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Customs seized the OnePlus Buds as ‘counterfeit AirPods’

OnePlus jokes about the incident

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If you’ve looked at everyone’s ears lately, you’ll notice a glaring trend: the prominence of Apple’s AirPods… or earbuds that look like them. Since the AirPods’ launch, everyone drew inspiration from the popular wireless wearable. Now, every brand has their own similar take on the form factor. Unfortunately, not everyone was clued in on the remarkable similarity. In New York, the Customs seized the OnePlus Buds as “counterfeit AirPods.”

Last night, the US Customs and Border Protection’s official Twitter account boasted the successful seizure of 2,000 “counterfeit Apple AirPods” shipped from Hong Kong. They also released an official press statement on the incident, claiming “mission success.” The office claims that the shipment is valued at US$ 398,000 “had they been genuine.”

Well, they are. Apparently, the American government hasn’t heard of OnePlus circulating in their country yet. Of note, OnePlus is one of the more popular brands in the United States. It is also one of the only Chinese brands legally circulated in the country.

Surprisingly, OnePlus took the slight in stride. The company humorously tweeted back, “Hey, give those back!” Additionally, they also made their own post this morning with the caption: “Seize the day. Seize the music.” It’s clearly aiming for the incident.

At the time of this writing, neither party has not taken their respective posts down. Likewise, Customs has not announced the safe return of their valuable shipment yet.

Though one can definitely argue against the OnePlus Buds’ similarities to the AirPods, the company’s logo is visible right on the box. Someone clearly didn’t Google “OnePlus” when checking on the shipment.

UPDATE: Instead of giving up, the Customs Office is doubling down on their reasons for the blunder. According to a statement from The Verge, the OnePlus Buds violated trademarks owned by Apple, firmly placing them in the counterfeit category. As such, OnePlus must now defend their own product against the American government.

SEE ALSO: OnePlus Buds is the company’s first true wireless earbuds

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realme 12 5G Philippine price, availability

realme’s 3rd offering under the 12 series

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April 25, 2024

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realme 12 5G

The realme 12 5G is now official in the Philippines. Months after launching the the 12+ and 12 Pro+ models under its latest number series line, realme is back with the release of the series’ base model. The realme 12 5G is priced at PhP 14,999 and is available through realme’s ecommerce platforms and offline stores.

As part of its launch, realme is offering customers exclusive deals starting April 25th:

Lazada Flagship (May 5 to 10)

  • Free realme Buds T100
  • Free TechLife Hair Dryer

Shopee Official Store (May 5 to 10)

  • Free TechLife Power Bank 2 20,000mAh
  • Free TechLife 4.5L See-Through Air Fryer

TikTok Shop (April 25, 7:30 PM to 30)

  • Free realme Pocket Bluetooth Speaker
  • Free TechLife Cooling Fan

James Afante TikTok Shop (April 25, 7:30 PM)

  • Freebie package 1: TechLife Cooling Fan and Free TechLife 4.5L See-Through Air Fryer
  • Freebie package 2: realme Buds T100 and Free TechLife 4.5L See-Through Air Fryer
  • Freebie package 3: TechLife Portable Steam Iron, TechLife Electric Kettle, and TechLife Portable Electric Pot

ALSO READ: realme 12+ 5G review: One month later

For offline purchases, customers also stand a chance to win freebies worth up to PhP 24,999 with the Mystery Box promo. Furthermore, they may join the Lucky 12 Challenge for additional freebies when they purchase the realme 12 5G from any of the 100 selected concept stores, kiosks, and exclusive stores.

realme 12 5G

The realme 12 5G is just as capable as its 12+ and Pro+ counterparts. The model boasts of a 108MP 3X zoom portrait camera, taking off from the series’ Portrait Master positioning.

The phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G chipset, has 8GB of base RAM with 8GB RAM expansion, and a 5,000mAh battery with 45W SUPERVOOC Charge. In front is a 6.72-inch FHD+ 120Hz Sunlight Display that has a maximum brightness of 950nits. There is also an 8MP AI selfie camera.

Lastly, the handset also has a similar watch face design at the back. It is available in Twilight Purple and Woodland Green.

ALSO READ: realme 12 Pro+ 5G review: A midrange marvel

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ZTE nubia Neo 2 5G now in the Philippines: Pricing, details

ZTE’s budget gaming phone gets an upgrade

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April 25, 2024

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Nubia Neo 2

ZTE has announced the availability of the nubia Neo 2 5G in the Philippines. The successor to the nubia Neo budget gaming smartphone, the second iteration is armed with an upgraded gaming control experience for Filipino gamers to enjoy.

The nubia Neo 2 5G retains the distinct Bionic Mecha with “Hero Eye” design from its predecessor. It is available in Storm Gray, Sunfire Yellow, and Frost Silver for PhP 9,999.

The phone is powered by a Unisoc T820 processor (6nm). It supports even more Dynamic RAM at 12GB to complement its 8GB base RAM, and also offers 5G dual-card intelligent switching. Additionally, the nubia Neo 2 5G carries an even larger 6,000mAh battery, which supports 33W fast charging.

ALSO READ: ZTE nubia Neo 5G: Decent for gaming

In front, the device sports a 6.72-inch FHD+ display with a 2,400 x 1,800 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate for seamless viewing and scrolling. At the back is a 50MP main camera.

Upgraded Game Space

The nubia Neo 2 5G features Game Space 2.0, an assistance tool that is reminiscent of a professional gaming layout. Here, users may tinker with game optimization functions, including Game Performance Enhancement. This adjusts the device’s CPU and GPU resources to help it manage power and battery usage.

The phone also supports ByPass Charging for uninterrupted gaming. Users may activate this charging feature while the charging cable is connected to the device. When under ByPass Charging, the phone gets powered up but without the battery charging so it can reduce heat.

Upgraded experience

Furthermore, one of the highlights of the nubia Neo 2 5G is its gaming shoulder triggers. This gives users more freedom and control while navigating and playing. Users may also customize the shoulder buttons based on their personal preferences.

Meanwhile, the phone’s Dual Stereo Speakers with DTS:X Ultra provide impressive sound quality. This is further enhanced with four built-in sound effects.

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Apple announces new special event for iPads

Scheduled for May 7

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April 24, 2024

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The next Apple event is coming! Two weeks ahead of the big launch, the iPad maker has announced an upcoming event dedicated to the tablet.

As always, Apple has added a tagline to tease what’s coming for the brand. This time, it’s “Let loose.”

Now, you won’t get a lot of clues from something so vague. Thankfully, the graphic is much more telling. It features a hand clearly grasping an Apple Pencil. For sure, the event will focus on new iPads.

The special event will start on May 7, 10AM ET. Interested viewers can watch the event live.

There’s no confirmation what models are getting new faces for the event. However, rumors are swirling that we’re getting a new iPad Pro. We can likely expect a new Apple Pencil too, especially since the stylus is a main focus for the invite.

New iPhones are likely out, though. Apple usually holds the event for those later in the year. That leaves the Macs and the Vision Pro in the less-likely-but-still-possible realm.

That said, if you’re looking for new tablets, it’s time to wait a bit.

SEE ALSO: Apple might update its iPad lineup this week

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