News

Xiaomi unveils budget-friendly Redmi 7 with liquid-repellent coating

It’s cheap but it doesn’t lack great features

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Redmi 7 | Image credit: Xiaomi

Xiaomi‘s Redmi sub-brand has a new phone and it seems to be the latest budget device to beat. After impressing fans with the Redmi Note 7, now comes the Redmi 7. This phone is the successor to the Redmi 6 and it brings quite a lot of features despite being an inexpensive model.

First of all, the Redmi 7 doesn’t look as cheap as its predecessor. The phone is still primarily made of plastic, but the glossy back finish gives it a polished look. Also, the phone has P2i liquid-repellent nano-coating for resistance against water splashes, similar to some Motorola phones.

The display now stretches to the top edges and it has a cute waterdrop notch. It’s quite bigger at 6.36 inches, but still has a resolution of just HD+. It’s not the sharpest screen around, but it dons a modern 19:9 aspect ratio. The display has Gorilla Glass 5 protection as well.

Redmi 7 | Image credit: Xiaomi

The phone is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 632 processor with up to 4GB of memory and up to 64GB of expandable storage. The Redmi 6 sports MediaTek’s Helio P22, so the switch to a Snapdragon chip will surely please the fans.

Camera-wise, the Redmi 7 still has dual rear shooters: a main 12-megapixel camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor for bokeh. In front, it features an 8-megapixel camera for selfies. Both the rear and front cameras are equipped with AI features including beauty mode.

Redmi 7 | Image credit: Xiaomi

The large 4000mAh battery of the Redmi 7 is also an outstanding feature for a budget phone. It supports fast charging (up to 10W) through its micro-USB port. The phone comes 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a 3.5mm jack, GPS, and an IR blaster too.

As for pricing, the Redmi 7 starts at CNY 699 (US$ 105) for the base 2GB+16GB variant. The 3GB+32GB variant is at CNY 799 (US$ 120), while the highest configuration will cost CNY 999 (US$ 150). The device will be available in China starting March 26. A global version is expected to come in key Xiaomi markets soon.

SEE ALSO: Xiaomi launches Redmi Note 7 Pro with new design and 48MP camera

Accessories

Apple is reportedly working on its own gaming controllers

It might launch under the Beats brand.

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Last week, the iPhone Duo changed how you look at the ubiquitous smartphone. Foldables are in, and Apple is right there with it. But the company isn’t stopping with the foldable segment. Apple is reportedly working on its own branded game controllers.

According to Bloomberg, Apple has been working on a controller since last year. Further, a piece of code linked to macOS 27.4, spotted by MacRumors, includes references to two unknown gaming controllers.

Because Apple just concluded its huge event this month, it will likely be a while before we see confirmation of this controller. And it could be anything. Of course, because the Duo is fresh on our minds, the easiest answer is a mobile controller than can maximize the foldable’s ability to stand by itself. It could also use Apple’s larger screens like the iPad, the MacBook, or the Mac. Some even speculate that this could be Apple’s stronger push into the gaming market.

Outside of the actual hardware, the reports are also claiming that the controller will arrive by way of Beats, rather than from Apple itself. At first, the branding comes off as a surprise, but then again, Beats hasn’t really evolved past an audio brand in a long, long time. Is it time to revitalize Beats as something more than just a peddler of headphones?

SEE ALSO: First Look: Apple iPhone Duo

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Gaming

Xbox saves Kojima’s PHYSINT after PlayStation drops support

PlayStation says the separation was mutual, but Kojima hints otherwise.

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Things aren’t going well in the PlayStation camp. After two months of frankly questionable decisions, the company adds another to the pile by dropping support for Hideo Kojima’s PHYSINT.

For a while now, Kojima and PlayStation were in a very productive relationship with the Death Stranding duology, a critically acclaimed collection of titles for the platform. When things looked like they were going well, Kojima announced PHYSINT, an espionage-themed game which reminded fans way too much of Metal Gear Solid.

If you were investing in a PlayStation 5 to play Kojima’s latest thriller, you might want to move your chips elsewhere now. PlayStation has just dropped support for the espionage game, meaning PHYSINT will no longer be a first-party title for the platform.

Though PlayStation claims that the decision came after “careful consideration,” Kojima himself has said that the move was “unexpected,” going against PlayStation’s assurance of a mutual separation.

Very quickly, Xbox has announced that their platform will support PHYSINT instead. It’s a big get for the competing brand because Xbox Game Studios is already supporting OD, Kojima’s other upcoming horror project starring Sophia Lillis.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to say more. As is tradition, Kojima will not explain much more about his upcoming titles. In fact, OD’s trailer barely says anything. One thing’s for sure, though: we’re all in for quite a ride.

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Entertainment

PH to celebrate 1st ever National Cinema Day; movies start at less than $2

Watch a movie on September 12 for a fraction of the cost

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The Philippines will be celebrating its first ever National Cinema Day on September 12. On this day, movie tickets will go for as low as PhP 100 (US$ 1.60) at regular 2D cinemas.

The campaign aims to make moviegoing more accessible to audiences. This includes families, friends, students, and cinephiles in general.

Such initiative has been a staple in other countries, like the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and more. The same concept applies, with movie tickets going on sale for a lot less.

What’s great about the celebration is that all movies scheduled for exhibition on September 12, whether local or international, shall get the special admission price.

Advanced tickets sales have already begun. Customers can purchase through participating box offices, official websites, mobile apps, and authorized platforms.

Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and remain subject to theater capacity. Prices vary for other viewing formats like Director’s Club or IMAX, for instance.

The campaign is organized by the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP), along with industry and government partners.

The initiative is supported by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), and the Metro Manila Film Festival through the MMDA.

Participating cinemas include Ayala Malls Cinemas, SM Cinemas, Robinsons Movieworld, CityMall Cinema, Megaworld Cinemas, and more.

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