News
TECNO unveils Universal Tone imaging technology
Capture the beauty of diversity
TECNO has unveiled Universal Tone, the most advanced AI-powered multi-skin tone imaging technology that takes smartphone image processing to a whole new level.
The innovation was created for users to be able to capture the color and texture of every skin tone more accurately. This ensures representation of people of all colors more properly and realistically through smartphone photography.
For instance, when group photos of people of different skin tones are taken, TECNO ensures that the people will all appear with each individual skin tone accurately identified and beautifully optimized.
The technology is self-developed by the company and enhanced through joint research and development with color science academics, championing inclusivity and diversity.
3 AI engines in 1
To make the process work, TECNO is combining three engines into one. These are: the Multi-Skin Tone Restoration, Local-Tuning, and AI-Powered Computational Portrait engines.
Multi-Skin Tone Restoration fine-tunes algorithms for accurate color representation in smartphone images, calibrating and enhancing different skin tone colors.
Local-Tuning, meanwhile, is dedicated for tuning images for real-world scenarios. This considers local environments, lighting conditions, landscapes, color temperatures, and more. The goal is to achieve the most desirable output in every capture.
Lastly, Computational Portrait takes into consideration localized aesthetic. This includes cultural preferences, facial features, and skin tones unique to each region. This is to reflect even more personalized final results.
Watch this “Portrait for Everyone” film.
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.
SEE ALSO: Apple Vision Pro gets M5 chip upgrade
Apps
YouTube makes picture-in-picture mode free for everyone globally
The update is rolling out globally now.
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.
SEE ALSO: YouTube remains top PH video platform; advertisers urged to continue investing
Enterprise
OnePlus has reportedly merged with realme
Both brands were previously rumored for restructuring early this year.
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.
SEE ALSO: realme is reportedly going back to being an OPPO sub-brand
-
Reviews2 weeks agoHONOR 600 review: A taste of more
-
Laptops2 weeks agoASUS Zenbook S14 (2026) review: The perfect portable buddy
-
News1 week agoOPPO Find X9 Ultra lands in PH: Price, availability, pre-order perks
-
Malaysia2 weeks agoThe OPPO Find X9 Ultra is Galaxy S26 Ultra’s biggest enemy
-
News2 weeks agoForget the Pro+ and Ultra! HUAWEI unveils the Pura 90 Pro Max
-
News1 week agoOPPO Find X9s now official in PH: Price, availability, pre-order info
-
Gaming1 week agoSaros review: Returnal’s difficulty is back and better than ever
-
News1 week agoOPPO Find N6 now in PH: Price, pre-order, availability

