News
Black Shark launches the Black Shark 3 series
Featuring actual shoulder buttons
As March finally gets underway, the mobile gaming race is reaching its boiling point. For the past few weeks, various brands have challenged each other for AnTuTu scoring supremacy. Hype is, of course, only one ingredient of a smartphone launch. You need an actual smartphone, too. Finally, we’re seeing one gaming phone for real.
Today, Black Shark has launched the Black Shark 3 series: a pair of powerhouses consisting of the Black Shark 3 and the Black Shark 3 Pro.
As expected, the top-of-the-line series will feature the Snapdragon 865 chipset, complete with 5G connectivity and a new liquid cooling system. The duo will also come with 8GB to 12GB of RAM, a triple rear camera (64-megapixel main + 13-megapixel ultra-wide + 5-megapixel depth) combination. Both have also resurrected the 3.5 audio port.
As for differences, the regular Black Shark 3 offers a 128GB or 256GB option for internal storage. It packs in a 6.67-inch FHD+ screen and a 4720mAh battery.
Meanwhile, the Black Shark 3 Pro offers LPDDR5 memory for the 12GB of RAM option. It only offers one option for internal storage: 256GB. However, compared to its sibling, the premium smartphone packs in a gigantic 5000mAh battery, compatible for 65W fast charging. Supposedly, the battery charges from empty to full in just 38 minutes.
Also, the Black Shark 3 Pro comes with pop-up trigger buttons, like those you see in gaming controllers. The new feature hammers in the mobile gaming feel of the new series. According to Black Shark, the triggers can last at least 300,000 clicks without any breakages.
For now, the Black Shark 3 series will launch exclusively in China. The regular variant comes in Lightning Black, Armor Gray, or Star Silver. It will start at CNY 3,499 starting March 6. Meanwhile, the premium variant comes in Phantom Black or Armor Gray. It will start at CNY 4,699 starting March 17.
SEE ALSO: Black Shark 2 Pro: Price and availability in the Philippines
Laptops
MacBook Neo already “supply constrained” amid unexpected demand
New purchases are reportedly getting delayed.
It’s been a crazy month for Apple fans on a budget. The debuts of the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo have brought the classic Apple experience to a wider market. Though the former is a bright spot on its own, the new MacBook Neo is currently breaking the company’s expectations as new orders are already “supply constrained.”
Last week, Tim Cook held an earnings call (via Six Colors) which includes the latest additions to Apple’s lineup. For the affordable iPhone, Cook gave a special shoutout as “the newest addition to what is already the strongest iPhone lineup we’ve ever had.” However, he was much more appreciative for the MacBook Neo’s role in the company’s notebook lineup.
Responding to a query about the new notebook, Cook says that the company “undercalled the level of enthusiasm” generated by the MacBook Neo. He also cited “tremendous enthusiasm” for the device in his main presentation.
Though he didn’t have the numbers to bolster his claims, he did give anecdotal examples of public schools switching over to Apple from Chromebooks and Windows PCs.
Finally, he says that the MacBook Neo is currently “supply constrained,” meaning new purchases will likely come with a delay before delivery.
Outside of the corporate perspective, there has been a lot of excitement for the notebook. Even if it uses the A18 Pro chip, the MacBook Neo promises a powerful notebook experience as is typical of Apple’s more traditional MacBooks. And to top it all off, it starts at only US$ 599, creating one of the most tempting offers for users who want to dip their toes into the Apple ecosystem.
SEE ALSO: MacBook Neo officially arrives at Power Mac Center
When they unveiled the Vision Pro in 2023, Apple touted the wearable as the next big thing after the iPhone. Now, almost three years removed from the launch, the Vision Pro hasn’t really taken over the coveted spot occupied by the iPhone. Apple, according to a report, is allegedly canning the short-lived wearable.
According to MacRumors, Apple has reportedly given up on making the Vision Pro a thing. The team handling the wearable has supposedly been subsumed by other teams within Apple.
If true, the wearable’s end is unfortunate but not surprising. Despite being out for years, the Vision Pro has sold only a little more than half a million units with numerous returns from customers. Most recently, Apple updated the wearable with the M5 chip, but the move hasn’t revitalized the device’s status in Apple’s lineup.
Most of the complaints about the device stem from its exorbitant price or its cumbersome battery pack. Besides costing a whopping US$ 3,499, the Vision Pro is also difficult to move around with, especially because of its total weight and a battery pack that can get in the way.
To be clear, Apple has not officially discontinued the Vision Pro yet. The company continues to sell the version with the M5 chip. Apple can also restart development in the future.
However, the meantime retirement on future development does coincide with the recent restructuring inside the company. Tim Cook recently decided to step down as CEO with John Ternus as his replacement. Canning the Vision Pro might be Ternus’ first step in redefining Apple according to his plans.
SEE ALSO: Apple Vision Pro gets M5 chip upgrade
Apps
YouTube makes picture-in-picture mode free for everyone globally
The update is rolling out globally now.
Picture-in-picture (or PiP) mode is a godsend for multitaskers. The feature lets users watch videos in a tiny floating window while doing other tasks. However, the feature isn’t readily available for all users. Or wasn’t, at least. YouTube is now rolling out PiP mode for free globally.
Previously, PiP mode was exclusive to YouTube users who pay for Premium or Premium Lite. It was also exclusive to the United States.
Now, YouTube is making the feature completely free for users all over the globe. It will be available for both iOS and Android versions of the app.
There’s still a catch, though. The free version is available only for “longform, non-music content.” The same goes for Premium Lite subscribers. Music is still an exclusive feature for those who pay for the regular version of Premium. Basically, there is no change for paying users or users in the United States.
Using PiP mode is simple. All you need to do is load up a video you want to watch in the background. Then, just exit the YouTube app and go about your other tasks. The video will be inside a floating, resizable window while you look at other things.
There’s no timeline on when the update will reach your device. However, YouTube has promised that it will roll out globally within the coming months.
SEE ALSO: YouTube remains top PH video platform; advertisers urged to continue investing
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