Automotive

NissanConnect makes walk around checks easier

Reduce your checklist before setting off on a journey

Published

February 22, 2024

MJ Jucutan

When I was in driving school, my instructor kept pressing on the fact that we need to do a walk-around check before we set off on a journey. Be it a short ride to the mall, a quick drive to a cafe, or running errands in the city.

This isn’t something I witnessed growing up. Wheel-owners in my life mostly hop in the car and proceed to drive, regardless of the state of the vehicle.

It’s probably why a lot of their cars break down on them when they need them the most.

When the time came for me to sit behind the wheels, I kept reminding myself to inspect the car before going out. Frankly, it was exhausting and time-consuming. But spending a few minutes to check your vehicle can prevent you hours of headache if you encounter something down the line.

Now, imagine being able to cut back the time spent on inspecting your car. That’s what the NissanConnect did for me, when I had the Nissan Almera VL Turbo CVT.

An app connected to a city car

For a week, I had the Nissan Almera acting as a daily driver for my city errands and for accompanying me on a weekend in Lipa, Batangas.

The city car aided in my pursuits of balancing my life as a creative director and as a media personnel for Spartan Race Philippines.

Inside, I had the realme C55 loaded with NissanConnect Services. It wasn’t the handset I prefer to connect with Android Auto and help in navigation. Instead, the phone was solely used for keeping the vehicle in check. Especially at times when I have to drive down South.

Why use it anyway?

Nissan, just like most automotive brands nowadays, integrate technology into their vehicles. Through a mobile app, car owners can easily lock and unlock their doors. You can even start the engine before you hop on your seats!

Think about how many times you have to enter your car after being parked in open heat, only to complain about how hot it is inside?

Believe me, at least having the engine and the AC turned on for more than five minutes before you step in is a game changer. I know this too well since I’m fond of parking my vehicle in open areas.

At a glance, I was able to check my vehicle’s status through NissanConnect Services. I was able to see the estimated range that the Nissan Almera can go, based on its current fuel capacity.

There are also features that you can check such as Vehicle Health, Monitoring, Driving History, Notifications, and more.

Check before you go

The habit of doing walk around checks should be practiced more. It’s more important when you have a long trip out of town, and you just can’t afford to have any mishaps down the road.

Time is precious, especially on a weekend meant to be spent with people close to your heart.

Taking a peek at the Vehicle Health, I can check the Tire Pressure, Brake, Anti-Lock Braking System, Airbag, Engine MIL, and more. If there are issues, it’ll be easy to spot them without checking all of it.

This reduced my walk around check since I just needed to use the smartphone to see if my vehicle’s fit to drive.

After checking the lights, oil, water, gas, and engine, and of course, myself, I hop in and connect my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for Android Auto or my iPhone 13 for Apple CarPlay.

Before I drive, I make sure my Spotify’s connected along with Google Maps so I can drive at ease.

Stay within the limit

Safety and security are one of the key features of NissanConnect Services. Through the app, you can monitor your vehicle by setting up a curfew.

This ensures no one uses your vehicle past its curfew, and you’ll be alerted if someone does. That feature works best when you allow someone else to use your car, or if it’s a family vehicle.

You can also set limits on an area, barring certain neighborhoods you deem so. But what I love the most is setting a speed limit to ensure I don’t go beyond, especially on the freeway.

You might think, there’s cruise control anyway? Why bother with it?

As a control freak, I don’t like using cruise control as it absolves me from maintaining proper distance by relying on technology. Being alert helps me keep awake especially on a long drive.

Whenever I go out of my speed limit, the realme C55 receives alerts that I went beyond what I set. This is also important if someone drives your vehicle and you’re in your passenger princess era.

Plenty of times, my passengers didn’t feel we were speeding at 100 km/h, seeing how smooth the drive was. Checking the app would let you know if your driver is moving past the limit.

Sometimes, it helps to remind them to slow down especially when you’re not in a hurry to go to your destination.

Know your history

I’m not quite sure who else does this, but I typically check where I’ve been in the past month or so. Google Maps has been helpful in providing me the locations of places I’ve been to, which helps me track the distances I travelled.

Through NissanConnect, I was able to check the vehicle’s driving history. Having been lent by Nissan Philippines, I was able to preview how many trips the Nissan Almera have been into. I was also able to check the distance it clocked, and the time spent driving.

For a weekend, I contributed around 300km or so, going back and forth between Pasay City, Imus City, Calamba City, and Lipa City — across four provinces!

A handy tool

For most wheel-owners, having a mobile app connected to your vehicle might seem a daunting task. When you’ve been accustomed to your ways, it’s challenging to learn a few things here and there, especially when technology isn’t your strong suit.

But for tech-savvy babies like yours truly? Having the NissanConnect is such a handy tool.

It makes walk around checks easier and less daunting. One glance through the app, and you can see if you’re fit to drive. And if you are, you can get ready to put some music before you drive to your next destination.

Computex 2026

Acer introduces new e-bikers, e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026

Acer expands into smart e-mobility solutions

Published

June 1, 2026

GadgetMatch

Acer is showcasing its new range of e-bikes and e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026, as part of its expansion into smart e-mobility solutions.

These offerings are powered by integrated software to deliver connected and intuitive riding experiences for evolving urban mobility needs.

Part of the new lineup are the Acer Nitro eCity Plus (e-bike) and Acer ES Series 3 Select (e-scooter). Both designed for urban commuting, these products feature versatile configurations, optimized performance, and enhanced portability for everyday use.

The Nitro eCity Plus comes with multiple riding modes and responsive power delivery for a smooth and stable ride. It also has a removable battery design for convenient charging.

Meanwhile, the ES Series 3 Select is about portability and efficiency. It has features for daily urban travel, and is lightweight, compact, and foldable.

It likewise boasts of multiple riding modes and comes with optimized braking and lighting systems.

Both of these electric mobility solutions can be controlled via the Acer eMobility app. Riders can check battery status and control lighting easily on the go with voice controls.

The app also provides a unified interface for e-bikes and e-scooters across Acer’s portfolio. It allows users to monitor vehicle status, battery levels, and riding data. Riders can also access functions like lighting control, device settings adjustment, riding history, and performance insights.

For peace of mind, several security features are also integrated. For instance, riders can activate an e-lock function via voice commands on compatible e-scooters. On e-bikes, the app also provides alert-based anti-theft notifications.

Automotive

This premium electric SUV doubles as a massive power bank

The BYD Sealion 7 packs 530 horsepower and a clever battery that can run your household appliances.

Published

May 31, 2026

MJ Jucutan

BYD has officially unleashed the Sealion 7, an all-electric SUV that bridges the gap between high-performance engineering and everyday utility.

The Sealion 7 serves as a practical, high-end tool for the modern lifestyle, taking the sophisticated foundations of a luxury sedan and expanding them into a spacious, high-riding crossover designed for the demands of daily life.

Battery built for safety and distance

The core of any electric vehicle lies in its battery, and the Sealion 7 utilizes BYD’s signature Blade Battery technology. This system features an incredibly slim and structurally sound design that discards the bulk of traditional battery packs.

The battery aced extreme safety tests that standard units often fail, which translates to total peace of mind and an impressive range of 542 kilometers on a single charge.

The Sealion 7 also functions as a massive power bank. Equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, the car lets you plug standard household appliances directly into the vehicle.

This feature offers a reliable backup power source during unexpected outages and provides a significant advantage for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

A digital sanctuary

Inside, the cabin offers a clean, uncluttered experience. A 15.6-inch touchscreen serves as the centerpiece, rotating between landscape and portrait modes to allow users to customize the interface for navigation or entertainment.

To keep things safe, the DiPilot system uses a network of sensors to act as a digital co-pilot. This setup includes a 360-degree camera that provides a clear view around and even “under” the car for easier parking. Sensors also monitor driver fatigue to ensure safety on longer journeys.

Uncompromising performance

While the Sealion 7 excels as a practical family vehicle, it also ranks as one of the most powerful SUVs in its class.

Dual electric motors power an All-Wheel Drive system that produces an equivalent of 530 horsepower. This setup launches the SUV from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

The motors deliver this power near-silently and instantaneously, providing a level of responsiveness that gas-powered engines struggle to match. It offers the speed of a sports car with the poise and stability of a large SUV.

Price, availability in the Philippines

The BYD Sealion 7 AWD carries a price tag of PhP 2,588,000. Beyond the initial investment, the Sealion 7 promises a significantly more affordable ownership experience than a traditional luxury SUV.

Because the vehicle uses fewer moving parts and a simplified mechanical layout, it requires only one service visit per year. Owners can expect maintenance savings of up to 50 percent compared to fuel-powered rivals.

A comprehensive six-year or 160,000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty and an eight-year warranty on the battery support this reliability, ensuring the technology remains an asset for years to come.

Automotive

GAC Aion UT brings big car energy to the compact segment

This stylish electric hatchback defies its size with a lounge-like interior and an attractive price tag.

Published

May 21, 2026

MJ Jucutan

GAC Philippines is pivoting its electric strategy toward the urban enthusiast with the debut of the Aion UT.

This EV hatchback arrives with a proven track record in Europe and Australia and Latin America. It flaunts with a “Milanese” design aesthetic that feels more like a fashion statement than a utility vehicle.

By utilizing a dedicated EV platform rather than a converted internal combustion chassis, the Aion UT maximizes its footprint to deliver what the brand calls “big car energy.”

Spatial engineering and urban utility

The Aion UT effectively flips the script on the compact segment by offering a class leading 2,750mm wheelbase.

Consequently, the interior feels more like a chic lounge than a traditional car because it provides a massive 905mm of rear legroom.

This smart layout means three adults can actually hang out in the back without rubbing knees or feeling cramped.

Beyond just passenger comfort, the cabin handles the daily hustle with ease. It offers 24 different storage cubbies for your essentials plus 440 liters of boot space for your gear.

Furthermore, the car features Vehicle-to-Load technology, which literally turns the vehicle into a giant mobile battery for your gear when you are away from an outlet.

Real world power and the magazine battery

The Elite variant runs on a 100 kW motor that delivers instant punch for weaving through city traffic with 180 Nm of torque.

While the technical side involves a 47.1 kWh battery, you should think of the Magazine Battery tech as a specialized safety vault for your energy.

GAC builds these batteries to resist heat and pressure, which gives you total confidence while driving in tropical weather. When you eventually run low, a DC Fast Charger gets the car from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, the car acts as a second set of eyes with an advanced safety suite. This system handles the heavy lifting by providing Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning and a 360-degree surround view camera and a system that prevents you from accidentally accelerating in the wrong direction.

A tech forward digital cockpit

The interior features a massive 14.6 inch central touchscreen alongside a sleek 8.88 inch digital instrument cluster.

This system acts as the brain of the car and handles all your media through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Everything feels intuitive and fast because the software mirrors the responsiveness of a premium smartphone. To match this digital vibe, the car comes in gemstone inspired colors like Emerald Green and Seine Silver and Champs Elysees Beige and Rococo White.

Price, availability in the Philippines

GAC is currently offering the Aion UT Elite FWD with a retail price of PhP 1,068,000 for the Philippine market.

However, early adopters can take advantage of an introductory price of PhP 998,000 if they reserve by June 30 2026.

This special offer includes an initial discount of PhP 50,000 plus an extra PhP 20,000 reduction for the first 400 units sold.

Every unit comes with a sleek black interior and a black ceiling to maintain that premium feel. Owners also get total peace of mind through an 8 year or 200,000 km warranty on the core electric system and two years of free roadside assistance.