Accessories

iOS 15 Beta: All the features you need to try

Apple is giving us a taste of iOS 15!

Published

July 9, 2021

Mark Manera

If you’re reading this, then you’re probably interested on the new public beta of iOS 15, iPadOS, and WatchOS. If you’re looking to try out the Beta versions offered, then you’re in luck!

For those new to the term, what is a Beta software for iOS?

Beta software, including previews and seeds, refers to a version of the software that’s still under development and not yet released to the public. This software is intended only for installation on development devices registered under your Apple Developer Program membership. Registered development devices can be upgraded to future beta releases and the public version of the software.

If you’d like to try Beta, here are some features you should look out for! You Beta be ready for this!

iOS 15 for iPhone

“Hello” is a word that resonates history for apple, and now it’s coming to your iPhone’s lock screen. With the new update, users can now customize their lock screen wallpaper. The word “Hello” is displayed not only in English, but in different languages as well.

Another update we have is the “text from camera” feature. A long press will pop up a new option and there you can point the camera to an object that has text on it. You can also copy text from your photos as well. By doing this, the feature will automatically read as much text as possible or what text you desire to copy.

Memoji’s have been around since the release of the iPhone X, a fun way to communicate with your friends and family. New stickers have been added and color customization is available for the eyes and clothes.

Text magnify disappeared during the days of iOS 13 and now it’s back with a new shape, it kind of resembles the shape of the text box of the messages app, only shorter. Glad to see this one returning!

Facetime

A built-in exclusive video calling app from Apple added new features to the beloved Facetime app with iOS 15. Tap your video and flip it over, with this, you can now zoom in to an object while in a Facetime call. The zoom capabilities can be up to 2x or pinch to zoom. Users can also use portrait mode using the selfie camera blurring out the background.

iOS 15 users can also now have a watch party of their own with share play. This feature enables users to watch movies and TV shows being offered in Apple TV. Apple Music is also available in share play! Facetime for android and windows users can only join the call when provided a link from the host.

Spatial audio now gives attention to the speaker on the facetime session, giving people focus on the speaker to avoid overlapping of voices. Voice isolation blocks ambient noise thanks to machine learning, and wide spectrum picks up your voice and everything around you. And don’t forget, Facetime is end-to-end encrypted, so your security will not be compromised.

Notifications

Another update we have to acknowledge in the beta is the notifications from iOS 15. The new focus feature helps you organize your notifications depending on your preference. The new feature delivers powerful tools that help users focus and reduce distraction.

Focus is a new feature that filters notifications and apps based on what a user wants to focus on. Users can create Home Screen pages with apps and widgets that apply to moments of focus to only display relevant apps and reduce temptation.

iPad OS 15

Doubted back in 2010, the iPad has now become a staple in the product line of Apple. With its new updates, the iPad comes closer and closer to a deconstructed computer.

Multitasking is the strong point of the iPad as it has the largest screen compared to the iPhone, iPod, and the Apple Watch. Widgets are the latest additions starting with iOS 14, but with the new update the iPad also comes to play. You can now place widgets on the home screen of your iPad or bring up the widget gallery. App library is also new to the iPad this coming update so you can see all of your apps in one swipe. The app library automatically categorizes your apps, additionally, you can also place the app library on the dock.

A quick access is always the key, so iPad comes up with a multitasking bar. Setting aside the current app that you’re using, you can now see all of your apps without fully closing any app. Switching apps is also easier in split view, drag the app down and select another one to open. Certain apps like mail can center the messages on the screen giving you more room for productivity.

Notes

Collaboration and organization, the new notes app for iPad is another upgrade from the previous version. First, you can now mention people in a shared note. With this, the mentioned person will be notified and linked back to the note as soon as they receive the mention. Additionally, you can now also see the changes from the notes while you’re away.

The addition of tags can easily organize your notes and quickly see them as soon as you open notes with the tag browser. Quick note is also another addition, by swiping from the bottom right with the apple pencil, you can easily pull up a note from the screen. Quick note is also aware of your apps, so if you’re in safari, you can quickly add the link of the website if needed. You can create your quick notes on iPad OS and Mac OS only, but you access them on your iPhone too.

WatchOS 8

An accessory that proves to be useful to Apple customers comes with a new update. WatchOS 8 can now place your favorite photo as a wallpaper and also create a portrait mode effect. Daily highlights from your iPhone now automatically syncs to your watch, giving you something to view everyday. You can also share photos through messages and mail, now on your wrist!

Heading on to the smart home section, your Apple Watch can now lock and unlock your door if a visitor arrives. You can also access your lights and security camera if your front door has one. The status of your devices are also displayed on top of your home app. You can see if your lights are on, or if your other Apple devices are charged or not.

A digital key can also be installed in your Apple Watch as it has now partnered with popular smart lock brands. With the Ultra Wideband technology, you can now unlock your car door too. With this, you can now share a digital key to your family, guests, or whoever you’d like to share it to.

Focus gives you more control on your notifications as you can set your prioritized notifications on your watch. The Breathe app is now renamed to “Mindfulness” this app aims to give you a meditation session if you’d like. Breathe and Reflect sessions end with a summary of your time with the apps. With this, you can gain insight on your overall wellness.

Final thoughts

Apple rolled out the new Beta of iOS 15 to the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. The new line of updates focuses more on productivity and ease of use. With this, Apple users do have something to look forward to. We’ll find out more about the updates as we come closer to the official release of the new operating systems for Apple Devices.

To find out more, here are the recent updates for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

If you’re ready to try it out, here the link to the new public Beta!

Related Topics:Apple Watch iOS iOS 15 iPad iPhone

Accessories

70mai launches the A900 series with 4K front, rear recording

Two new 4K dual-channel dash cams, both with 4G

Published

September 22, 2026

MJ Jucutan

70mai has launched the A900 Series, led by the flagship 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900 Ultra, with the 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900 joining it in the lineup.

Both models record in 4K from the front and rear cameras, and both support 4G, so your footage stays reachable from your phone even when you’re away from the car.

4K recording from both cameras

The A900 Ultra uses dual Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 sensors to capture clear 4K footage from both directions. As a result, details like license plates and road signs remain sharp.

Smart HDR balances bright and dark areas under shifting light. Users can also adjust color tones and contrast. To keep feeds synced, the rear camera uses LVDS digital transmission. This tech sends a lossless 4K feed with just 20ms of latency.

Handling changing light

Driving into a tunnel or under the shadow of a tall building changes the lighting quickly, and 70mai built three imaging technologies into the A900 Ultra to deal with it.

MaiColor Vivid+ Solution 2.0 is meant to give more natural colors and finer detail, along with smarter scene adaptation. Night Owl Vision 2.0 reduces noise and glare to help with nighttime clarity.

Lumi Vision is made for parking surveillance in near-total darkness, where it automatically adjusts exposure and gain and applies noise reduction. 70mai says this produces clear, full-color footage in extremely low light.

Parking mode and remote access

Smart Parking Guardian Mode 2.0 protects your vehicle while parked. It combines AI motion detection, dual-channel collision detection with pre-recording, and time-lapse options.

The system draws just 5mA on standby to prevent battery drain. For extended coverage, the optional 70mai Battery Pack Mini powers surveillance for up to 30 days.

In photo: A900

Pairing the camera with the 4G Hardwire Kit unlocks 70mai 4G Cloud+ 2.0 features on the app. Enhanced Buffered Emergency Recording saves up to 190 seconds before an incident and 30 seconds after.

It automatically uploads this footage to the cloud for immediate remote viewing.

The 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900

In photo: A900

The A900 sits alongside the Ultra as the more accessible option. It records True 4K HDR at 30FPS from both the front and rear cameras, and Smart HDR can be scheduled to turn on at set times.

Its f/1.55 aperture is meant to help in low light, and 4G Cloud+ 2.0 keeps the dash cam connected to the 70mai App. It’s the model for drivers who want dual-channel recording and 4G connectivity at a lower price.

The 70mai Dash Cam 4K A900 Ultra retails for US$ 300, available for pre-order at US$ 240. Meanwhile, the A900 is priced at US$ 200, currently 20% off at US$ 170.

Accessories

Manila turns up the volume at COVE

Sony Philippines launched its ULT TOWER lineup at Beyond the Beat, with SB19 joining the ULT Squad.

Published

September 21, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Sound and style shared the floor at COVE Manila in Okada Manila. Sony Philippines opened its doors for Beyond the Beat: The Next-Level ULT POWER SOUND Experience.

The event marked the company’s biggest ULT POWER SOUND launch in the country, and Sony paced the program like an exclusive night out.

Stacked ULT Towers filled the space. Guests styled themselves with designer pieces from Alser Lumawag, and SB19 closed the evening as the newest Sony ULT Squad members.

MySony members from every tier joined industry guests while the new ULT TOWER lineup set the tempo.

The towers take center stage

Shuhei Sugihara, Sony Philippines’ President and Managing Director, opened the program.

Product Marketing Specialist Keira Ambubuyog then introduced the newest additions to the lineup.

Arbie Bandiling of Personal Audio Systems unveiled the latest ULT Squad video. The clip introduced the artists and personalities fronting the campaign.

The lineup features the ULT TOWER 5, ULT TOWER 7, and ULT TOWER MAX. The new series pairs large circular woofers and high-capacity cabinets with ULT DUCT technology.

This design delivers stronger low-frequency bass than earlier models. The ULT TOWER MAX leads the series, described as Sony’s most powerful bass speaker yet.

On another note, Sony pitches the ULT TOWER 7 as stage-worthy sound in a portable frame. Meanwhile, the compact ULT TOWER 5 targets smaller gatherings and features karaoke and DJ capabilities.

Experiential zones bring the sound to life

Guests explored the lineup across several interactive event zones. Step into the Beat paired an arcade-inspired setup with stacked ULT Towers and a dance pad. ULT Selfie Club handled photo ops.

Nearby, ULT Cover Star let guests style ULT Field speakers alongside designer pieces from Alser Lumawag. Here, the speakers served as chic fashion accessories.

The Bass District gave VIPs and influencers a private, nightlife-inspired lounge. Karaoke Lounges invited everyone else to grab a mic and test the party-ready towers firsthand.

The ULT Squad shows up

Fashion influencer and ULT Squad member Angelique Manto-Guison hosted the night.

A-Team opened the show with a high-energy routine before Carlos Serrano III took the stage. David Guison and Jacqueline Jala walked the stage with ULT Models in elevated fashion, and Jeremy G followed with a dynamic musical performance.

KAIA brought a youthful pop sound, while Maki delivered a set in his signature style.

SB19 closed the night, making their debut as the newest Sony ULT Squad members. Sony pairs its sound technology with the group’s influence in Filipino music. This collaboration positions the Squad as a platform for artists shaping contemporary music culture.

The ULT TOWER MAX, ULT TOWER 7, and ULT TOWER 5 are now available at Sony Centres and authorized dealers nationwide.

Accessories

Jackery Explorer 300D: Power and portability in one

Uninterrupted workflows for digital nomads, freelance creatives, more

Published

September 18, 2026

Manila Connoisseur

For digital nomads, freelance creatives, and even work-from-home professionals, staying productive on the move means carrying around multiple gadgets, cords, adapters, and power banks to survive the day.

Having to carry such weight, quite literally, is vital for maintaining workflow continuity.

For a more seamless experience and to have just one extra portable device to power all working parts, there’s the Jackery Explorer 300D.

Launched just last month, this grab-and-go offering from Jackery is designed for the modern lifestyle.

It moves away from Jackery’s traditional aesthetic with a sleek, speaker-like form factor. It weighs just 2.5 kilograms and is 64% smaller than standard 300W units in the market.

This ultra-compact size was made possible by a smart engineering choice of swapping bulky traditional AC wall outlets for highly efficient DC-only and USB-C ports — which also helps eliminate idle power loss.

With a 288Wh capacity, the Jackery Explorer 300D holds enough juice for up to nine power banks.

It can keep a Type-C fast-charging laptop for up to three to four full cycles, a Wi-Fi router alive for hours, and recharge cameras or drone batteries up to five times for a lengthy production day.

For smaller gadgets like smartphones and portable fans, the power station can juice them up for up to 22 times.