News

Galaxy S21 Ultra will come with S Pen support

Second leak to suggest so

Published

November 13, 2020

Luigi Leonardo

Earlier this year, various rumors suggested a monumental merging between the Galaxy S and the Galaxy Note lines. Supposedly, Samsung is combining its currently three main lineups into just two. Once again, a new rumor is adding credence to the alleged decision. According to renowned leaker Ice Universe, the Galaxy S21 Ultra will come with an S Pen.

Now, this isn’t the first report suggesting the inclusion. A few months ago, South Korean outlet The Elec also leaked the news. However, Ice Universe’s addition is a head turner.

Unlike the previous report, the popular Samsung leaker expresses “100 percent” confidence in the current report. The account even asks fans to “keep your S Pen and don’t lose it.”

Yes, I can 100% confirm that S21 Ultra supports S Pen

— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) November 12, 2020

Samsung does have some prerogative in merging their two flagship lineups together. With the arrival of the emerging Galaxy Z lineup, maintaining a distinction between the Galaxy S and Note lines is almost futile. The company can substitute one for the other.

If you’re a fan of either line or would prefer to keep them separate, the S Pen’s inclusion might still support both lines independently. An S Pen-dependent Galaxy S21 can still coexist with the Galaxy Note series.

Regardless of the Galaxy’s final decision, Ice Universe’s advice remains useful: keep your S Pens safe and sound. Even if you don’t buy a new Galaxy S or Note next year, replacing a lost S Pen is a pain on your wallet.

Apps

Finally! Grab users may now pay directly using GCash

Much-awaited partnership

Published

January 27, 2023

GadgetMatch

Grab Philippines and GCash have finally struck a partnership deal that will make payments on the superapp even easier and more convenient.

Starting February, users will be able to add GCash as a direct payment method on the Grab app, making cashless transactions on food and grocery deliveries, car transport, and other services cashless.

Prior to the collaboration, GCash users could only send money from their account to their GrabPay wallet, and vice-versa, causing a bit of hassle switching in between apps on one’s phone screen.

The partnership also means there will be no more transaction fees unlike before when Grab users have to cash in using their credit or debit cards or linked bank accounts.

Grab customers may also avail of GCash exclusive deals, and even get treats when they pay using the e-wallet.

News

Samsung offers $100 for Galaxy S23 preorders

Or the upcoming Galaxy Book

Published

January 27, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

The Galaxy S23 series is coming. Samsung has officially scheduled the first Galaxy Unpacked event of the year for early February, heralding the coming of the Galaxy S23 series. While the flagship series will certainly wow a lot of users, buying one might crumple bank accounts so soon after the holidays. Luckily, Samsung is holding an early reservation promo ahead of the Galaxy Unpacked event.

If you reserve either the new Galaxy S23 or the new Galaxy Book now, Samsung is giving away US$ 50 worth of Samsung Credit. Additionally, users can reserve both devices and get US$ 100 worth of credit for use on any eligible products in the store.

Simply by signing up with your email address, you can use this link to save up to US$ 100 when you shop with Samsung.

The promo ends next Wednesday, February 1, by 11:59pm EST.

News

Apple halts development of in-house chip

Broadcom is still in

Published

January 27, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

Apple is currently on a quest to reduce its reliance on third-party components for its devices. For the most part, the company is successful in doing so. Apple Silicon is already an important part of the brand’s identity — with work on more in-house components ongoing. Now, Apple is reportedly pausing development on one of its upcoming chips.

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will delay the development of its in-house connectivity chip. In the meantime, the brand will keep relying on Broadcom for the same components, going into the iPhone 15 series.

To be clear, the paused component only deals with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Apple is still developing its in-house modem for 5G connectivity — according to outside reports, at least. While the Broadcom deal will still continue, Qualcomm might still get the axe after Apple develops its replacement chip.

Given the positive response to Apple Silicon, building more in-house components might ultimately work well for the brand. If anything, the company can rest easier by controlling how one of its components is produced.

Besides Apple, other brands are also developing their in-house chipsets to rival component makers like Qualcomm. Google, for instance, is doing relatively well with the Tensor lineup. Additionally, though the upcoming series will rely on Qualcomm, Samsung is currently working to bring the Exynos lineup to match current standards.