Smartphones

Here are new Pixel 6 features you should definitely try

Get that Magic Eraser out

Published

October 20, 2021

Luigi Leonardo

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.

Philippines

realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition: Price, availability in the Philippines

Hogwarts magic meets smartphone design

Published

October 29, 2026

GadgetMatch

The realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition is now available in the Philippines for PHP 39,999. This limited-edition smartphone features a color-changing Hogwarts crest, an exclusive Harry Potter-themed interface, and a collection of Wizarding World memorabilia.

Limited to fewer than 200 units nationwide, the special edition is designed for fans and collectors of the beloved franchise.

Hogwarts magic in every detail

The realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition comes in Magic Brown, featuring an Enchanted Texture Leather back with a three-dimensional diamond pattern inspired by wizard chessboards.

Its centerpiece is the Hogwarts Four-House Crest, which reveals the signature colors of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff when exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light. This effect uses realme’s Quadra Light-Sensing Color-changing Tech.

The phone also features a gold Hedwig-inspired camera design, matching gold accents along its edges, and a laser-engraved “Welcome to Hogwarts” inscription on the side.

A Hogwarts-inspired interface

The Harry Potter theme extends to the phone’s software. Exclusive wallpapers depict Hogwarts Castle at different times of the day, with Golden Dawn for daytime and Mystic Dusk for nighttime.

Other customizations include boot-up and fingerprint animations inspired by Hogwarts acceptance letters, more than 30 redesigned app icons, and camera watermarks inspired by the four Hogwarts houses.

A trunk full of collectibles

The limited-edition packaging takes the form of a Harry Potter-inspired trunk featuring the Hogwarts crest and the realme 16 Pro Harry Potter Edition branding.

Inside, fans will find a Hogwarts acceptance letter addressed to Mr. Potter, character postcards featuring Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and bookmarks representing all four Hogwarts houses.

The package also includes Hogwarts Crest pins and a Hogwarts Express-inspired ticket bearing the route from London to Hogwarts via Platform 9¾.

realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition price and availability

The realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition is priced at PHP 39,999 in the Philippines. Only fewer than 200 units will be available nationwide.

Hogwarts-inspired store displays will be available at the following locations:

SM Fairview
SM North EDSA
SM Calamba

The device will also be available at kiosks in SM Clark, SM Dasmariñas, and SM Megamall.

For further updates, visit realme’s official Facebook page.

Philippines

Samsung Galaxy A18, Galaxy A08 now in the Philippines

Everyday smartphone experience

Published

October 29, 2026

GadgetMatch

Samsung has unveiled the new Samsung Galaxy A18 and Samsung Galaxy A08 smartphones in the Philippines.

These affordable A series handsets bring more capable performance, long-term reliability, and core AI experiences to users.

The Galaxy A18 features a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display and is powered by a Helio G99+ processor.

It comes with an upgraded DDR5 memory and supports RAM Plus, which uses available storage as virtual memory.

At its back is a 50MP wide camera, 5MP ultra-wide camera, and 2MP macro camera.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy A08 comes with a 6,000mAh battery, Helio G99+ processor, and upgraded memory.

It also comes with a similar 50MP main camera, along with a 2MP depth camera, and 8MP front camera.

Core AI experiences, long-term reliability

Both the Galaxy A18 and Galaxy A08 come with core AI experiences, including Circle to Search.

Moreover, both phones come with multiple AI agents to help users move more seamlessly between supported Galaxy native apps, Google apps, and select third-party apps.

Both handsets also feature IP64 rating for protection against dust and water splashes.

Furthermore, the devices support up to six generations of OS upgrades and six years of security updates.

Price, availability

The Samsung Galaxy A08 comes in Dark Blue, Silver, and Green, for the following prices:

4GB+64GB: PhP 11,190
4GB+128GB: PhP 13,090

Samsung is offering up to PhP 1,200 in savings until November 30.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy A18 will be available by December in Black, Silver, and Light Blue.

Hands-On

Apple iPhone Duo Unboxing and Hands-on

Supported apps, crease, cameras, and MagSafe all tested

Published

October 22, 2026

GadgetMatch and Michael Josh Villanueva

Apple’s iPhone Duo is finally here!

Aside from unboxing the all-new iPhone-dable in Night Sky, we take a closer look at the display crease, check out the under-display camera quality, see which MagSafe accessories work with it.

Most of all, which apps support it (or not).

But how well does the dual-screen experience on an iPhone actually work? Watch our Apple iPhone Duo unboxing and hands-on to know more!