Smartphones

Xiaomi patents a phone with a twisting camera

Image source: LetsGoDigital

Published

May 24, 2020

Luigi Leonardo

Following the launch of Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and the Motorola razr, the clamshell phone is back in the limelight. However, we don’t know whether the form factor will ascend back to its former dominance of the phone market. Regardless, smartphone makers have not given up on the clamshell as a lesser known strand of the up-and-coming foldable smartphone.

Detected recently, Xiaomi has submitted its own patent for a potential clamshell phone. However, the patented phone carries a more unique design quirk, setting it apart from current players in the clamshell phone market. As sketched by LetsGoDigital, Xiaomi’s proposal includes a rotating camera bar.

Image source: LetsGoDigital

When folded into a compact, users can twist the phone’s bar on top to switch the camera’s position. With the twisting feature, the phone can use its rear camera setup as a selfie shooter. Several form factors today have experimented with new ways to make the main camera setup as both the rear and front shooter. Xiaomi’s experiment is another unique twist on this design problem.

However, the rotating camera isn’t a new concept. Last year, OPPO patented another take on the concept on a slab phone, a potential successor to the N1 and N3 from years past. Unfortunately, the company did not move forward with the proposed design.

Likewise, Xiaomi can choose to dump the patent into the archives of oblivion. The company has often patented new designs that never made it outside of the patenting phase. Still, it’s refreshing to see further experiments into new and revolutionary form factors for the future.

News

Samsung brings AirDrop support to Quick Share with Galaxy S26 series

Quick Share meets AirDrop

Published

March 23, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Samsung is making it easier for Galaxy users to share files across devices with the introduction of AirDrop support to Quick Share on the Galaxy S26 series.

The update allows Galaxy S26 users to send and receive files more seamlessly, expanding Quick Share’s functionality beyond Samsung’s own ecosystem. It’s a notable step toward improving interoperability, especially for users who frequently interact with devices outside the Galaxy lineup.

The feature begins rolling out on March 23, starting in Korea. Samsung says availability will expand to additional markets including Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Latin America, North America, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. As with most rollouts, timing may vary depending on the region.

For now, AirDrop support is exclusive to the Galaxy S26 series. Samsung notes that support for other devices will be announced at a later date.

Expanding what Quick Share can do

Quick Share has long been Samsung’s answer to Apple’s AirDrop — offering fast, wireless file transfers between Galaxy devices. Over time, Samsung has expanded compatibility to include Windows PCs and select Android devices.

With this update, the experience becomes more flexible. Users can expect fewer limitations when sharing photos, videos, and documents, particularly in mixed-device environments.

While Samsung has not detailed the exact technical implementation, the move signals a broader push toward making Galaxy devices easier to use alongside other platforms.

A software-driven upgrade for the S26

The addition of AirDrop support reinforces one of the key themes behind the Galaxy S26 series: improving everyday usability through software.

Launched in February, the Galaxy S26 lineup — consisting of the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra — focuses on refinement rather than dramatic hardware changes. Samsung has leaned heavily into what it calls “effortless intelligence,” with features powered by Galaxy AI designed to simplify daily tasks.

These include tools like Now Brief and Now Nudge, which surface contextual suggestions, as well as AI-powered editing features such as Photo Assist and Audio Eraser. Privacy also plays a bigger role this year, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra introducing a built-in Privacy Display that limits viewing angles in public spaces.

On the hardware side, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, paired with a redesigned vapor chamber for improved thermal performance. It also introduces faster 60W charging, a bump from the previous generation.

Making sharing more seamless

With AirDrop support coming to Quick Share, Samsung is addressing a common friction point for users: moving files between different ecosystems.

It may not be the most headline-grabbing feature, but it’s one that could have a meaningful impact on day-to-day use — especially for users who regularly share content across devices.

As the feature rolls out globally, it further positions the Galaxy S26 series as a device focused on practical improvements that make the overall experience smoother and more connected.

News

nubia to launch new Neo 5 series gaming phones on March 28

Head to SM Megamall for activities, guest appearances, surprises

Published

March 21, 2026

GadgetMatch

nubia Philippines will officially launch the nubia Neo 5 series gaming smartphone on March 28 at their “Enter The NEOVerse: Born To Win” event. It will be held at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall in Metro Manila.

The nubia Neo 5 series’ design and details will be unveiled during the event. It is inspired by the REDMAGIC Gaming Lab, which is behind the REDMAGIC’s high-performance gaming ecosystem.

The nubia Neo 5 series will introduce a bold gaming-centric aesthetic, paired with performance-driven specs.

Customers can expect a sleek, futuristic styling, as well as powerful hardware engineered to elevate everyday mobile gameplay.

Across the lineup, users can expect high refresh rate displays, powerful processors, advanced cooling systems, and the familiar gaming triggers from the previous series.

It does look like nubia is adding AI-powered gaming optimization to give players an extra edge for every competitive match.

All these, of course, minus the flagship price tag.

Enter the NEOverse

At nubia’s launch event, the activity area will be transformed into a gaming-inspired universe.

Guests can explore interactive zones, participate in challenges, and experience the nubia Neo 5 series firsthand. They can also unlock exclusive rewards and prizes.

Moreover, the event will feature appearances from nubia ambassadors Sanya Lopez and ONIC Philippines.

From there, there will be 1v1 gaming sessions with ONIC PH players, as well as a special “Play” segment featuring a yet-to-be-revealed cosplayer.

nubia will also offer event-exclusive deals for early shoppers during the launch. Customers can enjoy up to seven premium freebies per nubia Neo 5 model. This is available for the first 100 customers.

Furthermore, nubia will officially announce its TikTok Super Brand Week, as well as partnerships with Yanlala and Geely.