Hands-On

I took the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 on a 10K road race

PSA: It didn’t clash with my race outfit

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Right after Thailand Game Show 2023 and exploring a bit of Bangkok, I went back to Manila to prepare myself for a sudden invite: Running a 10K race.

I hadn’t joined a race in a while, which made me hesitate for a bit. However, I have also learned that Xiaomi is hosting its first-ever Pop Run, coinciding with month-long Xiaomi Pop Runs across different regions all over the world.

Knowing that it was a milestone event, I knew I had to be there. Luckily, my body’s in good condition so I know, I can take on a 10K race even if I just got back from an out-of-country trip.

Getting ready

The night before the event, I received the race kit containing my bib number, Xiaomi accessories, and a surprise device: Xiaomi Smart Band 8.

@gadgetmatch Is this your new fitness tracker? #XiaomiSmartBand8 #Xiaomi #SmartBand8 #sportmeetsstyle #fyp ♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

Though I’ve registered for the Professional 10KM race, I was under the Media/KOL category. I was literally there to document my experience wearing the Xiaomi Smart Band 8.

Luckily, it looked elegant. The sleek, slim profile didn’t clash with my race outfit comprised of a white compression shirt and black compression shorts.

To further accessorize it, I wore an Orange multi-purpose band so I have something Orange. After all, the Xiaomi Pop Run was inspired by China’s Xiaomi Orange Run.

Ready, Set, Go!

 

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The Xiaomi Pop Run 2023 was held at Bridgetowne Destination Estate. I’m familiar with the area since the Obstacle Park I’ve always been training on is also situated near the event site.

As I cruised my way towards the starting line, I thought about my goals for the run. I’ve wanted to break a new personal record, but I know I’ve been lacking preparations for my upcoming Spartan races.

I decided right there and then to use the run as part of my training regimen. Using my coach’s strategy, I decided my pace would be based on my heart rate zone.

I swiped up on the Xiaomi Smart Band 8’s 1.62-inch AMOLED display, tapped on the Workout widget, and clicked Outdoor Running. Through the screen, I was able to preview the time, distance ran, heart rate, current pace, cadence, the average pace I’m making, calories I’m burning, and the number of steps I’ve taken.

Seems too much? Nope, that’s the basic data you need when you’re running.

Hitting an obstacle

During the 10K race, I was trying to make sure that my heart rate didn’t go past 175 bpm for the first two kilometers. I was maintaining a good, conversational pace with my running mate, Alex Dichoso. Upon reaching the third kilometer, I had to slow down since a side stitch occurred.

In case you didn’t know, side stitches are abdominal pains that are also a kind of muscle cramps that occur during repetitive activities on the torso. I realized that maintaining a 6 min/km pace while having a conversation would be detrimental to my breathing pattern and rhythm.

My mate asked me to walk instead for a few meters so that the side stitch would go away, but your boy didn’t listen. Instead, I slowed down, improved my breathing, endured the pain, and decided to run the whole race with stomach cramps.

Checking the accuracy

I never wanted to stop running even with a side stitch since I’ve been following my coach’s strategy. I found out I was great at maintaining the pace based on the suggested heart rate zone.

To make sure the statistics I see are correct, I cross-checked the Xiaomi Smart Band 8’s running data with another tracker on my other wrist.

Sadly, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8’s distance didn’t measure correctly which is a GPS problem. The entire course was around 10.3 kilometers on my tracker and the smart band measured only 8.56 kilometers.

On the good side, it matches most of the data when tracking it live. While running, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8’s heart rate matches my other tracker but shows up correctly a few seconds late.

However, the outcome isn’t as accurate as my tracker — which is what professional athletes use — making the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 not an ideal tool to bring in my training and workouts.

So, who is it for?

My needs can’t be fulfilled by a smart band. But it looks so sleek and stylish that I want to wear it all the time. It’s lightweight, and I barely feel I’m wearing one on my wrist even when I was running the 10K. I think that’s a good start on who might be the right person to strap the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 on their wrist.

If you’re just getting into fitness, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is packed with all the relevant data on a crystal clear display, housed inside a compact, lightweight device. It comes with functions needed to monitor your health and fitness level, without being invasive when it comes to fashion.

Trust me: Most smartwatches look so hideous that you don’t want to wear them in your everyday lives. But you have to, right? You made a promise to track your steps and calories burned so you can achieve your dream body by next summer.

Now, this is one wearable you’d be excited to use. And it’ll certainly match your aesthetics, outfits, and any lifestyle you have.

Price, availability

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 retails for PhP 1,999. It comes in yummy colors: Black, Yellow, Olive Green, Green, Gray, and White.

It’s available for purchase in Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, or any physical stores near you.

Accessories

The GameSir G8 Galileo is great for PS Remote Play

While we wait for the PlayStation Portal

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Gamesir G8 Galileo | PS Remote Play

We happen to be in a region where the PlayStation Portal has yet to be released. Good thing, PS Remote Play is available and GameSir has a controller you can hook up to your smartphone that’s readily compatible. Enter the GameSir G8 Galileo.

You might not see it right away, but the biggest difference with the G8 Galileo compared to other smartphone controllers (even the ones GameSir made themselves) is it’s actually full size. 

Watch our unboxing. 

@gadgetmatch

Unboxing the Gamesir G8 Galileo. Best smartphone controllers right now? #gaming #mobilegaming #remoteplay #RemotePlay #remoteplayps5 #mobilecontroller #controller #controllers

♬ original sound – GadgetMatch – GadgetMatch

 

Most smartphone controllers prioritize portability. Thus, they’re more compact. That means smaller face buttons, smaller thumbsticks, and generally smaller overall profile. 

Usable, sure. But not exactly ideal for people with chubby hands like yours truly. 

BackBone One | GameSir G8 Galileo

This is also one of the primary reasons why, despite owning a Backbone One, I’ve rarely used it for its intended purpose. And the reason why the PlayStation Portal is appealing to me. 

Gamesir G8 Galileo | PS Remote Play

The GameSir G8 Galileo changes all of that because of its size. It’s also not just larger. Its ergonomics are great too. Your hands will sit nicely on the nice, curved handles for a more comfortable, more enjoyable handheld gaming session.

PS Remote Play 

Gamesir G8 Galileo | PS Remote Play

Another big area of convenience is you don’t necessarily have to have the GameSir app to make it work. Simply download the PS Remote Play app, register, and fire it up. 

To make sure it’s on PS Remote Play compatible mode, just press the Share and Options buttons simultaneously. Those are the tiny buttons on the left and right hand side of the controllers right above the left thumb stick and the face buttons. 

Upon pressing simultaneously, make sure the color on the GameSir logo on the lower right part of the controller is white. That’s how you know it’s on PS Remote Play mode. 

Currently green so you have to press the buttons for Remote Play.

Once done, just easily plug-in your smartphone with a USB-C port on GameSir’s signature flexible USB-C plug and off you go. 

Actual play time

Here’s a quick Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 gameplay using the GameSir G8 Galileo along with the HONOR Magic5 Pro with Remote Play:

This under a minute clip, naturally, isn’t representative of the entire Remote Play experience. Anyone who has tried it before knows that with extended play time, you’ll likely experience a few hiccups here and there. That’s just the nature of the beast. 

That said, this whole set-up has been generally great. Other than Spider-Man 2, I’ve managed to play a handful of quick NBA 2K24 games like this. I still racked up a handful of wins despite suffering from occasional latency trouble. 

The feel of the controller is fantastic and is easily the most enjoyable out of every other smartphone controller that I’ve tried before. And I’ve tried a few other than the Backbone One. There’s the GameSir X3,  GameSir X2 Pro-Xbox, and the Razer Kishi V2. 

Compatible games, mapping

Depending on the platform you’re on, the GameSir G8 Galileo will work on multiple other games. If you’re an iPhone 15 Series user, Remote Play, select Apple Arcade games, and even the AAA games set to release for that iPhone will work with this controller. 

For Android users, it’s the usual handful of controller supported games that will work with this. For everything else, you’ll have to resort to mapping — a task for those with patience. 

If you need more tutorials on how to get it working, just follow GameSir on Facebook or YouTube. They constantly post tutorials. 


You can buy the GameSir G8 Galileo here: https://bit.ly/gsg8galileo 

Use G8Creator on the Coupon Code for 10% off.

 

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Cameras

GoPro HERO12 Black: Making heroic shots with the new HERO

Small but not terrible

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The HERO of action cameras is back! And no doubt, the GoPro HERO 12 Black is one of the hottest action cameras around.

Not only does it provide great video output, it’s also packed with features and improvements that make it stand out from the crowd.

Packed Inside and Out

If you’re already planning to purchase the new GoPro HERO 12 Black, here’s what you should expect with its thicc packaging.

 

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If you’re here for the nitty-gritty new features of the brand’s latest action cam, you can see all the specifics in this article.

Keep on reading for the actual hands-on experience..

Reels-Ready

With the continuous rise of Reels and/or TikToks, having to shoot vertically is the way to go.

This is where the new Vertical Framing feature comes handy as it can shoot vertical videos for you without actually turning the device — as opposed to other action cameras including its older counterparts.

Make It Even Wider

The GoPro HERO 12 Black, just like any other action camera, comes with a default lens that it’s enough to shoot wide enough footage.

But with the optional Max Lens Mod 2.0, it makes shots even wider.

You can choose between three lens views: the default Wide (16-34mm), Max SuperView (middle ground), and the Max HyperView (the extremest view).

Just remember, you can only apply these when shooting in the default horizontal orientation.

If you’re shooting for Reels or TikTok and want this super wide look, you can stick with the default FoV (Field of View) of Vertical Mode. Otherwise, you can shoot in Horizontal Mode and just rotate it during post-process (or via GoPro’s Quik app available in both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store).

Also, don’t forget to enable it in its drop-down quick settings menu. This way you can fully-maximize its full-blown super-wide angle view whenever, wherever.

Memento Making

I enjoyed using the combination of the new lens and vertical shooting of this wonder cam during the duration of my travel. And with just one press of the top button, it instantly starts recording.

Several swipes also enables it to shoot photos or record timelapses.

Terrific Thailand.mov

 

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Cute Capy Cafe.mp4

 

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Short Singapore Stop.mkv

 

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What’s Poppin’ in this Pop Up.hevc

 

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Compact Camera Companion

The GoPro HERO 12 Black is fantastic for recording and keeping travel mementos. But other than that, it’s also be good for documenting your everyday life.

The thing I love about the GoPro HERO 12 Black is that it features a built-in mount that can be flapped out within seconds.

My former action camera relies on its case before it can actually be mounted.

 

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Despite the continuous advancements of smartphone cameras and their video-making improvements and capabilities, the ultra-wide lenses aren’t the best performers when you’re trying to shoot videos. This is true even if you rock the latest flagship Android smartphone or even the maxed out iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The GoPro continues to exist to fulfill that vital role in shooting. Its compact form, ease of access, easy usability, and rugged-readiness are more points to consider on owning a GoPro HERO12 Black. It’s better than actually pawning your phones just to shoot UWA (ultra-wide angle) footages in the harshest conditions.

Pricing and Availability

The GoPro HERO12 Black is being sold for PhP 24,990 (US$ 399.99 / EUR 449.99 / GBP 399.99 / SG$ 580). Meanwhile, the HERO12 Black Creator Edition retails for PhP 36,990 (US$ 599.99 / EUR 679.99 / GBP 599.99 / SG$ 890).

The Max Lens Mod 2.0 is a separate purchase for PhP 7,490 (US$ 99.99). A special bundle is available for other regions. Visit GoPro.com for specific pricing and other bundle offers in your respective regions.

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Hands-On

I used the Infinix ZERO 30 5G to film my workout routines

It looks too posh as a workout recorder, but it does the job!

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Infinix ZERO 30 5G

When you don’t have a flip smartphone that’s versatile enough to help you film your workout routines, what do you look for?

An affordable smartphone with a high-resolution front camera!

Nowadays, it’s important to have an excellent selfie shooter. It can be for vanity, for helping you review your form, or you just love recording yourself while living in the moment.

Before I got my hands on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and the OPPO Find N3 Flip, I was using the Infinix ZERO 30 5G. And boy, did it help me in my fitness journey.

Let’s talk about its cameras

Infinix ZERO 30 5G

On its rear, the Infinix ZERO 30 5G has a triple set of cameras. A 108-megapixel main camera, a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens, and another 2-megapixel for depth.

With those numbers, on paper, the Infinix ZERO 30 5G would’ve been ideal to record my fitness journey. Except, we don’t normally film using the rear cameras.

Inside the gym, I always place the smartphone somewhere I can see it. I look at the phone recording from time to time to check my form, and to check the shooting angle.

It’s also respectful for other gym-goers to see if they might be filmed while you’re working out. A lot of times, they’re uncomfortable being seen as part of your content. The proper gym etiquette is to ask them if they’re comfortable to be seen in the background while you film.

With that in mind, it’s precisely the reason why I enjoyed using the Infinix ZERO 30 5G.

The front shooter’s a beast

Not a lot of smartphones prioritize their front cameras. All eyes are on its rear cameras capable of up to 100x zoom or something like that. While they’re nice to have when you’re traveling and out and about, I appreciate the efforts Infinix put into the ZERO 30 5G.

Infinix ZERO 30 5G

It’s equipped with a 50-megapixel front camera that’s capable of recording 4K videos at 30 or 60fps, and 1080p at 30fps.

Infinix ZERO 30 5G

Having that camera system allowed me to film my fitness journey, especially at a time when I was hitting almost rock bottom and I was only living life between home and the gym.

Here’s a reel stitched from 4K videos, all taken using the Infinix ZERO 30 5G.

 

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Sleek and slim, like yours truly

Infinix ZERO 30 5G

Aside from the camera capabilities of the Infinix ZERO 30 5G, I liked its design and build whenever I brought it to the gym. This particular unit I have is coated in Rome Green eco-leather.

Accented by gold on its camera island and sides, it looked posh and sophisticated, matching the vibe of my Anytime Fitness gym: Somewhat expensive, but still affordable.

Infinix ZERO 30 5G

Moreover, it’s lightweight yet feels durable enough which gives me extra assurance whenever I place it near the free weights.

It might look fragile given that it looks a little bit ritzy, but trust me, it’s tough. It’s equipped with a Gorilla Glass 5 upfront. Also, it has a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen which gave me a vivid preview of my photos and videos.

And even with that slim frame, it still sports a 5000mAh battery capacity, capable of 68W fast wired charging through its USB-C port on the bottom side.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

The Infinix ZERO 30 5G retails at PhP 14,999. For its looks and capabilities, you’d think it comes with a higher price tag.

Infinix ZERO 30 5G

Now, if you use mostly your cameras as part of your everyday life and don’t want to shell out lots of cash just to get a device that takes excellent photos, this is worthy of your attention.

It’s a sweet candidate for its price range. If you’re looking for a sign to get a device that you can use for your obsession with TikTok videos and Instagram Reels, the Infinix ZERO 30 5G might be it.

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