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Sony launches new Bravia XR TVs with up to 8K resolution

Powered by Google TV and Cognitive Processor XR

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Sony just launched the BRAVIA XR TV lineup, which features the next-gen Cognitive Processor XR. The lineup consists of 8K to 4K LCD or OLED TVs powered by Google TV, with compatibility for HDMI 2.1 and more.

The Cognitive Processor XR on the new BRAVIA XR TVs has a completely new image and sound processing method designed to mimic the way humans see and hear. It works by dividing the screen into numerous zones and detecting the focal point. Through the focal point, the built-in AI can intelligently and cross-analyze elements like color, contrast, and detail all at once. The end result is a synchronized and lifelike image for a better viewing experience.

The processor also intelligently analyzes the sound position from a signal so that the sound matches the image almost perfectly. Plus, it also upscales any sound into a 3D surround for a truly immersive experience.

BRAVIA XR TVs also have Google TV under the hood, bringing a whole lot of apps and entertainment to users. Users can also watch personalized recommendations and access bookmarked content from their Watchlist. Plus, Google TV comes integrated with Google Search and Assistant for quicker control of the TV and other connected devices. Users may even cast their favorite YouTube videos from smartphones, PC, or Google Nest to their TVs.

It also has Netflix Calibrated Mode, so users can watch Netflix movies and shows just as how the creators intended them. On top of it all, BRAVIA XR TVs have HDMI 2.1 support and e-ARC compatibility — think pro-gaming features such as 4K 120fps support, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).

Different models to choose from

BRAVIA XR TVs come in a variety of models and sizes. Each model also has its own unique features. The top-of-the-line MASTER Series Z9J model, for example, is an 85-inch LCD TV with a Full-Array LED panel, XR Triluminos Pro, XR Contrast Booster, and XR 8K Upscaling. It is also CALMAN Ready for advanced calibration and fine-tuning. In Singapore, this will cost around SG$ 26,999.

Almost the same features can be found on the A90J and A80J models, which range from 77-inch to 55-inch models. These are OLED TVs though, so you get much murkier blacks and saturated colors that aren’t entirely possible on an LCD TV. However, they also have a much lower resolution. The cheaper A80J will start at SG$ 3,999 while the A90J will retail from SG$ 5,999.

Meanwhile, the much cheaper X95J and X90J models pack the same specs as the top-of-the-line model but downgrade to 4K resolution to keep costs down. The X95J is available from an 85-inch to a 65-inch display and will start at SG$ 4,499. Meanwhile, the X90J is available in a variety of sizes ranging from 75-inch to 50-inch display and will retail from SG$ 2,599.

The new BRAVIA XR TVs will be available from April 2021 at Sony Stores, Sony Centres, and authorized dealers. It will also be available to buy online and through the official Sony store on Lazada Singapore.

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OnePlus officially leaves the United States and Canada

The brand’s smartphones are now sold out in the United States.

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Once upon a time, OnePlus used to be the darling child of smartphone users on a budget. For a more meager price than a flagship, users can enjoy flagship specs on a uniquely designed phone. Who can forget the iconic OnePlus One?

Unfortunately, prices have a way of catching up. Though the brand’s phones are still perfectly good, more options have already emerged as alternatives for a so-called flagship killer, including OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei’s Nothing.

Now, marking the brand’s next step, whatever that is, OnePlus has officially left the North American market. As of today, the company has sold its last smartphone in the United States and Canada. Going on the official OnePlus website will warrant a Sold Out sign for both the OnePlus 15 and 15R. If anything, users can still get a handful of earbuds and cases.

As with everything that sells out, if you really want to cop one of the last remaining models in America, you can grab one off a third-party retailer, but who knows until when that will last?

This isn’t just a stocking issue, either. In July, the company already confirmed that it is pulling out of the region starting this month. It’s a sign of internal restructuring happening inside OPPO and all the brands under its umbrella. There’s also a rumor that OnePlus was relegated to being a sub-brand of OPPO once again.

SEE ALSO: OnePlus has reportedly merged with realme

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Mastercard brings Apple Pay to customers in the Philippines

Easy and secure way to pay across Apple ecosystem

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Mastercard has officially brought Apple Pay to its cardholders in the Philippines. This gives iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac users an easy, secure, and private way to pay in-store, in-app, and online.

To pay in-store, customers simply double-click the side button, authenticate, and hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless payment.

Apple Pay is easy to set up. On iPhone, simply open the Wallet app and tap the ‘+’ and follow the steps to add a Mastercard credit or debit card.

Once a customer adds a card to iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, they can start using Apple Pay on that device right away.

Every Apple Pay purchase is secure because it is authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, as well as a one-time unique dynamic security code.

Apple Pay is accepted in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, and many more places that accept contactless payments.

Customers can also use Apple Pay on iPhone, iPad, and Mac to make faster and more convenient purchases in apps or on the web without having to create accounts or repeatedly type in contact information, card details, or shipping and billing information.

Of course, customers will continue to receive all of the rewards and benefits offered by Mastercard.

Security and privacy are at the core of Apple Pay. When customers use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers.

Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted, and securely stored in the Secure Element, an industry-standard, certified chip designed to store the payment information safely on the device.

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Visa brings Apple Pay to its customers in the Philippines

An easier and more secure way to pay with iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac

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Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, announced today that Visa debit and credit cardholders in the Philippines can now add their eligible cards to Apple Pay on their iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac. Apple Pay is an easy, secure and private way to pay in-store, in-app and online.

This announcement accelerates the digitalization of payments all while expanding payment options for Filipinos traveling abroad and visitors traveling to the Philippines. Across the Asia Pacific region, 97% of travelers1 say that they will bring credit, debit, or prepaid cards on their trips, while only 17% intend to bring foreign currency. Among travelers, 38% said they prefer cards because of robust security and fraud protection features, while 20% cite wide acceptance. Apple Pay seamlessly delivers on these exact needs by making everyday transactions easy, secure, and private.

Visa Confidential

To pay in-store, customers simply double-click the side button, authenticate, and hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless payment. Every Apple Pay purchase is secure because it is authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, as well as a one-time unique dynamic security code. Apple Pay is accepted in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, and many more places that accept contactless payments.

Customers can also use Apple Pay on iPhone, iPad, and Mac to make faster and more convenient purchases in apps or on the web without having to create accounts or repeatedly type in contact information, card details, or shipping and billing information.

“Apple Pay represents the next evolution of payments in the Philippines, combining ease of use, simplicity, and security in every transaction, helping amplify the payment experience for Visa cardholders in the Philippines. With Apple Pay, Filipinos and tourists alike now have seamless and secure ways to pay across shops, restaurants, travel destinations, and public transport, supporting the nation’s vision to become a cash-lite economy,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines.

Security and privacy are at the core of Apple Pay. When customers use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element, an industry-standard, certified chip designed to store the payment information safely on the device.

Apple Pay is easy to set up. On iPhone, simply open the Wallet app, tap the ‘+’, and follow the steps to add a Visa card. Once a customer adds a card to iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, they can start using Apple Pay on that device right away. Customers will continue to receive all of the rewards and benefits offered by their Visa cards.

For more information on Apple Pay, visit: https://www.apple.com/ph/apple-pay/

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