Features
Huawei, ZTE face ban amid 5G arms race: Weekend Rewind
It’s a security issue

Here are this week’s top stories on GadgetMatch.
1. Huawei and ZTE facing more potential bans
Huawei and ZTE have had a relatively hard time breaking through the US and it looks like they’ll face similar problems in other countries. While the US has allowed both Chinese companies to operate in their soil, the likes of Australia, Japan, the UK, and Germany aren’t exactly eager to welcome these two.
The cause for concern is China’s newly implemented National Intelligence Law. This law forces Chinese companies and individuals to serve the Chinese government when needed. Other countries fear this could compromise security.
Huawei and ZTE are gearing up towards 5G but with this current development, it looks like they’ll need to look elsewhere to establish their infrastructure.
2. PLDT, Smart activates first 5G towers in PH
Speaking of 5G, the Philippines isn’t one of the countries that’s blocking China. In fact, the government may be too welcoming. Partnering with Huawei and Ericsson, telecommunications company PLDT along with its wireless arm Smart has activated two 5G cell sites in the country.
The first one is located in Makati City where the company’s headquarters is also found. The other is in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, a neighboring region of Metro Manila.
3. MediaTek gearing up for 5G
Still on 5G, MediaTek is already hard at work in developing its 5G-capable chip. In a media tour in Taiwan, the company showcased the Helio M70 which does just that.
MediaTek says commercial rollout won’t happen until 2020 but they’re already prepared to showcase the chip at the next MWC (Mobile World Congress) in Barcelona, Spain.
4. Apple patents holed iPhone design
Is Apple killing the notch? That appears to be the case if the latest patent they filed is any indication. LetsGoDigital reported that Apple is planning a holed smartphone.
According to the patent, the front-facing camera could be hidden underneath the screen through that hole. Whether or not this will be the case for the next iPhone remains to be seen. We all just have to wait and see.
5. PlayStation to skip E3 2019
PlayStation won’t be present when annual gaming convention E3 comes around in 2019. This marks the first time in the show’s 24-year history that Sony won’t be present.
In a statement sent to multiple outlets, Sony said, “As the industry evolves, Sony Interactive Entertainment continues to look for inventive opportunities to engage the community. PlayStation fans mean the world to us and we always want to innovate, think differently, and experiment with new ways to delight gamers. As a result, we have decided not to participate in E3 in 2019. We are exploring new and familiar ways to engage our community in 2019 and can’t wait to share our plans with you
It’s all very vague at this point but the company could be all hands on deck for an even more major reveal *cough* PlayStation 5 *cough* and they want the attention all to themselves instead of sharing it with other platforms.
Weekend Rewind is our roundup of top news and features you might have missed for the week. We know the world of technology can be overwhelming and not everyone has the time to get up to speed with everything — and that includes us. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the rewind.

Smartphones
#LuxuryTech: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Thom Browne Edition Unboxing
Ultra-rare foldable for $4000

Even though the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 has exclusive colors, it comes with an additional price — but it doesn’t stop there!—
The Korean giant also sold the ultra-rare Galaxy Z Fold5 Thom Browne Edition for a whopping KRW 4.29 Million (or just about US$ 4000).
Will you even believe that it got sold out in Korea that Michael Josh had to outsource one from a Hong Kong retailer?
In this episode of #LuxuryTech where tech meets fashion, Michael Josh unboxes the sophisticated Thom Browne Edition of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5!
ICYMI: Their last collaboration with the fashion brand was the Galaxy Z Fold3 Thom Browne Edition in a cleaner, white finish.

The 2nd Generation of AirPods Pro (or AirPods Pro 2) was launched not too long ago.
It’s got all the nifty upgrades from the first iteration including better ANC, better battery life, better chip with UWB, more sensors, a MagSafe charging case with speakers, and many more.
Then Apple introduced the USB-C version of the same AirPods Pro model.
You might be wondering: Are there even any changes? Or is it just that new USB-C port all along?
Spoiler alert! There are changes you need to know and might convince you to buy one.
Head over to our comparison of the refreshed AirPods 2 USB-C versus its Lightning counterpart (and a mini unboxing in between).

Most of you think there’s nothing extraordinary about unboxing videos anymore.
While that relies on one’s interest, there’s still that amount of satisfaction when unpacking Apple products.
The newest iPhone 15 lineup aren’t exemptions to that.
We might get the same ol’ box content in an overall minimalistic packaging design.
Still, there’s the sound of the screen-protecting sticker coming off from the phone.
Do I even need to iterate one’s design language appreciation when getting and flipping the device?
Here’s our MEGA unboxing of the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max in various colors — that might be your next GadgetMatch!
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