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Apple Vision Pro headset set to change the AR landscape

Gadgets

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June 6, 2023

Apple Vision Pro headset set to change the AR landscape

Apple has unveiled the Vision Pro, its first foray into mixed reality technology. The headset, powered by the new M2 chip, sports two 4K displays and an array of sensors to track head and eye movements, pushing the boundaries of immersive experience.

The Vision Pro’s applications span across gaming, Facetime, and augmented reality experiences, opening new realities in interaction and content creation. Unfortunately, the Apple Vision Pro is set to hit first in US only this 2023.

The M2 chip inside the Apple Vision Pro is paired with the R1 chip to give you the best VR/AR experience on the headset. It also comes with Spatial Audio to give you an environment that is more immersive thanks to its audio.

The Vision Pro also comes with advanced cameras that lets you control the headset with just your hands and it also comes with a tracker for your eye movements and head. It also features two 4K displays to give a high resolution imagery on each eye

Apple wants the consumers to recognize the Apple Vision Pro as the next stage of computing called — Spatial Computing. As the Apple Vision Pro will also have the apps that you have on Mac, iOS, and iPad including messages, Safari, iWork and more.

As expected, you can also connect your Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and even a gaming controller for gaming on the headset. As for the frame, the Apple Vision will feature a glass on the front with aluminum alloy frame and then there’s the fabric with light seal and head band as well. For the power, you can use the Vision Pro all day plugged in or you can use the battery that can last up to two hours.

With the Vision Pro, Apple is redefining our interaction with computers. As we await more details on the headset, it’s clear that Apple’s ambitious foray into mixed reality signals a potential transformation in the tech landscape.

The Apple Vision Pro is expected to launch in the US this 2024 for $3,499

Android 14 may bring Battery Health feature to phones and tablets

News

Ciara Alarcon

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June 6, 2023

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Android users may soon have access to a battery health feature similar to iOS, thanks to the upcoming Android 14. While iOS devices have long benefited from the Battery Health feature, Android users have had to rely on third-party apps to monitor their device’s battery capacity. However, with the release of Android 14’s final version, this may change.

Mishaal Rahman, the former EIC of XDA-Developers, has recently shed light on some exciting developments in Android 14. Google has introduced new BatteryManager APIs in the Android 14 beta, which could potentially provide users with crucial information about their device’s battery health. Among the APIs are two public ones that offer insights into cycle count and charging status, while the others are system APIs that provide data on manufacturing date, first use date, charging policy, and overall health status.

Accessing the BatteryManager APIs

Rahman has reported that any app with the BATTERY_STATS permission can utilize these system APIs. However, currently, they are only available on Pixel devices running Android 14 Beta 2 or later. One developer, named Narek, has already taken advantage of these APIs by creating an app called Batt. Using the new APIs, Batt can provide users with information regarding their smartphone’s battery health and charge cycles. If you’re running Android 14, you can download the app from GitLab and try it.

While introducing these new APIs is promising, it’s important to note that the accuracy of the data provided by apps like Batt relies on the information returned by the APIs themselves. The data depends on what the charging IC (Integrated Circuit) tracks and whether the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) supports this specific feature. As a result, users should exercise caution and understand that the reported data may not fully represent the actual battery health.

Android users have long desired a native battery health feature similar to iOS. The inclusion of BatteryManager APIs in Android 14 is a step in the right direction. However, many users hope that Google will implement a comprehensive battery health feature directly into the stable version of Android 14. With such a feature, Android users would no longer have to rely on third-party apps like Batt to monitor their device’s battery health status.

Exciting Update for Android Users

The potential arrival of a battery health feature in Android 14 brings new possibilities for users. Having easy access to crucial information about their device’s battery health can help users optimize their usage patterns, prolong battery life, and make informed decisions about battery replacements if necessary. As Android 14 progresses toward its stable release, users eagerly anticipate an official battery health feature that will simplify monitoring their device’s battery health.

Stay tuned for official updates!

Source: Mishaal Rahman via GSMArena

Apple intros iPadOS 17 with customizable Lock Screen, Health app, more

News

Ciara Alarcon

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June 6, 2023

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During the WWDC keynote, Apple took the stage to announce the highly anticipated iPadOS 17, showcasing a range of exciting features set to enhance the iPad user experience. With a focus on personalization and productivity, Apple introduces a customizable Lock Screen, interactive Home Screen widgets, and significant improvements to the Health app. Let’s dive into the details of these new enhancements and how they will empower iPad users.

Customizable Lock Screen and Interactive Widgets

iPadOS 17 introduces a newly customizable Lock Screen, bringing the beloved widgets from the iPhone to the iPad. Users can now personalize their Lock Screen with interactive widgets that stack on the side of the display. Additionally, these widgets have the capability to showcase multiple timers, offering users a seamless and intuitive experience.

Live Activities and Health App

Like iPhones, iPadOS 17 introduces Live Activities, allowing apps to display live data previews such as sports scores and flight information. Moreover, Apple has expanded the Health app to the iPad, providing users with a larger view that shows more data and interactive charts. With the added benefit of private data sync, users can securely track their health and well-being directly from their iPads.

Enhancements to Notes and PDF Support

The Notes app receives significant upgrades in iPadOS 17. Users can now enjoy PDF support with full markdown, enabling them to collaborate and edit PDFs simultaneously. Machine learning capabilities have been implemented, empowering the intelligent PDF auto-fill feature. These enhancements offer a seamless note-taking experience for users who rely on their iPads for productivity.

Stage Manager and External Display Connectivity

Apple briefly touched on updates to Stage Manager, introducing Flexible Layouts and improved capabilities for connecting to external displays. Excitingly, iPads can now utilize webcams integrated into external displays, such as the Studio Display, providing users with enhanced flexibility and versatility in their workflows.

Additional Features and Availability

In addition to iPad-specific updates, iPadOS 17 will include several universal features announced for iOS 17. These features encompass improvements to phone calls, iMessage, AirDrop, autocorrect, the introduction of the Apple Journal app, offline Apple Maps, and enhanced labeling in Apple Photos. While the new StandBy feature that shows widgets when docked on the iPhone was not announced for iPad, Apple has made numerous smaller updates across its entire product lineup, including intelligent sorting for Reminders and an improved Spotlight for search results.

iPadOS 17 will be available in the fall, with a developer beta available for registered, paid developers starting Monday afternoon. This release marks another significant step toward Apple’s commitment to delivering a personalized and powerful user experience on the iPad.

Source: Apple Insider

No more ‘Hey Siri’ command required, back-to-back requests introduced

News

Ciara Alarcon

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June 6, 2023

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Apple‘s virtual assistant Siri has undergone significant updates with the latest iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma, and HomePod Software 17 releases. Users can now interact with Siri more naturally, as the traditional “Hey Siri” command is no longer necessary to activate the assistant. Siri also supports back-to-back requests, allowing users to make multiple commands without needing to reactivate Siri each time.

New Command for Siri

With the introduction of iOS 17 and other Apple operating systems, the “Hey Siri” command has been replaced with a simpler approach. Users can now initiate a conversation with Siri by simply saying “Siri…” followed by their command. This change aligns Siri’s activation process with Amazon’s Echo devices, where users only need to say “Alexa…” to communicate with the assistant. Apple aims to make interacting with Siri feel more natural and streamlined.

Back-to-Back Requests

One of the significant enhancements to Siri is the introduction of back-to-back requests. Previously, users had to activate Siri separately for each command. However, with the latest update, users can issue multiple requests to Siri consecutively without repeating the wake command. For example, users can say, “Siri, text Emma I’m on my way,” followed by “Remind me to water the plants when I get home,” without needing to say “Siri” again.

Siri’s AI Capabilities

While these updates bring improved functionality to Siri, there are currently no indications of Apple incorporating generative AI-based responses similar to ChatGPT. Siri continues to operate based on its existing framework. However, rumors suggest that Apple is working on integrating generative AI technology into Siri, but it may take some time before this advancement is publicly available.

Availability and Release

The new Siri experience is part of the upcoming iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma, and HomePod Software 17 releases. These software updates are available to developers as beta versions and are expected to be released to the general public in the fall. A public beta release might be available by July, allowing users to test the new features before the official launch.

Source: 9to5Mac

Apple Unveils New Mac Studio and Introduces Apple Silicon to Mac Pro

Gadgets

Jam Ancheta

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June 6, 2023

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Apple Unveils New Mac Studio and Introduces Apple Silicon to Mac Pro

Apple unveiled the new Mac Studio and an updated version of the Mac Pro with Apple Silicon.

The Mac Studio, a fresh addition to Apple’s lineup, promises to deliver unprecedented performance. The Mac Studio now comes in M2 Max and also the new M2 Ultra which offers a big boost in terms of performance. With its compact size yet robust performance, it’s set to redefine the workstation’s very concept.

Apple has also updated its flagship Mac Pro, introducing Apple Silicon for the first time. Mac Pro will be bringing an up to 76-core GPU, 24-core CPUP and twice the memory and SSD storage with a massive 192GB of memory with 800GB/s of unified memory bandwidth.

The Mac Studio’s price will begin at $1,999 for the model with the M1 Max, and $3,999 for the M1 Ultra variant, asserting Apple’s intent to target the professional and prosumer markets. Apple has yet to release the pricing details for the updated Mac Pro.

Just like before, the new Mac Pro will support PCIe expansion and also for your essential cards needs that you can use for videos and audio. It also comes with 8x Thunderbolt 4 ports now with support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3

Mac Studio starts at $1999 while the new Mac Pro starts at $6999.

15″ Macbook Air Now Official

Gadgets

Jam Ancheta

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June 6, 2023

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Apple has finally made it official. The new 15″ Macbook Air has finally been revealed and it comes with a 15.3″ Retina Display, and offering 500 nits of brightness, delivers an engaging visual ambiance, taking the user’s interactive experience to new heights.

Similar to its smaller brother, the 15″ Macbook Air will come with two Thunderbolt ports, a Magsafe connector for charging, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. There’s the 1080p webcam as well along with a triple mic array for better calls.

The heart of the MacBook Air lies in the M2 processor. This silicon powerhouse not only boosts performance but also enables the MacBook Air to deliver a remarkable 18 hours of battery life.

The 15″ MacBook Air starts at $1299 while the 13″ Macbook Air goes down to $1099. It will still come with Starlight, space gray, silver, and midnight.

CHERRY announces 6.6 Mid-Year Sale on Shopee

News

Ciara Alarcon

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June 5, 2023

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Get ready for an exciting mid-year sale as CHERRY officially joined one of the biggest sales this year in the Philippines. From June 6-8, 2023, shoppers can enjoy big discounts on a wide range of CHERRY products during the 6.6 Mid-Year Sale on Shopee.

Upgrade Your Home Entertainment with CHERRY Smart TVs

If you plan to revamp your home entertainment setup, CHERRY’s Smart TV lineup is worth considering. These TVs offer an enhanced viewing experience with attractive discounts and enticing features.

Let’s take a look at the options:

The CHERRY Aqua Smart TV is available in three sizes, each priced attractively. The 55-inch model offers a stunning 4K UHD resolution and features the more recent Google TV operating system version. Enjoy a sweet spot selection of features, including a 7-day catch-up function and a voice remote. During the 6.6 Mid-Year Sale, you can also avail of a Php5,000 discount voucher when purchasing the 55-inch model.
For those looking for a slightly smaller option, the 43-inch model offers Full HD resolution and a power output of 74W. It’s a perfect choice for cozy living rooms or bedrooms. Take advantage of the sale and enjoy a Php3,000 discount voucher.
If space-saving is a priority, the 32-inch model is an excellent choice. Powered by Android TV OS, it offers HD resolution and a 60 Hz refresh rate. Grab this compact and feature-packed TV during the sale and receive a Php2,000 discount voucher.

Prioritize Health and Hygiene with CHERRY Products

In today’s world, taking care of our health and ensuring cleanliness is more important than ever. CHERRY offers innovative products to assist you in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying protected.

Cherry Food Cleaner

Start living a healthy life with the Cherry Food Cleaner, designed to keep your food clean and fresh. Equipped with Hydroxyl purification technology, this device effectively removes dirt and disinfects vegetables, fruits, and meat. With just one click, your food is ready to be served or stored. During the 6.6 Mid-Year Sale, you can purchase the Cherry Food Cleaner for only Php2,999.

Cherry Ion Personal Air Purifier

Meanwhile, for additional protection in your daily routine, the Cherry Ion Personal Air Purifier is a must-have. This portable wearable air purifier emits up to 200 million negative ions within a 3-foot radius, helping to protect you from germs, airborne viruses, dust, and mold. Avail of the exclusive sale price of Php1,499 (original price: Php3,398) and receive a buy one, get one free offer.

Grab Affordable Smartphones, Tablets, and Laptops from CHERRY

If you’re in the market for affordable yet feature-packed smart gadgets, CHERRY has many options available. From smartphones to tablets and laptops, here are some noteworthy deals:

The Flare S7 3GB smartphone offers a quad-camera system with 13MP + 2MP front and rear cameras, allowing you to capture stunning photos. During the sale, you can purchase the Flare S7 3GB for only Php2,999 and receive a FREE Cherry Ion Personal Air Purifier.
Turn heads with the Flare S8 smartphone, which boasts vibrant colors and a 6.26-inch HD+ TrueView Teardrop Display. With 3GB RAM and 32GB ROM, it provides ample storage for your apps and files. Own the Flare S8 for Php3,199 during the sale.
For those who require more storage, the Flare S8 Prime is the perfect choice. With 64GB ROM and 4GB RAM, you can store all your wonderful moments and enjoy a seamless multitasking experience. The Flare S8 Prime is available for Php4,499 and has a FREE Feature Phone.
Gaming enthusiasts will be thrilled with the Flare S8 Max. This smartphone features a powerful 6000mAh battery, a 16MP main camera with a 2MP depth sensor, and a 13MP front camera for stunning selfies. Its large screen, MediaTek Helio P23 CPU, and 4GB of RAM make it ideal for multitasking and enjoying mobile games. DGrab the Flare S8 Max for Php4,999, which includes a FREE Game Controller and Tempered Glass.

Aqua Tab S1

Meanwhile, if you’re in need of a tablet, the Aqua Tab S1 is a fantastic option. It boasts an HD IPS Display, 2GB RAM, and 32GB internal storage that can be expanded up to 256GB via MicroSD. During the 6.6 Mid-Year Sale, you can purchase the Aqua Tab S1 for Php6,666 and receive a FREE Screen Protector.

Avita Pura Laptops

The Avita Pura 14-inch Windows Laptop is a perfect choice for those who prioritize style and functionality. With its vibrant colors and compact design, this laptop stands out from the crowd. Additionally, it features a 14-inch full HD display and an AMD A9 Processor. It also comes bundled with a Cherry Flask, Mouse, and Bullguard Internet Security. The Avita Pura 14-inch Windows Laptop is available for Php17,900.

Meanwhile, if you’re working remotely or need an affordable laptop for basic tasks, the AVITA Essential 14-inch is an excellent option. With an Intel Celeron N4000 CPU, this laptop is also perfect for completing reports and researching. In addition, its sleek design and cloth-like cover add a touch of style. You can purchase the AVITA Essential 14-inch for Php16,000 during the sale and receive a FREE Cherry Flask and Laptop Backpack.

Stay Connected with Cherry Roam

If you have future travel plans, staying connected is essential. Cherry Roam offers convenient and reliable pocket Wi-Fi options to keep you connected wherever you go. Take advantage of these deals during the 6.6 Mid-Year Sale:

Cherry Roam 5G U50: Experience ultra-fast and smooth connection with Cherry Roam 5G U50 pocket Wi-Fi. Get the Cherry Roam 5G U50 for Php16,000 and receive a FREE Portable Neck Fan or Cherry Ion Personal Air Purifier.
Cherry Roam G3: Enjoy high-speed Internet and connect up to 5 devices simultaneously with the Cherry Roam G3 pocket Wi-Fi. During the sale, you can purchase the Cherry Roam G3 for Php6,990 and receive a FREE Portable Neck Fan.
Cherry Roam TI Style: This sleek and portable pocket Wi-Fi can fit conveniently into any small pouch. It also doubles as a power bank to charge your devices on the go. Grab the Cherry Roam TI Style for Php2,490 and receive a FREE Portable Neck Fan.

So, don’t miss out on the fantastic deals and discounts available on CHERRY products during the 6.6 Mid-Year discount offerings on Shopee.

MSI Summit E13 Flip EVO A13M Hands-On Video

Unboxing and Hands-On

Jam Ancheta

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June 5, 2023

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MSI Summit E13 Flip EVO A13M Hands-On Video

We’ve seen different notebooks and devices at Computex 2023 and we had the opportunity to get my hands-on the MSI Summit E13 Flip EVO A13M, and I was very impressed with what I saw. This is a high-end business laptop that is both powerful and portable. It features a 13.4-inch 120Hz touchscreen display, an Intel Core i7-1360P processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB PCIe SSD. It also has a number of other features that make it ideal for business users, such as a fingerprint scanner, a backlit keyboard, and a long battery life.

If you want a notebook that you can use everyday for work or for your business but you also want it to be powerful and sleek then you might want to consider this one, the MSI Summit E13 Flip EVO A13M.

Check out our hands-on video below:

You can now join the waitlist for Meta Verified in the Philippines

News

Jam Ancheta

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June 5, 2023

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You can now join the waitlist for Meta Verified in the Philippines

Meta has opened their waitlist for its authentication service, Meta Verified, in the Philippines. This subscription-based feature permits users to validate their Facebook and Instagram accounts. It costs PHP599/month.

Meta Verified is more than a proof of authenticity as it confers a blue verification emblem on subscribers’ profile or page, but this service also safeguards subscribers from fraudulent impersonation by preemptively curbing the creation of bogus accounts, offering an additional layer of security and privacy.

Meta Verified members receive direct customer support access – a boon when troubleshooting issues. Enrollment requires users to be at least 18, possess a legitimate government ID, and activate two-factor authentication. A selfie video matching their profile picture must also be supplied to Meta.

You can also have a direct support, proactive protection, Direct Support, Increased reach and some exclusive extras when you subscribe to Meta Verified.

However, enrolling in Meta Verified isn’t easy as you need to have a proof of valid government ID and also to record a selfie video similar to KYC process on Fintech apps that we have in the Philippines.

Upon successful registration, users will find a blue verification symbol adorning their Facebook and Instagram profiles, marking their initiation into the trusted circle of Meta Verified subscribers.

Diablo 4 Early Access now available

News

Ciara Alarcon

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June 5, 2023

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The long-awaited Diablo 4 has just made its grand entrance via Early Access, allowing eager gamers to embark on their demon-slaying adventures a day before the official release date.

The long wait is over!

Diablo, a classic game that first captivated players back in 1996 with its unique classes and gripping dark storyline, is back with its fourth installment. After an 11-year wait since Diablo 3, the developers are unleashing Diablo 4, promising a darker and more intense experience as chaos threatens to consume the world of Sanctuary in an epic battle between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells.

Diablo 4 offers players a vast open-world experience, teeming with limitless demons to vanquish and a plethora of skills to master. Prepare to delve into nightmarish dungeons and traverse legendary roots while striving to survive the shadows lurking around every corner.

Players will once again be able to select one of the five iconic classes: Rogue, Sorceress, Barbarian, Druid, and Necromancer. Each class offers a unique playstyle, ensuring diverse gameplay experiences for all. Additionally, players will have the added thrill of horseback riding, a new feature accompanying them on their journey through the treacherous lands of Diablo 4.

A “Live-Service” Game with Exciting Updates

Diablo 4 is being treated as a “live-service” title, with the developers committed to providing regular updates and new content to keep the game fresh and engaging. Expect the arrival of new classes, locations, and even a battle pass system as each season unfolds, ensuring that players always have something new to discover in the ever-evolving world of Sanctuary.

Join Early Access by Pre-Ordering

To join the Early Access excitement, all you need to do is pre-order the Digital Deluxe or Ultimate Edition of Diablo 4 on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, or PS4. Early access has already begun, granting lucky players a head start in their demon-slaying endeavors.

While Early Access is underway, the official launch of Diablo 4 starts from June 5-6, depending on your region. The game will be available for players in the Philippines starting June 6 at 7AM GMT+8.

For more information and updates on Diablo 4, stay tuned to the official website.

Source: Diablo Official Website