Lifestyle

6 awesome things that happened at Google I/O 2018

We’re living in the future!

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Google I/O happened yesterday, and if you’re not familiar with the event, all you need to know is that this is where a lot of Google announcements are made. Of course, there are run-of-the-mill stuff like Android P features or Google News improvements which are all great tech innovations. But, what really got me excited were the following things:

Google fixed the beer emoji

Hallelujah! After years of sending beer with floating foam on Friday nights and congratulatory situations, Google has finally found their way and fixed the emoji.

This move was done following the great cheeseburger controversy which Google CEO Sundar Pichai himself vowed to fix. Finally, we can live in a world where beer and cheeseburgers are properly represented by our emoji. 🍻

Tania and Ken just made everyone believe in true love

Okay, I have to be completely honest: I cried a little bit (again) as I was writing this article because I watched the video a second time. Take a look for yourself:

I’m sure the bottom line here is that technology improves lives… but can we please take a second to appreciate how grand, sweet, and amazing this love story is? They met through skydiving! Ken is also helping her develop tech that will help them (and others similarly situated) communicate! Not to mention, Tania just called Ken “the love of her life and partner in crime.” 😍

John Legend becomes a Google Assistant

A few days ago, this ad for Google Assistant featuring Chrissy Teigen and John Legend came out. It’s adorable!

Little did we know that it was a sign of things to come.

In the biggest plot twist ever, it was revealed that John Legend will be lending his voice to Google as an Assistant! Soon, we’ll all have the pleasure of hearing the award-winning singer’s voice every day.

I can totally see Chrissy celebrating the victory of being able to order John around anytime.

There will be six new voices in total and they will be available later this year.

Gmail will be able to read your mind

Well, not really, but it sort of seems like it.

Gmail’s new Smart Compose feature basically predicts what you’re about to say when typing out an email. It uses machine learning based on the stuff you’ve already typed previously and suggests possible phrases as you go. This is, in equal parts, amazing and creepy.

Now, if only your boyfriend can use machine learning to read your mind, life would be simpler. 🙄 This feature is rolling out to users this month.

Making people more polite, or at least they’ll be trained to be

Google announced a feature called Pretty Please where Google Assistant will actually reward polite user behavior with affirmations. This was designed so that children are trained to be more polite, but let’s be honest: A lot of adults need this, too.

Google Assistant just made an actual call and it was glorious

This was the most exciting scheduling call I had ever heard in my life.

Google Assistant calls up a salon and books a haircut appointment — and it sounded so human! There were no robotic pauses, no weird intonations, and no misunderstandings. Listen for yourself:

This is what the future sounds like: You could actually be talking to Google Assistant without realizing that you are!

Entertainment

KPop Demon Hunters 2 is reportedly scheduled for 2029 premiere

That’s a pretty long wait.

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“Golden” must be the most popular song this year. Months after the launch of KPop Demon Hunters, the catchy song is still an earworm. Capitalizing on the hit’s success, Netflix is already considering a sequel. Now, KPop Demon Hunters 2 has reportedly been confirmed with a distant release window.

After less than a year, KPop Demon Hunters is already Netflix’s most-watched title ever. The platform was even confident enough to release the film (and a special singalong version) in select theaters. Soon after the success, Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix kept a potential sequel in mind.

Now, according to Deadline, Netflix has greenlit the sequel for production. KPop Demon Hunters 2, or whatever it might be called, will reportedly premiere sometime in 2029.

No, it’s not just you. Four years is a lengthy wait for a sequel. Then again, animated films take much longer to make. For example, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, coincidentally also coming from Sony Pictures Animation, will premiere in 2027, which is also four years after the previous film.

However, if the Spider-Verse trilogy is any indication, the longer production time can easily churn out a film that tops charts. Both Across the Spider-Verse and KPop Demon Hunters are easily the top animated contenders of its respective years.

SEE ALSO: KPop Demon Hunters is now Netflix’s most-watched movie

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Entertainment

Xolo Maridueña cast as Portgas D. Ace in Netflix One Piece Season 3

The Fire Fist joins production later this year

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Xolo Maridueña has been cast to star as Portgas D. Ace in Season 3 of Netflix’s One Piece adaptation.

The 24-year-old actor is known for his roles in Blue Beetle and Cobra Kai. He joins previously announced new cast member Cole Escola, who shall play Bon Clay. Additional cast will be revealed in the future.

Along with this update, Netflix has bared that One Piece will return into production later this year in Cape Town, South Africa. It wasn’t long ago when Netflix confirmed that the live action adaptation is getting another season.

That was when streaming giant also released the trailer for Season 2. Officially titled One Piece: Into The Grand Line, Season 2 features the Grand Line stretch of the bigger Arabasta Saga.

@onepiecenetflix

Fire Fist has arrived, Nakama!! 🔥👊🔥 We’re thrilled to welcome Xolo Maridueña to the crew as Portgas D. Ace in ONE PIECE: Season 3! 🏴‍☠️🔥

♬ original sound – One Piece Netflix – One Piece Netflix

Portgas D. Ace joining the Netflix’s One Piece sets up the live adaptation’s expansion with the broader Arabasta Saga for Season 3.

Ace, or Fire Fist, is a crucial character, and briefly appeared after the end of the Drum Island arc to meet Luffy and help the latter’s crew in Alabasta.

His introduction is important to set up the events of Season 3, as well as the future conflict with Marshall D. Teach, or Blackbeard.

But of course, as much as fans want to get ahead of themselves, Season 2 will also set up several events and open the live action world to wider horizons for every stop their favorite Straw Hat pirates make. There’s a lot to look forward to.

Season 3’s co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers are Joe Tracz and Ian Stokes.

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Philippines

Good hair day, every day: Laifen officially arrives in the Philippines

With smart, stylish hair dryers for modern living

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Laifen

Laifen, the global brand known for precision engineering and minimalist design, is officially entering the Philippine market with a full lineup of high-speed, smart hair dryers built for everyday use.

Designed for people who want salon-level styling without the fuss, Laifen’s tools promise faster drying, safer heat control, and smoother finishes — whether you’re getting ready for work, heading out for dinner, or squeezing in a quick refresh between errands.

Since launching in 2019, Laifen has focused on creating efficient, design-led haircare tools that work for real life. Its devices have already reached more than 20 million users worldwide as of early 2025.

Now, Filipinos can finally experience the brand’s signature blend of power and care. Every model arriving locally comes equipped with smart heat monitoring and strong airflow, offering a balance of speed and protection for daily styling.

Compact, maximum performance: Laifen Mini

The Laifen Mini shows that a compact dryer doesn’t have to compromise on power. It runs on a next-gen 110,000 RPM motor that delivers fast drying while staying surprisingly quiet at just 61 dB.

Weighing only 299 grams (without nozzle and cord), it’s light enough for travel yet comfortable for full styling routines. Its Smart Temperature Control checks heat 100 times per second to protect hair, while a built-in Negative Ion Generator helps boost shine and reduce frizz.

There’s also a Child Mode for gentler drying sessions. Made from high-grade nylon with 30% fiberglass and a dual-layer magnetic filter, the Mini combines durability with hair-friendly tech.

The Laifen Mini retails for P5,799 SRP, but early shoppers can get it for P3,599 on Laifen’s official Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok stores. Available in Green, Blue, and White.

Precision meets power: Laifen SE 2

The Laifen SE 2 builds on the strengths of its predecessor with even better performance for users who want more control when styling. Its 108,000 RPM motor pushes out 21.5 m/s airflow for quick, efficient drying.

Users can fine-tune their routine with 10 styling combinations: 2 airflow levels and 5 temperature settings. Heat is regulated 80 times per second to prevent damage, while its six-layer noise reduction system keeps sound levels at just 59 dB.

The Laifen SE 2 comes in White with an SRP of P7,499, now available at a limited-time price of P4,499 on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok.

Look good, spend less: Laifen SE Lite

The Laifen SE Lite proves that affordability can still feel premium. It’s lighter, shorter, and easier to handle than the SE, with a balanced body designed for longer sessions.

Its high-speed drying system saves time, while 150 million negative ions help cut down frizz and leave hair smoother. A six-layer noise reduction setup brings sound down to a calm 62 dB, and Smart Temperature Control — adjusting heat 50 times per second — helps protect hair from damage.

Available in Tan, Pink, and Purple, the SE Lite retails for P3,799 and can be purchased for as low as P1,999 during the launch period on Laifen’s official social commerce platforms.

Get your Laifen Hair Dryer today

Laifen’s debut lineup is now available nationwide and online via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok. Early buyers can enjoy limited-time discounts plus a free comb while stocks last. A special launch bundle is also available: purchase the Laifen SE 2 or Laifen SE Lite and get 50% off a waterproof bag. New followers can also redeem a P100 OFF voucher for additional savings.

If you want, I can convert this into strict N1 format, tighten the lifestyle tone further, or adjust the length.

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