News

Apple’s iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are new base model iPhones

Plus new Photonic Engine for cameras

Published

on

Image by GadgetMatch

Size matters and Apple is going big with its new pair of base models of the iPhone 14. Instead of a mini, we’re getting an iPhone 14 and an iPhone 14 Plus.

(Some) of the rumors were true

We expected the Mini biting the dust and, going by its sales, it might not be missed as much. But one rumor confirmed is that the base iPhone 14 models will use the A15 chip. It’s the same one found on last year’s models. Well, Apple is saying it’s slightly more powerful than last year’s, but they do share the same name.

It’s by no means a terrible chip, but if you want the latest and greatest, you have to go Pro.

Design-wise, it mostly also retains the look of the iPhone 13. You still get a notch, and at the back, your two cameras.

What’s new?

For starters, the Plus version. Instead of a tiny base model, we’re getting a supersized one. The iPhone 14 has a 6.1″ display while the iPhone 14 Plus comes in at 6.7″ inches. The larger display lends itself nicely to better media consumption. This is especially useful too if you like gaming whether that’s regular mobile games or ones available on Apple Arcade.

The dual-camera system has been revamped too. Yes, you’re still getting a 12MP main sensor but now you have a larger sensor and larger pixels. But most importantly is the Photonic Engine. It’s a feature that deeply integrates software and hardware to improve mid to lowlight performance. And this applies on the main camera, the ultra-wide camera, and even the TrueDepth (selfie) camera.

For video shooters, the iPhone 14 models are also getting Action Mode. This is enhanced stabilization for shooting high-octane shots.

Crash Detection isn’t just on the Apple Watch Series 8. It’s also coming to the iPhone 14. As an addition, there’s an Emergency SOS via Satellite feature that will contact emergency services should you, god forbid, figure in a vehicular accident.

One new thing that not many people may be happy with is the removal of the physical SIM tray, at least for the US models. Yes, the iPhone 14 will force you to move to an eSIM. Apple argues it’s more secure.

Pricing and Availability

The iPhone 14 will be available on September 14 while the iPhone 14 Plus is coming on October 7. Both models are available in Starlight, Midnight, a new shade of Blue, Purple, and the Product (RED) colorway.

Pricing are as follows:

iPhone 14

  • 128GB – US$ 799 / SG$ 1299 / ₱56,990
  • 256GB – US$ 899 / SG$ 1469 / ₱63,990
  • 512GB – US$ 1099 / SG$ 1799 / ₱75,990

iPhone 14 Plus

  • 128GB – US$ 899 / SG$ 1499 / ₱63,990
  • 256GB – US$ 999 / SG$ 1669 / ₱72,990
  • 512GB – US$ 1199 / SG$ 1999 / ₱80,990

SEE ALSO: 

News

Next iPhone might get rid of the Action Button

Both functions will be in one button instead.

Published

on

In a world with a love-hate relationship with extra buttons on a phone, Apple has gone to the deeper end and included two buttons in the latest iPhones: the Action Button and the Camera Control. Next year, Apple might consolidate the two buttons into one, ridding itself of the Action Button.

According to a Weibo leak from Instant Digital, Apple will merge the two buttons starting with next year’s iPhones. Though technically a new button in itself, the merged version will, based on the leak, retain more Camera Control than the Action Button.

Of course, both functions can coexist in the same button. The Camera Control activates with a single press, while the Action Button needs a longer press. In the merged button, a single press can still open the camera and a longer press can activate whatever the user sets it to.

Both buttons have had a storied past. The Action Button came in 2023, replacing the Ring/Silent Switch. Meanwhile, the Camera Control debuted a year later, offering control over the camera with a capacitive button. The current iterations retain both buttons on the same phone.

Personally, as someone used to creating content, the Camera Control button is ultimately a boon to get those shots quickly while in the moment. Retaining that functionality is definitely worthwhile.

Continue Reading

Enterprise

NVIDIA CEO admits to having an affair with alleged Chinese spy

The company is currently investigating the allegations.

Published

on

In one of the craziest headlines this year, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has admitted to having an affair with an alleged Chinese spy.

Over the weekend, a heavy allegation claimed that the NVIDIA CEO had a relationship with a person actively involved in Chinese intelligence. Since Huang is involved in business globally, the accusation isn’t a light one. In fact, it’s serious enough that Huang admitted to the affair late this past Sunday.

In an internal letter reported by Associated Press, the CEO acknowledged the existence of the affair with a business executive. Of note, Huang did not confirm the executive’s ties to Chinese intelligence. NVIDIA, however, will conduct its own investigations regarding the allegations. Despite the allegations, Huang will remain as the company’s CEO. The company is also confident that the alleged spy did not compromise NVIDIA’s secrets.

According to The New York Times, the executive, Alice Huang, was reportedly feeding information back to Beijing, despite being an executive of the Singapore-based Megaspeed, which is already a serious customer of NVIDIA.

Now, NVIDIA is currently in a prime position when it comes to the industry today. Formerly a huge proponent of gaming peripherals, the company is now one of the biggest names in AI hardware, allotting a lot of its products for data centers. Huang’s allegations come at an interesting time.

Continue Reading

News

Sony revives classic Walkman headphones with USB-C MDR-3R

Iconic 1980s headphones

Published

on

Sony MDR-3R

Sony is bringing back one of its iconic Walkman-era headphones with the MDR-3R. The new wired headphones modernize the original MDR-3 with USB-C connectivity and updated features.

Introduced in 1979, the original Walkman and MDR-3 headphones helped popularize portable music listening. The MDR-3R carries that legacy forward with a familiar design and modern conveniences.

The headphones retain the original’s lightweight, open-ear construction. They also feature interchangeable blue and orange ear pads. Sony even gives the packaging and instruction manual a design inspired by the original model.

The MDR-3R connects to compatible smartphones and other devices through USB-C. Users can listen to music without charging, pairing, or installing updates. A built-in microphone and in-line remote also make calls and playback controls more convenient.

Sony equipped the headphones with the same 23mm driver units as the original MDR-3. The company also tuned them to closely reproduce the original’s sound signature. They deliver balanced audio, natural vocals, and the emotional richness associated with Sony headphones.

Sony MDR-3R gets a Stranger Things edition

Sony is also launching a special MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. The collaboration celebrates the 1980s inspiration shared by the Walkman era and Netflix’s popular series.

Inspired by Max’s signature headphone style and the mysterious Upside Down, the special edition features exclusive design details. These include an engraved Stranger Things logo and custom packaging.

Sony also considered environmental impact when developing the headphones. Approximately 25 percent of the plastic used in the product comes from recycled materials. The packaging is also plastic-free.

Price and availability

Sony has opened preorders for the MDR-3R and MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. Availability and pricing vary by market.

In the United States, the standard MDR-3R costs US$59.99, while the Stranger Things Edition costs US$79.99. The standard model is available through Sony and authorized retailers.

In Singapore, both models will launch in December 2026. The standard MDR-3R costs SG$89, while the Stranger Things Edition costs SG$129. Both are exclusive to Sony Stores and Sony Store Online.

In the Philippines, Sony has yet to announce local pricing and availability. Based on US pricing, the headphones would cost approximately PHP 3,500 for the standard edition and PHP 4,700 for the Stranger Things Edition, before local taxes and retail adjustments.

Continue Reading

Trending