News

Xiaomi debuts the XRING O1, their self-developed 3nm silicon chip

Powering both the Xiaomi 15S Pro and Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra

Published

May 22, 2025

Vincenz

As the world continues to revolve, tech innovations evolve further. This is where Xiaomi has decided to take all the guts against all odds.

From having a plethora of smart appliances to manufacturing their own EVs, the homegrown brand has finally made their very first self-developed Silicon chips for their new devices. Meet the Xiaomi XRING.

First take: Xiaomi Silicon

We know by now that Xiaomi isn’t the first-ever Chinese brand to develop their own chips. The crown definitely goes to its closest rival, HUAWEI with its Kirin chips. However, it’s still a great milestone for the Chinese giant to bring in their own Silicon chip for mass production.

The XRING O1 is the brand’s first-ever SoC that’s based on a 2nd-gen 3nm process — even powerful than what its Chinese competitor offers.

That makes the XRING O1 stand in the same league as Apple’s A18 Pro equipped in the latest iPhone 16 Pro series, as well as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip found on most Android flagships — the Xiaomi 15 Pro not an exemption.

Xiaomi’s new Silicon SoC features a 10-core CPU with dual Cortex-X925 cores at 3.9GHz, 16-core Immortalis-G925 GPU, 6-core NPU, and 19 billion transistors offering 44 TOPS for an enhanced and advanced AI processing. The brand’s 4th-generation ISP (Image Signal Processing) is also included.

Other than that, Xiaomi has also introduced the XRING T1 that enables eSIM support in future smartwatches. This self-developed chip also provides 35% better 4G performance with reduced power consumption when using the watch for voice calls and data.

There are also more features such as remote camera preview and smartphone-free control of Xiaomi EVs.

This will power Xiaomi’s 15th Anniversary Edition of the Watch S4 15th Anniversary Edition.

Rebadged: Xiaomi 15S Pro

The Xiaomi 15S Pro is the first-ever smartphone to run the XRING O1 SoC. The new cooling design, four dynamic low-power modes, and a dedicated micro-control unit all make for a boosted heat dissipation by 30%.

In a nutshell, it’s just a rebadged Xiaomi 15 Pro with the XRING chip. But to spice things up more than its in-house chipset, the 15S Pro is offered in two new finishes.

There’s the Composite Fiber Edition made with aramid fiber in a carbon fiber-like texture. Meanwhile, there’s the Sky Blue colorway that incorporates a matte fiberglass back. It also adds more premium embellishments such as the “XRING” nameplate, gold-accented CNC power key, and an exclusive packaging.

All the great things from the Xiaomi 15 Pro still remain such as the class-leading imaging with Leica Summilux triple-lens system, micro-curved 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED 2K display, 6,100 mAh battery. Lastly, the speedy 90W wired HyperCharge and 50W wireless charging with Surge G1 battery management chip and a Surge P3 charging chip for better battery longevity.

The Xiaomi 15S Pro is being sold in China in two configurations:

16 + 512GB = CNY 5499 (US$ 765 / EUR 675 / GBP 570 / SG$ 985 / PhP 42,430 / INR 65,285)
16 + 1TB = CNY 5999 (US$ 835 / EUR 740 / GBP 620 / SG$ 1075 / PhP 46,290 / INR 71,220)

All-new: Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra

Other than rocking Xiaomi’s first ever Silicon chip, the Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra is also the company’s first “Ultra” tablet — and their first OLED tablet as well.

The first Xiaomi Ultra tablet boasts a massive 14-inch 3.2K OLED display with 1600 nits of peak brightness. Shockingly, its ultra-slim metal unibody is also 5.1 mm thin — much like the latest M4 iPad Pro 13-inch — and weighs just 609 grams with promised durability with its aerospace-grade structural reinforcement.

For the fullest entertainment, the Pad 7 Ultra has an eight-speaker sound system with 150W peak output. It also has a 32MP ultra-wide front camera and a 50MP rear camera.

Moreover, it has a 12,000mAh battery, 120W HyperCharge speeds, and Wi-Fi 7 support. Xiaomi’s Lab test says full charge enables up to 18.95 hours of continuous video playback. Meanwhile, standby time reaches 61 days and up to 528 days in ultra-power-saving standby mode.

All of these are backed by Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2. The revamped OS is even more optimized for tablets with better multitasking, cross-device integration, and a smoother, more seamless AI capabilities.

Lastly, there’s a special keyboard for the Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra that is crafted from premium magnesium alloy. Angle adjustments are possible between 0 to 124-degrees all thanks to its smooth, precision-tuned hinge.

For a full-on PC-like experience, it has full-size backlit keys and an oversized haptic touchpad paired with multi-touch gestures and edge rejection.

The Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra is available in Misty Purple and Classic Black variants, alongside these configurations:

12 + 256GB = CNY 5699 (US$ 795 / EUR 700 / GBP 590 / SG$ 1020 / PhP 43,970 / INR 67,670)
12 + 512GB = CNY 5999 (US$ 835 / EUR 740 / GBP 620 / SG$ 1075 / PhP 46,290 / INR 71,220)
12 + 512GB Soft Light Edition = CNY 6599 (US$ 920 / EUR 810 / GBP 680 / SG$ 1185 / PhP 50,915 / INR 78,340)
16 + 1TB = CNY 6799 (US$ 945 / EUR 835 / GBP 700 / SG$ 1220 / PhP 52,460 / INR 80,715)
16 + 1TB Soft Light Edition = CNY 7399 (US$ 1030 / EUR 910 / GBP 765 / SG$ 1325 / PhP 57,090 / INR 87,840)

More & More: Ecosystem

Other than the groundbreaking announcements, Xiaomi has also announced a barrage of AIoT products in Beijing, China.

Mijia Fresh Air Conditioner Pro Dual-Outlet Vertical 3HP = CNY 8999 (US$ 1250 / EUR 1105 / GBP 930 / SG$ 1620 / PhP 69,440 / INR 106,840)

This is one of the two Mijia-branded air conditioners by Xiaomi. advanced dual-outlet, four-zone airflow system powered by dual millimeter-wave radar and intelligent algorithms.

It detects up to six people in the room and can adjust wind direction in real time with modes like “wind-follows-person” and “wind-avoids-person” for maximized comfort.

There’s also multi-directional zone control that eliminates the discomfort of direct airflow. Even so, a wide-angle air delivery of 160-degrees.

Health benefits wise, Xiaomi integrates its negative ion purification alongside a high-grade HEPA filter. This air conditioner can remove 99 percent of pollutants like PM2.5, bacteria, and even unwanted viruses.

Mijia Air Conditioner Pro SkyFlow 1.5HP = CNY 3999 (US$ 555 / EUR 490 / GBP 415 / SG$ 720 / PhP 30,860 / INR 47,480)

This is another new air conditioner in the lineup that features a radar-based human perception system through Xiaomi’s AI engine and mmWave arrays that can actively detect user movement within a 180-degree range. From there, it can automatically switch between gentle and direct airflow modes.

Moreover, it’s also energy-efficient that can save over 360 kWh of power consumption annually. In China, it has an APF of 5.65 — that’s already above the national Grade 1 standards.

In terms of hygiene, it meets China’s Mother & Baby certification, integrating HEPA filtration, 56 °C high-temp cleaning, and smart reminders via the Mi Home app for long-term peace of mind. With an elegant silver finish, slim 2 cm install gap, and central AC-inspired design, it blends aesthetic appeal with practical innovation for the modern home.

Mijia Refrigerator Pro Dual-System French Door Built-In 508L = CNY 4999 (US$ 695 / EUR 615 / GBP 515 / SG$ 895 / PhP 38,570 / INR 59,350)

Another new product by Xiaomi is this pro-grade French Door refrigerator. Its exterior exudes a glass panel and built-in hinges. Even if you place it near a wall, its doors open a full 90-degree angle for easier access.

But aside from its looks, what makes it even more special is its independent dual-system design.

There are separate evaporators for both the fridge and freezer to prevent odor mixing. Additionally, a humidity-controlled drawer with molecular sieve tech can keep produce fresh. Another adjustable drawer offers multiple modes for meat, baby food, or 0-degree (bing) chilling. (Sorry, pun-intended)

Speaking of, the freezer can deep freeze as low as -30 degrees.

An ultra-thin fan also ensures no waste of precious fridge space. Active ion and silver-ion sterilization are also present to ensure purification of the entire storage space

Mijia Dual-Drum Washer Dryer Pro 10kg = CNY 5499 (US$ 765 / EUR 675 / GBP 570 / SG$ 985 / PhP 42,430 / INR 65,285)

Miji’s all-new washer-dryer combo features Blue Oxygen cleaning tech focusing in hygiene. This electrochemical system breaks down stains and deep-cleans whites without the incoporation of harsh chemicals that are harmful for sensitive skin and disrupts long-term fabric care.

Dual-zone washing also allows simultaneous washing and drying with a dedicated small drum for delicates, preventing cross-contamination.

In addition, the Mijia Washer Dryer Pro also includes additional features like triple smart detergent dispensing, steam sterilization, stain-specific modes, as well as dual quick-wash modes. To make it even smarter, there’s Smart Scheduling and app integration for added convenience.

Mijia Smart Dual-tap Water Purifier Pro 1600G = CNY 2999 (US$ 420 / EUR 370 / GBP 310 / SG$ 540 / PhP 23,140 / INR 35,600)

This smart water purifier has an intelligent, dual-outlet design that separates purified drinking water from household water. It can also fill a standard water glass in under two seconds and supports sustained output up to 25 tons — very ideal for big families.

Thanks to Xiaomi’s Zero Stale Water 3.0, it ensures fresh water with every use. Operation is also quiet with its six-chamber low-noise pump. Worried about technical issues? Well, the smart faucet has IPX7 waterproofing and a luxurious electroplated finish.

The advanced PPC filter also removes over 99.5% residual chlorine. Meanwhile, the premium Toray RO filter offers a six-year lifespan.

It won’t be “smart” without app integration via the Mi Home app. It’s where users can check TDS levels, track filter life, and customize four dispensing modes.

Xiaomi TV S Mini LED 2025

Last but definitely not the least, the only Xiaomi-branded product in this new product line.

Instead of the usual LCD offerings, the new Xiaomi TV S brings a better quality Mini LED display with advanced backlight control and an anti-reflective coating with only 1.8 percent of reflectivity — better than standard TVs around.

The 98-inch model has 1092 local dimming zones and can achieve up to 1700 nits of peak brightness. There’s also a fluid 144Hz refresh rate meant for gamers and sports enthusiasts.

And with Xiaomi’s in-house picture engine and color management system, expect vivid visuals with utmost color accuracy.

This new TV series also runs Xiaomi HyperOS 2 with personalized lock screens and an improved user interface.

The Xiaomi TV S Mini LED 2025 comes in four sizes:

55-inch = CNY 2999 (US$ 420 / EUR 370 / GBP 310 / SG$ 540 / PhP 23,140 / INR 35,600)
65-inch CNY 3999 (US$ 555 / EUR 490 / GBP 415 / SG$ 720 / PhP 30,860 / INR 47,480)
75-inch = CNY 4999 (US$ 695 / EUR 615 / GBP 515 / SG$ 895 / PhP 38,570 / INR 59,350)
85-inch = CNY 6799(US$ 945 / EUR 835 / GBP 700 / SG$ 1220 / PhP 52,460 / INR 80,715)
98-inch = CNY 9999 (US$ 1390 / EUR 1230 / GBP 1032 / SG$ 1790 / PhP 77,150 / INR 118,710)

News

Apple’s iPhone Fold reportedly hits engineering delays

But it’s still supposedly on track for a September launch.

Published

April 8, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The foldable iPhone might be the most mythical device in technology today. Rumoured as far back as the launch of the very first Galaxy Fold, the so-called iPhone Fold has peeked in and out of the spotlight over the years but has yet to make its full debut. Sources today have speculated that Apple is readying its much awaited launch for this year; however, a few hitches might derail the expected unveiling.

According to Nikkei, Apple has pushed forward with the foldable iPhone’s test production phase, which marks an advanced stage in the device’s production. However, a source indicates that the device has encountered engineering issues, potentially pushing its launch back by an undisclosed amount of time. Apple is reportedly working on the issues now.

Opposite this report, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reports that the iPhone Fold can still reach its projected launch later this September. As any fan of the iPhone can attest to, September is the usual ground zero for the latest generation of iPhones. Should Apple meet its September launch, the iPhone Fold will launch alongside the iPhone 18 series. This also makes it possible to be Apple’s “one more thing” for September’s event.

There’s a lot riding on Apple’s foldable phone. Fans have been clamoring for the iPhone Fold for a while now, especially since Samsung remains an undisputed cornerstone in the foldable market. Despite the demand, it might take a while for the foldable to truly take off. If Apple’s gingerly approach to foldables is any indication, the iPhone Fold will likely take a few iterations to match Samsung in terms of supply and market share.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 17e review

Gaming

PlayStation can now scan you and put you inside a game

The limited feature will be available for Gran Turismo 7 for now.

Published

April 8, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

A staple of sports simulation games like the NBA 2K series, one of the most interesting developments in gaming today is the ability to scan faces and import them into an avatar. The feature lets players fully live out the fantasy of being inside their favorite sport. It has since made its way to more genres, such as in Where Winds Meet. Now, PlayStation wants to add its own native face- and body-scanning technology — called The Playerbase — into its repertoire.

Announced today, The Playerbase will bring PlayStation’s dedicated fans into cyberspace. It’s more than just uploading a face into a game’s files, too. PlayStation will fully scan a fan and import their entire body into a game.

Being more rigorous than just a facial scan, The Playerbase’s uses are still very limited today. PlayStation will start by importing a selected fan into the world of Gran Turismo 7.

Interested fans from selected markets all over the globe can sign up starting today for a chance to be featured inside the racing game. Once selected, the lucky fan will participate in video interviews before being scanned into the game in Los Angeles.

The player’s avatar will be available in a limited-time basis, but their livery, which they will design, will be a permanent fixture in the game going forward.

Afterwards, PlayStation will look to add more of its studios into the initiative tailored for their specific worlds. As of now, it’s meant as a special thank you for its dedicated fans, rather than an easily available feature for all of their games.

Apps

Grab moves beyond the ride to become a companion for the life in between

Now updated as an everyday guide with 13 AI-powered experiences to navigate life in Southeast Asia!

Published

April 8, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Navigating life in Southeast Asia requires a different mental load.

You decide what to eat while rushing to a meeting; you deal with the anxiety of landing in a foreign airport and wondering how to pay for coffee and your cab. We often look to our phones for answers, but sometimes, we just find more tasks to manage with the information we’re overloaded with.

At GrabX 2026 held in Jakarta, Indonesia, Grab as a Superapp transforms into an intelligent companion that understands our routines. It has just launched 13 AI-powered experiences, designed to act as an everyday guide.

Moving through the city together

Traveling within a busy city requires a delicate balance of time and budget. We want to get to our destinations efficiently, but we also want to share that journey with others.

The new Group Ride feature understands this balance. It allows up to four people to share a single vehicle. The system intelligently sequences pickups and splits payments automatically.

You can save up to 40 percent on your fare when you travel with friends on similar routes. Soon, a Waiting Room feature will let everyone see who is ready in real time. It turns a simple commute into a shared moment of connection.

After a busy day, the “what’s for dinner” dilemma usually begins. Grab More solves the frustration of wanting different things from different places. You can now add another nearby merchant to your order without paying extra delivery fees or meeting a minimum spend. The AI ensures both orders arrive in sync.

For the bigger plans, the Grab AI Assistant acts as a personal concierge. If you’re organizing a team celebration, you can simply tell the assistant your group size and dietary preferences. It handles the restaurant recommendations and the booking in a single conversation. If you are stocking up for the week, the Grab Shopping Agent lets you send a photo or a voice note of your list. It builds a cart across multiple merchants and even suggests smart substitutions for out-of-stock items.

Finding confidence

Navigating a city is about more than just a blue dot on a screen. GrabMaps for Consumers now helps you decide when to leave and what to do when you arrive.

The Journey Planner connects to your calendar and predicts your destination based on your history. You can compare the price of a ride versus the toll fees of driving yourself.

Once you arrive at a massive mall, which are plenty in Southeast Asia, indoor navigation guides you to the exact shop entrance.

You can even use the Custom Voice feature to clone a voice you love for your turn-by-turn directions. *cue Rufa Mae Quinto’s tone* It makes the journey feel personal.

For those moments when unexpected expenses arise, Cash Loan provides a bridge. It offers accessible credit to millions of people who may not have a traditional financial history. The AI uses Grab data to provide a loan decision in seconds. You can customize a repayment plan that fits your budget directly in the app. It’s a safety net built into the platform you already use.

A travel companion

Travel is often beautiful but logistically exhausting. The Personalised Travel Experience turns the app into a travel partner. It consolidates your passport reminders, check-in counter details, and gate updates in one place. When you land, it guides you step-by-step to the correct baggage belt and pickup point.

Finding a place to stay is now just as integrated. GrabStays, built with the AI-first ecosystem Nuitee, is designed for the traveler who needs a last-minute booking. You get competitive same-day rates and earn GrabCoin rewards. Because your payment info is already saved, booking a hotel feels as easy as booking a ride.

Once you are settled, Discover by Grab helps you find where the locals eat. It surfaces authentic food content and uses AI to learn what you personally enjoy.

You can see a review, book a table, and get a ride there all in one flow. When the bill comes, GrabPay for Travel removes the stress of currency exchange.

You can scan national QR codes and pay with the cards already saved in your Grab account. There are no leftover foreign balances to worry about.

Empowering the people behind the business

Grab’s intelligence layer also extends to the entrepreneurs and drivers who keep our cities moving.

For shop owners, the Virtual Store Manager uses computer vision to monitor hygiene and foot traffic remotely. It sends alerts if staffing levels are low or if queues are getting too long. The Cloud Printer automates the workflow between the front counter and the kitchen. Orders print instantly, and the printer even pauses the store if no activity is detected. This prevents customers from ordering when a shop is closed.

Starting a business is also getting simpler. Tap to Pay turns any smartphone into a payment terminal. Merchants can accept cards and QR payments in minutes without any extra hardware.

For the drivers on the road, the Driver AI Assistant provides a hands-free companion. Drivers can ask for advice on policies or get help sending a message to a passenger.

A more human way to grow

All of these features are shaped by the people who use them. The Early Access Programme has grown to 200,000 users who have contributed thousands of improvements. A new “shake and share” feature now lets anyone submit feedback instantly by simply shaking their phone.

Because of these updates, we’re understanding how it feels to have a little more breathing room in our day. Grab is no longer just a way to get from point A to point B. It’s now a companion for the life that happens in between.