News
iPhone 16 adds Camera Control, Apple Intelligence, new colors
Better experiences on the more powerful new flagships
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have been officially introduced via Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event in Cupertino, California on Monday. These base models feature the new A18 chip and Apple Intelligence features, but an even more interesting new addition is the Camera Control button.
Located on the lower right bezel when on a portrait orientation, this add-on lets users access the Camera app with just a click, making it easier for them to take quick snaps and videos.
Apple positioned the Camera Control button in a way where it replicates the shutter button on traditional film cameras especially when holding the iPhone 16 in landscape mode.
This way, users do not need to adjust the grip anymore after launching the Camera app. And for filming, they simply have to click and hold the Camera Control button to start recording right away.
Moreover, the iPhone 16 Camera Control button is designed to understand haptic feedback, differentiating full presses from light touches.
When the Camera app has already been opened, users may simply light press the button to frame the shot. Another light tap will show various settings like depth of field, exposure, and more.
They may then slide their fingers on the button to adjust these settings. The same gesture helps them to zoom in and out easily. These same features can be utilized when filming. Furthermore, when on portrait orientation, Snapchat may be accessed directly from the control for quick sharing.
iPhone 16 cameras
Speaking of cameras, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus feature a 48MP main camera and a 12MP telephoto camera.
The main camera absorbs light 2.6x better than its predecessor. Users may take macro, ultra-wide angle, normal, and 2x zoom shots without compromising quality, all thanks to the 48MP Fusion camera.
The new flagships also leverage powerful machine learning algorithms for better audio pickup on video recording and video calls.
First iPhones built for Apple Intelligence
And as the iPhone 16 series is the first generation of iPhones specifically built for Apple Intelligence, users can take advantage of a handful of AI-powered features, like Clean Up to remove unwanted parts on photos.
The A18 chip on the devices also allow them to support the Apple Intelligence features easily. With a 6-core CPU, including two performance cores and four efficiency cores, the A18 chip delivers a 60% faster performance than an iPhone 12. Yet it uses 30% less power than an A16 Bionic chip, making the iPhone 16 Series even more power efficient.
One of the Apple Intelligence-powered features is Writing Tools. This can be used to help with proofreading texts or changing its tone with just a few taps. There’s also Genmoji, which lets users be creative with generating emojis with just text prompts.
Siri has likewise been supercharged so that simple voice prompts lead to browsing through apps to pull up vital information.
iPhone 16 series price, availability
The iPhone 16 is priced starting at US$ 799 for the 128GB model. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Plus retails starting at US$ 899 for the 128GB option.
Both come in the new Ultramarine, Teal, and Pink, colorways, joining the classic White and Black options.
News
Two new Xiaomi audio wearables join REDMI Note 15 Series
The Mijia Smart Audio Glasses and REDMI Buds 8 Lite
Xiaomi has launched two new audio wearables on the same day it launched the REDMI Note 15 in the Philippines.
These two wearables are the Mijia Smart Audio Glasses and the REDMI Buds 8 Lite.
The two new offerings expand Xiaomi’s ecosystem, bringing innovative features in different form factors to users.
Mijia Smart Audio Glasses
The Mijia Smart Audio Glasses house a speaker system and four built-in microphones in a stylish eyewear design.
This enables users to stay aware of surroundings while enjoying crystal-clear audio and 4.5m/s wind noise reduction.
It is an ideal accessory for city walks, outdoor travel, and even more discreet scenarios like meetings and calls with a new privacy mode.
This mode leverages a custom algorithm to ensure clear audio while significantly reducing sound leakage.
Inside the glasses are non-coaxial steel-cased batteries. Full charging takes just about an hour, and fuels up to 13 hours of music playback.
Users can connect the wearable to the Xiaomi Glasses app for greater customization and control.
The Mijia glasses are available in three styles: Titanium, Pilot-Style, and Browline. All lenses can be replaced with prescription ones if needed.
In addition, the Browline and Titanium come with up to 25% blue light protection lenses while the Pilot-Style features up to a 99.99% UV light blocking rate.
Pricing:
- Browline and Pilot-Style: Starts at PhP 10,999
- Titanium: Starts at PhP 12,999
REDMI Buds 8 Lite
On the other hand, the REDMI Buds 8 Lite are built for those who seek practicality and crystal-clear sound at the same time.
The buds house large 12.4mm titanium-diaphragm drivers for clear sound and rich detail. They support Bluetooth 5.4 connection for AAC and SBC audio codecs for high-quality audio across a wide range of devices.
Moreover, the REDMI Buds 8 Lite feature up to 42dB hybrid active noise cancellation, on top of a Transparency Mode.
The ANC uses a combination of talk and feedback microphones to effectively detect and suppress ambient noise.
And with the Xiaomi Earbuds app, users can tailor-fit the sound better to their liking with five pre-installed EQ modes and the option to customize EQ tuning.
The Buds 8 Lite is available in Black, White, and Blue starting at PhP 1,199.
Joining the two new Xiaomi audio wearables are other AIoT devices that are now available at online and offline Xiaomi stores: the Mijia Smart Air Purifier Max, Xiaomi Electric Scooter 6, and 6 Lite.
News
REDMI Note 15 Series unveiled: Price, availability in the Philippines
4 models available starting at PhP 9,999
The REDMI Note 15 Series has been officially launched in the Philippines. It comes in four variants: the Note 15 Pro+ 5G, Note 15 Pro 5G, Note 15 5G, and Note 15.
Featuring “REDMI Titan Durability”, the lineup highlights long-lasting battery performance, reinforced drop resistance, and enhanced dust and water protection.
Alongside these physical upgrades, the REDMI Note 15 Series also comes with enhanced imaging capabilities, reliable performance, and a seamless overall user experience.
Xiaomi also introduced the Mijia Smart Audio Glasses and REDMI Buds 8 Lite, among others, expanding their ecosystem.
The top-of-the-line variants, the REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G and REDMI Note 15 Pro 5G, feature 6,500mAh batteries with 100W HyperCharge.
Making its REDMI Note Series debut, the Silicon-Carbon battery technology enables higher energy density within a compact form factor.
The Pro variants also come with better protection, with the Pro having a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and the Pro+ having a tough fiberglass back panel.
In addition, the Pro+ comes with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K dust and water resistance ratings.
Meanwhile, the REDMI Note 15 5G and REDMI Note 15 house 5,520mAh and 6,000mAh batteries, respectively. These two models also have SGS Comprehensive Shock and Drop-Resistance certifications.
Cameras
Onto the series’ cameras, both Pro models boast of a new 200MP ultimate-clarity camera, along with the global debut of a 200MP HPE image sensor.
This large, 1/1.4-inch sensor backs 2x and 4x optical-level in-sensor zoom, triple-focal length DAG HDR, and advanced AI processing. This way, users can get detailed and true-to-life images across in various lighting conditions.
The two Note 15 variants, meanwhile, come with 108MP main cameras. These offer up to a 3x optical-level telephoto experience.
Creative and AI-powered tools complement the shooting experience. There’s ultra-clear portrait algorithm, Dynamic shots 2.0, and AI Creativity Assistant on the Pro models.
Across the entire lineup are everyday creativity features like AI Remove Reflection and AI Beautify.
Upgraded performance, smarter connectivity
The REDMI Note 15 Series also delivers balanced performance in the segment. Powering the Note 15 Pro+ 5G is a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 mobile platform and introduces the Xiaomi IceLoop cooling system.
The entire lineup also come with new generation Snapdragon and MediaTek chipsets for faster performance and smoother graphics.
All models support Google Gemini and Circle to Search with Google out of the box. The Pro+ also integrates Xiaomi HyperAI for a more personalized and intelligent experience.
And for enhanced connectivity, the Pro models support Xiaomi Offline Communication which allows for voice transmission even without network coverage.
Immersive audiovisual experience
In front, the series offers an upgraded viewing experience. The Pro models have 6.83-inch displays, while the base models have 6.77-inch screens.
These have up to 3,200 nits brightness and triple eye-care certifications. Complementing these are up to a 400% volume boost capability.
Price, availability
The REDMI Note 15 Pro models retail for the following prices:
- Note 15 Pro+ 5G: PhP 27,999 (Mocha Brown, Glacier Blue, Black)
- Note 15 Pro 5G: Starts at PhP 19,999 (Mist Purple, Black)
Early bird purchases (January 16 to 29) include a PhP 2,000 savings, Xiaomi Smart Band 10, and Black Box Gift Set.
From January 30 to February 8, the same freebies (minus the discount) are still available to claim.
On the other hand, the REDMI Note 15 base models are available for:
- Note 15 5G: Starts at PhP 14,999 (Glacier Blue, Mist Purple, Black)
- Note 15: Starts at PhP 9,999 (Glacier Blue, Purple, Black)
Customers can grab an additional PhP 1,000 off, REDMI Buds 8 Lite, and Xiaomi Black Backpack until January 29, with the two freebies available for purchases made until February 8.
Other perks include:
- 4-year battery replacement warranty
- 2-year liquid damage coverage
- 2-year front & back cover replacement
- 3 months Spotify Premium
- 3-month 100GB cloud storage
All models are now available across Lazada, Shopee, TikTok Shop, and mi.com.
Accessories
Sony ships its LinkBuds Fit Hatsune Miku edition to the United States
It will come with the special acrylic stand.
Hatsune Miku is finding her way everywhere. Last year, the pop icon built partnerships where you might have least expected one. Now, a recent collaboration has made it to new shores. Sony is shipping its recent partnership with Hatsune Miku in the United States.
In the middle of last year, Sony released a limited edition of the LinkBuds Fit featuring Hatsune Miku. Inside, the special variant is indistinguishable from the original series. However, it will have special colorway options, including the icon’s signature green.
Now, the limited edition is now available in the United States. It will be available for US$ 249.99.
Like the first launch, buying the special edition of the earbuds will give fans a limited-edition acrylic earbud stand featuring newly illustrated artwork by Ogipote. It also features two original HoloModels of the character.
Further, those who purchased the device will get access to a special campaign song called “BELIEVE DAY” and an animated performance of the same song. Fans need only to register their product and install the HoloModels app.
SEE ALSO: Sony PH offers limited-time LinkBuds Fit x Hatsune Miku bundle
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