News
Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 infuses your audio with AI
Lossless audio, better connectivity
Audio technology isn’t reserved only for the biggest names of audio-centric brands. Processing technology is important, too. If you’re looking for premium audio quality in your devices, Qualcomm has launched the Snapdragon S7 Gen 1and S7 Pro Gen 1 for the future of audio.
Announced during today’s Snapdragon Summit, the Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 series will use on-device AI to boost the audio capabilities of your favorite devices. Both models in the series are touting personalized audio customization according to your preferences.
For one, the fourth-generation Qualcomm ANC personalizes sound amplification and compensates for hearing loss. Plus, an adaptive transparency mode will further improve how much of outside noise can penetrate through the noise cancellation. On-device AI will prioritize which sounds you need to hear from various sources.
Using the new platform, devices can support up to 192kHz lossless audio streaming. However, to prioritize battery life, the platform can also support 48kHz lossless and 96kHz of untethered lossless streaming for ten hours.
With Bluetooth 5.4, connecting to compatible devices is also seamless. The platform will also strengthen connectivity, so you won’t lose audio even if you move all over a busy house.
The new Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 and S7 Pro Gen 1 is built for all sorts of usages including lossless music streaming, gaming, and teleconferencing. The platform will launch alongside the different chipsets announced at today’s Snapdragon Summit.
SEE ALSO: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is here!
News
realme 16 series 5G launches in the Philippines
Pro Plus variant, telephoto lens return; price, availability, offers
realme has officially launched the realme 16 series 5G in the Philippines, composed of three variants: the 16 5G, 16 Pro 5G, and the 16 Pro+ 5G.
The latest numbered series entries promise improved photography, longer battery life, and smarter AI features.
The series is now available nationwide for the following SRPs:
- realme 16 5G (8GB+256GB): PhP 25,999
- realme 16 Pro 5G (8GB+256GB): PhP 31,999
- realme 16 Pro 5G (12GB+512GB): PhP 37,999
- realme 16 Pro+ 5G (12GB+512GB): PhP 43,999
To make the most out of purchasing any of realme’s new releases, customers can pre-order until April 30 for freebies such as the realme Buds Air7 or realme Watch S2.
Also up for grabs are a 5,000mAh power bank, Privilege Card, and discounts of up to PhP 2,000. These put the total perks’ value at about PhP 8,900.
In addition, Shopee customers can enjoy up to PhP 9,000 off until May 5 and get a free AKASO EK7000 series action camera. This means the device can be checked out for as low as PhP 22,499.
Master Portrait for moments that matter
The biggest highlight of the realme 16 series is the 200MP Multi-focal LumaColor Camera System on the Pro models.
This is designed for detailed shots across different focal lengths. Moreover, the Pro+ 5G brings back a 50MP 3.5x telephoto lens for more versatile portraits and zoom photography.
It can be recalled that the previous 15 series didn’t have a Pro+ model and also ditched the telephoto lens.
The more accessible realme 16 5G, on the other hand, has a dual 50MP portrait camera system powered by a Sony IMX852 sensor.
AI tools are available across all variants, including AI Edit Genie 2.0, AI Instant Clip, and AI Portrait Glow. There’s also more room to play with Vibe Master Mode and AI Photo Popout.
Built to last longer
All three variants are equipped with 7,000mAh batteries for extended daily use, with the Pro variants supporting 80W SUPERVOOC charging as well.
The Pro+ 5G runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, while the Pro houses a Dimensity 7300 Max.
Both Pro models likewise have an Airflow Vapor Chamber Cooling System and have 144Hz AMOLED displays.
The base model, meanwhile, is powered by a Dimensity 6400 Turbo chipset and comes with a 120Hz AMOLED display in a more compact form.
Another key highlight is durability, as the entire lineup features IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K dust and water resistance.
The realme 16 series features these distinct colorways:
- Pro+ 5G: Master Gold
- Pro 5G: Pebble Grey, Orchid Purple
- 16 5G: Air White, Air Black (with built-in Selfie Mirror at the back)
Entertainment
DC’s Clayface teaser shows off a horror-filled superhero movie
Our first taste of James Gunn’s Gotham City will be frightening.
Last year, James Gunn’s Superman sparked an impressive wave of excitement for the new DC Universe. Though this year’s spotlight is on Supergirl, Clayface is also getting an eponymous film, giving us our first taste of Gotham City in this bustling universe.
There’s been a lot of mystery surrounding this film. For one, Gotham City’s DCU debut is based on, arguably, a secondary villain, rather than any member of the Bat-Family. Secondly, Gunn has confirmed that the movie will heavily lean towards the horror genre, a feat others have tried but often failed.
Today, DC Studios has released the first teaser trailer for Clayface. And no, Gunn wasn’t kidding when he said this is going to be a horror film.
Tom Rhys Harries plays Matt Hagen, a rising movie star suddenly scarred by a violent attack. Desperate to resurrect his career, he resorts to a scientific experiment that turns his skin into moldable clay.
As the teaser hints, the film will not shy away from body horror, including shots of Hagen’s disfigured face either from the attack or from the clay. It’s a big departure from the more traditional style of Superman or Supergirl. But it’s a gamble that might pay off for a universe as young as the DCU.
It’s also apropos that the DCU’s first horror film is getting a horror-themed premiere. Clayface will premiere in cinemas on October 23, 2026.
SEE ALSO: Superman sequel, titled Man of Tomorrow, comes out in 2027
Automotive
VinFast to expand in the Philippines with e-scooters: report
VinFast to compete head-on with major motorbike players
VinFast is bringing its electric scooters to the Philippines.
According to a report by TopGear, the Vietnamese EV manufacturer has signed agreements with 14 local distributors.
The report mentioned that specifically, the Evo, Feliz II, and Viper models shall be made available. The rollout will naturally begin in metro areas, as expected.
These models provide longer range on a single full charge and higher top speeds compared to budget e-bikes. It means they are suitable to be driven on major highways, provided that drivers have a license and the scooter is registered.
Moreover, in what is somewhat similar to Gogoro’s model from a few years back, VinFast is set to have 30,000 battery-swapping stations nationwide.
This way, drivers wouldn’t have to worry about running out of battery power while on the road. They can simply swap batteries instead of looking for charging stations.
This development means VinFast is competing head-on against other fuel-powered motorcycle brands in a market where such vehicles are popular for everyday use.
Not only that, VinFast will likewise compete with the likes of Yadea, RUX Electric Mobility, and even Hatasu to a certain extent.
It doesn’t come as a surprise as back home, VinFast is aggressively pushing for electrification, selling e-scooters to consumers.
This is aligned with the government’s goal to eventually ban petrol motorbikes in major cities, including the capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Given the massive rate the production is going, it is only sensible for VinFast to also target nearby markets where it already has a presence, including Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Thailand.
In the Philippines, the Vingroup’s EV arm already competes in the electric cars and SUVs segment. Its offerings include the VF3 and VF5.
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