Lifestyle
6 awesome things that happened at Google I/O 2018
We’re living in the future!
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!
Features
Inside Infinix’s first global concept store in Bali
Infinix’s first global concept store pairs gadgets with a coffee bar and a robotic arm.
Bali is an island people visit to slow down. It makes sense that Infinix picked it for a store that wants you to stay awhile.
The brand unveiled its first global Flagship Concept Store there. It’s also the first store of this format within parent company Transsion Holdings’ brand portfolio.
Coffee break, Infinix style
The experience begins before you step inside. The store’s futuristic design and digital visuals are meant to catch your eye from the outside.
Once you’re in, a robotic-arm installation anchors the space, which looks like a technological imagination turned into a bold visual statement.
The store’s other signature element is n_x, Infinix’s locally developed coffee brand. For Infinix, a simple coffee break here is an invitation to slow down and enjoy a laid-back moment in the middle of a busy day.
You can catch up with a friend over a cup or take a few minutes for yourself. Together with the robotic arm, n_x gives the store a more relaxed and imaginative side.
The tech hasn’t gone anywhere, though. The smartphone lineup includes the NOTE 60 and HOT 70 series along with the GT 50 Pro.
Infinix’s broader AIoT ecosystem is on display as well, with recent products like the ZCLIP 2 Pro clip-on earbuds and SPACE Max wireless headphones.
The XEnergy portable power stations are also part of the lineup.
Making Sense of “1+2+X”
Infinix calls the format its “1+2+X” retail concept. The “1” is the full technology experience, and the “2” refers to the two signature elements, n_x and the robotic arm.
The “X” is the open-ended part. Infinix plans on bringing gaming, music, sports, creative partnerships, interactive content, and community activities over time.
The brand wants to work with artists, musicians, and other creative talents on original content and experiences, rather than only featuring established names or one-off partnerships.
Visitors can also take part through shared experiences, content creation, and feedback. The plan is for the store to keep introducing new collaborations, creative displays, and lifestyle activities after opening, so regulars have fresh reasons to return.
Beyond Bali
Looking ahead, Infinix hopes the Bali store develops a recognizable identity of its own and becomes a destination people return to for its atmosphere and community as much as its products.
The brand also says this opening is the start of a broader retail push, with five more flagship stores planned across Indonesia this year.
Similar concept-led stores are also being explored in other markets. Infinix states that future locations won’t copy the Bali format and will be adapted to local cultures and lifestyles.
Lifestyle
Your coffee nook is getting a makeover with Starbucks’ holiday collections
Seven collections and a Lazada exclusive arrive from November 3 to December 1.
Starbucks Philippines is rolling out its holiday merchandise in waves, starting November 3, and this year’s lineup treats your daily tumbler as a fashion accessory. Here’s what’s arriving, sorted by release dates.
November 3
Midnight Muse (“Wrapped in Sophistication”) is the sparkle-forward pick, with metallic finishes and delicate embellishments.
The 14oz Mug has rhinestone details and a gold rim (PhP 2,645), and the 16oz Mug with Phone Charm comes with a pearl phone chain (PhP 2,245).
The Mini Bag is PhP 1,395, and the Bag Charm, which has heart, clover and flower charms plus a fluffy pom, is PhP 925.
Dusk to Dawn Chic pairs floral artwork with a day-to-night look. Priced at PhP 3,095, it’s sold as a set of 4.9oz stainless steel tumblers with leak-proof lids.
Snow and Ribbon brings festive silk-print artwork to reusable cups, with four designs to collect. The 16oz cups are PhP 245, and the 24oz cups are PhP 285.
On Lazada, the Mallow Charm Bundles pair select holiday drinkware with a Mallow Charm. That includes the 16oz Snowman Marshmallow Coffee Time Tumbler. They’re sold exclusively through the Starbucks Lazada Flagship Store.
November 16
Geometric Holiday (“Wrapped in Vibrance”) is the maximalist collection, with bold patterns throughout. The 19oz Tumbler has a carry handle and a tea infuser lid (PhP 1,595), and the 18oz Cold Cup comes with a cardholder (PhP 2,295). The Bearista
Plushie in a red suit doubles as a bag (PhP 2,145), and the Coffee Coaster, made from recycled coffee waste, is PhP 695.
Champagne Shimmer is all metallic finishes and lightweight, compact designs. The 16oz Cold Cup with Straw Charm has a star-shaped charm and an embossed Siren logo (PhP 2,075). The 8oz Stainless Steel Tumbler is shaped like the classic Starbucks paper cup (PhP 1,895).
The 29th Anniversary collection takes its cues from the sea, with pearlescent finishes and mermaid details. The 12oz Ceramic Siren Mug is PhP 1,345, and the 12oz Ceramic Shell Mug has a seashell-inspired handle (PhP 1,395).
The 16oz Tumbler with Pouch comes with a shell-shaped earbuds pouch (PhP 2,245), and the Canvas Tote Bag has a charm-friendly ring on the handle (PhP 1,295).
December 1
Moonlit Blue (“Wrapped in Enchantment”) is the most understated of the bunch, with cooler tones and dreamy finishes. The 20oz Water Bottle has a handled lid with a retractable straw (PhP 1,775), and the 16oz Water Bottle comes with a metal keyring and charm (PhP 2,195).
The 12oz Tumbler has a glitter finish (PhP 1,895), and the Crossbody Pouch fits most phone sizes (PhP 1,295).
Lifestyle
This pop-up sauna brings the steam room experience into your home
HAZEMOR’s Instant Sauna sets up in about a minute and folds into a closet
A home sauna no longer needs a dedicated room or a permanent spot in your house.
HAZEMOR’s new Instant Sauna is designed to bring the steam room experience into smaller spaces. It comes with a pop-up frame that sets up in about a minute and folds away when the session is over.
The portable indoor steam sauna uses the brand’s QuickFlow semi-automatic frame, which opens without tools or separate poles.
Once the frame is locked and its four support legs are raised, the sauna is ready for its steamer. The 1,300-watt unit has a 3-liter stainless-steel tank. It produces steam in about two minutes with hot water or six to eight minutes with cold tap water.
Inside, the temperature reaches up to 131°F (55°C), with adjustable steam levels and a timer for customizing each session. A remote control lets users change the settings without stepping outside the enclosure.
The design takes a brighter approach to the traditional steam tent. Finished in warm beige and champagne tones, the HAZEMOR Instant Sauna has two transparent ceiling panels under its SKY TOP WINDOWS design, which let natural light into the space.
Its three-layer insulated fabric pairs a water-resistant exterior with a heat-retaining middle layer and a soft interior surface.
With interior dimensions of approximately 43 × 43 inches and 71 inches of headroom, the sauna leaves room to sit comfortably.
It comes with a folding chair and floor mat, along with the steamer, steam hose, remote control, squeegee, and carry bag.
Price, availability
For those looking to expand their setup, HAZEMOR also offers a Red & Near-Infrared Light Kit for an additional US$ 149. It includes three 10-watt tubes that combine 660nm red light and 850nm near-infrared light.
Storage is factored into the design as well. Folded, the sauna measures approximately 41 × 12 × 12 inches, small enough to tuck into a closet or bedroom corner. Assembled, it needs about 47 × 47 inches of floor space and access to a standard household outlet.
The HAZEMOR Instant Sauna is available now in the United States through the brand’s website for US$ 425. An early-bird price of US$ 319 runs from November 3 to 16, 2026.
Each purchase comes with a one-year limited warranty and a 30-day return window from delivery.
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