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Apple announces cheaper iPad that’s compatible with the Apple Pencil

Definitely more affordable!

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Apple has just updated their 9.7-inch iPad and now, it has Apple Pencil support. Only previously compatible with the more expensive iPad Pro, the Pencil is finally moving on to other devices!

The tech giant claims that these new iPads are more “versatile and capable” than ever. Equipped with a Retina display, an A10 Fusion chip, plus advanced sensors for augmented reality, this device is dubbed by the tech brand as their most affordable iPad yet.

Greg Joswiak, Apple’s VP of Product Marketing, explains that this iPad refresh “takes everything people love about our most popular iPad and makes it even better for inspiring creativity and learning.”

In the time of Chromebooks and budget devices, the move makes sense. The release of a budget iPad opens up the device to a whole new demographic — namely those in classrooms.

This new iPad comes in silver, space gray, and gold. Prices start at SG$ 498 or US$ 329 for the 32GB Wi-Fi model and SG$ 698 or US$ 459 for the 32GB Wi-Fi and cellular data version. Apple Pencils are sold separately for SG$ 138 or US$ 99.

It will be in stores starting next week but starting today, you can already order. Deliveries start next week for more than 25 countries and regions.

SEE ALSO: New iPhone X SE leak points to bigger batteries and smaller notch

Accessories

Samsung launched a charger that’s incompatible with all its phones

None of their phones have built-in Qi2 magnets.

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In the world of wireless charging, Qi2 is where it’s at. The newer magnetic system automatically aligns the phone with the best positions to charge wirelessly. That said, it’s taking a while for most smartphones to get the charging standard. In an odder twist, Samsung, who does not currently have any native Qi2 devices, has launched its own Qi2 chargers.

In the United States, Samsung rolled out the Qi2-compatible Single Wireless Charger and Car Wireless Charger. As both their names indicate, the chargers will allow for wireless charging in a variety of situations.

Retailing for US$ 34.99, the single puck can charge by up to 25W when paired with a charging adapter (sold separately). The car charger, on the other hand, comes with its own 12V car adapter and a rotating mount. It’s very pricy, coming in at US$ 84.99.

Now, the kicker is that the chargers are compatible with Samsung’s current flagships including the Galaxy S25, the Flip7, and the Fold7. Technically, yes, these smartphones can charge using this duo. However, none of them have the built-in magnets to natively connect to the pucks. They need a separate case with a Qi2-certified magnet included.

It seems pretty scummy to offer a Qi2 charger for smartphones without the magnets built inside. On the bright side, it’s a good sign that Samsung’s upcoming smartphones, starting with the Galaxy S26 early next year, will likely offer Qi2 charging natively. (At least, we hope. Otherwise, this might be the priciest charger in recent memory.)

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S25 FE review: Closer to flagship than ever

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Apps

ChatGPT will soon allow NSFW conversations

The platform will start age-gating users in December.

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Every day, we inch closer and closer to the strange reality of Joaquin Phoenix’s Her. Today’s AI-powered chatbots have inevitably adapted to address our more carnal desires. Some, such as those offered by xAI, are even explicitly designed to only flirt with the user. Soon, ChatGPT will offer the same thing: a way for adult users to… well, be adults.

Through a post on X, OpenAI’s Sam Altman reiterated ChatGPT’s impending drive to introduce age-gating in December. Keeping younger users from the platform will open ChatGPT to more “mature” conversations. Altman specifically names “erotica” as one of the potential uses of a looser platform.

Additionally, ChatGPT is rolling out an update which will make the platform more personable and comparable to actual conversations. This includes using more emojis or talking like a friend.

The platform is also adding more safeguards when it comes to mental health issues, given that more people are using it as a makeshift therapist. Recently, Altman made sure that ChatGPT treated mental health with more delicateness. To some, especially those without such issues, the platform became more unusable. To bring back how it used to be, the platform will add better tools to detect whether the user is in “mental distress.”

Finally, OpenAI is implementing a backend solution to mental health by creating a new council of researchers and experts to accurately determine the impact of AI on mental health. Currently, it’s still unknown how much this new technology is helping (or harming) our wellbeing.

SEE ALSO: ChatGPT Go now available in the Philippines, more Asian countries

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vivo unveils OriginOS globally

Mastery for the Next Mobile Era

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OriginOS 6

vivo has officially launched OriginOS 6 worldwide. The system is built around three pillars—smoothness, design, and intelligence. It represents vivo’s next major step as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Smoothness redefined

At the core of OriginOS 6 is Smoothness Mastery, setting a new standard for responsiveness across every layer of the system. The new Origin Smooth Engine coordinates computing, storage, and display performance for an experience that looks, feels, and stays smooth over time.

vivo’s 8+1 Ultra-Core Computing prioritizes critical tasks, improving app cold starts by 18.5% and stabilizing frame rates by 10.5%. Memory Fusion speeds up data loading by 106%, while Dual Rendering boosts animation performance by 35%. On top of that, touch response is now 41% faster and app launches are 16% quicker, even when opening 50 apps in sequence.

Visually, the Origin Animation System brings more fluid motion through effects like Spring Animation, Blur Transition, and Morphing Animation. vivo’s Snap-Up Engine ensures instant reaction for high-demand actions like mobile ticketing—keeping users one step ahead. The result: consistent performance that’s been SGS-certified for sustained smoothness, simulating up to five years of heavy use.

Design inspired by nature

OriginOS 6 takes cues from nature to create a digital environment that feels effortless and alive. The Origin Design System unifies all visual elements—color, shape, font, and layout—under a single aesthetic built for clarity and balance. The new vivo Sans font supports over 40 languages, with adjustable weight and adaptive legibility across devices.

Dynamic Glow and Translucent Color add depth and natural light behavior to every interaction. Widgets and home screen layouts are now more flexible with the new Lock Screen Grid and 4×7 Home Screen Grid, giving users full creative freedom. Flip Cards add a touch of life, shifting dynamically as the phone tilts.

vivo AI: Personal intelligence, evolved

Working closely with Google, vivo integrates upgraded Gemini and Circle to Search capabilities for a smarter, more intuitive experience. The new Origin Island turns real-time updates into actionable suggestions—letting users copy, drag, or interact without switching apps.

In creative tools, AI Retouch merges AI Erase, Image Expander, and Photo Enhance into one workflow for easy editing. Productivity gets a boost from Smart Call Assistant, DocMaster, AI Creation, and AI Search, while Office Kit and One-Tap Transfer extend these capabilities seamlessly across devices.

Secure and enduring performance

Security takes center stage under the new vivo Security brand, ensuring privacy and transparency through on-device intelligence and data minimization. Meanwhile, upgraded BlueVolt technology enhances power efficiency and charging stability for a cooler, longer-lasting performance.

Availability

OriginOS 6 will begin rolling out globally in phases starting November 2025, with schedules varying by market.

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