Features
GadgetSnaps: Osaka
Shot on the OPPO Reno15 Pro 5G
It might be an exaggeration but, never have I ever dreamt of stepping onto the Land of the Rising Sun anytime soon.
Financial instability is one. Tedious visa application process for another. Don’t even get me started with all the daunting stories of denied applicants.
But, as luck would have it, I was still granted a single-entry visa. A year’s worth of preparation didn’t go into waste.
It’s not because I’m an anime fan (because I ain’t one). As much as everyone else, Japan (日本) is a legitimate dream destination for all the sights and wonders it offers.
After all, being able to experience the rich nation from the Far East has been dumped in my travel bucket for more than two decades — way before this trip became a reality.
While coincidental, the OPPO Reno15 Pro 5G was lent to me just a day before our departure. This made the perfect opportunity to showcase both Osaka (大阪) and the phone’s prowess with its cameras.
The Kitchen of Japan
Let’s start with what the city is best known for.
Osaka isn’t called “the kitchen of Japan” or the nation’s “food capital” without any meaningful reason.
Other than its culinary delights alongside that rich cuisine presence and history, the city is also popular for the kuidaore (食い倒れ) expression, or eating ’til it fills your heart and stomach’s desires and empties your pockets all at once.
Although I haven’t tried each and every Osaka delicacy available, I still enjoyed all the great delectables during the course of the trip.
From the Okonomiyaki and sushi from a konbini, all the way to that Karaage and Naporitan combo near Tsutenkaku area. They all taste shockingly delicious for such value.
Of course, not everything is specific to Osaka, such as the much-raved ramen by Ichiran or the tender meat cuts in Yakiniku Like.
On slow days where I felt not spending a lot, all I ever craved for were these fast food delights — such as this Japanized combo meal from KFC or the simple ol’ Chinese lunch at Universal Studios Japan.
Lastly, it would be a huge miss not to try out the Osaka-blend Iced Americano by the home-grown brand MUJI as well as those big yet affordable pastries found inside R Baker — with a popular branch located beside the Osaka Castle Park.
Leaving marks in these landmarks
Now that we’re at it, I must say it is mandatory to see Osaka Castle (大阪城) by the time you visit the city. It’s a key landmark for Japan’s unification during the 16th century.
Although it has been destroyed several times since 1583, the excellence and perseverance of the Japanese actually made a perfect reproduction of the majestic castle.
Admittedly, we didn’t go inside and up. Still, it’s a beautiful sight to see so you have a glance of Osaka’s history.
Another popular must-visit spot in Osaka? None other than the Glico Man billboard along the Dotonbori (道頓堀) area.
For everyone else, it’s just like any other regular digital billboard. However, something that’s only shown here makes it uniquely Osaka.
And now that we’re here, it’s a real heaven for any shopaholic — my friends included in that narrative.
That’s a long, loooong strip of hundreds of shops ever imaginable with items being sold at slashed prices. Be it gadgets, watches, clothes, sneakers, bags, luggages, chocolates. Gashapons even!
If you want to see the Osaka Bay Area up and above, going on top of the Umeda Sky Building should be in your itinerary.
The best thing here is that, you can still buy souvenirs and see parts of the Osaka Bay coastline through its windows even if you don’t pay for the entrance going to the rooftop — just like how we did.
As mentioned, here’s the Osaka Bay from the ground — captured in a place found at the latter part.
Maybe we got lost in translation
This write-up seems too smooth to be true. But, I have to be realistic and break it in the middle. Traveling, especially in a foreign country, isn’t always an easy-breezy ride.
Unlike most of my international trips where I go and enjoy being solo, I went here with my long-time high school buddies.
Back in our Taipei and Hong Kong trips, I was the tour guide of the gang. This time, Osaka was a first for all of us.
The moment we landed at KIX / Kansai International Airport (or the world’s first airport built above a man-made island), there were already struggles — even if we did our research months prior this trip.
ICYMI, Osaka has two separate train systems managed by two different companies.
Underground relies on Osaka Metro. Ground and above is where JR-West prevails.
The former is more welcoming for tourists as the machines accept foreign credit/debit card payments. The latter only works with Japan’s smart cards: namely ICOCA and Suica.
To make things more complicated, buying an ICOCA card for the first time (and reloading it) only accepts cash and coins. That’s a huge bummer for a tech-driven nation.
While the smart card dispenser wasn’t hard to find once you go out of the airport, looking for a tourist-friendly ATM machine (with minimal to no foreign fees) was.
It took us some back and forth moment just to realize it was inside the airport all along. Third floor to be very specific, not the ground floor.
Problems don’t end once you figure out how to enter the train station. Japan has a lot of trains. Emphasis on A LOT.
Now, if you’re like my three friends who usually grasp for the right directions when roaming around with Google Maps, confusing station exits plus various train sets can still make one lost.
It’s just a good thing that two of us are map-proficient.
During those times when I wanted to explore parts of the city all by myself, another one could lead the circle without me sorting out how to meet them afterwards.
Exciting and exhilarating
Now back to regular programming.
For a die-hard theme park fan like yours truly, it’s mandatory to see what Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has to offer.
Ain’t even a Potterhead but, trying out that signature Butterbeer from Harry Potter shouldn’t be left out.
The cold 9ºC temperature never stopped me from ordering the iced version — and I prefer it over the hot ones that my friends ordered.
For all the Potterheads out there, it’s truly a remarkable sight to see the Hogwarts Castle. It was also a great example to justify the ultra-wide power of the OPPO Reno15 Pro.
Whether you’re a millennial, Gen Z, or a sandwiched MZ like me, these characters don’t need any introduction.
And, even though I’m born between the two aforementioned generations, I’m still glad I grew up watching Despicable Me.
I’ve gushed over these cute Minions during my adolescence — even if it’s more relevant to Gen Alphas now.
Gen MZ yappin’ thru
As I already told a glimpse of my childhood (and puberty), I also wanted to come clean against the stereotypical millennials who made ’90s their whole personality.
Despite being part of the Gen Z, I grew up knowing diskettes, Walkmans, VHS tapes, and not-so-surprisingly, Nintendo’s Game Boy.
It so happened that my cousin had the first-gen console with Super Mario in it. It’s been an integral part of my childhood alongside the classic Sony PlayStation x Crash Bandicoot.
It might not show on my face but, witnessing the Super Nintendo World IRL was a huge achievement.
As fortunate as it was, I was able to visit without applying for a special pass. It even looked like I was in the actual video game when I entered the area even after the sun has already set.
Love at First Night
Osaka during the winter day was already a breath of fresh air. How much more during the night?
Nostalgia aside, the theme park doesn’t only revolve in the mentioned characters above as there’s so much more to see.
I want to end my USJ photo dump with Jurassic Park’s The Flying Dinosaur — a.k.a the best rollercoaster ride I’ve ridden so far.
The only proof I can provide as phones were not allowed the moment you queue up to the stairs 😭
That’s in comparison to Universal Studio Singapore’s Battlestar Galactica: Cylon, Everland Korea’s T Express, and Shanghai Disneyland’s TRON Lightcycle Power Run — which I all fully enjoyed riding for more than thrice.
A segment of the ride can actually be seen the moment you enter (and exit) the theme park.
Now, to cap off this portion, there are two more highlights that truly show off Osaka’s night life.
Other than the Dotonbori area, Shinsekai (新世界) is gleaming. It was inspired by Paris and Coney Island to make Osaka a “New World” in 1912.
From the neon signs and vibrant night light displays, such retro vibe will make your visit truly warm and cozy. Even if it was freezing cold.
At the heart of the district is where the Tsutenkaku (通天閣) stands high. That now translates to a “tower reaching heaven.” Albeit, it’s nowhere near that achievement in today’s standards.
And even when it can’t even go against Eiffel nor Tokyo Tower, it’s still a center piece of its own.
Now, if we’re talking about Osaka’s tallest, the Abeno Harukas 300 holds that title.
From the building name itself, it’s exactly 300 meters tall. It also holds the record for being Japan’s second tallest structure after Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower in, you guessed it, Tokyo.
While you can go inside for free as there’s a mall below it, you can see Osaka’s breathtaking night sky only if you pay for the entrance fee. Honestly, the price is worth the sight.
Much awe in Osaka
Although Tokyo comes first when you think about Japan, Osaka has its own distinct charm.
The same thing can be said with the OPPO Reno15 Pro in a sea of very-capable midrangers. While it’s just another camera-centric smartphone for most, its cameras have that irresistible, special sauce in it.
Personally, I enjoyed my time more in Osaka. People are warmer and more welcoming. More so, that pretty chill vibes and laid-back nature kept me attached against the stricter plus fast-paced life in Tokyo.
With all that said, I’m not trying to pit two cities against one another as both are truly worth visiting. However, I regret having a shorter trip duration here. I’m just wishfully thinking (and manifesting) that I can re-visit the city sooner than later.
If you haven’t seen the other side of my Japan journey — from Tokyo, Kyoto, all the way to Mt. Fuji — the rest can be found in my in-depth camera analysis of the OPPO Reno15 Pro.
Phones flip and fold. Now webcams do too.
Foldable screens have found their way into phones, tablets, and laptops in recent years. Now, OBSBOT is taking that idea in a considerably smaller direction: the webcam.
The OBSBOT Meet Flip is the company’s first foldable 4K webcam packing:
- 1/2-inch stacked CMOS sensor
- intelligent audio
- a collection of AI-powered meeting tools
All of these inside a body weighing just 37.7 grams.
A fold that does something, not just a gimmick
The OBSBOT Meet Flip isn’t foldable just to make it easier to throw into a bag.
Closing the webcam physically blocks the lens and puts the device into sleep mode. Open it when you want to be seen, flip it shut when you don’t.
A physical privacy cover isn’t novel in itself. What’s clever here is how it’s part of the folding design.
As someone with a love-hate relationship with data privacy, I almost always keep some physical barrier over my laptop webcam. And if I can avoid having a webcam there entirely, even better.
Serious camera hardware in a pocket-sized webcam
Despite its size, OBSBOT hasn’t treated the Meet Flip like a basic laptop-camera replacement.
Inside is a 1/2-inch Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor with Quad Bayer technology, capable of recording 4K UHD at 30 fps or 1080p at 60 fps. It also packs an f/1.8 aperture, HDR, PDAF autofocus, ISO 100–6400, and up to 4x digital zoom.
At its core is a 1/2-inch Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor with Quad Bayer technology.
It can record:
- 4K UHD at 30fps
- 1080p at 60fps
You also get:
- f/1.8 aperture
- HDR
- PDAF autofocus
- ISO 100–6400
- up to 4x digital zoom
On paper, that gives the Meet Flip a better shot at handling the situations built-in laptop webcams often struggle with: dim rooms, harsh backlighting, changing lighting conditions, or simply moving around in front of the camera.
HDR helps keep faces visible against bright backgrounds, while PDAF autofocus continuously adjusts focus as you move closer to or farther from the lens.
The wider f/1.8 aperture should also help in less-than-ideal lighting.
The point is that once the Meet Flip is set up, you shouldn’t have to spend much time thinking about the camera itself.
It listens differently depending on the room setup
The Meet Flip also uses an intelligent dual-microphone system combining omnidirectional and directional microphones.
Instead of relying on one pickup pattern for every situation, it offers four audio modes for different setups:
Directional Mode focuses on sound coming from the front, making it the obvious choice for solo calls.
Dual-Directional Mode listens to both the front and rear of the webcam, which could be useful for interviews or conversations between two people sitting across from each other.
Smart Omni Mode is designed for group meetings, picking up voices from around the room.
And Pure Audio Mode provides unprocessed left and right stereo channels for users who would rather handle the audio themselves in post-production.
Auto Gain and AI Noise Reduction also work across the first three modes, helping clean up audio without requiring much manual adjustment.
It gives the Meet Flip more flexibility than a typical webcam microphone, especially if you regularly switch between solo calls, interviews, and group meetings.
AI that doesn’t intrude
AI has become an almost obligatory addition to new hardware in 2026, but several of the Meet Flip’s features put it to work on real-world meeting annoyances.
AI Auto Framing keeps you in frame, with options for:
- Group
- Single Close-up
- Upper Body
- Full Body
Gesture controls can also toggle Auto Framing or adjust the zoom without reaching for a keyboard or mouse.
More interesting is AI Magic Notes.
Through OBSBOT Center, it provides real-time transcription and can automatically generate meeting summaries with key points, decisions, and action items. It works across Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
Although AI Magic Notes is offered as a subscription service, every Meet Flip includes 120 complimentary minutes to get started.
MORE with OBSBOT Center & OBSBOT Live
There are plenty of other software features as well. OBSBOT Center includes:
- Background Blur and Background Replacement
- Real-Time Beauty Mode
- Picture-in-Picture overlays
- Smart Eye Tracking
- Teleprompter support
- Detailed image adjustments
The Meet Flip isn’t limited to laptops or desktops either. Through OBSBOT Live, it can connect directly to smartphones and tablets over USB-C for mobile streaming and content creation.
Flip it open. Fold it away.
None of those features reinvent the webcam on their own.
Taken together, though, they make the Meet Flip a more thoughtful take on a piece of hardware whose basic design and features have barely changed.
The flip may grab your attention first, but it’s how OBSBOT uses that design alongside its camera, audio, and software features that makes the Meet Flip interesting.
The OBSBOT Meet Flip is now available at US$ 119 and is currently available through OBSBOT’s official store, Amazon US, and select retailers.
&
@gadgetmatchPhones flip. Now webcams do too. 👀 Meet the OBSBOT Meet Flip, a tiny foldable 4K webcam with a lot packed inside. ✨
If you buy one, here’s what you’ll get out of the box!
Features
Getting the latest Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 at 0% Interest with Maya Mini Payments
What convinced me to upgrade and how Maya Mini Payments made paying for it easier~
I don’t upgrade simply because there’s a newer model on the shelf.
Last year, I upgraded to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 after spending three years with the iPhone 13 as my daily driver.
Even then, the decision wasn’t about chasing the latest release. It was about finding a device that better matched how I work.
I’m a firm believer that every upgrade has to earn its place in my pocket, especially when there are already perfectly capable phones sitting on my desk.
So when I decided to pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8, the decision wasn’t simply about getting the newest device.
It came down to two questions: It came down to two questions: Is this a smart upgrade? And if it is, what’s the smartest way to own it?
The first question was answered by the device itself. The second is where Maya Mini Payments entered the conversation.
For me, the Flip8 addresses the reasons to upgrade. Maya Mini Payments addresses one of the biggest reasons people hesitate: big purchases that could be paid in 3, 6, 9 or 12 monthly payments.
Changing how I shoot and use my phone
I spend most of my day switching between shooting, editing, and posting, sometimes all within the same hour.
One of the biggest reasons the Galaxy Z Flip8 caught my attention is the cover screen. It’s finally useful enough that I can shoot, preview, and interact with content without constantly opening the device.
That may sound like a small change, but it makes a difference when you’re trying to capture candid moments before people notice a camera pointed at them.
It also makes everyday tasks easier. I can check a script, review a shotlist, reply to messages, or glance at notifications without unfolding the phone every few minutes.
For years, foldables often felt like they required some compromise. You gained a unique form factor and flexibility, but sometimes gave up a little on the camera experience. The Flip8 feels like it’s closing that gap.
Samsung’s improvements in low-light performance and stabilization are especially noticeable for the kind of run-and-gun content I create.
I haven’t spent enough time with it to call this a full review yet, but my first impressions have been positive. The experience feels more refined and more dependable than previous generations.
Features alone don’t convince me to upgrade. They have to solve a real problem. The more useful cover screen, the improved camera experience, and the overall refinement were the first signs that the Flip8 was offering something I’d actually use every day rather than another feature to add to a spec sheet.
The battery and multitasking finally match my day
The less exciting reason I’m upgrading is also the one that affects me the most.
Between filming, reviewing footage, answering emails, coordinating campaigns, and managing social media, my phone is constantly working.
My old device usually drops into battery-saving territory before dinner. It gets the job done, but I spend too much time thinking about charging instead of working.
The Galaxy Z Flip8 feels better equipped for that reality. The battery efficiency is improved, and multitasking feels more natural when juggling multiple apps throughout the day.
Those aren’t flashy features, but they’re the kinds of upgrades that quietly improve everyday productivity. They’re also the features that convinced me this wasn’t simply a want. It was an upgrade I could actually justify.
Once I was convinced the Flip8 was worth upgrading to, I realized the decision wasn’t really over. A smart upgrade also deserves a smart way to pay for it.
Making a big upgrade more manageable
Of course, deciding a device is worth upgrading to is only half the equation. The other half is figuring out how to pay for it.
The Galaxy Z Flip8 is a premium device, and for most people, the upfront cost is what gives them pause. That’s often where upgrade decisions get delayed, even when the device itself makes sense.
That’s why Maya Mini Payments stood out to me. Any Samsung purchase paid with a Maya Credit Card can be converted into Mini Payments directly through the Maya app, making it easier to spread the cost into monthly installments instead of paying for everything upfront in one go.
You can choose installment plans of up to 12 months at a fixed monthly add-on interest rate of 1%.
For Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8 purchases, cardholders can enjoy a 3-month Mini Payment plan at 0% interest, making the upgrade more manageable without additional interest costs on the installment plan.
What I like about the concept is that it mirrors the reason I like the Flip8 itself.
The Flip8 makes it easy for me to shoot, edit, communicate, and multitask throughout the day. Maya Mini Payments makes it easy to purchase by turning one large expense into a payment plan that fits more naturally into a monthly budget.
Both are practical solutions to real-world problems. Also, the entire process can be managed directly within the Maya app, making it easy to track and manage installment conversions without additional paperwork.
View this post on Instagram
Still on the fence?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 feels like one of the strongest cases yet for upgrading to a foldable.
For me, the cover screen is more useful, the camera experience feels more capable, and the battery and multitasking improvements better match how I actually work every day.
If you prefer a larger screen for productivity, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 follows the same philosophy while giving users even more room to multitask and create.
If you’ve already decided Samsung’s latest foldables are your next devices, there’s also a smarter way to make that upgrade happen.
All your Samsung purchases made using a Maya Credit Card can be converted into a 3-month Mini Payment plan at 0% interest, with zero processing fees until September 30, making it easier to enjoy Samsung’s latest innovations without one big upfront payment.
Pre-orders run until August 13, with devices available in-store beginning August 14.
Apple Pay is officially in the Philippines!
Pushing the country forward into a cashless and cardless future, Apple has now brought its contactless payment system to the Philippines. As with other countries, Apply Pay will work seamlessly and easily even for those who have problems with technology.
Now, despite how easy it is, sometimes we need to be pointed in the right direction. Here’s how you can set up Apple Pay on your iPhone:
Everything starts with the Wallet app. First, open your Wallet app. Tap the “+” button on the top and select “Debit or Credit Card.”
Normally, this is where you can input your card details (which you can still do, by the way), but the default method now is to just tap your card on the back of your iPhone. Your phone does the rest. You might need to confirm with your bank, but it’s as easy as a single tap.
Pick which cards to use. Once you have your cards online, you might need to change which one is the default card. Again, it’s easy. Just drag your preferred card to the front.
Afterwards, you can tap to pay in supported stores by priming the Wallet app for use. Tapping to pay is also available for Apple Watch. Meanwhile, online transactions can also work on MacBook.
Secure, all the time. If you’re worried about your security especially with online transactions, Apple keeps your information only between you and the seller. They don’t store your data.
Also, it’s not easy to make a transaction without your consent. You need Face ID, Touch ID, or your password. If you lose your phone, you can easily shut your phone down with the Find My app to prevent malicious parties from making transactions.
-
Singapore7 days agoREDMI Note 17 Series focuses on long-term reliability
-
Laptops2 weeks agoROG STRIX G16 Review: Building for the moment
-
Laptops2 weeks ago30 days later with the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra: Like seeing an ex
-
News7 days agorealme 16T to come with 8,000mAh battery, 7-year battery health guarantee
-
Philippines2 weeks agoSmart opens HUAWEI Pura 90s Series pre-orders with exclusive freebies
-
News2 weeks agoTCL expands mobile lineup with latest NXTPAPER series
-
Gaming2 weeks agoMarvel Wolverine Limited Edition PS5 bundle SEA pricing
-
Reviews1 week agoSamsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Review