News

OG BlackBerry phones will die this year

The end is inevitable

Published

January 3, 2022

Luigi Leonardo

BlackBerry has now experienced more deaths and resurrections than the entirety of the Bible. Since its reign atop the smartphone food chain, the smartphone brand has seesawed between different eras and companies vying for its return to the ranks. However, amid new details of another resurrection, a past era of BlackBerry has to finally say goodbye. Starting this year, legacy BlackBerry phones will stop functioning normally.

If you still own a BlackBerry device, you might want to check the software it is running on. As announced by BlackBerry itself, any devices running BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier, BlackBerry 10, and BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 and earlier will no longer have access to the usual array of phone features starting January 4. These features include using data, phone calling, sending SMS messages, and calling 911. Basically, affected devices will lose everything that makes them useful.

However, devices that already use Android will continue to function.

It’s not an unprecedented move either. Since the decline of its smartphones, BlackBerry has transitioned into cybersecurity and enterprise solutions. It makes sense that the company will not be able to support its own software going forward.

BlackBerry has since surrendered its rights to other companies. Last year, Huawei scooped up a huge number of patents, enabling them to produce devices with Blackberry’s technology. OnwardMobility, the current owner of BlackBerry’s phone licenses, has also teased a return coming soon. Whatever the return will come as, it will certainly not come with BlackBerry’s software.

Apps

Going cashless? GCash now accepted in Europe

United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy

Published

June 9, 2023

GadgetMatch

Thinking of going cashless on you next trip to Europe? GCash can offer just that, as the mobile wallet app is now accepted in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy.

The cross-border payment service is part of the e-wallet’s strengthened partnership with Alipay+, offering users a seamless and secure payment experience without the need for money changers and carrying to much actual cash on your pockets.

Among the popular merchants that will be accepting GCash from now on are:

Harrods
Liberty London
Harvey Nichols
Printemps
Müller
dm-drogerie markt
itTaxi
IVS Group

To pay using GCash at these establishments, travelers will simply have to look for the Alipay+ logo at the checkout.

Open the GCash app, select the QR or PayQR button, scan the merchant’s QR code, or tap “Pay Abroad with Alipay+” to have a generated QR.

Finally, check the amount, and tap Pay to see the receipt.

Gaming

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth coming early 2024

Second of the Remake trilogy

Published

June 9, 2023

GadgetMatch

Square Enix has released a new trailer for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth to excite gamers even more for its 2024 release in Asia on PlayStation 5.

The Summer Game Fest 2023 trailer previewed the title’s gameplay. It also showed story elements and its expansive world that players can look forward to experiencing starting in “early 2024.”

Thanks to Square Enix’s previous easter eggs, it can be expected that there will be new characters with more action outside of Midgar. This mimics the feeling players of the original game. The world opened up following the events that transpired in Midgar.

The trailer also showcased new combat mechanics. Characters like Yuffie and Red XXIII were seen doing team-up attacks. Our main girls Tifa and Aerith were also shown doing the same.

Though yet to get an exact release date and price, the second entry to the Final Fantasy VII remake project is already anticipated by many. Oh and something that caught people’s eyes — the end of the trailer says Rebirth will have two (2) discs.

It will continue the story in Final Fantasy VII Remake, which has earned tremendous praise from players and critics globally.

The first of the remake trilogy garnered more than 20 perfect scores. It also became the highest-selling digital release on PlayStation in Square Enix’s history.

Watch the trailer.

Gaming

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown announced

A fresh take on a legendary franchise

Published

June 9, 2023

GadgetMatch

Ubisoft has announced Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, a new action-adventure title to be released on January 18, 2024. It will be available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One. It will also be on Windows via Ubisoft and Epic Games.

The brand-new adventure which is a fresh take on the legendary franchise. It was announced at Ubisoft’s Summer Game Fest live showcase.

It will feature Sargon, a young gifted warrior who is part of an elite group called The Immortals.

The group is tasked to rescue Prince Ghassan, and they will explore Mount Qaf. It is a cursed and hostile place that was once wondrous. It is here where Sargon and the rest discover a treacherous foe they must defeat to restore balance in the world.

Well-represented culture

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown lets players explore a Persian mythology-inspired world at their own pace. This includes everything from the Citadel of Knowledge to the Hyrcanian Forest.

Along the way, players will acquire time powers to unlock unique abilities for combat. Sargon will then delve deeper into Mount Qaf to solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and complete side quests.

The game also highlights original soundtrack created by Iranian-born composer Mentrix, who mixes traditional with modern to guide players from one environment to another.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is one of Ubisoft’s upcoming titles that will be previewed during its Ubisoft Forward conference on June 13.