Gaming

Razer Phone 2 gets updated to Android 9 Pie, now with 4K 60fps video

Comes with new features to enjoy

Published

March 1, 2019

Daniel Morial

Razer Phone 2 | GadgetMatch

Razer Phone 2 owners can now finally join the Android Pie club. The second-generation gaming smartphone from Razer is finally receiving the latest Android version, specifically for the unlocked variant.

The update is happening over the air. When the notification shows up, let the phone download and install it automatically.

Android 9 Pie for the Razer Phone 2 is practically stock with minimal customizations to give a bit of a Razer-esque look and feel. Most of the changes are the core features of Android Pie including the new gesture navigation, Adaptive Battery, access to the Digital Wellbeing app, and all the under-the-hood improvements that should make the phone run better.

On top of that, Razer is finally able to push the video recording capabilities of the phone to 4K at 60fps. If you use the phone’s camera a lot, this might come in handy.

Some of the Razer Phone 2 in selected markets are under their respective carriers, so the update for these units will come at a later date.

More info about the Razer Phone 2’s Android Pie update is available on Razer’s support page.

Gaming

Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s new console

Formerly known as Project Scarlett

Published

December 13, 2019

Rodneil Quiteles

With millions of eyes glued to the Game Awards, Microsoft took the opportunity to unveil their latest console. Formerly known as Project Scarlett, the gaming console now has an official name — Xbox Series X.

The Xbox Series X has a custom-designed CPU that’s based on AMD’s Zen 2 and Radeon RDNA Architecture. Speaking of CPU, that’s exactly what the console looks like. Despite it looking like most CPU Towers, the console can be positioned both vertically and horizontally.

Microsoft Xbox chief Phil Spencer claims the new console it will “deliver four times the processing power of Xbox One X in the most quiet and efficient way.” It’s also using an SSD which should boost load times. It’s also capable of 8K gaming with frame rates of up to 120 FPS as well as ray tracing.

Spencer confirmed with GameSpot that it the Xbox Series X is backwards compatible. It will support games you can play on the Xbox One and will also have support for accessories sold for earlier versions of the console.

There’s no word yet on exact pricing and availabilty but they did say it will come just ahead of the holiday shopping season in 2020. This puts it squarely around the time of the PlayStation 5’s release date. Exciting times ahead for console gamers!

Gaming

Black Shark 2 Pro: Price and availability in the Philippines

It’s finally here!

Published

December 12, 2019

Rodneil Quiteles

It’s finally here! The much anticipated Black Shark 2 and Black Shark 2 Pro are finally in the Philippines.

First announced back in July, the Black Shark 2 is a much anticipated gaming smartphone. Powering the phone is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus.

The device also comes with an AMOLED display with a 240Hz touch report rate. However, is that the display still retains a 60Hz refresh rate that lags behind its major competitor — the ASUS ROG Phone 2 — which has a display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The display’s response speed was reduced to 34.7 ms, promising faster response times during high pressure gameplay.

Price and availability

The Black Shark 2 comes in three variants: 6GB/128GB (PhP 22,990), 8GB/128GB (23,990), and 12GB/256GB (PhP 28,990).

Meanwhile, the Black Shark 2 Pro comes in two variants: 8GB/128GB (PhP 27,990), and 12GB/256GB (PhP 33,490).

The phones will be available in select Mi Stores: SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, and SM Mall of Asia starting December 13.

Gaming

Resident Evil 3 gets its remake, available Q2 2020

Remade into horror and glory

Published

December 12, 2019

Gab Orlina

PlayStation saved the best announcement as its second to the last for its final State of Play. One of the most popular survival horror franchises gets another remake since its release 20 years ago. Capcom wants to take everyone back to Raccoon City in its full, high definition glory in Resident Evil 3.

Revisit the story of Jill Valentine as you venture through the virus-infected city in this modern remake. Avid followers of the multitude of Resident Evil games will enjoy the improved visuals while enjoying the same style of shoulder-perspective gameplay. Capcom programmed the entire remake on their own RE Engine, the engine responsible for Devil May Cry 5.

Apart from that, Capcom also announced Resident Evil: Project Resistance – a 4v1 multiplayer mode within Resident Evil 3. It features similar gameplay to that of Resident Evil 2, as players turn into survivors at the mercy of a Mastermind. Early talks suggested that it would be a separate title, but will now be part of the Resident Evil 3 remake.

The game will be available for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and the PC on April 3, 2020. PlayStation is already taking in pre-orders for the game as early as now.