Apps

No bootloader unlocking for Huawei Mate 30

But installing Google apps is still possible

Published

September 25, 2019

Kenrick Buduan

A Huawei spokesperson officially clarified that it has no plans to unlock the bootloader of the Mate 30. As such, the Mate 30 won’t be able to sideload Google apps, including the Play Store.

No Google apps by default

Huawei launched the Mate 30 series last September 19 with impressive specs. One of the highlights of the Mate 30 was the cameras — packing features first for a smartphone. However, the Mate 30 has an Achilles heel: it doesn’t come with Google apps by default. One of which is the Google Play Store.

The Play Store is a standard for all Android phones as it allows users to download their favorite apps securely and hassle-free. Losing the Play Store has been a big blow to the Mate 30, and Huawei has already provided an alternative in the form of the AppGallery.

However, since it is new, there are only few apps that would be available here to cover the needs of most users. These users would want to install the Google Play Store. This is where the bootloader unlocking comes in.

Bootloader unlocking

Bootloader unlocking lets users sideload Google apps. Until recently, Huawei’s policy doesn’t allow for the unlocking of the bootloader. But considering the situation Huawei has faced over the recent months, Huawei’s CEO Richard Yu has stated that they initially planned to allow bootloader unlocking on Mate 30 during in an interview with various journalists.

However, a Huawei spokesperson has reached out to Android Authority and clarified that there is “no plans” yet to allow bootloader unlocking. So Mate 30 users have to look for other ways to install Google apps on their phone.

Other ways to install Google apps

There are other ways to install Google apps. As reported by Android Authority, Reddit users have installed Google apps without rooting or hacking involved. However, the method is risky since there are privacy and security issues concerned.

The method involves installing a third-party app called LZ Play. The app is used by system administrators to manage Android devices. The app requires a hefty list of permissions — for example, the app requires users to grant it system-level permissions. This alone should discourage some users wary of giving their data to a third-party app.

For those who want to proceed despite the risks, installing LZ Play is fairly simple. Simply download the app’s APK through its official website. After downloading the APK, install the APK and follow any prompts thrown by the installation process. Google apps should appear after the installation.

If any issues appear with signing-in to the Google apps, simply restart the phone. The folks at Android Authority have installed the app on their Mate 30 Pro and it worked seamlessly. No other methods had been reported that would let Mate 30 users install Google apps on their devices.

Serious uphill battle

Without Google Play Store to access millions of Android apps, most users will be discouraged from buying the Mate 30. Without bootloader unlocking, it will leave few who are courageous to buy the Mate 30 with no choice but to stick with Huawei’s own apps.

As of right now, the Mate 30 series is facing a serious uphill battle. The loss of Google apps means that most users might stay away from it.

Apps

Firefox ad reunites all your favorite memes from decades ago

The Numa Numa Guy, Annoying Orange, and Chocolate Rain are back!

Published

October 27, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Before Tung Tung Tung Sahur and Skibidi Toilet, the early internet was populated by charismatic personalities looking to make their presences felt in a land that didn’t have a lot of rules yet. As early users, we danced to “Dragostea din tei,” belted out “Chocolate Rain,” and copied “Shoes” word-for-word. Today, Firefox is bringing all those good memories back for a grand reunion.

In a new ad, the web browser featured ten of the biggest stars of the early internet including the aforementioned Numa Numa Guy, Tay Zonday, and Shoes’ Kelly. You can also see Annoying Orange, Chuck Testa, Overly Attached Girlfriend, Bad Luck Brian, Where the Hell is Matt?, the Apparently Kid, and the Success Kid.

Now, this isn’t just a reunion. The ad has a clear message about today’s most concerning issue: AI. Everything has “built-in AI, always asking, asking, asking,” as the Annoying Orange said.

“They make money by following us, and somehow, I’m the creepy one?” the Overly Attached Girlfriend asked.

All these famous personalities are asking what happened to the internet today. Obviously, the big takeaway is that we should all go back to Firefox.

Compared to other browsers, Firefox has a lot of built-in features that offer a lot of control for users. For one, it has its own VPN for privacy. Secondly, reflecting the ad’s message against AI, the browser has a toggle to minimize AI features.

Apps

Apple Music is getting a Liquid Glass makeover

The new logo debuts next week with iOS 27.2.

Published

October 22, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Apple Music is getting a revamp. In one of the tamer things going on with the brand today, Apple has introduced a new design language for its native music streaming platform.

In the midst of all the hubbub surrounding the iPhone Duo, Apple released a change in the visual identity of Apple Music. Rather than a static logo, the platform’s newest evolution offers a dynamic look that melds Liquid Glass and the power of sound together.

Confirmed through a behind-the-scenes video, Apple says that the new aesthetic was made with practical effects. Music producer Fred Again and NEST Acoustics submerged the platform’s logo in a tank of mineral oil and creating ripples with sound. The new language matches well with the chrome aesthetic typical of today’s trends and… well, Liquid Glass, of course.

Apple says that the more ripple-filled version will play before longer content like concert recordings (similar to Netflix’s startup stinger). Meanwhile, a black-and-white version will replace the app’s icon currently colored red and white. Current previews show off a simple logo, but it’s unknown whether Apple is adding a but more elements when the final version drops.

The updated version will debut for users after next week’s iOS 27.2 and macOS 27.2 updates.

Apps

Disney+ strengthens footing as go-to sports streaming app with UFC, NBA, more

ESPN on Disney+ brands itself as ‘new home ground for sports’

Published

October 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

Disney+ is strengthening its footing as a go-to sports streaming app as ESPN on Disney+ is now available in the Philippines, one of its markets with a huge sports-loving fanbase.

The launch coincides with a brand new campaign, “Ito ang Homecourt Mo!” (This is your homecourt!), welcoming Filipino fans to a new home ground for games, stories, and moments.

Subscribers can access live events, on-demand replays, studio shows, documentaries and original programming together in one dedicated destination through ESPN on Disney+.

Production and coverage will be led by ESPN, delivering high-quality broadcasts, commentary and expert analysis across the sports season where available, alongside Disney+ general entertainment and family programming.

Following last season’s success, NBA returns to ESPN on Disney+ with matchups during NBA Tip-Off Week.

Christmas Day games will also be available to stream, including the NBA Finals rematch between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs and the Philadelphia 76ers versus the Los Angeles Lakers.

Playoff games through the conference finals shall also be streamed live and on demand.

Meanwhile, the UFC is among some of the new regular sports programs Filipinos can watch on Disney+.

The action kicks off at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi scheduled on October 25, where two world championship titles are expected to be on the line: UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski takes on undefeated No. 1-ranked contender Movsar Evloev, and UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan defends against former champion and No. 1-ranked Merab Dvalishvili.

Alongside live UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Nights, fans will have access to a library of classic fights and curated UFC content.

There will also be the original and and behind-the-scenes programming, including UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, UFC Main Event, UFC Fight Flashback, UFC Reloaded, and ROAD TO UFC.

A new home ground for sports

Other notable sports programming will include the Formula E 2026/27 season, with practice, qualifying and main races across 21 rounds in 13 host cities.

Also available on Disney+ are NCAA events, including March Madness, and Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), with all games live across the regular season and championship series.

ESPN’s popular 30 for 30 documentaries will continue to be available on the platform. The line-up also features ESPN studio shows, including ESPN FC and Pardon the Interruption.