Apps

Google’s new apps will help you win friends and influence people

All part of Google’s Digital Wellbeing program

Published

October 24, 2019

Luigi Leonardo

Days ago, Google discontinued its data-saving app, Datally. Presumably, the company is cutting down its expansive suite of niche apps. At least, that’s what it seemed at the time. However, Google just put a hole in that theory. After discontinuing one app, they are launch five more in its place.

As part of its ongoing Digital Wellbeing initiative, Google is rolling out five lifestyle apps dedicated to curbing your smartphone usage. These are Desert Island, Morph, Post Box, Unlock Clock, and We Flip.

What would you bring to a deserted island? This hypothetical question is one of the most popular conversation starters for ages. Desert Island ponders on the same question but regarding your app lifestyle. It asks which apps are the most essential to your day-to-day life. Then, Desert Island challenges you by disabling all other apps for the entire day.

Morph is a more intelligent app limiter. Instead of disabling apps, it will simply suggest which apps are most appropriate depending on your current situation. If you set it to Work, for example, Morph will suggest Gmail. Essentially, Morph is a smart predictor for app usage based on situation.

Though the previous two controls app usage, Post Box will control your notifications. The app will keep your notifications hidden until regular intervals throughout the day. Alternatively, it can keep all of them until the end of the day. Post Box will also organize the notifications for you.

Unlike the previous three, Unlock Clock is a simple wallpaper for your phone. Set on a gray background, the wallpaper is a counter that counts how many times you check your phone throughout the day.

Finally, We Flip is a social game between a group of friends. The game should already be familiar to most people. Set your phones face down in the middle of the table. When installed and paired between all phones, We Flip will start a timer. The first person to check their phone, loses. Further, it also logs in how many times each person checks their phone through the night.

Google introduced the Digital Wellbeing program at last year’s I/O. The initiative aims to improve the lifestyles of all Google users. All five apps are now available on the Play Store.

Apps

Apple Music is getting a Liquid Glass makeover

The new logo debuts next week with iOS 27.2.

Published

October 22, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Apple Music is getting a revamp. In one of the tamer things going on with the brand today, Apple has introduced a new design language for its native music streaming platform.

In the midst of all the hubbub surrounding the iPhone Duo, Apple released a change in the visual identity of Apple Music. Rather than a static logo, the platform’s newest evolution offers a dynamic look that melds Liquid Glass and the power of sound together.

Confirmed through a behind-the-scenes video, Apple says that the new aesthetic was made with practical effects. Music producer Fred Again and NEST Acoustics submerged the platform’s logo in a tank of mineral oil and creating ripples with sound. The new language matches well with the chrome aesthetic typical of today’s trends and… well, Liquid Glass, of course.

Apple says that the more ripple-filled version will play before longer content like concert recordings (similar to Netflix’s startup stinger). Meanwhile, a black-and-white version will replace the app’s icon currently colored red and white. Current previews show off a simple logo, but it’s unknown whether Apple is adding a but more elements when the final version drops.

The updated version will debut for users after next week’s iOS 27.2 and macOS 27.2 updates.

Apps

Disney+ strengthens footing as go-to sports streaming app with UFC, NBA, more

ESPN on Disney+ brands itself as ‘new home ground for sports’

Published

October 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

Disney+ is strengthening its footing as a go-to sports streaming app as ESPN on Disney+ is now available in the Philippines, one of its markets with a huge sports-loving fanbase.

The launch coincides with a brand new campaign, “Ito ang Homecourt Mo!” (This is your homecourt!), welcoming Filipino fans to a new home ground for games, stories, and moments.

Subscribers can access live events, on-demand replays, studio shows, documentaries and original programming together in one dedicated destination through ESPN on Disney+.

Production and coverage will be led by ESPN, delivering high-quality broadcasts, commentary and expert analysis across the sports season where available, alongside Disney+ general entertainment and family programming.

Following last season’s success, NBA returns to ESPN on Disney+ with matchups during NBA Tip-Off Week.

Christmas Day games will also be available to stream, including the NBA Finals rematch between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs and the Philadelphia 76ers versus the Los Angeles Lakers.

Playoff games through the conference finals shall also be streamed live and on demand.

Meanwhile, the UFC is among some of the new regular sports programs Filipinos can watch on Disney+.

The action kicks off at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi scheduled on October 25, where two world championship titles are expected to be on the line: UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski takes on undefeated No. 1-ranked contender Movsar Evloev, and UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan defends against former champion and No. 1-ranked Merab Dvalishvili.

Alongside live UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Nights, fans will have access to a library of classic fights and curated UFC content.

There will also be the original and and behind-the-scenes programming, including UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, UFC Main Event, UFC Fight Flashback, UFC Reloaded, and ROAD TO UFC.

A new home ground for sports

Other notable sports programming will include the Formula E 2026/27 season, with practice, qualifying and main races across 21 rounds in 13 host cities.

Also available on Disney+ are NCAA events, including March Madness, and Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), with all games live across the regular season and championship series.

ESPN’s popular 30 for 30 documentaries will continue to be available on the platform. The line-up also features ESPN studio shows, including ESPN FC and Pardon the Interruption.

Apps

GrabCar Group Ride now splits the fare automatically

Passengers stand to save up to 50% compared with booking a solo ride

Published

October 18, 2026

GadgetMatch

GrabCar Group Ride now splits the fare automatically among passengers, making it simpler to book such ride types.

Each rider can save up to 50% on fare as well when using a group ride, compared with booking a solo ride.

The ride type lets the ride host and up to two friends share one GrabCar, with up to three drop-off points along the way. The more people join, the more affordable the ride becomes for everyone.

Regular ride buddies can also be saved as a group, together with frequent pickup and drop-off pins. This way, repeat bookings take just a few taps.

Such a system is ideal for officemates headed the same way or friends coming home from a night out, as well as plenty of other scenarios.

To book a Group Ride, follow these steps: