News
Samsung cheats Live Focus using a DSLR photo in ad
Not again…
This is not the first time a brand was caught cheating its advertorial photos, but the people behind this don’t seem to care if they are deceiving consumers. Sure, smartphone cameras today are capable of shooting DSLR-like photos, but that doesn’t mean they can get away with using a professional photo to promote a consumer phone.
Dunja Djudjic of DIYPhotography spotted her own work on Samsung Malaysia’s website to advertise and demo the Live Focus feature or the portrait mode capabilities of the Galaxy A8 Star. Samsung didn’t steal the photo because Djudjic licensed it on the photo site EyeEm. Although, the photo was not shot by Djudjic using a Galaxy A8 Star or any other smartphone, but rather a DSLR.
Samsung doesn’t outright claim the photo was taken with the Galaxy A8 Star, but the product page certainly implies that this is how a photo would look like if you shoot with the Live Focus feature of the Samsung phone.

What makes things worse is the photo of Djudjic was manipulated. The photo’s subject (who is Djudjic herself) was cut out from the foreground, touched up, and pasted over a different background. Again, this is not an issue for Djudjic, but for consumers who’ll be misled.
Using stock images is a common practice in advertising, but they shouldn’t be used to promote a camera’s capabilities. Doing so comes off as deceptive. Samsung phones do take great photos, so why go through trouble by using a DSLR shot?
Upon re-checking the page, it now notes that the images are simulated — something Samsung should have done in the first place. Still, we’d love to see an actual sample.
Via: DIYPhotography
SEE ALSO: Brand ambassador sued by Samsung for using an iPhone on TV
Automotive
Mercedes-Benz celebrates 140th anniversary at the Presidential Car Museum
A generation’s worth of presidential Benz models under one roof
Last month, Mercedes-Benz Philippines kicked off its 140th -anniversary “Welcome Home” campaign. Designed to celebrate the iconic Chedeng and introduce a new generation to the brand, the campaign attracts old and new customers alike. Now, the brand’s 140th year is also hitting history buffs with a special showcase at the Presidential Car Museum in Quezon City.
Since President Cory Aquino’s term, the official presidential car has been a Benz, offering comfort and protection for the current head of state. It is here where Mercedes-Benz wants to celebrate the legacy of the brand, especially in the annals of Philippine history.
Amid the cars of Presidents Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, and Macapagal-Arroyo, Mercedes-Benz is displaying a replica of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen Replica, which is the world’s first automobile introduced by Karl Benz in 1886. The replica will be on display until December 2026.
Outside the Presidential Car Museum, Mercedes-Benz is running discounts through the end of July. There are also special aftersales services for those who already own a Benz. Finally, the brand will continue to run activations throughout the anniversary, so expect to hear a lot more about the Chedeng throughout the year.
SEE ALSO: Mercedes-Benz holds a Welcome Home campaign to celebrate 140 years
News
Samsung releases teaser with Spider-Man: Brand New Day Easter eggs
Spot also teases upcoming Galaxy foldable devices
Samsung has just premiered a new spot that showcases clips directly from Spider-Man: Brand New Day, just a few weeks before the movie hits cinemas later this month.
The clip showcases Spider-Man as he fights crime and puts his phone through the wear and tear of superhero life.
In the spot, the Fabricator creates a number of devices for Spider-Man built to stand up to the pace and unpredictability of life behind the mask. This includes what clearly looks like a Galaxy Z Flip phone.
This provides a behind the scenes look into how Peter Parker ultimately landed on a Samsung phone — as fans speculated from the first trailer.
Meanwhile, Ned can also be seen using the Spidey Tracker to try and catch Spider-Man throughout the city on his Samsung phone.
The campaign pretty much formalizes Jacob Batalon — who plays Ned Leeds — as Samsung’s Team Galaxy’s newest ambassador.
The clip ends with the text “A brand new shape for a Brand New Day”, which is also a callback to what the brand has been teasing regarding the future of its Galaxy foldable devices.
Samsung to release latest devices at Galaxy Unpacked
Next week, Samsung is set to launch its latest devices at Galaxy Unpacked 2026.
Ahead of the launch, customers who wish to reserve as early as now can get a US$ 30 credit during pre-order, for a total of up to US$ 1,230 in savings.
Customers can also enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 10 US$ 500 Samsung.com gift cards towards their purchase.
Normally, public betas come and go with nary a peep from anyone but dedicated fans and testers. After all, why care about a beta when the final release is likely just around the corner? This one, however, is special. Today, Apple launched the iOS 27 public beta, and it’s our first taste of the redesigned Siri AI.
Recently, WWDC 2026 unveiled Apple’s latest attempts at entering the AI segment. Whereas previous iterations to incorporate AI failed to make an impact, Siri AI promises to provide users with helpful feedback that’s actually helpful.
Now, in the public beta for iOS 27, users all over can finally access the new assistant. To get to the beta, you need to be a part of the beta program, which you can easily sign up for on beta.apple.com. Once signed up, you can get the update from Software Update in Settings. You’ll see options for a developer beta and a public beta. Choose iOS 27 Public Beta.
At face value, Siri AI offers much of what you’d get from a traditional AI-powered assistant. However, it does slightly differ because it integrates the entire phone. The assistant contextualizes your information (including emails, messages, and photos) to give you the most accurate feedback that you might need.
If that’s not enough, Siri AI also has its own chatbot app. If you’re more used to ChatGPT, the assistant should give you that bit of familiarity.
Now, if you don’t want to go for a beta, Apple is expected to launch iOS 27 in its final form sometime in September.
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