News

An iPhone can soon mimic your own voice

Previewed in upcoming accessibility features

Published

May 17, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

For all the controversy that Apple often finds itself in, one segment that the brand does not play around with is accessibility. Apple maintains a healthy relationship with those who need assistance to use their devices. In a new update, Apple’s accessibility features on the iPhone are about to get more advanced (or freaky, depending on your stances on AI).

Today, Apple showcased upcoming accessibility features coming to the iPhone later this year. While ultimately varied, the set of features will focus on users with impaired cognition, vision, and speaking.

Of note, the highlight among these is Live Speech. With the new feature, an iPhone can effectively mimic its user’s voice. Designed for those losing their ability to speak, the feature asks users to provide a 15-minute sample of their voice using text prompts. Afterwards, the software can replicate the user’s voice and speak for them. Users can then use the feature on FaceTime with loved ones, for example.

To ensure safety, Apple assures users that information will remain confidential and will be used only for the feature.

Another new feature is Detection Mode. A more advanced version of a magnifier, the feature will read out labels that the camera is pointed to. Further, users can customize what the feature will read out if they manually point to a specific panel. An explicit example is using the feature to read out buttons on a microwave as a user points to them.

Finally, the update can provide a new high-contrast, big-buttoned version of the Home Screen called Assistive Access. The feature will help the cognitively impaired in navigating their devices.

Gaming

Ubisoft Forward: Free trials, discounts on titles, drops

Tune in on June 13

Published

June 10, 2023

GadgetMatch

Viewers will get the chance to secure items from different games when they tune in to this year’s edition of Ubisoft Forward on June 13.

They will simply have to watch the livestream on Ubisoft’s Twitch and YouTube channels, or through one of Ubisoft’s official co-streamers.

Here are the items up for grabs:

Watch for 15 minutes: “Slumbering Ikran” Na’vi Weapon Trinket from Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Watch for 20 minutes: “Base Camp Duffel” from Riders Republic
Watch for 30 minutes: “Eugene” Raven Skin from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Watch for 45 minutes: “Oasis Initiate of Alamut Dye” from Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Ubisoft Forward will begin at 1:00 a.m. Philippine time, after a 15-minute pre-show. The main event will then be followed by a post-show for a deeper dive into some of the showcased games.

The stream will showcase an exclusive look at upcoming games like Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, The Crew Motorfest, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and more.

Discounts, free trials

In celebration of the event, Ubisoft is also offering a free trial for its subscription service, Ubisoft+.

Players who sign up for Ubisoft+ Multi-Access will receive a free seven-day trial subscription, granting them access to the Ubisoft+ library on PC through Ubisoft Connect, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

From June 8 to 21, the Ubisoft Store is also offering major discounts on selected titles:

70% off: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Complete Edition
75% off: Anno 1800
33% off: The Settlers: New Allies

There will also be an additional 20% off discount when players use the code UBISOFT20 upon checkout.

Apps

Going cashless? GCash now accepted in Europe

United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy

Published

June 9, 2023

GadgetMatch

Thinking of going cashless on you next trip to Europe? GCash can offer just that, as the mobile wallet app is now accepted in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy.

The cross-border payment service is part of the e-wallet’s strengthened partnership with Alipay+, offering users a seamless and secure payment experience without the need for money changers and carrying to much actual cash on your pockets.

Among the popular merchants that will be accepting GCash from now on are:

Harrods
Liberty London
Harvey Nichols
Printemps
Müller
dm-drogerie markt
itTaxi
IVS Group

To pay using GCash at these establishments, travelers will simply have to look for the Alipay+ logo at the checkout.

Open the GCash app, select the QR or PayQR button, scan the merchant’s QR code, or tap “Pay Abroad with Alipay+” to have a generated QR.

Finally, check the amount, and tap Pay to see the receipt.

Gaming

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth coming early 2024

Second of the Remake trilogy

Published

June 9, 2023

GadgetMatch

Square Enix has released a new trailer for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth to excite gamers even more for its 2024 release in Asia on PlayStation 5.

The Summer Game Fest 2023 trailer previewed the title’s gameplay. It also showed story elements and its expansive world that players can look forward to experiencing starting in “early 2024.”

Thanks to Square Enix’s previous easter eggs, it can be expected that there will be new characters with more action outside of Midgar. This mimics the feeling players of the original game. The world opened up following the events that transpired in Midgar.

The trailer also showcased new combat mechanics. Characters like Yuffie and Red XXIII were seen doing team-up attacks. Our main girls Tifa and Aerith were also shown doing the same.

Though yet to get an exact release date and price, the second entry to the Final Fantasy VII remake project is already anticipated by many. Oh and something that caught people’s eyes — the end of the trailer says Rebirth will have two (2) discs.

It will continue the story in Final Fantasy VII Remake, which has earned tremendous praise from players and critics globally.

The first of the remake trilogy garnered more than 20 perfect scores. It also became the highest-selling digital release on PlayStation in Square Enix’s history.

Watch the trailer.