Smart and UnionBank are offering a deal for subscribers looking to upgrade to the latest 5G iPhone models. Customers can get up to P5,000 cashback when they purchase select iPhones using a new UnionBank credit card at Smart stores.
The promo is open to Smart Prepaid, Smart Postpaid, and Smart Infinity subscribers who sign up for a UnionBank credit card between April 26 to July 7, 2024. They can then purchase their preferred iPhone at 0% interest for 12 or 24 months, with the cashback amount based on the device cost and installment term.
The flagship iPhone 15 with 128GB storage is available for as low as P2,033 per month for 24 months or P4,067 per month for 12 months using a UnionBank credit card. Other iPhone models like the 14, 13, 12, and 11 series are also included.
To take advantage of this promo, Smart Prepaid and Postpaid customers need to apply for the UnionBank Rewards Credit Card, while Smart Infinity members should get the UnionBank Miles+ Credit Card. New cardholders enjoy added perks like no annual fees for life with minimum spend.
The promo runs until July 7, 2024 at select Smart stores nationwide.
The HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra has managed to get the top spot in DxOMark’s smartphone camera rankings. The popular website awarded the Pura 70 Ultra an overall camera score of 163 after putting it through different testings across different imaging scenarios.\
This achievement is a significant advancement in mobile photography capabilities for HUAWEI’s latest premium device compared to its predecessors as well as other phones currently on the market.
The HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra’s imaging is headlined by the 50MP Ultra Lighting Pop-out Camera. This retractable design allows for a large 1-inch sensor size and wide aperture in a relatively compact body of the smartphone.
The camera also includes a 40MP ultra-wide angle shooter and a 50MP Ultra Lighting Macro Telephoto Camera that enables close-up shots with detail. The Pura 70 Ultra also boasts a 200x zoom range.
Other key camera features highlighted by DxOMark include an Ultra Lighting Super Macro mode with 35x magnification, improved portrait photography capabilities with natural bokeh rendering, and HUAWEI’s XD Motion Engine that allows freezing fast motion while retaining background details.
DxOMark’s rankings are based on comprehensive testing methodologies evaluating all aspects of a camera’s capabilities.
HONOR has officially launched its latest flagship smartphone, the HONOR Magic6 Pro, in the Philippines.
The HONOR Magic6 Pro features a stunning 6.8-inch LTPO Quad Curved Floating Screen, boasting a resolution of 2800 x 1280 pixels. This immersive display offers vibrant colors and exceptional detail, elevating the user experience to new heights.
Under the hood, it is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, coupled with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage capacity.
Equipped with a triple rear camera system, the HONOR Magic6 Pro is a photography powerhouse. The setup includes a 180MP Periscope Telephoto Camera, a 50MP Super Dynamic Falcon Main Camera, and a 50MP ultrawide unit. Enhanced by advanced technologies like the Falcon Capture Algorithm and All Range AI Motion Sensing capture, this smartphone delivers stunning images and videos with unparalleled clarity and detail.
The device houses a robust 5600mAh HONOR 2nd Generation Silicon-carbon Battery, ensuring extended battery life to keep up with your busy lifestyle. With support for 80W Wired and 66W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge, you can quickly recharge your device and stay connected throughout the day.
Additionally, it boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, making it suitable for various environments.
Exclusive Pre-order Offer
Priced at Php59,999, the HONOR Magic6 Pro will be available for pre-order in the Philippines from May 9 to 17, 2024. During this pre-order period, customers can take advantage of an exclusive bundle offer, receiving a FREE Harman Kardon Luna (worth Php9,499) and HONOR Choice X3 Earbuds (worth Php2,200), totaling Php11,699 in freebies.
You can score the device on leading online platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, or TikTok Shop.
So, are you getting one?
Let us know what you think in the comment section!
Apple has just unveiled the brand-new iPad Pros and this time, they just got a redesign for the tablet as they now come with a thinner design and this time, it’s the first device to sport the M4 processor which isn’t even out yet on the Macs! The iPad Pro will also have support for the brand new accessories such as the Apple Pencil Pro and the new Magic Keyboard.
The iPad Pro that was unveiled is the thinnest Apple product ever at just 5.3mm thin for the 11” and 5.1mm thin for the 13” with both devices getting significantly lighter than ever.
They’re also proud of the tandem OLED display which combines two OLED panels to provide really bright display that can reach up to 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR and also a superb colors as well.
While the M4 chip inside the iPad Pro brings a faster AI performance with its upgraded NPU inside with Neutral performance that can go up to 38 TOPS which can be taken advantage using Final Cut Pro on the iPad Pro. It will also come with ray tracing support for games and also better performance as well. While for the camera, it loses the ultrawide rear camera but it comes with a 12MP back camera with LiDar.
The new Apple Pencil Pro foes support a lot of new features as well including Find My, barrel roll, haptic feedback and a lot more. However, the Pencil Pro only supports the iPad Pro 2024 and also the iPad Air M2. While for the new Magic Keyboard, it now comes with an aluminum palm rest and also a larger trackpad. It also comes with a function keys this time.
The iPad Pro now starts at a more expensive price of USD 999 for the 11” and UD 1299 for the 13”
Apple has just unveiled the brand-new iPad Air today but this time, it now comes in a larger 13″ display and also a more powerful hardware inside including a landscape that is now made for landscape mode.
As for the chip, it now comes with an M2 chip inside which is last year’s iPad Pro processor while the design remains the same on the iPad Air even on the 13″ variant. While for the body, it still comes with a recycled aluminum body which is available in Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray.
Since the iPad now comes with M2 chip, it also supports Apple Pencil Hover which is a feature that we’ve seen on the iPad Pro. The iPad Air also has a 12MP single camera at the back, supports up to 1TB storage and it supports 5G as well. Just like before, it supports Apple Pencil and also the Magic Keyboard.
The iPad Air comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The 11″ iPad Air starts at $599 while the 13″ starts at $799.
Looks like Apple is eyeing on launching a 20.3-inch foldable device next year according to multiple analysts in where they claim that Apple will begin mass production of the foldable Macbook by late 2025 and also a foldable iPhone this 2026.
One of the reliable analysts, Ming-Chi Kuo has reported before that Apple is currently working on a foldable Macbook for 2027 but it looks like it will be launched this 2026 while Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has said that Apple is currently exploring a dual-display foldable Macbook/iPad hybrid.
While Jeff Pu believes that Apple has accelerated their work on foldable devices with a new foldable Apple device coming soon and they’re exploring a 7.9-inch and 8.3-inch foldable iPhones.
Finding the right laptop that balances productivity and entertainment is crucial, most especially if you’re a working adult or a student. The ASUS Vivobook 16 aims to meet these demands, boasting a sleek design and promising performance.
So, in this review, let’s see if it lives up to the expectations.
ASUS VIVOBOOK 16 PHYSIQUE
When it comes to the physique of the ASUS Vivobook 16, there’s no denying its bold and sturdy build, complemented by premium aesthetics that catch the eye. We just don’t like how its body can easily attract smudges and fingerprints, which are hard to remove even if we’re using a microfiber cloth. So, good luck if you have sweaty hands.
At 1.8KG, it might not be the lightest option for those who prefer working on-the-go. Despite its weight, the device still gives off an elegant look with its sleek black color and modern design. Notably, the inclusion of model branding on the back cover adds a touch of sophistication, allowing users to flaunt their device model with pride.
Upon opening the laptop, you’re greeted by a spacious full keyboard and a generously sized touchpad, providing a comfortable and intuitive typing experience. What sets this keyboard apart is its enhanced number key layout, complete with hotkeys for functions like the calculator and CE, ensuring seamless number entry for working adults. Moreover, the keyboard produces minimal sound when pressed, and its backlight offers three brightness levels, adapting to different working environments.
The trackpad is another standout feature, boasting a large surface area that facilitates effortless navigation and multitasking. Whether clicking, scrolling, or swiping through tasks, the trackpad delivers smooth and responsive performance, rivaling that of a traditional mouse.
Meanwhile, one aspect worth highlighting is the ASUS Antibacterial Guard, a unique feature that instills confidence, especially when using the device in public spaces like cafes. ASUS claimed that this technology utilizes a special surface treatment that inhibits the growth of bacteria by over 99% within a 24-hour period, ensuring a clean and sanitary laptop surface. With its promise of lasting protection for up to three years, users can enjoy peace of mind knowing their device is safeguarded against potentially harmful bacteria.
In essence, the ASUS Vivobook 16 excels in both design and ergonomics, offering a blend of style and functionality that enhances the overall user experience.
ASUS VIVOBOOK 16 MULTIMEDIA
When it comes to multimedia, the ASUS Vivobook 16 doesn’t disappoint. We were immediately impressed by its impressive 16-inch LCD wide-view three-sided NanoEdge display. Whether we were working on tasks or watching videos, this display enhanced every aspect of our multimedia experience.
The 16:10 aspect-ratio of the display truly made a difference, especially when multitasking. From writing articles while watching videos to viewing documents and navigating through applications, the Vivobook 16’s display ensured a seamless and immersive experience. Plus, the 180-degree hinge allowed us to find the perfect viewing angle, whether we were working or unwinding.
In terms of visual quality, the Vivobook 16 offered decent brightness and TÜV Rheinland low blue-light certification, protecting our eyes during extended screen time. While it may not boast the visual prowess of OLED displays, the LCD screen delivered a crisp and clear image, considering its affordable price point. We also didn’t encounter any glare issues during our usage, further enhancing the viewing experience.
But multimedia isn’t just about visuals—it’s also about audio quality. The Vivobook 16 excelled in this department, making it ideal for attending online meetings or video calls. Thanks to its AI noise-canceling technology, ambient noise was filtered out, ensuring optimal group conference-call quality. Additionally, features like ASUS 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) Technology and webcam effects in MyASUS enhanced the video-calling experience, delivering sharp and clear images during calls. With background blurring, lighting optimization, motion tracking, and eye tracking, we enjoyed enhanced privacy and clarity during video calls.
ASUS VIVOBOOK 16 CONNECTIVITY
During our time with the device, we found its connectivity options to be comprehensive and hassle-free whether we needed to connect peripherals, displays, or external devices.
Thanks to its array of ports, including 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 1x HDMI 1.4, and 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, we were able to connect all our existing devices without any issues easily. From external hard drives to projectors, the Vivobook 16 seamlessly integrated with our workflow, enhancing our productivity.
Meanwhile, we were equally impressed with wireless connectivity. The laptop’s WiFi 6 capability ensured lightning-fast online connectivity without any issue.
Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity was seamless, allowing us to connect wireless peripherals such as headphones or speakers effortlessly. And even if we were in a crowded coffee shop or a quiet home office, the Vivobook 16 maintained a stable Bluetooth connection, enhancing our overall user experience.
ASUS VIVOBOOK 16 SECURITY
When it comes to protecting our personal data and privacy, the ASUS Vivobook 16 doesn’t compromise.
One standout feature is the built-in fingerprint sensor located on the touchpad. This works seamlessly with Windows Hello for secure and convenient authentication. It also allowed us to quickly and securely unlock the device without the need for passwords.
In addition to the fingerprint sensor, the Vivobook 16 also comes equipped with a physical webcam privacy shield. This feature provided us with reassurance, especially when using the device in public spaces or connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
Also, we often find ourselves working remotely, where the security of our personal data is paramount. But with these built-in security features, we felt confident in the device’s ability to protect our sensitive information. This allows us to focus on our tasks without worrying about potential security threats.
ASUS VIVOBOOK 16 PERFORMANCE
The ASUS Vivobook 16 is powered by 12th Gen Intel Core processors, combined with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. These provide ample power for smooth multitasking and productivity. As our main driver, we found that the device effortlessly handled all our daily tasks, whether we were working from home, on the go, or simply browsing the web.
Here’s its benchmark scores:
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VRMark Blue Room
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VRMark Cyan Room
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VRMark Orange Room
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PCMark Extended
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PCMark 10
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PCMark Express
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3DMark Night Raid
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3DMark Strike Score
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3DMark Fire Strike Extreme
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3DMark Fire Strike Ultra
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3DMark CPU Profile
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3DMark Time Spy Extreme
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3DMark Time Spy
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Considering its price point, it’s noteworthy that the Vivobook 16 was able to achieve 100+ fps while playing Valorant, which is quite impressive for a budget laptop. However, it’s important to mention that we also experienced some frame drops during gameplay.
While Playing Valorant
Meanwhile, the upgraded cooling system of the device is noteworthy. With dual vents, a heat pipe, and an IceBlade fan, it effectively dissipates heat, ensuring optimal performance even during prolonged usage.
However, during heavy usage such as gaming or running graphics-intensive applications, we noticed that the device tends to heat up significantly. While it remains manageable and doesn’t significantly impact overall performance for casual tasks, the heat becomes noticeable during more demanding tasks.
ASUS VIVOBOOK 16 BATTERY
Using it non-stop for work-related tasks would only last 4-5 hours before needing to recharge. Similarly, it allowed us to finish a 2-hour movie with only 30% battery remaining.
When it comes to gaming, we also noticed a significant decrease in battery life. Based on our experience, the device can only last around 1-2 hours before prompting us to plug it in. While this may not be ideal for extended gaming sessions, it’s important to note that ASUS primarily designed this for productivity tasks rather than gaming.
Meanwhile, charging the device usually took us over an hour to reach full capacity. Additionally, we hope that future models will include a USB-C charging cable/port. With this, it can avoid the need for multiple cables, especially when working on-the-go.
VERDICT
The ASUS Vivobook 16 offers a compelling combination of performance and productivity features at an affordable price. Of course, it is NOT the best option for gamers. However, it excels in catering to the needs of casual users seeking a reliable workhorse. For us, the Vivobook 16 is a worthy investment for those looking to enhance their digital experience.
The ASUS Vivobook 16 is available for only Php27,995. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers seeking value and versatility in a laptop.
Sony has reversed a controversial update for Helldivers 2. The update, originally planned for May 6th, would have forced all players, including those on PC, to link their accounts with the PlayStation Network.
This decision sparked a massive backlash from the Helldivers 2 community. A lot of people felt that it was unnecessary and PSN is officially available only in selected countries.
Helldivers fans — we’ve heard your feedback on the Helldivers 2 account linking update. The May 6 update, which would have required Steam and PlayStation Network account linking for new players and for current players beginning May 30, will not be moving forward.
Helldivers 2 players voiced their disapproval through reviews which is now mostly negative on Steam. Because of this, Sony announced on X (Formerly Twitter) that the update requiring PSN account linking has been cancelled.
Lenovo Philippines has announced its Back-to-School campaign, offering deals and free add-ons with select laptop purchases from May 1 to June 30, 2024. The promotion is aimed at students as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
During the two-month campaign period, buyers can enjoy up to ₱5,295 worth of free items when purchasing eligible Lenovo devices, including IdeaPad, LOQ, Yoga, and Legion laptops.
The free add-on items available for selection include the Lenovo Go USBC-C Wireless Mouse, Peripage Mini Printer, Canon Pixma MG2570S printer, Lenovo D24-40 monitor, or an 8GB RAM upgrade.
Lenovo Philippines emphasizes that the company’s goal is to help students maximize their potential by providing them with the latest technology. The Back-to-School campaign is part of Lenovo’s broader vision to deliver “Smarter Technology for All” and build a more inclusive and smarter future for everyone.
Interested buyers can visit promotions.lenovo.com for the complete list of participating products and additional information.
Anthropic, the AI company behind Claude, has released an iOS app allowing users to access the AI assistant on their iPhone anytime.
The new Claude app for iOS devices was announced last May 1 along with the launch of the new Claude Team plan for businesses and teams. The iOS app is available as a free download from the Apple App Store for all existing Claude users.
You can have seamless sync with previous Claude conversations from the web app and you still have vision capabilities to analyze photos and real-world images on the app.
The release also introduced Anthropic’s Team plan providing increased usage, access to the latest Claude model versions like Claude 3, longer context windows, admin controls, and priority access starting at $30 per user per month.
