News

SM Tickets caught selling their users’ data [Updated]

Your email address is in danger

Published

June 1, 2018

Luigi Leonardo

How much is your privacy worth? To most individuals, personal data is priceless. Without proper regulation, companies today classify privacy as commercial merchandise. Unfortunately, some of these companies hit closer to home than most people would prefer.

Such is the case with Redditor u/joshbeoulve. According to his Reddit post, he found evidence that the Philippines-based SM Tickets Online sold (or at least, gave) his data to another party (in this case, Manulife).

Image source: Redditor u/joshbeoulve

Tracking where data is transacted remains a complicated process. Thankfully, u/joshbeoulve uses temporary burner accounts to sign up for services. In this case, he created an email address specifically for SM Tickets Online. In other words, he gave that email address only to SM Tickets Online.

To his surprise, he received an email from a third party apart from the service in question — Manulife, a company closely affiliated with the SM-owned BDO. The email advertised an upcoming career recruitment event unrelated with any events from SM Tickets.

Image source: Redditor u/joshbeoulve

Burner account services (like Spamgourmet) are active deterrents against spam emails. They can accurately track where your email address ends up in. With u/joshbeoulve’s SM-exclusive account, it’s difficult to argue that SM didn’t handle his data.

Additionally, according to SM Tickets’ privacy policy, users will receive “a User ID which shall not be transferred or sold to another party” when they sign up for the service.

Unfortunately, the policy does not clarify what it means by “User ID” or “another party.” With the lack of clarity, the policy becomes another battle over legal lingo.

Regardless, the management and misuse of data is one of the most controversial topics today. Countries worldwide are cracking down on violations against user privacy. In the Philippines, the recently minted Data Privacy Act of 2012 has policed Philippine companies against privacy violations.

Update (6/2/2018): Since the incident, a representative from Manulife has reached out to Gadgetmatch with the following statement:

Manulife Philippines does not engage in list buying, and does not have any existing arrangements or agreements with any party that would have allowed the unauthorized use of data or of any official documents.

According to the company, the email was sent by a newly employed insurance adviser. After the incident, Manulife has placed the individual under investigation.

Currently, SM Tickets has not spoken out about the issue.

Accessories

Apple is working on AirPods with built-in cameras

References to the wearable were spotted inside a new macOS beta.

Published

August 18, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The launch of operating system betas is a cause of celebration for those digging into what’s next for a brand. No other company does that better than Apple. Today, Apple released a new release candidate for macOS Tahoe 26.7. As expected, the release has a treasure trove of references to unreleased devices, including a new type of AirPods with built-in cameras.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. The references include a slew of unreleased iPads, Macs, and HomePods. Since these devices are already expected to come out, they’re hardly worth nothing. This includes the iPhone 18 series. If anything, the references confirm the iPhone Ultra, the rumored entry into the foldable market, but that’s it.

Now, the more interesting inclusion is a pair of AirPods with cameras. Despite the controversies surrounding cameras on smart glasses, Apple is reportedly building audio-based wearables with cameras themselves.

In a short demo video (also obtained from the macOS beta via MacRumors), the AirPods can apparently “save” things that it sees, including a book you might want to search for later. In that way, the built-in camera acts more like a voice assistant, rather than a recording device.

Though the references don’t confirm a launch date, it’s likely that the camera-based AirPods will come out sometime soon. After all, why would a blatant reference be inside a publicly available beta?

News

Samsung might be working on an even wider foldable

The success of the Galaxy Z Fold8 is pushing Samsung to its next steps.

Published

August 18, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The passport-sized Galaxy Z Fold8 might be one of the best ideas for a foldable ever. Hardly anyone thinks that Samsung’s latest foldable type was a misstep for the brand. Other companies are even rumored to bring out their own passport-sized foldable soon. Now, Samsung is reportedly going further in the same direction by working on an even wider foldable.

Compared to traditional book-style foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold8 has a more squarish shape when folded. Naturally, the phone’s unfolded state is more rectangular, allowing for more screen real estate for full-screen content. It feels much more immersive to watch movies and shows on the foldable.

Now, according to ETNews, Samsung is working on an even wider foldable, potentially for next year. Though sparse on more technical details, the report hints that the next iteration will focus on better video playback, which does indicate a better aspect ratio.

Though foldables have been under the spotlight for a while now, this year might be the moment that the segment reaches its maturity. A lot of brands today have worthy alternatives for foldables. Some are also working on passport-style ones. Apple, the last holdout among the big names of the industry, is rumored to launch its first foldable later this year. There is no better time to try a foldable than this year.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Review

News

realme 16T to come with 8,000mAh battery, 7-year battery health guarantee

Power and endurance designed to last for years

Published

August 17, 2026

GadgetMatch

The upcoming realme 16T will have an 8,000mAh Titan Battery and a 7-Year Battery Health Guarantee for power and endurance designed to last for years.

The brand credits this to its Titan AI Deep Power and Extended Use Care, which work to slow down battery wear over time.

Moreover, the device is also backed by a 6-year Guaranteed Smooth Performance with AI Boost to help keep thing running steadily even after years of daily use.

The realme 16T’s battery supports 45W SUPERVOOC Charge, along with Bypass Charge and Reverse Charge.

These features come handy for keeping the phone cool while plugged in, and for topping up other devices when needed.

Furthermore, the device comes with All-Around Water & Drop Protection, carrying an IP69 Pro rating and Military-Grade Shock Resistance. This way, it can withstand daily bumps, spills, and dust exposure.

Alongside long-term durability, realme is offering added value to early buyers.

Customers who blind pre-order the realme 16T from August 17 to 27 and claim their reserved unit on the First Selling Day on September 4 can enjoy freebies and discounts worth PhP 8,097.

The exclusive offer includes a free TechLife Bluetooth Speaker 3, free Laifen SE Lite Hair Dryer, a Privilege Card with six-mnth extended warranty and six-month screen damage protection. To top it all off, there will be a PhP 2,000 off discount.

More details about the realme 16T like its price, full specs, and launch date will be revealed soon.