News

These are the best Android 17 features (if you hate AI)

Easy sharing with iOS, a new anti-distraction tool, and 3D emojis!

Published

May 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

As ever, the buzzword for Android 17 is “Gemini.” Like previous years, Google is delving further into the world of AI. Now, if you don’t really care about Gemini, you might be wondering why it might be worth the time to jump over to Android 17 when it launches. Here are a few reasons:

Pause Point: A more effective anti-distraction tool

You’ve heard of this before. There are apps today designed to prevent you from getting too distracted by other apps while working. However, it’s likely that they don’t work because they’re too lax or too restrictive. There’s no in-between.

Pause Point presents an interesting take on the anti-distraction tool. With the tool, opening a potentially distracting app will come with a prompt for you to set a timer or focus on a more productive app.

Since you can open the app (or other apps), it’s not a very restrictive option. At the same time, it’s not easy to wave away, either. You’ll need a restart to completely turn the feature off.

More sharing options with iOS

Last year, Android and iOS destroyed their file-sharing woes when the former started supporting AirDrop. Because it’s not a perfect solution, there are still some pain points. However, Android 17 is adding a new trick to ease file transfers to and from iOS 26.5.

With the new update, users can generate a QR code which allows for easy file transfers between the platforms.

Android also shared that it is continuing work on Quick Share. The feature is expected to arrive on other apps, including WhatsApp, soon.

Screen reactions

Reaction videos are the new meta on social media. Creators love posting shortform videos of them just reaction to other content online.

If you’re that type of creator (or you just love sending your reactions to your friends), Android 17 is making it easier to make this format. Besides social media apps that already have that function, Android will be able to natively make those videos without a third-party app.

It’s perfect if you want to post the same video on multiple platforms, or if you just want to share your reaction with friends and family.

3D emojis!

Welcome to 2026, Android!

After an age in flat design, Google is finally adding a third dimension to its designs. It started with a set of updated app icons that added gradients to the formerly flat Material Design. Now, Android’s emojis are going 3D.

Honestly, this is the most subtle change of the four, and you might not care if you don’t use emojis anyway. But it’s still huge for Android’s future.

Though the new set of emojis are still visually distinct from Apple’s set, the splash of lighting and shadows makes this set more cohesive with Apple’s language. It feels exciting to use emojis again as an Android user.

Automotive

Mercedes-Benz celebrates 140th anniversary at the Presidential Car Museum

A generation’s worth of presidential Benz models under one roof

Published

July 17, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Last month, Mercedes-Benz Philippines kicked off its 140^th -anniversary “Welcome Home” campaign. Designed to celebrate the iconic Chedeng and introduce a new generation to the brand, the campaign attracts old and new customers alike. Now, the brand’s 140^th year is also hitting history buffs with a special showcase at the Presidential Car Museum in Quezon City.

Since President Cory Aquino’s term, the official presidential car has been a Benz, offering comfort and protection for the current head of state. It is here where Mercedes-Benz wants to celebrate the legacy of the brand, especially in the annals of Philippine history.

Amid the cars of Presidents Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, and Macapagal-Arroyo, Mercedes-Benz is displaying a replica of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen Replica, which is the world’s first automobile introduced by Karl Benz in 1886. The replica will be on display until December 2026.

Outside the Presidential Car Museum, Mercedes-Benz is running discounts through the end of July. There are also special aftersales services for those who already own a Benz. Finally, the brand will continue to run activations throughout the anniversary, so expect to hear a lot more about the Chedeng throughout the year.

News

Samsung releases teaser with Spider-Man: Brand New Day Easter eggs

Spot also teases upcoming Galaxy foldable devices

Published

July 16, 2026

GadgetMatch

Samsung has just premiered a new spot that showcases clips directly from Spider-Man: Brand New Day, just a few weeks before the movie hits cinemas later this month.

The clip showcases Spider-Man as he fights crime and puts his phone through the wear and tear of superhero life.

In the spot, the Fabricator creates a number of devices for Spider-Man built to stand up to the pace and unpredictability of life behind the mask. This includes what clearly looks like a Galaxy Z Flip phone.

This provides a behind the scenes look into how Peter Parker ultimately landed on a Samsung phone — as fans speculated from the first trailer.

Meanwhile, Ned can also be seen using the Spidey Tracker to try and catch Spider-Man throughout the city on his Samsung phone.

The campaign pretty much formalizes Jacob Batalon — who plays Ned Leeds — as Samsung’s Team Galaxy’s newest ambassador.

The clip ends with the text “A brand new shape for a Brand New Day”, which is also a callback to what the brand has been teasing regarding the future of its Galaxy foldable devices.

Samsung to release latest devices at Galaxy Unpacked

Next week, Samsung is set to launch its latest devices at Galaxy Unpacked 2026.

Ahead of the launch, customers who wish to reserve as early as now can get a US$ 30 credit during pre-order, for a total of up to US$ 1,230 in savings.

Customers can also enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 10 US$ 500 Samsung.com gift cards towards their purchase.

Apps

iOS 27 public beta gives us our first taste of Siri AI

You can access the beta for free.

Published

July 16, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Normally, public betas come and go with nary a peep from anyone but dedicated fans and testers. After all, why care about a beta when the final release is likely just around the corner? This one, however, is special. Today, Apple launched the iOS 27 public beta, and it’s our first taste of the redesigned Siri AI.

Recently, WWDC 2026 unveiled Apple’s latest attempts at entering the AI segment. Whereas previous iterations to incorporate AI failed to make an impact, Siri AI promises to provide users with helpful feedback that’s actually helpful.

Now, in the public beta for iOS 27, users all over can finally access the new assistant. To get to the beta, you need to be a part of the beta program, which you can easily sign up for on beta.apple.com. Once signed up, you can get the update from Software Update in Settings. You’ll see options for a developer beta and a public beta. Choose iOS 27 Public Beta.

At face value, Siri AI offers much of what you’d get from a traditional AI-powered assistant. However, it does slightly differ because it integrates the entire phone. The assistant contextualizes your information (including emails, messages, and photos) to give you the most accurate feedback that you might need.

If that’s not enough, Siri AI also has its own chatbot app. If you’re more used to ChatGPT, the assistant should give you that bit of familiarity.

Now, if you don’t want to go for a beta, Apple is expected to launch iOS 27 in its final form sometime in September.