It looks like Lebron will now be 5-1 in the 2023 NBA All Star when chosen as a team captain, since Team Giannis just handed Lebron his first L, since NBA change the format in 2018. It was not Giannis who led the game but instead it was Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics as he scores All-Star record 55 points and taking home the 2023 Kobe Bryant All-Star MVP trophy. The previous All-Star record was by Anthony Davis after scoring 52 points in 2017.
It was not all Tatum, since teammate Damian Lillard and Donovan Mitchell contributed as well, contributing 26 points and 40 points respectively. On Team Lebron, Joel Embid, Kyrie Irving and Jaylen Brown are the biggest contributors. Embid and Irving both scored 32 points, while Brown had 35 points.
Checkout the game highlights of the top scorer of this years 2023 NBA All Star Game;
Jayson Tatum – 55 Points
Damian Lillard – 26 points
Donovan Mitchel – 40 points
Joel Embid – 32 Points
Kyrie Irving – 32 points
Jaylen Brown – 35 Points
Because of injury, team captains of each team have to leave the game early; Lebron James for his right hand contusion and just played for 14 minutes, while Giannis Antetokounmpo injured his sprained right wrist and played for just 20 seconds before leaving the game.
It’s unclear if NBA will still use the “playground style” next year but not knowing who will be in the team sure made the game much more exciting. The 2024 NBA All Star will be in Indianapolis.
#NBAAllStar 2024 is in Indianapolis, IN! The 73rd annual NBA All-Star Game will be played on Sunday, Feb. 18, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Pacers. pic.twitter.com/kXDmqRhZpI
Literally hours before the 2023 NBA All Star Game, Team Caption Lebron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo drafted their players from the pool of players, first it was for the reserves then the starters.
Giannis Antetokounmpo got the privileges to choose the #1 draft and decided to take Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers, then his teammate Jrue Holiday. Lebron on the other hand drafted Anthony Edwards first followed by Jaylen Brown. The player to be drafted was Lauri Markkanen, Jazz and played for Team Giannis.
To provide more drama, NBA decided adopt a playground style for the game and make the NBA All Star Draft just before the actual All Star Game.
In a contest of accuracy and coordination, Portland Superstar Damian Lillard proves why he is considered as one of the dangerous sniper in the league by taking home the 2023 NBA 3-Point Contest. This was his 3rd appearance in the 3-Point Contest but his first time winning it.
Full highlights of the 2023 NBA 3-Point Contest;
It was a close contest in the final round but Lillard made two “Starry” shots, each is worth and each of those baskets gave him three points in the decisive round, which helped him defeat Hield 26-25. Lillard won the game with his final shot from the corner, a two-point money shot.
Lillard is currently 31% at the 3-pt line this season and will also play in the 2023 NBA All Star Game on Sunday.
Mac McClung just became the first NBA G-Leaguers to win the NBA Slam Dunk contest, beating out fellow dunkers, Kenyon Martin Jr. of the Houston Rockets, Trey Murphy III from the New Orleans Pelicans and Jericho Sims of the New York Knicks. If not for the 9 points given by Lisa Leslie, he would have scored a perfect 50 on all rounds of the contest.
His final dunk, is a 360-degree plus (above), were he added a few more degrees in his 360 dunk, then after landing giving a “ITS OVER” sign ala Vince Carter. His final dunk earned him a hug from Dominique Wilkins, a two-time dunk contest winner and one of the judges.
Even though McClung only played in 4 NBA games, the Philadelphia 76ers gave him a 2 way contract for the rest of the season.
Here’s the full highlights of Mac MacClung’s NBA Slam Dunk contest;
Marvel studio just release a new teaser poster for upcoming Cap. Marvel sequel – The Marvels. The poster shows Ms. Marvel standing on the ground looking up to Captain Marvel and Monica Rambeau a.k.a. Photon. The poster also indicated the film will be in theaters on the 10th of November 2023.
Premise of the film is still unknown but according to Collider, the film will have something to do with the “swapping places” that happened every time they use their powers. There will also be scenes set on the SABER Space Station, a S.H.I.E.L.D. space station.
The Marvels is directed by Nia DaCosta, with returning casts;
Brie Larson as Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel
Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel
Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau/ Photon
Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury
Saagar Shaikh as Kamala’s older brother Amir
Zenobia Shroff as Kamala’s mother Muneeba
Mohan Kapur as as Kamala’s father Yusuf
Zawe Ashton has been cast as an unknown villain and Park Seo-joon has been cast in an undisclosed role
Here’s something to all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) around the world, starting March 1, 2023, all Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) concerns of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) will be managed by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO). This in accordance with the Republic Act No. 11641 or the Department of Migrant Workers Act.
In addition to all labor concern, Assistance-to-Nationals concern will include but not limited to the following;
police cases/legal assistance
repatriation request
immigration issues
shipment of remains
welfare assistance
Aside from ATN concerns, Migrant Workers Office (MWO) will also be handing non-OFW concerns from students, tourists and pilgrims.
This is what their websie said about the Migrant Workers Office;
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is the executive department of the Philippine government tasked to protect the rights and promote the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The department was created by virtue of Department of Migrant Workers Act or the Republic Act No. 11641, which was signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on December 30, 2021.
The Department of Migrant Workers Act (RA 11641) took effect on February 3, 2022, wherein the DMW was created, established, and constituted. It now assumes and performs all the powers and functions of seven merged agencies, namely: the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA); the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA) of the DFA; the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) and all Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) under DOLE; the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP); the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRC) under the OWWA, and the Office of the Social Welfare Attaché (OSWA) under the DSWD.
The DMW is mandated to facilitate the overseas employment and reintegration of Filipino workers, while taking into consideration the national development programs of the National Economic and Development Authority. It is also tasked to promote the empowerment and protection of OFWs through continuous training and knowledge development.
Here’s something big to all Anime fans, the mythical crossover special of One Piece, Dragon Ball Z, and Toriko will make its North American television debut on the Adult Swim Toonami block on Cartoon Network, this is according to the official English account of Toei Animation.
On April 7, 2013, the episode debuted on Fuji TV in Japan. The crossover was not available to viewers outside of Japan, even though it is part of One Piece Episode 590, “The Mightiest Cooperation in History vs. the Gluttonous of the Sea,” of the One Piece anime TV series. Toriko x One Piece x Dragon Ball Z Super Crossover Special will air on Toonami on Saturday, March 4, 2023, 10 years after it aired in Japan.
The Toriko x One Piece x Dragon Ball Z Super Crossover Special have been the talked around anime circles. The premise of the Crossover Special is that Luffy, Goku and Toriko met in a special tournament that would grant the winner a special type of meat. Since both Goku and Luffy are known gluttons in their respective series, naturally the two are willing to fight in order to get a taste of the special meat. The specially will also feature fights between Zoro and Vegeta, and also Usopp, Gohan, Piccolo, Gotenks, Franky, and Sanji.
Netflix just dropped the official trailer of Shadow and Bone Season 2.
Season 2 will pickup at the end of the first season, in the trailer we can see Alina Starkov able to master her powers to the point where she needs locate two mythical creatures to help amplify her powers that will once and for all destroys Shadow Fold and The Darkling (General Aleksander Kirigan). On the other side, the Crows will finally meet “the legendary Sun Summoner.”
Shadow and Bone is based on the book by Israeli-American author Leigh Bardugo, the series follows the story of Alina Starkov, a cartographer in the First Army of Ravka, discovers that she is a Grisha with the ability of summoning light that can destroy the Shadow Fold — a region of impenetrable darkness that divided Ravka for hundreds of years.
Developed by Eric Heisserer for Netflix, “Shadow and Bone” stars Jessie Mei Li (Alina Starkov), Archie Renaux (Malyen Oretsev), Freddy Carter (Kaz Brekker), Amita Suman (Inej), Kit Young (Jesper Fahey), Ben Barnes (General Kirigan), Danielle Galligan (Nina Zenik) and Calahan Skogman (Matthias Helvar).
Shadow and Bone Season 2 premieres on Netflix this 16th of March 2023. Season 1 of Shadow and Bone is now available on Netflix.
Department of Education (DepEd) just released an amended version of the “Panatang Makabayan.” In the new version of “Panatang Makbayan,” the word “nagdarasal” was changed into “nanalangin,” the changes was made after consultation with various organizations regarding the terminology.
The Linguistic Society of the Philippines found the proposal for the use of nananalangin to be well-written and sufficiently rationalized. The Pambansang Samahan sa Linggwistika at Literaturang Filipino agreed with the use of nananalangin, because it is more inclusive, more solemn, and the choice for nananalangin is well thought of and extensively researched. The Language Study Center of the Philippine Normal University had a different opinion but expressed its support for the fina1 decision of Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching (OUCT) on this matter.
With these consultations, the Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching (OUCT) recommended that “nananalangin” be used instead of “nagdarasal” primarily because the nananalangin is inherent and integral in Filipino identities as it is rooted in Tagalog. Likewise, it is more inclusive and appropriate as it does not refer to or specific religions, and at the same time, it encompasses indigenous belief systems.
Second, as expressed by the focal persons representing the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples and the individuals belonging to Muslim and Moro communities, dalangin and its equivalents may be more preferred than dasal since dalangin is more spiritual and universal. Finally, based on the data provided by the Philippine Bible Society, native words are preferred when Bible is being translated into different Philippine languages.
This will now be the new ‘Panatang Makabayan’;
Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas,
aking lupang sinilangan
tahanan ng aking lahi;
kinukupkop ako at tinutulungang
maging malakas, masipag at marangal.
Dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas,
diringgin ko ang payo
ng aking mga magulang,
susundin ko ang tuntunin ng paaralan,
tutuparin ko ang tungkulin
ng mamamayang makabayan;
naglilingkod, nag-aaral, at nananalangin
nang buong katapatan.
Iaalay ko ang aking buhay,
pangarap, pagsisikap sa bansang Pilipinas.
MOMOLAND just announced that the group are now disbanded. In a note written in Korean posted by the group members and referring to their loyal fans as “Merries”, explained that “they (Momoland) decided to take a step forward towards our dreams and cheer for a new start.” and “even though they are no longer a group, they will still support each other.”
Here’s the Google Translate version;
hello. This is Momoland Ain.
First of all, I’m so sorry to our Merries, who must have been very upset to have encountered it first through an article.
I’ve always been thinking about how to repay our Merries, who always cheered me on and gave me a lot of strength.
Looking back, there were a lot of shortcomings and a lot of regrets, but I feel that there are more happy moments than that.
After a really long thought, the 6 of us, Momoland, decided to take a step forward towards our dreams and cheer for a new start.
Even though the 6 of us are scattered, we are always one team, and just like our beloved Marys who always stood by Momoland, we, as Momoland, will always be by Mary’s side.
I wanted to tell you the news quickly, but I’m so sorry that I finally did it, and thank you for waiting.
Please continue to support and look forward to Momoland and each member’s future.
thank you
The disbandment of the group came less than a month after their MLD Entertainment announced that it will not renew its contract with the KPOP South Korean girl group. The group did not make any additional announcement on what their future plans are.
MOMOLAND was a South Korean girl group formed by MLD Entertainment through the 2016 reality show Finding Momoland. The show’s winners Hyebin, Yeonwoo, Jane, Nayun, JooE, Ahin, and Nancy served as the original members. Their debut mini album “Welcome to MOMOLAND” was released on November 10, 2016, which became an instant hit.
Momoland’s biggest hits is Bboom Bboom, which was released on 04 January 2018 in the official channel of the record label – “1theK (원더케이)”. The music video currently have more than 593.4M total views in the 1theK (원더케이) official youtube channel.
DC/Warner Bros. just release the first trailer “The Flash,” this will be the DC Super Hero’s first-ever standalone feature film.
Ezra Miller reprises his role as Barry Allen and in the film, he inadvertently broke the timeline by using his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past, specifically “to save his family.” In the trailer, we also see two different Batmans; Ben affleck and Michael Keaton. Also returning in the film is Michael Shannon as General Zod and Antje Traue as Faora-Ul. The trailer also gave us a quick look at Sasha Calle’s Supergirl (Kara Zor-El).
Here are the casts of the film;
Ezra Miller as Barry Allen / The Flash
Sasha Calle as Kara Zor-El / Supergirl
Ron Livingston as Henry Allen (Barry’s father)
Maribel Verdú as Nora Allen (Barry’s mother)
Kiersey Clemons as Iris West
Antje Traue as Faora-Ul
Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne / Batman
Ben Affleck reprises his DCEU role as Bruce Wayne / Batman
The Flash is directed by Andy Muschietti with screenplay by Christina Hodson. The Flash will be in theaters in North America on June 16, 2023 and internationally beginning 14 June 2023.
realme Philippines has officially announced 2 new smartphones under the realme 10 smartphone series; the realme 10 pro 5G and the larger realme 10 pro+ 5G.
The realme 10 pro 5G is now available for order from Shopee and Lazada, and in local retailer;
8GB RAM and 256GB of storage – ₱16,999.00
While the availability of realme 10 pro+ 5G is yet to be announce;
Steamdeck is now available in Saudi Arabia. You can purchase Valve’s handheld gaming computer – Steamdeck from Xcite, which from a quick lookup, appears to be the only local retailer to sell the gaming device. Before, if you want to purchase Steamdeck, you can either need to contact someone from the United States or buy it from the gray/black market.
The Steamdeck is a handheld gaming computer developed by Valve Corporation. Released on February 25, 2022, the Steam Deck can be played as a handheld or connected to a monitor in a similar manner to the Nintendo Switch. Steamdeck is designed to designed for playing Steam-based game, but can also support third-party storefronts like Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, or Origin. The user can also replace the preinstalled SteamOS with a different operating system entirely, since it supports multi-booting.
Here are the pricing of Steamdeck, based on Xcite’s website listings;
SAR 2,498.99 – Steamdeck 64GB eMMC
SAR 3,199.00 – Steamdeck 256GB NVMe SSD
SAR 4,199.00 – Steamdeck 512GB NVMe SSD
Here’s the full specs of the Steamdeck;
Compute
Processor
AMD APU
CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32)
GPU: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0-1.6GHz (up to 1.6 TFlops FP32)
APU power: 4-15W
After their successful reunion concert last 22nd of December, Eraserheads announced on their official Facebook page that there will be Eraserheads’ Huling El Bimbo 2023 World Tour and it will kick off in North America and Canada.
The first concert will be this 19th of May in Las Vegas, USA, and it will conclude on the 16th of June in Toronto, Canada.
Here are the complete list of their schedule;
The band did not announce the pricing for the tickets or were you can buy them, instead, encouraged fans to follow the band’s official facebook page and NSYSHOWS for additional announcements.
realme Philippines will soon launch their realme 10 Pro Series 5G on 14th of Feb. 2023.
This is what they posted on their Facebook page;
First announced late last year, realme 10 Pro 5G is the latest flagship smartphone from the Chinese Smartphone maker. realme 10 Pro 5G features a 6.7-inches FHD+ display, powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G Processor with 108MP and 2MP dual rear camera, and a 16 MP front-facing selfie camera.
As for the rest of the specs, you can check them out below;
Google just announced the availability of Android 14 Developer Preview 1, which can be downloaded from Android for Developers website. The Android 14 Developer Preview 1, as the name suggest, is mainly for Android developers and Android hardware manufacturers to make sure that their apps and devices are fully compatible with the Android 14.
We released the first Developer Preview of #Android14!
It includes changes to streamline background work, along with enhancements to privacy, personalization, security, and more.
Notable features of the upcoming Android 14 are; support for tablets and foldable form factors, enhancements to performance, privacy, security, and user customization. Google plans to release the beta version of Android 14 in two months and release the final beta version by June 2023 and the candidate release up to the stable release by 3rd qtr of this year. It’s still unclear what features will be available in the final release but if you want to take a sneak peek at what is new with Android 14, then you can get the Android 14.
Multi-awarded Filipina novelist and activist Lualhati Bautista passed away, Sunday morning, according to a relative.
Posted on the Facebook page of Sonny Ross Samonte, Bautista’s first cousin;
Sad News for our Torres Clan, Our first cousin Lualhati Bautista died at 77 yrs old this morning. Lualhati Torres Bautista (born December 2, 1945) is a Filipina writer, novelist, liberal activist and political critic. Her most popular novels include Dekada ’70; Bata, Bata, Pa’no Ka Ginawa?; and ‘GAPÔ. 🥲
Lualhati Bautista best known for her works: Dekada ’70; Bata, Bata, Pa’no Ka Ginawa?; and Gapo. She is also the screenplay writer of the award winning film “Bulaklak sa City Jail,” starring Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar and Gloria Romero, which won best story and best screenplay at the Metro Manila Film Festival in 1984.
Aside from writing, Bautista is also known for her activism regarding social and political system in the country and was red tagged by Jefferson Lodia Badong, accusing her of being a member of New People’s Army (NPA), an allegation that Bautista herself answered and called out.
Here are some good news and bad news, well I guess that will depend on the player you’re rooting for. Good news for fans of Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, since all three All Star will move-up to be starters replacing injured and starters Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left superior tib/fib sprain), Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (right knee MCL sprain) and New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (strained right hamstring), which is a bad new for the fans of the said injured players.
At the sametime, 3 new All Star Reserves was named by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as injury replacements for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game namely; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox and Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam.
NBA All-Star Game will be played on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 8:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. MT at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City.
The NBA All-Star Draft will take place hours before the game where Captains for each team will choose from the player pool to complete their team roster. For this year’s All Star Games Lebron James, of the LA Lakers and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks are named as the Team Captains.
Below are the complete list of player pool including the Injured/Will Not Play, as well as the replacements;
Bam Adebayo (Miami)
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee) – Starter and Team Captain
Jaylen Brown (Boston)
Stephen Curry (Golden State) – Starter, Injured and will not play
DeMar DeRozan (Chicago)
Luka Dončić (Dallas)
Kevin Durant (Phoenix) – Starter, Injured and will not play
Anthony Edwards (Minnesota) – Injury Replacement
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia) – Starter Replacement
De’Aaron Fox (Sacramento) – Injury Replacement
Paul George (LA Clippers)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City)
Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana)
Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee)
Kyrie Irving (Dallas) – Starter
Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis)
LeBron James (L.A. Lakers) – Starter and Team Captain
Nikola Jokić (Denver) – Starter
Damian Lillard (Portland)
Lauri Markkanen (Utah) – Starter Replacement
Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland) – Starter
Ja Morant (Memphis) – Starter Replacement
Julius Randle (New York)
Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento)
Pascal Siakam (Toronto) – Injury Replacement
Jayson Tatum (Boston) – Starter
Zion Williamson (New Orleans) – Starter, Injured and will not play
AIR an upcoming biographical film directed by Ben Affleck and written by Alex Convery. It follows the story of Sonny Vaccaro, a shoe salesman at Nike and he was able to sign Michael Jordan to a deal to wear their shoes. How Nike signed MJ have been featured in a number of news articles and documentaries, but will be the first time that the story will be told in a film.
AIR is the first film produced by Artists Equity, a production company owned by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. The film is written by Alex Convery and just like what in says in the video, “Inspired by True Events.” The film stars Matt Damon and Affleck alongside Jason Bateman, Chris Messina, Marlon Wayans, Chris Tucker, and Viola Davis. AIR is set to be released by Amazon Studios in theaters on April 5, 2023 and later in Amazon Prime.
In a blockbuster trade, the Brooklyn Nets will ship Superstar Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns, this was first reported by ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski. In the trade, Suns will send Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four first-round unprotected picks (2023, 2025, 2027 and 2029) and a 2028 pick swap to Brooklyn. The Nets on the otherhand will send Kevin Durant and TJ Warren and the 2028 pick swap to Suns.
The Suns are sending Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks, a 2028 pick swap for Durant and TJ Warren, sources tell ESPN. Durant wanted move and new owner Mat Ishbia pushed to get deal done tonight. https://t.co/fqFUMIDllo
New Phoenix Suns majority owner Mat Ishbia pushed to get a deal done on the eve of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. Durant, 34, still have three years and $153 million left on his contract, originally requested to be traded last Summer but Nets where unable to find any suitors. Last week, this Allstar teammate Kyrie Irving was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, and a clear sign that Durant will be the next star to leave the Brooklyn franchise.
Laker’s Lebron James just broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA scoring record Tuesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. It was a 14-foot fadeaway jumper late in the third quarter, when James scored his 38,388th career points and breaking Abdul-Jabbar’s record that remained unbroken since April 5, 1984.
James ended the game with 38 points, 7 rebs and 3 steals, and a loss to the 11th seed Oklahoma Thunders.
Samsung announced the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+ last Feb 1, 2023 at their Galaxy Unpacked 2023. In a nutshell, the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+ are the same phones with different screen size while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the premium version that supports S-Pen and features a 200 MP camera.
You can read more about the new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+ here.
After much anticipation, NBA has officially announce the 2023 NBA All-Star reserves. There will be a total of 14 reserves, who will join the player pool for Team LeBron and Team Giannis.
The 2023 NBA All-Star Reserves is headlined by Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, who can – arguably, be one of the starters.
The 14 reserves were selected by 30 NBA coaches by voting for two guards, three frontcourt players and two players at any position in their respective conferences.
Western Conference
Paul George (LA Clippers)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)
Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers)
Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz)
Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings)
Eastern Conference
Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat)
Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
DeMar DeRozan (Chicago Bulls)
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks)
Julius Randle (New York Knicks)
As reported last month, the NBA All-Star Draft will take place just hours before the actual game. Team Captains, Lebron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, will select from the pool of players voted as starters and reserves in each conference.
The NBA All-Star Game will happen this 19th Feb. in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Aside from the new Galaxy S23 phones, Samsung also announced in their Galaxy Unpacked 2023 event, the Galaxy Book3 series; the Galaxy Book3 Ultra, Book3 Pro 360, Book3 360 and Book3 Pro. Except for the Galaxy Book3 Ultra all other Galaxy Book3 features similar specs.
Samsung describes the Galaxy Book3 Ultra as a “premium PC” with “ultra-high-performance computing,” while the Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 is a 2-in-1 convertible that supports S Pen functionality and the Galaxy Book3 Pro will be the the thinnest laptop in the series. The new Galaxy Book3 Ultra and Pro series will have a full aluminum frame and parts built from recycled plastics.
All Galaxy Book3 will be connected to an assortment of services like the Windows / Microsoft Phone Link; Windows / Microsoft Phone Link’s to Recent Websites; Instant Hotspot; Samsung Multi Control, Samsung Pass and much much more.
The Galaxy Book3 Ultra will be Samsung’s entry to the gaming space, since it features Intel’s 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i9 processor and NVIDIA® RTX Geforce™ 4070 laptop GPU. Both the Galaxy Book3 Ultra and Pro series will be available in 14-inches and 16-inches displays, that uses Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, first used in Galaxy premium smartphone lineup display. The display supports 3K (2880×1800) resolution, and 120Hz refresh rate. It is also VESA ClearMR and DisplayHDR TRUE BLACK 500 certified, and has received SGS Eye Care Display certification.
As for its availability, the new Galaxy Book3 series will be available for purchase this February 17th, 2023, starting with the Galaxy Book3 Pro and Pro360 models in select markets.
The Galaxy Book3 Pro will start at $1449.99, available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes with Graphite and Beige color options. The Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 will start at $1899.99, available in 16-inch size with Graphite and Beige color options, and Galaxy Book3 Ultra will have a starting price of $2,399.99, available in a 16-inch size in Graphite.
Here’s the specs of the 16-inches Galaxy Book3 Pro 360.
Last Wednesday, Feb. 1st, at the Galaxy Unpacked 2023 – Samsung has officially announced their next line of smartphones, the Galaxy S23 Ultra. It composed of 3 new smartphones; the Galaxy S23 and the larger Galaxy S23+, then there’s the premium version the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S23+
The Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+ are basically the same phones, the only difference is on the display, storage and battery. The Galaxy S23 features a 6.1-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display and a 3,900mAh battery, while the Galaxy S23+ will have a 6.1-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display and a whopping 4,700mAh battery.
Both phones will use Corning’s latest Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and Quamcomm’s Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform.
Both Galaxy S23s will have same 8GB RAM, the storage offerings of the smaller Galaxy S23 will start at 128GB, up to 256GB of storage, while the larger Galaxy 23+ will be 256GB and up to 512GB of storage.
Both the Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S23+ will be available in 4 colors; Cream, Lavender, Phantom Black, Green. Plus 2 online exclusive colors; Lime and Graphite. The starting price of the Galaxy S23 will be $799.99 and the Galaxy S23+ will be $999.99. Samsung is already taking pre-orders.
Samsung Galaxy S23 & Galaxy S23 Plus
Here are the specs for both the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+;
Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23+
Display
6.1-inch FHD+*
6.6-inch FHD+*
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display
Super Smooth 120Hz refresh rate (48~120Hz)
Super Smooth 120Hz refresh rate (48~120Hz)
240Hz Touch Sampling Rate in Game Mode
240Hz Touch Sampling Rate in Game Mode
Vision booster
Vision booster
Enhanced comfort
Enhanced comfort
Dimensions & Weight
2.79 x 5.76 x 0.3in, 5.93oz
3.07 x 6.43 x 0.35in, 6.91oz
Camera
12MP Ultra-Wide Camera
• F2.2, FOV 120˚
50 MP Wide Camera
• F1.8, FOV 85˚
10MP Telephoto Camera
• 3x Optical Zoom, F2.4, FOV 36˚
12MP Front Camera
• F2.2, FOV 80˚
Processor
Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy
Memory & Storage
8 + 256GB
8 + 512GB
8 + 128GB
8 + 256GB
Battery
3,900mAh
4,700mAh
OS
Android 13
One UI 5.1
Network and Connectivity
5G*, LTE**, Wi-Fi 6E***, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth® v 5.3
Security
Samsung Knox, Samsung Knox Vault
Water Resistance
IP68
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung also announced a premium smartphones that they’re calling the Galaxy S23 Ultra. From the looks of its specs, Samsung went all-out on this device. Just like the Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S23+, the Galaxy S23 Ultra uses Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform. It supports the S Pen, for productivity, notetaking, hobbies, etc.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra will also have the largest battery capacity with 5,000mAh and the main rear camera will use a “new 200MP Adaptive Pixel sensor” for taking that “epic” photo.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra will be available in 3 configuration; 12GB RAM with 1TB storage, 12GB RAM and a 512GB storage, and 8GB RAM with 256GB storage. The phone will be available in available in 4 colors; Cream, Lavender, Phantom Black, Green; and 4 online exclusive colors; Lime, Graphite, Sky Blue, and Red.
The starting price for the Galaxy S23 Ultra will be at $1,199.99 for the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage configuration. Pre-order for the Galaxy S23 Ultra is now available.
Here’s the specs of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra;
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Display
6.8-inch QHD+ Edge*
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display
Super Smooth 120Hz refresh rate (1~120Hz)
240Hz Touch Sampling Rate in Game Mode
Vision booster
Enhanced comfort
Dimensions & Weight
3.07 x 6.43 x 0.35 in , 8.25oz
Camera
12MP Ultra-Wide Camera
• F2.2, FOV 120˚
200 MP Wide Camera
• F1.7, FOV 85˚
10MP Telephoto Camera
• 3x Optical Zoom, F2.4, FOV 36˚
10MP Telephoto Camera
• 10x Optical Zoom, F4.9, FOV 11˚
12MP Front Camera
• F2.2, FOV 80˚
AP
Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy
Memory & Storage
12GB + 1TB
12 + 512GB
8 + 256GB
Battery
5,000mAh
OS
Android 13
One UI 5.1
Network and Connectivity
5G*, LTE**, Wi-Fi 6E***, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth® v 5.3
Official Unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Series
Netflix just release the first series poster for their live action adaptation of One Piece. The poster is the picture of “Straw Hat” Luffy facing the sunset with his closed-fist right hand up in the air. Netflix’s One Piece series will have 10-episodes and will cover most, if not, all of East Blue Saga.
The casts for the Netflix’s Onepiece are;
Iñaki Godoy as Luffy
Mackenyu as Zoro
Emily Rudd as Nami
Jacob Romero Gibson as Usopp
Taz Skylar as Sanji
No exact date as to their the One Piece series be available but as the poster suggests it will be release this year.
EA’s Respawn Entertainment, the makers of Apex Legends, just announced that they will sunset the the mobile version of Apex Legends. In their announcement, the company said that players with existing Syndicate Gold can keep playing the full game until 4 PM PDT on May 1st, 2023, which is when the game will stop operating on all regions.
The game publisher did not provide any reason for the decision except that the game “fall short of that bar for quality, quantity, and cadence.” The company added that both “Respawn and the Apex Legends team remain excited about mobile as a platform and look forward to new opportunities to serve players there in the future.”
We have made the decision to sunset Apex Legends Mobile.
HBO officially announced that post-apocalyptic series – The Last of Us, has officially been renewed for Season 2. The announcement was made just after the release of episode 2. According to HBO, Episode 2 pulling in 22% more viewers on its opening night than Episode 1 – the largest week two audience growth for any HBO original drama ever.
HBO’s The Last of Us is based on the 2013 action-adventure game with the same name, by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. It follows the story of Joel, a smuggler tasked with escorting a teenage girl, Ellie, across a post-apocalyptic United States.
The Last of Us TV Series was created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, who also wrote and co-directed the video game. It stars Pedro Pascal as Joel, the smuggler who is accompanying Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, a 14-year-old girl who is immune to the Cordyceps infection and may be the key to creating a vaccine.
HBO’s The Last of Us is a 9-episode series that is currently streaming on HBO Max every Sunday.
Nissan and New Balance just create a one of a kind car that both car-lovers and sneaker heads will surely like. It’s not uncommon for car manufacturer to partner with fashion and lifestyle brands to create a “new” product; like the Puma Ferrari shoes or the Porche Design Huawei Mate 40 RS, but with Nissan and New Balance collab it’s the other way around, instead of the car-inspired shoe design, they created a “shoe-inspired” car design. Both Nissan and New Balance literally created a Nisan Kicks, one that they’re calling Nissan Kicks 327 Edition.
Nissan Kicks 327 Edition is “Nissan Kicks e-POWER 4WD” wrapped with New Balance “327” specifications. The car was wrapped material to represent the suede fabric texture of the “327” shoes and the tongue part was carefully created from the reproduction of the shape to the texture of the shoe.
Nissan did not mention if they will mass product the Nissan Kicks 327 Edition but it was exhibited at NISSAN CROSSING (Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) starting last Tuesday, January 24th until this Wednesday, February 1st.
For reference, this is what the New Balance 327 looks like.
NBA just announced the 2023 NBA All-Star Starters for the NBA All-Star Game this 19th Feb. in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Lebron James, of the LA Lakers and the leading vote-getter, will be one of the team captain and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Eastern Conference voting leader, will be the team captain of the opposing team. This will be Lebron’s 19th All Star appearance and the 7th for Giannis.
Eastern Conference starters
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks/ Captain)
Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets)
Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Kyrie Irving (Brooklyn Nets)
Western Conference starters
LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers/ Captain)
Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)
Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)
Giannis and James will both choose the players for their respective team on the night of the game, a twist that the NBA announced last Wednesday and it is similar on how you play basketball in parks and pickup games.
The Starters — three frontcourt players and two guards from each conference — are chosen based on a combination of three different votes: fan balloting counted for 50%, media balloting was worth 25% and voting by the NBA’s players made up the final 25%.
