News

Samsung might ditch Qualcomm’s fingerprint tech

Might go back to normal fingerprint sensors

Published

November 29, 2019

Luigi Leonardo

Last month, Samsung has discovered a fatal flaw with its new fingerprint technology. Touted as “revolutionary,” the Galaxy S10’s ultrasonic fingerprint scanner promised a new age of smartphone security. The new in-screen system was supposedly faster and more accurate. Unfortunately, it falls short in the accuracy department.

Found by several users, the system apparently works on any fingerprint, rather than the assigned fingerprint. Thankfully, Samsung is already rolling out an update for the flaw. Still, the flaw is a massive hit on the flagship’s (and the industry’s) security.

According to a new report, Qualcomm, the technology’s inventor, is already expressing doubt over their invention. “The latest security issue involving the new technology could cause other smartphone manufacturers to hesitate to adopt it,” a Qualcomm official said.

In fact, another analyst even speculates Samsung’s impending departure from the product. “If Samsung Electronics replaces the fingerprint sensors in question with traditional optical scanners, this would benefit domestic companies that offer optical scanners,” a Samsung security analyst said.

Unfortunately, Qualcomm is now in a tenuous position. Regardless of Samsung’s decision, Qualcomm’s new fingerprint sensor already comes with a word of caution. Use if you dare. If you have a phone with the technology, other security methods might work better.

News

Sony teams up with Hello Kitty for exclusive limited-edition collection

Sony and Hello Kitty join forces.

Published

October 6, 2026

Her

Sony has teamed up with Hello Kitty for a limited-edition collaboration that combines selected Sony products with exclusive merchandise featuring Sanrio’s beloved character.

Available exclusively through Sony Store channels, the collection marks Sony’s first collaboration with Hello Kitty. It covers the Xperia 10 VIII smartphone and three wireless headphone models: the WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N, and WH-CH530.

Each collaboration model comes with exclusive Hello Kitty merchandise designed specifically for Sony Store customers.

Sony x Hello Kitty collection

The Xperia 10 VIII collaboration model is priced at SGD 919. It comes with an exclusive Hello Kitty sacoche-style shoulder bag designed to carry the smartphone and other small essentials, along with a Hello Kitty tote bag.

Meanwhile, the WH-1000XM6 collaboration model costs SGD 609. The WH-CH730N is priced at SGD 249, while the WH-CH530 costs SGD 149.

Each headphone collaboration package includes a Sony Store-exclusive Hello Kitty pouch for carrying the headphones and personal belongings, as well as a Hello Kitty tote bag.

The products retain Sony’s existing designs while adding Hello Kitty-themed accessories. The collection aims to bring the character’s signature charm into everyday use without changing the core design of the Sony devices.

Available now in Singapore

Pre-orders for the Sony x Hello Kitty collaboration models are now available through Sony Store channels in Singapore.

Sony is also showcasing the collection at the Sony Store at 313@somerset. Visitors can try the products firsthand and take photos at a dedicated Hello Kitty photo wall.

The collaboration models are available in limited quantities.

For more information, visit the official Sony Store Singapore website.

News

iPhone 18 series breaks records in Vietnam as pre-orders triple

Despite hefty price tag, market saw immense demand for latest Apple devices

Published

October 6, 2026

GadgetMatch

The iPhone 18 series saw immense demand upon its availability in Vietnam, with reports indicating that pre-orders at some local retailers for the latest Apple devices more than tripled compared to the previous generation during the same window.

Pre-orders in the market officially opened last month and saw hundreds of thousands of deposits in just days. Devices officially began hitting shelves and delivering to consumers last September 18.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max has been the sought-after model, as XO Tours noted, accounting for about 80% to 90% of the total number of pre-orders. Meanwhile, Burgundy has been the hit color option.

Retailers did have a few safeguards in place, like limiting each customer to a maximum of two Pro or Pro Max units combined.

And in spite of the hefty price tags, the availability of 0% interest installment plans, as well as Buy Now, Pay Later options kept the flagship models as an accessible luxury for consumers, with trade-ins also providing additional discounts.

As with many developing markets, Vietnam also relies heavily on smartphones as everyday devices over laptops, tablets, or PCs.

News

vivo V80 Lite launches in the PH: Price, availability, pre-order details

Pre-order until October 16 for perks

Published

October 4, 2026

GadgetMatch

vivo has launched the Guinness World Records holder vivo V80 Lite in the Philippines for a starting price of PhP 24,999.

The midrange offering is available for pre-order until October 16. Customers can enjoy the following benefits when they place pre-orders during the period:

vivo Buds Air3, worth PhP 1,799
PhP 1,000 pre-order discount
vivo Silver Membership exclusive privileges via the vivo Store app
four-year battery warranty, worth PhP 1,510
100GB Google One cloud storage for six months (can be claimed until October 2, 2027)

Customers can also get an additional PhP 500 discount when purchasing through Home Credit at 0% interest until October 31, 2026. Use the voucher code HCV80LITE.

The vivo V80 Lite comes in two configurations: