News

Samsung releases new Galaxy Tab A8

More power and performance

Published

January 11, 2022

GadgetMatch

Samsung announced today the release of its new Galaxy Tab A8, the most streamlined and powerful Tab A Series device yet from the electronic company.

The Galaxy Tab A8 combines impressive screen, power and performance into a slim and lightweight design for a portable experience that suits users’ everyday lifestyles.

Everything users want, enhanced

The Galaxy Tab A8 experience begins with Samsung’s signature tablet design and feel while elevating power and performance.

The lightweight device boasts a 10.5-inch screen with a remarkably slim bezel on a 16:10 aspect ratio for an 80 percent screen-to-body ratio, leading to a much more immersive viewing experience.

The Galaxy Tab A8’s quad-speaker with Dolby Atmos provides a rich soundscape with unparalleled detail, depth and realism.

Beyond its incredible display, the latest Samsung tablet’s CPU and GPU have each been increased by 10 percent to deliver faster and smoother performance and reduce lagging.

In a first for the Galaxy Tab A8, users can choose either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage alongside 4GB of RAM on an Octa-Core 2GHz processor, plus an expandable microSD card feature of up to 1TB of space.

The Galaxy Tab A8 comes with a 7,040mAh battery with up to 15W fast-charging means that users can stream for hours on end, without worrying about losing power.

Convenience and protection for kids

In an effort to make everyday lives easier and better, Samsung made the Galaxy Tab A8 equipped with interactive educational content and convenient parental controls.

These will make it handy for parents to provide their kids with a safe and engaging learning environment whether at home or on the go.

Kids can also enjoy a fun and personalized tablet experience, thanks to Samsung’s partnerships with global content partners and the ability to customize the home screen with playful icons and color schemes.

Better multi-tasking

Users can instantly access a comprehensive snapshot of device usage and activity all in one place and can set screen time goals and track progress against them throughout the week.

For simpler and more powerful multitasking, Multi-Active Window allows users to split the screen and use two apps at the same time side-by-side, and even add a pop-up window.

If in a lecture for instance, you may be able to simultaneously chat with classmates, take notes and view a presentation all at once.

When browsing the internet, simply drag a link from your current window to the side to create a split screen, as the Drag & Split feature automatically opens a second browser window.

Increased functionality

The Galaxy Tab A8 has an 8MP rear camera, 5MP front camera and brand-new Screen Recorder feature so students, teachers and even gamers won’t have to miss out on recording important lectures or game highlights.

The feature allows for clear and detailed recording of videos, as well as even recording the user while giving a demonstration with voice while making annotations or writing on-screen to highlight key points.

Most importantly, users can enjoy all the functionality of the Galaxy Tab A8 with confidence and peace of mind.

Galaxy Tab A8 is backed by Samsung’s industry-leading Knox security platform with multi-layer protection. Face recognition may also be turned on to provide an extra layer of security.

Pricing and availability

The Galaxy Tab A8 will be available in Gray, Silver and new Pink Gold beginning on January 11, 2022.

Galaxy Tab A8 Wi-Fi (64GB) will be priced at PhP 13,990, while the Galaxy Tab A8 LTE (128GB) variant will be priced at PhP 18,990.

From January 11 to February 28, 2022, customers will get a FREE Book Cover worth PhP 2,599 with the Galaxy Tab A8 LTE, and a FREE Clear Edge Cover worth PhP 1,299 with the Galaxy Tab A8 Wi-Fi.

News

Apple reportedly gives up on the Vision Pro

But Apple will continue to sell the current model.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

When they unveiled the Vision Pro in 2023, Apple touted the wearable as the next big thing after the iPhone. Now, almost three years removed from the launch, the Vision Pro hasn’t really taken over the coveted spot occupied by the iPhone. Apple, according to a report, is allegedly canning the short-lived wearable.

According to MacRumors, Apple has reportedly given up on making the Vision Pro a thing. The team handling the wearable has supposedly been subsumed by other teams within Apple.

If true, the wearable’s end is unfortunate but not surprising. Despite being out for years, the Vision Pro has sold only a little more than half a million units with numerous returns from customers. Most recently, Apple updated the wearable with the M5 chip, but the move hasn’t revitalized the device’s status in Apple’s lineup.

Most of the complaints about the device stem from its exorbitant price or its cumbersome battery pack. Besides costing a whopping US$ 3,499, the Vision Pro is also difficult to move around with, especially because of its total weight and a battery pack that can get in the way.

To be clear, Apple has not officially discontinued the Vision Pro yet. The company continues to sell the version with the M5 chip. Apple can also restart development in the future.

However, the meantime retirement on future development does coincide with the recent restructuring inside the company. Tim Cook recently decided to step down as CEO with John Ternus as his replacement. Canning the Vision Pro might be Ternus’ first step in redefining Apple according to his plans.

Apps

YouTube makes picture-in-picture mode free for everyone globally

The update is rolling out globally now.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Picture-in-picture (or PiP) mode is a godsend for multitaskers. The feature lets users watch videos in a tiny floating window while doing other tasks. However, the feature isn’t readily available for all users. Or wasn’t, at least. YouTube is now rolling out PiP mode for free globally.

Previously, PiP mode was exclusive to YouTube users who pay for Premium or Premium Lite. It was also exclusive to the United States.

Now, YouTube is making the feature completely free for users all over the globe. It will be available for both iOS and Android versions of the app.

There’s still a catch, though. The free version is available only for “longform, non-music content.” The same goes for Premium Lite subscribers. Music is still an exclusive feature for those who pay for the regular version of Premium. Basically, there is no change for paying users or users in the United States.

Using PiP mode is simple. All you need to do is load up a video you want to watch in the background. Then, just exit the YouTube app and go about your other tasks. The video will be inside a floating, resizable window while you look at other things.

There’s no timeline on when the update will reach your device. However, YouTube has promised that it will roll out globally within the coming months.

Enterprise

OnePlus has reportedly merged with realme

Both brands were previously rumored for restructuring early this year.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

OnePlus has a problem. For a while now, rumors have swirled about the company’s dissolution. For their part, the company has continued to deny the reports, citing business as usual. Likely to their dismay, the reports just keep coming. Today, sources have hinted that OnePlus has merged with realme.

Back in January, it was rumored that OnePlus would be closing up shop this year. Since the company very quickly denied the rumors, the report hardly made waves. However, a suspected merger with realme is more difficult to debunk.

For one, realme is itself in a very interesting position. Also back in January, realme was reportedly moving back into being a sub-brand of OPPO. Coupled together with the OnePlus debacle, all this internal restructuring seems par for the course.

According to Digital Chat Station on Weibo, OnePlus and realme have already concluded the merger. The two brands have reportedly united their Chinese and international operations under one roof. Likewise, their marketing will be the same. Pete Lau will still be the main head for this new division.

As with anything of this nature, take this with a grain of salt. OPPO, OnePlus, and realme have not issued any official statements concerning a merger or a shutdown for any brand.