News

The world’s first fully-automated imaging lab is here in Chongqing

All thanks to TECNO and DXOMARK’s budding partnership

Published

August 27, 2025

Vincenz

What do TECNO and DXOMARK have something in common? Well, it’s their focus on bringing out the best in a smartphone’s camera system.

Today, both mark a milestone as they jointly unveil the world’s first fully-automated imaging lab here in Chongqing, China.

What’s it even?

As DXOMARK continues to strive with their lab-tested metrics when giving out ratings in smartphone cameras, their joint partnership with TECNO in building a fully-automated imaging lab would not only ease the process, it will be more accurate and technically-advanced too.

This all-new laboratory is the first to implement the DXOMARK sixth-generation Smartphone Evaluation Protocol.

Not only this establishes a new scientific benchmark for smartphone imaging, it will also give a more precise and standardized camera technology with just automation.

Moreover, it sets new standards for testing efficiency, consistency, and objectivity.

Frédéric Guichard, the CEO of DXOMARK is proud with what this lab can assess and achieve.

In his words, he said that DXOMARK’s scientific expertise in advanced automated lab capabilities paired with TECNO’s technological advancements in building a fully-automated laboratory gives utmost efficiency, precision, and more comprehensive evaluations during the process.

Head of Imaging Quality Lab Fanyi Zhou also added that DXOMARK’s new-gen Evaluation Protocol will help further towards an objective imaging analysis.

He also said it will dramatically speed up their imaging innovation — which enables more authentic and inclusive experiences among users worldwide.

What’s in it?

The Joint Imaging Lab by TECNO DXOMARK establishes a new imaging evaluation standard alongside three core innovations.

Fully-Automated Testing

The joint imaging lab’s precision automation system is revolutionary for a reason. From calibration to final reports, this system runs automatic full testing workflows.

Instead of hands, there are robotic arms for micron-level positioning accuracy. There’s also a fully-automated chart switching and environmental simulation based on and controlled by AI.

Inclusive Imaging

TECNO is known for their utmost inclusivity with Universal Tone. Now, the facility also boasts the same thing.

There are six 3D head models as well as scientifically-calibrated 2D color charts that exude skin tone diversity.

The multi-dimensional skin tone adaptation enables precise calibration of color science and texture reproduction across the full spectrum of human complexions.

Customized Evaluation

Lastly, an intelligent regional customization.

These capabilities enable smart, region-specific customization with tailored evaluation protocols that match the taste of various markets.

As example, African markets might prefer brighter photos while Southeast Asia lean more towards clearer and noise-free night shots.

This approach delivers insights for localized optimization, speeding up imaging technologies that truly connect with users worldwide.

Quick Fire Q&A

After the talk session, both Frédéric and Fanyi joined a talk session along a couple of media friends.

1. Why rely on automated when you can do it manually?

An automated imaging lab not only saves gruelsome labor, it also saves time.

2. Why DXOMARK instead of any other camera partnership?

TECNO is focusing more the fundamentals / basics of their smartphone cameras.

3. How do you Visualize and quantity those changes / improvements?

DXOMARK has measurement of many details (i.e. overexposure/underexposure) where they do various conditions under different setups.

4. How do actual users benefit from this?

DXOMARK relies on user survey — or what most users prefer instead of sticking what’s “scientifically correct.”

How the body quantifies scores is based on many scenarios / targets. The higher the rating means it’s what most users want in their smartphones.

What does the future hold?

TECNO is said to integrate the capabilities of this imaging lab into its imaging roadmap.

Not only it enables continuous algorithm improvements with date involving multiple skin tones it also makes way for better and more adaptive imaging solutions for markets that are even more diverse.

Moreover, TECNO will drive the smartphone imaging to an even inclusive future along their “Stop At Nothing” ethos.

News

Mastercard brings Apple Pay to customers in the Philippines

Easy and secure way to pay across Apple ecosystem

Published

August 4, 2026

GadgetMatch

Mastercard has officially brought Apple Pay to its cardholders in the Philippines. This gives iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac users an easy, secure, and private way to pay in-store, in-app, and online.

To pay in-store, customers simply double-click the side button, authenticate, and hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless payment.

Apple Pay is easy to set up. On iPhone, simply open the Wallet app and tap the ‘+’ and follow the steps to add a Mastercard credit or debit card.

Once a customer adds a card to iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, they can start using Apple Pay on that device right away.

Every Apple Pay purchase is secure because it is authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, as well as a one-time unique dynamic security code.

Apple Pay is accepted in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, and many more places that accept contactless payments.

Customers can also use Apple Pay on iPhone, iPad, and Mac to make faster and more convenient purchases in apps or on the web without having to create accounts or repeatedly type in contact information, card details, or shipping and billing information.

Of course, customers will continue to receive all of the rewards and benefits offered by Mastercard.

Security and privacy are at the core of Apple Pay. When customers use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers.

Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted, and securely stored in the Secure Element, an industry-standard, certified chip designed to store the payment information safely on the device.

News

Visa brings Apple Pay to its customers in the Philippines

An easier and more secure way to pay with iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac

Published

August 4, 2026

GadgetMatch

Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, announced today that Visa debit and credit cardholders in the Philippines can now add their eligible cards to Apple Pay on their iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac. Apple Pay is an easy, secure and private way to pay in-store, in-app and online.

This announcement accelerates the digitalization of payments all while expanding payment options for Filipinos traveling abroad and visitors traveling to the Philippines. Across the Asia Pacific region, 97% of travelers¹ say that they will bring credit, debit, or prepaid cards on their trips, while only 17% intend to bring foreign currency. Among travelers, 38% said they prefer cards because of robust security and fraud protection features, while 20% cite wide acceptance. Apple Pay seamlessly delivers on these exact needs by making everyday transactions easy, secure, and private.

Visa Confidential

To pay in-store, customers simply double-click the side button, authenticate, and hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless payment. Every Apple Pay purchase is secure because it is authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, as well as a one-time unique dynamic security code. Apple Pay is accepted in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, and many more places that accept contactless payments.

“Apple Pay represents the next evolution of payments in the Philippines, combining ease of use, simplicity, and security in every transaction, helping amplify the payment experience for Visa cardholders in the Philippines. With Apple Pay, Filipinos and tourists alike now have seamless and secure ways to pay across shops, restaurants, travel destinations, and public transport, supporting the nation’s vision to become a cash-lite economy,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines.

Security and privacy are at the core of Apple Pay. When customers use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element, an industry-standard, certified chip designed to store the payment information safely on the device.

Apple Pay is easy to set up. On iPhone, simply open the Wallet app, tap the ‘+’, and follow the steps to add a Visa card. Once a customer adds a card to iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, they can start using Apple Pay on that device right away. Customers will continue to receive all of the rewards and benefits offered by their Visa cards.

For more information on Apple Pay, visit: https://www.apple.com/ph/apple-pay/

Accessories

Sony WH-1000XM6 gets a new Olive Gray colorway option

The new color launches today.

Published

August 4, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Last year, the Sony WH-1000XM6 quickly became our favorite pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The audio quality pairs remarkably well with its ANC capabilities. Now, a year into the accessory’s life cycle, new colors are still coming out. Today, the acclaimed WH-1000XM6 is getting an Olive Gray variant.

A few months ago, Sony expanded the WH-1000XM6’s colorway options with a Sandstone version, launching alongside the Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION. At the time, the new color added a splash of life to an already blossoming lineup.

Now, much like the rest of the lineup, the new Olive Gray version is a subdued mashup between olive green and gray. Though it stands out on its own, the color is still cool enough to mix well with the contours of the user’s head.

Other than that, the new version is still identical to the inner workings of the original device. The Sony WH-1000XM6 comes with a new HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3, providing 12 microphones for effective noise cancellation. In terms of audio quality, the headphones support High-Resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless, thanks to LDAC support.

Also, the accessory sits comfortable on the head with a high rigidity carbon fiber composite material dome, cushioned well with synthetic leather.

As always, the Olive Gray version, launching today, will sell for US$ 459.99.

In Singapore, the Sony WH-1000XM6 in Olive Gray is available starting today through Sony Stores, the Sony Store Online, and authorized dealers for S$649, matching the pricing of the existing color options.