Features

Qualcomm wants to improve the AI experience, while Microsoft doubts its value

Cynicism or optimism?

Published

February 27, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

In 2024, AI aggressively pushed itself to all facets of our lives, invoking the consternation of users worldwide. Today, the industry is entering a period of reckoning. Is the AI now installed on most of new devices today actually worth the price of admission? For two of the biggest proponents of AI today, the answer varies. Within the span of a single week, Microsoft and Qualcomm punched in two conflicting answers.

Microsoft doubts the value of AI today

In case you missed the memo, Microsoft is currently on a campaign to introduce its AI software, Copilot, to more users. The all-in-one suite formerly called Microsoft Office appended the AI moniker recently. Office users have been suddenly ushered into Microsoft 365 Copilot. Even users who don’t use the software are now forced to interface with Copilot in some way by default.

Contrary to the ongoing campaign, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently took to the airwaves to express some doubt on the current state of the AI industry. Speaking to podcaster Dwarkesh Patel, Nadella decried how the industry is too obsessed with breaking benchmarks too arcane for ordinary users.

Today’s NPUs (or neural processing units) are measured by tera operations per second, which is more colloquially referred to as TOPS. Bluntly, it’s a measure of how powerful an NPU is in a single second. Over the past year, manufacturers have pushed TOPS as the quintessential way to determine the value of AI. Most users today still look at the metric with confusion.

According to Nadella, the current obsession of continuously maximizing TOPS underscores AI’s lack of value today. He calls it “nonsensical benchmark hacking.”

In lieu of using metrics to dictate AI’s usefulness, the CEO proposes that AI should have a more tangible effect on the world in what he proclaims as an “Industrial Revolution type of growth.” He says, “the real benchmark is: the world growing at ten percent… and the economy is growing at a faster rate.”

TOPS is not that benchmark. Currently, the metric is forcing the entire market to learn a new term which might not affect their daily life at all. After all, how does higher TOPS translate to a tangible effect for the end user?

Qualcomm believes in the power of AI

This week, Qualcomm hosted the Snapdragon Southeast Asia Summit, and we were there. Though we didn’t see any new chipsets, the chipmaker firmly showcased how today’s AI-based Snapdragon X processors can turn into real-world implications for certain users. On the exhibition floor, they demonstrated how live musicians use AI as no-latency pedals, how audio technicians can isolate elements of a song in real time, and, as you can find in all AI showcases, how generative imagery can turn rough sketches into artworks.

It was evident that Qualcomm still believes in mainstream AI. The keynote presentations even made a bold (albeit educated) prediction that the world will reach trillions of AI-based devices by 2030, buoyed by the initial features introduced today. Further, we saw Microsoft, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo commit to increasing their portfolios in the AI space. AI shows no signs of stopping.

In a more intimate roundtable session, Qualcomm VP of Product Management Nitin Kumar revealed a more comprehensive vision for the AI industry. He firmly believes in 45 TOPS as the ideal standard for AI devices today. While research and development will continue to push that benchmark further, Kumar says that devices capable of 45 TOPS should translate into effects felt by the general user.

Despite the optimism towards an ethereal benchmark, Kumar is synchronous with Nadella about how the market can use AI. It’s not just about the number of cores. Instead, Kumar says that the questions of AI development should be: “Where will we take the experience? How could it help the end user?”

The Pandora’s box of AI

All of technology, controversial or otherwise, fits inside the Pandora’s box analogy. Once you unleash a new technology out into the world, it’s impossible to bottle it up again.

At its current state, AI technology is far, far away from the heights (or lows) of science fiction. Despite the promises of marketing, regular customers still hardly clamor for a device’s AI capabilities. Regardless, the industry has painted itself into a corner. Companies have invested so much into artificial intelligence. It seems too late to backtrack.

But do they need to backtrack? Both Microsoft and Qualcomm have started to acknowledge that widespread adoption of AI should rely on the palpable value it contributes to society, rather than pure benchmarking. Actual usefulness should come before “benchmark hacking.”

Right now, the most useful feature that on-device AI can provide is — arguably — the optimized performance and power efficiency. Having AI inside a device does make it perform better. However, the quest is still on for a truly essential generative AI feature. As end users, we can scarcely do anything but wait and see.

At the very least, AI-driven devices are becoming more accessible. Qualcomm, explained during the roundtable discussion, wants to push the proclaimed ideal of 45 TOPS to the 600-dollar range, placing the industry at a much more palatable level. When the batch of AI PCs came out, they came with a price tag just as high as their contemporaries with much more powerful CPUs and GPUs. Qualcomm’s promise, when it comes true, will bring more AI to more people.

Now, when on-device AI creeps its way into a PC near you, will you fall more towards Microsoft’s cynicism or Qualcomm’s optimism?

Cameras

What HYROX Hong Kong looks like up close

Photographed on the Canon EOS R6 Mark III.

Published

June 11, 2026

MJ Jucutan

HYROX drew people from all over the world for a single purpose: finish the course. In Hong Kong, athletes showed up at AsiaWorld-Expo ready to run, row, and push through 8 stations of pure functional fitness.

So, we brought the Canon EOS R6 Mark III to capture one of the most demanding fitness races on the planet.

The Expo floor is a lighting nightmare, a mix of harsh overheads and deep shadows, but the 32.5MP sensor handled the contrast without breaking a sweat.

The 40fps electronic shutter and Pre-continuous shooting meant we were already capturing the moment half a second before we consciously decided to press the shutter.

Covering a race means staying mobile, and the 8.5-stop IBIS let us move freely alongside athletes without losing the shot. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II stayed locked on athletes even when they were squinting through the final stretch.

What came out were stories of triumph and determination. Even when their bodies were screaming, they pushed through anyway.

This is what HYROX Hong Kong looked like from the inside.

Words by MJ Jucutan. Photos by Sky Rodillas.

Buyer's Guide

Buyer’s Guide: Xiaomi Pad 8 Series

Do you need the base or the Pro?

Published

June 8, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Choosing between the Xiaomi Pad 8 and the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro feels like picking between a “sweet treat” and a “full-course meal.”

It’s deciding between a reliable travel companion and a specialized workstation. Both tablets rock a slim 5.8mm profile and a manageable 485-gram weight, and a 9200mAh battery.

However, under the hood, they are playing in different leagues. Especially since the “Pro” moniker adds serious muscle to the internals, and a solution for that glossy screen distraction.

Specs at a glance

Product	Xiaomi Pad 8	Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro
Processor	Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (4nm)	Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm)
Display	11.2″ 3.2K IPS LCD (144Hz)	11.2″ 3.2K IPS LCD (144Hz)
Surface	Ultra-Glossy Glass	Optional Matte Nano-Texture
Storage/RAM	Up to 12GB LPDDR5X / 256GB	Up to 16GB LPDDR5T / 512GB
Rear Camera	13MP	50MP
Front Camera	8MP	32MP
Charging	45W Turbo Charge	67W HyperCharge
Pricing	Starts at PhP 20,999	Starts at PhP 38,999

Why you should pick the Xiaomi Pad 8

The standard Pad 8 is that “Goldilocks” device, hitting that sweet spot between price and premium hardware.

It’s ideal if your tablet usage is centered on media consumption and light productivity. Since it shares the same 11.2-inch screen size as the Pro, it fits perfectly on an airplane tray table, making it a dream for frequent flyers.

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is no slouch; it still runs titles like Racing Master at 60fps on Ultra-High settings. If you’re a fan of XG or KiiiKiii, you’ll appreciate the quad-speaker setup and Hi-Res Audio support without needing to pay the “Pro” tax.

It’s the smart choice for those who want a capable second screen to complement their main laptop.

Why you should level up to the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro

The “Pro” is for those who found the standard model’s limitations — like the glossy screen reflections or the 128GB storage ceiling — to be a dealbreaker.

The biggest upgrade is the Snapdragon 8 Elite, a powerhouse chip that turns the tablet into a legitimate workstation for video editing in CapCut or heavy multitasking in HyperOS 3.0.

Beyond power, the Pro version offers a Matte Glass Edition, which completely solves the “reflection” issue that can ruin your movie sessions or drawing time under bright lights.

You also get significantly better cameras, such as a 32-megapixel front sensor for professional-looking video calls. There’s also a 50-megapixel rear camera for high-res document scanning.

Finally, the 67W HyperCharge means you spend less time tethered to a wall and more time being productive.

Which Xiaomi Pad is your GadgetMatch?

Swipe Right on the Xiaomi Pad 8 if you want the best value for your money.

It’s thin, light, and powerful enough for 90% of users. It handles gaming, writing, and music playback with ease, making it a worthy recipient of a seal of approval for anyone on a budget.

Just be sure to skip the 128GB entry model and go for the 256GB version to ensure you get those faster storage speeds.

Swipe Right on the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro if you are a “power user” who hates screen glare. If you plan to use the Focus Pen Pro for serious creative work or need 512GB of space for a massive game library, the Pro is worth the extra investment.

It’s a high-speed machine that charges faster, captures better photos, and runs every app with flagship-level fluidness.

The Xiaomi Pad 8 starts at PhP 20,999 with Normal Keyboard while the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro starts at PhP 38,999 with Touch Keyboard. Both tablets come with free Focus Pen Pro.

Apps

The No-Nonsense guide to mid-year shopping

Let AI do the heavy lifting for you this Lazada 6.6 Super WOW Sale

Published

June 5, 2026

MJ Jucutan

The mid-year sale season is here, but the days of mindless impulse buying are over.

Shoppers are shifting toward intentional, value-driven decisions, focusing on quality, authenticity, and actual utility over flashy, low-quality gimmicks.

From 8:00 PM on June 5 until 11:59 PM on June 8, 2026, the Lazada 6.6 Super WOW Sale is dropping major discounts. But the real win is using the platform’s tools to maximize your budget.

Lock in the baseline discounts

Before diving into specific items, map out how to stack the core offers.

You can stretch your money by hunting down LazFlash Deals for up to 90% off, collecting up to PhP 3,000 in stackable vouchers, and ensuring every order qualifies for the free shipping offers available throughout the event.

True value comes from combining these three layers of savings on things you already need.

Jisulife: One of the participating, trusted brands you can get from LazMall

Filter for authentic value

Shopping smart means avoiding the trap of “too good to be true” counterfeits that end up in the trash.

Data shows a massive consumer shift toward trusted quality, with LazMall growth vastly outperforming standard listings during major sales.

To ensure your money goes toward genuine products with real warranties, restrict your browsing to official, brand-certified stores.

If you are upgrading your tech, parenting gear, or wardrobe, look to trusted names anchoring the sale like UGREEN, JisuLife, ANTA, Maserati Watches, Momcozy, and O.TWO.O.

UGREEN: One of the participating, trusted brands you can get from LazMall

Outsmart the noise with built-in tech

Don’t waste hours scrolling through endless listings or guessing which product is better.

The smartest way to navigate a massive mid-year event is to let the platform’s built-in features cut through choice paralysis.

Tools like AI Lazzie and AI Picks allow you to instantly compare similar items, analyze prices, and get personalized recommendations based on actual data rather than generic marketing hype.

Smart Shopper Tip: True value is a mix of the right price, verified authenticity, and a seamless return policy. Use this sale period to stock up on everyday essentials and high-quality upgrades rather than panic-buying items you’ll regret later.