CES 2020

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold: World’s first foldable PC

‘Laptop efficiency with smartphone portability’

Published

January 7, 2020

Rodneil Quiteles

Teased back in May 2019, Lenovo is now finally ready to show off to the market their first foldable — the ThinkPad X1 Fold.

Switching between its various modes, Lenovo says the ThinkPad X1 Fold will bring “laptop efficiency with smartphone portability.” There’s a reason to be optimistic here. Lenovo, after all, isn’t a stranger to having different modes on a laptop form with their Yoga line.

Unfolded, the ThinkPad X1 Fold measures 13.3 inches and weighs just 1kg (2.2lbs). This mode is ideal for touch-heavy content.

It’s running on a Windows 10 especially developed for the device to support its multiple switching modes. Which makes it easy for the device to switch to landscape mode with the integrated kickstand in the leather folio case. It’s perfect for propping it up on a desk and showing presentations.

You can then pair it with the Bluetooth Mini Fold Keyboard for a more traditional desk experience. Pick it up and hold in portrait mode for a more tablet-like experience. You can even use it with the Active Pen for taking down notes, making annotations, and signing documents.

Multitask in various modes

What truly sets it apart is how you can use each screen separately no matter the orientation.

You can half fold it like you would a laptop and the one screen can function like a keyboard. Alternatively, you can be on a video call on one screen and be looking at a document or a presentation on the other.

Lenovo says the 4:3 screen ratio is perfect to achieve maximum productivity no matter the mode you’re in.

Durability issues?

The company says it took four years to develop the tech required to make this device. Lenovo worked with LG Displays to help produce the product. For what it’s worth, LG does know its way around dual screens.

Lenovo didn’t give a number but the company says the ThinkPad X1 Fold can “endure extensive screen folding cycles, stress tests, and pen usage tests to meet our stringent quality criteria.”

Pricing and availability

The ThinkPad X1 Fold with Windows 10 Pro will be available middle of 2020 starting at US$ 2499. Meanwhile, the Windows 10X version will come at a later date. The stand for the ThinkPad X1 Fold will come in the second half of 2020. Pricing will be revealed closer to launch date.

CES 2020

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook now available on Best Buy

Best of Galaxy tech and Chrome OS

Published

April 12, 2020

Chay Lazaro

Working and learning from home has now become the norm for a lot of people around the world. If you’re looking for a flexible workstation, or even just to stay entertained during self-isolation, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook is now available for purchase.

The new Galaxy Chromebook combines the best of Samsung’s Galaxy tech such as an AMOLED display and built-in-pen support, with the simple and fast Chrome OS.

Its AMOLED display is the first ever featured on a Chromebook and delivers 4K UHD resolution for a more immersive Netflix and chill experience.

It’s also packed with productivity tools, such as the built-in pen for note taking, drawing, or signing documents. Internally it’s powered by the latest 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor.

It’s also equipped with Intel Wi-Fi 6, so your next Zoom meeting (or party) would go as seamlessly as possible. There’s a good helping of ports available — two USB-C ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a UFS/MicroSD slot. RAM can go up as high as 16GB while storage is up to 1TB SSD.

Those who have shifted to digital learning for the time being can enjoy a more collaborative experience through Chrome OS features like Google Drive functionality.

There’s also Click-to-Call and Messaging apps along with other Samsung smartphone features that you can access directly on the laptop.

Google Assistant is also readily available whenever you need it.

The Galaxy Chromebook is available in Fiesta Red and Mercury Gray on Samsung.com and Best Buy for US$ 999.99.

CES 2020

Sex tech is for everyone, not just for men

CES 2020 encourages sex positivity

Published

January 11, 2020

MJ Jucutan

Startup Lora DiCarlo graced the headlines last year for having its award revoked by the committee behind the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The startup believes it was unjust and fought for its right to be part of the annual show.

This year, Lora DiCarlo is the talk of the town once again, not because of an issue, but for being in the spotlight of CES 2020. Lora DiCarlo paved the way for sex tech to be out in the open, particularly companies with devices geared for women’s sex, health, and wellness.

Sex tech isn’t new, but sex being taboo in this modern yet surprisingly conservative society took the spotlight away from their devices. In case you’re wondering, sex technology mostly ventures on innovations to enhance our sexuality and sexual experience.

Breaking barriers

In 2017, men enjoyed VR porn as if it was that revolutionary, while sex toys and vibrators that offer solutions to enhance our experiences and relationships aren’t getting the splash they deserve. Thankfully, CES 2020 is taking a step forward in ending sexism and encourage sex-positivity. After all, sex is part of human nature.

Ever since Lora Haddock DiCarlo — the founder of Lora DiCarlo — fought for their right to be at CES, I was astounded and followed her journey. I’m all ears for women speaking up, especially with the goal of making a change in our society.

Lora DiCarlo’s Osé won an innovative award and was later revoked by CES. Eventually, Lora DiCarlo got the award reinstated while fighting for sex tech to be recognized in a separate category.

Now that DiCarlo and her company sparked a controversy, sex tech are now in the spotlight of the annual show held at Las Vegas. DiCarlo didn’t expect herself to be at the forefront of change, but it elevated her profile and grew her business.

Pleasure is at the forefront

At CES 2020, Lora DiCarlo showcased their first device once again — the Osé — is a personal massager which produces blended orgasm by mimicking movements of a human partner. It’s that revolutionary, hence, gaining an innovation award. I mean, just imagine a device pleasuring you the way a human partner does — It’s astonishing!

Lora DiCarlo’s Baci

Additionally, Lora DiCarlo unveiled two more devices: Baci and Onda. Baci is a micro-robotic device which stimulates the feel and motion of human lips and tongue, while Onda mimics the motion of human fingers. Even though it’s meant for women, I can’t wait to actually try one!

Lora DiCarlo’s Onda

More sex technology to solve our needs

DiCarlo’s fight enabled other companies and devices to get noticed and join the spotlight. Satisfyer showed-off Satisyfer Connect, an app that can be used remotely with a long-distance partner. Lioness delivered its second-generation vibrator tracking data to improve orgasms.

Satisfyer

Furthermore, Womanizer exhibited their products and Pleasure Air Technology — a combination of suction and pressure waves — which brings a mindblowing, orgasmic experience. While all of these talk about pleasure, Morari introduced a “band-aid” that withholds pleasure, solving the premature ejaculation issue prevalent with men.

2020 might just be the beginning, but CES showcasing sex technology is a huge step forward in encouraging a sex-positive society. If you’re still iffy about this technology, remember that you’re not the target audience and that you were born because your parents had sex.