Computers

Top 5 things to expect from Computex 2017

Published

May 16, 2017

Marvin Velasco

Now that GadgetMatch has confirmed its full participation at Computex 2017, we’re rounding up the biggest announcements we’re expecting at the multi-day tech convention in Taipei, Taiwan.

The event will run from March 30 to June 3, but you can anticipate most of the major news to pop up right before the start until midway through the official dates. Although there’ll be hundreds of brands at the showcase — from the major players to the most obscure startups — these expected launches should be the highlights.

Please don’t hold us accountable if we get a few (or all) of these wrong:

No next-generation ZenFone from ASUS

Despite rumors saying there’ll be a new generation of ZenFones to be announced during Computex, we’ve learned that only the ZenFone AR will be given the spotlight. Yes, it’s the same ASUS smartphone with augmented reality tech we got our hands on at CES last January, but this upcoming announcement will be for its regional pricing and availability.

Having a new ZenFone lineup this soon wouldn’t make much sense either. The ZenFone Live just came out, the ZenFone 3 Zoom is still reaching consumer hands, and the ZenFone AR (which is based on the ZenFone 3 design language) needs to build its own steam. Instead, expect ASUS to show off refreshed notebooks from its Republic of Gamers (ROG) and ZenBook lines like in earlier shows.

More on AMD’s Vega graphics cards

AMD has been feeding us leaks of its next-generation graphics cards bit by bit for the past few months, but with nothing more than possible specs to look at. We might be seeing something tangible at Computex with working units of the manufacturer’s high-end Vega line of GPUs. AMD better hurry, because NVIDIA has been eating up the hardcore gamer segment for a while now.

Another refresh from Acer?

Taipei may be Acer’s home turf, but the Taiwanese company already launched several of its Swift- and Predator-branded notebooks in New York last April. The Swift 1 and Triton 300, in particular, were the showstoppers Acer needed, but that leaves us with the question: What do they have left for Computex?

Notably absent from [email protected] was an update to the Swift 7, still the world’s thinnest laptop. This could experience a refresh. At the same time, we wouldn’t be surprised if Acer uses Computex as a springboard for IFA Berlin in September; IFA 2016, if you recall, became the stage for the humongous Predator 21 X.

Gigabyte and MSI turn up the RGB

Computex has traditionally been known as the breeding ground for PC components and accessories, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see local brands Gigabyte and MSI introduce several new motherboards and graphics cards to keep up. RGB lighting is still considered cool, so expect the pair and all blatant copycats to dish out all the colorful LEDs they can muster.

A possible bombshell from Intel

As surprising as it may be, the biggest announcement could come from Intel. Leaks have shown the chip specialist planning to release its most groundbreaking processor series to date, the Core i9 line. It’s been discussed ever since the first Core i7 launched in 2008, and now we may finally expect something concrete at Computex.

Based on a leaked presentation, the Core i9 series could see a processor with as many as 12 cores and another with as few as only six (still more than any present Core i7). This may seem like overkill considering how great Core i7 processors have been, but the extra compute power will be vital once 8K video and graphics rendering become the norm.

[irp posts=”14083″ name=”GadgetMatch is an official media partner of Computex 2017!”]

Computers

Microsoft launches Windows 365, a PC in a cloud

Called Windows 365

Published

July 16, 2021

Luigi Leonardo

With technology nowadays, it’s easier to carry around a PC-like device in our pockets. Still, having the ability to lug around an actual PC wherever we go is a luxury. Laptops can still be heavy. However, in their latest product announcement, Microsoft is introducing a way to carry PCs over from device to device — at least, to some extent.

Called Windows 365, Microsoft is launching a virtual PC stored in the cloud. Windows 365 allows users to access their Windows installation on any device including those not originally built with Windows. That includes even Macs and Linux devices.

Windows 365 will be installable on eight different devices of 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage.

Currently, the service has not launched yet. It will launch on August 2 from Windows365.com. As such, there is no final pricing for the service yet.

Regardless, Windows isn’t exactly launching the service for consumers. Though it’s a huge accessibility tool for users, it’s positioned more for (and hence, more beneficial to) enterprise customers. It will allow an IT department to quickly install Windows on new devices.

Most importantly, companies can now easily onboard telecommuters to their workforce. All they need is a device to install Windows on.

Computers

ASUS ROG launches Cool for School Promo

Exclusive bundles and discounts!

Published

July 15, 2021

GadgetMatch

The start of the new school year in the Philippines is right around the corner. With that in mind, ASUS ROG is offering plenty of devices on their lineup for exclusive bundles and discounts with its Cool for School promo.

Promo duration is from July 15 to August 31, 2021 and features laptops, desktops, smartphones that are available for up PhP 18,000 worth of discounts. Take a look at the bundles below.

ASUS Notebooks and Zenfones

All ASUS ZenBook — Nespresso Mini Essenza with free Coffee Capsules (PhP 7,500)
All ASUS VivoBook — Aviche M5 Wearable Air Purifier (PhP 2,500)
Zenfone 8 and Zenfone 8 Flip — JBL Go 3 (PhP 2,300)
All ASUS X Series laptops with Intel Core i5 and i7 processors — PhP 2,000 discount
All ASUS X Series laptops with Intel Core i3 processor — PhP 1,000 discount

ROG

ROG Zephyrus S17 GX701LXS/LV, ROG Zephyrus S15 GX502LXS/LW, ROG Zephyrus M15 GU502LW/LU — Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit 9W, Google Nest Hub (PhP 18,000+)
ROG Flow X13 SuperNova Edition, ROG XG Mobile GPU with RTX 3080 — ROG Slash Cap, ROG Slash Sling Bag, Xbox Controller (PhP 8,500+)
ROG Flow X13 — ROG Slash Cap, ROG Slash Sling Bag (PhP 2,500+)
ROG Zepyhrus G14 GA401IVC — ROG Slash Cap, ROG Slash Messenger Bag, Chromecast 4K TV, Google Nest Mini (PhP 8,500+)
ROG Zephyrus G15, ROG Zephyrus G14 GA401IV/IU/IH/II — Chromecast 4K TV, Google Nest Mini (PhP 4,500+)
ROG Strix Scar 17 G732LXS/LWS/LV, ROG Strix Scar G532LWS/LW/LV — ROG Slash Cap, TUF AX3000 router, Xbox Controller (13,000+)
ROG Strix G17 G712LV/LU, ROG Strix G15 G512LV/LU/LI — Google Nest Mini, Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Bulb 9W (PhP 4,000+)
ROG Phone 5 Classic — ROG Cetra II Core (PhP 3,300)
ROG Ranger Backpack (RGB BP3703) — PhP 1,000 Discount
ROG Ranger Backpack (BP2500) — PhP 500 Discount

ASUS and ROG Desktops

ASUS Desktop S3401SFF — PhP 1,000 Discount
ASUS Desktop S500SA — PhP 1,000 Discount
ROG Strix G35DX-PH009T, ROG Strix G35DX-PH011T — TUF Gaming VG249Q1A
ROG Strix GD30CI(OPT.)-PH003T — TUF Gaming VG249Q1A
ROG Strix G15DH-PH014T , ROG Strix G15DH-PH002T — TUF Gaming VG249Q1A
ROG Strix GL12CM-PH019T — TUF Gaming VG249Q1A
ROG Strix GL10CS-PH042T , ROG Strix GL10CS-PH040T — TUF Gaming VG249Q1A
TUF Gaming FX10CP-PH004T — TUF Gaming VG249Q1A

For the complete mechanics and list of participating products and stores, check out https://bit.ly/ASUSROGCoolForSchool2021.

Accessories

LG announces four new monitors in the Philippines

From content creation to gaming, LG has got you covered

Published

July 14, 2021

Vincenz

LG UltraFine Display Ergo

Monitors have been one of the most searched and bought tech products last 2020. And with the increasing demand due to the ever-changing WFH workspace, LG Philippines brought us four new monitors that cater the needs of each and every user.

LG UltraFine Monitor

If you’re the user who edits and color grades 4K videos, this monitor is for you. Aside from providing the best of colors in the class with IPS technology and HDR10 and DCI-P3 support, LG’s UltraFine monitor also provides UHD 4K resolution that’s 4x bigger than the regular Full HD (1080p) resolution. This means details are sharper and crispier.

Photographer Magic Liwanag for LG UltraFine Monitor

But what makes this monitor different from monitors other than what LG offers is the Ergo stand where the monitor can be tilted, swiveled, and even rotated accordingly. As the name implies, it’s “Ergo”nomic in a sense that you can adjust the monitor freely without having to move things around. This gives you good posture, better height adjustability, and a cleaner workstation, providing full convenience to the user.

It also has USB-C ports for faster connection and wider support for newer devices. Speaking of, cable management looks cleaner thanks to this new type of stand as you just need to insert it behind.

LG UltraWide Monitor

As opposed to the regular 16:9 aspect ratio, a 21:9 view gives you 33% more screen real estate, making the user do tasks efficiently through split-screen view multitasking. This way, you don’t have to put two different monitors side-by-side.

Actor and Content Creator Joross Gamboa for LG UltraWide™ monitor

On paper, it’s got what it takes to be your next best monitor: an IPS display for color accuracy, HDR10 for the best viewing experience, and 350 nits of brightness so you can work even if your windows reflect too much light on the screen. Looking at it directly makes it already immersive thanks to its slim bezels paired with 3-side virtually borderless design. On top of that, it has 5ms response time, Dynamic Action Sync, and AMD Freesync support so you can also enjoy smooth casual gaming, whenever.

LG UltraGear Monitor

LG’s UltraGear monitor provides the best Nano IPS technology in this premium monitor for gamers to enjoy and relive the games they are watching. ICYMI, most gaming monitors use VA panels instead of IPS, which display less color-accurate visuals.

Specs-wise, it’s the best monitor you can get for playing: it has 99 percent sRGB support for that color accuracy, fast 144Hz refresh rate, ultra-responsive 1ms response time with Motion Blur Reduction, and even compatibility to other HDR-enabled consoles such as the Xbox One S and PS4 Pro. Support for Xbox Series X and PS5 might come sooner (or later).

PCs or laptops with HDR-supported graphics card are supported as well so you don’t need to worry. This enables users enjoy punchier brightness and highlights with deeper shadows and silhouettes. Paired with NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility, the monitor also reduces screen tearing and stuttering.

Gamer, cosplayer, and content creator Myrtle Sarrosa for LG UltraGear™ monitor

LG Monitor

Last but definitely not the least is LG’s Standard Monitor — meant either for the productive users on a budget or just for casual users who need a bigger monitor on their working area.

This monitor, just like the rest in the lineup, offers IPS technology. To make it even better, it has a Full HD resolution, shorter response times than the usual, and improved color reproduction and viewing angles.

LG Monitors Brand Ambassador Luis Manzano for LG Standard Monitor

This monitor’s aesthetics weren’t compromised either. It has slim bezel on three sides for a maximized viewing pleasure and offers an ergonomic design with tilt adjustments. With Flicker safe, Reader and Color weakness mode features, users will have little to no eye strain.

Casual gaming is also possible with AMD Freesync, Dynamic Action Sync, and Black Stabilizer as well.

Pricing and Availability

LG’s newest line of monitors are available in all authorized dealers nationwide both in-store and online. Visit LG.com.ph for a complete list of their retail partners. You can also check out LG’s Official Lazada or Shopee Flagship Stores for a full list of monitors available.