News

HTC’s U11 flagship beats Google Pixel at DxOMark

Published

May 16, 2017

Marvin Velasco

We learned a lot about the HTC U11 in the leaked hands-on video — from its squeezable body to a couple of specs — but we learned something even more important during the official launch: Its camera beats the Google Pixel at DxOMark.

With a score of 90, HTC’s new flagship smartphone has one point more than the previous champ, the Pixel. That’s a major feat, considering how many believe Google’s pride and joy has the best camera to date. Of course, we’ll have to wait for real-world tests before knowing for sure if its 12-megapixel camera is truly king.

As leaked earlier, the U11 has a high-end Snapdragon 835 processor and 4GB of memory (6GB for certain regions). On top of that, a 5.5-inch Quad HD LCD, base amount of 64GB of storage, and sufficient 3000mAh battery capacity round up the specifications. You’ll probably miss the 3.5mm audio port, but IP67-rated water and dust resistance has been added to the all-glass and metal phone.

But what really matters is HTC’s new Edge Sense, which allows you to squeeze the pressure-sensitive edges for additional functions. You could tighten your grip to turn on the camera app and take a photo. Squeezing a little longer activates the flashlight or any other feature you choose. What’s important is the amount of pressure can be adjusted, as well.

How useful and intuitive this will actually be is still the question. If history repeats itself, Edge Sense may end up like Force or 3D Touch for Huawei and Apple — which means barely implemented at all in most apps.

Another aspect HTC showed off during the presentation is the U11’s audio capabilities. In exchange for having no headphone jack, there’s a bundled pair of USB-C earphones with active noise canceling and high-resolution sounds. In addition, users are treated to four separate microphones for 3D audio recording while shooting videos.

Luckily, the asking price is not as eye-popping as HTC’s other flagship, the U Ultra. Starting at $649, the U11 is $100 cheaper than its larger counterpart while having significantly better specs. Available colors are silver, blue, black, white, and red.

Shipping will begin this month, with most of the world receiving it in June — just in time to compete with the Sony Xperia XZ Premium and Xiaomi Mi 6.

SEE MORE: HTC’s ‘unexpected surprise’ is surprisingly disappointing

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Gaming

FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods delayed to 2027

The game needs more development time.

Published

October 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

It’s been a while since the last time we got a FromSoftware game. Elden Ring Nightreign felt like an age ago, even if it was launched just last year. Plus, the title isn’t even a new one, technically, since it’s just building off of Elden Ring. Unfortunately, our wait for a new FromSoftware game has to go on for a little bit longer. FromSoftware has delayed the launch of The Duskbloods to 2027.

The Duskbloods is an interesting addition to the FromSoftware oeuvre. Compared to the usual fare, the Switch-exclusive title is a multiplayer extraction game with a distinctly Bloodborne-like feel. If you’re used to FromSoftware’s usual formula, The Duskbloods represents a huge change.

But it’s a welcome one, nonetheless. If the recently released Elden Ring port of the Switch 2 is any indication, FromSoftware does have a handle of what performance looks like on the console.

Sadly, the new title needs a bit more time in the oven. Citing “final adjustments to game rules and balancing,” FromSoftware is delaying the launch of the game to 2027. According to the studio, this is in response to the successful network test a while back.

The delay shouldn’t come off as a surprise. Though the studio promised a 2026 launch for the title, most of the year has passed without a definite launch date. That was already a telltale sign that a delay was coming.

At the very least, the delay comes with the benefit of launching the game farther away from Grand Theft Auto VI and the Ocarina of Time remake, which will surely dominate holiday gaming this year.

Laptops

Yes, you can turn off the MacBook Pro’s touchscreen display

No need to complain anymore.

Published

October 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The launch of the new MacBook Pro is a polarizing one, to say the least. The notebook introduces a new touchscreen feature that isn’t really an automatic hit for fans. Some have even pointed out how Steve Jobs once said that touchscreen MacBooks were a bad idea. If you’re a part of this group, a new discovery might alleviate your worries a little bit. Apparently, you can turn off the new MacBook Pro’s touchscreen functionalities.

According to MacStories’s Federico Viticci, the new MacBook Pro with Touch includes accessibility features that can turn off the touchscreen entirely. Other early testers have also corroborated this option.

A touchscreen notebook isn’t the most popular type of laptop. Though this particular display has been available for quite a while, it hasn’t really taken off. Case in point, Apple’s announcement hasn’t been met with the warmest of fanfare.

It’s also telling that Apple baked in a way to turn this setting off. At the very least, we didn’t have to wait a while. The hullabaloo is reminiscent of the reception to Liquid Glass, another polarizing feature that Apple eventually made configurable for detractors.

Also, this isn’t the first time that Apple tried experimenting with the MacBook. Do you remember the short-lived Touch Bar?

Strangely, it’s such a strong contrast to the MacBook Neo launched earlier this year. Whereas that particular model debuted to applause, the new MacBook Pro attracted more raised eyebrows.

News

TechLife Pad Neo SE: Price, availability in the Philippines

Now available at PhP 8,999 SRP, with deals on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

Published

October 29, 2026

GadgetMatch

TechLife has officially launched the Pad Neo SE. It’s a 10.1-inch tablet aimed at families, positioned as a study device first, with room for creativity and after-school entertainment. It comes in Space Grey, Bubble Blue, and Aurora Green.

The Eye Comfort Display is the main draw. The larger screen gives kids more space for research and online classes. It’s designed to keep longer study sessions easier on the eyes.

Dual stereo speakers handle lessons and shared family viewing, while split-screen support lets kids and parents run two tasks at once.

The tablet supports Smart Parental Control and Google Kids Space. Parents can pick the apps, books, videos, and learning content their kids can access.

For the hardware, the Pad Neo SE runs Android 16 on an octa-core processor. It offers up to 8GB of RAM, including memory expansion, and 64GB of storage that can be expanded up to 1TB.

Also, its 6000mAh battery last through a full school day of classes and lessons. Rounding out the spec sheet are 5MP front and rear cameras and the Google Gemini AI assistant.

Price, availability in the Philippines

The Pad Neo SE retails at PhP 8,999. With vouchers, it can go for as low as PhP 7,099 on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

As part of TechLife’s Peak Season offers, which run from October 29, 2026 to January 3, 2027, buyers get a free Folio Case or a free Power Bank R211 5,000mAh, depending on availability. An online giveaway for the Pad Neo SE also starts October 29 on TechLife’s official social media pages.

Vouchers apply to participating online platforms only. Stocks and vouchers are limited. Freebies are available while supplies last.