News

Samsung Neo QLED TVs: Price and availability in the Philippines

They come with a free soundbar!

Published

March 29, 2021

GadgetMatch

First unveiled at CES 2021, Samsung’s latest and greatest TV tech, the Neo QLED, is making its way to the Philippines. What’s more, they will also come free with a premium 2021 soundbar that’s worth up to PhP54,999 when you pre-order from March 29 to April 19.

Samsung is taking QLED to the next level enabled by new light source, Quantum Mini LED precisely controlled by Quantum Matrix Technology and Neo Quantum Processor, a powerful picture processor optimized for Neo QLED.

Neo QLED increases the luminance scale to 12-bit with 4096 steps; this helps make dark areas darker and bright areas brighter, resulting in a more precise and immersive HDR experience.

It also benefits from Samsung’s proprietary Neo Quantum Processor with enhanced upscaling capabilities. By using up to 16 different neural network models, each trained in AI upscaling and deep learning technology, the Neo Quantum Processor can optimize picture quality to 4K and 8K picture output regardless of the input quality.

Samsung’s 2021 Neo QLED 8K features a new Infinity One Design — a nearly bezel-less screen providing an even more immersive viewing experience in a sleek design and form factor.

Neo QLED 8K’s attachable Slim One Connect box—an all-new cable management system that can be attached to the TV’s back — allows for an easier install and cleaner aesthetic.

The 2021 Neo QLED 8K also packs in several premium, room-filling audio features; Object Tracking Sound (OTS) Pro’s dynamic sound corresponds to the movement of objects on screen, and the SpaceFit Sound analyzes the installed TV’s physical environment and outputs immersive sound tailored specifically to the space.

Price and availability

As mentioned earlier, the Samsung Neo QLED TVs are available for pre-order and is available only at the following stores: Abenson, Anson Robinson, and SM Appliance and retail and online stores. The available models are as follows:

QN900A Neo QLED 8K 85″

SRP — PhP 699,999
Net Cash — PhP 599,999
Freebie: Q Soundbar Q900A

QN800A Neo QLED 8K 75″

SRP — PhP 379,999
Net Cash — PhP 299,999
Freebie: Q Soundbar Q800A

QN800A Neo QLED 8K 65″

SRP — PhP 219,999
Net Cash — PhP 179,999
Freebie: Soundbar A550

QN90A Neo QLED 4K 75″

SRP — PhP 244,999
Net Cash — PhP 220,499
Freebie: Soundbar A550

QN90A Neo QLED 4K 65″

SRP — PhP 161,999
Net Cash — PhP 144,999
Freebie: Soundbar A550

QN85A Neo QLED 4K 85″

SRP — PhP 334,999
Net Cash — PhP 299,999
Freebie: Q Soundbar Q800A

QN85A Neo QLED 4K 55″

SRP — PhP 109,999
Net Cash — PhP 99,999
Freebie: Soundbar A450

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.