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.

Finance

HONOR, Fidesmo partner for contactless payments across Europe, Middle East

Enabling contactless payments on the HONOR Watch 6

Published

September 16, 2026

GadgetMatch

HONOR and Fidesmo have partnered to launch contactless payments across Europe and the Middle East on the HONOR Watch 6.

Powered by Fidesmo Pay, the integration enables users to connect an existing Mastercard or Visa card to their watch and complete contactless transactions directly from the wearable device.

This brings Fidesmo’s network of over 900 banks and financial institutions to HONOR’s customers. Users can connect an existing card to the HONOR Watch 6 instantly through the HONOR Health App, which installs a unique token directly onto the watch.

Acting as a secure reference to the payment method, this token allows customers to pay without storing their actual payment details on the device. Once installed, users can tap the watch at any
contactless terminal to pay, just as they would with a card or phone.

HONOR joins a group of device partners that already includes Swatch, Polar, and Mondaine as Fidesmo continues to build momentum across categories.

Entertainment

Max vs 100 will feature Max Verstappen race against 100 go-karters

The live event will stream at midnight on September 17.

Published

September 15, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

As a child, one of my favorite thought experiments is to imagine who would win in a fight between my favorite characters at the time and a number of other random beings. For example, will Superman prevail against 100 Magnetos? Those are the ways I kept my young mind occupied. Now, as a former child, I still do the same thing but with more realistic people, like imagining if Steph Curry can win against 100 high schoolers. This week, ESPN and Disney+ are making one of those imaginary fights real: Formula 1 legend Max Verstappen versus 100 go-karters.

In an upcoming live event streaming exclusively on Disney+, Max vs 100 will pit the four-time world champion against 100 go-karters from everywhere in pop culture. This gaggle of 100 will include popular content creators such as Twitch streamer ExtraEmily, car photographer Larry Chen, and NBA shooting coach Chris Matthews.

All 101 drivers will race around one of the most iconic tracks in Formula 1 history, Silverstone in England. The track will be reconfigured to match the special race.

Of course, this is more than just a parade of go-karts. Max Verstappen will start at the back of the grid, meaning he has to overtake all 100 racers to win. Now, the Dutch driver is no stranger to winning from the back. In 2024, he won the Sao Paulo Grand Prix despite starting from P17 (out of 20 racers). Max vs 100, though familiar for the driver, presents a different challenge. Can he overtake 100 times to win the race?

Max vs 100 will stream live through Disney+ on September 17, 12:00am PHT.

Apps

Apple’s best feature to cure motion sickness is finally on Android

Google copies a good page from Apple’s playbook.

Published

September 15, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

As an Android user, I’ve been jealous of iPhone users for a while now, but it’s not for the reason you might think. See, I’m ridiculously prone to motion sickness when I’m not driving. So, when I discovered that Apple has a software-based cure called Vehicle Motion Cues, I wanted it immediately. Now, Android does have third-party apps that do the same thing, but they’re not as good as a fully native version. Well, those dark, nauseating days are about to come to an end. Android 17 is finally getting a similar tool called Motion assist.

Before that, let’s rewind for a bit. What do these features do? How can they cure motion sickness?

Whenever you open Vehicle Motion Cues or Motion assist, the interface spawns a series of dots on the screen. These dots respond to movement. For example, if the vehicle turns to the left, the dots also go to the left, mimicking the movement. Without cues like this, the stationary nature of the screen clashes with our brain’s perception of movement. The disparity creates that feeling of nausea. Basically, our eyes are desperately trying to focus on the static screen, but our brains are telling us that we should be seeing motion. Having moving dots reorients our brain and places the phone inside our perception of movement.

Now, you can enable the same feature on your Android 17 device through Settings > All services > Motion assist under Personal & device safety. You can also set it so that the feature turns on automatically when the phone detects that you’re in a moving vehicle. Finally, you can also tweak the shape, color, and opacity of these dots.

Android 17’s Motion assist is rolling out now to compatible devices.