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The iKKO Mind One is a card-sized smartphone that has built-in internet

It can even transform as a modern-day BlackBerry!

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iKKO Mind One
Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Smartphones nowadays are just unavoidably ginormous. Even “mini”-branded phones have screens that are over the 6-inch mark.

However, an audio-dedicated brand (and basically a nobody in the smartphone world) has decided to bring a fun yet still capable and fully-functional smartphone this 2025.

Meet the iKKO Mind One.

Card-Sized Wonder

The iKKO Mind One is already standing out with its card-sized form factor.

With a measurement of just 86 × 72mm and thinness of only 8.9mm, it’s the real definition of a “mini” smartphone in today’s standards.

iKKO Mind One

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

It’s equipped with a 4.02-inch AMOLED display that perfectly fits in everyone’s palms, a tiny pants pocket, or even inside tight bag pockets.

That panel has 60Hz refresh rate with 1080p Full HD+ display resolution and supports DC Dimming.

iKKO Mind One

GIF by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The Mind One has Tempered Glass protection while the Pro version promises to be more scratch-resistant with Sapphire Glass alongside 9H hardness.

At its core is an 8GB memory paired with ample 256GB storage.

iKKO Mind One

For picture-perfect moments, the iKKO doesn’t lag behind with its 50MP f/1.88 camera based on a Sony 1/1.56-inch sensor.

This camera can be flipped up or down so it can support rear-cam shooting or selfies.

It also has built-in OIS and supports 2K/30fps video recording.

iKKO Mind One

The iKKO Mind One is also the first smartphone with native dual-boot system.

Aside from Google-based Android 15, it also runs iKKO’s AI OS with all the needed AI-based apps and services in mind.

iKKO Mind One

Free Global Internet?!

The main promise of the iKKO Mind One is being able to provide free internet globally without unnecessary steps for connecting.

To be precise, the Mind One offers two levels of built-in internet: NovaLink and vSIM.

iKKO Mind One

Basically, NovaLink provides free internet coverage for 60 regions but only limited to iKKO AI OS’ apps — no subscription required!

Meanwhile, vSIM provides full internet access for both built-in and third-party Android apps for over 140 countries — but with additional cost / top-up plans.

iKKO Mind One

However, hotspot sharing cannot be enabled through NovaLink and is only supported via vSIM.

Though iKKO still made sure you can connect your existing SIM card with its dedicated nano SIM card slot.

Efficiency Above Everything Else

Caveat or not, the Mind One doesn’t support 5G connectivity and is limited to 4G+ utmost — and that’s for a reason.

With MediaTek’s MT8781 8-core chipset, it enables vSIM support that makes it possible to connect to the internet for free wherever you go around the world.

iKKO Mind One

Moreover, this chip is optimized for low power consumption, stable connectivity, and most of all global roaming.

Even with just a measly 2200mAh battery, the Mind One can stay up all-day usage paired with their chosen 4G chipset.

Bringing Back BlackBerry

This idea may not be unique as this is already an existing product called as “Clicks Keyboard” meant for existing iPhones, Galaxys, Pixels, and even razrs. However, iKKO provides the Snap-In Expansion Case with better use case without looking absurd.

Such optional accessory brings BlackBerry back to life with the right balance between its screen and keyboard.

iKKO Mind One

This physical QWERTY keyboard has raised keys and a sloped surface, making typing natural, tactile, and overall satisfying.

No frills, it’s fully plug-and-play with Google’s Gboard in tow. Also, the keyboard doesn’t require charging to operate as power usage is extremely low when being used.

iKKO Mind One

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Aside that, it has a magnetic attachment for your additional MagSafe / Qi2-ready accessories. More so, a built-in 500mAh battery that extends the energy endurance of the Mind One even further.

For audiophiles, the case enables wired listening with its 3.5mm audio jack plus lossless audio Hi-Fi DAC support thanks to Cirrus Logic CS43198 audio component inside.

iKKO knows the right thing as they’ve started as an audio brand offering IEM (in-ear monitors) and smart TWS earbuds.

Pricing and Availability

iKKO still accepts backing of the Mind One series on Kickstarter. As of this writing, it’s already hitting the US$ 1 Million goal with over 2100 backers.

The base Mind One has an MSRP of US$ 389. However, pledging early will get you the more capable Mind One Pro for an even cheaper price tag of US$ 369.

iKKO Mind One

Unfortunately, the US$ 299 introductory price was already sold out.

Once they’re all gone, the Mind One Pro will have its US$ 499 retail price back.

Aside from the regular Jet Black and Pearl White color options, all backers can pick between two new added Bluish Pink and Sky Blue colorways after the campaign ends.

iKKO Mind One

Its add-on accessories are also available in slashed prices:

  • Snap-in Expansion Case = US$ 79 (from US$ 109)
  • Extra Protective Case = US$ 15 (from US$ 20)
  • Extra 3 pcs. Screen Protector = US$ 10 (from US$ 15)

These tiny yet mighty phones are expected to be shipped by end of 2025 (around November to December).

Entertainment

Max vs 100 will feature Max Verstappen race against 100 go-karters

The live event will stream at midnight on September 17.

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As a child, one of my favorite thought experiments is to imagine who would win in a fight between my favorite characters at the time and a number of other random beings. For example, will Superman prevail against 100 Magnetos? Those are the ways I kept my young mind occupied. Now, as a former child, I still do the same thing but with more realistic people, like imagining if Steph Curry can win against 100 high schoolers. This week, ESPN and Disney+ are making one of those imaginary fights real: Formula 1 legend Max Verstappen versus 100 go-karters.

In an upcoming live event streaming exclusively on Disney+, Max vs 100 will pit the four-time world champion against 100 go-karters from everywhere in pop culture. This gaggle of 100 will include popular content creators such as Twitch streamer ExtraEmily, car photographer Larry Chen, and NBA shooting coach Chris Matthews.

All 101 drivers will race around one of the most iconic tracks in Formula 1 history, Silverstone in England. The track will be reconfigured to match the special race.

Of course, this is more than just a parade of go-karts. Max Verstappen will start at the back of the grid, meaning he has to overtake all 100 racers to win. Now, the Dutch driver is no stranger to winning from the back. In 2024, he won the Sao Paulo Grand Prix despite starting from P17 (out of 20 racers). Max vs 100, though familiar for the driver, presents a different challenge. Can he overtake 100 times to win the race?

Max vs 100 will stream live through Disney+ on September 17, 12:00am PHT.

SEE ALSO: Disney+ is moving to a global app experience

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Apps

Apple’s best feature to cure motion sickness is finally on Android

Google copies a good page from Apple’s playbook.

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As an Android user, I’ve been jealous of iPhone users for a while now, but it’s not for the reason you might think. See, I’m ridiculously prone to motion sickness when I’m not driving. So, when I discovered that Apple has a software-based cure called Vehicle Motion Cues, I wanted it immediately. Now, Android does have third-party apps that do the same thing, but they’re not as good as a fully native version. Well, those dark, nauseating days are about to come to an end. Android 17 is finally getting a similar tool called Motion assist.

Before that, let’s rewind for a bit. What do these features do? How can they cure motion sickness?

Whenever you open Vehicle Motion Cues or Motion assist, the interface spawns a series of dots on the screen. These dots respond to movement. For example, if the vehicle turns to the left, the dots also go to the left, mimicking the movement. Without cues like this, the stationary nature of the screen clashes with our brain’s perception of movement. The disparity creates that feeling of nausea. Basically, our eyes are desperately trying to focus on the static screen, but our brains are telling us that we should be seeing motion. Having moving dots reorients our brain and places the phone inside our perception of movement.

Now, you can enable the same feature on your Android 17 device through Settings > All services > Motion assist under Personal & device safety. You can also set it so that the feature turns on automatically when the phone detects that you’re in a moving vehicle. Finally, you can also tweak the shape, color, and opacity of these dots.

Android 17’s Motion assist is rolling out now to compatible devices.

SEE ALSO: These are the best Android 17 features (if you hate AI)

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Gaming

Valve unveils price of the Steam Frame

The VR headset starts at US$ 1,059.

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The trifecta is complete. Almost a year after announcing their new hardware, Valve has finally unveiled the price tag of the Steam Frame, complementing the Steam Machine and Steam Controller revealed a few months ago.

Whereas the Steam Machine is a console of its own, the Steam Frame is a traditional VR headset with a pair of controllers for both hands. Unfortunately, despite being in a different segment, the headset is not immune to the rising prices of technology. The Steam Frame will start at US$ 1,059 for a 256GB model and can go up to US$ 1,299 for the 1TB model. On the plus side, each box will come Half-Life: Alyx packaged along with the headset.

Here’s a more detailed rundown of what you’re getting. The Steam Frame will ship with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with 16GB of RAM. Each eye comes with a 2160 x 2160 LCD screen, putting out images at up t0 a 144Hz experimental refresh rate. As mentioned above, the headset will start with 256GB of storage but can go up to 2TB. It will come packaged with SteamOS 3 and a rechargeable 21.6Wh battery.

This might be a hard buy for some. The industry currently has more affordable options, for one. Also, virtual reality isn’t the most thriving segment of gaming today.

If you’re still decided on buying one, however, Valve is using its lottery system. Interested customers can sign up from now until September 17. The company will then randomize the purchasing order. Those who draw the first ones in the lottery can get a purchase email as soon as September 18. Meanwhile, anyone who registers after September 17 will automatically be put at the back of the queue.

SEE ALSO: Valve announces its own console called the Steam Machine

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