Smartphones
Here are new Pixel 6 features you should definitely try
Get that Magic Eraser out
The Pixel 6 series has finally launched. More than previous iterations, Google’s new flagships have a host of fresh hardware and new features underneath its smooth and sexy frame. If you’re getting either the Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro, you might miss out on a few features introduced in the new series. Here’s a rundown of some tips and tricks you should definitely try out.
Customize your home screen
Wallpapers aren’t the only ways to customize your phones anymore. Android 12’s biggest design change revolves around personalization. Now, whenever you change your wallpaper, the phone’s theme changes along with it. It can change its icon’s themes and color palettes.
Harness the power of AI
With the new Tensor chipset, Google is going all-in on AI technology. As such, the Pixel 6 series has a flurry of AI-enhanced features to make its users’ lives easier.
For one, the Pixel 6 can save you a lot of time whenever you call business’ toll-free numbers. Google Assistant can now tell you when the best times to physically go to a business, transcribe automated menu options, and hold for you during long hotline calls.
Speaking of transcriptions, Google Assistant now has a much better transcribing feature for Messages. It adds the ability to transcribe emojis and spell out difficult words.
For languages, Google can now transcribe messages and media better and faster in real time. The Recorder can also transcribe more languages now.
Finally, you don’t need to go “Hey, Google” all the time anymore. The Pixel 6 now offers a few quick phrases available without the need for Google’s usual call phrase — such as snoozing an alarm or answering a phone call.
An improved camera
Google’s new AI doesn’t just affect Google Assistant. It also improves the device’s camera features. Most especially, the camera has a new Magic Eraser feature which automatically removes photobombers and distractions from the background.
The camera also has new ways to handle moving images. Action Pan can focus on a moving subject but blur the background to improve focus. On the other hand, Long Exposure mode can add a creative blur for subjects portrayed while keeping the background crystal clear. Not a fan of either? The Pixel 6’s camera can also remove facial blurs for moving subjects (human ones and not animal ones yet).
Further, the auto adjustment feature now takes the subject’s skin color into account. It ensures that the Pixel 6 remains inclusive, rather than focusing on only a few skin colors.
*
Obviously, besides the ones listed, the Pixel 6 series and the new Android 12 have a lot more features packing inside. With the smartphone series now launched, it should be easy to discover these new features for yourself.
SEE ALSO: Pixel Pass bundles a Pixel 6 with a subscription service
News
Dreame enters smartphones with AURORA debut
Modular imaging, AI-native OS, and luxury design lead new “perception-first” push
Dreame has officially stepped into the smartphone space with the debut of its AURORA lineup in Silicon Valley, positioning itself beyond appliances and into next-generation intelligent devices.
Unveiled on April 29, the new AURORA brand introduces what Dreame calls three core breakthroughs: imaging, communication, and an AI-native operating system — all built around a “human-centric” approach to technology.
A new take on smartphones
At launch, Dreame showcased three key directions under the AURORA lineup.
Leading the charge is the AURORA NEX, a modular imaging flagship designed to unlock more advanced, flexible photography setups. The idea is to move beyond typical camera upgrades and give users more control over how they capture content.
Alongside it is the AURORA LUX, a luxury-focused series that leans into premium materials and craftsmanship. Dreame positions this as “heirloom-grade” tech — less gadget, more statement piece.
Completing the lineup is a new flagship range aimed at balancing performance, design, and everyday usability for high-end users.
Moving past spec wars
Dreame isn’t framing this as another specs race. Instead, it’s calling this shift a “perception revolution.”
The pitch is simple:
- Better imaging should feel like creating, not just capturing
- Connectivity should be stable and seamless everywhere
- AI should be invisible but proactive, not something users have to manage
To get there, Dreame says it’s addressing familiar industry pain points — from camera hardware stacking to inconsistent signal performance and surface-level AI features.
Its solution is a full-stack approach:
- A dedicated imaging system built with input from professional photographers
- A “full-time signal” communication system for more stable connectivity
- An AI-native OS designed to flip the model from users adapting to devices → devices adapting to users
From tools to partners
The bigger ambition here is clear. Dreame wants devices to evolve from passive tools into what it calls “proactive service partners.”
That means:
- Devices anticipate needs
- AI operates in the background
- Hardware and software feel like a single system
It’s a familiar direction across the industry, but Dreame is betting on tighter integration and a stronger design identity to stand out.
A broader ecosystem play
The AURORA launch also signals something bigger: Dreame is expanding fast beyond its roots in home and personal care tech.
From hair tools to now smartphones, the company is building toward a full ecosystem anchored on AI and connected experiences.
Whether that vision lands will depend on execution — especially in a category as competitive as smartphones.
For now, AURORA marks Dreame’s most ambitious move yet, and a clear statement that it wants to compete not just on devices, but on how those devices fit into everyday life.
Singapore
vivo Y Series launches in Singapore with bigger battery, durability upgrades
6500mAh battery, 5G options from S$199
vivo has launched its latest Y Series lineup in Singapore, headlined by the Y05, Y11 5G, and Y21 5G. The new devices focus on long battery life, improved durability, and smoother everyday performance, with 5G models starting at S$199.
The biggest highlight is a 6500mAh BlueVolt battery across the series, a notable jump from the previous generation. vivo says this enables longer usage for streaming, browsing, and gaming, backed by optimized power management. The phones are also designed to maintain battery health for up to five years, aiming for more consistent long-term performance.
For faster top-ups, the Y21 5G supports 44W FlashCharge, allowing quicker recovery when you’re running low.
Durability also gets a boost. The new Y Series comes with IP64 or IP65 ratings for dust and water resistance, alongside SGS Five-Star Drop Resistance and military-grade certifications. Combined with a reinforced structure, these upgrades are meant to better handle everyday wear and accidental drops.
On the front, the devices feature a 6.745-inch display with up to 1200 nits brightness for improved outdoor visibility. vivo pairs this with OriginOS 6, promising smoother app launches, better multitasking, and up to 36 months of consistent performance.
The Y11 5G and Y21 5G bring faster connectivity for downloads and streaming, while the Y21 5G adds a 50MP main camera for clearer everyday shots.
Price and availability
The vivo Y Series is now available in Singapore through online platforms and authorized retailers.
- Y05
- 8GB + 64GB – SGD 139
- 8GB + 128GB – SGD 169
- Y11 5G
- 8GB + 128GB – SGD 199
- Y21 5G
- 12GB + 128GB – SGD 279
All models come in multiple color options including Summit Platinum, Voyage Black, and Champagne Gold depending on the variant.
Smartphones
Motorola updates the razr family with its first book-style phone
Plus, here’s the new moto buds 2 plus.
Motorola isn’t a fan of making fans wait. Instead of drip-feeding its devices throughout the year, the brand has launched four phones and a pair of buds in one fell swoop.
An update to razr
No points for guessing the razr family as the highlight of this batch of launches. Once again, motorola is updating its foldables for the year.
First up is the razr ultra. The premium outing has a 7-inch foldable screen with 1224 x 2992 resolution. This is paired with a 4-inch cover screen. Inside, it has a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage.
All of these are capped off with a trio of 50-megapixel shooters. Finally, it will have a 5000mAh battery with 68W wired charging.
Meanwhile, the razr+ has a 6.9-inch 1080 x 2640 main screen, paired with a 4.0-inch 1272 x 1080 cover screen. Under the hood, the phone has a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It has a 50-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 32-megapixel selfie shooter. Finally, it has a 4500mAh battery with 45W charging.
Rounding off the family, the new razr has a similar main screen but a smaller 3.6-inch 1056 x 1066 cover screen. It has a MediaTek Dimensity 74350X chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The phone also has the same cameras as the plus variant. Finally, the base model will have a 4800mAh battery with 30W charging.
Turning the foldable by 90 degrees
For years, the razr family has thrived with clamshell-type foldables. Now, for the first time ever, the family has a book-style foldable in the new razr fold.
The razr fold has a sizable 8.1-inch 2484 x 2232 main screen with a 6.6-inch 2520 x 1080 secondary screen. Under the hood, the phone has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
The main camera setup consists of a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 50-megapixel telephoto camera. This trio is supplemented by a 32-megapixel cover screen camera and a 20-megapixel shooter for the foldable screen.
Finally, it will have a huge 6000mAh battery inside.
Introducing the moto buds 2 plus
That’s it for the phones. To conclude this batch, motorola also launched the new moto buds 2 plus. The wearable comes with Dynamic Active Noise Cancellation and spatial audio bolstered by six microphones.
The battery case can hold up to 40 hours of life. Meanwhile, the earbuds themselves can hold up to nine hours of juice.
Price, availability
All four phones will start coming out on May 14. The base razr sells for US$ 799.99. The razr+ sells for US$ 1,099.99. Meanwhile, the razr ultra retails for US$ 1,499.99. And finally, the new razr fold sells for US$ 1,899.99.
On the other hand, the moto buds 2 plus retails for US$ 149.99 and comes in PANTONE Silhouette.
-
Reviews2 weeks agoHONOR 600 review: A taste of more
-
Laptops2 weeks agoASUS Zenbook S14 (2026) review: The perfect portable buddy
-
News1 week agoOPPO Find X9 Ultra lands in PH: Price, availability, pre-order perks
-
Malaysia2 weeks agoThe OPPO Find X9 Ultra is Galaxy S26 Ultra’s biggest enemy
-
News2 weeks agoForget the Pro+ and Ultra! HUAWEI unveils the Pura 90 Pro Max
-
News1 week agoOPPO Find X9s now official in PH: Price, availability, pre-order info
-
Gaming1 week agoSaros review: Returnal’s difficulty is back and better than ever
-
News1 week agoOPPO Find N6 now in PH: Price, pre-order, availability


