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ASUS ZenFone 4 Max finally receives Android 8.1 Oreo

After the long, long wait

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True to their words, ASUS continues to update the older ZenFones. Even though Android Pie is already available, some phones still need to get a taste of Oreo. One of those is the ZenFone 4 Max and after the long wait, it’s now getting updated to Android 8.1 Oreo.

The Oreo update for the ZenFone 4 Max carries version number 15.2016.1809.412. ASUS posted two release notes about the software, but they don’t say much:

  • Update OS to Android 8.1.0 Oreo.
  • Update ASUS ZenUI to 5.0.

Basically, all the features of Android 8.1 Oreo should come, including the extras brought in by ZenUI 5.0.

The update is available for the ZC554KL model of the ZenFone 4 Max and it’s automatically rolling out in batches. It may take a few days until it becomes available for your phone, so patience is the key. You may also visit System Updates in the Settings menu to manually check.

Source: ASUS

SEE ALSO: ASUS ZenFone 4 Max review

Accessories

Nothing Ear (2) now available in Singapore: Price, features

Truly authentic sound

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Nothing Ear (2)

London-based tech brand Nothing has launched the Ear (2) TWS earbuds in Singapore.

It is priced at SG$ 199 and will initially be available on Limited Edt from March 23. Free tryouts will be available at Challenger stores in Bugis Junction, Vivo City, and Causeway Point.

General sale will commence starting on April 8 at all Nothing partner stores in Singapore, both online and offline, including Lazada and Shopee.

Truly authentic sound

The Hi-Res Audio-certified earbuds feature an 11.6mm custom driver for deep bass and crystal-clear highs. Its LHDC 5.0 codec technology ensures the finest sound details are transmitted at frequencies up to 24 bit/192 kHz.

The Ear (2) is also engineered with Nothing’s best noise cancellation technology yet, achieving up to 40dB of reduction.

With personalized Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Adaptive Mode, users may also adjust the noise reduction level based on their environments.

The device also has an improved wind-proof and crowd-proof Clear Voice Technology. This complements the three high-definition microphones on each earbud which have an advanced AI noise reduction algorithm that filters out unnecessary noises when answering calls.

Personalize the experience

Additionally, using the Nothing X app, users may also personalize their listening experience by adjusting the equalizer settings in real-time for optimal sound quality.

Dual Connection, on the other hand, allows for easier device switching between listening to music or receiving calls, for instance. The device likewise supports Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair.

Seamless controls

The Ear (2) has buttons on each earbud, allowing for easy controls like adjusting volume, skipping to the next track, or switching between noise cancellation modes.

Nothing’s latest offering delivers up to 36 hours of playback on a fully-charged case – with ANC turned off. Using fast charge, it can replenish up to eight hours on a 10-minute charge.

For peace of mind, the earbuds are rated IP54 for water resistance while its transparent case is rated IP55.

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vivo V27 series 5G now available for preorder; price revealed

The Aura Portrait Master

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vivo V27

vivo’s highly-touted Aura Light — a ring light that effectively replaces the regular flash on the rear of smartphones — on its vivo V27 series 5G made quite the impression from the get-go.

The wait is over for those intrigued about it, as preorders for the latest devices are now available via vivo’s online store.

The series comes in two variants — the vivo V27e which retails for PhP 16,999, and the vivo V27 5G which is priced at PhP 24,999.

Simple, elegant design

Veering away from the matte finish that has become more common in midrange phones, vivo opted for a polished gem-like design for the vivo V27 series.

Both are equipped with 120Hz FHD+ AMOLED screens. The 7.36mm 3D curved screen on the V27 5G is the thinnest yet for a V series phone. Meanwhile, the V27e has a 7.7mm thickness.

There are three colorway choices:

  • Color-changing Emerald Green
  • Lavender Purple
  • Glory Black (specifically for the V27e, which is said to shimmer at night)

Innovative, powerful cameras

As previously mentioned, the vivo V27 series has a f/1.9 IMX766V 50MP ultra-sensing main camera.

This is supported by EIS+OIS dual ultra-stabilization for sharp and high-quality shots even when moving or at night.

The Aura Portrait Algorithm paves the way for impressive image and video-processing yet on a vivo smartphone for its category.

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Entertainment

Attack on Titan publisher is getting its own manga app

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Getting into manga is both tough and accessible for a casual reader. While the popularity of the medium allows titles to promulgate so easily online, readers sometimes have to rely on fan translations and bootleg copies. Kodansha, one of the biggest names in the manga scene, is creating a platform to release official English-translated titles in the United States called K Manga.

In the manga scene, Kodansha is one of the most recognizable publishers, creating modern classics like Attack on Titan and Ghost in the Shell. Naturally, the publisher has a lot of history to bank on.

Starting May, Kodansha will release K Manga, an app which will offer access to both classic and newly released titles. On launch, the service will have around 400 titles available for users. These will include Attack on Titan, Fairy Tail, Blue Lock, and Tokyo Revengers. It will also release new chapters, officially translated in English, first before any other platform.

Right now, the company has not announced how the app will price its library. The announcement mentioned that it will offer select chapters for free, opening the possibility for a paid way to access more chapters.

K Manga will launch on May 10 in the United States.

SEE ALSO: New anime channel Bento launched in the Philippines

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