News

The iKKO Mind One is a card-sized smartphone that has built-in internet

It can even transform as a modern-day BlackBerry!

Published

August 5, 2025

Vincenz

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Smartphones nowadays are just unavoidably ginormous. Even “mini”-branded phones have screens that are over the 6-inch mark.

However, an audio-dedicated brand (and basically a nobody in the smartphone world) has decided to bring a fun yet still capable and fully-functional smartphone this 2025.

Meet the iKKO Mind One.

Card-Sized Wonder

The iKKO Mind One is already standing out with its card-sized form factor.

With a measurement of just 86 × 72mm and thinness of only 8.9mm, it’s the real definition of a “mini” smartphone in today’s standards.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

It’s equipped with a 4.02-inch AMOLED display that perfectly fits in everyone’s palms, a tiny pants pocket, or even inside tight bag pockets.

That panel has 60Hz refresh rate with 1080p Full HD+ display resolution and supports DC Dimming.

GIF by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The Mind One has Tempered Glass protection while the Pro version promises to be more scratch-resistant with Sapphire Glass alongside 9H hardness.

At its core is an 8GB memory paired with ample 256GB storage.

For picture-perfect moments, the iKKO doesn’t lag behind with its 50MP f/1.88 camera based on a Sony 1/1.56-inch sensor.

This camera can be flipped up or down so it can support rear-cam shooting or selfies.

It also has built-in OIS and supports 2K/30fps video recording.

The iKKO Mind One is also the first smartphone with native dual-boot system.

Aside from Google-based Android 15, it also runs iKKO’s AI OS with all the needed AI-based apps and services in mind.

Free Global Internet?!

The main promise of the iKKO Mind One is being able to provide free internet globally without unnecessary steps for connecting.

To be precise, the Mind One offers two levels of built-in internet: NovaLink and vSIM.

Basically, NovaLink provides free internet coverage for 60 regions but only limited to iKKO AI OS’ apps — no subscription required!

Meanwhile, vSIM provides full internet access for both built-in and third-party Android apps for over 140 countries — but with additional cost / top-up plans.

However, hotspot sharing cannot be enabled through NovaLink and is only supported via vSIM.

Though iKKO still made sure you can connect your existing SIM card with its dedicated nano SIM card slot.

Efficiency Above Everything Else

Caveat or not, the Mind One doesn’t support 5G connectivity and is limited to 4G+ utmost — and that’s for a reason.

With MediaTek’s MT8781 8-core chipset, it enables vSIM support that makes it possible to connect to the internet for free wherever you go around the world.

Moreover, this chip is optimized for low power consumption, stable connectivity, and most of all global roaming.

Even with just a measly 2200mAh battery, the Mind One can stay up all-day usage paired with their chosen 4G chipset.

Bringing Back BlackBerry

This idea may not be unique as this is already an existing product called as “Clicks Keyboard” meant for existing iPhones, Galaxys, Pixels, and even razrs. However, iKKO provides the Snap-In Expansion Case with better use case without looking absurd.

Such optional accessory brings BlackBerry back to life with the right balance between its screen and keyboard.

This physical QWERTY keyboard has raised keys and a sloped surface, making typing natural, tactile, and overall satisfying.

No frills, it’s fully plug-and-play with Google’s Gboard in tow. Also, the keyboard doesn’t require charging to operate as power usage is extremely low when being used.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Aside that, it has a magnetic attachment for your additional MagSafe / Qi2-ready accessories. More so, a built-in 500mAh battery that extends the energy endurance of the Mind One even further.

For audiophiles, the case enables wired listening with its 3.5mm audio jack plus lossless audio Hi-Fi DAC support thanks to Cirrus Logic CS43198 audio component inside.

iKKO knows the right thing as they’ve started as an audio brand offering IEM (in-ear monitors) and smart TWS earbuds.

Pricing and Availability

iKKO still accepts backing of the Mind One series on Kickstarter. As of this writing, it’s already hitting the US$ 1 Million goal with over 2100 backers.

The base Mind One has an MSRP of US$ 389. However, pledging early will get you the more capable Mind One Pro for an even cheaper price tag of US$ 369.

Unfortunately, the US$ 299 introductory price was already sold out.

Once they’re all gone, the Mind One Pro will have its US$ 499 retail price back.

Aside from the regular Jet Black and Pearl White color options, all backers can pick between two new added Bluish Pink and Sky Blue colorways after the campaign ends.

Its add-on accessories are also available in slashed prices:

Snap-in Expansion Case = US$ 79 (from US$ 109)
Extra Protective Case = US$ 15 (from US$ 20)
Extra 3 pcs. Screen Protector = US$ 10 (from US$ 15)

These tiny yet mighty phones are expected to be shipped by end of 2025 (around November to December).

News

Apple reportedly gives up on the Vision Pro

But Apple will continue to sell the current model.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

When they unveiled the Vision Pro in 2023, Apple touted the wearable as the next big thing after the iPhone. Now, almost three years removed from the launch, the Vision Pro hasn’t really taken over the coveted spot occupied by the iPhone. Apple, according to a report, is allegedly canning the short-lived wearable.

According to MacRumors, Apple has reportedly given up on making the Vision Pro a thing. The team handling the wearable has supposedly been subsumed by other teams within Apple.

If true, the wearable’s end is unfortunate but not surprising. Despite being out for years, the Vision Pro has sold only a little more than half a million units with numerous returns from customers. Most recently, Apple updated the wearable with the M5 chip, but the move hasn’t revitalized the device’s status in Apple’s lineup.

Most of the complaints about the device stem from its exorbitant price or its cumbersome battery pack. Besides costing a whopping US$ 3,499, the Vision Pro is also difficult to move around with, especially because of its total weight and a battery pack that can get in the way.

To be clear, Apple has not officially discontinued the Vision Pro yet. The company continues to sell the version with the M5 chip. Apple can also restart development in the future.

However, the meantime retirement on future development does coincide with the recent restructuring inside the company. Tim Cook recently decided to step down as CEO with John Ternus as his replacement. Canning the Vision Pro might be Ternus’ first step in redefining Apple according to his plans.

Apps

YouTube makes picture-in-picture mode free for everyone globally

The update is rolling out globally now.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Picture-in-picture (or PiP) mode is a godsend for multitaskers. The feature lets users watch videos in a tiny floating window while doing other tasks. However, the feature isn’t readily available for all users. Or wasn’t, at least. YouTube is now rolling out PiP mode for free globally.

Previously, PiP mode was exclusive to YouTube users who pay for Premium or Premium Lite. It was also exclusive to the United States.

Now, YouTube is making the feature completely free for users all over the globe. It will be available for both iOS and Android versions of the app.

There’s still a catch, though. The free version is available only for “longform, non-music content.” The same goes for Premium Lite subscribers. Music is still an exclusive feature for those who pay for the regular version of Premium. Basically, there is no change for paying users or users in the United States.

Using PiP mode is simple. All you need to do is load up a video you want to watch in the background. Then, just exit the YouTube app and go about your other tasks. The video will be inside a floating, resizable window while you look at other things.

There’s no timeline on when the update will reach your device. However, YouTube has promised that it will roll out globally within the coming months.

Enterprise

OnePlus has reportedly merged with realme

Both brands were previously rumored for restructuring early this year.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

OnePlus has a problem. For a while now, rumors have swirled about the company’s dissolution. For their part, the company has continued to deny the reports, citing business as usual. Likely to their dismay, the reports just keep coming. Today, sources have hinted that OnePlus has merged with realme.

Back in January, it was rumored that OnePlus would be closing up shop this year. Since the company very quickly denied the rumors, the report hardly made waves. However, a suspected merger with realme is more difficult to debunk.

For one, realme is itself in a very interesting position. Also back in January, realme was reportedly moving back into being a sub-brand of OPPO. Coupled together with the OnePlus debacle, all this internal restructuring seems par for the course.

According to Digital Chat Station on Weibo, OnePlus and realme have already concluded the merger. The two brands have reportedly united their Chinese and international operations under one roof. Likewise, their marketing will be the same. Pete Lau will still be the main head for this new division.

As with anything of this nature, take this with a grain of salt. OPPO, OnePlus, and realme have not issued any official statements concerning a merger or a shutdown for any brand.