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Xiaomi Mi 6 has Galaxy S8’s power, iPhone’s dual-camera

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Xiaomi has done it again; its Mi 6 flagship smartphone takes the best features of today’s hottest handsets, mashes them into a sleek design, and sells it at a fraction of the others’ cost.

The thing is, Xiaomi isn’t even shy about copying its rivals. Just look at one of its official marketing materials from the official website:

That image is referring to the Mi 6’s use of two main cameras, one 12-megapixel camera for regular wide-angle shots and another 12-megapixel shooter for zoomed in photos just like — you guessed it — the iPhone 7 Plus. It’s admittedly a great setup, and something we appreciated on phones like the ZenFone 3 Zoom, as well.

As for the processor, it’s a Snapdragon 835, the same chip found in Samsung’s Galaxy S8, which was the first to launch with it. We detailed its best features when Qualcomm first announced it, but in a nutshell, it’s way ahead of the pack in terms of performance and efficiency thanks to a new fabrication, and you’ll want this in your next smartphone as much as possible.

The rest of the specs are just as impressive: 6GB of memory by default, a choice between 64GB and 128GB of internal storage, and a splendidly sized 3350mAh battery sandwiched between the 5.15-inch Full HD LCD in front and curved glass back. The only glaring omission is the 3.5mm audio port, which is odd considering how this isn’t exactly a razor-thin phone like the Moto Z. Just another case of Apple copying, perhaps?

In exchange for the lost port, we’re treated to stereo loudspeakers, splash resistance, and a well-aligned design Xiaomi appears to be so proud of. If you look closely at the promotional images, the slots and ports are symmetrical from top to bottom, side to side. No doubt it’s a good-looking gadget, but we’ll leave the final judgement to when we get it in our hands.

Now, for the best part: The Mi 6 will retail for a starting price of CNY 2,499 (a little over $360). That’s for the 64GB storage version. If you want the 128GB variant, you’ll have to fork over CNY 2,899 (about $420). And if you really want to treat yourself, there’s a ceramic black version with 128GB of storage priced at CNY 2,999 ($435).

These are very competitive prices for a phone that’s likely faster than any other handset available right now. We just have to hope Xiaomi will ship this beauty outside of China, and without added tax that may otherwise ruin such a great deal.

SEE ALSO: One month with Xiaomi’s Yuemi mechanical keyboard

[irp posts=”12207″ name=”One month with Xiaomi’s Yuemi mechanical keyboard”]

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vivo V29 5G Grand Launch in the Philippines

Aura Light 2.0 and more

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vivo V29 5G

The vivo V29 5G will officially launch on Monday, September 25 at 7PM in the Philippines. You should check out the vivo V29 5G Grand Launch. You can watch it on this Facebook event page.

We already know that the vivo V29 5G comes with Aura Light 2.0. An improved version of its lighting system first showcased on the vivo V27 5G. Aura Light 2.0 will automatically adjust its color temperature to harmonize with the surroundings.

We also know that it comes on two stunning colors: Milky Way and Starry Purple.

Elsewhere on the phone, you’ll find a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED FHD display. It has up to a 120Hz refresh rate and a pixel density of 452ppi.

The screen is HDR10+ certified and is also 100% DCI-P3, offering users breath-taking details and colors for an astonishing visual experience.

vivo has also worked on the phone’s eye protection features for both its hardware and software. The phone has reduced blue light and screen flickering to ensure safe usage.

If you want to learn the rest of the specs along with other surprises, you should definitely check out the vivo V29 5G Grand Launch.

Price and availability

The vivo V29 5G comes in two storage options. Pricing are as follows: 12GB+256GB is PhP 24,999 while 12GB+512GB is 26,999. It’s available in vivo’s official stores, Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop.


This article is a sponsored press release by vivo Philippines.

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Philippine TV Network introduces AI sportscasters

The first in the country

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AI Sportscasters
Photo from FB.com/GMANetwork

It’s happening. While debates continue to rage on about what role Artificial Intelligence or AI should play with its rapid advancement in recent years, a Philippine Television Network jumped the gun and decided to introduce AI sportscasters.

GMA Network, widely considered the second largest broadcasting network in the Philippines, proudly introduced on Saturday, September 23 are MAIA and MARCO — two AI-generated sportscasters. They will be reporting on NCAA Season 99, a collegiate sports association in the country, as well as other local and international sports news. They are expected to appear across the network’s broadcasting and social media platforms.

In their own introduction article, GMA Network said the two were generated by artificial intelligence using Image Generation, Text-to-Speech AI Voice Synthesis/Generation, and Deep Learning Face Animation Technology.

Unfavorable reactions

The Facebook post concerning this news was met with unfavorable reactions in the comments section.

Facebook user Aple Balagtas Bangaysiso commented: “As a communication student, it is very sad. A job of a real person replaced by AI. This is very alarming for media industry. The kind of innovation we never wished.”

Sh1n Boo also left a comment lamenting that “this gives a lot of wrong signals,” and added “I’m a big fan of AI tools but sadly this is very out of touch.”

Another commenter named Paul Emmanuel had this to say:
“There is no urgent need for AI sportscasters nor any caster there are. Why would we need these things when we have lots of skilled people that can do it better than them. I disagree with this.”

Many of the comments on the particular Facebook post shared the same sentiments

Conversations on AI, ChatGPT, and more

Discussions about AI surges when ChatGPT hit a scene. It’s an AI tool that can analyze billions of words and the relationship between them. It uses GPT-3.5, a specific language model created by OpenAI.

It’s been used to generate many things with many different sectors being alarmed of how it will be used. The education sector was one of the first to react, fearing that students will rely more on the tool instead of traditional research and writing methods.

SEE ALSO: ChatGPT Explained

Taking over jobs

Globally, there are many discussions happening in conferences, podcasts, and even informal settings about how AI can take away jobs. The ongoing writer strike has also touched on this matter.

Disney+ has already come under fire recently for admitting that the opening credits for the show Secret Invasion was made with AI. Meanwhile, YouTube channel Corridor Digital, known for their breakdowns, reactions and recreations of CGI effects, came under fire for producing an AI-generated “anime”. On TikTok, there are also several posts of AI-generated song covers of global and K-Pop artists.

Despite all these, Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso notes that their AI sportscaster initiative ” promote[s] inclusivity in our reporting.”

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Google ridicules Apple again in a new ad

#GetTheMessage

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Google is back to its old tricks. After the relatively successful #BestPhonesForever campaign, the company has launched a new dig against Apple. This time, the campaign sends another attack at Apple’s refusal to adopt the RCS protocol.

As most Apple users know, one way to tell a fellow iPhone user from an Android user is the green bubble. Android users pop up as green bubbles on iMessage, instead of the standard blue. Whether inadvertently or on purpose, Apple turned iMessage into an exclusive club that can easily tell those who aren’t part of the club.

In the new #GetTheMessage campaign, Google parodies an Apple launch by releasing an Apple-like trailer for an “iPager.” Meant to be a stand-in for the iPhone, the parody device uses the same messaging technology as Apple’s flagship, resulting in “broken group chats,” “zero encryption,” and “pixelated videos.” All of these lead to a call for Apple to adopt RCS as a standard.

The lack of RCS on Apple is more than just a green bubble. As Google parodies, the difference in standards leads to reduced security and a lack of features. Apple, unfortunately, is remarkably against the adoption. Tim Cook notoriously told an inquiring reporter to just get an iPhone.

SEE ALSO: Pixel and iPhone are friends in a new series of ads

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