News

Pixel Fold leaked through marketing renders

Plus specs

Published

May 2, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

Image source: Evan Blass

It’s another year of asking whether Google can keep secrets. On the verge of potentially releasing the much awaited device this year, Google has repeatedly let the Pixel Fold slip through the cracks with leaks and random appearances. Over the weekend, an even more telling leak has revealed an up-close look at the unannounced foldable.

Revealed by renowned leaker Evan Blass (via The Verge), several renders of the Pixel Fold have shown the device in all its glory. It’s one of the clearest looks at the device so far. Three renders depict the device while it’s folded, unfolded from the front, and unfolded from the back.

Image source: Evan Blass

Folded, the Pixel Fold does show what you’d expect from the lineup: a sizable-but-not-obnoxious bezel (albeit with rounder corners) and Android’s Material You design. The device’s unfolded state is a bit more telling. For one, the iconic camera strip does not extend from both edges of the rear panel. Instead, it sits right in the middle of the rear.

Meanwhile, the phone’s main screen does have an alarmingly large bezel, which might rub off on users the wrong way. (Of course, it’s worth nothing that sizable bezels aren’t new to the foldable segment.)

Image source: Evan Blass

Besides the renders, Blass also revealed some specs for the device. Folded, it is 5.5 x 3.1 inches. Unfolded, it will be 5.5 x 6.2 inches. The main camera is a 9.5-megapixel dual pixel camera, and the inner camera is an 8.0-megapixel shooter. It will ship in Obsidian and Porcelain.

Google has not officially announced when the device will launch. It is, however, worth noting that renders have popped up in the past. With more details coming out, it’s likely that the foldable device is coming sooner rather than later.

Apps

Going cashless? GCash now accepted in Europe

United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy

Published

June 9, 2023

GadgetMatch

Thinking of going cashless on you next trip to Europe? GCash can offer just that, as the mobile wallet app is now accepted in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy.

The cross-border payment service is part of the e-wallet’s strengthened partnership with Alipay+, offering users a seamless and secure payment experience without the need for money changers and carrying to much actual cash on your pockets.

Among the popular merchants that will be accepting GCash from now on are:

Harrods
Liberty London
Harvey Nichols
Printemps
Müller
dm-drogerie markt
itTaxi
IVS Group

To pay using GCash at these establishments, travelers will simply have to look for the Alipay+ logo at the checkout.

Open the GCash app, select the QR or PayQR button, scan the merchant’s QR code, or tap “Pay Abroad with Alipay+” to have a generated QR.

Finally, check the amount, and tap Pay to see the receipt.

Gaming

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth coming early 2024

Second of the Remake trilogy

Published

June 9, 2023

GadgetMatch

Square Enix has released a new trailer for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth to excite gamers even more for its 2024 release in Asia on PlayStation 5.

The Summer Game Fest 2023 trailer previewed the title’s gameplay. It also showed story elements and its expansive world that players can look forward to experiencing starting in “early 2024.”

Thanks to Square Enix’s previous easter eggs, it can be expected that there will be new characters with more action outside of Midgar. This mimics the feeling players of the original game. The world opened up following the events that transpired in Midgar.

The trailer also showcased new combat mechanics. Characters like Yuffie and Red XXIII were seen doing team-up attacks. Our main girls Tifa and Aerith were also shown doing the same.

Though yet to get an exact release date and price, the second entry to the Final Fantasy VII remake project is already anticipated by many. Oh and something that caught people’s eyes — the end of the trailer says Rebirth will have two (2) discs.

It will continue the story in Final Fantasy VII Remake, which has earned tremendous praise from players and critics globally.

The first of the remake trilogy garnered more than 20 perfect scores. It also became the highest-selling digital release on PlayStation in Square Enix’s history.

Watch the trailer.

Gaming

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown announced

A fresh take on a legendary franchise

Published

June 9, 2023

GadgetMatch

Ubisoft has announced Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, a new action-adventure title to be released on January 18, 2024. It will be available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One. It will also be on Windows via Ubisoft and Epic Games.

The brand-new adventure which is a fresh take on the legendary franchise. It was announced at Ubisoft’s Summer Game Fest live showcase.

It will feature Sargon, a young gifted warrior who is part of an elite group called The Immortals.

The group is tasked to rescue Prince Ghassan, and they will explore Mount Qaf. It is a cursed and hostile place that was once wondrous. It is here where Sargon and the rest discover a treacherous foe they must defeat to restore balance in the world.

Well-represented culture

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown lets players explore a Persian mythology-inspired world at their own pace. This includes everything from the Citadel of Knowledge to the Hyrcanian Forest.

Along the way, players will acquire time powers to unlock unique abilities for combat. Sargon will then delve deeper into Mount Qaf to solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and complete side quests.

The game also highlights original soundtrack created by Iranian-born composer Mentrix, who mixes traditional with modern to guide players from one environment to another.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is one of Ubisoft’s upcoming titles that will be previewed during its Ubisoft Forward conference on June 13.