News

Sony launches new Bravia XR TVs with up to 8K resolution

Published

April 2, 2021

Kenrick Buduan

Sony just launched the BRAVIA XR TV lineup, which features the next-gen Cognitive Processor XR. The lineup consists of 8K to 4K LCD or OLED TVs powered by Google TV, with compatibility for HDMI 2.1 and more.

The Cognitive Processor XR on the new BRAVIA XR TVs has a completely new image and sound processing method designed to mimic the way humans see and hear. It works by dividing the screen into numerous zones and detecting the focal point. Through the focal point, the built-in AI can intelligently and cross-analyze elements like color, contrast, and detail all at once. The end result is a synchronized and lifelike image for a better viewing experience.

The processor also intelligently analyzes the sound position from a signal so that the sound matches the image almost perfectly. Plus, it also upscales any sound into a 3D surround for a truly immersive experience.

BRAVIA XR TVs also have Google TV under the hood, bringing a whole lot of apps and entertainment to users. Users can also watch personalized recommendations and access bookmarked content from their Watchlist. Plus, Google TV comes integrated with Google Search and Assistant for quicker control of the TV and other connected devices. Users may even cast their favorite YouTube videos from smartphones, PC, or Google Nest to their TVs.

It also has Netflix Calibrated Mode, so users can watch Netflix movies and shows just as how the creators intended them. On top of it all, BRAVIA XR TVs have HDMI 2.1 support and e-ARC compatibility — think pro-gaming features such as 4K 120fps support, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).

Different models to choose from

BRAVIA XR TVs come in a variety of models and sizes. Each model also has its own unique features. The top-of-the-line MASTER Series Z9J model, for example, is an 85-inch LCD TV with a Full-Array LED panel, XR Triluminos Pro, XR Contrast Booster, and XR 8K Upscaling. It is also CALMAN Ready for advanced calibration and fine-tuning. In Singapore, this will cost around SG$ 26,999.

Almost the same features can be found on the A90J and A80J models, which range from 77-inch to 55-inch models. These are OLED TVs though, so you get much murkier blacks and saturated colors that aren’t entirely possible on an LCD TV. However, they also have a much lower resolution. The cheaper A80J will start at SG$ 3,999 while the A90J will retail from SG$ 5,999.

Meanwhile, the much cheaper X95J and X90J models pack the same specs as the top-of-the-line model but downgrade to 4K resolution to keep costs down. The X95J is available from an 85-inch to a 65-inch display and will start at SG$ 4,499. Meanwhile, the X90J is available in a variety of sizes ranging from 75-inch to 50-inch display and will retail from SG$ 2,599.

The new BRAVIA XR TVs will be available from April 2021 at Sony Stores, Sony Centres, and authorized dealers. It will also be available to buy online and through the official Sony store on Lazada Singapore.

News

vivo V70 FE pre-orders now open, starts at PhP 25,999

Offers, perks available throughout pre-order period

Published

April 13, 2026

GadgetMatch

vivo has officially opened pre-orders for the vivo V70 FE, the more affordable follow-up to the vivo V70 launched last February.

The pre-order period is until April 24 and the midrange smartphone is available in two memory configurations:

8GB+256GB: PhP 25,999
12GB+256GB: PhP 29,999

Customers who place pre-orders at vivo stores nationwide will receive:

limited-time vivo VIP Card with a 6-month extended warranty and 6-month broken screen insurance
limited edition vivo Buds Air3
PhP 1,000 discount

Customers can also bring home the vivo V70 FE for as low as PhP 37/day with 0% interest installment plans up to 18 months via Home Credit.

In addition, Globe has been tapped as the official network partner for a free prepaid SIM with 1-year unli 5G.

The vivo V70 FE has a POP MART Zsiga Exclusive Photo Border, thanks to its partnership with the IP. You may recall that the vivo V70 also released an exclusive Golden Hour colorway earlier.

The device is built for creators with a 200MP main camera, which can deliver portraits at different focal lengths, including an 85mm zoom.

In front is a 32MP camera and a 6.81-inch 120Hz 1.5K AMOLED display.

The phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7360-Turbo processor. It houses a 7,000mAh battery with support for 90W fast charging.

Customers can choose from three colorways: Muse Purple, Ocean Blue, and Urban Silver.

News

These space photos were taken with an iPhone 17 Pro Max

All three photos were taken with the selfie cam.

Published

April 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Image source: NASA

The iPhone 17 Pro Max has always been touted as the quintessential phone for creators. But what happens if that creator finds themselves on the far side of the Moon?

Last week, NASA concluded the Artemis II, the first manned mission around the far side of the Moon in this century. Naturally, the mission produced breathtaking views of both the Moon and the Earth. Though most of those photos were taken with dedicated cameras, a few of them were taken with an iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Before the mission launched into orbit, NASA confirmed that the premium iPhone model had been approved to be included in the spaceflight. Each of the four crew members were given the phones for their own photography.

Image source: NASA

All three of the photos posted here were reportedly taken with the phone’s selfie camera. That says a lot about the iPhone’s camera quality if they weren’t even taken with the powerful rear cameras.

When the mission ended last week, Apple CEO Tim Cook and marketing SVP Greg Joswiak congratulated the crew for finishing the mission and taking spectacular photos with the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Image source: NASA

Artemis II marks a special milestone for spaceflight. It’s the first time in almost 25 years that humans have gone to the Moon. NASA, as well as other agencies all over the world, are planning more manned spaceflights in the coming future.

Laptops

MacBook Neo pre-orders now open through Beyond the Box

Exclusive freebies, more perks available

Published

April 12, 2026

GadgetMatch

Customers in the Philippines can now pre-order the MacBook Neo through Beyond the Box.

Those who avail of the device during the pre-order period can get up to PhP 10,000 worth in freebies. This is a curated bundle of essential accessories.

The MacBook Neo will also appear at these two cafes, inviting those who plan on upgrading to experience Apple’s new offering first-hand:

April 16: Scout’s Honor, Uptown Mall
April 17: The Matcha Tokyo, Opus Mall

Attendees who pre-order on the spot will also enjoy complimentary beverage, live DJ performances, and the opportunity to engage with social media personalities.

And to ensure the MacBook Neo is more accessible, Beyond the Box is offering 0% interest installment plans. This is both through major credit cards, Home Credit, and GCash’s GGives.

Reservations can be made through all Beyond the Box, Digital Walker, and open_sources branches nationwide.

Alternatively, the MacBook Neo is available through beyondthebox.ph, Lazada, and Shopee. It is priced at PhP 33,990 (education) and PhP 39,990 (retail).

Apple MacBook Neo

The Apple MacBook Neo is the company’s latest laptop, which is also its most affordable. It retails at just about US$ 499 to US$ 599 in the United States and SG$ 729 to SG$ 849 in Singapore.

It runs on an A18 Pro chip for 50% faster everyday performance compared to Intel Core Ultra 5-level PCs. This chip also has a 16-core Neural Engine for Apple Intelligence and 5-core GPU for graphics workloads.

The portable and lightweight laptop has a 13-inch 2408 x 1506 display, two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, and Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6 connectivity.

The MacBook Neo ships with MacOS Tahoe, complete with apps like Safari, Photos, Messages, and FaceTime. Users are promised up to 16 hours of usage on a single charge.