News

These are the best Android 17 features (if you hate AI)

Easy sharing with iOS, a new anti-distraction tool, and 3D emojis!

Published

May 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

As ever, the buzzword for Android 17 is “Gemini.” Like previous years, Google is delving further into the world of AI. Now, if you don’t really care about Gemini, you might be wondering why it might be worth the time to jump over to Android 17 when it launches. Here are a few reasons:

Pause Point: A more effective anti-distraction tool

You’ve heard of this before. There are apps today designed to prevent you from getting too distracted by other apps while working. However, it’s likely that they don’t work because they’re too lax or too restrictive. There’s no in-between.

Pause Point presents an interesting take on the anti-distraction tool. With the tool, opening a potentially distracting app will come with a prompt for you to set a timer or focus on a more productive app.

Since you can open the app (or other apps), it’s not a very restrictive option. At the same time, it’s not easy to wave away, either. You’ll need a restart to completely turn the feature off.

More sharing options with iOS

Last year, Android and iOS destroyed their file-sharing woes when the former started supporting AirDrop. Because it’s not a perfect solution, there are still some pain points. However, Android 17 is adding a new trick to ease file transfers to and from iOS 26.5.

With the new update, users can generate a QR code which allows for easy file transfers between the platforms.

Android also shared that it is continuing work on Quick Share. The feature is expected to arrive on other apps, including WhatsApp, soon.

Screen reactions

Reaction videos are the new meta on social media. Creators love posting shortform videos of them just reaction to other content online.

If you’re that type of creator (or you just love sending your reactions to your friends), Android 17 is making it easier to make this format. Besides social media apps that already have that function, Android will be able to natively make those videos without a third-party app.

It’s perfect if you want to post the same video on multiple platforms, or if you just want to share your reaction with friends and family.

3D emojis!

Welcome to 2026, Android!

After an age in flat design, Google is finally adding a third dimension to its designs. It started with a set of updated app icons that added gradients to the formerly flat Material Design. Now, Android’s emojis are going 3D.

Honestly, this is the most subtle change of the four, and you might not care if you don’t use emojis anyway. But it’s still huge for Android’s future.

Though the new set of emojis are still visually distinct from Apple’s set, the splash of lighting and shadows makes this set more cohesive with Apple’s language. It feels exciting to use emojis again as an Android user.

News

Asia to get its own D23; tickets on sale this November

Singapore to host The Ultimate Disney Fan Event tailored for Asia next year

Published

August 15, 2026

GadgetMatch

Asia is getting its own D23 with Singapore hosting the first ever edition of The Ultimate Disney Fan Event next year.

The Walt Disney Company announced the milestone, with D23 Asia taking over the iconic Marina Bay Sands and parts of Sands Expo & Convention Center from June 25 to 27, 2027.

Fans will be able to purchase tickets by November 2026.

The first-ever D23 Asia will bring together Disney fans from across Asia Pacific and beyond in a three-day celebration of Disney storytelling, creativity, and innovation.

It will feature immersive experiences, exclusive showcases, special announcements, shopping, entertainment and more.

Building on the legacy of D23 fan events in Anaheim and around the world, the Singapore edition will offer a uniquely Asian experience while staying true to the scale, excitement and fan-first spirit that defines D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.

News

Smart showcases cloud gaming platform in partnership with Blacknut

Play over 1,000 titles straight on your smartphones

Published

August 14, 2026

GadgetMatch

Philippines mobile service provider Smart showcased the country’s first cloud gaming platform in partnership with Blacknut at the recent Philippine GameDev Expo (PGDX) 2026.

As the event’s main presenter, Smart highlighted its collaboration with the cloud gaming subscription service. Together with its value-packed Power All offers, the network provider is highlighting what the future of gaming can look like.

Smart and TNT subscribers can conveniently access Blacknut Cloud Gaming through a dedicated site. Here, they can play more than 1,000 premium console and PC-quality games on their smartphones.

That’s without the need for expensive gaming hardware or lengthy downloads. Weekly subscriptions start at just PhP 145 and can be conveniently charged to prepaid load following a simple OTP verification process.

To make the experience better, Smart also has Power All offers, which provide generous open-access data for today’s digital lifestyles. There’s a package for cloud and mobile gaming, streaming, content sharing, and productivity.

Gaming

Ghost of Yotei gets a story expansion in October

The Complete Edition comes with the expansion and a roguelike mode.

Published

August 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Ghost of Yotei is a classic RPG experience set in the same universe as its predecessor, Ghost of Tsushima. In my opinion, Atsu’s journey of revenge feels a lot more fun than Jin’s battle to save his homeland. If you’re in the same boat, Ghost of Yotei is coming back on October 1 with brand-new content.

Without delving too much into spoiler territory, Ghost of Yotei has a conclusive ending. Rather than shoehorning a forced epilogue, Echoes of Sekigahara, the title of the upcoming story expansion, explores Atsu’s past.

As with Tsushima’s expansion, Echoes of Sekigahara features a new map with new enemies, weapons, and collectibles. It will be set in two different time periods.

Besides the story expansion, the upcoming update also has a new mode called Most Wanted, which Sucker Punch Production describes as their “spin on a roguelike.” The mode explores Atsu’s experience as a headhunter, feeding her with bounties and earnable perks.

The two new content expansions will come with in the upcoming Ghost of Yotei Complete Edition. The new edition, coming on October 1, will also come with the co-op Legends mode. It also has a few perks and customization options. The edition will sell for US$ 70.

If you already have the base edition, you can grab an upgrade for only US$ 15. If you don’t want to pay for the upgrade, the game is still getting a few minor tweaks.