News

Epson introduces EpiqVision Mini EF-12, EF-11 laser projector TVs

Both have full HD resolution, ultra-compact design, and Android TV

Published

February 10, 2021

Kenrick Buduan

Big screens have become a necessity these days as more people consume media and do work on their personal devices. These screens may come in the form of high-resolution TVs or laser projectors. Whatever you choose, both have certain advantages and drawbacks depending on your workflow. But, what if you can combine them both and enjoy the best of both worlds?

Epson is doing exactly that with its recently launched EpiqVision Mini EF-12 and EF-11 laser projector TVs. As its name implies, Epson’s lineup combines the flexibility of projectors with the rich interactivity of smart TVs. Powering the device is an Android TV with hundred of specially-designed apps from the Google Play Store. It also has Chromecast built-in so users can cast their favorite media content from their devices to the big screen.

In terms of its capabilities, Epson touts that its new projectors can last longer thanks to the use of lasers as a light source. The company claims maintenance-free ownership for up to 20,000 hours compared to lamp-powered projectors. Furthermore, both projectors use Epson’s 3LCD technology that can output full HD resolution at up to 1000 lumens.

With up to 150 inches of display size coverage, Epson claims that its projectors can display more content than a 50-inch TV. Here’s the best part about these projectors: they can adjust their focus and keystones automatically. Anyone knows that it is a pain to set things up with a projector, so the company is doing everyone a favor with this feature.

Both projectors also support 4K signal input and audio tuned by Yamaha. It is unheard of for a laser projector to have speakers — let alone a good one — so the inclusion is indeed a useful one, especially for virtual meeting needs. Speaking of virtual meetings, both projectors also come with Epson’s Online Meeting feature powered by Zoom.

All of these features come in a compact and minimal design that can fit anywhere.

Price and availability

The top-of-the-line EpiqVision Mini EF-12 comes at PhP 54,990, with dual 5W Yamaha speakers built-in. Meanwhile, the EpiqVision Mini EF-11 retails at PhP 40,000 but with a standard 1.5W Epson speaker built-in instead. Both projectors are available to purchase now at 3-hub.com and Epson’s online flagship store at Lazada. They can also be had on all authorized dealers and resellers nationwide.

Apps

Disney+ launches a TikTok-coded vertical feed called Verts

Published

March 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

TikTok has changed how we consume media. Everything is now vertical. Even the most established streaming services, often a bastion for traditionally horizontal content, is adopting the different format. Now, Disney+ is getting a vertical feed called Verts.

Like its contemporaries, Verts presents a continuous feed of content but tailored to show the plethora of titles from the Disney+ library. This might include the first scenes of shows or notable highlights. The hope, of course, is to direct users to the longform content.

Directly from the Verts feed, users can easily add the respective title to their watchlist or go straight to the title’s page. In turn, the feed is accessible from the homepage since it has its own tab.

According to Disney, early experiments with the feature have driven engagement to available content. Right now, the feed is mostly for clipping enticing content from shows. However, the platform will experiment further with the format for new ways to tell stories.

Though Verts surely stands for “verticals” in this case, “adverts” might fit better as its full government name. Still, it might be a useful tool if you’re figuring out what to watch for the night.

Currently, Verts is available for Disney+ subscribers in the United States. Disney also has plans to expand the feature to ESPN for sports-related content.

Apps

Google Maps is finally getting a 3D mode

The app will also have a Gemini chatbot baked inside.

Published

March 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Some of today’s navigation apps are living in the future. Instead of a two-dimensional map, these apps render the user’s surroundings in 3D. It’s a nifty upgrade that helps drivers more accurately visualize directions on the fly. Finally, Google Maps is getting a much-needed upgrade and will take navigation to the third dimension.

In a new update rolling out today, the new Immersive Navigation feature will bring your surroundings to life. The 3D view creates a render of the surrounding buildings, overpasses, and terrain around the car. It takes the guesswork out of navigation by showing precisely where to turn and what landmarks to look out for.

In the same vein, you can now use Street View to preview your destination before you arrive. Google Maps will also highlight your destination’s entrance, side of the street, and nearby parking.

Outside of how the map is visualized, Google Maps is also infusing its service with Gemini. The new Ask Maps feature will let you engage with the app in a conversational manner. For example, if you’re in the middle of a long drive, you can now ask Maps where the best place is to stop over and have a coffee break. Ask Maps will provide directions, a potential itinerary, and even helpful links to book a reservation ahead of time.

Now, availability for both of these features is still a bit limited. Immersive View is rolling out today to compatible devices and vehicles in the United States. Further, availability will expand over the coming months.

Meanwhile, Ask Maps is available now in the United States and India for Android and iOS. A desktop version is coming soon.

Entertainment

KPop Demon Hunters is officially getting a sequel

Maggie Kang and Chris Applehans will return to write and direct.

Published

March 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

This feels like a formality at this point. Netflix and Sony have officially confirmed that KPop Demon Hunters is getting a sequel.

If you feel like you’ve read this exact title before, then you’re not alone. Since its massive success last year, the hit animated film constantly spawned talks of a potential franchise. It probably helped that the title quickly became Netflix’s most-watched film of all time. From the last we’ve heard of the rumors, Netflix was reportedly eyeing a 2029 premiere for the sequel.

Now, it’s official. As posted by Netflix itself, KPop Demon Hunters will get a sequel soon. Even better, the follow-up will be written and directed by the same duo, Maggie Kang and Chris Applehans.

Kang, who celebrated the first movie’s ability to tell a Korean story, says that there’s a lot more to explore in the film’s universe. “There’s so much more to this world we have built and I’m excited to show you. This is only the beginning,” she said.

Right now, the plot’s sequel is still unknown, especially since the Saja Boys were defeated in the first film.

Given how big the original movie got, the sequel is no surprise. Besides bagging the top spot on Netflix’s charts, the film also got an eventual release in theaters. KPop Demon Hunters is up for a potential Oscars win after it was nominated for Best Animated Feature. Its hit song, “Golden,” is also nominated for Best Original Song.