed, especially in wireless connection. Each router manufacturer news up their respective wireless router models that, supports the suitable range of ISP’s packages. This is an excellent move by respective manufacturer, to properly guide the user to buy a suitable wireless router according to their current subscription.
Below, are the list of wireless router models from three main router manufacturer in Malaysia:
Wireless router class according to the Malaysian market.
However, the guide only shows the wireless router class for each ISP package and the test was performed via physical (LAN) connection.
Not all Wireless AC Router comes with WAN & LAN Gigabit Port
An AC router in general comes with Gigabit WAN/LAN port. But do you know that, not all Wireless AC routers offers Gigabit WAN/LAN port? As an example, take a look at Tenda AC6 Wireless Dual Band AC1200 router, the router offers 802.11ac standard, but, at the same time, it comes with a Fast Ethernet port.
Why? Respective individuals who subscribed to a lower internet bandwidth subscription wouldn’t need a high end router, and, they prefer an AC router by trading Gigabit Ethernet port to Fast Ethernet port. In a simpler term, it is an alternative for “tight” budget users who opting to buy a decent, yet, an AC wireless router.
Advertised Speed vs Actual Speed
Now, this is the major concern that bother’s most users. Some user’s will seek for a proper guide on why wireless is not widely preferred for most end users, especially, if, you wish to fully utilize your internet speed via wireless.
Marketing vs Actual Wireless Speed.
The possible factors are:
Hardware
Your end device, especially older device couldn’t cope up with the current requirement in order to fully optimize your wireless experience. Your device should be equal to the wireless router, if not, better.
Congestion (Especially 2.4GHz Wireless Band)
If you’re testing in the wireless congested areas, especially during a peak time, then, you can’t really optimize your speed via wireless, especially testing with 2.4GHz wireless bands.
How to fully optimize my wireless experience?
First of all, you should do a basic troubleshoot of your built-in wireless adapter (if you’re using a laptop). If, you’re built-in wireless adapter not supports the current desired speed, then, probably you will face a “bottleneck” via wireless connection and, it is not advisable to hit up to the call center of your respective ISP’s and seek for their expertise. Most ISP’s only promises the optimum speed via wired connection. Hence, to summarize this point, it is highly advisable to use LAN connection, if not, a suitable wireless adapter (after market) that, supports the 1 Gbps speed.
Recommended USB Wireless Dual Band Adapter (Supports up to 1 Gbps)
A firmware update is an important thing, that, has to be done by the user’s let it be those who opt to use an aftermarket wireless router or stick with ISP’s router, you need to constantly check your wireless router firmware updates.
Firmware upgrade page of ASUS AC68U – running on Asus-Merlin.
Each router manufacturer has a responsibility to keep on improving their wireless router models to be up to date according to the current standard of networking. If the firmware were not updated, then even if you own an AC1200 wireless router (via LAN), you might not fully optimize your subscribed bandwidth if any speed boosting upgrades issued by your wireless router manufacturer, let it be via wired or wireless connection.
Network Speed Test Platform
In the recent years, most of the ISP’s have their own speed test platform for their subscribers. However, some of the speed test will be favorable to them, thus, it will give slightly “higher” speed compared to global speed test website. I will list down the speed test platform, particularly in Malaysia.
I didn’t list Fast speedtest platform here as, fast will automatically connect to the server hosted in the USA and as a result, the speed test may vary from the global speed test or ISP’s speed test platform. At the same time, Fast have a limited server by which slows down the performance of capturing your request due to network congestion, when people from different country accessing the same server.
Ping
Ping plays an important role in creating a good experience of your internet experience. Typically, ping refers to the time taken for the data to get from your computer, to the server and back to your computer is the amount of latency that you have. In the simplest explanation, “the lesser the ping result, the better.”
Factors that affects Ping:
Hops
Server Location (The further, the badder).
Packet Loss
Congestion
Background applications
Signs of a good Ping:
The best: 0-59 ms
Neutral: 60-129 ms
Worst: 130-199 ms
Good game (GG): 200+ ms
Conclusion
As to conclude this article, it is highly important for the end user to fully understand on why the wireless router were classed according to the offered internet packages by our local ISP’s. Ethernet cable plays an important role, no matter how fancy your wireless router would be, if, you’re using Cat 5 cable, then, you won’t be able to hit up to 1 Gbps internet speed. It is highly recommended to change your current cable, if you’re using Cat 5, let it be the cable that connects to the WAN port of your wireless router from LAN port of your modem, then, it is time to check your cable type before opting to buy a better Ethernet cable.
If you’re a 1 Gbps user, and, you’re using the stock ISP’s supplied router, e.g AC1200, the best result you might get is around 350 Mbps via wired connection. The higher theinternet speed, a better (advance) wireless router needed to fully optimize the higher speed. As an example, if you are planning to buy a high end wireless router, and, at the same time, you’re currently subscribed to 100 Mbps internet connection, well, you can, if and only if, you have a future plan to upgrade to a higher bandwidth or, your respective ISP’s decides to give you a ‘surprise’ internet speed upgrade.
Most ISP’s only promises solid subscribed internet speed tested only via wired connection. If, you complain, you can’t get the subscribed speed via wireless, then, the ISP’s can’t really help you. So, before hit up the call center, it is better to troubleshoot first, in order to save your own time and energy.
The Sonic Gear Space 5 is the big brother of Sonic Gear Space 3, pricing at the SRP of RM135, I’ve taken this opportunity to give the speaker a test.
OVERVIEW
The speaker packaging was decent, marks all the important information regarding the speaker was well defined. The internal packaging of the speaker is decent, mind you that, I personally feel that, this is considered as a decent when it comes to its price range. The mid-satellite, the subwoofer and the accessories was wrapped with plastic neatly.
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The 2.1 audio system comes with a single unit of Space 5, a user manual, a single multi-function volume controller and a single line-in stereo cable.
Bluetooth – Line-in mode button.
Unlike Space 3, the Space 5 comes with a large volume knob which serves as the controller of the volume of the audio system. The knob supports wireless Bluetooth as well, line-in and music files via micro SD up to 32GB to be precise. The built quality of the volume knob having a plastic feel rather than a premium feel, as, it is acceptable for its price range.
The satellite speaker of Space 5.
The satellite speaker is slightly heavier than the Space 3, but lighter than its elder brother, Space 7. The driver used for the Space speaker lineups are all identical and the only thing that, differentiates the quality is the finishing of the speaker grill. The Space 3 and 5 were molded with plastic wheel, the Space 7 was mould with aluminum (premium feel).
The subwoofer of Space 5.
The Space 3 has all its dedicated controllers located in the subwoofer itself. However, for the Space 5, the volume controller was separated and only bass knob was the only controller given attached to the subwoofer itself. The woofer driver used for the Space 5 is the same driver used in the Space 3 and Space 7. I must say, I like this woofer design, small, yet, cute.
SPECIFICATIONS
Highlighted Feature:
Bluetooth 4.2.
Audio Line In.
Headphone Jack.
Micro SD card music playback.
Bass and master volume control.
2.1 Hi-Fi audio.
Satellite
Driver Size: 2 x 2″ full range.
Output power 2 x 7W.
Subwoofer
Driver Size: 3.5″.
Output power: 16W.
Frequency range: 60Hz – 18KHz.
Total System Power: 30W.
AUDIO QUALITY
Now, let’s focus on the main agenda of this post. We always opt for the best audio system to deliver an optimum quality for the music genre we used to listen, right?
For this particular audio quality experiment, I’ve used ASUS ROG G752VT to conduct the test.
Firstly, the mid is strong for this lineup of Space speakers, resulting in a fuller audio output. The vocals are warmer and easily can be caught up even in the minimum volume level. Next, the bass is somehow slightly muddy and worsens when the volume is raised. The Space 5 is a neutral audio system that, has, everything in the right place.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Advantage
Cheap and affordable.
Decent mid quality.
Comes with desktop volume controller.
Decent bass quality.
Bluetooth and miscroSD support.
Small size of the subwoofer (refer to conclusion part).
Disadvantage
The woofer is light, when at high volume, the sub-woofer will slightly move from its actual placed position.
Messy cables.
CONCLUSION
The Sonic Gear Space series is an alternative option for the audio enthusiasts, looking for a decent 2.1 audio system over the EVO series, which is ruling the audio market for more over than 5 years. This audio system has all the user needs, mainly focusing on Bluetooth 4.2 and microSD support, by which, ease the user to directly connect to the audio system via smartphone to listen to the musics or watch videos.
Space 5 Maroon.
The price is affordable, slightly cheaper compared to its elder brother, Space 7, this audio system probably the best, in the Sonic Gear audio system lineup. The audio system is not too big, thus, ease the placement of the speakers and the subwoofer can fit, even in a smaller space on the small table.
Previously, I’ve talked about how to setup AiMesh feature on ASUS wireless routers, and today, I am about to explain what is AiMesh is all about. Now let’s have a look at the general view of the AiMesh from the manufacturer perspective.
ASUS AX92U Wi-Fi System (Dual Pack).
Now, let’s move into the main agenda of this article.
What is AiMesh is all about?
AiMesh is all about extending your existing wireless coverage from your own ASUS wireless router throughout your home at ease without even loosing subscribed bandwidth. AiMesh can be used with more than one ASUS router, but not more than 5 ASUS wireless routers.
Smart Technology (Self Healing)
AiMesh intelligently chose either the mode of the connection or the optimal frequency wireless band – 5GHz or 2.4GHz. As for Tri-Band wireless router, only one 5GHz will be dedicated out of two 5GHz wireless bands if, the Tri-Band router was paired with a Dual Band router. As for self-healing ability, the router immediately replaces a failed node (router) using the tertiary node (router) until the connection towards the secondary nodes were established once again. In addition, the AiMesh intelligently checks the signal strength of the client device from each node (routers) to ensure that the connected client devices are always connected to the best wireless band, allowing the client device to automatically switch to a different node (router) if, needed for that specific location in your home.
Interesting feature which, I highly recommended. No more switching to the wireless bands like the good old days, one single band (5GHz or 2.4GHz), I can travel within the house at different location, connected to the same wireless band (5GHz or 2.4GHz).
Roaming vs Without Roaming ft. AiMesh
Roaming with AiMesh, it automatically and seamlessly connects your client devices to the router with the strongest available wireless signal no matter in any location within your house, while, without roaming, the band’s has to be manually switched according to the best wireless signal at that particular location in your home.
AiMesh supported ASUS Wireless Router Models
Below are the listed ASUS wireless router that supports, AiMesh feature:
Those are the router’s that, as per October 2018, supports AiMesh feature.Source.
How if I am using a different router models, but, both of the routers were/was manufactured from ASUS?
The answer is yes, you can. AiMesh supported almost all wireless routers from ASUS.
Any models compatible with AiMesh feature.
One of the biggest advantage is, despite of having to buy a dedicated mesh network, AiMesh doesn’t need that. AiMesh can be used with different ASUS wireless router models, in a condition that, only, using the ASUSWRT firmware from ASUS.
I am using Asus-Merlin firmware, do Asus-Merlin Firmware offers / supports AiMesh?
Unfortunately, this was not supported. I’ve attached the reason of why this feature is not supported for Asus-Merlin firmware below, a simple statement from the developer itself.
Asus-Merlin ver 384.7_2 running on AC68U.
I am pretty sure, why some Merlin users question on why the developer of Merlin firmware didn’t include the AiMesh feature in his own customized firmware. According to a source, RMerlin claims that, AiMesh is a closed source and there is incompatibility between his code and the AiMesh itself.
RMerlin – Official statement from him of the explanation why Merlin didn’t support AiMesh.
Advantages and Disadvantages of AiMesh compared to other Mesh Networks
Advantages
Easy Installation (Can be setup via PC or smartphone installed with Asus Router app).
Seamless roaming.
Extendable Wi-Fi coverage in your home.
Excellent performance.
Almost all ASUS routers supports this feature, different models from ASUS can be used together, via, AiMesh.
Suitable for business organizations.
Disadvantages
WPS feature has to be enabled (security issues).
Conclusion
I personally had tested the AiMesh feature with two different wireless router models from ASUS, the famous ASUS AC68U and ASUS AC86U. The setup was easy, and easily configurable.
Factory reset your AiMesh Node
Make the highest specification wireless router to act as the “leader”, main router and, make, the lesser range model of wireless router as the secondary node (AiMesh).
Turn on the other AiMesh, the secondary node (routers), click ‘Search’ in ASUSWRT or the ASUS Router app to find the node.
Last but not least, select a router, and click ‘Apply’ to add the node to your AiMesh wireless system.
If, you are planning to opt out of the AiMesh feature, you can simply remove the node from your main router.
Congrats AiMesh.
As, few minor bugs were present in the feature, but, it is highly welcomed as, this feature will lessen the burden of the user from opting to buy mesh networks in order to extend their wireless coverage of their house.
So, it is worth to spend some hard earned pennies of yours to add a wireless mesh node to your main router in order to achieve your objective to strengthen and extend your wireless coverage? My answer is, yes. It is totally worth. The AiMesh deserves 5 Stars from me.
TechCyn was invited along with other tech enthusiasts to witness a great event held in Malaysia on 25th of October 2018, also known as ASUS Incredible Intelligence 2018 Asia-Pacific region launch event organized by ASUS.
It was an honor for newcomer as TechCyn to get such invitation and, would like to use this opportunity to thank ASUS Malaysia for the warm invitation.
At the event, ASUS unveiled the latest ROG motherboards, graphics cards, displays, networking devices, mini PCs and peripherals for home, business and gaming. Being an ROG fan, I was truly delighted to witness good products are going to hit the Malaysian market soon.
Below are the lists of the products presented in the big event:
New Products
Zenbo Junior
ROG Maximus XI Apex
ROG Strix XG49VQ
Gaming
ROG Strix GeForce RTXTM 2080 Ti and 2080
ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
ROG Delta
ROG Balteus Qi
ROG Gladius II Wireless
Networking
RT-AX88U
AiMesh AX6100 Wi-Fi System (RT-AX92U 2-Pack)
Business
ProArt PA34VC
ProArt PA90
ZenScreen Go MB16AP
Monitors
ROG Strix XG49VQ Super Ultra-Wide Curved Gaming Monitor
The ROG Strix XG49VQ is a 49-inch 1800R curved HDR gaming monitor highlighting the Double Full HD (3840 x 1080) resolution, a 32:9 aspect ratio and a 144Hz refresh rate for super-smooth gaming visuals for gamer out there.
Equipped with Radeon FreeSync 2 HDR (also known as Adaptive Sync), is a technology that delivers a greater dynamic refresh rate range, low latency and a better brightness and contrast for smooth, magnificent visuals when gaming or streaming 4K videos.
Last but not least, one interesting feature of this monitor is, ASUS’s Shadow Boost technology enhances and enriches details in dark areas without overexposing bright areas for balanced images that appear true to life. Featuring as well, high dynamic range (HDR) capability and 125% sRGB color gamut coverage, XG49VQ delivers real life alike color contrast with a bright white and dark black, which meet VESA Display HDR400 certification.
Motherboard
ROG Maximus XI Apex
The ROG Maximus XI Apex is an ATX gaming motherboard featuring the Intel Z390 chipset. It is believed that, it supports double-capacity DIMMs, by which, features a unique memory-trace design enabling up to 32GB per slot for a total memory capacity of 64GB.
Sitting next to the memory locates a DIMM.2 modules with two M.2 slots crammed by a passive heat-sink. Maximus XI Apex is also designed for the hardcore gamer with a surplus of fan headers, 2-way SLI/3-way CFX support, extensive connectivity, integrated Intel Wireless-AC 9560 (CNVi), tasteful Aura Sync RGB lighting and a pre-mounted I/O shield.
Other motherboards from ROG was put on display as well.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
The ROG Strix RTX 2080 Ti and 2080 keeps Turing cool with newly revamped Axial-tech fans that implement the latest innovations by including a smaller fan hub, which, allows the longer blades to increase structural integrity and allows the air movement from the heat sink array without increasing the noise levels.
I was informed that, all ROG Strix GPU’s are produced using an Auto-Extreme technology. An Auto-Extreme technology is an automated manufacturing process which sets a new standard in the industry by means, single-pass soldering process to reduce the thermal strain on the components and avoids use of harsh cleaning using chemicals, lessening the environmental impact and power consumption.
Networking
RT-AX88U
The RT-AX88U is a dual band wireless router featuring next-generation of wireless standard, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), for ultrafast concurrent wireless transmission up to 6Gbps. Packed with OFDMA, MU-MIMO and eight gigabit LAN ports, the RT-AX88U is the ideal networking solution for the compact wireless environment and not to be forgotten, wired performance especially in LAN parties.
The RT-AX88U supports the AiMesh Wi-Fi system for seamless whole-home coverage, and, as to protect your home networking experience, AiProtection Pro was included as well for commercial-grade network security.
AiMesh AX6100 (Combo)
AiMesh AX6100 Wi-Fi System is the world’s first mesh Wi-Fi system featuring the latest wireless standard, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) networking, along with, OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology in conjunction to deliver fast and stable Wi-Fi transmission for better wireless experience.
In addition, the AiMesh AX6100 Wi-Fi uses 802.11ax standard with transmissions up to 4.8Gbps to connect the two RT-AX6100 units, in order to ensure the best wireless experience for the users. Last but not least, the mesh system supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) connection for legacy client devices. As for the protection against the internet world, the mesh equipped with ASUS’s AiProtection Pro, which is a commercial-grade network security to ensure, all the client devices connected to it safe from malicious attacks and, an advanced parental control feature to allow the parents to always monitor their children’s internet usage and activity.
Peripherals
ROG Delta
ROG Delta is the first gaming headset in the industry to feature an industry-leading, Hi-Res ESS ES9218 Quad DAC.
The headset also features an airtight chamber and exclusive ASUS Essence drivers with audio signal diversion technology design to provide clear highs and punchy bass for highest listening experience from your PC. For RGB fans, the Delta comes with a circular-rainbow RGB lighting effects for a unique gaming style.
The headset comes with a D-shaped ear cup design for improved comfort for your ears, thus, making it an ideal for the long intermission of use. For console gamer and mobile gamer, do not worry as this headset comes with a USB-C connector and an included USB-C to USB 2.0 adapter make the headset perfect for.
ROG Gladius II Wireless
ROG Gladius II Wireless Gaming Mouse offers a dual wireless connectivity with industry-leading signal stability, movements tracked by the 16,000-dpi sensor are perfectly translated to on-screen action via ultrafast 1ms 2.4GHz or low-latency Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
Featuring Aura Sync RGB lighting to match the needs of RGB fans, the Gladius II Wireless is set to become the perfect addition to your desktop setup.
ROG Balteus Qi
ROG Balteus Qi is an RGB gaming mouse pad that combines a performance surface with the convenience of Qi wireless charging on the desktop.
Equipped 15 individually customization Aura Sync RGB lighting zones, the mouse pad is also equipped with an on-pad lighting mode button for on-the-fly adjustments and a USB 2.0 pass-through port for easy connections.
I must say, I am amazed with the presented products and will buy some to satisfy my cravings to fully ROG’d my desktop setup.
Once again, I would like to thank ASUS for inviting me for such great event and, this won’t be possible if, the public didn’t support newcomer like me into this field. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Recently, the world is shocked with the announcement of the return of the “King of Mp3” media player, Winamp, by labeling as the “Undertaker” of all media players by next year under the code-name of Winamp 6. With the announcement of Winamp’s comeback, the website undergone tremendous change and according to the official website of Winamp,
and I quote,
“A leaked version of Winamp 5.8 recently spread over the Internet. Consequently, we have decided to make this new version available to you, revised by us.
We therefore recommend that you download this version rather than any other as we guarantee it is safe for you to use.
This version is not an ongoing project but be sure that we are currently working hard on a future new Winamp. Scroll down to learn more!”
According to the official forum of Winamp, Version 5.8 beta and brings the following new changes:
* New: Windows Audio (WASAPI) Output plug-in (w.i.p.)
* Improved: Added an option to completely disable Winamp’s video support
* Improved: Added an auto-fullscreen option to video prefs
* Improved: Added /ENUMPLAYLISTS to the command-line support
* Improved: Windows 8.1 and 10 compatibility
* Improved: [in_mod] OpenMPT-based Module Player (replaces old MikMod player)
* Improved: [ml_playlists] Added browse path & edit title functions in Ctrl+E editor
* Improved: [Bento] Updated scrollbars and buttons and other tweaks (thanks Martin)
* Improved: [Bento & Modern skins] Added a Playlist Search feature (thanks Victor)
* Fixed: New URLs not being remembered after using Reset history in Open URL dialog
* Fixed: Various memory leaks
* Fixed: [gen_tray] Not showing correct current icon pack in preferences
* Fixed: [in_avi] Divide-by-zero crash with badly formed files (thanks ITDefensor)
* Fixed: [in_mp3] Crashing with some ID3v2 tags
* Fixed: [ml_wire] Slow loading issue
* Fixed: [ssdp] Crash on load if jnetlib was not correctly initialized
* Misc: Minimum required OS is now Win XP sp3 (Windows 7 or higher recommended)
* Misc: More general tweaks, improvements, fixes and optimizations
* Misc: Moved shared DLLs to Winamp\Shared folder
* Removed: All former “Pro” licensed functions (Winamp is now 100% freeware again)
* Removed: gen_jumpex & UnicodeTaskbarFix (making way for native implementations)
* Removed: ml_nowplaying
* Removed: [in_wm] DRM support
* Replaced: CD playback and ripping now using native Windows API (instead of Sonic)
* Replaced: MP3 Decoder now mpg123 based (instead of Fraunhofer)
* Replaced: AAC Decoder now using Media Foundation (Vista and higher)
* Replaced: H.264 Decoder now using Media Foundation (Vista and higher)
* Replaced: MPEG-4 Pt.2 Decoder now using Media Foundation (Vista and higher)
* Updated: [in_vorbis] libogg 1.3.3 & libvorbis 1.3.6
* Updated: [libFLAC] FLAC 1.3.2
* Updated: [libyajl] libyajl v2.1.0
* Updated: [OpenSSL] OpenSSL v1.0.1i
* Updated: [png] libpng v1.5.24
Since it is still in the beta stage, you might encounter an issue or glitches when using it.
Winamp 5.8 Beta Build 3660.
Basically, I am a Winamp user itself and even though the media player didn’t receive any updates since from the year 2013, I am still loyal with this player, as I really liked the features offered and its UI. Last but not least, I really hope, they do revamp the UI to the newer one, as, for those whose used sportify or groove music, they might feel the UI of Winamp quite awkward. Let’s hope for the best for Winamp.
