Accessories

iOS 15 Beta: All the features you need to try

Apple is giving us a taste of iOS 15!

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If you’re reading this, then you’re probably interested on the new public beta of iOS 15, iPadOS, and WatchOS. If you’re looking to try out the Beta versions offered, then you’re in luck!

For those new to the term, what is a Beta software for iOS?

Beta software, including previews and seeds, refers to a version of the software that’s still under development and not yet released to the public. This software is intended only for installation on development devices registered under your Apple Developer Program membership. Registered development devices can be upgraded to future beta releases and the public version of the software.

If you’d like to try Beta, here are some features you should look out for! You Beta be ready for this!

iOS 15 for iPhone

iOS 15

“Hello” is a word that resonates history for apple, and now it’s coming to your iPhone’s lock screen. With the new update, users can now customize their lock screen wallpaper. The word “Hello” is displayed not only in English, but in different languages as well.

Another update we have is the “text from camera” feature. A long press will pop up a new option and there you can point the camera to an object that has text on it. You can also copy text from your photos as well. By doing this, the feature will automatically read as much text as possible or what text you desire to copy.

Memoji’s have been around since the release of the iPhone X, a fun way to communicate with your friends and family. New stickers have been added and color customization is available for the eyes and clothes.

Text magnify disappeared during the days of iOS 13 and now it’s back with a new shape, it kind of resembles the shape of the text box of the messages app, only shorter. Glad to see this one returning!

Facetime

A built-in exclusive video calling app from Apple added new features to the beloved Facetime app with iOS 15. Tap your video and flip it over, with this, you can now zoom in to an object while in a Facetime call. The zoom capabilities can be up to 2x or pinch to zoom. Users can also use portrait mode using the selfie camera blurring out the background.

iOS 15 users can also now have a watch party of their own with share play. This feature enables users to watch movies and TV shows being offered in Apple TV. Apple Music is also available in share play! Facetime for android and windows users can only join the call when provided a link from the host.

Spatial audio now gives attention to the speaker on the facetime session, giving people focus on the speaker to avoid overlapping of voices. Voice isolation blocks ambient noise thanks to machine learning, and wide spectrum picks up your voice and everything around you. And don’t forget, Facetime is end-to-end encrypted, so your security will not be compromised.

Notifications

Another update we have to acknowledge in the beta is the notifications from iOS 15. The new focus feature helps you organize your notifications depending on your preference. The new feature delivers powerful tools that help users focus and reduce distraction.

Focus is a new feature that filters notifications and apps based on what a user wants to focus on. Users can create Home Screen pages with apps and widgets that apply to moments of focus to only display relevant apps and reduce temptation.

iPad OS 15

Doubted back in 2010, the iPad has now become a staple in the product line of Apple. With its new updates, the iPad comes closer and closer to a deconstructed computer.

Multitasking is the strong point of the iPad as it has the largest screen compared to the iPhone, iPod, and the Apple Watch. Widgets are the latest additions starting with iOS 14, but with the new update the iPad also comes to play. You can now place widgets on the home screen of your iPad or bring up the widget gallery. App library is also new to the iPad this coming update so you can see all of your apps in one swipe. The app library automatically categorizes your apps, additionally, you can also place the app library on the dock.

A quick access is always the key, so iPad comes up with a multitasking bar. Setting aside the current app that you’re using, you can now see all of your apps without fully closing any app. Switching apps is also easier in split view, drag the app down and select another one to open. Certain apps like mail can center the messages on the screen giving you more room for productivity.

Notes

Collaboration and organization, the new notes app for iPad is another upgrade from the previous version. First, you can now mention people in a shared note. With this, the mentioned person will be notified and linked back to the note as soon as they receive the mention. Additionally, you can now also see the changes from the notes while you’re away.

The addition of tags can easily organize your notes and quickly see them as soon as you open notes with the tag browser. Quick note is also another addition, by swiping from the bottom right with the apple pencil, you can easily pull up a note from the screen. Quick note is also aware of your apps, so if you’re in safari, you can quickly add the link of the website if needed. You can create your quick notes on iPad OS and Mac OS only, but you access them on your iPhone too.

WatchOS 8

An accessory that proves to be useful to Apple customers comes with a new update. WatchOS 8 can now place your favorite photo as a wallpaper and also create a portrait mode effect. Daily highlights from your iPhone now automatically syncs to your watch, giving you something to view everyday. You can also share photos through messages and mail, now on your wrist!

Heading on to the smart home section, your Apple Watch can now lock and unlock your door if a visitor arrives. You can also access your lights and security camera if your front door has one.  The status of your devices are also displayed on top of your home app. You can see if your lights are on, or if your other Apple devices are charged or not.

A digital key can also be installed in your Apple Watch as it has now partnered with popular smart lock brands. With the Ultra Wideband technology, you can now unlock your car door too. With this, you can now share a digital key to your family, guests, or whoever you’d like to share it to.

Focus gives you more control on your notifications as you can set your prioritized notifications on your watch. The Breathe app is now renamed to “Mindfulness” this app aims to give you a meditation session if you’d like. Breathe and Reflect sessions end with a summary of your time with the apps. With this, you can gain insight on your overall wellness.

Final thoughts

Apple rolled out the new Beta of iOS 15 to the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. The new line of updates focuses more on productivity and ease of use. With this, Apple users do have something to look forward to. We’ll find out more about the updates as we come closer to the official release of the new operating systems for Apple Devices.

To find out more, here are the recent updates for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

If you’re ready to try it out, here the link to the new public Beta!

 

Accessories

G-DRAGON is CASETiFY’s first ever Global Brand Ambassador

Right on time with the brand’s 15th-year milestone

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Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

One of K-Pop’s most iconic soloists of all time has finally partnered up with the globally-renowned case maker.

And this isn’t like any other CASETiFY’s K-Pop Collab, this is much grander than that.

i-naugural Brand iCON

You heard that right! CASETiFY reveals their first ever Global Brand Ambassador.

Amassing 25 million Instagram followers, over 1.2 Billion YouTube views, and hitting almost 4 Million Spotify listeners, G-DRAGON has truly marked his footprint as the “King of K-Pop” — more than just being the iconic member of the global hit group BIGBANG.

His long overdue comeback (and world tour) with Übermensch’ last 2025 further proves how massive the VIP (and FAM) community is.

That said, GD’s influence isn’t limited to the music industry alone. Art and fashion have also witnessed his legendary artistry through his PEACEMINUSONE label. That pretty daisy with a fallen petal is the brand’s most iconic emblem you can see around.

The introduction of his fashion line was connected to music as well. It was introduced way back in 2013 during his ‘COUP D’ETAT’ solo promotions which was a true hit. It was totally evident in the album art’s peace symbol minus that one line.

Wesley Ng, CASETiFY’s CEO and Co-Founder (who’s also fashion-savvy), said that “welcoming G-DRAGON as the brand’s first Global iCON is a powerful statement.” This will not only amplify the reach of the already-popular case maker, it will also influence the brand’s creative direction.

After all, one’s artistic expression can be seen easily with the cases we rock out and about.

i-conic CHROMATIC

In line with this milestone also lies a new collection of cases and accessories.

The all-new CHROMATIC Collection is built around two concepts: FORMS & HUES. First, the CHROMATIC: FORMS set is headlined by the premium-made Alloy Ripple Case with an upgraded aluminum material.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Speaking of aluminum, the accompanying accessories are all metallic — from the 2-in-1 cross-body chain to custom cube charms for bespoke personalization.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Meanwhile, the CHROMATIC: HUES adds five new vibrant shades to CASETiFY’s ever-popular Ripple Collection through the Neon Ripple Case. These bold range of colors not only embody users’ creativity and self-expression, it also showcases an individual’s overall aesthetics.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

While this isn’t the PEACEMINUSONE collab some of us have initially thought, crossing fingers that will be the next official CASETiFY collab in line.

Pricing and Availability

The brand new CHROMATIC COLLECTION is expected to hit shelves real soon with prices ranging between US$ 10 to US$ 85,

They will be available for purchase on CASETiFY.com and in select CASETiFY Studio retail stores around the world starting on January 26 (Monday).

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Accessories

Razer fully unwraps these limited BLACKPINK Edition gaming gear

They are finally coming in your area!

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Initially teased a month ago, the much-awaited BLACKPINK x Razer collab has finally been revealed for all the BLINKs to see (and purchase).

Hitting the ‘DEADLINE’

ICYMI, BLACKPINK (or K-Pop’s biggest female quartet composed of Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, and Jisoo) started their highly-anticipated ‘DEADLINE’ World Tour just last year.

With Razer’s signature dark black styling paired with BLACKPINK’s bold and iconic pink scheme, this collaboration felt like the perfect match.

Now, if you’re the type of BLINK who still has a severe sepanx (like yours truly), all these limited BLACKPINK-themed gaming gear by Razer might just be the cure.

That said, here are all the BLACKPINK Edition gaming accessories you should expect from the Singaporean-American gaming giant.

Ornata V3 Tenkeyless – BLACKPINK Edition

A low-profile RGB keyboard with clicky Mecha-Membrane switches.

DeathAdder Essential – BLACKPINK Edition

Gaming mouse with ergonic comfort and precision alongside mechanical switches and programmable buttons.

Gigantus V2 – Medium – BLACKPINK Edition

Razer’s smooth and durable mouse mat with that BLACKPINK flair

Enki X – BLACKPINK Edition

Badly-needed gaming chair for all-day comfort combined with BLACKPINK’s aesthetics — made for your marathon gaming sessions.

Pricing and Availability

Here are the SRP of the special Razer x BLACKPINK Edition gaming essentials:

  • Ornata V3 Tenkeyless – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 119.99
  • DeathAdder Essential – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 49.99
  • Gigantus V2 – Medium – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 29.99
  • Enki X – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 499.99

These will all be released worldwide (excluding Canada and Japan) by the 2nd quarter of 2026.

Currently, Razer has set-up a pop-up store in Hong Kong. BLINKs in the area can experience all the special gaming gear with dedicated photo zones in the scene.

 

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A post shared by Richard Lai (@richardlaihk)

This popped right in time as BLACKPINK will hold the Hong Kong stop of their ‘DEADLINE’  tour for three straight days — from January 24 (Saturday) until January 26, 2026 (Monday).

Moreover, these might just be the perfect complement to the quatro’s upcoming ‘DEADLINE’ EP by February 27, 2026.

Might as well, an advanced 10th year anniversary gift this August 2026.

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Accessories

Sony ships its LinkBuds Fit Hatsune Miku edition to the United States

It will come with the special acrylic stand.

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Hatsune Miku is finding her way everywhere. Last year, the pop icon built partnerships where you might have least expected one. Now, a recent collaboration has made it to new shores. Sony is shipping its recent partnership with Hatsune Miku in the United States.

In the middle of last year, Sony released a limited edition of the LinkBuds Fit featuring Hatsune Miku. Inside, the special variant is indistinguishable from the original series. However, it will have special colorway options, including the icon’s signature green.

Now, the limited edition is now available in the United States. It will be available for US$ 249.99.

Like the first launch, buying the special edition of the earbuds will give fans a limited-edition acrylic earbud stand featuring newly illustrated artwork by Ogipote. It also features two original HoloModels of the character.

Further, those who purchased the device will get access to a special campaign song called “BELIEVE DAY” and an animated performance of the same song. Fans need only to register their product and install the HoloModels app.

SEE ALSO: Sony PH offers limited-time LinkBuds Fit x Hatsune Miku bundle

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