News
Vivo updates its midrange lineup, unveils X9s and X9s Plus
Vivo is keen to improve its standing against competitors as it refreshes its midrange line of smartphones in China with with up-to-date specifications.
Eight months from the release of their predecessors, the new Vivo X9s and X9s Plus inherit the dual front-facing cameras and same physical body. From the outside, not much has changed. The placement of the buttons, ports, and cameras are nearly identical. It’ll give people a hard time telling what’s missing or new about the newer phones.
Well, both still sport dual front-facing cameras with a 20- and 5-megapixel combination. While OPPO implements its secondary sensor for extreme wide-angle shots, Vivo keeps it for depth info to create artificial bokeh of your selfies. It’s a similar setup to the Vivo V5 Plus that other markets has.
If we take a look at the spec sheets, the X9s is now rocking a Snapdragon 652 processor while the X9s Plus gets the Snapdragon 653. The new midrange chipsets will give both phones a boost in overall performance. Memory- and storage-wise, they still have 4GB of memory and 64GB of storage. Sadly, there are no microSD card slots on both.
The big difference between the two is their sizes. The X9s has the conventional 5.5-inch display size while the X9 Plus gets a bigger 5.85-inch. Both panels are Super AMOLED with Full HD resolution. Battery capacities on both are 3320mAh and 4015mAh, respectively.
As for pricing, the X9s will cost you CNY 2,698 (US$ 396) while the X9s Plus is slightly priced higher at CNY 2,998 (US$ 440). Since the two are announced in China, we can’t really tell when or even if the two will be made available outside the mainland.
SEE MORE: Vivo shows off Under Display fingerprint scanning
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Gaming
The Nintendo Switch is now Nintendo’s best-selling console ever
Meanwhile, the Switch 2 just crossed 17 million units sold.
The Nintendo Switch 2’s success was bound to happen. After enormous success with the original Switch, Nintendo is practically destined to also put up impressive numbers for the console’s recently released sequel. Today, the company has whipped out some proof. The Nintendo Switch 2 officially sold 17.37 million units, as of December last year.
Nintendo shared the console’s numbers through an investor’s report. Despite coming out only eight months ago, the Switch 2 is already putting up impressive numbers. With those numbers, the console is already Nintendo’s fastest selling platform to date.
For comparison, the original Switch sold less than half of what Switch 2 has sold in the former’s first eight months. Though the second console is still miles away from its predecessor’s total numbers, it’s already well on its way. In fact, Nintendo already expects the Switch 2 to break 19 million units by the end of the quarter.
The second Switch isn’t the only console reaping the rewards of its hard work. The original Switch has also crossed a major milestone. As of last year, the console has sold 155.37 million units, making it Nintendo’s bestselling console ever. It just overtook the Nintendo DS, which sold 154.02 million units.
With that, the Switch 2 has a mountain to climb, just to reach the same heights that its predecessor already attained. For sure, the console’s ongoing success is buoyed by the goodwill established by the original. Now, the question is whether the Switch 2 can sustain its growth on its own.
To help, the console is expecting significant first-party titles including Pokémon Pokopia and Meetup in Bellabel Park, a Super Mario Bros. Wonder DLC.
SEE ALSO: The Nintendo Switch is nearing the end of its lifecycle
Globe is giving Filipinos a new way to stay connected — whether at home or on the go — with The loop, its latest portable 5G Wi-Fi device.
Officially unveiled at The Blueprint event, The loop combines style and function in one compact device. It looks like a sleek mini basket with a handle on top and a touchscreen display in the middle — designed for everyday use, not just tech setups.
While it serves as a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to 16 devices simultaneously, Globe also built Theoop to fit right into modern lifestyles. You can stream music, watch videos, and even make video calls directly from the device — perfect for family bonding moments, group trips, or quick catch-ups anywhere.
With its built-in battery, The loop keeps your connection running for up to two days even during a power outage, making it a reliable companion at home or outdoors.
Price and availability
Available in green, orange,and white and soon in pink! The Loop retails for PhP 10,999.
Available on TikTok Shop! Get the connection you’ll love and feel the 5G energy with exclusive launch deals.
- 🛒 Shop Exclusive Deals: @enjoyglobe on TikTok
- Globe AT HOME Website: https://shop.globe.com.ph/gah5gwifi/
Also available at select Globe The loop stores nationwide — including Alabang Town Center, ICONIC Store BGC, Glorietta 3, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Southmall, SM City Cebu, and more.
Globe’s The loop is more than a Wi-Fi gadget — it’s an experience built to keep every connection within reach.
Gaming
New Civilization VII update will address everyone’s biggest issue
Soon, everyone can play as a single Civ.
Despite being enjoyable in its current state, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is a work in progress. Firaxis Games is still working on improvements, especially as suggested by the franchise’s fans. Now, approaching the new game’s first anniversary, Civilization VII is getting a massive patch, called the Test of Time update, later this spring.
Playing as a single Civ
Test of Time will address the biggest problem that players had with the base game: the inability to play as a single Civ. Currently, players are forced to evolve into Age-appropriate Civs at the end of the previous Age. The system leads to odd histories, such as Maurya somehow evolving into modern-day America.
Starting with the update, players can now take a single Civ across the test of time. And it’s not a shoehorned feature, too. Civs will now have an Apex Age, meaning the Age they were historically associated with. Playing Civs outside of their Apex Age will introduce a new kit that corresponds to the other Ages.
Plus, this also introduces a new system called Syncretism. Playing a Civ outside of their Age allows players to choose a unique military unit or infrastructure from other Civs to help bolster their strategy.
The new system works in reverse too. Players can start a game in the Modern Age using an Antiquity Age Civ. Finally, if players decide to use this system, the AI will follow suit, ensuring an equal playing field.
Reworked victory conditions
Besides the playability of Civs, Civilization VII will rework Victories. Instead of a clear path to victory via Legacy Paths (which players have complained as being too rigid), the new Triumph system will introduce new optional objectives to prod players further down the line of victory.
Plus, getting extraordinary progress in one victory condition can help players earn victory even before the Modern Age. Victory can be earned as early as the Exploration Age, but Firaxis has not explained how this can happen.
Firaxis says that the new system should help the game feel more dynamic and exciting after the Antiquity Age.
Now, to celebrate the actual anniversary, players will get access to a new leader, Gilgamesh, a fan favorite from the previous game. He will be free for all players with update 1.3.2.
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