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Apple’s iPhone 13 series won’t get a USB-C port

Lightning connector is still the king

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Apple’s iPhones have shipped with a Lightning port for the longest time, and the trend won’t be changing anytime soon. While USB-C continues to rule the industry today, Apple shall stick with the conventional port for an indefinite period of time.

The latest research note by TFI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will not ditch the Lightning connector in favor of a USB Type-C standard on iPhones anytime soon. And the decision to do so apparently has a lot to do with two key reasons — profits and longevity.

“We believe that USB-C is detrimental to the MFi business’s profitability, and its waterproof specification is lower than Lightning and MagSafe,” he said in the note, as quoted by AppleInsider. MFi stands for Apple’s Made for iPhone (MFi) program, allowing Apple to license the proprietary technology to other brands for making compatible accessories.

Kuo also predicts that the Pro iPhone model might lose the notch, favoring a hole-punch camera that’s popular on Android phones. However, he also adds that a shift to Touch ID is unlikely.

The note also says that we can expect an iPhone SE option with 5G compatibility. This is actually a no-brainer since every phone maker is gearing up for the boom, and the developing markets are yet to deploy full-scale 5G, giving some time to Apple.

Lastly, he speculates that the iPhone 13 Pro successor will be Apple’s main iPhone release to abandon the notch and “adopt” the hole-punch display design. Android phone makers have taken a similar approach, and it has worked well so far for everyone.

Users have long asked for a USB-C port on the iPhone because it eliminates the need to carry a Lightning cable wherever you go. Thanks to standardization, a USB-C wire is capable of charging a MacBook, Android phone, third-party accessories, as well as power banks. Having one universal port helps massively in enabling easy portability. In fact, even the iPad Pro has a USB-C port available now.

MWC 2026

TECNO launches the all-new CAMON 50 series

With a new CAMON 50 Ultra in line

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TECNO CAMON 50 Series
Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The TECNO CAMON 50 series is now official. Launched at MWC 2026 Barcelona, the lineup consists of three models: the CAMON 50 Ultra 5G, CAMON 50 Pro, and CAMON 50.

These latest midrange smartphones deliver significant upgrades across imaging hardware, AI imaging capabilities, and all-day battery performance.

All three TECNO CAMON 50 devices feature the same 50MP Sony LYT-700C main camera. This camera comes with an extra-large 1/1.56″ sensor and large f/1.8 aperture. It also features a closed-loop motor for steady captures with OIS.

The Ultra comes with an additional 50MP telephoto and 50MP AF selfie camera, while the Pro also has a telephoto shooter.

New to the series is FlashSnap 2.0 for high-speed shooting and Super-Zoom FlashSnap to capture great detail even from afar.

The telephoto lens on the Ultra and Pro support 0.6X to 3X/5X zoom (Pro/Ultra). This particular camera also doubles as a portrait shooter with a golden 70mm equivalent focal length.

Interestingly, TECNO has also added an AI Image-to-Video Generator capability. Meanwhile, Live Photo records 1.5 before and after the shutter to bring still images to life.

TECNO AI

More camera-related features include:

  • AI Auto Zoom
  • AI Ultra Clear (end+cloud generative AI)
  • AI LightMaster 2.0
  • AI 3D PhotoSpace
  • AI ArtGallery

Found on all three phones are a 1.5K AMOLED display with up to 144Hz refresh rate, as well as 6,500mAh batteries with 45W Super Charge, and One-Tap TECNO AI.

AI features include One-Tap FlashMemo plus AI MindHub. Ella, the brand’s own AI assistant, has also been upgraded to power AI Writing 2.0 and more productivity features.

For gaming, calls, and more, the CAMON 50 series also boasts of All-Scenario Noise Reduction 2.0.

In addition, all devices come with IP68/IP69/IP69K dust and water resistance ratings plus Corning Gorilla Glass protection.

Powering the three models are:

  • CAMON 50 Ultra:  MediaTek Dimensity 7400 (4nm process)
  • CAMON 50 Pro and CAMON 50: Helio G200 (6nm)

Design wise, the handsets come in Malachite Green, Monet Purple, and more colorways. They also have a dedicated AI button and a glass-like back cover.

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Enterprise

Paramount wins bid for HBO Max, plans to merge streaming apps

It’s all part of the deal to acquire the Warner Bros. library.

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Last year ended with the bombshell announcement that Netflix might buy the entire Warner Bros. library. However, after some finagling and a rocky start, Paramount has now emerged as the main suitor for the lucrative library.

At the end of last year, it seemed all but confirmed that the gigantic Warner Bros. library was coming to Netflix as part of a huge buyout deal. This became even clearer when Warner Bros. Discovery rejected Paramount’s initial bid to counter Netflix. However, Paramount recently revised its offer to an astounding US$ 110 billion, or US$ 31 per share, which Warner Bros. Discovery signed off on. Netflix passed on the opportunity for a counteroffer, making Paramount the sole bidder.

Today, Paramount has announced that, if the deal pushes through, they will merge Paramount+ and HBO Max into one streaming service. This means that Paramount’s CBS, Comedy Central, and MTV will be under the same roof as DC, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and Mission: Impossible.

The value of the above names alone makes this into one of the most lucrative deals for Paramount. However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The combined entity will reportedly carry US$ 79 billion in net debt for both purchasing Warner Bros. and refinancing the newly purchased property.

Currently, the deal is expected to go through regulatory approval ending in the second half of 2026.

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News

Globe extends roaming assistance to customers in the Middle East

Free roaming support extended

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Globe Free Roaming
Image generated via ChatGPT

Globe is extending targeted roaming support to customers in key Middle East countries, following the evolving situation in the region.

The company said the initiative aims to help Filipinos abroad stay connected with loved ones and access essential services during uncertain times. The relief measures include complimentary roaming packages in select markets, along with credit or bill adjustments where needed.

Free roaming package in select countries

Globe is offering a complimentary roaming package to eligible Prepaid, TM, and Postpaid customers in the following countries:

  • Saudi Arabia – via STC and Zain
  • United Arab Emirates – via Du and e& (Etisalat)
  • Bahrain – via Batelco and Zain Bahrain
  • Qatar – via Ooredoo and Vodafone
  • Kuwait – via Ooredoo Kuwait and stc Kuwait

The roaming relief package includes 1GB of all-access data, 15 minutes of calls, and 15 SMS credits valid for seven days. Globe designed the offer to support critical communication needs during this period.

The company will automatically activate the package for eligible customers. No registration is required. Recipients will receive a confirmation message once the service is active and ready to use.

To enjoy the benefit, customers must connect to Globe’s preferred roaming partners in each country. These networks are listed in Globe’s global roaming partner directories as primary operators in the region.

Additional support for customers in Iran

For customers in Iran, Globe is providing load support or bill adjustments to help offset roaming costs. The assistance will be administered through account credit adjustments, based on usage patterns while connected to roaming partners such as MTN Irancell.

“We recognize the importance of connection especially when circumstances are unpredictable. These measures represent Globe’s commitment to supporting our customers abroad, keeping them reliably linked to family and critical communication even in challenging contexts,” said Paula Rivera-Castillo, Head of Globe International Business.

Globe said it continues to monitor conditions in the region and work closely with international partners to ensure seamless connectivity and timely support for affected subscribers.

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