News
Microsoft will launch a foldable phone next year
Is Windows Mobile back?
Windows Mobile is a thing of the past. Microsoft’s dedicated mobile operating system was a healthy alternative to the crazy feud between Android and iOS. Unfortunately, Microsoft’s band of merry smartphones never sold as expected. The company was forced to shelf the entire project.
Despite their departure from the mobile industry, Microsoft always kept a close eye on portable technology. For one, the Microsoft Surface series offers a hybrid experience between tablets and laptops. Now, the company will take it a step further, potentially returning to the mobile market.
In the recently released book Beneath A Surface, Microsoft blogger Brad Sams reveals the company’s plans for the near future. This includes Microsoft’s foldable tablet, the rumored Microsoft Andromeda.
Months ago, Microsoft accidentally leaked potential plans for the foldable form factor. At the time, the rumor was just an insubstantial one, neither confirming nor denying Microsoft’s plans.
Sams’ book, however, extracts more details from this rumor. For one, the book confirms the product’s release next year. Additionally, the foldable product will not revive Windows Mobile. Instead, it will likely use the regular Windows experience.
Besides the foldable phone, the book also reveals a new Xbox One, Surface devices, and tablets. Still, anything can happen between now and 2019. Whatever happens, Microsoft is finally coming up with substantial plans to compete with the mobile industry’s main players.
SEE ALSO: Microsoft beats Apple as the world’s most valuable company
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
Features
Inside Infinix’s first global concept store in Bali
Infinix’s first global concept store pairs gadgets with a coffee bar and a robotic arm.
Bali is an island people visit to slow down. It makes sense that Infinix picked it for a store that wants you to stay awhile.
The brand unveiled its first global Flagship Concept Store there. It’s also the first store of this format within parent company Transsion Holdings’ brand portfolio.
Coffee break, Infinix style
The experience begins before you step inside. The store’s futuristic design and digital visuals are meant to catch your eye from the outside.
Once you’re in, a robotic-arm installation anchors the space, which looks like a technological imagination turned into a bold visual statement.
The store’s other signature element is n_x, Infinix’s locally developed coffee brand. For Infinix, a simple coffee break here is an invitation to slow down and enjoy a laid-back moment in the middle of a busy day.
You can catch up with a friend over a cup or take a few minutes for yourself. Together with the robotic arm, n_x gives the store a more relaxed and imaginative side.
The tech hasn’t gone anywhere, though. The smartphone lineup includes the NOTE 60 and HOT 70 series along with the GT 50 Pro.
Infinix’s broader AIoT ecosystem is on display as well, with recent products like the ZCLIP 2 Pro clip-on earbuds and SPACE Max wireless headphones.
The XEnergy portable power stations are also part of the lineup.
Making Sense of “1+2+X”
Infinix calls the format its “1+2+X” retail concept. The “1” is the full technology experience, and the “2” refers to the two signature elements, n_x and the robotic arm.
The “X” is the open-ended part. Infinix plans on bringing gaming, music, sports, creative partnerships, interactive content, and community activities over time.
The brand wants to work with artists, musicians, and other creative talents on original content and experiences, rather than only featuring established names or one-off partnerships.
Visitors can also take part through shared experiences, content creation, and feedback. The plan is for the store to keep introducing new collaborations, creative displays, and lifestyle activities after opening, so regulars have fresh reasons to return.
Beyond Bali
Looking ahead, Infinix hopes the Bali store develops a recognizable identity of its own and becomes a destination people return to for its atmosphere and community as much as its products.
The brand also says this opening is the start of a broader retail push, with five more flagship stores planned across Indonesia this year.
Similar concept-led stores are also being explored in other markets. Infinix states that future locations won’t copy the Bali format and will be adapted to local cultures and lifestyles.
-
Lifestyle4 days agoYour coffee nook is getting a makeover with Starbucks’ holiday collections
-
Gaming2 weeks agoHP OMEN Max 16 review: Gamer-maxxing in deep black
-
Lifestyle6 days agoSticker season is back, and so is the planner your ~friends~ might fill in for you
-
Gaming4 days agoWild Rift Patch 7.3, celebrates K/DA comeback
-
Gaming1 week agoROG G700 review: The best prebuilt PC you can get off the shelf
-
Gaming1 week agoPlayStation unveils Prism Collection
-
News2 weeks agoApple unveils its biggest iPad mini update yet
-
Accessories2 weeks agoCASETiFY Match: Finding the right case for your Galaxy Z8 Series phone














