Apps

Apple focuses on speed and functionality rather than big features on iOS 12

That doesn’t mean there are no fun new features to play with, though

Published

June 5, 2018

Daniel Morial

We were already expecting Apple to unveil the latest version of their mobile operating system simply called iOS 12 at WWDC 2018. The rumors surrounding its new features were pretty quiet, so we didn’t really know what to look forward to.

As it turned out, Apple didn’t focus on making big changes to iOS, but instead made sure that it’ll work smoothly even on older iPhones and iPads. Although, that doesn’t mean there are no new features to be excited about.

iOS 12 may not have the grand change iOS 7 had years ago, but the new update does include some significant additions and improvements like Screen Time, Memoji, Group FaceTime, and grouped notifications.

Screen Time

This is similar to what Google introduced in Android P. Apple wants their uses to have a healthier balance with gadgets and life, so the Screen Time feature in iOS 12 will make sure you’ll get that. It details how much time you’re spending on your device and apps. It can break down app usage by category and also track which one is constantly bugging you with notifications.

You’ll be able to set limits for each app if they become too addictive. A “time’s up” message will display if your allotted time is over, but you can always ask for more if you still want to continue. Parental controls are also integrated in the app, giving parents great control over how often kids stare at their device’s screen.

Memoji and new Animoji

Memoji is probably the most popular of the announcements today. If Animoji lets us become our favorite emoji, Memoji will let you create a personalized character that you can animate. It’s pretty much like Samsung’s AR Emoji, but improved in a lot of aspects. Memoji let’s you have your own appearance, choose skin color, hairstyle, and accessories.

Animoji is not forgotten with a new roster of characters including a ghost, koala, tiger, and a tyrannosaurus rex (or simply T-Rex). Not only that, Animoji now has the ability to detect your tongue. If you stick it out, Animoji will be able to mimic that.

Group FaceTime

Apple’s built-in video chat app will soon be able to let friends have a video conference with up to 32 people. Like other popular video conferencing apps, group FaceTime sessions will have dynamic video windows that get larger when the user in that window is speaking. You might say it’s a boring update, but hold your horses.

If you don’t feel like showing your face in the call or wanna stir up some fun, you’ll be able to use Animoji and your Memoji character during calls. I can already imagine having a lively video conference even during work meetings.

Grouped notifications

At last! Grouped notifications is a long overdue fix to iOS’ messy notifications. In iOS 12, you’ll now be able to interact with or dismiss multiple notifications from the same app at once — just like how Android has been doing it for years. Aside from this, there are also new tweaks like individual setup of “Quiet” app notifications that will show up on your lock screen or not make a sound at all.

Better AR and a new Measure app

In iOS 12, augmented reality is still a focus feature. A more powerful AR experience is coming our way on Apple’s mobile devices along with a new Measure app. As the name suggests, the app is for measuring objects or distances around you. It’s practically an AR ruler similar to other third-party apps, but now made by Apple.

All about performance

As mentioned earlier, Apple is working to make iOS feel smoother and faster especially on older devices. Based on their test on a four-year-old iPhone 6, these are what they found about iOS 12’s performance: Apps launch 40 percent faster, the system keyboard shows up 50 percent faster, and the camera launches 70 percent faster.

“For iOS 12, we are doubling down on performance.” — Craig Federighi, Senior VP of Software Engineering for Apple

Apple focuses on what’s in the core to make sure the new update will not slow down older devices. This is probably to address the battery issues and intentional slow down fiasco. iOS 12 will be available for download later this year, but you can join the beta program to get ahead of everyone else. All devices running iOS 11 are eligible to get iOS 12 — nice!

Apps

Firefox ad reunites all your favorite memes from decades ago

The Numa Numa Guy, Annoying Orange, and Chocolate Rain are back!

Published

October 27, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Before Tung Tung Tung Sahur and Skibidi Toilet, the early internet was populated by charismatic personalities looking to make their presences felt in a land that didn’t have a lot of rules yet. As early users, we danced to “Dragostea din tei,” belted out “Chocolate Rain,” and copied “Shoes” word-for-word. Today, Firefox is bringing all those good memories back for a grand reunion.

In a new ad, the web browser featured ten of the biggest stars of the early internet including the aforementioned Numa Numa Guy, Tay Zonday, and Shoes’ Kelly. You can also see Annoying Orange, Chuck Testa, Overly Attached Girlfriend, Bad Luck Brian, Where the Hell is Matt?, the Apparently Kid, and the Success Kid.

Now, this isn’t just a reunion. The ad has a clear message about today’s most concerning issue: AI. Everything has “built-in AI, always asking, asking, asking,” as the Annoying Orange said.

“They make money by following us, and somehow, I’m the creepy one?” the Overly Attached Girlfriend asked.

All these famous personalities are asking what happened to the internet today. Obviously, the big takeaway is that we should all go back to Firefox.

Compared to other browsers, Firefox has a lot of built-in features that offer a lot of control for users. For one, it has its own VPN for privacy. Secondly, reflecting the ad’s message against AI, the browser has a toggle to minimize AI features.

Apps

Apple Music is getting a Liquid Glass makeover

The new logo debuts next week with iOS 27.2.

Published

October 22, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Apple Music is getting a revamp. In one of the tamer things going on with the brand today, Apple has introduced a new design language for its native music streaming platform.

In the midst of all the hubbub surrounding the iPhone Duo, Apple released a change in the visual identity of Apple Music. Rather than a static logo, the platform’s newest evolution offers a dynamic look that melds Liquid Glass and the power of sound together.

Confirmed through a behind-the-scenes video, Apple says that the new aesthetic was made with practical effects. Music producer Fred Again and NEST Acoustics submerged the platform’s logo in a tank of mineral oil and creating ripples with sound. The new language matches well with the chrome aesthetic typical of today’s trends and… well, Liquid Glass, of course.

Apple says that the more ripple-filled version will play before longer content like concert recordings (similar to Netflix’s startup stinger). Meanwhile, a black-and-white version will replace the app’s icon currently colored red and white. Current previews show off a simple logo, but it’s unknown whether Apple is adding a but more elements when the final version drops.

The updated version will debut for users after next week’s iOS 27.2 and macOS 27.2 updates.

Apps

Disney+ strengthens footing as go-to sports streaming app with UFC, NBA, more

ESPN on Disney+ brands itself as ‘new home ground for sports’

Published

October 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

Disney+ is strengthening its footing as a go-to sports streaming app as ESPN on Disney+ is now available in the Philippines, one of its markets with a huge sports-loving fanbase.

The launch coincides with a brand new campaign, “Ito ang Homecourt Mo!” (This is your homecourt!), welcoming Filipino fans to a new home ground for games, stories, and moments.

Subscribers can access live events, on-demand replays, studio shows, documentaries and original programming together in one dedicated destination through ESPN on Disney+.

Production and coverage will be led by ESPN, delivering high-quality broadcasts, commentary and expert analysis across the sports season where available, alongside Disney+ general entertainment and family programming.

Following last season’s success, NBA returns to ESPN on Disney+ with matchups during NBA Tip-Off Week.

Christmas Day games will also be available to stream, including the NBA Finals rematch between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs and the Philadelphia 76ers versus the Los Angeles Lakers.

Playoff games through the conference finals shall also be streamed live and on demand.

Meanwhile, the UFC is among some of the new regular sports programs Filipinos can watch on Disney+.

The action kicks off at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi scheduled on October 25, where two world championship titles are expected to be on the line: UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski takes on undefeated No. 1-ranked contender Movsar Evloev, and UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan defends against former champion and No. 1-ranked Merab Dvalishvili.

Alongside live UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Nights, fans will have access to a library of classic fights and curated UFC content.

There will also be the original and and behind-the-scenes programming, including UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, UFC Main Event, UFC Fight Flashback, UFC Reloaded, and ROAD TO UFC.

A new home ground for sports

Other notable sports programming will include the Formula E 2026/27 season, with practice, qualifying and main races across 21 rounds in 13 host cities.

Also available on Disney+ are NCAA events, including March Madness, and Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), with all games live across the regular season and championship series.

ESPN’s popular 30 for 30 documentaries will continue to be available on the platform. The line-up also features ESPN studio shows, including ESPN FC and Pardon the Interruption.