News

Samsung will soon display ads on budget, midrange devices

May come in future OneUI versions

Published

June 10, 2020

Kenrick Buduan

Ads and bloatware have long existed in smartphones as manufacturers look for alternative ways to earn from consumers. Over the years, consumers have demanded lesser ads and bloatware on devices. Though the process was slow, many manufacturers gradually removed them from their devices. However, it seems like we’re taking a step backwards if Samsung decides to push through with a big change on OneUI.

A new rumor suggests that Samsung is in the process of experimenting with ads on OneUI. The ads show up on the lock screen, and other rumors suggest that the company may show ads to its branded apps too.

Unfortunately, some of these ads are obtrusive too. For lock screen ads, a user may have to wait for 15 seconds to dismiss it and unlock the phone.

Samsung might display ads in the future for its Galaxy A and M series. Ads may show up as part of updates on the next OneUI version. As of now, the company is neither confirming nor denying its strategy of putting ads in future Galaxy devices.

Fancy an ad in OneUI? (Photo by TizenHelp)

Copycat strategy

Putting ads and bloatware enable manufacturers to offset the cost of a smartphone. An offset in cost means lower retail prices but at the expense of more ads for the end-users.

This is not the first time that a manufacturer brought ads to its devices. Xiaomi has been putting ads in MIUI recently to boost its earnings from devices brought by consumers. Meanwhile, other China-based manufacturers put bloatware that displays ads and annoys users in general. So, there is actually a precedence for Samsung to follow suit.

Luckily though, ads and bloatware can be easily removed with workarounds. Some users resort to various methods to remove these annoyances, while some just accept them. After all, a feature-packed smartphone sold at competitive prices has to have some kind of a trade-off. And for most manufacturers, putting ads in return is the best trade-off strategy for now.

Source: Android Authority

Entertainment

Supergirl gets its first teaser trailer

Milly Alcock stars as the titular character.

Published

December 12, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

Before the new year starts, it’s already fair to assume that Supergirl might be one of the most anticipated movies of 2026. Premiering a year after the globally successful Superman, Supergirl will see the adventures of Clark Kent’s superpowered cousin, Kara Zor-El. Now, the next film in the sage finally has a teaser trailer.

As James Gunn mentioned previously, Supergirl will be based on Tom King’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Off traveling to other planets to party, Kara finds herself thrust back into the role of being a hero after a young girl named Ruthye Mary Knoll asks her for help.

Though the teaser trailer is mostly a montage of scenes, we already know what we can expect. According to Gunn, Supergirl will be tonally different from Superman, and we see this in the trailer.

However, we can still see influences from Gunn including the usage of “Call Me” by Blondie for the trailer. Also, the film’s space scenes look like they can fit right in with Guardians of the Galaxy.

Still, that’s what we have, and we’re excited. Supergirl will premiere on June 26, 2026.

The film will be directed by Craig Gillespie (Cruella). Milly Alcock plays the titular character. Meanwhile, she will star alongside Eve Ridley as Ruthye Mary Knoll.

News

HONOR Magic8 Pro launches in Dubai

Price, preorder perks, availability

Published

December 11, 2025

GadgetMatch

The HONOR Magic8 Pro, HONOR’s latest flagship smartphone, has been officially launched Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Customers can place preorders starting December 11 across UAE via the HONOR Online Store, Sharaf DG, Emax, Ecity, Jumbo, Virgin Megastore, Amazon, Carrefour, e&, Eros, Noon, and Lulu.

The pricing are as follows:

12GB+512GB (Sunrise Gold, Sky Cyan, Black): AED 3,999
16GB+1TB (Sunrise Gold, Black): AED 4,699

Those who preorder will get the following as part of a preorder gift package worth AED 2,299:

HONOR VIP Care+ with 12-month damage protection
3-month Google AI Pro trial
HONOR Watch5 Ultra

HONOR Magic8 Pro: AI imaging, mobile intelligence, creator-focused tech

The introduction of the HONOR Magic8 Pro reinforces the company’s leadership in AI Imaging, mobile intelligence, and creator-focused technology.

The phone boasts of groundbreaking on-device AI innovations, including Low-bit Quantization Technology for AI Models and Next-Generation Hybrid Retrieval Technology.

Powering the Pro model is the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 mobile platform. It is the first phone in UAE to have the processor.

HONOR’s agentic AI capabilities and Qualcomm’s mobile platforms make it possible for the device to be more efficient and packed with computing power.

The phone also comes with a 7100mAh Silicon-carbon battery. More advanced features include the AI Button, AI Search, and AI Documents, all designed to enhance productivity and support AI-driven workflows.

For its camera package, the HONOR Magic8 Pro has a 200MP AI Ultra Night Telephoto camera and an upgraded AI Ultra Night Portrait mode.

The device also introduces AI Magic Color and a new AI Editor, enabling refined color optimization and on-device creative adjustments.

For more of the innovations on the HONOR Magic8 Pro, read: HONOR reveals 1st images of Magic8 Pro, introduces new AI technologies

News

TNT network recognized for having Best Mobile Latency

According to Ookla analysis

Published

December 10, 2025

GadgetMatch

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

TNT has been recognized for having the Best Mobile Latency, according to network intelligence and connectivity insights company Ookla, which is known for its internet speed tests.

Based on Ookla analysis for Q1 to Q2 2025, TNT’s network, powered by Smart, led with a median latency of 45.89 milliseconds (ms) for all network technologies.

(NOTE: Mobile latency measures how quickly data travels over a network; the lower the latency, the faster the response)

This enables users to tap, click, and swipe on their favorite apps in real-time. For streaming and mobile gaming, it also means a smoother experience.

Be it MOBA titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang or FPS games like Call of Duty Mobile, which both need real-time responsiveness, TNT allows gamers to make their best moves without worrying about lag.

Binge-watchers, meanwhile, can enjoy their favorite series, vlogs, and micro-dramas without buffering. On the other hand, students and professionals can attend online meetings or quick calls using just mobile data.

Furthermore, online live sellers and shoppers can also enjoy real-time transactions, ensuring their favorite items make it to the cart without delay.

Such low latency is also crucial for those who love scoring flash deals or vouchers where those who are among the first to click win discounts.

Users who want to level up their experience can switch to TNT by getting a TNT SIM or eSIM at accredited retailers and convenience stores. They may also do so via the Smart Online Store.

Subscribers from other networks can also easily switch to TNT without changing their number through Mobile Number Portability (MNP).