News

iPhone 16 adds Camera Control, Apple Intelligence, new colors

Better experiences on the more powerful new flagships

Published

September 10, 2024

Manila Connoisseur

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

OPPO Find N6 global launch set for March 17

Foldable debuts Zero-Feel Crease

Published

March 9, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

OPPO has confirmed the global launch date of its next foldable flagship. The OPPO Find N6 will debut on March 17, 2026 at the company’s Binhai Bay Campus in China.

The upcoming device aims to push foldable technology further with what OPPO calls a “Zero-Feel Crease,” designed to deliver a flatter display and a smoother touch experience even after years of use.

According to OPPO Senior Vice President and Chief Product Officer Pete Lau, the Find N series has consistently focused on advancing foldable innovation. With the Find N6, the company says it has achieved a major breakthrough in hinge architecture and display materials to reduce the visibility and feel of the screen crease.

Zero crease

Creases have long been a common concern among foldable phone users. OPPO first addressed the issue with the original Find N in 2021, which introduced the waterdrop-style Flexion Hinge. The design helped minimize deep creases by allowing the display to fold more naturally.

With the Find N6, OPPO claims it has taken another step forward. The new hinge and display structure aim to create a more seamless large-screen experience, keeping the inner display smooth and flat over long-term use.

Thin design meets flagship camera

The Find N6 also continues the series’ focus on thin and comfortable hardware. OPPO says the device is among the thinnest book-style foldables available, with ergonomics comparable to conventional bar-style flagship smartphones.

On the back, a redesigned symmetrical Cosmos Ring houses a new 200MP Hasselblad Ultra-Clear camera system. The setup aims to deliver professional-grade photography while maintaining a relatively slim camera module.

The foldable will launch in two color options: Stellar Titanium and Blossom Orange. The latter features a titanium hinge casing with a rose-gold finish achieved through a gilding technique that incorporates genuine gold.

OPPO AI Pen

OPPO is also positioning the Find N6 as a productivity device. It will support the OPPO AI Pen stylus, designed to take advantage of the larger foldable display and integrate AI-powered tools for note-taking and multitasking.

More details about the OPPO Find N6 will be revealed during the global launch event on March 17.

Finance

EastWest rolls out Google Pay access for debit cardholders

For fast, seamless, and secure payments

Published

March 8, 2026

GadgetMatch

Eastwest continues to make banking easier as its EastWest Debit Card is now on Google Pay. This enables users to pay with just the tap of their phone.

The integration brings a globally accepted payment experience closer to home. With Google Pay now supporting EastWest Debit Cards, customers can add their card to Google Wallet to enjoy fast, seamless, and secure payments.

That’s whether for everyday purchases, online shopping, or even when traveling overseas. Specifically for Eastwest Priority clients who travel frequently, Visa Infinite Debit Cardholders can enjoy more benefits, like:

Low foreign exchange fees of 1.7% (with no foreign exchange bank conversion fees promo until March 31)
Waived interbank domestic withdrawal fees
Up to 10 free international ATM withdrawals per year (with free and unlimited international ATM withdrawals promo until March 31)
24/7 access to Visa Infinite Concierge

From casual cafe purchases to grocery checkouts and even online purchases and international trips, having EastWest on Google Pay transforms the smartphone into a secure, all-in-one wallet.

As with other banks offering the same capabilities, users do not need to carry their physical card with them anymore. A simple tap with a compatible Android device or wearable completes the transaction.

EastWest’s Debit Cards are powered by Visa, and are accepted at millions of merchants worldwide.

News

Globe postpaid opens pre-orders for Samsung Galaxy S26 series

Enjoy a double the storage promo and more perks

Published

March 8, 2026

GadgetMatch

Globe has officially opened pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S26 series through its postpaid plans.

Customers can choose from three different models: the Samsung Galaxy S26, the Galaxy S26 Plus, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

As with Globe GPlans with previous flagship releases, the higher the postpaid plan you avail, the less you have to shell out as a one-time cashout fee.

Postpaid plans start at just 599 pesos, with a 24-month lock-in period and reward points for corresponding expenditures.

And as part of Globe’s pre-order offer, customers can enjoy double the storage when they avail of any device until March 17.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how much you will spend depending on the plan you choose:

Globe GPlan 599

Inclusions: 2GB data, 100 minutes mobile and landline calls, 100 minutes all-net texts

Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 47,400 cashout
Galaxy S26 Plus (512GB): PhP 59,400 cashout
Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 67,400 cashout

Globe GPlan 799

Inclusions: 3GB data, unlimited all-net calls (including landline) and texts

Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 46,000 cashout
Galaxy S26 Plus (512GB): PhP 58,000 cashout
Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 66,000 cashout

Globe GPlan 999

Inclusions: 5GB data, unlimited all-net calls (including landline) and texts

Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 44,000 cashout
Galaxy S26 Plus (512GB): PhP 56,000 cashout
Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 64,000 cashout

Globe GPlan 1299

Inclusions: 8GB data, unlimited all-net calls (including landline) and texts

Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 42,000 cashout
Galaxy S26 Plus (512GB): PhP 54,000 cashout
Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 62,000 cashout

Globe GPlan 1499

Inclusions: 10GB data, unlimited all-net calls (including landline) and texts

Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 38,600 cashout
Galaxy S26 Plus (512GB): PhP 50,600 cashout
Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 58,600 cashout

Globe GPlan 1799

Inclusions: 13GB data, unlimited all-net calls (including landline) and texts

Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 35,300 cashout
Galaxy S26 Plus (512GB): PhP 47,300 cashout
Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 55,300 cashout

Globe GPlan 1999

Inclusions: 15GB data, unlimited all-net calls (including landline) and texts

Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 33,000 cashout
Galaxy S26 Plus (512GB): PhP 45,000 cashout
Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 53,000 cashout

Globe GPlan 2499

Inclusions: 25GB data, unlimited all-net calls (including landline) and texts

Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 28,500 cashout
Galaxy S26 Plus (512GB): PhP 40,500 cashout
Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 48,500 cashout

In addition, customers can enjoy 0% interest installment up to 36 months via select bank credit cards, like UnionBank, BDO, BPI, Metrobank, EastWest, Chinabank, and more.