News
iPhone 17: Better display tech, power efficiency, more
More capable Neural Engine, longer battery life, Center Stage front camera among upgrades
The latest iPhones are here. Apple has launched the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, alongside the standalone iPhone Air model on Tuesday morning.
The base model, the iPhone 17, has been made more capable than ever, with upgrades in display technology, power efficiency, Neural Engine, and more.
So, what’s new?
Better, brighter, larger display
The iPhone 17 comes with a slightly larger 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with thinner borders for more display real estate.
This display now features the same ProMotion technology found on Pro series models, with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate.
In a nutshell, that means smoother scrolling and better video playback, but for gaming, it means the audiovisual experience is elevated as well.
Users can also benefit from the now 3,000 nits peak outdoor brightness — the highest ever on an iPhone — and reduced glare.
Moreover, the display is protected by Ceramic Shield 2. This upgraded coating is said to be three times more scratch resistant than Ceramic Shield, adding to the iPhone 17’s overall durability and toughness.
More power efficient, more capable of AI tasks
The iPhone 17 features an A19 chip built on a 3nm technology. It makes the handset faster and more efficient for handling even intensive tasks.
Featuring a 16-core Neural Engine, the chip also enables more power-efficient AI inference.
Users will benefit from the more powerful 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU chip especially in gaming and graphics intensive tasks.
The chip is likewise tailor-made for running on-device AI better while still being power efficient.
Of course, the iPhone 17 runs on iOS 26 and features Apple Intelligence, as well as relatively newer features like Visual Intelligence and Live Translation.
Faster wired charging also enables the iPhone 17 to be charged to 50% in just 20 minutes.
iPhone 17 cameras
As for its cameras, the iPhone 17 features a 48MP Dual Fusion Camera System. This 48MP main camera allows users to shoot at up to 2X zoom without detail loss.
In addition, the iPhone 17 has a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera camera which can also double as a 12MP 1x macro shooter for higher-quality close-up shots.
Center Stage front camera
Also new across the series is the 18MP Center Stage front camera. This features the widest field of view yet on an iPhone selfie camera.
That’s thanks to its large sensor that is almost twice the size of the previous one. Furthermore, what makes the sensor different is it has a square shape.
This means users will have better time taking selfies as they do not have to rotate the phone itself anymore.
The device will also intelligently respond when there are more subjects in the frame, widening the field of view to its maximum or even rotate it to landscape orientation.
Stabilization has also been made better for filming using the front camera. This optimization can also be felt on video calls.
iPhone 17 price, availability
The iPhone 17 starts at US$ 799 for the 256GB configuration. There are five available colors: Lavender, Mist Blue, Black, White, and Sage.
Pre-orders start on Friday with general availability starting September 19th.
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.
Entertainment
The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert finally arrives in Manila
The run goes from March 4 to 6 at Solaire.
As far as films in concert go, The Lord of the Rings is the classic experience for fans. Since 2008, the concert experience has been touring the globe, enamoring fans of the series with live renditions of Howard Shore’s iconic soundtrack. Now, the experience is finally arriving in Manila. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run in the Philippines from March 4 through 6 next year.
There’s a reason why the iconic trilogy is the classic experience for films in concert. Besides being a legendary film franchise, the series features Howard Shore’s Academy Award-winning score. Fans will likely still recognize the dulcet strings of the Shire or the grandiose crescendo of the Fellowship.
From March 4 to 6, The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run at The Theatre in Solaire. Under the baton of Reuben Blundell, the concert will star the 96-member Filharmonika Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ 100-member adult choir and 50-member boys’ choir, and soloist Malena Rampi.
Film Community Philippines members can get exclusive pre-sale access from November 9 to 11. Meanwhile, public ticket sales will start on November 20 via TicketWorld.com.ph.
SEE ALSO: Kingdom Come devs are working on a Lord of the Rings RPG
Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.
Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.
The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.
Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.
Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.
SEE ALSO: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is out now
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