News
Android Q early build leaks, shows system-wide dark mode
Dark mode on everything!
Android Pie is still struggling to find its way to more phones, but Google‘s next release is already being cooked. The first Android Q developer preview should be available (based on Google’s previous releases) in the coming months, although the folks over at XDA Developers were able to get their hands on an early build of the upcoming Android version.
The early build of Android Q is pretty bare bones, but there are a few notable features that are worth mentioning.
Design-wise, Android Q looks a lot like Android 9 Pie with its rounded icons and familiar layout. That may sound unexciting, but Android Q will finally have what could be the most requested feature: system-wide dark mode. The current Android version has a simpler dark mode available which is not as extensive as we like it to be.

Image credit: XDA Developers
The dark mode feature will greatly benefit phones with OLED displays. Aside from being easy on the eyes when in the dark, it should also improve battery life since not all the pixels are turned on. Users will be able to set dark more automatically at night or have it activated throughout the day. If they dislike it, users can simply turn it off, too.
Apart from visual changes, Android Q also brings improved privacy features specifically with app permissions; it lets users look at each app’s permission settings individually. The best part of this is there’s now an option to let apps access permitted info only when they are being used.

Image credit: XDA Developers
Android Q also appears to have some sort of “Desktop Mode” which is suspected to be similar to Samsung’s DeX mode. Unfortunately, it couldn’t be activated yet. This is going to be a big feature for those who rely on their Android phones for work, especially when traveling without a laptop.
There’s a lot to know about Android Q’s early build courtesy of XDA Developers. You may read more about the new features and the changes found on the upcoming Android version at the source link below.
Source: XDA Developers
SEE ALSO: Here’s what MediaTek is doing to solve slow Android updates
News
Lionel Messi’s face just unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra early
Technically, it’s a custom Caviar phone with Messi’s face on it.
And just like that, the World Cup season is over. Spain prevailed over Argentina in a 1-0 caper. Despite the loss, however, Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi is (indirectly) leaving us a little surprise by spoiling the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra a few days early.
Technically, it’s not Messi himself doing the spoiling. Caviar, the infamous luxury smartphone company, has revealed an extravagant Lionel Messi-themed edition of the unannounced Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.
As with the brand’s other creations, the special smartphone is covered in 24-karat gold plating. The design is styled to look like Messi and the colors of the Argentinian football team.
Now, before you say that this design is worthless now after the loss to Spain, the edition is meant to celebrate the 2022 win, exemplified by the badge on Messi’s shirt saying “2022”. And even then, Messi is still one of the most globally recognized sports personalities in the world, making this quite the collector’s item.
However, if you’re looking for any hardware leaks, you’re out of luck. The listing has no mention of specs, except for the storage, which includes options for 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Other than that, you’ll have to wait like the rest of us.
Additionally, if you’re interested in the Messi-themed edition, it will cost you a fortune. Caviar’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra will start at a whopping US$ 13,130.
Besides its nature as a special edition, this phone is the most official thing we’ve seen of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Samsung is still scheduled to launch the new foldable, along with other models, in a few days. The brand is also rumored to launch a wide version of this model.
SEE ALSO: New leak reveals first look at Samsung’s wide foldable
Automotive
Mercedes-Benz celebrates 140th anniversary at the Presidential Car Museum
A generation’s worth of presidential Benz models under one roof
Last month, Mercedes-Benz Philippines kicked off its 140th -anniversary “Welcome Home” campaign. Designed to celebrate the iconic Chedeng and introduce a new generation to the brand, the campaign attracts old and new customers alike. Now, the brand’s 140th year is also hitting history buffs with a special showcase at the Presidential Car Museum in Quezon City.
Since President Cory Aquino’s term, the official presidential car has been a Benz, offering comfort and protection for the current head of state. It is here where Mercedes-Benz wants to celebrate the legacy of the brand, especially in the annals of Philippine history.
Amid the cars of Presidents Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, and Macapagal-Arroyo, Mercedes-Benz is displaying a replica of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen Replica, which is the world’s first automobile introduced by Karl Benz in 1886. The replica will be on display until December 2026.
Outside the Presidential Car Museum, Mercedes-Benz is running discounts through the end of July. There are also special aftersales services for those who already own a Benz. Finally, the brand will continue to run activations throughout the anniversary, so expect to hear a lot more about the Chedeng throughout the year.
SEE ALSO: Mercedes-Benz holds a Welcome Home campaign to celebrate 140 years
News
Samsung releases teaser with Spider-Man: Brand New Day Easter eggs
Spot also teases upcoming Galaxy foldable devices
Samsung has just premiered a new spot that showcases clips directly from Spider-Man: Brand New Day, just a few weeks before the movie hits cinemas later this month.
The clip showcases Spider-Man as he fights crime and puts his phone through the wear and tear of superhero life.
In the spot, the Fabricator creates a number of devices for Spider-Man built to stand up to the pace and unpredictability of life behind the mask. This includes what clearly looks like a Galaxy Z Flip phone.
This provides a behind the scenes look into how Peter Parker ultimately landed on a Samsung phone — as fans speculated from the first trailer.
Meanwhile, Ned can also be seen using the Spidey Tracker to try and catch Spider-Man throughout the city on his Samsung phone.
The campaign pretty much formalizes Jacob Batalon — who plays Ned Leeds — as Samsung’s Team Galaxy’s newest ambassador.
The clip ends with the text “A brand new shape for a Brand New Day”, which is also a callback to what the brand has been teasing regarding the future of its Galaxy foldable devices.
Samsung to release latest devices at Galaxy Unpacked
Next week, Samsung is set to launch its latest devices at Galaxy Unpacked 2026.
Ahead of the launch, customers who wish to reserve as early as now can get a US$ 30 credit during pre-order, for a total of up to US$ 1,230 in savings.
Customers can also enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 10 US$ 500 Samsung.com gift cards towards their purchase.
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