Acer Day 2024 is back for its eighth year across the Pan Asia Pacific (PAP) region, celebrating under the theme “AI’m Limitless.” This year’s event aims to inspire users to push beyond their limits and explore new possibilities with Acer’s range of PCs and lifestyle products.
Event kick-off and activities
The celebration begins with the release of the official Acer Day video and Acer Ambassadors Mission videos, featuring local personalities from the PAP region. These videos encourage users to join social challenges and discover new user experiences. Acer Day 2024 will start on August 3, with events hosted locally throughout the region.
AI-powered innovation
Andrew Hou, President of Pan-Asia Pacific Regional Operations at Acer, stated, “Acer is dedicated to enriching everyday experiences through innovative technology. This year’s celebration highlights how Acer’s AI-powered products elevate user experiences and unlock new opportunities for creativity and achievement.”
Concert highlights
The Acer Day 2024 concert will take place on August 4 at the SM MOA Arena, featuring performances by international superstar Sandara Park, P-pop group SB19, and G22. Other artists include Cup of Joe, TJ Monterde, Ebe Dancel, and Rico Blanco. The concert will feature unique performances and surprise numbers, making it an event to remember.
Back-to-school promo
In addition to the concert, SB19 and G22 have partnered for the “Acer U: Charged to Lead” Back-to-School promo, offering discounts on the latest Acer tech and athletic gear from Under Armour. Customers can save up to Php 10,000 and receive an Under Armour voucher worth up to Php 14,000 for every purchase of a participating Acer product. The promo runs until August 18, 2024, and consumers must register their units for warranty to claim the voucher.
For more information about Acer and Acer Day, visit Acer’s official website and follow its social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
HUAWEI Philippines has unveiled its latest addition to the FreeBuds wireless earbuds in the Philippines and it’s the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6i. These new wireless earbuds brings a more high-end features to a more affordable price range, with HUAWEI Philippines announcing that it will be available for under PHP 5,000.
The FreeBuds 6i comes with Huawei’s Intelligent Dynamic ANC 3.0 technology, previously found only in their premium Pro series. This active noise cancellation system adapts to 34 different scenarios, adjusting its parameters within about a second to optimize noise reduction based on the user’s environment.
Other features of the FreeBuds 6i that we can expect includes up to 35 hours of battery life (with ANC off), fast charging capability, and dual-device connection for seamless switching between devices.
The earbuds also boast an 11mm Quad-magnet Dynamic Driver for improved sound quality and redesigned ear tips made from skin-friendly liquid silicone for better comfort and fit. The HUAWEI Freebuds 6i will be available in the Philippines soon for less than Php5,000 and it will be available in White, Purple, and Black color options.
OPPO has announced an agreement with telecommunications giant Ericsson. The deal, includes a global patent cross-licensing arrangement, technical cooperation, and market expansion initiatives. Which helped both companies in the development of 5G.
IMG
At the heart of the agreement is a global cross-license covering standard-essential patents (SEPs) related to cellular communication technologies, with a particular focus on 5G. This arrangement allows both companies to leverage each other’s extensive patent portfolios, potentially accelerating innovation in the rapidly evolving 5G space.
The agreement comes at a time when OPPO’s intellectual property holdings are reaching new heights. As of June 30, 2024, the company has filed over 103,000 patent applications globally, with more than 57,000 patents granted. Notably, 91% of these applications are for utility patents, underscoring OPPO’s focus on practical innovations.
OPPO’s commitment to R&D is further evidenced by its strong showing in global patent rankings. In 2023, the company ranked ninth globally in patent applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), marking its fifth consecutive year in the global top ten.
OPPO’s position as a major player in 5G technology is clear from its patent activities in this area. The company has filed over 6,200 families of global patent applications for 5G communication standards across more than 40 countries and regions. It has also declared over 3,700 5G families to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and submitted more than 12,000 standard documents to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
For consumers, this could mean faster innovation, more advanced features, and potentially more affordable 5G devices as companies like OPPO and Ericsson pool their resources and knowledge. As the 5G era unfolds, all eyes will be on collaborations like this to see how they influence the trajectory of mobile technology.
The launch of the HONOR 200 series in the Philippines was met with overwhelming support as thousands of fans lined up nationwide. The HONOR 200, priced at Php24,999, and HONOR 200 Pro, at Php29,999, are now officially available in stores and online.
Nationwide excitement
The debut of the HONOR 200 saw long lines at key locations such as Market! Market!, SM Southmall, SM City Bacoor, SM City Batangas, and GMall Tagum. HONOR Philippines Vice President expressed gratitude towards the fans, stating, “We owe it to our HONOR fans and new enthusiasts. Captivating photos don’t have to be expensive. Head to your nearest HONOR store now.”
Meanwhile, the first day of sales was filled with activities and performances by HONOR Stars Elijah Alejo, Martin Chua, and Sophia Señoron at the HONOR Experience Store in Market! Market!. The event included a Taylor Swift song performance by Elijah Alejo and a “Guess the Phone” challenge by Martin Chua and Sophia Señoron.
Where to buy the HONOR 200 Series
The HONOR 200 and HONOR 200 Pro are available in-store nationwide and online via Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop. For more affordable options, the HONOR 200 can be purchased through Home Credit starting at Php1,619 per month.
For more information and exciting announcements, visit HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms and website.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III has arrived on Game Pass for Console, PC Game pass, and PC Game Pass Ultimate! You can finally enjoy playing the popular first person shooter game in single player campaign, multiplayer or in Zombies mode
This launch is just in time for the Season 5 launch for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III which is perfect for those who wants to go multiplayer on this game. On multiplayer, the game also features popular classic maps from Modern Warfare II and some new gameplay improvements.
If you want to access and play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III now, you may subscribe to Game Pass and just download the game immediately.
HONOR has announced a special offer for the new HONOR 200 series in the Philippines. From July 17 to 26, 2024, customers who pre-order the smartphone line will receive a free JBL Soundgear Frames, valued at Php9,499.
In case you missed it, the new HONOR 200 series enhances portrait photography with advanced AI features and collaboration with Harcourt Studio in Paris, known for its high-cost portrait sessions.
The HONOR 200 Pro boasts a 50MP Portrait Main Camera with a Super Dynamic H9000 Sensor, and 4-in-1 pixel binning technology, providing detailed images in low light. It also features a 50MP Portrait Telephoto Camera for enhanced detail and clarity in distant shots.
The HONOR 200 is priced at Php24,999, while the HONOR 200 Pro is available for Php29,999.
Meanwhile, to take advantage of its pre-order promo, visit any HONOR Experience or Partner Store, or order online via Lazada, Shopee, or TikTok Shop. The HONOR 200 is also available on Home Credit starting at Php1,619 per month.
Google has previewed its upcoming Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold in a new teaser campaign. A 30-second video showcases the Pixel 9 Pro, emphasizing its AI features, dubbed “Gemini.”
In the video, Gemini humorously writes a breakup letter to users’ old phones, highlighting the Pixel 9 series’ unique features. The Pixel 9 Pro is shown in Porcelain with the tagline “Oh hi, AI.” The design includes a matte texture on the camera bar and shiny side rails.
The Google Store page for the Pixel 9 Pro promotes a “whole new era of phones” and features a button to “Chat with Gemini,” linking to gemini.google.com.
Following the Pixel 9 Pro reveal, Google also teased the Pixel 9 Pro Fold in another short video. The teaser shows the double-stacked lenses on the rear camera module and the foldable phone’s outer screen and hinge.
Both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be officially announced at the “Made by Google 2024” event on August 13.
OPPO has introduced the A60, positioning it as the ideal smartphone for daily use with its robust durability, sleek design, and affordable pricing. Targeted at students, professionals, and anyone needing a reliable device, the A60 promises resilience and performance in demanding environments.
Built to Endure
Designed to withstand the unexpected, the OPPO A60 comes with US Military-Grade Shock Resistance certification, ensuring it remains operational even after accidental drops from heights of up to 1.22 meters. This durability also makes it a standout choice for users who prioritize reliability in their everyday gadgets.
Weather-Resistant Features
Meanwhile, with the onset of the rainy season, the A60’s Splash Touch feature and IP54 water resistance rating offer peace of mind. Users can also continue using their phones without worry, even in light rain for up to 10 minutes, thanks to its resilient design against moisture.
Equipped with a robust 5000mAh battery, the OPPO A60 guarantees uninterrupted usage throughout the day on a single charge. Additionally, its 45W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge technology ensures rapid recharging, allowing users to replenish up to 50% battery in just 30 minutes—a boon for busy lifestyles.
OPPO A60 Pricing and Availability
Available in Ripple Blue and Midnight Purple color options, the OPPO A60 offers two variants: the 8GB+128GB model for Php9,999 and the 8GB+256GB variant for Php11,999. OPPO also provides flexible payment options through Home Credit and major credit cards until July 31, 2024.
The OPPO A60 is now available for purchase on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok platforms, and interested buyers can find more information on OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph.
The Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G promised to deliver an all-around performance at an accessible price point just shy of Php14K. Hence, despite some criticism online regarding its chipset, we were eager to put this smartphone through its paces in real-world scenarios.
Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G Review: Design
The NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G is available in two distinct variants: Vintage Green, featuring a luxurious vegan leather finish, and Obsidian Black, sporting a glossy surface. We received the Vintage Green model, and we were pleasantly surprised by its premium look and feel. The vegan leather not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides a secure grip, making us feel comfortable skipping a protective case. Conversely, the Obsidian Black variant’s glossy finish tends to attract fingerprints, prompting us to recommend a clear case for added protection.
With an IP53 rating, the phone offers limited ingress and splash resistance, suitable for accidental splashes and dirt, though it should not be submerged in water.
The phone’s weight and curved design make one-handed use somewhat challenging, but its ergonomic build ensures a comfortable grip. The punch-hole selfie camera is discreetly at the top of the curved screen, maintaining a sleek appearance. On the rear, the Infinix 5G logo is positioned at the lower left, while the camera module occupies a prominent space with the main sensor located in the top left corner. Additional lenses for ultrawide and macro photography are strategically placed in the upper right and lower left, respectively.
A unique feature of the NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G is its LED flash (outer ring) and Infinix’s Active Halo Lighting (inner ring) located at the bottom right of the rear panel. The LED flash provides supplementary lighting for portrait shots and night videos, while the Active Halo Lighting could serve as a notification indicator for incoming calls and other alerts.
Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G Review: Multimedia
The phone boasts a spacious 6.78-inch AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass protection, offering a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1300 nits. We also experienced an immersive viewing experience, thanks to its impressive 93.69% screen-to-body ratio and FHD+ resolution of 2436 x 1080 pixels. Colors are vibrant, and details are sharp, too.
However, the curved edges of the screen occasionally led to unintended touches during intense gaming sessions, which required some adjustment on our part.
Audio quality is commendable, courtesy of JBL-tuned speakers. During our review, the unit delivered exceptional audio quality with clear highs and deep lows. Even at higher volumes, the sound remained crisp and distortion-free, exceeding our expectations for a smartphone in this price range.
Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G Review: Software, UI, Biometrics, Features
Operating on XOS 14 based on Android 14, the NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G offers a user-friendly interface with ample customization options. The Personalization tab under settings allows users to choose from multiple themes, wallpapers, and Always-On Display widgets, catering to diverse preferences. Adaptive brightness ensures optimal visibility in varying lighting conditions, although it may impact battery performance marginally.
Additional software enhancements include MemFusion for RAM management, ensuring smooth multitasking capabilities without noticeable lag.
Meanwhile, in terms of security, the NOTE 40 Pro+ offers standard biometric security options, including both fingerprint and face unlock features, both of which are responsive and fast.
Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G Review: Performance
Powered by the Dimensity 7020 processor, 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM, and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, the NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G delivers reliable performance across a range of tasks.
Benchmark Scores
We tested its gaming capabilities with popular titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Pokémon Unite, and we had smooth gameplay experience. However, extended gaming sessions did result in noticeable heating, although this did not affect performance significantly.
Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G Review: Camera
The NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G retains the impressive camera setup of its predecessor, featuring a 108MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for enhanced photo and video stability. While digital zoom capabilities are somewhat limited, the addition of OIS improves overall image sharpness, particularly in low-light conditions.
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We also appreciated the camera’s ability to capture natural-looking photos with accurate color reproduction, both with the rear and selfie cameras. Though its Night Mode tends to produce overexposed images.
Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G Review: Battery Life
Equipped with a 4,600mAh battery, the NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G supports 100W All-Round FastCharge technology, promising to charge the unit from empty to full in just 30 minutes. In actual usage, our battery lasted nearly 14 hours with moderate to heavy use, including social media browsing, video streaming, and occasional gaming.
Intensive gaming sessions did lead to faster battery drain, requiring more frequent recharges. For reference, during intense gaming sessions, the battery lasted just over 4 hours before dropping to 20% from a full charge.
Unfortunately, we’re not able to run it on PCMark Battery Life Test, as we couldn’t download it.
Moving on to its fast-charging feature, we noticed that within just 15 minutes, it could charge the phone from 20% to 70%. This fast charging capability is particularly impressive for users who frequently use their phone for gaming or social media.
Verdict
Priced competitively at Php13,999, the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G emerges as one of the standout choices in the mid-range smartphone market. It excels in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. These make it a compelling option for users seeking a feature-rich device without breaking the bank.
Overall, the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G left us impressed with its overall performance and value proposition. This smartphone offers a blend of style and functionality that meets expectations.
TNT has announced has announced a big feature for its eSIM service. As of July 2, 2024, users from any network can now switch to a TNT eSIM while keeping their existing phone number, thanks to the implementation of Mobile Number Portability or MNP.
This new capability from TNT addresses one of the most common issues for Filipinos considering switching to a new network. By allowing users to retain their existing numbers, TNT eliminates the need for customers to update their contacts, apps, and online accounts linked to their old numbers.
New TNT subscribers can also look forward to a range of value-packed offers including the TikTok Saya 50, which provides unlimited TikTok access, 3 GB open access data for other apps and sites, and unlimited texts to all networks, valid for three days, all for just ₱50.
Current TNT subscribers haven’t been left out. They can upgrade their physical SIM to an eSIM for only Php 89 at any Smart Store. For those looking to get a new TNT eSIM with a new number, options include ordering through the Smart Online Store or via Smart’s flagship stores on popular e-commerce platforms Lazada and Shopee.
