News

Apple iPad Air and iPad mini (2019): Price and availability in the Philippines

The new Apple tablets are here

Published

on

Apple iPad mini (2019) | Image credit: Apple

Apple silently unveiled two new tablets, the new iPad Air and iPad mini. Basically, these new iPads are the successors to their respective older models and they complete Apple’s latest lineup of tablets.

Both iPads are powered by Apple’s new A12 Bionic chip and come with a Retina Display with True Tone technology. The forms of the two haven’t changed much, but the iPad Air comes with a bigger display and slimmer bezels.

As expected, there’s Apple Pencil support (the first generation only) for both of the tablets, just like the basic iPad from last year.

Apple iPad Air (2019) | Image credit: Apple

The new iPad Air will come in two storage configurations: 64GB and 256GB. Price starts at PhP 29,990 for the Wi-Fi only model and goes up to PhP 39,490. There are also Wi-Fi + Cellular versions with LTE connectivity and they go for PhP 37,990 and PhP 47,490.

The new iPad mini will also come in 64GB and 256GB storage configurations. The base Wi-Fi only models are priced at PhP 23,990 and 33,490, respectively. If you want LTE connectivity, you’ll have to pay PhP 31,990 or P 41,490 depending on your storage configuration.

As of writing, the new iPads are labeled as “currently unavailable.” There’s no estimated time of shipping yet, which is understandable because the tablets were just unveiled yesterday. We’ll update the article when we receive more info.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft says you need a real computer, not an iPad

Gaming

Switch 2 finally gets a Choose Your Game bundle

Choose from Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia.

Published

on

When the console launched, Nintendo fans had only two options when buying a new Switch 2: the console by itself or packaged with Mario Kart World. Since then, Nintendo has very occasionally released more bundles for more games. Finally, a new bundle will let you pick your bundled game from three hard-hitting options.

The best way to buy a new console is through a bundle. It allows you to save a few dollars on a game you’re probably buying anyway and lets you play right as you unbox your new purchase.

Today, Nintendo announced a new bundle that adds more options for gamers. These options include Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Pokémon Pokopia. The bundle lets you pick one.

As someone who’s played all three games, this selection isn’t too shabby at all. In fact, they’re the best first-party games you can currently get for the console.

It’s also a cost-efficient purchase that gives you more savings before the price of a new Switch 2 goes up in September. It’s likely that Nintendo introduced the option to soften the blow of the upcoming price hike.

The bundle will cost US 499.99. Being the most expensive game of the bundle, selecting Mario Kart World will save you US$ 29.99. Meanwhile, both Donkey Kong Bananza and Pokémon Pokopia will save you US$ 19.99.

The Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle will come out in early June and will be available until supplies last. If you’re still craving for a Switch 2, this might be the perfect time to grab one.

SEE ALSO: The Switch 2 is getting more expensive this year

Continue Reading

Laptops

The Googlebook is the next evolution of the Chromebook

Notebooks are coming later this year.

Published

on

Chromebooks did not become the go-to alternative for laptop users on a budget. Given how the market looks today, it could have been a matter of “right place, wrong time.” Today, Google is trying again with the new Googlebook lineup.

The Googlebook is different from the Chromebook. Though both platforms allow Android apps to run natively, the Googlebook will focus more on building a foundation on Gemini Intelligence.

Of course, the Android ecosystem is still a focal point. The Googlebook can run apps from the ecosystem and can connect seamlessly with Android phones. Specifically, users can access their phone’s apps and files directly from the notebook without waiting for transfers.

As for the Gemini part, the Googlebook starts by reinventing the cursor. The new Magic Pointer brings the wonder of Gemini to your mouse. A wiggle of the cursor wakes the software, which contextualizes anything it’s pointed to. For example, pointing at a date will ask you if you want to schedule a meeting. Pointing at two photos might merge the two into an AI-generated mashup.

Additionally, Create a Widget will allow you to customize software to perfectly tailor to your needs. Using Gemini, the Googlebook can collate everything you need on your dashboard.

Currently, there are no official models set to come out just yet. However, Google has confirmed that Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo have committed to bringing out the Googlebook this fall. Naturally, each of these brands will have their own take on lineup, but the one thing uniting them will be a unique glowbar to set them apart from other notebooks.

SEE ALSO: Google, on Android adopting Liquid Glass: “Not happening!”

Continue Reading

News

HONOR Magic8 Pro gets Android 17 Beta 3 support early

Android 17 arrives early

Published

on

The HONOR Magic8 Pro is among the first smartphones to support Android 17 Beta 3, giving developers early access to Google’s upcoming mobile platform ahead of its wider release.

According to HONOR, the early beta access allows developers to test app compatibility, optimize performance, and integrate new Android 17 features using the company’s flagship smartphone.

Android 17 Beta 3

Android 17 Beta 3 introduces several new multitasking, customization, camera, and privacy tools. One of its biggest additions is the expansion of Bubbles into a system-wide feature. Apps can now run in floating windows that users can minimize and reopen from anywhere on-screen.

The update also adds support for the RAW14 image format. HONOR says this allows developers to better take advantage of the Magic8 Pro’s AiMAGE camera system for improved image processing, dynamic range, and color accuracy in third-party camera and editing apps.

Android 17 Beta 3 also expands UI customization. Users can now hide app labels for a cleaner home screen layout, while developers can adjust Photo Picker layouts with different aspect ratios including portrait-style 9:16 views.

Other updates include separate Quick Settings toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data, alongside a redesigned screen recording interface that lets users choose between recording the full display or a specific app.

Privacy and security improvements are also part of the update. Android 17 Beta 3 adds session-only precise location access, blocks local network access by default, and introduces protections against code injection attacks. Google is also preparing Android for future cybersecurity threats through support for Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).

The HONOR Magic8 Pro features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform, HONOR’s AiMAGE imaging system, and a 6,270mAh Silicon-carbon Battery. HONOR says its participation in the Android 17 Beta program highlights its continued collaboration with Google ahead of Android 17’s official release.

Continue Reading

Trending