News
Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi Pad 8 series price, availability in PH
Xiaomi’s latest flagship devices have arrived
Xiaomi has officially launched its latest flagship smartphone series, the Xiaomi 17, in the Philippines. The lineup consists of two models: the Xiaomi 17 and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
Customers can get the Xiaomi 17 in four color options: Alpine Pink, Ice Blue, Venture Green, and Black. The base model is available via Lazada, Shopee, and Xiaomi authorized stores for the following prices:
- 12GB+256GB: PhP 49,999 (from 53,999) until March 19
- 12GB+512GB: PhP 53,999 (from 55,999) until March 19
Early purchases also come with the following perks:
- Up to PhP 4,000 off on Shopee
- Up to PhP 2,000 off on Lazada
- Free Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm worth PhP 7,799
- Chance to win a Leica Q3 worth PhP417,000 (only one entry per customer per purchase)
Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is available at PhP 84,999 for the 16GB+512GB configuration. That’s a generous reduction from its base price of PhP 99,999.
Exclusive Shopee online perks until March 19 include:
- Free Xiaomi Watch 5 worth PhP 18,999
- Free Xiaomi Photography Kit
- Raffle entry to win Leica Q3
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features an outstanding camera system, making it one of the best camera-focused flagships available now.
It comes with a 50MP f/1.67 main Leica Optical Summilux high-speed lens, with a large 1-inch sensor size.
This camera is complemented by a 50MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera and a 200MP f/2.39~2.96 telephoto camera with 3.2x~4.3x continuous optical zoom. The latter uses a 1/1.4-inch Samsung ISOCELL sensor.
The Ultra is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and has a large 6.9-inch 120Hz 2k display.
For a comprehensive review, read here: Forget the Phone: Xiaomi 17 Ultra Is A CAMERA!
On the other hand, the Xiaomi 17 has a more compact 6.3-inch design, Leica triple cameras, a 6,330mAh battery with support for 100W charging, and the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.
Xiaomi Pad 8 series
In addition to Xiaomi’s latest flagships, the company has also launched its latest premium tablet locally.
The Xiaomi Pad 8 series is now available in the Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro variants. Both come in Pine Green, Gray, and Blue color options. Exclusive pre-order bundles are available until March 26:
- Pad 8 Pro: PhP 36,999 (from 38,999) with Touch Keyboard, free Focus Pen Pro
- Pad 8: PhP 27,999 (from 29,999) with Normal Keyboard, free Focus Pen Pro
In addition, there is also a Matte Glass version available from PhP 45,999.
The Xiaomi Pad 8 has an 11.2-inch 144Hz IPS LCD display with ample 3.2K resolution, 345ppi pixel density, and 800 nits peak brightness.
It comes in a lightweight body at 485 grams, and is even thinner than its predecessor at 5.75mm. The slate is also equipped with a 9,200mAh battery for longer use.
Professional workflows are likewise supported with integrated WPS Office PC.
Meanwhile, the Pad 8 Pro is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite. It even has a 50MP rear camera, 32MP front camera, and up to 512GB of storage, as well as 67W HyperCharge.
For the full review, read here: Xiaomi Pad 8 review: Slab that slaps!
Gaming
Microsoft dictates that a new Fallout game is coming
Microsoft cancelled an Avowed sequel to focus on Fallout.
Bethesda used to be a bastion for RPG experiences. Today, however, the company prefers living off its older properties such as Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 76. For a while now, the question has been: When will Bethesda release a new game in either of their two biggest franchises? Well, according to a report, a new Fallout game might be coming soon.
As of late, Microsoft has been restructuring its studios. In fact, the company might shut down the studio behind the Dishonored series and the upcoming game based on Marvel’s Blade. Now, as part of that reshuffling (via Bloomberg), Obsidian Entertainment has been told to cancel a sequel to Avowed and focus on a new Fallout game.
It’s a huge change. Microsoft has notably stayed away from its more popular franchises for a while now. The latest Fallout game is still Fallout 76. The latest Elder Scrolls game has been in development for a long, long time now. Only DOOM, via last year’s The Dark Ages, got a new title recently.
To be clear, it’s unknown whether we’re getting the true Fallout 5 or another iteration of the online 76. If it’s really the fifth mainline entry in the franchise, it’s coming at a very opportune time. The franchise is currently on a high, riding the popularity of the TV series of the same name. Fans will surely enjoy a follow-up.
To fuel things further, Josh Sawyer, the director behind the universally lauded New Vegas, is reportedly spearheading the production of the new game.
SEE ALSO: Fallout on Prime Video: What inspired producers to create series
Excitement over new technology is normal. However, when the dust settles, the rose-tinted glasses come off and reveal the potential concerns of using this new technology. Smart glasses are going through that phase now. While these glasses are all the rage now, some concerned establishments are now banning them. Case in point, the entirety of New York has just banned smart glasses in all of its courts.
In the United States, it’s already prohibited to record video or capture photos inside a court building. Naturally, the world is more complicated now. Anyone can just flaunt eyewear that can capture images for them, leaving bystanders none the wiser. As a result, the state of New York, according to Syracuse, has introduced a blanket ban for all smart glasses in all courtrooms. It’s the first state to do so across all courts.
Under the ban, users will be forbidden from even bringing these wearables into the building. This also includes smart glasses with prescription lenses. Those with affected eyesight can come back with a regular pair of glasses.
It’s a very interesting time for smart glasses. Especially for creators, the wearables have become a popular way to discreetly record events. Users don’t need to fiddle around with their phones or bring a bulky camera around.
However, it’s also a concern for privacy and cybersecurity. Though most of these wearables have a distinguishable LED indicator when they’re recording, they can also be modified to disable these indicators. As a bystander, you can be recorded without your knowledge.
SEE ALSO: ARTMS Heejin shows KPop concert day through Ray-Ban Meta glasses
HoYoverse’s annual flagship fan celebration in Southeast Asia, the HoYo FEST, as officially been announced with tickets selling starting July 16.
Fans across Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Singapore can enjoy four days of interactive experiences, live entertainment, and more activities featuring HoYoverse’s famed titles:
- Genshin Impact
- Honkai Impact 3
- Honkai: Star Rail
- Tears of Themis
- Zenless Zone Zero
In addition, the gathering will spotlight a first look at the upcoming Honkai: Nexus Anima. The game will be offered at the Experience Zone so visitors can be among the first to try through limited hands-on sessions.
Fans can expect the following experiences at each HoYo FEST:
- Check-in Zone: Kick off your journey with activities across all six titles, plus exclusive freebies
- Game Booths: Jump into immersive mini games inspired by the aforementioned titles
- Hands-on experiences for Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero
- Merch: Grab fan-favorite HoYo FEST merchandise from event-exclusive standees and pillows to Character Giftboxes and more
- Artist Alley: An even larger creative hub for artists and fans to showcase, sell, and share HoYoverse-inspired art
- HoYo FEST Stage: Feel the excitement with Open Stage performances, the Cosplay Runway Walk, and vibrant community showcases
Tickets will be available in the following categories:
- 1-Day Pass
- 1-Day Fast Pass with priority access and exclusive collectibles
- 4-Day Pass (3-Day Pass in Singapore)
Venue details:
- Bangkok: Central Ladprao, BCC Hall
- Ho Chi Minh City: Sky Expo, Hall A4
- Jakarta: Pondok Indah Mall 3, City Hall
- Kuala Lumpur: Pavilion Exhibition Centre Bukit Jalil, Hall 1-3
- Manila: SPACE at One Ayala, Hall A-D
- Singapore: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hall 403
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