News

Tango-enabled Lenovo Phab 2 Pro is finally available

Published

November 2, 2016

Marvin Velasco

You’ve likely come across a few augmented reality products and apps already. These range from Microsoft’s insanely expensive HoloLens to the Pokémon Go game we’ve had too much of. Unlike virtual reality, which places you in a totally separate world, augmented reality adds virtual layers to real surroundings. The now-available Lenovo Phab 2 Pro is designed to push AR even further, with a little help from Google’s Tango, of course.

Hold on… Tango? According to the search giant, it’s technology that enables AR utilities and gaming. All you need is a compatible smartphone — the Phab 2 Pro is the first — and the right apps. Once everything is set up, you’ll see visual information laid out in your environment just like in sci-fi movies.

Three specially designed rear cameras handle AR duties

To make things possible, the Phab 2 Pro employs three rear cameras consisting of one 16-megapixel shooter (also used for taking regular photos), a depth camera for figuring out distance, and a single fisheye lens for ultra-wide-angle shots.

There’s only one Tango-enabled phone right now and a little over 35 downloadable apps on either the official Tango store or Google Play, but it’s definitely a start, and way more accessible than a HoloLens that isn’t commercially available yet or the discontinued Google Glass.

Want to measure furniture in real time, or draw on objects in your home without making a mess? You need some Tango in your life.

You’ll want the Phab 2 Pro for the AR games

But, as useful as the home improvement programs are, the coolest apps are the games. You can play with a virtual pet in Raise; battle against a dragon in Slingshot Island; and enjoy a relaxing game of dominoes in your living room with Domino World.

The Phab 2 Pro itself is a sweet piece of hardware and doesn’t cost that much for what it offers. Its display is big enough at 6.4 inches, with a Quad HD resolution to make the AR experience as vivid as can be. Powering the hefty smartphone is Qualcomm’s “Tango-optimized” Snapdragon 652 processor and 4GB of RAM.

To make sure the constant use of the camera for AR won’t murder the battery, Lenovo equipped the Phab 2 Pro with a capacity of 4050mAh and its own turbo charging technology. A fourth, 8-megapixel camera is located on the front for the usual selfies. Those into shooting videos will also appreciate the three microphones used for 5.1-channel audio recording.

There’s still a fingerprint sensor located under all the rear cameras

While the Phab 2 Pro feels like a pioneering concept device for Tango, It’s clear the fully aluminum handset is more than capable of doing practically everything else. Google claims its AR initiative will reach more products next year, so it’s nice to have a future-proofed phone in case Tango becomes a hit.

You can buy the Phab 2 Pro in the US for $500 on Lenovo’s official website starting today. Champagne gold and gunmetal gray are the colors of choice.

[irp posts=”4774″ name=”Moto Z Play first look”]

Sources: Lenovo, Google

News

Apple reportedly gives up on the Vision Pro

But Apple will continue to sell the current model.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

When they unveiled the Vision Pro in 2023, Apple touted the wearable as the next big thing after the iPhone. Now, almost three years removed from the launch, the Vision Pro hasn’t really taken over the coveted spot occupied by the iPhone. Apple, according to a report, is allegedly canning the short-lived wearable.

According to MacRumors, Apple has reportedly given up on making the Vision Pro a thing. The team handling the wearable has supposedly been subsumed by other teams within Apple.

If true, the wearable’s end is unfortunate but not surprising. Despite being out for years, the Vision Pro has sold only a little more than half a million units with numerous returns from customers. Most recently, Apple updated the wearable with the M5 chip, but the move hasn’t revitalized the device’s status in Apple’s lineup.

Most of the complaints about the device stem from its exorbitant price or its cumbersome battery pack. Besides costing a whopping US$ 3,499, the Vision Pro is also difficult to move around with, especially because of its total weight and a battery pack that can get in the way.

To be clear, Apple has not officially discontinued the Vision Pro yet. The company continues to sell the version with the M5 chip. Apple can also restart development in the future.

However, the meantime retirement on future development does coincide with the recent restructuring inside the company. Tim Cook recently decided to step down as CEO with John Ternus as his replacement. Canning the Vision Pro might be Ternus’ first step in redefining Apple according to his plans.

Apps

YouTube makes picture-in-picture mode free for everyone globally

The update is rolling out globally now.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Picture-in-picture (or PiP) mode is a godsend for multitaskers. The feature lets users watch videos in a tiny floating window while doing other tasks. However, the feature isn’t readily available for all users. Or wasn’t, at least. YouTube is now rolling out PiP mode for free globally.

Previously, PiP mode was exclusive to YouTube users who pay for Premium or Premium Lite. It was also exclusive to the United States.

Now, YouTube is making the feature completely free for users all over the globe. It will be available for both iOS and Android versions of the app.

There’s still a catch, though. The free version is available only for “longform, non-music content.” The same goes for Premium Lite subscribers. Music is still an exclusive feature for those who pay for the regular version of Premium. Basically, there is no change for paying users or users in the United States.

Using PiP mode is simple. All you need to do is load up a video you want to watch in the background. Then, just exit the YouTube app and go about your other tasks. The video will be inside a floating, resizable window while you look at other things.

There’s no timeline on when the update will reach your device. However, YouTube has promised that it will roll out globally within the coming months.

Enterprise

OnePlus has reportedly merged with realme

Both brands were previously rumored for restructuring early this year.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

OnePlus has a problem. For a while now, rumors have swirled about the company’s dissolution. For their part, the company has continued to deny the reports, citing business as usual. Likely to their dismay, the reports just keep coming. Today, sources have hinted that OnePlus has merged with realme.

Back in January, it was rumored that OnePlus would be closing up shop this year. Since the company very quickly denied the rumors, the report hardly made waves. However, a suspected merger with realme is more difficult to debunk.

For one, realme is itself in a very interesting position. Also back in January, realme was reportedly moving back into being a sub-brand of OPPO. Coupled together with the OnePlus debacle, all this internal restructuring seems par for the course.

According to Digital Chat Station on Weibo, OnePlus and realme have already concluded the merger. The two brands have reportedly united their Chinese and international operations under one roof. Likewise, their marketing will be the same. Pete Lau will still be the main head for this new division.

As with anything of this nature, take this with a grain of salt. OPPO, OnePlus, and realme have not issued any official statements concerning a merger or a shutdown for any brand.