Her GadgetMatch

Making the case for white smartphones

White over gradient, any day

Published

September 12, 2018

Chay Lazaro

Trends come and go. Apart from notches and tall displays, 2018 saw playful colors and gradients make a big splash in the world of smartphones. I appreciate and celebrate this trend not only because as a producer I want our videos to look different each time, but also because it’s consumers who really benefit the most from having more options.

We’re seeing so many bold colors and gradients on phones this year because the line between technology and fashion is as blurry as ever. Smartphones in particular are no longer just handy computing devices; they’ve slowly become a status symbol and a fashion statement.

While I always wish phones came in more colors and never hide my excitement every time a new phone is released in my favorite shade of blue, I found myself drooling over those that come in white more. Even if flashy gradients are all the rage these days, here’s why I’d rather buy a white smartphone in 2018.

Mixing and matching is not a problem

The Mi Mix 2s is an all-white phone that comes with a matching matte white case out of the box

Having a colored phone doesn’t stop anyone from buying cases that may or may not match them, but do know that color blocking takes a whole different level of sartorial power. Using a clear plastic case to show off that beautiful back isn’t exactly making a statement either, lest you should look kitschy.

In the case of white phones (no pun intended), it’s easier to find one in whatever color and material you might like. Whether you’re feeling bold, feminine, or effortless, you’re sure to find a whole range of options that won’t clash with both your device and your look.

It’s not a fingerprint magnet

The Nokia 7 Plus has a matte back and metallic copper accents

Unlike clothes, shoes, or bags wherein white almost always attracts stains, smudges aren’t as visible on white phones, a pain point of a lot of gadgets these days, glossy or matte. Use it without a case and a white phone will look just as pristine as it did on day one — unless you drop it.

White is timeless

A white, pearlescent Huawei P20 Pro was recently announced in Berlin, some six months after the phone launched

If fashion shows are any indication, whether it’s several brands’ 2019 spring/summer collection or autumn/winter looks from five years ago, white will always be on trend.

Gadgets are an investment, and like a lot of classic pieces in your wardrobe, they should last a few years without going out of style. If you’re spending so much on a smartphone, wouldn’t you want to buy something you’d want to use for a really long time, instead of a color that was cool for just one season?

For some people, that classic shade is black, but in so many ways it’s become a generic choice in my eyes. I also associate black more with either hardcore tech or the cheap-looking devices of the past, instead of modernity and panache.

It’s bold, not boring

In an industry that puts a premium on standing out and being different, there’s value in carrying a device that doesn’t scream for attention all the time. Take it from the Duchess of Cambridge herself, a fashion icon, trendsetter, and outfit repeater: toning it down is a virtue.

Picking white over colored phones is safe, but like all-white outfits, it’s a choice that also represents confidence, simplicity, and elegance all at the same time.

Some may argue that white is too plain, that bold colors are the future, or that once you go black you’ll never go back. What I know is this: White doesn’t have to be boring; there are so many subtle ways to make it look different without being over-the-top. It’s flexible and chic; you can dress it up or dress it down as you please.

At the end of the day, one color isn’t really better than the other as it ultimately boils down to preference, and options are important in finding one’s ultimate GadgetMatch. But if standing out is what you feel will get you far in life, ask yourself if you’d really rather let a phone steal the spotlight away from the one that truly matters — YOU.

Related Topics:featured Huawei Huawei P20 Pro Mi Mix 2S Nokia Nokia 7 Plus P20 Pro specials Xiaomi Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S

Accessories

Dyson Airstrait: Hair straightening with air, not heat

Less heat, less damage

Published

March 27, 2024

Her

People may now straighten hair without worrying about heat damage. Dyson has launched the new Dyson Airstrait hair straightener, ushering a new era in hair straightening. As the product name suggests, this innovative tool introduces a new way to straighten hair using just air.

The Airstrait has a simple wet-to-dry straightening process. Airflow is accelerated through the two arms’ 1.5mm openings, creating a high-velocity downward blade of air at a specific angle. This creates a controlled downward force to straighten hair simultaneously as it dries.

With the tool, stylers can achieve a naturally straight and shiny finish that maintains the hair’s strength and healthy look. The Airstrait also speeds the process up by about 25%. What’s best is there is no heat damage, unlike traditional straighteners.

Designed for multiple hair types

The Airstrait runs on a specifically-engineered Hyperdymium motor, a 13-blade impeller that spins up to 106,000rpm and generates 3.5kPa of pressure. Like Dyson’s hair care range, the Airstrait features intelligent heat control that measures the airflow’s temperature to ensure there is no damage.

Users may switch between two styling modes: Wet and Dry. The Wet and Dry modes are pre-set with specific heat and airflow combinations for the best results. A Cool mode is also available to set the style. Moreover, the airflow control has two speed settings, low and high. Drying, meanwhile, can be set to cold shot or root drying.

The science

Dyson has constantly invested a lot financially in research and technology development to craft innovative products in its specific industry. In creating the Airstrait, Dyson engineers studied every detail, from airflow dynamics to hair structure. They also considered thermal, mechanical, and chemical damage and their effects to hair health.

In the end, the Airstrait works based on one key principle. In styling hair to a new shape, hydrogen bonds from each hair strand are broken down. Traditionally, this is done through heat or moisture. But Dyson came up with a tool that just lets water weaken the hydrogen bonds, and then style hair with the optimum level of heat and controlled airflow.

Price, availability

The Dyson Airstrait is available starting April 16 in two colorways: Bright Nickel/Rich Copper and Prussian Blue/Rich Copper. It is priced at PhP 33,900.

Those interested in preordering may already do using this link: Dyson Airstrait

Her GadgetMatch

Filipina who created Window Garden joins Google Play program

More indie games to come?

Published

March 24, 2024

Her

Filipina-owned CLOVER-FI Games is taking the next step to build more accessible mobile games through Google Play. One-woman developer and publisher Camilla Santiago is representing the country at Google Play’s Indie Games Accelerator (IGA) program this year.

Her CLOVER-FI Games studio is behind hit local game Window Garden. The idle game lets players plant and decorate their own virtual indoor garden while relaxing in chill vibes, lo-fi music, and a cottagecore aesthetic. It was released in October 2021, back when Santiago learned app development amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Windows Garden has since amassed a million downloads. In almost three years, it has been received well by gamers with a 4.7 rating based on more than 8,200 reviews.

Google Play IGA

The Google Play IGA is a 10-week course designed for high-potential indie game studios. The program allows these startups to access the best of Google’s programs, products, people, and technology to be able to build and improve a successful organization.

The last Philippine representative in the program was Ranida Games, which had created one-on-one fighting game Vita Fighters. Through IGA, the title received benefits, allowing the developers to improve it.

Like Ranida Games, Santiago’s CLOVER-FI Games is just getting started. Her studio’s goal is to ultimately create more cozy-themed games that are accessible to everyone through mobile platforms.

With the help of the IGA, Santiago will be equipped with the necessary skills and experience needed to create another potentially successful title just like Window Garden. We can only wait as she empowers Filipinas through her craft.

Her GadgetMatch

Dyson unveils ‘most intelligent hair dryer’ yet

The Supersonic Nural

Published

March 18, 2024

Her

During its global launch event in Seoul, South Korea, Dyson has unveiled its “most intelligent hair dryer” yet: The Dyson Supersonic Nural.

The styling tool harnesses Dyson’s new automatic Nural sensor technology to protect scalp health and enhance hair’s natural shine.

One of the Dyson Supersonic Nural’s key features is a Scalp protect mode which is activated by the Nural sensors.

This automatically reduces the dryer’s heat as it nears a person’s head, protecting the scalp from damage. The process is done by having the sensors recognize when the dryer is already nearing the person’s head.

In addition, the Supersonic Nural’s LED light automatically changes under Scalp mode, depending on the distance from the head. Users will see yellow for low heat, orange for medium heat, and red for high heat, for convenient usage.

Moreover, the tool intelligently remembers your last used heat and airflow settings and will apply them the next time it is in use.

Price, availability

The Dyson Supersonic Nural comes in two color palettes: Ceramic Patina and Topaz or Vinca Blue and Topaz.

The entire package will come with five attachments, including two new ones: