News

Xiaomi gets in security camera issue, quickly responds

The service has been suspended

Published

January 4, 2020

Luigi Leonardo

Image source: Reddit | u/Dio-V

When you install a security camera in your home, you can usually expect one thing: complete surveillance over your abode. Coupled with a smart home system, you have a controllable security system from the luxury of a mobile device.

However, last year introduced an inevitable side effect of maintaining a smart home system: third parties snooping on your private life. Facebook, Google, and Apple have already stuck their fingers in the cookie jar. You’ll never know who’s watching or listening in.

Adding to this mire, Xiaomi is currently dipping into the same controversy. A Reddit user has reportedly walked in on a disturbing scene on their Google Nest Hub. As with every diligent smart home owner, the user installed a smart security camera — the Xiaomi Mijia — to their Nest Hub.

Image source: Reddit | u/Dio-V

Naturally, pulling up the camera feed on the system should open up only one thing: their own camera feed. Unfortunately, it didn’t go that way. Allegedly, instead of their own camera feed, the system pulled up random feeds from other people’s homes. The black-and-white feeds include empty living rooms, an infant sleeping in a crib, and an elderly man lounging on a couch. Even stranger, the feeds are glitchy, highlighting the situation’s weirdness.

A security camera spying on another security camera is a major security infraction. Even without a clear culprit yet, the situation adds to the mire surrounding invasive smart technology.

Xiaomi’s response

Being alerted on the matter, Xiaomi immediately looked into the issue and took action. Here’s the statement Xiaomi sent to GadgetMatch:

“Upon investigation, we have found out the issue was caused by a cache update on December 26, 2019, which was designed to improve camera streaming quality. This has only happened in extremely rare conditions. In this case, it happened during the integration between Mi Home Security Camera Basic 1080p and the Google Home Hub with a display screen under poor network conditions.

We have also found 1044 users were with such integrations and only a few with extremely poor network conditions might be affected. This issue will not happen if the camera is linked to the Xiaomi’s Mi Home app.

Xiaomi has communicated and fixed this issue with Google, and has also suspended this service until the root cause has been completely solved, to ensure that such issues will not happen again.”

It’s good to see companies reacting quickly on matters like this. Xiaomi has apologized and reiterates that they “always prioritized our users’ privacy and information security.”

Editor’s Note: Xiaomi’s statement on the matter was added to this article on January 4, 2020

Related Topics:Google Google Nest Hub Xiaomi

News

Mastercard brings Apple Pay to customers in the Philippines

Easy and secure way to pay across Apple ecosystem

Published

August 4, 2026

GadgetMatch

Mastercard has officially brought Apple Pay to its cardholders in the Philippines. This gives iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac users an easy, secure, and private way to pay in-store, in-app, and online.

To pay in-store, customers simply double-click the side button, authenticate, and hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless payment.

Apple Pay is easy to set up. On iPhone, simply open the Wallet app and tap the ‘+’ and follow the steps to add a Mastercard credit or debit card.

Once a customer adds a card to iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, they can start using Apple Pay on that device right away.

Every Apple Pay purchase is secure because it is authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, as well as a one-time unique dynamic security code.

Apple Pay is accepted in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, and many more places that accept contactless payments.

Customers can also use Apple Pay on iPhone, iPad, and Mac to make faster and more convenient purchases in apps or on the web without having to create accounts or repeatedly type in contact information, card details, or shipping and billing information.

Of course, customers will continue to receive all of the rewards and benefits offered by Mastercard.

Security and privacy are at the core of Apple Pay. When customers use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers.

Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted, and securely stored in the Secure Element, an industry-standard, certified chip designed to store the payment information safely on the device.

News

Visa brings Apple Pay to its customers in the Philippines

An easier and more secure way to pay with iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac

Published

August 4, 2026

GadgetMatch

Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, announced today that Visa debit and credit cardholders in the Philippines can now add their eligible cards to Apple Pay on their iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac. Apple Pay is an easy, secure and private way to pay in-store, in-app and online.

This announcement accelerates the digitalization of payments all while expanding payment options for Filipinos traveling abroad and visitors traveling to the Philippines. Across the Asia Pacific region, 97% of travelers¹ say that they will bring credit, debit, or prepaid cards on their trips, while only 17% intend to bring foreign currency. Among travelers, 38% said they prefer cards because of robust security and fraud protection features, while 20% cite wide acceptance. Apple Pay seamlessly delivers on these exact needs by making everyday transactions easy, secure, and private.

Visa Confidential

To pay in-store, customers simply double-click the side button, authenticate, and hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless payment. Every Apple Pay purchase is secure because it is authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, as well as a one-time unique dynamic security code. Apple Pay is accepted in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, and many more places that accept contactless payments.

“Apple Pay represents the next evolution of payments in the Philippines, combining ease of use, simplicity, and security in every transaction, helping amplify the payment experience for Visa cardholders in the Philippines. With Apple Pay, Filipinos and tourists alike now have seamless and secure ways to pay across shops, restaurants, travel destinations, and public transport, supporting the nation’s vision to become a cash-lite economy,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines.

Security and privacy are at the core of Apple Pay. When customers use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element, an industry-standard, certified chip designed to store the payment information safely on the device.

Apple Pay is easy to set up. On iPhone, simply open the Wallet app, tap the ‘+’, and follow the steps to add a Visa card. Once a customer adds a card to iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, they can start using Apple Pay on that device right away. Customers will continue to receive all of the rewards and benefits offered by their Visa cards.

For more information on Apple Pay, visit: https://www.apple.com/ph/apple-pay/

Accessories

Sony WH-1000XM6 gets a new Olive Gray colorway option

The new color launches today.

Published

August 4, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Last year, the Sony WH-1000XM6 quickly became our favorite pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The audio quality pairs remarkably well with its ANC capabilities. Now, a year into the accessory’s life cycle, new colors are still coming out. Today, the acclaimed WH-1000XM6 is getting an Olive Gray variant.

A few months ago, Sony expanded the WH-1000XM6’s colorway options with a Sandstone version, launching alongside the Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION. At the time, the new color added a splash of life to an already blossoming lineup.

Now, much like the rest of the lineup, the new Olive Gray version is a subdued mashup between olive green and gray. Though it stands out on its own, the color is still cool enough to mix well with the contours of the user’s head.

Other than that, the new version is still identical to the inner workings of the original device. The Sony WH-1000XM6 comes with a new HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3, providing 12 microphones for effective noise cancellation. In terms of audio quality, the headphones support High-Resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless, thanks to LDAC support.

Also, the accessory sits comfortable on the head with a high rigidity carbon fiber composite material dome, cushioned well with synthetic leather.

As always, the Olive Gray version, launching today, will sell for US$ 459.99.

In Singapore, the Sony WH-1000XM6 in Olive Gray is available starting today through Sony Stores, the Sony Store Online, and authorized dealers for S$649, matching the pricing of the existing color options.