Tech and Software Updates

In the latest product and software news, Lexip unveils a range of Assassin’s Creed Shadows-themed gaming accessories, while Zoho introduces CRM for Everyone, expanding CRM access across teams. CommBank leads in consumer trust according to a recent survey, and Hisense showcases its AI-powered appliances for smart living at IFA 2024.
Canon launches its EOS Next Gen Tour in Malaysia with the new EOS R5 Mark II, while LEGO brings creativity to life with ‘dream crafting’ challenges.
Lastly, Zscaler strengthens its cloud security infrastructure in Australia with a new data centre in Perth. Read more below.

Assassin’s Creed Gear Unveiled

Lexip has announced a new line of licensed gaming accessories, inspired by Ubisoft’s upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows, available for pre-order now. The collection, designed in collaboration with Ubisoft, will be released alongside the game’s launch on November 15, 2024.
The range features six unique accessories for console and PC gamers, including a headset, controller, mouse, mousepad, keyboard, and headset stand. Each item is intricately designed with aesthetics drawn from the game’s feudal Japan setting.
Lexip will also offer five bundle packs, each containing select accessories and a digital code for the full Assassin’s Creed Shadows game. Bundle options include everything from a mouse and mousepad to a full set of gear with a collectible wall scroll.
Lexip President Lionel Chataignier highlighted the attention to detail in these accessories, emphasising their role in enhancing the gaming experience with their design and functionality.

CommBank Leads Consumer Trust

Fresh data from Tracksuit, a brand tracking platform surveying over 1,000 Australians, reveals CommBank is leading in consumer trust with 57 per cent, followed by ANZ (52 per cent), NAB (48 per cent), and Westpac (47 per cent).
Suncorp (46 per cent), IMB Bank (43 per cent), and St George Bank (43 per cent) follow closely behind, while Macquarie Bank (38 per cent), ING (34 per cent), and ME Bank (34 per cent) also made the list.
In terms of consideration, CommBank leads with 45 per cent, with NAB, Westpac, and ANZ trailing. Interestingly, ME Bank has gained traction with those aged 65+, while ING is becoming more popular among households earning less than $100k.
However, Westpac and NAB have seen declining consideration among males over the last three months.

Hisense Showcases Smart Living

Hisense unveiled its latest smart home innovations at IFA 2024, highlighting smart laundry, kitchen, and air care solutions designed to enhance user experience.
Featuring products like the PureFlat Smart Series refrigerator and Series 7i washing machines, Hisense integrates AI-driven technology for intuitive home management.
The ConnectLife app enables users to remotely control appliances, track food inventory, and suggest recipes.
Their air conditioners and heat pumps also incorporate AI for optimal temperature and air quality control. Availability for Australia and New Zealand is pending further announcement.

Canon Unveils EOS Tour

Canon Marketing Malaysia has launched the EOS Next Gen Tour 2024, showcasing the newly released EOS R5 Mark II.
The roadshow will travel across six cities in Malaysia, including Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor Bahru. Photographers and videographers will get a hands-on experience with Canon’s latest camera, which features a 45-megapixel BSI stacked CMOS sensor and advanced image processing technology.
The tour starts in Penang on September 22, 2024, and aims to foster creativity and community among photography enthusiasts.

LEGO Promotes Dream Crafting

Ahead of the final episodes of LEGO® DREAMZzz™, a new study reveals that children can guide their dreams, mirroring the characters in the show.
The LEGO Group is encouraging parents to help kids develop “dream crafting” skills through creativity and play.
A recent study found that nearly one in three Australian children practice dream crafting while asleep, and The LEGO Group aims to increase awareness of these skills.
The second season of the show, along with new LEGO sets inspired by dream crafting, are now available globally.
The LEGO Group also hosted a “Night Bureau Adventure” event in Sydney to promote the new series and products.

BookXcess Launches Book Mystery

BookXcess has introduced the “Reality Date with a Book” initiative, allowing readers to discover non-fiction titles wrapped in mystery, focusing on genres like motivation, self-help, and biography.
Since its launch in July 2024, over 3,500 copies have been sold.
This follows the success of the “Blind Date with a Book” campaign, which featured fiction titles and sold over 16,000 copies in six months.
BookXcess aims to foster a love of reading in Malaysia through innovative and accessible experiences.
A third surprise initiative is set to launch in Q4 2024.

Zscaler Expands in Australia

Zscaler has opened a new data centre in Perth, expanding its cloud security infrastructure in Australia. This new site complements existing locations in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra, enhancing support for organisations adopting Zero Trust cybersecurity models.
The expansion comes in response to the rising volume of cyber threats and aligns with Australia’s goal to become the most cyber-secure nation by 2030.
Powered by renewable energy, the Perth data centre supports Zscaler’s Zero Trust Exchange™ platform, offering improved capacity and performance for Australian businesses.

Zoho Expands CRM Access

Zoho Corporation has unveiled Zoho CRM for Everyone at Zoholics in Manila, aimed at democratizing CRM use across all teams involved in customer operations.
This update allows sales, marketing, customer onboarding, and advocacy teams to collaborate within a single CRM platform, enhancing visibility and coordination across customer journeys.
The system enables customised workflows for each team and offers a redesigned, accessible user interface.
Early access is available for Zoho customers worldwide, with more features to roll out in the coming weeks.