News

Xiaomi, Meitu launch Mi CC9 series: Selfie cam takes centerstage!

The much awaited collaboration is finally here!

Published

July 3, 2019

Rodneil Quiteles

Photo by Ayano Tominaga | IG: @ayanotdo

After initially just announcing the name of the collaboration, Xiaomi and Meitu finally unveil the Mi CC9 series: Mi CC9, Mi CC9e, and the Mi CC9 Meitu Edition.

Early rumors had us thinking that the Mi CC 9 will sport a flipping camera mechanism similar to the one on the Zenfone 6. However, that’s not the case as all three phones have a waterdrop notch with a 32MP selfie camera. The phones also share the same battery capacity — 4030mAh — as well as a triple rear camera module. A 48MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide snapper, and 2MP depth sensor.

The Mi CC9, Mi CC9 Meitu Edition, and Mi CC9e | Photo by Ayano Tominaga

The phones’ differences begin with the chipsets. the Mi CC 9 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chip along with 6GB of RAM, and 64GB or 128GB of storage. The same is true for the Mi CC 9 Meitu edition but it is instead paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage. Meanwhile, the Mi CC 9e is powered by a Snapdragon 665 chip, and comes in three different configurations: 4GB/64GB, 6GB/64GB and 6GB/128GB.

All three devices will run Android Pie with MIUI 10 on top. The CC9 and CC9 Meitu edition share other similar features. Both have the same form factor and have a 6.39-inch display as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack, NFC and an IR port. These are not present on the CC9e. The CC9e’s display measures 6.088 inches.

Selfies, vlogging, and Mimoji

The front-facing camera on the CC9 Meitu edition has some features unique to it. Meitu — known for its expertise on selfies — added the following: AI low light portrait mode, movie portrait, and full body beauty filters. Those who want to get into vlogging might also want to consider the phone as it has a special vlog mode with video stabilization.

Mi CC9 Meitu Edition selfie sample by Ayano Tominaga

Japanese journalist and selfie expert Ayano Tominaga who attended the event in Beijing, China noted some key differences between the regular Meitu phones versus this collaboration with Xiaomi. She said that while the Mi CC9 Meitu edition doesn’t have the signature hexagon design and more robust hardware for selfies that is usually expected from Meitu, this new phone still carries the Meitu spirit.

Meitu CEO Wu Xinhong spoke at the event and emphasized that with this new phone the “journey to make girls happy will never end,” quoting Meitu’s mission when it first set out to make smartphones. By bringing the Meitu camera technology to Xiaomi, it will also bring it closer to consumers with Xiaomi’s better distribution capability.

The camera app on the Meitu edition is exactly the same one found on Meitu phones instead of the usual MIUI camera app. Also included are the Meitu Beauty app and Meipai which is sort of like TikTok especially made for Meitu phones.

Another feature heavily showcased is the Mimoji. It’s essentially the Memoji on iOS, except this one’s made by Xiaomi.

Pricing and availability

The Mi CC9 will come in three colors: White Lover, Blue Planet, and Black Prince and will be available for pre-order in China with sales starting on July 5. Pricing starts at CNY 1799 (US$ 260). The Mi CC9e will start at CNY 1299 (US$189), while the Mi CC9 Meitu edition CNY 2599 (US$ 378). It will come in a special white pearl color.

News

FIFA World Cup: Lenovo’s Referee View received positively by fans

Unique first-person perspective brings action closer to viewers

Published

July 13, 2026

GadgetMatch

Lenovo has revealed that technological advancements at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has made viewers “feel closer” to the action than ever before.

Surveying fans across Australia, Canada, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Lenovo bared that 87% say technology is improving the viewing experience.

Close-to-action camera perspectives have also help 84% of surveyed viewers, making them feel they’re right on the pitch.

Of course, Lenovo AI has introduced Referee View throughout the World Cup. This AI-powered technology gives viewers a first-person POV of the match from a referee’s perspective.

Lenovo Referee View has been featured on an average of three times per match across the tournament in over 220 countries and territories worldwide, according to preliminary FIFA data.

Through a lightweight camera mounted on the match official, the technology gives a first-person POV of the match.

And while raw footage is fast-moving and sometimes unstable, Lenovo’s AI-powered video analytics platform automatically transforms the clips into smooth, broadcast-quality video in real-time.

Other findings from Lenovo’s research include:

76% of viewers have seen or heard about Referee View
91% say the close-to-action Referee View POV is appealing
88% say smooth and stable footage is an important part of viewing sports footage
98% say clear picture quality has been important when watching the FIFA World Cup 2026
91% are interested in seeing more technology that creates immersive or close-to-action sports experiences

Apps

Netflix suddenly resurrects 30-day free trials

It’s available only in some countries.

Published

July 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Over the weekend, a report emerged about Disney+ allegedly considering a new tier offered to users for absolutely free. Apparently, Disney isn’t the only one. Netflix is now resurrecting its free trial program in select countries.

Back in the day, it was easy to get into Netflix. With a 30-day free trial, you can watch the shows you’ve always wanted to catch. If you liked what you saw, you can pay the monthly fee to access the entire library without constraints. Eventually, the platform got rid of this system to favor a cheaper ad-supported tier.

Perhaps not seeing the benefits of ad-supported tiers, Netflix has suddenly resurrected its free trial program. Spotted online (via Android Authority), some countries, including Brazil and India, are experimenting with the program again. New users can get 30 days of free Netflix access.

Because only regular users are spotting this (rather than an official announcement), we don’t have a list of where the free trials are available.

Still, it’s an interesting move. Cable isn’t a thing anymore so “cutting the cable” isn’t a popular phrase anymore, but people are definitely cancelling subscriptions over rising prices. Some even rely on short clips from YouTube to catch up with their shows. Having a free trial opens up more possibilities for users, but it remains to be seen whether it’s enough for users to return to Netflix.

Apps

Disney+ might get a free tier

What would you like to see in a free Disney+ tier?

Published

July 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

In a world disappointingly obsessed with increasing prices beyond our means, Disney+ has miraculously remembered the phrase, “free sample.” According to a report, the streaming platform is considering making a free subscription tier.

As of late, it’s been difficult to maintain a healthy collection of streaming services. When you have to pay the equivalent of a full-course meal every month for just a single platform, you start to evaluate which ones really matter.

Perhaps feeling the sting of users leaving the platform over pricing, Disney+ is reportedly experimenting with a tier that comes at no cost to users (via Business Insider). According to two sources, adding such a tier might help the platform reach customers more.

Now, it’s still a mystery how this tier might work. Disney+ already offers an ad-supported tier, so it’s unlikely to be another one like that.

One possibility is a heavily curated feed of content either designed specifically for free users or limited exactly to give users a free sample. For the latter, think of the limited content you get on a plane. Sure, you might get the first three episodes of The Mandalorian, but you’ll have to fork over cash if you want to see the rest of the story.

And for the former, you can imagine short-form content available for free. Going back to Star Wars, you might see a short anthology series like Star Wars: Visions.

Either way, it’s an interesting concept. If the tier does offer full content, it’s a great way to get into franchises you were thinking of trying without the need to spend for a taste.