News

Xiaomi Mi 6 has Galaxy S8’s power, iPhone’s dual-camera

Published

April 19, 2017

Marvin Velasco

Xiaomi has done it again; its Mi 6 flagship smartphone takes the best features of today’s hottest handsets, mashes them into a sleek design, and sells it at a fraction of the others’ cost.

The thing is, Xiaomi isn’t even shy about copying its rivals. Just look at one of its official marketing materials from the official website:

That image is referring to the Mi 6’s use of two main cameras, one 12-megapixel camera for regular wide-angle shots and another 12-megapixel shooter for zoomed in photos just like — you guessed it — the iPhone 7 Plus. It’s admittedly a great setup, and something we appreciated on phones like the ZenFone 3 Zoom, as well.

As for the processor, it’s a Snapdragon 835, the same chip found in Samsung’s Galaxy S8, which was the first to launch with it. We detailed its best features when Qualcomm first announced it, but in a nutshell, it’s way ahead of the pack in terms of performance and efficiency thanks to a new fabrication, and you’ll want this in your next smartphone as much as possible.

The rest of the specs are just as impressive: 6GB of memory by default, a choice between 64GB and 128GB of internal storage, and a splendidly sized 3350mAh battery sandwiched between the 5.15-inch Full HD LCD in front and curved glass back. The only glaring omission is the 3.5mm audio port, which is odd considering how this isn’t exactly a razor-thin phone like the Moto Z. Just another case of Apple copying, perhaps?

In exchange for the lost port, we’re treated to stereo loudspeakers, splash resistance, and a well-aligned design Xiaomi appears to be so proud of. If you look closely at the promotional images, the slots and ports are symmetrical from top to bottom, side to side. No doubt it’s a good-looking gadget, but we’ll leave the final judgement to when we get it in our hands.

Now, for the best part: The Mi 6 will retail for a starting price of CNY 2,499 (a little over $360). That’s for the 64GB storage version. If you want the 128GB variant, you’ll have to fork over CNY 2,899 (about $420). And if you really want to treat yourself, there’s a ceramic black version with 128GB of storage priced at CNY 2,999 ($435).

These are very competitive prices for a phone that’s likely faster than any other handset available right now. We just have to hope Xiaomi will ship this beauty outside of China, and without added tax that may otherwise ruin such a great deal.

[irp posts=”12207″ name=”One month with Xiaomi’s Yuemi mechanical keyboard”]

Gaming

FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods delayed to 2027

The game needs more development time.

Published

October 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

It’s been a while since the last time we got a FromSoftware game. Elden Ring Nightreign felt like an age ago, even if it was launched just last year. Plus, the title isn’t even a new one, technically, since it’s just building off of Elden Ring. Unfortunately, our wait for a new FromSoftware game has to go on for a little bit longer. FromSoftware has delayed the launch of The Duskbloods to 2027.

The Duskbloods is an interesting addition to the FromSoftware oeuvre. Compared to the usual fare, the Switch-exclusive title is a multiplayer extraction game with a distinctly Bloodborne-like feel. If you’re used to FromSoftware’s usual formula, The Duskbloods represents a huge change.

But it’s a welcome one, nonetheless. If the recently released Elden Ring port of the Switch 2 is any indication, FromSoftware does have a handle of what performance looks like on the console.

Sadly, the new title needs a bit more time in the oven. Citing “final adjustments to game rules and balancing,” FromSoftware is delaying the launch of the game to 2027. According to the studio, this is in response to the successful network test a while back.

The delay shouldn’t come off as a surprise. Though the studio promised a 2026 launch for the title, most of the year has passed without a definite launch date. That was already a telltale sign that a delay was coming.

At the very least, the delay comes with the benefit of launching the game farther away from Grand Theft Auto VI and the Ocarina of Time remake, which will surely dominate holiday gaming this year.

Laptops

Yes, you can turn off the MacBook Pro’s touchscreen display

No need to complain anymore.

Published

October 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The launch of the new MacBook Pro is a polarizing one, to say the least. The notebook introduces a new touchscreen feature that isn’t really an automatic hit for fans. Some have even pointed out how Steve Jobs once said that touchscreen MacBooks were a bad idea. If you’re a part of this group, a new discovery might alleviate your worries a little bit. Apparently, you can turn off the new MacBook Pro’s touchscreen functionalities.

According to MacStories’s Federico Viticci, the new MacBook Pro with Touch includes accessibility features that can turn off the touchscreen entirely. Other early testers have also corroborated this option.

A touchscreen notebook isn’t the most popular type of laptop. Though this particular display has been available for quite a while, it hasn’t really taken off. Case in point, Apple’s announcement hasn’t been met with the warmest of fanfare.

It’s also telling that Apple baked in a way to turn this setting off. At the very least, we didn’t have to wait a while. The hullabaloo is reminiscent of the reception to Liquid Glass, another polarizing feature that Apple eventually made configurable for detractors.

Also, this isn’t the first time that Apple tried experimenting with the MacBook. Do you remember the short-lived Touch Bar?

Strangely, it’s such a strong contrast to the MacBook Neo launched earlier this year. Whereas that particular model debuted to applause, the new MacBook Pro attracted more raised eyebrows.

News

TechLife Pad Neo SE: Price, availability in the Philippines

Now available at PhP 8,999 SRP, with deals on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

Published

October 29, 2026

GadgetMatch

TechLife has officially launched the Pad Neo SE. It’s a 10.1-inch tablet aimed at families, positioned as a study device first, with room for creativity and after-school entertainment. It comes in Space Grey, Bubble Blue, and Aurora Green.

The Eye Comfort Display is the main draw. The larger screen gives kids more space for research and online classes. It’s designed to keep longer study sessions easier on the eyes.

Dual stereo speakers handle lessons and shared family viewing, while split-screen support lets kids and parents run two tasks at once.

The tablet supports Smart Parental Control and Google Kids Space. Parents can pick the apps, books, videos, and learning content their kids can access.

For the hardware, the Pad Neo SE runs Android 16 on an octa-core processor. It offers up to 8GB of RAM, including memory expansion, and 64GB of storage that can be expanded up to 1TB.

Also, its 6000mAh battery last through a full school day of classes and lessons. Rounding out the spec sheet are 5MP front and rear cameras and the Google Gemini AI assistant.

Price, availability in the Philippines

The Pad Neo SE retails at PhP 8,999. With vouchers, it can go for as low as PhP 7,099 on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

As part of TechLife’s Peak Season offers, which run from October 29, 2026 to January 3, 2027, buyers get a free Folio Case or a free Power Bank R211 5,000mAh, depending on availability. An online giveaway for the Pad Neo SE also starts October 29 on TechLife’s official social media pages.

Vouchers apply to participating online platforms only. Stocks and vouchers are limited. Freebies are available while supplies last.