Computers
Microsoft to unveil Lumia 950, 950XL and Surface Pro 4
This year’s arrival of Windows 10 brings with it a great promise, a universal operating system that will run across all devices in the Windows ecosystem, plus every other device that Microsoft builds.
Theoretically one operating system means a seamless computing experience across devices, and one shared app store.
When the rollout is complete, Windows 10 will run on Windows-powered smartphones, tablets, and computers, as well as the X-Box One gaming console and Microsoft’s upcoming augmented reality headset HoloLens.
Last August’s release of Windows 10 already brought the new OS to tablet, notebook, and desktop computers. On October 6th, in New York, Microsoft is set to unveil the first smartphones to run Windows 10, and later this November Windows 10 will come to the X-Box One.
GadgetMatch will be in New York to bring you live updates from “Windows 10 Devices” event. Here’s what to expect:
Microsoft Lumia 950 and Lumia 950XL

Leaked Lumia 950 product photo (@evleaks)
It’s been a while since Microsoft announced a flagship smartphone. In fact, the last Lumia flagship, the Lumia 930, was released in early 2014 prior to Microsoft’s purchase of Nokia’s smartphone business. The long wait can be attributed to the impending arrival of Windows 10 (on smartphones it will be referred to as Windows 10 Mobile).
Like most other top smartphone manufacturers this year, Microsoft’s upcoming flagship is reportedly coming in two sizes…a 5.2-inch standard model, the Lumia 950, and a 5.7-inch phablet variant the Lumia 950XL.
The phones will come with top of the line specs including Quad HD screens, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, 20 megapixel cameras with Zeiss lenses, USB Type-C connectors, and Qi wireless charging.
The Lumia 950 will be powered by a hexa-core Snapdragon 808 processor, while the 950XL the more powerful Snapdragon 810, and 3000mAh and 3300mAh batteries respectively.
Both phones will run Windows 10, and as promised, transform into PCs once connected to an external monitor and bluetooth keyboard. Expect them to also support Hello, a Windows 10 feature that allows users to log-onto their devices using facial recognition.
The larger Lumia 950 XL is also expected to support the Surface Pen stylus allowing it to go head-to-head with Samsung’s Galaxy Note 5 phablet.
Surface Pro 4
It’s been a big year for convertible tablet/notebook devices. Just a month back Apple announced its 12-inch iPad Pro that comes with an optional keyboard dock and stylus (the Apple Pencil), Google is also set to release a similar device called the Pixel C. But the mother of this form factor is Microsoft’s Surface Pro – now going on its 4th update.
There are fewer leaks pertaining to the 12-inch Surface Pro 4, but the new hybrid device is expected to have a better display, possibly 4K or 5K, and an improved Surface Pen. There are also rumors suggesting that Microsoft is also planning a larger 14-inch variant.
The Surface Pro 4 will run Windows 10 and will probably run on Intel’s Core M Broadwell processors (unlike last year’s Core i5 and i7 variants) with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage.
Microsoft Band 2

Microsoft Band (Microsoft File Photo)
In case you didn’t know, Microsoft also makes a wearable fitness tracker.
While it’s first attempt wasn’t hugely successful, expect its second try to be better. The Microsoft Band 2 will have a curved display that wraps around your wrist, and will be redesigned to fit more comfortably.
The Band 2 should also run on a variant of Windows 10, and will most likely be also compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.
[irp posts=”7256″ name=”Microsoft Surface Studio is the all-in-one PC of our dreams”]
Apple has unveiled its new iMac powered by the M6 chip, bringing faster performance, enhanced on-device AI capabilities, and improved connectivity to its all-in-one desktop computer.
Announced on October 27, the new iMac retains its slim design and 24-inch display while introducing hardware upgrades for everyday productivity, creative workflows, and AI-powered applications.
Apple claims the M6-powered iMac delivers up to 18 times faster performance than the most popular Intel-based iMac. It also offers up to five times faster on-device AI performance than the previous-generation M4 model.
The new iMac comes in seven colors: blue, green, pink, yellow, purple, orange, and silver.
M6 brings faster performance and AI capabilities
The new iMac features Apple’s M6 chip, with configurations offering either a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU or a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU.
The 12-core CPU delivers improved performance for everyday applications, multitasking, and demanding workloads. Meanwhile, the GPU now features Neural Accelerators in every core to accelerate AI processing and graphics-intensive tasks.
Apple claims the new iMac delivers up to twice the graphics performance of the M4 model. Users can expect improvements in photo editing, video production, and gaming, including titles that use ray tracing.
The M6 also features a Dual 16-core Neural Engine, which delivers up to twice the AI computing performance of the previous generation. Combined with memory bandwidth of up to 170GB/s, the chip can handle demanding on-device AI workloads, including running large language models.
Apple highlights several performance improvements over previous generations:
- Up to 2.5 times faster performance in Microsoft Excel compared to the M1 iMac.
- Up to 3.3 times faster graphics performance in applications such as Affinity compared to the M1 iMac.
- Up to 12 times faster on-device AI prompt processing in LM Studio compared to the M1 iMac.
- Up to twice the gaming performance with ray tracing compared to the M4 iMac.
These improvements make the iMac a more capable desktop for professionals, students, and creators who need additional computing power without moving to a separate desktop tower.
A desktop built for AI
Apple is positioning the new iMac as a platform for its expanding AI ecosystem.
Running macOS 27, the desktop supports Apple Intelligence features and Siri AI, Apple’s next-generation assistant. Users can ask questions, search for information across their messages and emails, and perform actions across supported applications.
Siri AI is also integrated into Spotlight, allowing users to search for information and ask follow-up questions. Visual Intelligence lets users interact with content on their screen, whether it’s a chart in a spreadsheet or an image in a browser.
Other AI-powered features extend to everyday applications. Safari can automatically organize tabs into topics and notify users about website changes, including product restocks and price drops. Users can also create Shortcuts automations by describing what they want to accomplish.
For creative professionals, Apple Intelligence adds tools for photo editing and other productivity tasks. The iMac also supports third-party AI applications optimized for Apple silicon, including LM Studio and Topaz Studio.
Apple says these capabilities allow users to run supported AI workloads locally, helping preserve privacy by processing certain tasks directly on the device.
Siri AI is available in beta in macOS 27.2, with language and regional availability restrictions applying to some Apple Intelligence features.
24-inch 4.5K Retina display
The new iMac retains its 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, which offers a resolution of 4,480 x 2,520 pixels and 500 nits of brightness.
The display supports the P3 wide color gamut and more than one billion colors, making it suitable for photo editing, video production, and everyday entertainment.
Apple also offers an optional nano-texture display finish on supported configurations to reduce reflections and glare in challenging lighting conditions.
For video calls, the iMac features a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera with Desk View. Its three-microphone array and six-speaker sound system deliver an integrated audiovisual setup without requiring additional peripherals.
The speakers feature force-cancelling woofers and tweeters, with support for Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos.
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and faster storage
Connectivity receives an upgrade with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.
The higher-end configuration can also be equipped with 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, offering up to 2.5 times faster wired connectivity than the previous generation.
Apple claims the new iMac delivers up to twice the SSD read and write performance of its predecessor, helping applications launch faster and large files load more quickly.
Port availability depends on the configuration. The higher-end model includes four Thunderbolt 4 ports, allowing users to connect external storage, docks, and other accessories.
The iMac also supports up to two external 6K displays, providing additional screen space for demanding workflows.
Apple continues to bundle color-matched accessories with the desktop. Depending on the configuration, these include a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and either a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad. The accessories feature USB-C charging ports.
macOS 27 and sustainability
The new iMac runs macOS 27, which brings refinements to the Liquid Glass interface, system performance, and search.
Users can adjust the transparency of Liquid Glass through a new setting, choosing an appearance that ranges from clearer to more tinted. Apple has also refined app icons and other interface elements.
The iMac continues Apple’s sustainability efforts. Its stand uses 100 percent recycled aluminum, while its magnets use 100 percent recycled rare earth elements. Apple-designed printed circuit boards also use 100 percent recycled gold plating and tin solder.
Apple says the new iMac is manufactured using renewable electricity across its supply chain. The company continues working toward its goal of becoming carbon neutral across its entire footprint by 2030.
iMac with M6 pricing and availability
In the United States, the new iMac with M6 starts at US$1,499 for the configuration with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. Education pricing starts at US$1,449.
The higher-end configuration, featuring a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU, starts at US$1,699, with education pricing starting at US$1,599.
Pre-orders in the United States and 34 other countries and regions begin on October 28, 2026. Availability starts November 6.
In the Philippines, the new iMac with M6 starts at PHP 109,990 for the 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU configuration. Eligible students and educators can purchase it for PHP 105,990.
The higher-end configuration with a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU starts at PHP 124,990, with education pricing at PHP 117,990.
Apple says the new iMac will be available soon through the Philippine Apple Store online and Apple Authorized Resellers. Local availability dates have yet to be announced.
In Singapore, the new iMac starts at SGD 2,099 for the 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU configuration, with education pricing at SGD 2,029.
The 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU configuration starts at SGD 2,399, with education pricing at SGD 2,259. Pre-orders in Singapore begin on October 29, with availability starting November 6.
Computers
Lenovo tech behind DreamWorks Animation hit ‘Forgotten Island’
Partnership powers modern demands of animation production
DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island has definitely become a big screen hit, debuting with a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score and being well received particularly by a large Filipino fanbase.
And behind the movie is DreamWorks Animation’s partnership with tech giant, Lenovo. The collaboration is helping power the former’s production slate, including the studio’s animated feature inspired by Filipino culture, mythology, and experiences.
In 2025, DreamWorks expanded its relationship with Lenovo by naming the company its preferred compute services, workstation, and solutions provider.
Such partnership brings together Lenovo workstations, high-performance infrastructure, data center technology, and services to support the demanding needs of modern animation production.
It is a collaboration that builds on years of work between the two companies. DreamWorks has used Lenovo workstations as part of workflows across the studio.
Lenovo infrastructure has also supported the large-scale computing requirements involved in creating animated worlds and characters.
Still in cinemas, Forgotten Island follows lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by Grammy and Academy Award winner H.E.R. and Filipino actress Liza Soberano.
As the two prepare to take different paths after high school, they unexpectedly find themselves transported to Nakali, a fantastical island populated by magical and mythological creatures rooted in stories from their Filipino families.
The film is written and directed by Academy Award nominee Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and produced by Academy Award nominee Mark Swift, the filmmaking team behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
Its voice cast also includes Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, and Lea Salonga.
Computers
ROG brings out the ultra-stylish G1000 gaming desktop
Plus, here’s a couple of sleek transport options from ROG.
Despite how much higher prices are going today, there are still so many options if you want a PC for yourself. However, only a handful of brands will offer you quite as much style doing so as ASUS. Today, ROG has revealed the new G1000 gaming desktop.
For the first time ever in a prebuilt PC, the ROG G1000 comes with a built-in AniMe Holo, a holographic fan with customizable visuals using Armoury Crate and Aura Sync. Additionally, the holographic fan is inside its own chamber, preventing it from interfering with the main system. Instead, the desktop uses the ROG Thermal Atrium, which uses three fans to channel fresh air through a 420mm AIO liquid cooler.
Now, the ROG G1000 isn’t just a pretty face. Inside, the 104L desktop comes with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor. It also comes equipped with the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5080, up to 128GB DDR5 memory, and 1TB SSD for storage. New purchases will also come with a gaming keyboard and mouse, a year of Microsoft 365 Basic, Office Home 2024, and an ASUS No. 1 Quality and Service warranty.
The ROG G1000 will be available from ROG Exclusive Stores and will start at PhP 399,995.
Celebrating ROG at 20
Besides the new desktop, ROG is also launching a couple of storage and transport options for your prized gaming possessions. The ROG SLASH Backpack Edition 20 is a sleek backpack that can fit an 18-inch laptop with enough room for peripherals and accessories. It also comes with a custom FIDLOCK Magnetic quick-release, black-and-translucent-gold buckle. It will be available next quarter for PhP 10,995.
Meanwhile, the ROG SLASH Hard-Case Luggage Edition 20 is designed specifically for transporting your hard-earned gaming devices. The light-but-durable aluminum frame comes with a specialized compartment for laptops, handhelds, and accessories. It also has removalbe foam dividers to better customize the case for your needs. Finally, it has 360-degree silent skate wheels for smoother rolling. The luggage will be available starting next quarter for PhP 15,995.
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