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.
HUAWEI officially announced its latest flagship series, the HUAWEI Pura 70 Series, in the Philippines. This new lineup, set to redefine the boundaries of mobile photography and design, promises a blend of cutting-edge features and sleek aesthetics.
Revolutionizing Mobile Imaging
The HUAWEI Pura 70 Series introduces groundbreaking camera technology, including the Ultra Lighting camera system and the innovative HUAWEI XD Motion Engine. These advancements enable features like the Ultra Speed Snapshot and the industry-first Ultra Lighting Pop-out Camera, aiming to set a new standard for mobile photography.
Elegant Design Philosophy
With a focus on elegance and craftsmanship, the HUAWEI Pura 70 Series embodies a minimalist and pure design ethos. The Forward Symbol Design seamlessly integrates geometric lines with image modules, while the HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra stands out with its unique XMAGE label and a distinctive red ring accent on its Ultra Lighting Pop-out Camera lens.
Durability Redefined
Engineered for resilience, the HUAWEI Pura 70 and HUAWEI Pura 70 Pro feature Super Durable Kunlun Glass, offering enhanced resistance to falls. The HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra takes durability a step further with its Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass, combining scratch-resistant technology with superior wear, drop, and scratch resistance.
Express Your Style
The HUAWEI Pura 70 Series offers a range of vibrant color options to suit every personality. From vibrant Pink to classic Black and White editions, users can express their individuality with style. The HUAWEI Pura 70 Pro introduces minimalist colorways in Black and White, while the HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra features an Exquisite Embossed Texture design in Green and Black.
Local Pricing and Availability
The HUAWEI Pura 70 Series will be available for pre-order online starting from May 2, 2024, with prices starting at Php47,999. For more information and early-bird offers, visit the official HUAWEI website.
Aside from the Infinix GT 20 Pro that was just unveiled a few days ago, the company has also unveiled their newest gaming notebook — the Infinix GTBOOK. This notebook shares the same design of the GT 20 Pro but as expected, this comes with a powerful Intel processor inside along with Nvidia RTX graphics inside.
The product page for the gaming notebook isn’t out yet but the company has revealed that it will go up to Intel Core i9-13900H processor inside and it will have an up to Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU inside. This combination basically lets you run most of the games that are available on Windows.
Other features includes a 1.99kg weight and also a 70Wh battery inside with 190W adapter included in the box. For the cooling, Infinix call it ICE Storm 3.0 Dual-fan cooling system and then there’s the Mecha Design with adaptive LED interface as well, a design feature similar to their Infinix GT 20 Pro.
As for the display, it comes with an unspecified 16″ display with 120Hz refresh rate only and there’s the RGB keyboard as well which I suspect to be 4-zone RGB keyboard.
While for the ports, there’s the power jack, HDMI, USB-A and USB-C on one side and then there’s the USB-A, USB-C Card reader and 3.5mm audio jack on the other side.
The notebook also features a Numpad with a stroke highlight on its WASD keys and then there’s the LED strip at the back as well.
Unfortunately, no word yet regarding pricing and availability.
OPPO Philippines is running a special promotion where they will waive all labor fees for out-of-warranty phone repairs completed on May 1st, 2024 at their service centers across the Philippines.
The “Labor Free Day” promo offer applies to walk-in customers who get repairs initiated and fully completed on May 1st only. While labor costs will be free, customers still have to pay regular prices for any required spare parts.
According to OPPO, this one-day promotion provides an opportunity for users to get their devices serviced and ensure they are running optimally. The company has 27 authorized service centers around the Philippines staffed with trained technicians who can diagnose issues, perform repairs, install software updates, and provide consultations.
Customers interested in taking advantage of the free labor offer can visit any participating OPPO service center on May 1st.
