Accessories

#MadeByGoogle round-up: Pixel 2 and more highlights

Published

October 5, 2017

Isa Rodriguez

Google has just announced their latest lineup of products and, boy oh boy, the excitement around the new gadgets has not waned. The #MadeByGoogle event exhibited some serious technology, so I’ve come up with a round-up of said devices and event highlights because really, no one has the time to watch the whole thing.

With the announcement of the highly anticipated Google Pixel 2 came a slew of other products #MadeByGoogle and a cool new color palette that makes these powerful contraptions look candy cute. I could honestly spend hours harping on Google’s color theme, but that would be a disservice to the power-packed devices they’ve just announced.

Before we move on, though, here’s a look at the color scheme that made many non-techie girls’ heads turn because of their gadget flatlay capabilities:

Most of the device releases will come in the above colors.

Now, on to the announced devices:

The Pixel 2 and 2 XL

The second-generation Pixel phones are looking great with smaller bezels, an aluminum back, 5-inch screen for the Pixel 2, and 6-inch display for the Pixel 2 XL.

The Pixel 2 XL comes in just black or black and white — or as we have decided to call it: Panda.

The Pixel 2 comes in three colors: kinda blue, just black, and clearly white. But, I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, it’s not really kinda blue but clearly periwinkle. Names aside, it’s such a pretty color — a departure from the previous really blue Pixel which, honestly, didn’t appeal to my aesthetic.

The phones also have the cutest detail with these bright power buttons with varying colors depending on the model.

What you need to know about these phones:

The Pixel 2 and 2 XL don’t have a dual-camera setup but as early as now, the cameras on these things have been given the highest-ever DxOMark rating at 98. This speaks volumes, as the Apple iPhone 8 Plus and Samsung Galaxy Note 8 are tied at only 94.

Oh, and did I mention the cameras are capable of AR Stickers (AR stickers!!) and Motion Photos (which are basically Google’s version of Apple’s Live Photos)?

READ: Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL stick to proven single-camera setup

Google Home Mini and Google Max

The Google Home Mini was also announced. This smaller version of Google Home is a less obtrusive version of the smart speaker as it will, most likely, be easier to match to the rest of your furniture. It comes in coral, chalk, or charcoal.

The Google Home Mini is that small coral circle up front

Designed to integrate more into your daily life, it has Google Assistant built in and is a more budget-friendly option if you want a connected home.

The Google Home Max, which is a bigger digital assistant with powerful speakers built for an optimum music experience, was also unveiled. Equipped with Smart Sound, the Home Max automatically adjusts speaker settings to room size and background noise to ensure the best acoustics for whatever you’re listening to.

READ: Google Home smart speaker gets Mini and Max versions

Google Pixel Buds

These are wireless earphones that won’t be as easy to lose — unless you lose the whole thing. The Google Pixel Buds are wired to each other and use Bluetooth to connect with your smartphone or music player of choice.

These Buds have Google Assistant built in, gesture controls, and they come with a charging case. BTW, these are the earphones that can translate languages in real time thanks to Google Translate.

They come in three colors that will match that future Pixel you plan to own: black, white, or blue.

READ: Google Pixel Buds break language barriers in real-time

Google Clips

When we talk about cameras, we talk about specs and not about how smart they are. That may just change with Google Clips.

It’s that small white square with sea green details beside the Google Pixel Buds

The teeny camera is powered by machine learning and is programmed to capture your best possible candid moments. All you need to do is turn it on, set it down, and it will take the best photos for you. It’s a camera and photographer in one — the answer to your Instagram boyfriend dependency!

READ: Google Clips captures best moments with machine learning

Google Pixelbook

Google’s very own Chromebook is looking pretty sleek. The modern-looking device has a 12.3-inch Quad HD touch display and glass details on the front. Pretty, but I’m also thinking this may be pretty fragile.

The Pixelbook is a convertible that has Google Assistant integrated — it even comes with a dedicated button!

A perfect partner to the Pixelbook, the Pixelbook Pen was also unveiled for all your writing needs.

READ: Google still has best Chromebook with Pixelbook and Pixelbook Pen

Google Daydream View

Google’s VR headset has also been updated. The new Daydream View looks great with its more solid and textured look in gray, black, or coral — finally a color that’s a little more appealing to my senses! They’re looking more premium than they ever have.

The Google Daydream in black with a slew of other devices #MadeByGoogle

They’re not only designed to look better, though; they also supposedly feel cozier on your face, because, let’s admit it, no one really looks cool wearing VR headsets.

READ: Google beefs up AR and VR with stickers and new Daydream View

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 2 full coverage

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Accessories

How to wear nude: The perfect summer to fall transition

Look chic this transitional season with a color you most probably have in your closet

Published

September 15, 2019

Chay Lazaro

The combination of cool breeze and sunny skies can only mean one thing: summer isn’t completely over but autumn is almost here. Dressing during this transitional season can be tricky — sweaters and boots can still be too warm during the day, yet the wind can easily blow your favorite summer dress up.

And then there’s color. Summer whites and bright colors have to slowly start taking a back seat to give way to fall’s earthy tones. My go-to during this summer-to-fall transition is a closet staple all of us should already own: nude. All 50 shades of it. Here are some styling tricks you can take note of before heading out this month of September:

Layer with linens

Linen-blend paperbag shorts from & Other Stories

There are very few things more comfortable than linen during the summer. On days when temperatures fluctuate more than usual, wearing layers with a linen piece can be your go-to. Combine it with something warmer like a cotton sweater. You can also throw a blazer on top if the weather permits.

Slip into a slip dress

Slip dress from ARA

Who says you need to give your slip dresses a break this season? You can keep wearing those silk pieces as you transition into fall with a warm turtle neck sweater underneath or over it to turn it into a skirt.

Keep calm and carry the mini bag

Leather mini bag from Looks Like Summer

Mini bags may be the it accessory this summer, but it doesn’t mean you have to wait until next year to keep using them. Neutrals like nude will work with your outfit when styled appropriately for the season, even when the item is no longer trendy.

Power dress with an extra long coat

Nude trench from & Other Stories

Sweating underneath a powerful outfit is neither attractive nor commanding. Power dressing when it’s hot and humid out is not easy, especially when getting to work involves a lot of walking or subway rides. During this summer-to-fall transition, you can bring that light-colored coat from spring and wear it over your work outfit when needed. Plus points if your smartphone (or its case) doesn’t ruin the look, but actually matches with it.

There are many other ways to survive the summer-to-fall transition as stylishly as possible, but there’s nothing like sticking to pieces you most probably already have in your wardrobe — and styling them for the season — instead of buying more pieces that you won’t be able to wear until next year. There is, for sure, something nude in your closet that’s begging to be worn. It’s a staple that works with almost anything, may it be summer or fall.

HOW TO WEAR SERIES

How to wear red: 3 stylish pairings to try
How to wear pink: 4 ways to look chic and grown-up

Accessories

Huawei Freebuds 3: AirPods with noise cancellation

Published

September 7, 2019

Rodneil Quiteles

Huawei has never been shy about putting their products up against Apple’s. And the Huawei Freebuds 3 is no exception. It’s essentially the AirPods, but better.

The Huawei Freebuds 3 clearly has its crosshairs on the AirPods. One look and you know that’s what Huawei was going for.

It’s not the earbuds that some people find intrusive. These fit nicely in your ear without feeling invasive.

The other thing that sets it apart is adaptive noise cancellation. Thanks to the Kirin A1 chip, the Freebuds 3 is supposedly capable of 15-decibel ambient noise reduction. That’s remarkable for its size and easily blows the AirPods out of the water. It even has what it calls the bone sensor. The tech claims it can better pick up your voice through bone vibrations so that your voice comes across clear during a call.

Controls are also built into the the earbuds. Double tap the right to play or switch music. Do the same on the left to turn on/off ANC function. And much like other wireless earbuds of note, playback pauses when taken off, and resumes once put back in.

These earbuds promises up to 4 hours of playback time and up to 20 hours with the charging case. Speaking of charging, you can juice it up via USB-C and the case also supports wireless charging. Pricing has yet to be announced but the device will go on sale later in 2019.

Oh and, it also comes in black.

Accessories

TCL unveils premium-looking entertainment solutions

Beautiful headphones and a soundbar!

Published

September 6, 2019

MJ Jucutan

TCL just launched a set of entertainment solutions at IFA 2019. The brand unveiled a premium soundbar, along with new, wireless headphones.

Odd-looking yet beautiful soundbar

TCL put the spotlight on their Ray Danz soundbar. Featuring a front-firing and sideways-firing speaker drivers, the soundbar bend the sound in a particular angle to create a natural and wider resonance, and a crystal clear dialogue.

Thanks to Dolby Atmos, it creates a 360-degree surround sound without the need for extra upward-firing drivers. If you want a ground-shaking bass, connect the subwoofer to the soundbar wirelessly for an immersive experience.

New, vibrant headphones

Growing the brand’s headphone lineup, TCL introduces the SOCL500TWS. Available in four unique colorways — Blue Ocean, Sunset Violet, Sunrise Orange, and Phantom Black — this wireless headphone lets you enjoy music in style. It reproduces powerful audio, thanks to its 5.8mm speaker drivers. Moreover, TCL changes its wireless headphones’ design to fit ears naturally and perfectly.

Furthermore, the headphone can handle up to six hours of continuous playback. If you’re concerned with the charging case, TCL believes it carries enough power that lasts for at least 19 hours. In addition, it has a clever antenna design that lets you stay connected on your Bluetooth, even in crowded areas. Finally, the SOCL500TWS is splash-proof and IPX4 rated, so you can enjoy the headphones under light showers.

For sporty people, TCL offers the ACTV500TWS to complement your active lifestyle. It features a textured surface, providing extra grip. Designed for sports use, it comes in an IPX7 rating for water and sweat resistance. Same as the SOCL500TWS, the headphone can handle continuous playback for at least six hours, and can extend up to 33 hours, thanks to its charging case. The case itself supports wireless charging, too, and can be attached anywhere with its metal karabiner. It’s available in two color options: Copper Dust and Copper Ash.

Rise of noise-canceling headphones

Another headphone in TCL’s lineup is MTRO200NC, a noise-canceling headphone that packs with powerful bass. It features a set of 32mm speaker drivers, delivering accurate mids and crystal clear highs.

Design-wise, it has soft, breathable ear cushions to provide comfort when listening for a long time. But what you’ll love about this headphone is convenience. It has a flat-folding design, excellent battery life up to 20 hours, and fast-charging support.

ELIT200NC

Top-of-the-line headphones under the ELIT line joined TCL’s new lineup, too. Introducing ELIT200NC and ELIT400NC, both headphones feature active noise-canceling technology, exceptional audio, upscale design and build, as well as comfort, portability, long battery life, and fast charging.

ELIT400NC

For active, energetic individuals, the ELIT200NC is the perfect fit, featuring a flexible neckband design and stunning, lifelike sound. Casual users may enjoy the over-the-ear ELIT400NC headphones built with a lightweight, foldable frame.

Pricing and Availability

The Ray Danz soundbar will cost 399 EUR (US$ 440), while the SOCL500TWS and ACTV500TWS will cost 80 EUR (US$ 88) and 100 EUR (US$ 110) respectively. For the noise-canceling headphones, the MTRO200NC is priced at 70 EUR (US$ 77), and the ELIT200NC costs 80 EUR (US$ 88), while the ELIT400NC is a bit more expensive, starting at 130 EUR (US$ 143). TCL’s entertainment solutions will be first available in Europe starting Q4 2019.