News

Google being investigated for stealing user data from Android phones

Harvesting even when your data is off

Published

May 15, 2018

Luigi Leonardo

Following massive investigations, Facebook was caught red-handed with its hands all over the cookie jar of user data. However, with privacy issues at an all-time high, several other fingerprints were found peppered throughout our entire social lives.

This time, cybersecurity pundits have set their sights on Google. The tech giant is reportedly harvesting data illegally from Android devices.

Recently, the software company Oracle has sent reports on Google’s activities to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The organization focuses on investigating large corporations of any anomalies.

According to the reports, Google’s data-collecting focuses on location tracking — where you go and where you are. More surprisingly, Oracle claims that Google’s tracking works even if users turn off their location services. Google can analyze location based on which hotspots you connect to or where you turn your data on.

Regardless, Google has always practiced location tracking even prior to the report. The company has used GPS information to improve both its advertisements and the quality of its software, as stated in Android’s terms and conditions. Google even argues that users can opt out of this at any time. The report asks whether Google obtained this data legally.

While Oracle’s report remains believable for the most part, a more outlandish claim states that removing your SIM card or turning your phone off won’t abate Google’s tracking. The report also claims that Google sends in 1GB per month of information back to its headquarters, at the user’s data expense.

Regardless of its overall integrity, the report has successfully piqued the ACCC’s interest. Despite being an Australian organization, the ACCC’s reach extends across the globe. Most notably, a previous investigation caused gaming platform Steam to issue a worldwide refund policy.

Despite their interest, the ACCC is still thoroughly investigating the issue. Of note, Oracle has tried to discredit Google before. The commission is ensuring that both sides are getting their fair share of justice.

News

Snapdragon 750G brings 5G and HDR gaming for midrange phones

Coming to smartphones later this year

Published

September 22, 2020

Luigi Leonardo

This year, Qualcomm has ferociously pushed for more 5G-capable chipsets across the board. Indeed, the entire chipmaking industry is outing more 5G hardware for next-generation smartphones. Now, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series is expanding once again. The new Snapdragon 750G brings 5G and HDR gaming for midrange phones.

First of all, the Snapdragon 750G is compatible for both mmWave and Sub-6 GHz technologies. The feature ensures true 5G compatibility across the globe. Besides connectivity, the feature boasts seamless online gameplay for gamers. Besides the 5G features, the chip has WiFi 6 compatibility.

That said, the chipset also sports HDR gaming compatibility. Snapdragon 750G comes with Qualcomm’s Adreno 619 GPU, rendering graphics 10 percent faster than the Snapdragon 730G.

Supplemented with the Kryo 570 CPU, it comes with Qualcomm’s 5^th-generation AI engine, bringing better smart features for smartphones. The feature reportedly performs 20 percent faster than the Snapdragon 730G.

In other specifications, the chipset can support up to a dual (32-megapixel + 16-megapixel) camera setup. Smartphone displays can go up to 120Hz in refresh rate.

Finally, the chipset comes with better battery efficiency — up to 20 percent better — than its predecessor. Quick Charge 4+ charges devices to 50 percent in just 15 minutes.

Currently, Qualcomm has not announced any brands or models that will ship with the Snapdragon 750G. However, the company expects the unknown smartphones to ship sometime later this year.

Deals

Huawei Store is your one-stop shop for everything Huawei

Their every own e-commerce platform

Published

September 22, 2020

GadgetMatch

Online purchases have surged in 2020 out of necessity. The Coronavirus pandemic has kept most of us indoors. That means we do most of our shopping from our phones. Taking advantage of this new behavior, Huawei now has its own Huawei Store.

It’s a convenient, one-stop shop for everything Huawei. Officially launching on September 23, the Huawei Store will carry all of the company’s signature products and accessories.

We have a list, in case you’re interested.

Delivery and payment options

I’m sure you’re not new to online shopping, but if you are, Huawei is making it easy for you. After completing your shopping spree, the items will be delivered to your specified address. Deliveries are free during the Store’s promotion period.

Payment options are as follows:

Credit Card
GCash
Alipay
WeChat Pay
COD (Cash on delivery)

The Store guarantees 100% secure payment gateway; just hit the buy button, sit back and wait for their item to arrive at their doorstep.

Huawei Store Perks

Registering for a Huawei Store account or Huawei ID gives customers access to exclusive benefits like alerts on specific product deals, seasonal promotions, flash sales, discounts, gift coupons and other exciting prizes.

In the lead up to the Store’s official virtual launch, customers can subscribe to alerts early for a chance to win the Huawei Mate XS foldable phone.

This event runs from September 16-22 as a standalone promo, and then as part of a teaser sale on September 23-29.

As for the teaser sale, early birds can get awesome bundles and discounts on the following products:

Everyday piso sale for selected products and Half price flash sale of Huawei Y5p
Buy the Huawei MateBook D15 (256GB) and get the Huawei MatePad T3 8.0 (worth PhP 6,490) free
Buy the new Huawei Watch Fit and get the Huawei Band 4e (worth Php 1,390) free, as well as a sale for the Watch Fit’s exclusive Cantaloupe Orange color
Exclusive discounts on the Huawei Y5p, Y7, nova 7i, MatePad T8, and MateBook D14

From September 30 onwards, Huawei store will provide best offer ever:

Up to 60% off the latest Huawei Y8p
PhP 4,000 off Huawei band 4
60% off Huawei Mate 30 pro
Freebuds 3i, nova 5t, nova 7i, Matepad pro, Matebook D 14 & Matebook D 15 (512 GB), Y5p, Y6p, Y7 will all enjoy this discount party

Additionally, getting the Huawei Mate 30 Pro, FreeBuds 3, and Watch GT2e as a bundle slashes PhP 16,000 off the total price. Bargain hunters can still score awesome finds from the flash sales and piso deals happening everyday throughout the Store’s promotional period.

Huawei Store exclusives also include several new and popular products from the tech brand, such as the new Huawei Y8p, the Huawei MateBook D15 (256GB) in Mystic Silver, the new Huawei Watch Fit with 500p off (includes store-exclusive orange color) from Sep 30 to Oct 10.

Get ready to add to cart!

News

Globe expands its 5G network to more areas

Rolling out to nine more cities in Metro Manila

Published

September 22, 2020

Kenrick Buduan

Last month, Globe rolled out its 5G network to select areas in Metro Manila. Today, it is expanding its network to more areas within the metro.

The telco is now rolling out the next-gen network to select vicinities of Taguig, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Paranaque, Muntinlupa, Las Pin͂as, Valenzuela, and Caloocan. These select vicinities include residential areas and centers of commerce.

Residents and business users who want to take advantage of the next-gen network should have the latest 5G device. Right now, Globe is offering select 5G smartphones at reduced prices exclusively on ThePLAN. Discounts on 5G-enabled smartphones, however, are valid until September 30 only.

Upgrading to 5G is easy: there is no required setting to turn on to connect to the network. All Globe stores now carry a 5G-ready SIM card to make the switch easier and hassle-free.

Globe has also put up 5G-capable smartphones in select areas within Metro Manila so prepaid and TM subscribers can try out the benefits of the network. Purported benefits of 5G include faster speeds and reduced latency, which is a boon in a digital era.

Subscribers upgrading to 5G are encouraged to visit any Globe stores nationwide for inquiries. For customer service, they can turn to the Globe One app or chat with Globe at Home on Facebook Messenger.