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Full list of 49th PBA Draft

The Season 49 of the Philippines Basketball Association (PBA) draft and below is the full list of 2024 PBA Rookie Draft. Just like last year’s draft some of the most popular players who are playing overseas and suited for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 are missing.

Here are a total of 70 applicants for this years draft and below are the 47 players for the 49th PBA Rookie Class;

First Round

  1. Justine Baltazar – Converge
  2. Sedrick Barefield – Blackwater
  3. RJ Abarrientos – Ginebra
  4. Kai Ballungay – Phoenix
  5. Dave Ildefonso – Northport
  6. Jonnel Policarpio – NLEX
  7. Caelan Tiongson – Rain or Shine
  8. Felix Lemetti – Rain or Shine
  9. Jerom Lastimosa – Magnolia
  10. Mark Nonoy – Terrafirma
  11. CJ Cansino – Meralco
  12. Avan Nava – San Miguel

Second Round

  1. Francis Escandor – Rain or Shine
  2. Evan Nelle – NorthPort
  3. CJ Catapusan – Terrafirma
  4. Michael Malonzo – Rain or Shine
  5. Ahmad Hanapi – Ginebra
  6. Brandon Ramirez – NLEX
  7. Pao Javillonar – Converge
  8. Miguel Corteza – Rain or Shine
  9. Ben Phillips – Converge
  10. Paolo Hernandez – Ginebra
  11. Kurt Reyson – Meralco
  12. Jason Credo – Converge

Third Round

  1. Ronan Santos – Converge
  2. Derohn Mitchell – Blackwater
  3. Peter Alfaro – Terrafirma
  4. Calvin Payawal – Phoenix
  5. Agem Miranda – NorthPort
  6. Xyrus Torres – NLEX
  7. Jared Brown – TNT
  8. Darwish Bederi – Rain or Shine
  9. RV Berjay – Magnolia
  10. Paul Garcia – Ginebra
  11. JP Maguliano – Meralco
  12. Abdul Sawat – San Miguel

Fourth Round

1.PASS – Converge
2.Keith Pido – Blackwater
3.PASS – Terrafirma
4.Chino Mosqueda – Phoenix
5.JL Uduba – NorthPort
6.Denzel Wong – NLEX
7.Mark Cruz – TNT
8.PASS – Rain or Shine
10.PASS – Ginebra
11.Jordan Bartlett – Meralco
12.Ralph Robin – San Miguel

Fifth Round

Every one PASS except for 4, 5 and 6;

  1. Patrick Feliciano – Phoenix
  2. Germy Mahinay – NorthPort
  3. Adrian Partosa – NLEX

Sixth Round
Every one PASS except for 4, 5 and 6;

  1. Robbie Darang – NorthPort

Elon Musk endorses Trump for President After Failed Assassination Attempt

Elon Musk, the Billionaire businessman and investor known for his space company SpaceX and electric automotive company Tesla, Inc’, as well as a high profile purchase of Twitter, now known as X, have openly said that he endorses Trump for President. He made the announcement in a tweet following a failed assassination attempt while campaigning in Pennsylvania.

In a follow-up tweet, Musk said, “Last time America had a candidate this tough was Theodore Roosevelt.”

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It’s also worth noting, that Elon Musk donated an undisclosed amount of money to the pro-Trump America PAC. Even though President Joe Biden is favored to win the coming US Presidential Election, Trump’s failed assassination will be an interesting twist and could be crucial to his bid to return to the oval office.

Saudi Arabia to host the first Olympic Esports Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Saudi Arabia’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) have announced a 12-year partnership to host the Olympic Esports Games.

The Esports Games will be held regularly, but details like specific timing, game titles, qualification process, and venue selection are still under discussion by the IOC Session.

Saudi Arabia is currenting hosting the inaugural Esports World Cup in Riyadh Boulevard City. The Esports World Cup will be 8 week event the started last July 10th.

You can read the full text of IOC press announcement here.

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Series Now Available for Preorder

Together with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, Samsung also announced a number of complementary accessories to enhanced your mobile experience like Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Series.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Series is composed of the Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro, both will retail for $179.99 and $249.99, respectively. Galaxy Buds3 series is available in two colors, Silver and White. For those who will preorder any of the Galaxy Buds3 Series by July 23 will receive a protective Clip Case, which is worth $30.00.

This what Samsung has to say about the Galaxy Buds3 Pro;

To deliver a premium audio experience, Galaxy Buds3 Pro is equipped with advanced hardware, including enhanced 2-way speakers36 with planar tweeter for sophisticated, precise high range sound production, and Dual Amplifiers for a crystal-clear sound experience on the go. And now, thanks to Ultra High Quality37Audio that supports a doubled sampling rate with SSC codec, you can listen to any high-resolution audio source as it was intended and enjoy every sound in superb detail. This level of sound quality extends to phone calls, too. With a pre-trained model based on machine learning, the Buds3 series is now able to restore the original voice of the speaker in various noise environments while also providing a rich and natural call — similar to the high-quality calls of smartphones — with the Super-Wideband38 Call feature.

Here are the specs of the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Series;

Galaxy Buds3 Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Color Silver, White Silver, White
Dimensions Earbud: 18.1 x 20.4 x 31.9 mm Earbud: 18.1 x 19.8 x 33.2 mm
Charging Case: 58.9 x 48.7 x 24.4 mm Charging Case: 58.9 x 48.7 x 24.4 mm
Weight Earbud: 4.7g Earbud: 5.4g
Charging Case: 46.5g Charging Case: 46.5g
Speaker 1-Way: 11mm Dynamic Driver Enhanced 2-Way: 10.5mm Dynamic + 6.1mm Planar
Microphone 3 Mics + VPU 3 Mics + VPU
Sound Quality UHQ* UHQ*
24bit Hi-Fi** 24bit Hi-Fi**
360 Audio with Direct Multi-Channel*** 360 Audio with Direct Multi-Channel***
ANC & Ambient Sound ANC ANC
Ambient sound
Voice Detect*
Battery Capacity Earbuds: 48mAh (typical) Earbuds: 53mAh (typical)
Charging Case: 515mAh (typical)* Charging Case: 515mAh (typical)*
Music Time Up to 5 hours / Total up to 24 hours (ANC on) Up to 6 hours / Total up to 26 hours (ANC on)
Up to 6 hours / Total up to 30 hours (ANC off)* Up to 7 hours / Total up to 30 hours (ANC off)*
Talk Time Up to 3.5 hours / Total up to 18h (ANC on) Up to 4.5 hours / Total up to 20h
Up to 4 hours / Total up to 20h (ANC on)
(ANC off) Up to 5 hours / Total up to 22h
(ANC off)
Connectivity Bluetooth® 5.4, Auto Switch Bluetooth® 5.4, Auto Switch
Codec: SSC(Samsung Seamless Codec) HiFi, SSC UHQ (Samsung Proprietary) Codec: SSC(Samsung Seamless Codec) HiFi, SSC UHQ (Samsung Proprietary)
AAC, SBC AAC, SBC
Sensor Voice Pickup Unit (VPU), Force & Touch (Swipe), SWIR, Accelerometer, Hall sensor Voice Pickup Unit (VPU), Force & Touch (Swipe), SWIR, Accelerometer, Hall sensor
Compatibility Android 10 or higher with more than 1.5GB of Memory Android 10 or higher with more than 1.5GB of Memory
Water Resistance IP57* IP57*
*earbuds only *earbuds only

Watch this 4-min intro video for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6

Introducing the all-new Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6. Two foldable phones, infinite possibilities. Galaxy AI is here. Learn more: http://smsng.co/ZFold6_Intro_yt | http://smsng.co/ZFlip6_Intro_yt

00:00 Intro
00:04 Design
00:28 Circle to Search
00:59 Processor
01:50 FlexCam
02:42 FlexWindow
03:24 Note Assist
03:55 Durability

Click the link to find out more about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6

Samsung announces the new Galaxy Z Flip6

Together with the Galaxy Z Fold6, Samsung officially announce the Galaxy Z Flip6.

Unlike the Galaxy Fold6, which is a tablet that folds into a smartphone, the Galaxy Flip6 is a 6.7-inch smartphone that folds like a clamshell phone and will sport a 3.4-inch display with a dual camera setup where the main camera is a 50MP Wide-angle Camera with a 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera. The selfie camera is a 10MP Selfie Camera.

S Pen support is also available with the Galaxy Fold6. It will also have a 12 GB RAM and up to 512 storage. It will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform. It will have a smaller 4,000mAh battery. It is IP48 water resistance up to 5 ft. of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.

Just like the Galaxy Z Fold6, the Z Flip6 will be running Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1 (Android 14) and will also come in 6 colors: Silver Shadow, Yellow, Blue, Mint, Crafted Black, White and Peach.

You can checkout the full specs of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 below;

Galaxy Z Flip6
Display Main Screen 6.7-inch FHD+
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
120Hz Adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)
Infinity Flex Display (2640 x 1080, 22:9)
Cover Screen 3.4-inch Super AMOLED 60Hz Display
720 x 748
306 PPI
Dimension & Weight Folded 71.9 x 85.1 x 14.9mm
Unfolded 71.9 x 165.1 x 6.9mm
Weight 187g
Camera Front Camera 10MP Selfie Camera
F2.2, Pixel size: 1.22μm, FOV: 85˚
Rear Dual Camera 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera
F2.2, Pixel size: 1.12μm, FOV: 123˚
50MP Wide-angle Camera
Dual Pixel AF, OIS, F1.8, Pixel size: 1.0μm, FOV: 85˚
AP Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy
Memory & Storage 12GB Memory with 512GB internal storage
12GB Memory with 256GB internal storage
Battery 4,000mAh (typical) dual battery
Charging Wired Charging*: Up to 50% charge in around 30min. with 25W Adapter and 3A USB-C cable
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0
Wireless PowerShare
Water Resistance IP48
OS Android 14
One UI 6.1.1
Network & Connectivity 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth® v5.3
Sensors Capacitive Fingerprint sensor (side), Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro sensor, Geomagnetic sensor, Hall sensor, Proximity sensor, Light sensor
Security Samsung Knox with Samsung Knox Vault
SIM Card One Nano SIM and Multi eSIM
Colors Silver Shadow, Yellow, Blue, Mint
Crafted Black, White, Peach

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is also available for preorder and will be have general availability starting July 24th.

Below is the pricing for the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6;

12GB + 256 GB – $1,099.99
12GB + 512 GB – $1,219.99

Samsung is giving those who preorder the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 a big discount.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 Announced

Samsung officially announced its all-new Galaxy Z Fold6 at Galaxy Unpacked in Paris. The Galaxy Z Fold6 is one of the devices that will be powered by Galaxy AI, unveiled earlier this year.

The Galaxy Z Fold6 unfolds into a 7.6-inch tablet and folds in half to become a 6.3-inch smartphone. It supports the S Pen and boasts a five-camera system, including three “rear” cameras, a 10MP selfie camera, and a 4MP under-display camera. The Galaxy Z Fold6 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform. It comes with 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of internal storage.

Despite its size and multiple screens, the Z Fold6 packs a 4,400mAh dual battery and supports Samsung’s Fast Wireless Charging 2.0. It includes a 25W adapter and a 3A USB-C cable in the box.

The Galaxy Z Fold6 runs the company’s One UI 6.1.1 (Android 14) and comes in 6 colors: Silver Shadow, Pink, Navy, Crafted Black, and White.

Here’s the full specs of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6;

Galaxy Z Fold6
Display Main Screen 7.6-inch QXGA+*
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Infinity Flex Display (2160 x 1856, 20.9:18), 374ppi
120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)
Cover Screen 6.3-inch HD+
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display
(2376 x 968, 22.1:9), 410ppi
120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)
Dimension & Weight Folded 68.1 x 153.5 x 12.1mm
Unfolded 132.6 x 153.5 x 5.6mm
Weight 239g
Camera Cover Camera 10MP Selfie Camera
F2.2, Pixel size: 1.22μm, FOV: 85˚
Under Display Camera 4MP Under Display Camera
F1.8, Pixel size: 2.0μm, FOV: 85˚
Rear Triple Camera 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera
F2.2, Pixel size: 1.12μm, FOV: 123˚
50MP Wide-angle Camera
Dual Pixel AF, OIS, F1.8, Pixel size: 1.0μm, FOV: 85˚
10MP Telephoto Camera
PDAF, OIS, F2.4, Pixel size: 1.0μm, FOV: 36˚, 3X optical zoom
AP Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy
Memory & Storage 12GB Memory with 1TB internal storage
12GB Memory with 512GB internal storage
12GB Memory with 256GB internal storage
Battery 4,400mAh (typical) dual battery
Charging Wired Charging*: Up to 50% charge in around 30 min. with 25W Adapter** and 3A USB-C cable***
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0****
Wireless PowerShare*****
Network & Connectivity 5G*, LTE**, Wi-Fi 6E***, Bluetooth® v5.3
Sensors Capacitive Fingerprint sensor (side), Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro sensor, Geomagnetic sensor, Hall sensor, Proximity sensor, Light sensor
Security Samsung Knox with Samsung Knox Vault
SIM Card Up to two Nano SIM* and Multi eSIM**
Up to two Nano SIM* and Multi eSIM**
Colors Silver Shadow, Pink, Navy*
Crafted Black, White**

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 is now available for preorder and will be have general availability starting July 24th.

Below is the pricing for the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6;

  • 12GB + 256 GB – $1899.99
  • 12GB + 512 GB – $2019.99
  • 12GB + 1 TB – $2259.99

Samsung is giving those who preorder the new Galaxy Z Fold6 a big discount.

POCO F6 Series now in Saudi Arabia

Xiaomi fans in Saudi Arabia rejoice! Xiaomi’s POCO brand has just introduced the F6 series in the Kingdom. Both the standard F6 and the feature-packed F6 Pro are currently available for preorder on Jarir Bookstore and Noon.

The POCO F6 boasts a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, while the F6 Pro offers a slightly more powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. As for the display, both models come equipped with a smooth 120Hz, 6.67-inch AMOLED display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass for added durability.

The distinction between the two models starts with storage and RAM. The F6 offers up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage, while the F6 Pro boasts a maximum of 16GB of RAM and a whopping 1TB of storage.

The camera systems also differ. The F6 features a dual rear camera system with a 50MP main camera powered by the Sony IMX882 sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide camera (IMX355). The F6 Pro upgrades to a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main camera using the Light Fusion 800 image sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro camera. The F6 also sports a 20MP front-facing camera, while the F6 Pro features a 16MP front camera.

The POCO F6 and F6 Pro share similar specifications for battery, security, sensors, audio, network, and connectivity. You can check out the detailed specs below for additional information.

F6 F6 Pro
Display 6.67″ CrystalRes 1.5K Flow AMOLED DotDisplay, 2400 nits (peak brightness), 2712 x 1220 resolution @446 ppi, Up to 120Hz refresh rate 6.67″ WQHD+ Flow AMOLED DotDisplay, 3200×1440 resolution @526 ppi, 4000 nits at peak brightness, Up to 120Hz refresh rate
Processor Snapdragon® 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform
Octa-core processor up to 3.0 GHz
Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform
Octa-core processor up to 3.0 GHz
GPU Adreno Adreno
AI Qualcomm AI Engine
RAM 8GB , 12 GB (LPDDR5X) 12 GB , 16 GB (LPDDR5X)
Storage 256 GB, 512 GB (UFS 4.0) 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB (UFS 4.0)
OS Xiaomi HyperOS Xiaomi HyperOS
Rear Camera 50MP main camera (Sony IMX882f/1.59)
8MP ultra-wide camera (IMX355)
50MP main camera (Light Fusion 800 image sensor), f/1.6
8MP ultra-wide camera, f/2.2
2MP macro camera, f/2.4
Front Camera 20MP front camera (OV20B -1/4″ sensor size) 16MP front camera
Battery 5000 mAh with 90W turbo charging (USB-C) 5000 mAh with 90W turbo charging (USB-C)
Security In-screen fingerprint sensor, AI Face Unlock In-screen fingerprint sensor, AI Face Unlock
Sensor NFC support, GPS L1, GLONASS G1, Beidou B1, Galileo E1, QZSS L1, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Electronic compass, IR blaster, Gyroscope, X-axis linear vibration motor NFC support, Proximity sensor, 360° Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Electronic compass, Gyroscope, IR blaster, Flicker sensor, Beidou, GPS , Galileo, GLONASS, QZSS, NavIC, Data network, Wireless network, Sensor Assisted Positioning
Network and Connectivity Dual SIM support, 2G GSM, 3G WCDMA, 4G LTE FDD/TDD, 5G, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax Dual SIM support, 2G GSM, 3G WCDMA, 4G LTE FDD/TDD, 5G, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Audio Dual speakers Stereo Dual speakers
Dimension 160.5mm x 74.4mm x 7.8mm (HxWxT) 160.86mm x 74.95mm x 8.21mm (HxWxT)
Weight 179g 209g
Color Black, Green and Titanium White and Black

For those interested in preordering from Jarir, here are the prices;
POCO F6
– 12GB + 512GB – SAR 1,799

POCO F6 Pro
– 12GB + 512GB – SAR 2,199

For additional variations, you can checkout to Xiaomi’s Store in Noon;
POCO F6
– 12GB + 512GB – SAR 1,799.00

POCO F6 Pro
– 12GB+512GB – SAR 2,199
– 16GB+1TB – SAR 2,599.00

2024 Paris Olympics Men’s Basketball Tournament Groupings have been Revealed

Now that the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament have concluded and we now have all 12 Basketball teams in 2024 Paris Olympics, know the group of your favorite team and their opponents.

Group A

  1. Australia
  2. Greece
  3. Canada
  4. Spain

Group B

  1. France (hosts)
  2. Germany
  3. Japan
  4. Brazil

Group C

  1. Serbia
  2. South Sudan
  3. Puerto Rico
  4. USA

Winners of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024

It’s settled, the teams for the coming 2024 Paris Olympics Basketball tournament are now complete that the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament has concluded with 4 teams emerging from each tournament.

Below are winners for each of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics;

  • For the Greece Tournament, Greece came out on top after Giannis Antetokounmpo led the national team against Luka Doncic and Slovenia national team in the semis then Croatia in the Finals. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a team high of 23 points and 8 rebounds.
  • In the Latvia Tournament, Brazil routs Latvia (94 – 69) displaying a balanced offensive effort, 5 Brazil players scored double-digit points and seven players made at least one or more assists. Bruno Caboclo led the Brazil national team with 21 points and 4 rebounds.
  • In the Puerto Rico leg of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the Puerto Rico National team qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics after defeating the European basketball powerhouse Lithuania. Six foot Jose Alvarado, of the New Orleans Pelicans, led the team with 23 points and 6 rebounds, he also shot 4 of 6 from beyond the arc.
  • And last but not the least, the winner of the Spain Tournament of FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament is none other than the host country, Spain, who defeated Bahamas in front their home crowd. Lorenzo Brown led the Spaniards with 18 points and 4 rebounds. He also shot 4 of 5 (80) from the three-point line.

All four teams will head to Paris to joint their respective Olympic tournament groups.

Brazil defeats Gilas Pilipinas, advances to the Finals of FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024

Brazil will advance to the Finals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 and will be one win away to compete at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. They defeated Gilas Pilipinas in a hard-fought 71-60 victory on Saturday, July 6, 2024.

A dominant third quarter sealed the deal for Brazil. Led by Bruno Caboclo’s double-double (15 points, 11 rebounds) and Lucas Dias’ strong showing (10 points and 9 rebounds), they turned the tide. Brazil tightened their defense, limiting Gilas to just 6 points in the third while exploding for 24 of their own.

Gilas Pilipinas was missing the services of big-man Kai Sotto. Additionally, Justin Brownlee’s, the hero of the first two games, was limited to the just 15 points and 8 rebounds. Brownlee averages 27 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists, prior to the Brazil game.

Brazil will face Latvia in the Finals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024. The winner of this game will claim one of the four remaining spots for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which begin on July 26th, 2024.

Despite the loss, Gilas Pilipinas can hold their heads high. They will surely have another opportunity to compete on the world stage.

Semi-Finals matchup for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024

Pairings for the Semi-Finals matchup for the 2024 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers are now complete. Here are the matchups:

Greece Tournament

  • Slovenia vs. Greece
  • Croatia vs. Dominican Republic

Spain Tournament

  • Bahamas vs. Lebanon
  • Finland vs. Spain

Latvia

  • Brazil vs. Philippines
  • Cameroon vs. Latvia

Puerto Rico

  • Puerto Rico vs. Mexico
  • Lithuania vs. Italy

All games are schedule this Saturday, July 6th, except for the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico, which is scheduled on July 7th.

Aside from the Brazil vs. Philippines, which all Pinoy hoopers will be watching, the Slovenia vs. Greece will be worth a watch, since it will feature NBA superstars Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Unlike in the NBA where its a best of 7 games, the semis of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 is a winner take all game.

Luka is averaging a triple-double in the tournament with 31 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists but needs with a playtime of 36.1 mins. While Giannis is averaging 32 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists but only needs to play for 18.2 mins. Giannis will surely increase specially against a fellow NBA Superstar.

Gilas Pilipinas lost to Georgia but Secures Semi-Finals of FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

The Philippine national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, fell to Georgia in a close match during their FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers game on Thursday. Despite the loss, Gilas secured their spot in the Semi-Finals round. Georgia needed a victory by at least 19 points to advance themselves.

Georgia came out strong in the first quarter, going on a dominant 16-0 run. Gilas clawed their way back, but Georgia still held a commanding 20-point lead (40-20) in the second quarter. However, Gilas refused to give up. They closed the gap with a 12-0 run before halftime and carried that momentum into the third quarter. With just 75 seconds remaining in the third period, Gilas even took their first lead of the game at 71-70.

Gilas Pilipinas trailed for most of the fourth. However, they kept the score close, forcing Georgia shot some “hail-mary” threes. Georgia even tried to extend the game to overtime but Goga Bitadze missed a put back on Philippines court, after Chris Newsome missed both of his free throw with just 2.8 seconds remaining in the game.

Just like their game against Latvia, Justin Brownless lead the team with 28 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Followed by Dwight Ramos and CJ Peres who scored 16 points and 14 points, respectively.

On Georgia’s side, even with their contribution, it was not enough for them to carry the team to the next stage of the tournament; Tornike Shengelia (17 points and 7 rebounds), Goga Bitadze (21 points and 9 rebounds), and Sandro Mamukelashvili (26 points and 7 rebounds).

Gilas Pilipinas will either play Brazil or Montenegro from GROUP B.

Netflix refreshes iconic classic game Minesweeper

Netflix is adding one of the icons of Windows computing and bringing a modern spin to the classic Minesweeper. You can now play the game through the Netflix’s app.

Netflix’s take on the Minesweeper will feature an international setting and giving player the goal to clear underwater mines with rewards. Game still have that usual interface of numbers and flags over vibrant pictures of waterways from around the world.

Since Netflix Games is included with your Netflix membership, as the trailer below promises: “No ads. No extra fees. No in-app purchases.”

Minesweeper can be downloaded and played on mobile devices – Android devices and iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Gila Pilipinas upset Latvia in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament

The Philippines National Basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, kicked off their FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament campaign in dramatic fashion with an upset victory over host nation Latvia on Wednesday. The final score: 89-80.

This is Philippines first win against a European team in an official FIBA competition since 1960, snapping a 64-year winless streak. The victory comes despite the absence of NBA player Jordan Clarkson, highlighting the depth and resilience of the Gilas Pilipinas squad.

Gilas Pilipinas started the game on an 8-0 run, then Latvia made a run at 21-16, but Gilas ended the 1st quarter on a 11-0 run punctuated by a clutch buzzer-beater by CJ Perez.

In the 2nd quarter, Latvia tried to make a run, but both teams managed to cancel each other out by scoring 22 points in the second period. In the second half, Latvia managed to make the game interesting by limiting Gilas to just 12 points in the final quarter. However, the 16-point lead that Gilas built in the first quarter proved too much for Latvia to overcome. The only consolation for the Latvian National Team is that they have already qualified for the semi-finals, unless Gilas wins by 28 points or more.

Justin Brownlee spearheaded Glias’ offense, scoring a game-high 26 points. He also contributed significantly with 9 rebounds and 9 assists, falling just one assist and rebound short of a coveted triple-double.

Brownlee received a lot help from Kai Sotto chipping-in 18 points and 8 rebounds, and 12 points from Dwight Ramos adding 12 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Gilas Head coach Tim Cone expressed surprise at the result, but hopes the team will use this momentum for the rest of the tournament.

Gilas next opponent is Georgia, and a win is crucial for Gilas to progress to the semi-finals and a step closer to qualify for the Paris Olympics.

Game highlights

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese makes the WNBA All-Stars Roster

WNBA has announced the 2024 WNBA All-Stars Roster that will face the USA Women’s National Team this coming July 20th, which is one of the main event for the coming WNBA All Star in Phoenix.

The are rookie phenom Caitlin Clark (Indiana) with 700,735 votes, followed by her teammate Aliyah Boston with 618,680 votes, then A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas) with 607,300 and NY Liberty star Breanna Stewart with 424,135 votes. To complete the top 5 fan vote-getters we have Chicago rookie Angel Reese with 381,518 votes.

Here’s the rest of the WNBA All-Stars Roster;

PLAYER TEAM POSITION
Aliyah Boston Indiana Fever Frontcourt
Allisha Gray Atlanta Dream Backcourt
Angel Reese^ Chicago Sky Frontcourt
Arike Ogunbowale Dallas Wings Backcourt
Brionna Jones Connecticut Sun Frontcourt
Caitlin Clark^ Indiana Fever Backcourt
Dearica Hamby Los Angeles Sparks Frontcourt
DeWanna Bonner Connecticut Sun Frontcourt
Jonquel Jones New York Liberty Frontcourt
Kayla McBride Minnesota Lynx Backcourt
Kelsey Mitchell Indiana Fever Backcourt
Nneka Ogwumike Seattle Storm Frontcourt

Aside from the WNBA All Star vs USA Women’s National Team, other events at the WNBA All Star are; 3-Point Contest and the Skills Challenge. The league has yet to announced the participants to these events. Last year, Sabrina Ionescu won the 3-Point Contest, while team mate Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray won the Skills Challenge.

Source: WNBA

Google Translate expands to 110 new languages, including 5 from the Philippines

Google just announced that they are adding 110 new languages to Google Translate, this includes 5 languages from the Philippines namely: Bikol, Hiligaynon, Kapampangan, Pangasinan and Waray.

Google explains that the expansion was possible with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) paired with PaLM 2 large language model.

In addition to the 5 languages from the Philippines, Google translate also added support for the following;

  • Afar which is spoken in Djibouti, Eritrea and Ethiopia.
  • Cantonese, which Google says “one of the most requested languages for Google Translate.”
  • Manx is the Celtic language of the Isle of Man. sands of speakers.
  • NKo a standardized form of the West African Manding languages that unifies many dialects into a common language.
  • Punjabi (Shahmukhi) is the variety of Punjabi written in Perso-Arabic script (Shahmukhi), and is the most spoken language in Pakistan.
  • Tamazight (Amazigh) is a Berber language spoken across North Africa.
  • Tok Pisin is an English-based creole and the lingua franca of Papua New Guinea.

With the additional 110 new languages, Google Translate now supports 243 languages. You can find the full list of newly supported languages on Google Translate here.

Toyota Prado 2024 now available in Saudi Arabia

After teasing motorist for the past months, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, Toyota Saudi Arabia’s parent company, officially announce that the Toyota Prado 2024 now available in the Kingdom.

The Toyota Prado 2024 will have a starting price of SAR 193,775.00 (around Php 3,037,494.51) for its TX-1 model and could cost up to SAR 284,625.00 (Php 4,461,601.73) for its top of the line ADV FIRST EDITION. Toyota Prado 2024 with a diesel engine is also available.

First announced last August 2023 and here’s how Toyota describe the new Toyota Prado 2024;

Built on the TNGA-F global truck platform, the new Land Cruiser is designed, engineered, and tested to survive in the harshest of environments. For this new generation, Land Cruiser is exclusively available with the range-topping i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s slightly smaller and narrower than the outgoing 200 Series model, making it nimbler on the trails, and Land Cruiser features off-road tech that has debuted on the newest generation of Toyota trucks. Limited to 5,000 units for the first two months of production, Land Cruiser will be offered in a First Edition grade that includes two new two-tone paint colors and additional off-road equipment.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba concludes with the Infinity Castle Film Trilogy

Following the conclusion of Season 4 of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba or also known as the Hashira Training Arc in Japan, Crunchyroll announced a three-part film project titled “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle.” This trilogy will adapt the Infinity Castle arc (chapters 137-183) and the Sunrise Countdown arc (chapters 184-205) of the beloved manga into an anime film.

Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment also announced that they had acquired the trilogy of movies for a global theatrical release excluding select Asian territories and Japan. No release date was confirmed at the time of reporting.

Together with the announcement of the “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle film trilogy” the official movie posters and, a two and a half minute trailer was release.

Movie Poster

Official Trailer

Apple Vision Pro now available in China mainland, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore

Apple’s highly anticipated spatial computing headset, the Vision Pro, has finally arrived in key Asian markets. After launching in the US back in February, the device is now available for purchase in Apple Stores across China mainland, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore.

The Vision Pro promises a seamless blend of the digital and physical worlds, offering users a variety of transformative experiences. From work and collaboration to entertainment and reliving memories, the headset boasts a wide range of capabilities. Apple is heavily emphasizing the guided in-store demo experience, allowing potential customers to explore the full potential of spatial computing.

This launch comes amidst reports of slowing sales in the US, where the $3,499 price tag may have deterred some consumers. By entering these new markets, Apple is targeting regions with a strong tech presence and potentially more receptive audiences.

Checking the Apple Online Store in Singapore, the new Apple Vision Pro retails for S$5,299 (around Php 228,171.46) and its limited to just two units per customer.

Source: Apple

Huawei MatePad 11.5 S now in Saudi Arabia

First announced in May 2024, the Huawei MatePad 11.5 S is now available in Saudi Arabia, a tablet designed for productivity and entertainment with its sleek design and powerful features.

The Huawei MatePad 11.5 S features a 11.5-inch 2.8K (2800 × 1840) display. With up to 144Hz refresh rate, scrolling and animations are incredibly smooth. The display also features a PaperMatte 2.0 finish that reduces glare and offers a more pen-on-paper-like writing experience.

The MatePad 11.5 S runs on the Huawei Kirin 9000 Octa-core processor, offering capable performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. Huawei’s Harmony OS 4.2 will be running the device right out of the box. The tablet will feature a 13 MP f/1.8 aperture with autofocus (AF) rear camera and a 8 MP f/2.0 aperture with fixed focus (FF) front camera. It will have 8GB RAM and 256 storage.

The MatePad 11.5 S will support Wifi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2 × 2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.2, NearLink and USB Type-C, USB 3.0 connectivity.

Design-wise, the MatePad 11.5 S boasts a slim and lightweight design with a metal unibody construction that’s just 6.2mm thin and weighs only 510g, and comes in three colors: Space Grey, Silver Frost and Violet. The 8800mAh battery offers long battery life on a single charge.

Here’s the pricing for the new Huawei MatePad 11.5 S;
8GB RAM + 256GB storage (without keyboard) – SAR 1,699
8GB RAM + 256GB storage (with keyboard) – SAR 1,899

The Huawei MatePad 11.5 S is available for preorder on the Huawei website and local retailers like Jarir and Extra.

The Huawei MatePad 11.5 S is available for preorder on the Huawei website and local retailers like Jarir and Extra. Customers who preorder the MatePad 11.5 S will receive free gifts worth SAR 1,446: 3rd-Gen HUAWEI M-Pencil White, HUAWEI Stylish Backpack (Olive Green), MatePad Folio Cover Compatible with HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S Black and Wireless Mouse (Space Gray).

List of iPhones supported by iOS 18

Now that the WWC is in the books and with the announcement of the iOS 18, you may be wondering if your iPhone can run the upcoming iOS 18 when it comes out later this year. Well, if you are using the 2nd gen iPhone SE or the later version, then you can rest easy since your device can update to iOS 18 when it becomes available.

Below are the list of iPhones that’s supported by the new iOS 18.

  • iPhone 15
  • iPhone 15 Plus
  • iPhone 15 Pro
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14
  • iPhone 14 Plus
  • iPhone 14 Pro
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13
  • iPhone 13 mini
  • iPhone 13 Pro
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12
  • iPhone 12 mini
  • iPhone 12 Pro
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

Not all features of the new iOS will be supported by older devices.

  • Messages via satellite will be available in iOS 18 along with Apple’s existing satellite features in the U.S. on iPhone 14 and later.
  • Apple Intelligence will be available in beta on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • Features are subject to change. Some features are not available in all regions, all languages, or on all devices.

If you want to try out the new iOS 18, you can download the developer beta version at developer.apple.com or wait for the public beta this fall.

Source: Apple

Players who got drafted in the Second Round of the 2024 NBA Draft

The second round of the 2024 NBA Draft has concluded, making the entire 2024 NBA Draft complete. The second round went by rather quietly, with the biggest story being Bronny James being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers. This marks a historic moment, as LeBron James and his eldest son, Bronny James, are now officially teammates.

Aside from Bronny, there were two other noteworthy storylines. First, Kyle Filipowski’s fall to the second round surprised many, as both agents and GMs projected him as a first-round pick. Second, Cam Spencer, drafted by the LA Clippers, joins his brother who was drafted by the LA Lakers two years ago.

Here’s the complete list of the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft;

  1. Raptors draft Jonathan Mogbo (San Francisco)
  2. Jazz draft Kyle Filipowski (Duke)
  3. Bucks draft Tyler Smith (G League Ignite)
  4. Trail Blazers draft Tyler Kolek (Marquette) — Traded to Knicks
  5. Spurs draft Johnny Furphy (Kansas) — Traded to Pacers
  6. Pacers draft Juan Nunez (Ratiopharm Ulm) — Traded to Spurs
  7. Timberwolves draft Bobi Klintman (Cairns) — Reportedly traded to Pistons
  8. Knicks draft Ajay Mitchell (UC Santa Barbara) — Traded to Thunder
  9. Grizzlies draft Jaylen Wells (Washington State)
  10. Trail Blazers draft Oso Ighodaro (Marquette) — Traded to Suns (via Knicks)
  11. 76ers draft Adem Bona (UCLA)
  12. Hornets draft KJ Simpson (Colorado)
  13. Heat draft Nikola Djurisic (KK Mega Basket) — Traded to Hawks (via Heat)
  14. Rockets draft Pelle Larsson (Arizona) — Traded to Heat (via Rockets)
  15. Kings draft Jamal Shead (Houston) — Reportedly traded to Raptors
  16. Clippers draft Cam Christie (Minnesota)
  17. Magic draft Antonio Reeves (Kentucky) — Traded to Pelicans
  18. Spurs draft Harrison Ingram (North Carolina)
  19. Pacers draft Tristen Newton (Connecticut)
  20. Pacers draft Enrique Freeman (Akron)
  21. Knicks draft Melvin Ajinca (Saint-Quentin Basketball) — Traded to Mavericks
  22. Warriors draft Quinten Post (Boston College) — Traded to Thunder, then to Blazers, then to Warriors
  23. Pistons draft Cam Spencer (Connecticut) — Reportedly traded to Grizzlies (via Timberwolves)
  24. Celtics draft Anton Watson (Gonzaga)
  25. Lakers draft Bronny James (USC)
  26. Suns draft Kevin McCullar Jr. (Kansas) — Traded to Knicks
  27. Grizzlies draft Ulrich Chomche (NBA Academy Africa) — Reportedly traded to Raptors (via Timberwolves)
  28. Mavericks draft Ariel Hukporti (MHP Riesen) — Traded to Knicks
  • Suns and 76ers each lost a 2024 Draft second-round pick due to League penalty.

Source: NBA

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked will be this July 10th 2024

Samsung just announced that the second of their biannual event Galaxy Unpacked will be this July 10th 2024. Just like the rest of the tech industry, the company will be announcing their AI powered devices particularly with their smartphones (Galaxy Z series) and the company’s entire Galaxy ecosystem. We may even see new Galaxy fold devices in the event.

Samsung Electronics will host the Galaxy Unpacked event in the City of Lights, Paris, and will be broadcast live on Samsung.com, the Samsung Middle East Newsroom and the Samsung YouTube channel starting at 4pm Saudi time.

Who Got Drafted? A Look at the First Round of the 2024 NBA Draft

The first day of the 2024 NBA Draft is in the books, and the Lakers did not draft Bronny James, instead they got what can be considered the biggest steal of the draft at #17 – Dalton Knecht, from the University of Tennessee and lead the team producing “21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.6 3s per game while shooting 45.8% from the field and 39.7% from deep.”

For those who were not able to follow the live broadcast here’s the complete list of the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft;

  1. Hawks draft Zaccharie Risacher (JL Bourg-en-Bresse)
  2. Wizards draft Alex Sarr (Perth)
  3. Rockets draft Reed Sheppard (Kentucky)
  4. Spurs draft Stephon Castle (Connecticut)
  5. Pistons draft Ron Holland II (G League Ignite)
  6. Hornets draft Tidjane Salaun (Cholet Basket)
  7. Trail Blazers draft Donovan Clingan (Connecticut)
  8. Spurs draft Rob Dillingham (Kentucky) — Traded to Timberwolves
  9. Grizzlies draft Zach Edey (Purdue)
  10. Jazz draft Cody Williams (Colorado)
  11. Bulls draft Matas Buzelis (G League Ignite)
  12. Thunder draft Nikola Topic (KK Crvena Zvezda)
  13. Kings draft Devin Carter (Providence)
  14. Trail Blazers draft Bub Carrington (Pittsburgh) — Traded to Wizards
  15. Heat draft Kel’el Ware (Indiana)
  16. 76ers draft Jared McCain (Duke)
  17. Lakers draft Dalton Knecht (Tennessee)
  18. Magic draft Tristan da Silva (Colorado)
  19. Raptors draft Ja’Kobe Walter (Baylor)
  20. Cavaliers draft Jaylon Tyson (Cal)
  21. Pelicans draft Yves Missi (Baylor)
  22. Suns draft DaRon Holmes II (Dayton) — Traded to Nuggets
  23. Bucks draft AJ Johnson (Illawarra)
  24. Knicks draft Kyshawn George (Miami) — Traded to Wizards
  25. Knicks draft Pacome Dadiet (Ratiopharm Ulm)
  26. Wizards draft Dillon Jones (Weber State) — Traded to Thunder (via Knicks)
  27. Timberwolves draft Terrence Shannon Jr. (Illinois)
  28. Nuggets draft Ryan Dunn (Virginia) — Traded to Suns
  29. Jazz draft Isaiah Collier (USC)
  30. Celtics draft Baylor Scheierman (Creighton)

Second day/round of the draft will be tomorrow, Thurs., June 27 at ESPN’s Seaport District Studios in New York.

Nikon Z6III Announced

Nikon Middle East officially announce the Z6III, its new high-performance camera model that inherits the signature features of the Z9 and Z8, delivering high performance and exceptional specs in the full-frame mid-range class. The Nikon Z6III features the world-first partially-stacked CMOS sensor paired with the lightning-fast EXPEED 7 processor, making it a dream for both photographers and videographers.

The Nikon Z6III is a third-gen full-frame mirrorless camera with a 24MP sensor for better autofocus and video. It shoots fast at 14fps (mechanical shutter) and 20fps (electronic), and can capture up to 1000 images. It has good image stabilization and a high-resolution viewfinder. For video, it offers resolutions up to 6K and features like pre-capture and high-resolution mode for photos. You can checkout the press release below for more information.

The new Nikon Z6III will initially be available in the United States in late June for a suggested retail price of $2,499.95 (body-only), or with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 lens for $3,099.95. The MB-N14 power battery pack will be available this summer for a suggested retail price of $359.95. No word yet as to when it will be release in Middle East, but you can be sure that we will post the price once announced.

Here’s a 4 minutes product tour of the Nikon Z6 III;

Press Release:

New Z6III Offers Exceptional Specs For Full-Frame Mid-Range Class Models

The new Nikon camera developed with the Z9 and Z8 spirit delivers high performance with specs exceeding others in the same class.

MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA – Nikon Middle East FZE. has introduced the Z6III, its new high-performance camera model that inherits the signature features of the Z9 and Z8, delivering high performance and exceptional specs in the full-frame mid-range class.

“Designed to ignite the creativity of content creators and enthusiasts, the new Z6III embraces the spirit of our Z series, and embodies the build and functionality of the award-winning Z8 and Z9 cameras. By integrating innovative technology, such as the partially-stacked sensor and the brightest EVF, it elevates Nikon’s dedication to deliver unrivalled functionality and performance.” said Narendra Menon, Managing Director, Nikon Middle East FZE.

Z6III Primary Features

Incorporating The Latest Technologies
The Z6III adopts the world’s first partially-stacked CMOS sensor1, which allows for 3.5x faster readouts than the Z6II. This sensor allows for high-speed continuous shooting that enables Pre-Release Capture at up to 120 fps in DX format.2 The camera also provides an additional option of shooting at 60 fps in FX format with 24 MP.

High Performance And Functionality Inherited From Top-Tier Model
The Z6III is further enhanced with a bright, high-res EVF of 4000 cd/m2 and 5760k dots with a wide colour gamut, allowing smooth EVF views to confirm shooting opportunities for moving subjects accredited to fast data readout from the partially-stacked CMOS sensor and Nikon’s EXPEED 7’s quick processing. The EVF refresh rate provides displays at 60 fps during 20 fps high-speed continuous shooting when the shutter button is fully pressed.

For high-resolution video production, the latest Nikon model allows Full HD/240p3 for up to 10x slow-motion video creation, offering flexibility in both speed and colour grading with its ability to record in 10-bit H.265.

The Z6III inherits the performance and functionality of the Nikon Z9 and Z8 models, including the camera’s operability and customisation. With almost the same dials and button layouts as the Z8, the Z6III also offers extensive custom settings, including the assignment of different AF-area mode.

Nikon’s latest model also acquires the Z9 and Z8’s AF detection range to -10 EV4, making it easy to take photos of static objects in low-light conditions. The inherited superior AF performance allows the subject detection of 9 types of subjects, brilliant autofocus (AF) performance in backlit scenes, better detection of human faces, and shortened shooting time in various scenes. The Z6III’s AF speed has also been upgraded to be approximately 20 percent faster than the Z6II.5

Complementing the Z6III as a reliable workhorse, the new MB-N14 Power Battery Pack is also introduced as an optional boost of power capacity.

Climate-Resistant And Better Heat Dissipation
The Z6III suits the needs of photographers who capture landscapes and wildlife in winter. Consisting of Sereebo® P series carbon fibre, magnesium alloy, and effective sealing, this robust and cold-resistant camera can be used in temperatures reaching -10 degrees Celsius.

The camera is also convenient for shooting events such as weddings, live concerts, and interviews due to enhancements of the heat dissipation structure and power efficiency, which enable recording for up to 125 minutes6 in 4K UHD/60p (8-bit) format. The Z6III also provides the flexibility for videographers to shoot videos in 12-bit ProRes RAW HQ and N-RAW formats, covering resolution up to 6K.

Expansion Of Possibilities For Imaging Expression Through New Functions
Gain better control over your creative photography with Flexible Color Picture Control for use with the NX Studio7 – Nikon’s image browsing, processing, and editing software. This exciting new option allows users greater freedom of expression for users with the support of Colour Blender and Colour Grading features, enabling the intuitive adjustment of light and colours to match your intent. Users can then export the combinations of configured settings from the NX Studio to the Z6III and register these as Custom Picture Controls, applicable at any time while shooting and reflected on the live display, for real-time preview of the results.

Further, Z6III works in tandem with Nikon’s new cloud service, Nikon Imaging Cloud8 with support for new Imaging Recipes9 to expand possibilities for imaging expression. The Z6III firmware can be updated without the need for a computer or a smart device, with images captured by the camera to be uploaded automatically to Nikon Imaging Cloud as soon as it connects via Wi-Fi and transferred to pre-configured third-party cloud storage services, making the storage and sharing of images even more convenient10.

High-Sensitivity Performance
The latest Nikon camera can also capture stunning low light scenes up to ISO 64000 for photos and ISO 51200 for video. Thanks to the EXPEED 7 high-speed image-processing engine, it surpasses the Z6II in noise reduction, preserving the intricate textures in your photographs. The Z6III also achieves one of the highest in-camera Vibration Reduction (VR) in the Nikon Z series cameras with an 8.0-stop11.

Adopting the same algorithm as the Zf, the Z6III expands handheld shooting opportunities in low-light situations such as indoor scenes and nightscapes. This new model is equipped with focus point VR12 that reduces blurring in focused areas, which suits the purpose of enlargement and trimming peripheries around your photo subject.

It is also equipped with electronic VR for more effective image stabilisation during video recording.

Nikon Imaging Cloud Primary Features

Nikon Imaging Cloud is Nikon’s new cloud service that brings fun and convenient functions that support the user’s imaging experience with a direct connection to the camera13. This service offers curated Imaging Recipes that allow users to download Picture Controls created from these recipes, and to save their adjustments to hue, brightness, contrast, and so on to be saved as Custom Picture Controls. Imaging Recipes provided by Nikon Imaging Cloud have been suggested by Nikon or supervised by creators and allow users to experience new imaging styles they have never attempted before. When the camera is connected to Nikon Imaging Cloud via Wi-Fi, still images captured with the camera can be automatically uploaded directly to the service or pre-configured third-party cloud storage services, greatly reducing the work involved with data transfer. In addition, camera firmware updates can be performed automatically at a specified time by enabling auto updates on the camera14. In addition to eliminating the hassle of using a computer, smartphone, or memory card to update firmware, this feature ensures the camera is always up-to-date.

Availability

For more information on the new Z6III and other Nikon products, please visit https://nikon-mea.com.

Source: Nikon USA, Nikon Middle East

Former Senator Leila de Lima Cleared in all of her Drug Cases

Former Senator Leila de Lima has been cleared of all drug charges filed against her during the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 206 granted De Lima demurrer to evidence on June 24, 2024. This is the same court that granted her bail last November 2023 and set her free after almost seven years in detention.

This is what Former Senator Leila de Lima said about her acquittal;

This dismissal effectively cleared her third and final drug case. De Lima, a Philippine opposition figure and one of the staunchest critics of then President Duterte, had faced allegations related to conspiracy to commit drug trading during the Duterte administration. Her acquittal marks the end of a long legal battle that spanned several years, making her a free woman.

Source: Rappler, CNN, Inquirer

ICYMI: Boston Celtics Win 2024 NBA Championship

After a dominant season, the Boston Celtics are back on top of the NBA mountain. With a convincing 4-1 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals, the Celtics secured their 18th championship title, etching their name in history as the winningest franchise in NBA history.

Jayson Tatum, finally hoisting his first Larry O’Brien trophy, delivered a masterful performance throughout the playoffs, culminating in a phenomenal 31-point, 11-assist and 8 rebounds in the clinching Game 5. Tatum wasn’t alone. Jaylen Brown, the newly crowned Finals MVP, proved himself to be an unstoppable force on both ends of the court, averaging over 23.9 points per game in the Finals series. Then there’s Jrue Holiday, who finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds and Center Kristaps Porzingis who provided the emotional anchor after missing the game 3 and 4 because of a dislocated tendon in his left ankle, he chipped-in five points in 17 minutes.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla deserves all the respects for his leadership throughout the season. After receiving most of the criticism last season due to his lack of coaching experience on the NBA’s biggest stage, this championship win is a remarkable turnaround.

Here are some of the highlights for the Boston Celtics celebrations;

Team USA Women’s Basketball Roster for 2024 Paris Olympics now Official

After being leaked a couple of days ago, the official roster for the Team USA Women’s Basketball for 2024 Paris Olympics have been officially announced.

As previously leaked and now official, below are the official roster of Team USA Women’s Basketball for 2024 Paris Olympics;

Player WNBA Team Position
Napheesa Collier Minnesota Lynx Forward
Kahleah Copper Phoenix Mercury Guard/Forward
Chelsea Gray Las Vegas Aces Guard
Brittney Griner Phoenix Mercury Center
Sabrina Ionescu New York Liberty Guard
Jewell Loyd Seattle Storm Guard
Kelsey Plum Las Vegas Aces Guard
Breanna Stewart New York Liberty Forward
Diana Taurasi Phoenix Mercury Guard
Alyssa Thomas Connecticut Sun Forward
A’ja Wilson Las Vegas Aces Forward/Center
Jackie Young Las Vegas Aces Guard/Forward

USA Women’s National Team head coach Cheryl Reeve with the assistance of Kara Lawson, Joni Taylor and Mike Thibault.

Here is what USA Basketball Women’s National Team Committee chair Jen Rizzotti said in the official statement;

“On behalf of USA Basketball, I’m excited to announce the 2024 USA Women’s National Team, We have selected a team that we are confident will represent our country to the highest standard in Paris. Basketball in the United States boasts unparalleled depth, making this a challenging and competitive process. The commitment these athletes have shown to USA Basketball is unmatched and I look forward to watching them take on the World in Paris.”

This is what USA Women’s National Team head coach Cheryl Reeve said regarding the roster;

“This roster features some of the best basketball talent our country has to offer and I’m excited to lead this team with the goal of winning an eighth straight Olympic gold medal in Paris, I’m looking forward to getting together in Phoenix and starting the journey to Paris.”

Huawei Unveils the MatePad SE 11 A Bigger and Better Budget Friendly Tablet

Succeeding the original MatePad SE, Huawei introduces the MatePad SE 11 with a larger 11-inch display, improved design, and a larger 7700 mAh battery, all at an attractive price point.

The MatePad SE 11 takes center stage with its expansive 11-inch LCD display. The Full HD+ resolution (1920 x 1200 pixels) with 207 ppi and a 16:10 aspect ratio with an 85% screen-to-body ratio delivers crisp visuals for entertainment and productivity. With a peak brightness of 400 nits and 100% sRGB color coverage, the display offers a vibrant and comfortable viewing experience.

The MatePad SE 11 features a sleek and slim design with a metal unibody construction. Measuring just 6.9mm thin and weighing 475 grams, it comes in two stylish colors: Nebula Gray and Crystal Blue. The MatePad SE 11 will be available with up to 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.

The tablet features an 8MP rear camera with an image resolution of 3264 x 2448. It can record videos at 1920 x 1080 resolution. The front shooter is a 5MP camera with f/2.2 aperture and a fixed focal length. It supports 2560 × 1920 image resolution while recording videos at 1280 × 720 pixels.

Under the hood, the MatePad SE 11 runs on a Kirin 710A or a Snapdragon 680 chipset (depending on the region) and HarmonyOS 2.0 that supports multi-window, multi-screen collaboration, seamless data transfer, and screen sharing.

The MatePad SE 11 also supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 with USB Type-C 2.0.

Pricing and Availability

The Huawei MatePad SE 11 is now available for the Saudi Arabian market with the following pricing:

  • 4GB RAM + 128 GB storage: SAR 799.00
  • 6GB RAM + 128 GB storage: SAR 849.00
  • 8GB RAM + 128 GB storage: SAR 999.00

You can buy the new MatePad SE 11 directly from the Huawei Online Store or any authorized retailers in the Kingdom. Ordering the tablet now includes a free Huawei M-Pen lite, Huawei Backpack Swift, and Huawei MatePad SE 11 Folio Cover, valued at SAR 497.00.

Source: GSM Arena, Yugatech