Apple is expected to switch from its proprietary Lightning port to a USB-C port on its upcoming iPhone 15 models. While the tech giant has until December 2024 to comply with the EU legislation that requires devices with wired charging to have a USB-C port, reports suggest that Apple will make the change sooner rather than later.
According to recent rumors, Apple will include an authentication chip in the USB-C port on the iPhone 15 models. This chip will confirm the authenticity of the USB-C cable connected. Then, those “Made for iPhone”/MFi-certified chargers will have optimized fast charging performance. This raised concerns among consumers and industry watchers.
EU to Apple: No, you can’t limit the performance of uncertified USB-C cables
The European Commission has warned Apple that such actions would not be permitted. Reports also said that would prevent iPhones from being sold in the EU when the law goes into effect. The EU aims to publish a guide to ensure a “uniform interpretation” of the legislation by Q3 2023. This came as no surprise as it seeks to ensure consumer choice in the third-party accessory market.
If Apple moves forward with the alleged plan to limit the functionality of uncertified USB-C cables, it could have significant implications for the third-party accessory market. Consumers may face limited options and higher prices. It could also create further barriers for small accessory makers entering the market.
The EU’s warning to Apple is a reminder that companies must adhere to legislation and regulations set forth by governing bodies. It also highlights the importance of promoting an open and competitive market for consumers, including allowing third-party accessories to function properly with devices.
In the past, Apple’s proprietary Lightning port has been a source of frustration for consumers and third-party accessory makers alike. The move to USB-C will bring greater standardization and compatibility across devices. However, we’re yet to discover how Apple will handle the transition and its impact on the third-party accessory market.
Nothing has officially teased the Nothing Phone (2). Expected to be a flagship phone featuring the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, its alleged specs seem really interesting.
The highly anticipated Nothing Phone (2) is again making headlines, with rumors about its specs surfacing online. Although the official launch date has not yet been revealed, fans are already buzzing about what this new flagship phone from Nothing might bring.
According to reports, the Nothing Phone (2) will feature a 6.55-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This means that users can expect a smooth and seamless display experience. Hence, it makes the phone perfect for gaming, streaming, or browsing the web.
NOTHING PHONE (2) RUMORED SPECS
The phone is also expected to have a 50MP main camera, alongside two other camera sensors. This setup could provide users with stunning photos and videos.
One of the most exciting rumors surrounding the Nothing Phone (2) is its new Nothing OS 1.5. This custom OS is expected to offer a seamless user experience. It could also include a range of new features and functionalities unique to the phone.
In terms of storage and RAM, the configurations are said to come in either 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1. This means that users will have plenty of space to store all their favorite apps, photos, and videos.
The phone is also expected to feature 5G connectivity, which means users can expect faster download and upload speeds, as well as improved streaming quality. And with a 5,000 mAh battery with fast and wireless charging, users can enjoy longer hours of usage without worrying about running out of battery.
Other rumored features of the Nothing Phone (2) include stereo speakers and NFC, allowing seamless wireless connections to other devices. There is also speculation that Nothing could implement satellite communication technology, similar to other flagship contenders. However, it remains to be seen whether this feature will be included or not, as it could potentially increase the phone’s price.
While these are just rumors and nothing has been confirmed yet, tech enthusiasts and Nothing fans alike are eagerly anticipating the release of the Nothing Phone (2).
With a rumored launch this June-September 2023, we’ll just have to wait and see what Nothing has in store.
So, are you excited? Let us know what you think in the comment section!
When it comes to repairing your Apple devices, convenience is key. That’s why Power Mac Center (PMC) is now offering retail repair drop-off services at select PMC and The Loop stores across the Philippines.
With a minimal shipping fee, you can leave your precious Apple devices at Mobile Care Service Center, PMC’s Apple Authorized Service Provider, which guarantees premium repair or maintenance services with certified engineers and genuine parts.
Whether your device is in or out of warranty, PMC’s nationwide presence makes it easy to reach them when you need expert services. The Mobile Care Service Centers are equipped to accommodate personal and enterprise service requirements, so you can trust that your Apple devices are in good hands.
HOW DOES IT WORK
The service is available for all Apple users in the Philippines who bought their devices from Power Mac Center and other stores. The list of devices they accept includes iPhone 7 series or later, MacBook Air early 2015 model or later, MacBook Pro 2017 model or later, and iMac 2017 model or later.
To avail of the service, customers must show proof of purchase for validation, back up or migrate their files beforehand, remove all accessories and personal information, disable all security passwords, deactivate FindMy, and provide their own packaging, preferably the original box. Once the service transaction is complete, the service provider will deliver the device directly to the customer’s preferred address.
REPAIR DROP-OFF PARTICIPATING STORES
Power Mac Center drop-off locations include Luzon branches, namely Robinsons Ilocos Norte, SM City Tuguegarao, Robinsons Tuguegarao, Robinsons La Union, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Pampanga, Harbor Point, Vista Mall Bataan, SM City Fairview, SM City San Lazaro, SM City Sta. Rosa, SM City San Pablo, SM City Bacoor, SM City Dasmariñas, Fora Mall, SM City Batangas, SM City Lipa, SM City Lucena, SM City Daet, SM City Legazpi, SM City Sorsogon, and SM City Puerto Princesa; SM City Roxas in the Visayas; and Robinsons Iligan in Mindanao.
Meanwhile, The Loop drop-off locations are Xentro Mall Vigan, SM City Baguio, SM Center Dagupan, and SM City Calamba for Luzon branches; D’Mall Boracay in the Visayas; and SM City General Santos in Mindanao. PMC will also add new and upcoming stores to this list in the future.
So next time your Apple device needs fixing, don’t stress. Leave it to Power Mac Center’s Mobile Care Service Center and enjoy the convenience of their retail drop-off service.
In what was undoubtedly an intense and thrilling match, ECHO stunned the defending champions Blacklist International in a resounding 4-0 sweep during the MPL Philippines Season 11 Grand Finals.
ECHO secured their position as the new champs and grabbed the lion’s share of the $150,000 prize pool. Meanwhile, both teams earned a ticket to participate in the upcoming Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup (MSC) 2023 in Phnom Penh between June 10-18, 2023.
ALL EYES ARE ON THE MATCHUP
The Grand Finals of MPL Philippines Season 11 drew a staggering crowd of over 5,000 offline spectators, with many more fans streaming the matches on LED screens outside the main hall. The season also broke records in terms of viewership, with a peak-concurrent viewership of over 900,000 fans, surpassing Season 10’s peak views of 800,000, according to analytics partner Esports Charts.
ECHO and Blacklist International will represent the Philippines in the MSC 2023, featuring teams from three new regions, including North America, Turkey, and MENA, for the first time.
A NIGHT OF RECOGNITION
Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya was awarded the Grand Finals’ most valuable player (MVP), impressing fans and commentators with his incredible gameplay.
The Grand Finals night also honored the game’s community favorites and most outstanding players. Edward “EDWARD” Dapadap, a true legend in the Mobile Legends community, was inducted into the prestigious Hall of Legends.
Other awards were given to Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo as the Regular Season MVP, Kenneth Carl “Yue” Tadeo as the Rookie of the Season, Renmar “Reptar” Sta. Cruz as the Best English Caster, and Caisam Yvez “Wolf” Nopueto as the Best Filipino Caster.
Meanwhile, the league also awarded the following based on fan votes:
Sportsmanship Award: Ben “Benthings” Maglaque
Freshest Face Award: Kristof Malcus “Hesu” Calderon
Most Fashionable Award: Jonmar “OhMyV33NUS” Villaluna
Best Content Creator Award: Danerie “Wise” Rosario
Most Improved Team Award: BREN Esports
Most Epic Game Play Awards (no particular order):
– Red for Redemption by Blacklist International
– Sanford’s Backdoor Play by ECHO
– Tali ng Pagkakabigan by Blacklist International
Smart, the official tournament telco partner, proudly supports the MPL Philippines Season 11. Infinix also joined the pool of official sponsors. Meanwhile, MAYA and Secret Lab served as partners in esports.
Smart Signature added a selection of new smartphones to its postpaid plans, allowing consumers to get their dream smartphones with the country’s fastest network.
Xiaomi 13 5G: For the Multimedia Content Creator
For tech-savvy multimedia content creators, the Xiaomi 13 5G is the perfect device to capture stunning photos and videos. With a 71.5mm ultra-slim body, a 6.36-inch Pro HDR display, and 1.61mm ultra-thin bezels, the device offers a boundless vision. Co-engineered with Leica, its professional camera system combines a 50MP main camera for superior light sensitivity and stabilization, a 10MP telephoto camera to capture distant portraits, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. Users can also capture videos in Dolby Vision for vivid colors and realistic details, complemented by Dolby Atmos’ dual stereo speakers for full-range, immersive audio.
The Xiaomi 13 5G comes equipped with the leading Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for boosted performance and reduced energy consumption. It also has 67W wired turbocharging, which can charge the device 100% in just 38 minutes. With its water and dust resistance, users can enjoy peace of mind when using their device in any condition. Additionally, the device comes with 24-month quality assurance, including free pickup and delivery for hassle-free repairs, along with a provision of a spare phone during the process.
OPPO Find N2 Flip 5G: For the Style Statement User
The OPPO Find N2 Flip 5G is the perfect choice for those who want to make a style statement. This tech-savvy flagship smartphone lets you see more in a snap with its large 3.26-inch cover screen that expands your view with innovative features. Its gorgeous foldable design lets you conveniently pop the handset into your pocket. With the cover screen and Flexion Hinge feature that allows you to unlock the FlexForm Mode, hold your phone in your chosen position like a built-in tripod leaving your hands free to watch movies, do video calls, and take photos.
The OPPO Find N2 Flip 5G also boasts a 50MP main camera, 112-degree ultra-wide camera, and 32MP front camera for beautiful photos. Users can power through their mobile tasks with its all-day 4,300mAh battery life and 44W SUPERVOOCTM flash charging, which charges the device to 50% in just 23 minutes. And for those who fancy pets, you can choose a digital pet from five cute animal options, which you can play, listen to music, or even take selfies with.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G: For the Productive Netizen
For productive netizens, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is the perfect mid-range device. Its 6.59-inch 120Hz energy-efficient display, Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 695 chipset, and massive 5,000 mAh battery with 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging technology make it perfect for power users. The 64MP AI Triple Camera rivals the cameras of flagship smartphones, with a 2MP depth-assist camera for more realistic bokeh portrait shots with finer detail. It also comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack, up to 1TB of expandable storage, and three years of security updates.
Smart Signature subscribers can avail of these smartphones with any Smart Postpaid plan through Smart Stores nationwide, the Smart Online Store, or Smart Hotline.
Pricing and Availability
Customers can avail of the new Xiaomi 13 5G, OPPO Find N2 Flip 5G, and OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G with any Smart Postpaid plan through Smart Stores nationwide, the Smart Online Store, or Smart Hotline.
The Xiaomi 13 5G is available with Smart Signature Device Plan 1499 by adding Php700/month with an initial cash-out of Php9,900.00 and a monthly fee of Php2,199 for 24 months. Buyers can pre-order from March 24-28, 2023, before the official launch on March 29.
On the other hand, the OPPO Find N2 Flip 5G is available with Smart Signature Device Plan 1499 by adding just Php900/month with an initial cash-out of Php10,600. It also has a free OPPO Band 2 smartwatch and Enco Air3 wireless earbuds.
Lastly, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G can be availed with Smart Signature Device Plan 999 by adding Php200/month with an initial cash-out of Php2,300.
Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the wireless unit of PLDT, has been awarded the title of “Fastest Mobile Network” for Q1 2023 by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence. The company previously won the Best Mobile Network Award for Q1-Q2 2022 and Q3-Q4 2022.
Fastest Download Speeds in the Philippines
According to Ookla’s latest Speedtest Global Index for Q1 2023, Smart had the fastest median download speed in the Philippines, clocking in at 33.39 Mbps. In comparison, the closest competitor’s median download speed was 22.29 Mbps. Smart’s superior performance is thanks to its fastest speeds and the widest coverage, enabling customers to make the most of their online activities.
Award-winning Mobile Network
The Fastest Mobile Network citation from Ookla further strengthens Smart’s position as the Philippines’ Best Mobile Network, with Smart being the only operator to win both the Fastest Mobile Network and Best Mobile Coverage awards within the same reporting period of Ookla.
Smart’s speedy and reliable network allows customers to instantly share updates with their family and friends on social media, make crystal-clear video calls with their loved ones, upload and download files for work and school in seconds, seamlessly stream high-definition content, and play bandwidth-heavy games without any lag, among other things.
Leading the Speedtest Race Across the Country
Ookla’s latest country report reveals that Smart is the fastest mobile network in Metro Manila and other key cities and provinces, such as Cebu City and the Davao Region. The company’s impressive network speeds and coverage are present in Abra, Agusan del Norte, Aklan, Albay, Bataan, Batangas, Benguet, Biliran, Bohol, Bulacan, Bukidnon, Cagayan Valley, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Cavite, Davao del Sur, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Isabela, La Union, Laguna, Leyte, Marinduque, Mountain Province, Negros Occidental, Nueva Ecija, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Rizal, Romblon, South Cotabato, Tarlac, Zambales, and Zamboanga del Sur.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Smart’s continuous network improvement aligns with the PLDT Group’s initiatives to anchor efforts toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
With 97% population coverage through its 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G networks, Smart’s approximately 76,500 base stations, including over 7,200 5G base stations and close to 38,800 LTE base stations, provide the best mobile experience in the Philippines.
In an effort to expand its product portfolio, CHERRY has unveiled its first-ever TV lineup, the CHERRY Aqua Smart TV. Filipinos’ fascination with TV as a source of home entertainment has led CHERRY to provide a more interactive and immersive multimedia experience for viewers.
Smart TV for a Richer Multimedia Experience
Gone are the days when TV was a passive entertainment source. With the CHERRY Aqua Smart TV, viewers can access a rich multimedia experience that allows them to watch their favorite shows and movies whenever they want, thanks to internet connectivity and easy-to-navigate software. The Aqua Smart TV provides easy access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video, allowing viewers to binge-watch their favorite content in high-definition (HD), full HD, or even 4K ultra-high-definition (UHD) resolution.
Immersive Viewing Experience
The CHERRY Aqua Smart TV delivers an immersive viewing experience that allows viewers to sit closer to the TV without losing quality. With its high-resolution display, viewers can enjoy an immersive and lifelike experience that enhances their viewing pleasure. Moreover, the Aqua Smart TV’s home networking options allow viewers to connect and control their gadgets with just one click.
Variety of Sizes and Affordable Prices
The CHERRY Aqua Smart TV comes in three sizes to fit any home entertainment setup. For those who prefer larger screens, there is the 55-inch model that has a 4K UHD resolution and a newer Google TV operating system, priced at Php29,999. The 43-inch model, on the other hand, has a Full HD resolution and a 74W power output and is priced at Php19,999. For those with limited space, the 32-inch model has an HD resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, running on an Android TV OS for only Php11,999.
Upgrade Your Home Entertainment Experience with CHERRY Aqua Smart TV
CHERRY Aqua Smart TV offers every household an affordable and high-quality entertainment experience. Upgrade your viewing experience and enjoy your favorite shows and movies easily using the Aqua Smart TV’s smart features.
Sony Electronics launched two new products, the MDR-MV1 Reference Monitor Headphones, and the C-80 Condenser Microphone, designed for professional sound engineers and music creators.
These products are tailored to enhance the music creation process, providing a superior sound experience and catering to audio engineers’ highest standards.
MDR-MV1 Reference Monitor Headphones
Experience Superior Sound with Immersive Open Back Headphones
The MDR-MV1 Reference Monitor Headphones are built to offer extended spatial sound reproducibility and accurate sound object positioning within a 360-degree space, making them the ideal choice for mixing and mastering immersive spatial sound, such as 360 Reality Audio, as well as stereo sound with hi-resolution capability. In addition, these headphones have a uniquely developed driver unit that provides ultra-wideband playback (5Hz – 80 kHz) with natural high frequencies, allowing professionals to capture localization, spaciousness, and detailed changes in sound processing.
Comfortable and Lightweight Design for Long Hours of Use
The MDR-MV1 Reference Monitor Headphones are engineered with comfort in mind, featuring breathable earpads and a lightweight structure that provides a pleasant wearing experience even after hours of use. The headphones also come with a high-quality replaceable, detachable cable with machined aluminum connectors and a stereo mini-jack adapter for easy use in a professional setting.
C-80 Condenser Microphone
Capture Clear Sound with the C-80 Condenser Microphone
The C-80 Condenser Microphone is ideal for home studios and is suitable for vocal/voice recording, instrumental recording, vlogging, webcasting, and podcasting. This microphone inherits the technology of Sony’s revered C-800G and popular C-100 microphones, making the high-quality sound even more accessible.
Dual Diaphragm Configuration for Stable Vocal Recording Process
The C-80 features a dual-diaphragm configuration, suppressing sonic changes with distance (proximity effect) and allowing for more vocal recording stability. In addition, tight and rich mid-range capture in the C-80 provides a vocal sound with a clear core and presence, allowing vocals to stand out even when mixed with other instrumental sounds. The microphone also provides a realistic reproduction of the characteristics of an instrument, such as the sound of guitar strings and the resonance of the body, resulting in a natural and clear recording.
Local Pricing and Availability
The MDR-MV1 Reference Monitor Headphones and C-80 Condenser Microphone will be available at select Sony Authorized Dealers starting May 12. The MDR-MV1 is priced at Php23,999, while the C-80 comes with a Php34,999 price tag.
So, are you getting one?
Let us know what you think in the comment section!
vivo ‘s most popular and marketed smartphone is the V-series as this one balances out the needs of most Filipino consumers – a premium and stylish smartphone that isn’t on a flagship price. So how does the vivo V27 5G fare? Well, check it out in our review.
Design and hardware
One of the things to love about the vivo V series every time they release is their design. The design of the vivo V27 5G didn’t fail to amaze us as not only we have here a sexy and unique materials but the smartphone also packs a very ergonomic design that is easy to hold and grip.
Going to the design of the smartphone, it’s thin and it’s light. At the back, we got here the emerald green color for our review unit and it changes color to a darker shade whenever it’s under direct sunlight – a feat that we’ve seen on previous vivo V series smartphones.
At the back, we can also see the large camera module of the smartphone that houses the triple camera lens and also the Aura Portrait Light that the brand is really proud of. On the right, there’s the power button and also the volume rocker of the smartphone
No headphone jack in here and the USB-C port below the smartphone does support up to 66W FlashCharge which is fast enough. As for the speaker, it’s a decent one that will do just fine but it’s not as immersive as other smartphones in the market even at its price range.
Battery and charging
As for the battery life, the vivo V27 5G comes with a 4600mAh battery. They did sacrifice a little bit of that battery to give you a smaller and thinner body on the smartphone. However, we still got here an excellent battery life as the smartphone clocked in a score of 17 hours and 19 minutes on PC Mark Work 2.0 Battery test which is pretty long for its size.
As for charging, the smartphone was able to get a full charge in less than 50 minutes from 0 to 100 on the smartphone. This is why charging the smartphone in just a few minutes will already give you a full day of usage already.
Display
For the display of the vivo V27 5G, it comes with a 6.78-inch Full HD+ display with a curved AMOLED panel. And yes, the colors are great and it’s very usable when using the smartphone outside. The sunlight legibility was great as well.
Again, the colors are excellent which adds to the premium feel of the smartphone and again, the smartphone is really ergonomic as well big thanks to its curved glass back and of course, the curved 3D Glass on the front.
There’s 120Hz refresh rate as well which is why the smartphone is smooth when navigating along with some selected games on the smartphone.
Software and performance
Before we get down to the performance of the smartphone, the vivo V27 5G comes with FunTouch OS 13. It’s swift, smooth and it’s easy on the eyes. While there are some apps that comes preinstalled on the smartphone, most of them doesn’t annoy me at all and it’s very user friendly as well.
When it comes to performance, the vivo V27 5G performs greatly thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 processor of the smartphone along with the 12GB of RAM that can be extended up to 20GB.
The storage of the smartphone comes with 256GB of internal storage, it’s more than enough for some people. In my usage, I did enjoy the performance of the smartphone because of these things – consistency, power, and thermals.
When playing games on the smartphone like Genshin Impact, we might not have it at the highest settings possible on the smartphone, but we did have a consistent performance on the smartphone thanks to its thermals.
The smartphone doesn’t heat up that much and it only gets warm even after a while of using the smartphone for gaming. While in Call of Duty, we did experience stutters at first but after downloading the shaders, everything went well and it was smooth at the highest possible settings. IIt delivers a promising performance but again, not on a flagship level. Do check out the benchmarks of the smartphone below:
Camera
The camera of the vivo V27 5G is the smartphone’s biggest feature. It comes with a 50MP main camera with Sony IMX766V sensor and also an 8MP ultrawide and 2MP macro lens. The front camera of the smartphone is also a 50MP which is great for selfies and also for taking vlogs.
The smartphone also comes with OIS+EIS but the main star of the show is the Aura Portrait light system on the smartphone. In our shots, we noticed that the Aura Portrait Light tends to have a more natural and a ring-light effect on taking videos or photos on the smartphone.
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Noticeably, taking portrait shots at dark is a lot better thanks to the Aura Portrait Light system and as for longer exposure shots, we noticed that the night shots are brighter as well. Despite the upgraded processor, the vivo V27 5G can only record up to 4K@30fps and not 60fps but man, the stabilization on this one was good
Aura Portrait Shot
Screenshot
Verdict
Every year, the vivo V series smartphone has surprised us with its camera prowess. It might not be the most powerful everytime but the camera of the smartphone is more than enough for most people. The Dimensity 7200 processor of the smartphone is also decent enough for its power and thermals inside and the battery is something to love. But definitely, the smartphone is not the most powerful out there.
So if you’re into selfies and that’s your priority on a smartphone then do check out the vivo V27 5G.
Mihoyo, the creators of the popular Honkai: Impact 3rd and Genshin Impact, has just recently launched Honkai: Star Rail. The game is a RPG Gacha video game but unlike their previous games, this one comes with a turn-based combat but Honkai: Star Rail still share some elements from the two games including some mechanics and also their graphics and design.
Honkai: Star Rail running on Macbook Pro 14″ M1 Pro
Before you proceed to our guide, be sure that you’re using an Apple Silicon Mac. Playcover works on only M1 CPUs and if you’re still using an Intel Mac, it’s recommended that you install Windows and install the Windows client of the game instead.
Note: This might fall under client modification so use it at your own risk!
Download the latest PlayCover Nightly version here
Install PlayCover and drag it into your Applications folder
Open the PlayCover nightly app and click open on the system prompt
Click Install when prompted regarding the installation of Xcode Command Line Tools (This may take some time to install)
Authenticate the installation of osascript with Touch ID or password
Download an unencrypted Honkai: Star Rail from external sources or from your device. (You can check other external sources here)
Drag the .ipa of Honkai Star Rail and install the .ipa
Right click on the Honkai: Star Rail App and click on settings
Click on the the Bypasses tab and be sure to tick Enable Playchain and click on OK
Right click on the Honkai: Star Rail App again on the PlayCover app and click Import Keymapping and choose the Honkai: Star Rail Keymapping folder
Open and enjoy playing Honkai: Star Rail on your Mac!
It’s little bit problematic as this one is an iPad app so the keymapping isn’t perfect unlike the PC Client and you still have to rely on disabling the keymapping sometimes by pressing the option button on your keyboard to navigate on conversations and click thru the puzzles in game.
