In these strange and trying times of city lockdowns, self isolation and social distancing, technology connects us, allowing to be alone together. Video calls have become the go-to platform not only for hanging out in large numbers, but also for hosting concerts and shows, even television programs.

This is why we’re bringing you GadgetMatch Unlocked!

Michael Josh is back on Instagram Live to speak with his friends — movers and shakers in the tech industry to chat about how folks from around the world are coping at home and dealing with the crisis, how technology is playing a huge part in keeping us all sane, and what the future, post COVID-19 might be like.

The show starts streaming daily from this Thursday, April 9th.

Here’s a rundown on confirmed guests:

WEEK 1:

• April 9, Thursday (9am ET /6am PT /9pm +8GMT): Amber Mac (Toronto, Canada)
• April 10, Friday (1pm ET/10am PT / 1am Saturday +8GMT ): John Rettinger (Los Angeles, USA)
• April 11, Saturday (11am ET /8am PT / 11pm +8GMT): SuperSaf (Leicester, UK)

WEEK 2:

• April 13, Monday (9am ET /6am PT /9pm +8GMT): Gabriel Arestivo of HDBLOG.it (Milan, Italy)
• April 14, Tuesday (9am ET /6am PT /9pm +8GMT): Elly Awesome (Brisbane, Australia)
• April 15, Wednesday (11am ET /8am PT /11pm +8GMT): Jaime Rivera of PocketNow (La Ceiba, Honduras)
• April 16, Thursday (11am ET/ 8am PT / 11pm +8GMT): Michael Fisher aka Mr. Mobile (Brooklyn, USA)
• April 17, Friday (1pm ET/10am PT / 1am Saturday +8GMT ): Zach Honig of ThePointsGuy (Philidelphia, USA)

WEEK 3:

TBA

One of the recent trends in the smartphone industry is the sudden increase in camera lenses. Just how many do we need, really? Since we don’t have an answer yet, the GadgetMatch team decided to have fun and create an AR filter out of it.

Introducing Camera Lens, our very first AR filter on Instagram Stories. This filter allows you to wear sunglasses made of camera lenses from popular smartphones. You can choose from different brands: Apple, Xiaomi, Samsung, Nokia, OnePlus, and Google.

How to try the filter

First, visit GadgetMatch’s profile (@gadgetmatch) on your Instagram app. Then, click the sparkling smiley icon beside IGTV. Afterward, click the “Camera Lens” featuring Vincenz Lee — one of our producers and the creative behind this filter.

When you finally try it, save the effect, upload it to your story and share it with your friends. Don’t forget to tag GadgetMatch so we can see how much you’re enjoying it!

Remember when GadgetMatch went to Samsung’s A Galaxy Event in Thailand where they launched the Galaxy A80? This time, it’s in Indonesia — but with a twist.

This is a special fan meeting for BLINKs who happened to be Samsung users. The live event was held at the Tennis Indoor Stadium in Senayan where the 18th Asian Games and other popular concerts took place.

(L-R) Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, Rosé, and Lee Jeong Hoon (a Korean artist based in Indonesia)

Upon our arrival, Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, and Jisoo greeted us through the large LED screen talking about Samsung’s new smartphones.

Samsung Galaxy A51 and A71

Those smartphones are the Galaxy A51 and Galaxy A71 — their newest midrange offerings. They both have an awesome screen, awesome camera, and long-lasting battery life (which honestly played in everyone’s mind for hours after they played the TVC).

Inside the venue, there’s a booth where you can have your photo taken with banners and signage. Another booth lets you write on a black slate using gold, silver, and pink markers. Lastly, you can show off your ‘Awesome’ TikTok dance moves through the dancing booth.

Vincenz, our in-house producer, left a short message after missing out last year’s concert: 사랑해 블랙핑크 ❤️(I love BLACKPINK).

BLINKs were hyped enough to sing several songs including Forever Young.

Indonesian BLINKs are currently practicing their loud fanchants and sing-along with BLACKPINK’s Forever Young.#GalaxyA#GalaxyAwithBlackpink#GalaxyA51#GalaxyA71#AwesomeLive@GadgetMatch pic.twitter.com/7Kf7Y9em7V

— Vincenz [#] (@vincenzvangogh) January 14, 2020

The screams and chants were intense after BLACKPINK showed themselves on stage.

FINALLY: BLACKPINK has appeared on the stage. They will serve as judges for all the BLACKPINK cover groups from Southeast Asia that will perform here tonight at Samsung’s Awesome Live Event.#GalaxyA#GalaxyAwithBlackpink#GalaxyA51#GalaxyA71#AwesomeLive@GadgetMatch pic.twitter.com/wuq57fhWC5

— Vincenz [#] (@vincenzvangogh) January 14, 2020

Awesome girl group, awesome performances

The Awesome Live event lives up to its name as BLACKPINK cover groups from different parts of Southeast Asia showed their awesome performances and remixes.

Other BLACKPINK cover groups that performed today at Tennis Indoor Stadium Senayan are Cambodia’s OMG, Malaysia’s A Squad, Myanmar’s Team S, Vietnam’s C.A.C., and Indonesia’s Pink Panda.#GalaxyA#GalaxyAwithBlackpink#GalaxyA51#GalaxyA71#AwesomeLive@GadgetMatch pic.twitter.com/rHgWCP7TKg

— Vincenz [#] (@vincenzvangogh) January 14, 2020

The choreography of the Filipino cover group Gabriela (with the popular celebrity and K-Pop fan Ella Cruz) was jaw-dropping. Even BP’s main dancer, Lisa, got totally impressed.

One of the performers in the set list are Philippines’ Gabriela — with the celebrity Ella Cruz (@itsEllaCruz).

Lisa was even stunned after seeing one of their unique dance moves. #GalaxyA#GalaxyAwithBlackpink#GalaxyA51#GalaxyA71#AwesomeLive@GadgetMatch pic.twitter.com/TOucIXXYYT

— Vincenz [#] (@vincenzvangogh) January 14, 2020

After the performances of all cover groups, BLACKPINK gave awards to the respective winners.

The dance performances concluded with an Awesome awarding show. All members (Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo, Rosé) have distributed their “Awesome” awards to each winner.

PH’s Gabriela won Awesome Performance.#GalaxyA#GalaxyAwithBlackpink#GalaxyA51#GalaxyA71#AwesomeLive@GadgetMatch pic.twitter.com/od2CNyGHvO

— Vincenz [#] (@vincenzvangogh) January 14, 2020

They even had a mini interview and quiz session.

It’s sad to say that BLACKPINK’s appearance was short (ㅠㅠ). We were also anticipating a surprise performance but it didn’t happen. Regardless, we were very happy to see all the members.

Thank you BLACKPINK for your short, but awesome appearance at today’s event— which also introduced the newest Samsung Galaxy A51/A71 with awesome screen, awesome camera, long-lasting battery life 🎵🎶 #GalaxyA#GalaxyAwithBlackpink#GalaxyA51#GalaxyA71#AwesomeLive@GadgetMatch pic.twitter.com/yQnM6xKNyY

— Vincenz [#] (@vincenzvangogh) January 14, 2020

No BLACKPINK Edition phones, yet

Unlike the last event where Samsung showcased the limited BLACKPINK Edition Galaxy A70 and Galaxy A80, there’s nothing of the same kind — at least for now.

BLACKPINK Edition Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watch Active, Galaxy A80

As not all BLINKs can afford the premium-priced Galaxy A80, we’re hoping that Samsung would deliver a similar product through the Galaxy A51/A71 line.

We just need to wait for a BLACKPINK comeback first before Samsung gives us a BLACKPINK Edition smartphone once more 😉.