As a proud millennial, I grew up watching technology evolve in drastic ways. I can remember how I started using technology in its early stages, and there was nothing but amazement. Back then, internet connection was through dial-up, and people used SMS to contact each other.
A lot has changed in recent years and we’ve witnessed how technology made our lives better. The popular adage was true: Necessity is the mother of invention. The technology I saw this past decade solved a lot of problems and offered convenience, efficiency, and improved productivity.
However, weird technology sprouted too, creating solutions for problems that weren’t exactly there. News about these “innovations” made you wonder: “Do we really need this?”
In true memetic fashion, literally no one asked for these things. Yet here we are, laughing while wondering who on earth needs these? Could it be the start of something new? A glimpse of what’s in store in the next decade to come? Or is it just a useless fad to make something seem “innovative” to keep the headlines humming? After all, technology is rapidly growing and it can be a challenge to keep up.
Tech companies should stop showing off products that won’t cater to anyone. I’ve grown tired of their charade, trying to be the first in everything when in reality, consumers — like us — would just want the best to accompany our lifestyle.
So here they are, the tech we don’t want to see anymore (unless it’s in perfect form).
Foldable Phones
When Samsung introduced the Galaxy Fold, many people thought it’s the future. Huawei, along with other companies, jumped on the trend Samsung started. Even Motorola made a comeback by reviving the razr as a foldable phone.
Foldable phones are still in their early stages. Even though I’m amazed by these innovations, let’s admit it: No one needs a foldable phone as they are right now. In our hands-on, we said the Galaxy Fold is perfect for those who want to be the first, those who are techies and geeks by heart. Don’t get us wrong. We like the attempt, but foldables — especially the ones announced in 2019 — could have been delayed for at least a year.
It’s merely a way for Samsung to show-off their innovative prowess. Props to them for being first to market, but I would’ve probably appreciated it if it was just a prototype for now and was launched later on when the tech is more mature.
Just like the Galaxy Note 10, the phone didn’t have any groundbreaking features but it’s a solid flagship phone that you would recommend for everyone looking for the best smartphone they can buy. I’m hoping for the day Samsung does the same for the Galaxy Fold. We need a perfected product before we consider getting one.
Headphone jack adapter
The removal of the headphone jack has sparked the outrage amongst headphone jack users, including me. I can’t seem to fathom why would these companies remove the very thing that connects people to music — their reason for living and being. It’s even more irritating when companies solved the problem with a headphone jack adapter. These companies shouldn’t have bothered with removing the headphone jack from the start! Now, we’re going backwards. Bring back the headphone jack!
Notch
The annoying feature from 2018 has carried over to 2019, and possibly until 2020. In the past two years, the notch has been one of the most controversial and hated feature. Despite this, it has become a norm in the smartphones being produced nowadays, especially the affordable ones.
When Essential first started the notch, we didn’t care enough. But having Apple do it and made it sound like a great solution to a non-existent problem of “wanting an all-screen phone,” everyone went crazy. Key word: wanting. Technological advancements should be done to solve a need, not a want.
If you don’t see the problem why the notch is annoying, you probably don’t have a penchant for anything aesthetic. For starters, the notch made screens asymmetrical. Aside from that, it was annoying to look at when you watch a movie or play a game, especially those who haven’t perfected the notch. Pop-up and slider mechanisms were also introduced as an alternative but honestly, the under-display camera seems a lot better as a solution to having an all-screen phone.
Waterfall Display
OPPO, Vivo, and Huawei introduced their waterfall displays in 2019 — for what reason? In my experience with the Vivo NEX 3 and Huawei Mate 30 Pro, the waterfall display is annoying to hold and use. To this date, curved edges are still better than having a display carrying over to the sides. Personally, Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and Huawei’s Mate 20 Pro are the best-curved smartphones, providing better grip for without bleeding the edge too much.
Back then, I was happy with bevels. Sony’s Xperia design was to die for, along with Samsung Galaxy Note’s boxy style. But suddenly you have displays staring to hug the entire sides of the phone. Let’s face it, the waterfall display is just another attempt for an all-screen phone. Honestly, we don’t need it. What we need is for OPPO, Vivo, and Huawei to create a solid smartphone — from a reliable battery, wonderful cameras, and a seamless user experience at an AFFORDABLE price.
Screens on bags, plates, and anywhere it can be placed
Whoever thought of placing a screen on bags, plates, and wherever it can be is a lunatic. Why would I need a screen on my bag?
Or on my plate where I eat my precious food? Why would I need a screen and technology plastered on my everyday items when my current gadgets are already too much. This is literally the biggest “thing no one asked for.”
Dual Display Phones
Yet another attempt for a brand to generate buzz and pioneer a concept in order to look cool, dual display phones should never return in the coming decade. Unless brands make a meaningful reason for people to use it, dual displays are just a fad that would make a perfect accessory to show off to people who don’t matter.
Palm Phone, Google’s Paper Phone, and other dumb phones
This era has cultivated a culture of people glued and addicted to their smartphones. To combat this, Palm has launched a minimalist phone to cover a user’s basic needs. It acts as your second phone because honestly, who can live without a smartphone today? Likewise, Google’s Paper Phone was developed to combat smartphone addiction, making you go old-school. Even Supreme has a dumbphone (the opposite of smartphones).
You see, the problem here isn’t creating more. These companies think they need to make more in order to solve a problem caused by technology’s rapid growth. As much as I love small phones like Palm’s and Supreme’s, the cure to smartphone addiction isn’t another “basic” phone.
We need discipline and a cultural fix. My cousins belonging to Generation Z have their phones at all times as if their life depended on it. As a millennial, it’s ironic for me to say that I require my loved ones to put their phones down so we can have a good time. People seem to have forgotten the value of connection, conversations, and being in the moment. If we’re looking for a solution, it’s highlighting the importance of living your life offline, not another phone.
Looking forward to more meaningful technology
Technology isn’t going to stop evolving, and we’ll see more groundbreaking features in the coming years — both useful and useless. However, I wish we’ll see more well-rounded technology built with the consumer in mind. The geeks are only a fraction of the population, and they’re the only ones appeased by these innovations.
Companies should talk to the general population and see what they need: a gadget or technology that will make their life more efficient, convenient, and productive. Yes, we’re amazed by your new technology, but no, we don’t need all these fancy things. We just need things that are smart enough to make things work.
Automotive
Why the next-gen Ford Ranger is a Spartan-approved vehicle
Packed with creature comforts that make driving and being a Spartan easier!
A few years ago, I was only dreaming of becoming a Spartan. I took a leap of faith by taking on a Spartan Race back in 2022 in the midst of a hurricane, running through a 10-kilometer muddy trail.
In case you didn’t know, Spartan Race is the world’s premier obstacle course race hosted across the globe. It tests the limits and grit of an athlete, transforming anyone to be their strongest and most unbreakable self.
Three races in and I’ve clocked a total of 36 kilometers, ending the year as a full-fledged Spartan. A 10-kilometer muddy trail in Vermosa; a 5-kilometer trail run inside Timberland Heights; and a 21-kilometer mixed trail in Alviera.
As the 2023 season begins, I was dead-set on taking my first Age Group (competitive) category and a back-to-back race on the same day. All my gears were Spartan-ready, and all that was left was a vehicle appropriate for a Spartan.
Spartan-grade vehicle
In my quest to prepare for my most enduring race yet, Ford lent me the Next-Gen Ford Ranger. The Next-Gen Ford Ranger arrived in a Blue Lightning colorway, emanating strength and speed. It was instantly a head-turner, catching the attention of other commuters and passersby.
Everything about the Ranger screams Spartan. The vehicle exudes the same ethos we live for. It’s battle-ready, extremely durable, and insanely powerful.
Previous races L-R: Vermosa 10K Trail (September 2022), Timberland 5K Sprint (November 2022), Alviera 21K Trail (December 2022)
Not to mention, it has striking looks — which I always exude whenever I take on a race. How can you get noticed by event photographers if you won’t play with colors, right?
It looked strong and it made us feel powerful. “Us” as a collective because the emotional state doesn’t just pulsate with the driver, but also with its passengers. One weekend with the Ranger and we felt like warriors. Ready to take on any challenges that we can conquer.
Made for Spartans
Just because I’m a Spartan doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the creature comforts the Next-Gen Ford Ranger brings. In fact, I am trained to be uncomfortable but the vehicle’s features allow me to pursue the Spartan lifestyle.
Call it a paradox but we take the convenience of having a comfortable ride and/or drive so we can train our minds and bodies to be familiar with pain and discomfort. As a modern-day Spartan, life isn’t all about battles and preparing for war under the heat of the sun.
We wage our fights through our day jobs, balancing our personal lives, while also developing our bodies to be ready for sports.
Having a tech-infused vehicle enables me to freely pursue the life of a Spartan. If you’re familiar with Ford’s driving experience, which we have mentioned several times here in GadgetMatch, it’s always buttery-smooth.
Even with a humongous body, I can maneuver the steering wheels easily. As someone who drives small cars, I felt the heft and the pain of driving a bigger automobile. But the features packed inside the vehicle made driving smoother — both for rookies and seasoned drivers.
When a smartphone and a vehicle match!
With every technology update to Ford’s lineup of automobiles, it’s becoming more of a tech machine each year. The Next-Gen Ford Ranger is no exception with the ability to use FordPass Connect. If you’ve been living under a rock, FordPass is Ford’s newest technology utilizing remote control functions for the vehicle through an app.
When I was in a hurry and I couldn’t locate my keys, I used the FordPass app on my iPhone to remotely unlock the Ford Ranger. Through the app, I was able to remotely start the vehicle so I can turn on the air conditioner even before I step in. I was also able to stop the engine, lock the car, and check the fuel level — all in one space.
What I like the most is the vehicle locator feature, which allows me to find the Ford Ranger in crowded parking areas. Thankfully, I didn’t have to use the feature when the Ranger was parked in Vermosa’s gravel lot since I was the only one with a vehicle in a striking blue colorway.
Aside from FordPass, the accessibility and ease of use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allowed everyone to connect with the vehicle to help in navigation and music playback. We sang “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus while on our way to Alabang so we can hopefully shake our pre-race jitters.
I personally love the bigger, best-in-class 12-inch portrait touchscreen that allows me to see an overview of the map, adjust music playback, and even have a space for responding to calls and messages.
The perfect companion for an endurance race
For a pick-up truck, the Ranger offers extremely comfortable space for its passengers. We picked up Alison — my friend, a teacher, and an elite athlete — partaking in the first race of the weekend. Alison competed with elite and national athletes, hopefully qualifying for the national team.
Alison, together with other competitive athletes, gleefully took some rest in the back seat while in transit. They loved the leg space and the coziness the couches offered. The same experience goes for the front passenger seat, which I took as I was playing with the car’s features while my friend Betty took on the wheels.
When female Spartans are lovin’ it
Perhaps, the people who enjoyed the Ranger the most are Spartan women that I befriended after my first race. Jomi and Betty, competitive athletes who are consistently part of the Top 10 of their respective age groups, took over the wheel while I was exploring the Ranger’s features and technology.
Recently, I have learned that the Next-Gen Ford Ranger is officially the best 4×4 and pick-up according to the Women’s World Car of the Year judges. It won for a multitude of reasons; the same reasons that Jomi and Betty loved when they experienced driving the Ranger.
From excellent ride and handling, a suite of advanced driver-assist technologies and other safety features, an upgraded chassis and suspension, and the bold and confident look that resonates with strong, independent women. What more can they ask for?
Fostering a sense of community
What I love about the Next-Gen Ford Ranger is how it builds a sense of community, the same way a Spartan race brings people together. Parked in the gravels of Vermosa, the Ford Ranger became a holding area for my friends and teammates.
We used the cargo box to house our bags, equipment, and food. We were able to gather behind, passing jokes and drinks after an exhilarating day.
I used to do things alone and now, I’m surrounded by like-minded people — which was the best plot twist I’ve had so far. And even if it’s just for a weekend, I’m grateful that the Next-Gen Ford Ranger helped in making my first competitive and back-to-back race memorable.
Even with an aching body, the Ranger offered a smooth, safe, and reliable ride on our way home. It’s definitely a Spartan-grade vehicle, made for modern-day Spartans.
The Next-Gen Ford Ranger comes with a 5-year warranty. The longer warranty offering will cover the Next-Gen Ranger for up to 5 years or a total mileage of up to 150,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.
For more information, visit the Ford Ranger page on the website to reserve the next-gen Ranger through www.ford.com.ph or check your nearest Ford dealer.
Features
Exploring wonders and falling in love with Barcelona
Spectacles of the cosmopolitan capital through the lens of the OPPO Find N2 Flip
Barcelona was never quite the city I wanted to fall in love with. But that’s the beauty of love, isn’t it? We don’t get to decide whom we fall for.
With its quaint abodes, cobblestone streets, fine architecture, evergreen trees, and naked branches — the sights are perpetually picturesque.
Everywhere you look is a marvel; buildings glimmering from the sun’s glow. But there’s something about its nook and cranny that are filled with love and charm, and it only shows up when you take the time to get to know the city.
In love with the streets of Eixample
Every street in Eixample brims with magic. It is, after all, one of the busiest districts in Barcelona known for its iconic grid pattern and octagonal blocks.
It’s dubbed as the trendiest neighborhood — home to streets of stylish boutiques and restaurants.
It’s impossible not to feel wonderstruck when you wander, most especially when you cross its main thoroughfare, Passeig de Gracia, and my favorite street: Rambla Catalunya.
Sunny days around Fira Gran Via
Every year, technology journalists from around the world convene in Barcelona to cover the annual Mobile World Congress.
This year, I was able to join other delegates from the Philippine press. The annual technology conference was set at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, a contemporary exhibition and trade center.
The majority of our days were spent in and out of this area, and I was lucky to experience sunny days around Fira Gran Via even in the middle of winter.
The sheer cold was balanced by the heat of the sun’s rays, allowing me to admire the district amidst the busy crowd.
A blend of architecture across Barcelona
Barcelona is home to towering pieces of architecture — contemporary, art nouveau, and historic landmarks blending in the beauty of the city.
These pieces of architecture stand the test of time; a wish we all make for the connections that we have in our lives.
In most explorations, I accompanied my friend Nathan as we dilly-dally around Barcelona, hoping to stumble upon undiscovered gems.
Unexpected beauty of Plaça Reial
Going past Mercado de La Boqueria, we found ourselves wandering La Rambla to get to the Gothic Quarter — the historic center of the old city of Barcelona — until we discovered Plaça Reial.
Believe me, I was only looking for a beautiful cafe so we can sit and sip some good coffee when we came across this paved square with towering palm trees.
I was astounded by its lampposts designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, the man behind historical landmarks such as Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà.
Plaça Reial, in a way, reminded me of how love works. It catches you when you least expect it. A risk and a gamble. What’s waiting for you can end up being the best decision you ever make.
Now, it’s my favorite spot in the city of Barcelona, so far.
Midnights became my afternoon
With my companions, the city was alive and well by midnight.
I’m still reeling from the number of dinners I attended, filled with stories and new memories to bring home.
The highlight would probably be the old and new faces I met, and the shrieks of laughter passed in between.
Overlooking, overview
I’ve had plenty of opportunities to stand in good spots, overlooking Barcelona from different destinations.
While I find myself in awe, I still took the time to be grateful for the beauty that unfolds in front of me.
Gratefully, I had the OPPO Find N2 Flip to capture the spectacles of Barcelona. It’s a city I didn’t expect to fall in love with. And a place I’d be glad to come back to in the future. Hopefully, with someone to hold hands with in the middle of winter.
All photos were taken using the OPPO Find N2 Flip.
Entertainment
GadgetSnaps: ITZY, ENHYPEN, SKZ with the Mate 50 Pro
Relive K-Pop concerts with such a powerful camera system
A lot has happened in 2022 — at least from my perspective as a fan of both tech and K-Pop.
2022 was a crucial moment in K-Pop. Not only did we see some of the best group debut lineups, songs, choreographies, collaborations, and performances, the K-Pop industry itself has toned-down their COVID-19 restrictions and limitations between idols and fans. As borders slowly opened, live events, international fanmeets, region-specific concerts and world tours have also started.
TXT: ACT LOVE SICK World Tour in Manila
Now this feels like there’s a subtle connection between 2022 Huawei and 2022 K-Pop — they both came back stronger than ever. Idk about you, but the resurrection of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro shocked me upon knowing it was already “dead”. To my surprise, they came back on track with another flagship in town.
But you know what’s more shocking? The Mate 50 Pro offers an excellent set of cameras — a 1x lens with an Ultra-Aperture system, an even wider Ultra-Wide camera, and lastly, a 64MP periscope telephoto lens that every concert-goer would love to have.
Not only does it focus optically as far as 3.5x, it can also capture clearer shots way further 10x through Huawei’s smart AI algorithm. Now, these lenses will give any K-Pop fan the utmost flexibility in capturing concert moments with their beloved group(s) alongside their ultimate bias(es).
Okay, enough of the nerdy talk. This 2023, I’ll bombard you with plenty of ITZY, ENHYPEN, and Stray Kids photos — shot on the Huawei Mate 50 Pro.
Disclaimer: Photos were resized for faster loading and preview. Watermarks were also applied to avoid unjust ownership claims.
ITZY (있지) – ‘CHECKMATE’
ITZY started the year for Filo MIDZYs with a bang! Comprised of Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna, JYP Entertainment’s second currently active girl group alongside their 선배 (sunbae) / senior labelmate TWICE + 후배 (hoobae) / juniors NMIXX has finally reached the shores of Manila.
They held a 2-day concert inside the SM Mall of Asia (MoA) Arena last January 14-15, 2023. To make it more special, the first leg of the tour started here.
Just for context, here’s how the Mate 50 Pro captured the stage from the General Admission (GA) section of the arena.
1x wide
It’s show time! Finally time to use the periscope zoom lens.
For some intro, here are some solo performances starting with Ryujin…
1x Wide
followed by Yuna, Lia, Yeji…
…and lastly, Chaeryeong.
Now onto the best part: ITZY as a group in one frame!
⚠️ Spoiler alert: there will be A LOT ⚠️
Finally! A closer and clearer view (at least in Mate 50 Pro’s eyes)
Just creating a separate section to my all-time fave ITZY track ✨ WANNABE✨
It won’t be a complete ITZY experience without seeing one of the best debut songs 🤩 DALLA DALLA 🤩
👑 Just QUEEN tingz with their legendary crown poses 👑
Ending this section with the very heartfelt encore stage for the crown girls 😭
Stray Kids (스트레이키즈) – ‘Stay With Bench’ Fanmeet
Stray Kids (shortened as SKZ) is also under JYP Entertainment. They are the juniors of TWICE and seniors to ITZY and NMIXX.
They are an 8-member boy group starting with Bang Chan, followed by Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and lastly, I.N as the 막내 (maknae) / youngest member.
And as we’re talking, here’s I.N in his natural, goofy state.
Had to compile in a .GIF (jeef, not geef nor G-I-F) format because he looked like he enjoyed the banging-loud guessing game A LOT
I never had any control over what my friend wanted to capture so don’t blame me if your faves aren’t here (I am a Seungmin stan and he’s also not here) but hey, here’s Felix with a li’l bit of Han and Hyunjin.
Saving the best for last: my friend’s not-so-obvious obsession with Lee Know
These direct eye contacts are already killing me. How much more if you stan him hard?
~ I hope you reached this part and survived ~
ENHYPEN (엔하이픈) – ‘MANIFESTO’
Also known as “ENHA“, the group is composed of Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Niki.
Having massive popularity in the Philippines, the 7-member boy group under HYBE and BELIFT LABEL performed for three days straight in Manila.
It was also held inside SM MoA Arena but with a massive difference from ITZY’s views earlier.
Here’s the Lower Box section PoV…
and a VIP perspective closer to the stage.
Admittedly, even if I know all of them (and my current biases are Jungwon and Jay), I am not a full-on ENGENE, more like just a Polaroid Love and FEVER enjoyer 🤧.
I apologize if I don’t have anything to say other than appreciating these beautiful photos…
alongside these beautiful boys…
with beautiful side profiles and pointed AF noses.
This further makes me realize that life is, indeed, ~ u n f a i r ~
Reliving the experience
I never went to any concerts posted here but it felt like I was there because of how clear these photos are. What more if you’re like my friend who attended all of these but still has a severe sepanx (separation anxiety) with her long list of biases?
Thankfully, Huawei has revolutionized their current camera system with the Mate 50 Pro. You get the flexibility of not just one or two lenses, but three lenses all at once.
Ultra-Wide
Tap the UWA mode so you can capture the whole vibe of the concert. Switch to 1x to focus on the lightstick and banner while the singing crowd is in utmost blur. Finally, zoom in further 3.5x until it reaches your eyes’ (and heart’s) content just to see your bias/es as close as possible. Bonus would be its ultra-wide angle front-facing camera for those memorable concert selfies.
And not only because it has the best hardware, its XMAGE imaging made these concert moments feel closer to the eyes and heart.
SEE ALSO: HONOR Magic4 Pro: My Best Concert Companion
Very special thanks to my friend Dyan Carelle for reliving these K-Pop concert experiences with us through the eyes of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro
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