When Samsung heralded the coming of the foldable phone, all eyes were unfortunately fixed on the ghastly crease stretching from end to end. Years since that moment, the crease never really disappeared. Smartphone brands did their best to reduce their impact, but it still remains a problem. Samsung, perhaps doubling back to fix the long-standing problem, has introduced a new form factor for the future: the slidable PC.

During Intel’s Innovation event, Samsung Display and Intel unveiled a prototype device showcasing a unique (but not altogether new) concept. Instead of a foldable hinge, the 13-inch display “slides” into a 17-inch display. Both companies effectively created a tablet that can turn into a laptop.

Since the prototype already works as a display, it’s easy to see how an eventual device might work. Starting off as a large tablet, the device expands and connects to an external keyboard (or another accessory).

The prototype should look familiar, too. Although Intel uses “slidable” as a term, other brands — like LG — have created similar form factors but labeled as “rollable.” Unfortunately, LG exited the smartphone business before creating a workable product for everyone.

Without other brands, it looks like Samsung and Intel are both on the hunt to bring the device to reality. At the moment, it is still a prototype. There is no timeline for a product yet. However, Intel seems resolute that foldable isn’t the future of PCs.

SEE ALSO: Samsung teases that sliding, rolling displays are coming

Christmas is right around the corner. If you want to get a head start on buying something for yourself, it’s important to know when the biggest sales are. Now, gamers have a date on when they can bust out their wallets. Valve has officially announced when the autumn, winter, and spring Steam sales are happening.

The next sale — the traditional Autumn Sale — will happen between November 22 through 29. It’s quite a big gap for a head start, but it should give gamers a healthy library to play when the Christmas vacation starts.

On the other hand, if rush shopping is more you, the Winter Sale will happen between December 22 through January 5. It’s a Christmas treat.

If you’re familiar with Steam’s usual calendar of sales, you might not have heard of a Spring Sale before. Traditionally, the platform holds the Lunar New Year Sale in lieu of a seasonal theme. This time, Steam is keeping things consistent. The newly dubbed Spring Sale will happen between March 16 through 23. It’s also a later date than the previous Lunar New Year Sale.

Steam sales are usually a treat for gamers who play on a PC. Though the platform frowns on gigantic 95 percent off discounts now, platform-wide sales events can still house delectable bargains. Now, whether or not you’ll have time to play all of them is another story altogether.

SEE ALSO: Steam: No more 95% off sales

French brand WIKO is entering the Philippine market and challenging competitors, introducing the WIKO 10 smartphone in the country.

Operating on Android 12, the entry-level WIKO 10 will have identical specs and features like most counterpart devices in its segment.

First off, it is powered by a Helio G37 chipset and a 5,000mAH battery that support for 22.5W WIKO SuperCharge and wireless reverse charging which powers smaller devices like a smart band or wireless headsets.

With 4GB of memory and 128GB storage, the phone may also be used for gaming, given that it has a multi-stage overheating current control mechanism incorporated.

The display is a 6.74-inch (1600 x 720) large full-screen LCD with an aspect ratio of 20:9. 

When it comes to the camera setup, the smartphone has a triple camera setup at the back bannered by a 50MP main shooter (F1.8) that has a Smart HDR feature. In front is an 8MP selfie camera.

Other features include:

• Dual SIM
• microSD slot
• 4G LTE
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• 3.5mm audio jack
• Fingerprint scanner

WIKO Buds 10 also released

Alongside the phone’s launch, WIKO has also announced the WIKO Buds 10, a pair of wireless earbuds with Bluetooth 5.2 technology that offers up to 30 hours of usage with its charging case.

The earbuds have a 12mm dynamic driver to deliver high-quality audio with deep bass. It also has environmental noise cancellation. What sets this pair apart from the others is its built-in dual mics for voice capturing.

Pricing, availability

The WIKO 10 will be available in three colors: Klein Blue, Silver, and Black. It will retail for PhP 8,990 on Shopee, Lazada, and authorized WIKO stores and kiosks.

The WIKO Buds 10, meanwhile, will be sold for PhP 1,499.