News

Apple will not change its design next year, report says

Will keep the notch until 2019

Published

December 10, 2018

Luigi Leonardo

For the longest time, the smartphone market has been defined by technology’s ten-year old rule. Typified by Apple and Samsung, companies initially launch revolutionary phone designs, followed by incremental upgrades for the next year. For example, the Galaxy S8 and S9 have similar designs; the iPhone X, XR, XS, and XS Max have near-identical looks. Both Samsung and Apple have two-year cycles. It’s a time-honored tradition.

Now, the rule is finally winding down. According to Nomura Securities Analyst Anne Lee, Apple will not follow that trend next year. Instead, the 2019 iPhones will “likely have the same form factors… as the 2H18 iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, with some added AR-related features.”

Last year, Apple introduced the polarizing iPhone X form factor. Among others, the design standard popularized the camera notch. Since then, Android-reliant companies have also adopted the design, resulting in a lot of wacky iterations. If Lee’s report is true, the notch still has one year left in its tank. “We think 2019 could be the last year the iPhone uses the iPhone X design architecture,” she said.

Potentially, the move coincides with the company’s strides to adopt 5G technology, which will make its Apple debut in 2020. With that, Apple will likely debut a new design after a working 5G prototype.

Of course, Apple’s defensive approach also hints at the company’s struggles this past year. Notably, the company has been consistently disappointed by its sales columns this year. Apple has even decided to withhold its sales figures for upcoming quarters. On global distribution charts, Huawei has already overtaken Apple for the number two spot.

With the new report, Apple is noticeably doubling down on riskier strategies for the upcoming year. The company already expects to sell fewer units in 2019. On paper, Apple looks like it’s on a downward spiral.

Gaming

New Resident Evil Requiem trailer teases a return to the RPD

The title officially launches on February 27.

Published

February 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Fresh off a stellar 2025 filled with award-winning titles, the world of games is now going through a calm before another inevitable storm. We’re still some ways away from the next explosion of amazing titles. For now, however, an upcoming major title is looking to kick off 2026 with a huge bang. Coming very soon, Resident Evil Requiem just got another trailer, and yes, there’s more Leon to go around.

Late last year, Capcom revealed a bombshell announcement it’s been saving up since the title’s big reveal. Resident Evil Requiem will feature the return of the franchise’s most iconic protagonist, Leon Kennedy. The suave agent will play alongside FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, who heads to Raccoon City to investigate a series of strange deaths.

Since the two characters clearly have opposing personalities, fans have speculated that they will have opposing playstyles. Now, through a new trailer, Capcom has confirmed that Resident Evil Requiem will mix the two genres that the franchise is known for.

Ashcroft, unused to fighting, will have portions more tailored for survival horror, akin to the more recent titles in the series. Meanwhile, Kennedy is back to his gun-toting ways, featuring the same action he’s known for in Resident Evil 4.

Beside the playstyles, there are few Easter eggs for the upcoming title. For example, Sherry makes a very subtle appearance. Also, and this is the kicker, Leon is coming back to Raccoon Police Department in the trailer’s final moments.

Resident Evil Requiem is now available for preorders. The title will officially launch on February 27 for all major platforms.

Entertainment

Jason Momoa will star in upcoming Helldivers film adaptation

Justin Lin is set to direct.

Published

February 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Jason Momoa in A Minecraft Movie

PlayStation’s State of Play is about games. However, there are a few times when the semi-regular event can spawn hype for something outside the realm of gaming. Today is one of those times. Sony Pictures and PlayStation have released more information about the upcoming Helldivers movie adaptation.

Early last year, Sony teased a variety of upcoming adaptations for its tentpole franchises. This announcement included Horizon Zero Dawn, Ghost of Tsushima, and Helldivers.

Today, as reported by Variety, the Helldivers film finally has a leading man. Jason Momoa, who starred in the Minecraft adaptation previously, will star in the film.

Since the franchise isn’t really known for a specific main character, it’s unknown who the star will play. We also don’t know his co-stars yet.

Alongside Momoa, Justin Lin will direct the film. The director is known for his work with the Fast and Furious franchise.

Plot-wise, the Helldivers franchise seems tailor-made for the movies. It’s not a supremely story-driven game, but its premise is endlessly adaptable. The games always revolve around a group of soldiers called Helldivers, who protect Super Earth from a host of alien threats. These threats include rogue robots and bug-like creatures.

The film, whatever it might tackle, will premiere on November 10, 2027.

Helldivers 2 launched back in 2024. At the time, the game was exclusive for the PlayStation and PC. However, it recently launched on the Xbox, too.

SEE ALSO: Helldivers 2 review: SIP ON SOME LIBER-TEA!

India

TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G packs an 8000mAh battery

The brand’s biggest battery in a smartphone yet

Published

February 13, 2026

Vincenz

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

This 2026, TECNO is refreshing its performance-focused POVA lineup by adding a new member in it.

Big power without the bulk

Despite its slim and curved 7.42mm design (and weight of only 195g), the POVA Curve 2 5G arrives with TECNO’s largest battery yet — 8000mAh battery to be precise.

TECNO says the battery is TÜV SÜD-certified for long lifespan and is engineered to last up to six years. It’s also rated to operate in extreme temperatures ranging between as hot as 60°C (140ºF) or as cold as -20ºC (-4ºF).

If you’re already in a pinch, there’s the 45W fast charging with Bypass charging support in tow.

Durability was not compromised as it has a Corning Gorilla Glass 7i Front Glass protection, IP64 water and dust resistance rating, even SGS-certification for 1.5m drop protection.

Speaking of front, it features a curved 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. Beneath that glass lies MediaTek’s Dimensity 7100 5G SoC.

On the software side, it runs the latest HiOS 16 (based on Android 16) with integrated AI tools in mind. That means AI-powered content summaries, writing assistance, call noise reduction, and automatic photo enhancements.

TECNO’s Ella AI Assistant has also been improved with more personalized interactions across the system. One-tap FlashMemo also exists for instantly capturing on-screen information. Moreover, Mind Hub organizes notes and AI-generated content in one place.

Lastly, connectivity gets a boost, too. With POVA Curve 2 5G’s dual-signal enhancement, it has an improved cellular and Wi-Fi performance in crowded or weak-signal environments. Interestingly, it also supports offline voice, text, and image communication up to 1.5km in open areas.

With all these in mind, TECNO promises two major Android OS upgrades.

Pricing and Availability

The TECNO POVA Curve 2 5G comes in three colorways: Melting Silver, Storm Titanium, and Mystic Purple.

It launches first in India this February 2026. Pricing is between INR 31,999 and INR 34,999 for the 8+128GB and 8+256GB configurations respectively.

It will also make an appearance at MWC 2026 this upcoming March 2 until March 5, 2026.