Apps
Google Maps is finally getting a power saving mode
Waze needs this update, pronto.
In a congested country like the Philippines, using navigation for shortcuts is a requirement. However, these apps can hog a lot of battery. If you forgot your car charger, it’s practically game over for your phone. Today, Google is shipping out a Maps update which can save your phone’s battery for those long drives.
Announced earlier this month, the update will include a Power Saving mode for Google Maps. The new mode will turn the normally colorful interface into monochrome with particular emphasis on black. The interface will reduce all interactable elements, so you can just focus on the display.
Presumably, it also reduces the power required by the app, while still prioritizing navigation. According to Google, smartphones will get up to four hours more juice when the mode is enabled.
Unfortunately, it’s not a widely released update yet. Google is limiting the update’s rollout to the Pixel 10 series for now. It’s also limited to driving mode; it won’t work if you’re just walking or cycling. The option is accessible through Driving options under Navigation in the settings.
In countries where Android Auto isn’t the norm just yet, a power saving mode for navigation is a godsend. Besides hoping that the update arrives on more devices, one can also hope that Google, who also owns the app, will introduce a similar mode to Waze. (To be fair, Waze did have a battery saver option, but it just dimmed the display for long straights.
SEE ALSO: Android now supports AirDrop!
Accessories
TicNote AI recorder launches in the Philippines
AI-powered transcription, translation, insights, more
Mobvoi has officially launched TicNote, its AI-powered note-taking device in the Philippines for PhP 9,499. The thin and lightweight recorder is currently available offline and will soon roll out on Lazada and Shopee.
The pocket-friendly TicNote comes with 64GB of memory and offers up to 25 hours of continuous recording. Beyond these, it supports real-time translation in over 120 languages through the TicNote app.
Moreover, powered by Shadow AI, the device goes further with advanced insights, including Smart Summary, Mind Map View, Deep Research Reports, Aha Moment, and even AI Podcast Generation.
To complement the device, Mobvoi offers unlimited TicNote cloud storage and 600 minutes of free monthly recording time.
On paper, the TicNote AI recorder has several professional applications. It can be used for meetings, legal and medical consultations, and more scenarios to record high-quality audio.
Meanwhile, journalists can leverage the tool for press conferences and media scrums. Even content creators can use the tool as a microphone as TicNote can process high bitrate audio and save it to .wav format.
Still, there’s a catch. Users will still need a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to make the most out of TicNote’s AI-powered features.
And that raises the dilemma: modern phones already offer AI translation, real-time transcription, and audio-to-text uploads through popular AI assistants.
For consumers, the question becomes whether TicNote offers enough beyond what their phones already do — or if it will just make having both devices redundant.
Apps
Disney Plus: NBA Christmas Day games to stream live
More sports content also available on the platform
Disney+ will stream the entire 2025 NBA Christmas Day games slate live on the platform for Philippine basketball fans to enjoy.
Fans can tune in to the anticipated matchups starting at 1:00 AM (Manila time) on December 26.
Here’s the full schedule:
- 1:00 AM: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks
- 3:30 AM: San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
- 6:00 AM: Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors
- 9:00 AM: Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- 11:30 AM: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets
And in case viewers missed a tip-off, the full replays will also be available on the app. Worth noting is the second matchup, which is a rematch of the Emirates NBA Cup semifinals.
Meanwhile, the third pairing brings long-time former Golden State Warrior Klay Thompson back to the Bay Area in a compelling match.
Plus, the Rockets-Lakers showdown features two seasoned veterans and future Hall of Famers Kevin Durant and LeBron James in their latest meeting.
Beyond the NBA Christmas Day games on Disney+, fans can stay plugged in all day with ESPN’s NBA Tip-Off at 12:00 AM. Inside the NBA, on the other hand, airs at 8:30 AM.
In addition, for something totally different, check out NBA alt-cast, Dunk the Halls, the first real-time animated NBA game.
This playful showdown happening also on December 26 at 1:00 AM reimagines the Cavaliers-Knicks tiff on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park, with some help from Mickey Mouse and his friends.
In line with Disney+’s NBA Christmas Day games, the platform has also uploaded highlights of the 2025 League of Legends KeSPA Cup on the app. The tournament features top teams from Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and North America.
Disney+ continues to strengthen its sports offerings on the platform, with an all-new Sports Page for easier access.
Apps
Turn your cravings into cashback with this new credit card
EastWest, Visa, and foodpanda created a lifestyle card that rewards your everyday life in the most delicious way!
There comes a moment in every busy, convenience-loving yuppie’s life when the heart encounters something that simply gets it.
For many, that moment will happen the first time they hear about the new EastWest foodpanda Visa Credit Card.
This cobranded creation from EastWest, foodpanda, and Visa feels like a treat wrapped inside another treat, made for those who thrive on ease, comfort, and a healthy dose of instant gratification.
Think of all the small joys in your routine. The iced latte that turns your morning around; the comforting order that saves an exhausting weekday; or the impulsive midnight craving that somehow counts as self-care.
Now imagine every craving quietly earning something meaningful in return. That is the lifestyle this card was built to support.
Cashback that keeps the cravings flowing
Cardholders receive 10 percent cashback on all foodpanda orders with earnings of up to Php 400 each month.
Cashback continues at 3 percent even after reaching the cap, which keeps rewards flowing for frequent orders.
Users also receive 1 percent cashback on overseas transactions and 0.3 percent on other local purchases. All cashback across categories has a combined limit of Php 1,000 per month.
The card is free of annual fees during the first year and early users receive a complimentary six month pandapro subscription.
Cashback is credited weekly to the user’s pandapay wallet for immediate access. This weekly reward cycle is a first in the local market. It reflects foodpanda’s focus on instant gratification and smooth digital experiences.
EastWest, foodpanda, and Visa aligned on a single goal. They wanted a card that fits into everyday routines, feels simple to use, and delivers rewards in a fast and friendly way.
Lifestyle card for a lifestyle-first way of spending
Younger Filipino consumers are embracing credit cards that care about their lifestyle choices.
The EastWest foodpanda Visa Credit Card fits right into this shift, giving people a financial tool that rewards the habits they already enjoy.
It creates a gentle nudge toward smarter spending without taking away the fun or the flavor.
Visa’s global network makes tap-to-pay transactions fast and secure. With automatic weekly cashback and worldwide acceptance, the card creates a rewarding experience that enhances how Filipinos dine and enjoy their favorite cravings.
This card understands one universal truth: Every order has the potential to be more than a meal. Now, it comes with rewards ready to follow you everywhere.
To learn more or start your application, visit eastwestbanker.com/foodpanda or tap ‘Apply Now’ on the foodpanda app.
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