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Posts tagged as “Technology”

Dell announces the $699 XPS 13 Laptop

Dell has announced the new XPS 13 starting at $699, the company’s answer to Apple’s MacBook Neo.

The new XPS 13 notebook is marketed towards high schoolers and college students who are “juggling coursework, jobs and everything else life throws at them.” and “Young professionals that are just starting to build their careers.”

Image: Dell XPS 13 via dell.com

Here are the key specs;
• 13.4-inch 2.5K resolution @120Hz + Touchscreen
• 500 nits brightness
• 100% DCI-P3 with Anti-Glare
• 12.7mm thin with approx. 1kg wt
• Full CNC aluminum body
• Backlit keyboard
• Intel Core 5 320 (Wildcat Lake)
• 8GB RAM + 512GB SSD
• 52Wh battery
• 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports
• Windows Hello
• Quad speakers
• No 3.5mm jack
• Wi-Fi 7

The starting price for the new Dell XPS 13 is $699 and it will be $599 for students. A more powerful Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors with up to 32GB of LPDDR5X memory and the Storm colorway will be available later this summer.

Acer Announces Predator Atlas 8 Handheld Gaming PC

Acer has officially entered the premium handheld market with the announcement of the Predator Atlas 8. Broadening its portable gaming footprint, Acer’s new Windows 11 flagship transitions the company’s handheld ambitions into its elite Predator tier.

The standout feature of the Predator Atlas 8 is its silicon, leveraging up to the brand-new Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor paired with Arc B390 graphics. Built on Intel’s innovative Xe3 architecture, the device relies on AI-powered XeSS 3 upscaling to deliver desktop-grade performance and high frame rates directly to a portable form factor.

Designed for heavy gaming sessions, the console sports an 8-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) touchscreen display boasting a smooth 120Hz variable refresh rate and a bright 500-nit panel. Thermals are managed by a custom Predator AeroBlade cooling setup, which introduces the industry’s first 0.1mm-thin dual metal fans inside a handheld chassis to maximize airflow. Backed by up to a robust 80 Wh battery, 24GB of memory, and dual Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, the Predator Atlas 8 aims to challenge the dominant competition in the portable PC space.

Image: Acer Predator Atlas 8 via acer.com

Key Specifications of Acer unveils Predator Atlas 8;

Name

Predator Atlas 8

Model

PA08-I51

Operating System

Windows 11 Home

Processors

Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor

Intel Arc G3 processor

Graphics

Intel Arc B390 graphics

Intel Arc B370 graphics

Display

8-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200), 16:10 aspect ratio, IPS-level, sRGB: 100%, Adobe: 77.68%, Gorilla® Glass Victus™, Gorilla® Glass DXC, 10-point multi-touch, 120 Hz refresh rate, 500 Nits brightness, supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)

Memory

Up to 24 GB LPDDR5x (7467MT/s)

Storage

Up to 1 TB via one PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD slot (2280)

Cooling

Two fans (one Predator AeroBlade metal fan and one plastic fan), Vortex Flow

I/O Ports

Two Thunderbolt 4, UHS-II micro SD card reader, up to SD 4.0 (support for SD, SDXC, SDHC, SDUC), 3.5 mm audio jack (combo)

Control and Input

A B X Y buttons, D-Pad, L/R full-size analog joysticks (Carbon Film), XBOX Game Bar Widget button, PredatorSense button, L/R bumpers, View button, Menu button, Power button with fingerprint sensor, Volume button(+/-), L2/R2 Hall-effect analog triggers, L/R Macro buttons, L/R Adjustable Trigger switches

Audio

Two 2 W speakers, Realtek ALC712, two onboard mics, DTS:X® Ultra and Hi-Res Audio, Acer PurifiedVoice

Battery

Up to 80 Wh, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion

Power Supply

Option 1 Wall Mount: AC Power Adapter, 65W Type-C Power Cord

Option 2 Brick: AC Power Adapter, 65W

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 BE1775s, Bluetooth® 5.4

Software

PredatorSense, XBOX Game Pass Premium[6] (2 months), PC Game Pass[7] (3 months)

Dimensions

299 x 127.4 x 28.5/58.37 mm

Weight

Under 810 g with 80 Wh battery

Under 770 g with 60 Wh battery

The Predator Atlas 8 arrives in North America, EMEA, and Australia starting October 2026. Regional pricing, configurations, and precise release dates will be shared closer to launch.

OFW developer builds free software hub to support Filipino students  

Sherylin Untalan, reporting for GMA News;

A Filipino full-stack developer developer based in Abu Dhabi is helping students, teachers, and aspiring professionals in the Philippines be able to access free digital tools through a platform designed to lessen dependence on expensive software subscriptions.

Abakada.org, created by Ramon Logan Jr., serves as a curated directory of open-source software focused on education, productivity, design, and development.

The platform was born out of Logan’s own struggles as a student who could not afford licensed software needed for coursework.

Abakada.org is worth visiting, not just for I.T. students but for anyone who wants to learn new skills or a career change.

Microsoft Surface Pro for Business also Announced

Together with the new Surface Laptop for Business, Microsoft also announce the new Surface Pro for Business. The new Surface Pro for Business (13-inch) is an ultra-portable, sub-1kg 2-in-1 detachable tablet engineered for remote productivity and local AI processing.

Powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors (with Snapdragon X2 options arriving later this year), its dedicated NPU delivers up to 48 TOPS to securely run AI workloads natively on-device. The vibrant 13-inch PixelSense™ Flow touchscreen features a 3:2 aspect ratio, a fluid 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, anti-reflective tech, and choices of LCD or premium OLED panels.

Built for mobility, it packs dual Thunderbolt™ 4 ports, Wi-Fi 7, optional 5G cellular connectivity, and a battery lasting up to 17 hours. For IT deployment, this Secured-core PC prioritizes chip-to-cloud defense via a Microsoft Pluton processor, NFC authentication, and a highly sustainable, modular chassis featuring a removable Gen 4 SSD for seamless enterprise serviceability.

Here’s the intro video for the new Microsoft Surface Pro for Business;

You can checkout the table below for the key specs of the new Surface Pro for Business;

Feature Technical Specification Details
Processor Options • Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 (236V / 238V)
• Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 (266V / 268V)
(Snapdragon X2 variants arriving later this year)
NPU (AI Engine) Intel® AI Boost (Up to 48 TOPS computation power)
Graphics • Intel Core Ultra 5 processor (Series 3): Intel Graphics
• Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Series 3): Intel Graphics
Display Panel Options Choice of LCD or premium high-contrast OLED
Display Specs 13-inch PixelSense™ Flow Touchscreen, 3:2 aspect ratio, $2880 \times 1920$ resolution (267 PPI)
Refresh Rate Up to 120Hz dynamic refresh rate
Display Brightness • LCD: 600 nits maximum (typical)
• OLED: 600 nits SDR / 900 nits peak HDR luminance
Memory (RAM) 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5x RAM
Storage (SSD) 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB Gen 4 Solid State Drive (Removable)
Battery Life Up to 14 hours of local video playback (Up to 10 hours active web usage)
I/O Ports • 2 x USB-C® with USB4® / Thunderbolt™ 4 (supports DisplayPort 2.1 and fast charging)
• 1 x Surface Connect Port
• 1 x Surface Pro Keyboard Port
Cameras • Front: 1440p Quad HD Surface Studio Camera with ultra-wide FOV & Windows Studio Effects
• Rear: 10 MP Ultra HD camera
Wireless & Cellular Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth® 5.4, Optional 5G Cellular (NanoSIM + eSIM)
Security Architecture Secured-core PC, Microsoft Pluton security processor, TPM 2.0 chip, Windows Hello facial recognition, Integrated NFC authentication
Physical Dimensions 11.3” × 8.2” × 0.37” (287 mm × 209 mm × 9.3 mm)
Weight 1.92 lbs (872 grams) — tablet only
Starting Price $1,949.99 (MSRP)

Just like its siblings, the new Microsoft Surface Pro for Business are available today in select markets with a starting price of $1,949.99.

Microsoft announces new Surface Laptop for Business

Microsoft just announce new Surface devices built for business and AI acceleration, one of these devices is the new Surface Laptop for Business. Microsoft’s newly updated line of Surface Laptop for Business models features a shift to Intel’s latest architecture, heavily emphasizing AI performance, enhanced security, and extended battery life.

The lineup for Surface Laptop for Business is divided by size—introducing a new 13-inch ultra-portable model alongside refreshed 13.8-inch and 15-inch tiers. The starting price for the Surface Laptop for Business will start at $1,499 for the 16GB and 24GB configurations, while an 8GB configuration is coming later this year starting at $1,299.99.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop for Business features Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 3 processors, up to 64GB LPDDR5x RAM, and removable Gen 4 SSDs for enhanced enterprise serviceability. Driven by a 50 TOPS NPU for native Copilot+ AI, its graphics outperform the M5 MacBook Air by up to 35%, scaling up to Intel® Arc™ on high-end Ultra X7 tiers.

The lineup spans 13″, 13.8″, and 15″ models, all maintaining a 3:2 PixelSense™ Flow touchscreen with 120Hz refresh rates and Dolby Vision IQ™. Select 13.8″ models offer an IT-manageable keystroke privacy screen, while all variants reduce glare by 50%.

Intro video for the new Microsoft Surface Laptop for Business;

You can checkout the table below for the key specs of the new Surface Laptop for Business;

Specs 13-inch Model 13.8-inch Model 15-inch Model
Processor Options Intel Core Ultra 5 (325) • Intel Core Ultra 5 (335)
• Intel Core Ultra 7 (366H)
• Intel Core Ultra X7 (368H)
• Intel Core Ultra 5 (335)
• Intel Core Ultra X7 (368H)
NPU (AI Engine) Intel AI Boost (50 TOPS) Intel AI Boost (50 TOPS) Intel AI Boost (50 TOPS)
Graphics Intel Graphics • Ultra 5 / 7: Intel Graphics
• Ultra X7: Intel Arc™ Graphics
• Ultra 5: Intel Graphics
• Ultra X7: Intel Arc™ Graphics
Display Resolution 13″ PixelSense
1920 x 1280 (178 PPI)
13.8″ PixelSense Flow
2304 x 1536 (201 PPI)
15″ PixelSense Flow
3270 x 2180 (262 PPI)
Refresh Rate 60 Hz static Up to 120Hz dynamic Up to 120Hz dynamic
Special Display Tech Anti-reflective, 500 nits Optional Integrated Privacy Screen, 600 nits peak Anti-reflective, 600 nits peak
Memory (RAM) 16GB or 24GB LPDDR5x
(8GB arriving later)
16GB, 32GB, or 64GB LPDDR5x 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB LPDDR5x
Storage (Gen 4 SSD) 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
(Removable)
256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
(Removable)
256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
(Removable)
Battery Life (Video) Up to 22 hours Up to 23 hours Up to 21 hours
I/O Ports • 2 x USB-C (USB 3.2)
• 1 x USB-A 3.2
• 3.5mm Headphone Jack
• 2 x USB-C (USB4 / TB 4)
• 1 x USB-A 3.2
• Surface Connect
• 3.5mm Audio Jack
• 2 x USB-C (USB4 / TB 4)
• 1 x USB-A 3.2
• microSDXC Express Reader
• Surface Connect / Audio Jack
Connectivity Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Optional 5G Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Starting Price $1,499.99 (16GB launch) $1,949.99 $1,949.99

The new Microsoft Surface Laptop for Business are available today in select markets with a starting price of $1,499.99.

Xiaomi launches Philippine Online Store

Xiaomi has officially launched its dedicated online store in the Philippines, marking a major milestone for local tech enthusiasts. The newly introduced digital platform serves as a centralized hub, offering Filipino consumers direct access to Xiaomi’s extensive ecosystem of innovative products.

Previously reliant on third-party e-commerce channels and physical Mi Stores, customers can now browse and purchase the latest devices seamlessly. The online storefront features a comprehensive lineup, including the flagship smartphones, the latest Redmi Note series, smart wearables like the Xiaomi Watch, and popular AIoT home devices.

By launching the official Xiaomi Philippine Online Store, the company aims to streamline the shopping experience with secure payment options, official warranty coverage, and reliable nationwide delivery. The platform also promises exclusive online promotions and launch-day discounts, further solidifying Xiaomi’s commitment to bringing high-quality, innovation-driven technology to the Philippine market at accessible price points.

HONOR Pad 20 Coming Soon

HONOR has officially pulled back the curtain on the HONOR Pad 20, a mid-range tablet designed to bridge the gap between education and high-end productivity. The standout feature is its 12.1-inch 3K display, boasting a “paper-like” texture that minimizes glare and mimics the tactile feel of writing on real stationery—a dream for students and digital artists alike.

Under the hood, the device is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, paired with a massive 10,100mAh battery and 45W fast charging. Running on MagicOS 10, the Pad 20 integrates advanced AI tools for note-taking and exam prep, making it a formidable companion for the modern classroom.

Here are the key specs of the HONOR Pad 20;

  • Display: 12.1-inch IPS LCD “Paper-like” display, 3K (2560 x 1600 pixels), 16:10 aspect ratio.
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm)
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB or 256GB (No microSD card slot support mentioned)
  • Rear Camera: 8 MP with Autofocus
  • Front Camera: 8 MP for video calls and selfies
  • Audio: 6-speaker stereo system with Hi-Res audio support
  • Software: MagicOS 10.0 (based on Android 16)
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, USB Type-C 2.0 (Note: The standard version is Wi-Fi only; a 5G version is available in specific markets like China)
  • Stylus Support: Optimized for note-taking and sketching.
  • AI Tools: Includes AI-powered writing assistance, smart note organization, and exam preparation tools.
  • Productivity: Comes with WPS Office pre-installed and supports PC-like multitasking.
  • Battery: 10,100 mAh
  • Charging: 45W wired fast charging
  • Colors: Dazzling Pink, Forest Green, and Gray

No word as to how much the new table will be sold and its availability.

Source: GSM Arena

Googlebook Officially Announced

Google has officially unveiled the Googlebook, a premium new category of laptops designed to succeed the Chromebook by placing AI at the heart of the user experience. Running on a unified OS (codenamed Aluminium), these devices bridge the gap between Android and desktop computing.

Unveiled at the “Android Show: I/O Edition,” the Googlebook is Google’s definitive answer to high-performance laptops, powered by the brand-new Aluminium OS. Unlike its predecessors, the Googlebook is built to handle heavy local processing, specifically designed to run on-device Gemini AI models.

The hardware requirements for the Googlebook badge are rigorous. Every device features a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of at least 40 TOPS (Trillions of Operations Per Second). Most flagship models utilize Intel’s “Wildcat Lake” Core Series 300 processors or high-efficiency ARM chips from Qualcomm.

To support seamless multitasking between native Android apps and AI workflows, the baseline memory starts at 8GB of RAM, with 16GB becoming the standard for power users. Storage has also seen a massive upgrade, ditching slow eMMC for fast NVMe SSDs starting at 256GB.

Visually, the Googlebook is identified by the “Glowbar,” an LED lightstrip on the lid that pulses during AI interactions. Combined with the Magic Pointer—a haptic trackpad system that allows Gemini to “see” what your cursor is hovering over—the Googlebook isn’t just a laptop; it is an intelligent, high-speed partner for the modern professional.

Googlebooks will initially be available this Fall 2026.

Instagram removed the end-to-end encryption feature for all chats effective May 8, 2026

Anton Gabriel, writing for Yugatech;

The company confirmed the change through an update on its support page. Meta said users affected by the removal will receive instructions on how to download messages or media they want to keep.

End-to-end encryption prevents messages from being accessed by anyone except the sender and recipient, including the platform itself.

This move will affect more than 500 million daily active users on Instagram.

Instagram also published a support article confirming the removal of the encryption then suggesting to use WhatsApp instead.

End-to-end encrypted messaging on Instagram is no longer supported as of May 8, 2026.

  • If you have chats that are impacted by this change, you will see instructions on how you can download any media or messages you may want to keep.
  • If you’re on an older version of Instagram, you may also need to update the app before you can download your affected chats.

For Meta’s other end-to-end encrypted chat options, check out WhatsApp.

Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5 now on sale for $849 in the United States

Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5 now on available in the United States for $849 or around SAR 3,183.00. The 8.8-inch android laptop was first announced last March at the Mobile World Congress (MWC).

The Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5 is a compact, 8.8-inch gaming tablet, that’s powered by Qualcomm’s latest flagship the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with 12GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. It features a 8.8″ LCD 3K (3040 × 1904) display with 165 Hz refresh rate and brightness up to 600 nits. The Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5 will have a 9000mAh Li-ion Polymer battery, two USB-C port with WiFi 7 and Bluetooth® 6.0.

With its big RAM, storage and battery capacity, the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5 market itself as the tablets for gamers, which is perfect for long gaming sessions.

Key Specifications

  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (a major upgrade for handling AAA Android titles).
  • Display: 8.8-inch 3K (3040 x 1904) PureSight LCD with a 165Hz refresh rate and 480Hz touch sampling.
  • Memory/Storage: 12GB of LPDDR5T RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.1 Pro storage (the base $849 configuration).
  • Front Camera: Regular RGB 8M FF with 78° ultrawide.
  • Rear Camera: RGB 50M AF with Flash
  • Battery: 9000mAh Li-ion Polymer battery
  • Software: Android 16 with Lenovo’s AI Engine+ for real-time gameplay optimization.

You can find the full specs of Legion Tab Gen 5 here. .

The Legion Tab Gen 5 is now available in the United States and no word yet when it will be available in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Friendster is making a Comeback!?

The OG social media network is making a comeback after a Philadelphia-based programmer Mike Carson acquired the domain and trademarks through Friendster Labs for approximately $30,000, Carson reimagined the pioneer social network as a private, algorithm-free space.

Friendster App Store Screenshot

From the App store;

Friendster is a social network for connecting with people you actually know in real life.

Add friends only by tapping phones in person, then share posts and messages inside a real-life friend network — not a follower graph.

Why Friendster:
• Real-life friends (no follower counts, no “suggested strangers”)
• No ads
– No algorithmic feed manipulation
Core features:
• In-person friend linking (tap-to-connect)
• Feed for your friend graph
• 1:1 and group messages
• Notifications for messages and interactions

It is currently available for iPhone, Ipad and Mac users only.

Here’s what Mike Carson said on his medium article;

There is only one friendster.com domain name in the world, and I found the idea of owning it very fun and interesting. Building a social network on Friendster seemed like it would be so much fun.

So we worked out a deal where I gave him $20k in Bitcoin and a domain that was making about $9k/year in ad revenue, and he gave me the domain friendster.com. Now I was the owner of the domain name friendster.com.

HONOR announces the MagicPad4

After announcing the 600 Smartphone Series, HONOR Saudi Arabia also announced their latest android tablet, the HONOR MagicPad4. It features an ultra-slim 4.8 mm profile and lightweight 450g unibody design. At its heart is a stunning 12.3-inch 3K OLED display, featuring a buttery-smooth 165Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,400 nits, ensuring exceptional clarity even under direct sunlight, and a screen-to-body ratio of 93%.

Under the hood, it is powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. The HONOR MagicPad4 will be running MagicOS 10 based on Android 16, right out of the box. The MagicPad4 packs a whopping 10,100mAh Lithium-ion polymer battery with 66W SuperCharge support. Enhanced by an immersive 8-speaker spatial audio system and a dedicated PC-style mode.

As for the price of the HONOR MagicPad4;

  • 12GB+256GB – SAR 3,599.00
  • 16GB+5123GB – SAR 3,999.00

You can checkout the full specs of HONOR MagicPad4 here.

HONOR 600 series Officially Announced

Honor has officially announced the HONOR 600 Series, which is now available for pre-order in Saudi Arabia. The series includes the HONOR 600 Lite, HONOR 600, and the HONOR 600 Pro.

HONOR 600 Lite

HONOR 600 Lite

HONOR is positioning the 600 Lite as the accessible entry point to the 600-series, balancing sleek design with reliable performance. It features a vibrant 6.6-inch AMOLED display with a staggering 6,500 nits peak brightness and 3840Hz PWM dimming for eye comfort. Measuring just 7.34mm thick, it manages to house a massive 6,520mAh battery with 45W fast charging, ensuring multi-day endurance for casual users. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 Elite chipset and 24GB of RAM (, it handles multitasking with ease. Photography is led by a sharp 108MP main camera, making flagship-level clarity available at a mid-range price point.

HONOR 600

HONOR 600

The AI Photography PowerhouseThe standard HONOR 600 redefines the “accessible flagship” by introducing a professional-grade 200MP Ultra-clear Night Camera. Designed for low-light mastery, it utilizes the AiMAGE architecture and CIPA 6.0 stabilization to capture stunning detail in the dark. Under the hood, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 Mobile Platform processor powers a suite of generative AI tools, including AI Image to Video 2.0. Its 6.57-inch, 2728×1264 OLED screen reaches an industry-leading 8,000 nits brightness. With a 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery and 80W SuperCharge, the HONOR 600 is a powerhouse for creators who need high-end performance without the “Pro” price tag.

HONOR 600 Pro

HONOR 600 Pro

The HONOR 600 Pro is the definitive choice for enthusiasts, elevating the series with the cutting-edge Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform. While it shares the stunning 200MP main sensor and 8,000-nit display of its sibling, the Pro adds a 50MP Periscope Telephoto lens capable of 120x digital zoom. It also introduces 50W wireless charging to complement its 7,000mAh battery. Built for durability, it boasts IP69K ratings for resistance against high-pressure water jets. Integrated with MagicOS 10 and on-device Gemini AI, the 600 Pro stands as a top-tier contender in the 2026 smartphone market.

As the price, the HONOR 600 Lite will retail for SAR 1,698.00 for the 8GB+256GB model, while the HONOR 600 will be SAR 1,799.00 for the same 8GB+256GB variants, and HONOR 600 Pro will retail at SAR 2,999.00 for the 12GB+512GB model.

If you want the full specs, just click on these link for the full specs of HONOR 600 Lite, HONOR 66 and HONOR 600 Pro.

All of HONOR’s 600 series are available for pre-order either from a retailer or directly from Honor’s KSA online store via https://www.honor.com/sa-en/shop/.

John Ternus named as Apple new CEO, Tim Cook to become Apple Executive Chairman  

Apple press release;

Apple announced that Tim Cook will become executive chairman of Apple’s board of directors and John Ternus, senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, will become Apple’s next chief executive officer effective on September 1, 2026. The transition, which was approved unanimously by the Board of Directors, follows a thoughtful, long-term succession planning process.

Cook will continue in his role as CEO through the summer as he works closely with Ternus on a smooth transition. As executive chairman, Cook will assist with certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world.

John Ternus will be Apple’s 8th CEO.

Roblox Partners with DICT and CICC to Launch New Child Safety Features in the Philippines

Following a high-level meeting with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), Roblox has announced a major safety initiative tailored for Filipino users.

The platform is introducing two new account types—Roblox Kids and Roblox Select—designed to bolster online protection for children through age-appropriate content and verified security measures.

Key safety measures include:

  • Automatic Placement: Users are sorted into accounts based on verified age.
  • Restricted Communication: Chat is disabled for those under 9, while older children have access to filtered chat limited to peers and “Trusted Friends.”
  • Enhanced Parental Controls: Filipino parents can now block specific games and manage chat settings.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda and CICC Usec. Aboy Paraiso highlighted a new “green lane” agreement, allowing parents to report grievances or harmful content directly via Hotline 1326. While the government commends Roblox’s commitment to “Digital Bayanihan,” officials emphasized that online safety remains a shared responsibility. They urged parents to remain vigilant in monitoring their children’s digital activities to ensure a secure and positive environment for their development.

You can read the full statement at Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Roblox Introduces New Age-Based Accounts and Expanded Parental Controls for Users Under 16  

By David Baszucki, Founder and CEO of Roblox;

We’re introducing two new age-based accounts for younger users on Roblox: Roblox Kids for users ages 5 to 8 and Roblox Select for users ages 9 to 15*. When they roll out in early June, these accounts will more closely align content access, communication settings, and parental controls with a user’s age. We’re also establishing an ongoing selection process for games available to users under 16.

This update will bring age checks, account-level defaults, content ratings, ongoing moderation, and expanded parental controls together into a unified framework for younger users. Based on our selection criteria, we believe age-checked users under 16 will have access to the vast majority of their favorite games at launch. Age-checked users 16 and older will not see any change to their Roblox experience.

With these two new age-based accounts for younger users, Roblox is putting social media giants to shame, specially if those social media networks are basically “sweeping this social-media-is-addicting-to-kids topic under the rug.”

With these two new age-based accounts for younger users, Roblox is putting social media giants to shame—especially those that continue to “sweep the issue of social media addiction under the rug.”

As a father of children who play Roblox, I find this to be an essential safeguard alongside our existing parental controls. It provides much-needed peace of mind, particularly as they explore the wide variety of games the platform offers.

Yugatech: VinFast Philippines offers EV rentals from ₱1,000/day for TNVS drivers in PH  

Anton Gabriel, writing for Yugatech;

VinFast Philippines is rolling out a new program that allows ride-hailing drivers to rent electric vehicles (EVs) for as low as ₱1,000 per day, aiming to make EV adoption more accessible for the transport sector.

The initiative targets Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers and operators, offering flexible rental and ownership options for models under its Green lineup, including the Herio Green and Limo Green.

This is terms of the offer.

Under the rental program, drivers are required to pay an upfront deposit and choose a contract duration. Longer-term plans are available, with daily rental rates starting at around ₱1,000, depending on the agreement.

This is a great program, especially for TNVS drivers and operators looking to switch from ICE to EV. It serves as an excellent starting point. A number of TNVS drivers/operators I’ve spoken with earn an average of 3k to 5k a day. They often mention that being a TNVS driver gives them a lot of freedom — essentially a much better work-life balance, unlike their previous experiences in the corporate world or as an OFW.

You can now pre-order Macbook Neo in the Philippines

If you are in the Philippines and planning to get the new Macbook Neo, you can now pre-order the new Macbook Neo from the Philippine Apple Store.

Macbook Neo with 256GB with Magic Keyboard have a retail price of ₱39,990, while the 512GB with Magic Keyboard with Touch ID will retail for ₱46,990.00. The leadtime for the pre-order is 2–3 weeks.

First announced early March, the Macbook Neo features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display boasting 500 nits of brightness and a sharp 2408-by-1506 resolution.

It is powered by Apple’s A18 Pro chip—the same chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro — paired with an 8-core CPU and 5-core GPU. As battery, it delivers up to 16 hours of battery life, making it an ideal entry point to Apple’s (Mac) ecosystem.

Key Specifications:

  • Display: 13.0-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology
  • Battery: Built-in 36.5‑watt‑hour lithium‑ion battery
  • Connectivity: Two USB-C ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 6
  • Webcam: 1080p FaceTime HD camera
  • Audio: Dual-speaker sound system, 3.5 mm headphone jack
  • Weight: 2.7 lbs
  • Memory: 8GB Unified Memory
  • Storage: 256GB or 512GB SSD
  • Keyboard: Magic Keyboard (256GB SSD) or Magic Keyboard with Touch ID (512GB SSD)
  • Colors: Indigo, Blush, Citrus, and Silver

X spins-off DM into separate messaging app called XChat

X, the service formerly known as Twitter, has announced that the company will launch a standalone messaging app called XChat for iPhone and iPad on April 17.

The announcement did not provide any additional information about the service but the app description in the App Store says “Chat with anyone on X in a private, focused space built for conversation. No ads. No tracking. Fully end-to-end encrypted”, which more or less the same features of the current messaging app in the space. XChat is basically the spin-off X/Twitter’s DM and the web version of XChat is available at https://x.com/i/chat/. It remains to be seen if spinning-off DM to a separate app/service will be enough to drive more engagement to the service, specially if it will be competing to established messaging service like Facebook’s Messaging, WhatsApp and Apple’s Messages.

Google unveils AI Inbox in Gmail

Google published this support page about AI Inbox in Gmail;

AI Inbox is a new view in Gmail that helps surface what matters most, all in one place. When you open AI Inbox, there are two main sections:

  • Suggested to-dos: This section shows things that need your attention or action from incoming emails. It identifies high-priority items and explains what you need to do in bold text, like a due date for a utility or credit card bill.
  • Topics to catch up on: This section gives you a quick summary of important updates. It helps you stay updated on things like upcoming travel, restaurant reservations, purchase confirmations, and more.

Google added that AI Inbox is currently available to select “trusted testers” in the United States and will expand to more people in the coming months.

The six-seater Tesla Model Y L has landed in the Philippines  

Angelo Nieto, Writing for Top Gear Philippines;

The Model Y L is 186mm longer and 44mm taller than the typical Model Y we’ve become familiar with. This lets the car carry a third row of seats, while upgrading the second row bench into captain chairs with ventilation and reclining functions. And there’s still plenty of space after all that reconfiguring: maximum cargo capacity now sits at 2,539 liters (compared to the Model Y’s 2,138 liters of space).

No official price has been announced by Tesla, but a ₱2.849 million price for the base model is not out of the possibility.

Meta to shutdown Messenger desktop app after December 15, 2025

I just saw this message (image above) on my Messenger desktop app and it appears that META a.k.a. Facebook wants to bring users back to Facebook.com, since users will be redirected back to Facebook.com after Dec. 15. The Messenger app shutdown affects both the Windows and Mac apps of Messenger.

And if you are worried about your chat history, Meta encourages users to “enabled secure storage in Messenger should turn on secure storage and setup a PIN from their desktop app.” You can visit this Support page for the FAQ’s and additional information on Messenger app on desktop.

Watch the iPhone Air bend/stress test by JerryRigEverything

JerryRigEverything just release his hands-on test of the new iPhone Air and just like with any of his gadget video, it is not for the faint of heart, especially if you’re the type of person who’s meticulous or protective of their devices, particularly Apple Devices.

Spoiler alert – the iPhone Air is “structurally indestructible” as it was able to withstand 216lbs (or 98 kg) of pressure before it bend the new iPhone Air.

Apple releases latest version of iPadOS, macOS Tahoe, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS

Together with the iOS 26, Apple also release the latest version of their software platforms namely the iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.

According to Apple;

Apple today released exciting new features and capabilities across each of its software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS — and introduced a beautiful new design with Liquid Glass that brings even greater consistency across the Apple ecosystem. New Apple Intelligence features help break down language barriers with Live Translation, extend the capabilities of visual intelligence, and bring personalized, motivational audio insights with Workout Buddy on Apple Watch. Users will also find a range of updates across apps and experiences they use every day, including helpful ways to screen phone calls, customize messages on iPhone, and create delightful spatial scenes that bring photos to life. iPad users will experience an entirely new powerful and intuitive windowing system, and Mac gets the biggest update ever to Spotlight. Apple Watch introduces sleep score to give users a better understanding of sleep quality, plus Apple Vision Pro now features widgets and all-new Personas that are more natural and familiar.

Here’s a short video about Apple Intelligence;

And Liquid Glass;

The upgrade focuses mainly on the new Liquid Glass and Apple Intelligence, which will be integrated across all Apple devices. To upgrade to the latest iPadOS, you can go to your iPad’s SETTINGS > GENERAL > SOFTWARE UPDATE.

For Macs, here’s how you can update to macOS Tahoe 26;

  • Use Spotlight in the menu bar to search for “Software Update,” then open it from the search results.
  • Or open Software Update from settings: From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose System Settings. In the window that opens, click General in the sidebar, then click Software Update on the right. (In earlier versions of macOS, choose Apple menu > System Preferences instead, then click Software Update.)

Keep in mind that the new macOS Tahoe 26 will show if you are using a compatible Mac.

If you want to upgrade your watchOS to watchOS 26, here are things that you can do;

You can wait until Apple Watch notifies you when a new update is available. Tap Update Tonight in the notification, then go to your iPhone to confirm that you want to update overnight. At the end of the day, leave your Apple Watch and iPhone charging overnight so the update can complete.

Or you can update your Apple Watch with your iPhone manually:

  1. On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app, then tap the My Watch tab.
  2. Tap General > Software Update.
  3. Download the update. If asked for your iPhone passcode or Apple Watch passcode, enter it.
  4. Wait for the progress wheel to appear on your Apple Watch. It could take from several minutes to an hour for the update to complete.

Leave your Apple Watch on its charger while the update completes. Don’t restart your iPhone or Apple Watch, and don’t quit the Apple Watch app. When the update completes, your Apple Watch restarts on its own.

Update directly on your Apple Watch

If your Apple Watch has watchOS 6 or later, you can install updates without your iPhone:

  1. Make sure that your watch is connected to Wi-Fi.
  2. On your watch, open the Settings app.
  3. Tap General > Software Update.
  4. Tap Install if a software update is available, then follow the onscreen instructions.

Keep in mind that watchOS 26 is compatible with these Apple Watch models:

  • Apple Watch SE 2 and later
  • Apple Watch Series 6 and later
  • Apple Watch Ultra and later

To update your Apple TV, you can do it automatically or manually;

Update your Apple TV automatically
You can set your Apple TV to automatically install new updates when they’re available. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates and turn on Automatically Update.

Update your Apple TV manually

  1. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates and select Update Software.
  2. If there’s an update, select Download and Install.
  3. Wait for your Apple TV to download the update. Keep your Apple TV connected and plugged in to power until the update is complete.

After the update downloads, your Apple TV will restart, prepare the update, then install it. When the update is complete, your Apple TV will automatically restart again.

And last but not the least, this is how you can update your visionOS to visionOS 26.

How to update visionOS automatically

  1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.
  2. Turn on visionOS Updates.
  3. Turn on Security Responses & System Files to automatically install security updates that might be available between complete visionOS updates. You can turn this option on in addition to visionOS Updates, or turn it on by itself.
  4. If you’d like for visionOS updates to download automatically but install only when you choose, turn on visionOS Updates under Automatically Download. Then turn off visionOS Updates under Automatically Install.

Automatic visionOS software updates are downloaded and installed when your Apple Vision Pro is connected to Wi-Fi, charging, and locked.

How to check for visionOS updates manually

  1. Back up your Apple Vision Pro.
  2. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. The screen shows the currently installed version of visionOS and whether an update is available.
  3. If an update is available, tap Download and Install or Install Now. You might need to enter your Apple Vision Pro passcode.
  4. When the update is ready to install, an alert asks you to take off your Apple Vision Pro. You can see the progress of the update on the front of your device with EyeSight.

Your Apple Vision Pro battery needs to have sufficient charge, or be connected to power, before your device can update. An alert will let you know if you need to charge your battery first.

Source: Apple Support

Apple officially unveil the new AirPods Pro 3

Apple AirPods Pro 3 via Apple.com

Apple has announced the new AirPods Pro 3, which are a significant upgrade to their popular headphones. Apple explained that the new AirPods Pro 3 feature a redesigned acoustic architecture that not only improves sound quality but also offers the world’s best in-ear Active Noise Cancellation, blocking up to four times more noise than the original model. The fit has been completely re-engineered for better stability and the new ear tips comes in five sizes.

For fitness enthusiasts, the AirPods Pro 3 can now measure your heart rate and track over 50 workout types with the new experience in the Fitness app on iPhone. Another major feature is Live Translation, which allows for real-time, hands-free conversation across different languages. With extended battery life and increased durability, the AirPods Pro 3 are now available for pre-order and will be on sale starting September 19. Price for the new AirPods Pro 3 start at $249.

You can checkout the full specs of the new AirPods Pro 3 here.

PH Government and Private Sector Unite for a Safer Internet

To create a safer online environment for Filipinos, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) are intensifying their campaign against the sale of illegal products on online platforms and social media.

This initiative, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure cyberspace safety, is a top priority for the DICT. According to DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, this effort requires a “digital bayanihan” or community cooperation. The DICT has been in contact with social media platforms and other government agencies to address the circulation of harmful content online.

CICC Acting Executive Director Atty. Renato Paraiso stated that the CICC enforces a zero-tolerance policy against online harm. He mentioned that social media and online selling platforms have agreed to comply with this directive and have their own mechanisms to sweep for and remove harmful content, including child pornography and deep fakes.

In addition to government action, the public is encouraged to be vigilant and report suspicious online activities and illegal product sales to the hotline 1326.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also plays a role in this effort. DTI Assistant Secretary Valdez III highlighted the launch of the eCommerce Philippine Trustmark, which acts as a regulatory authority to ensure safety, prevent the sale of substandard products, and mitigate online fraud and scams.

Representatives from Shopee PH, TikTok PH, and Google Philippines attended the press conference, expressing their support for the government’s initiatives. The collaboration between the public and private sectors is seen as key to creating a secure digital environment for all Filipinos.

Source: DICT

Nepal lifts ban on Social Media Networks

Nepal has lift the ban for Social Media Networks a day after 19 people died in brutal protests triggered by the government’s a social media ban.

Reuters;

Oli’s government lifted the social media ban after protests turned violent, killing 19 and injuring more than a 100 after police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters trying to storm parliament on Monday.

“We have withdrawn the shutdown of the social media. They are working now,” cabinet spokesperson and Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung told Reuters.

Google Unveils Pixel 10 Smartphones Series

Google has officially unveiled its Pixel 10 series, a significant leap in the company’s hardware and AI strategy. Powered by the all-new Tensor G5 chip, manufactured on a 3nm process by TSMC, the Pixel 10 Smartphones lineup promises a substantial boost in performance and efficiency. The G5 is optimized for on-device AI, enabling new features like “Magic Cue,” which proactively offers helpful information, and a more intuitive “Camera Coach” that uses Gemini models to assist with photography in real time.

The series includes the standard Pixel 10, the Pixel 10 Pro, and the larger Pixel 10 Pro XL, all featuring a refined design with a polished camera bar and durable Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The Pixel 10 gets a major camera upgrade with a new triple-lens system, including a 5x telephoto zoom, a feature previously reserved for the Pro models.

The Pixel 10 Pro introduces an upgraded camera system with a 100x Pro Res Zoom and the ability to capture video in up to 8K, powered by the new Video Boost technology. All models launch with Android 16 and a commitment to seven years of OS and security updates, ensuring long-term value. With these advancements, Google is positioning the Pixel 10 as more than just a phone—it’s a truly intelligent and personal device.

Google Pixel 10

Here are the key specifications for the Google Pixel 10:

Display 6.3-inch Actua OLED, 1080 x 2424 pixels, 60-120Hz refresh rate, up to 3000 nits peak brightness, Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Processor Google Tensor G5 (built on a 3nm TSMC process) with Titan M2 security coprocessor
Operating System Android 16
RAM 12 GB
Storage 128 GB, 256 GB
Rear Cameras Triple camera system:
– 48 MP wide (f/1.7) with Macro Focus
– 13 MP ultrawide (f/2.2)
– 10.8 MP telephoto (f/3.1) with 5x optical zoom and 20x Super Res Zoom
Front Camera 10.5 MP Dual PD selfie camera (f/2.2)
Durability IP68 dust and water resistance, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back
Connectivity 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, USB Type-C 3.2
SIM Nano-SIM + eSIM
Software Support 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Battery 4,970 mAh
Charging 30W wired fast charging (charger sold separately), 15W Qi2-certified Pixelsnap wireless charging
Dimensions 152.8 x 72 x 8.6 mm
Weight 204 g
Color Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass, Obsidian
Price starts at $799.00
Availability August 28, 2025
Google Pixel 10 Pro and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

Here are the key specifications for both the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL;

Feature Google Pixel 10 Pro Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Display 6.3-inch LTPO OLED, 1280 x 2856 pixels (495 PPI), 1-120Hz refresh rate, up to 3300 nits peak brightness, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 6.8-inch LTPO OLED, 1344 x 2992 pixels (486 PPI), 1-120Hz refresh rate, up to 3300 nits peak brightness, Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Processor Google Tensor G5 (3nm) + Titan M2 Google Tensor G5 (3nm) + Titan M2
Operating System Android 16 Android 16
RAM 16 GB 16 GB
Storage 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB
Rear Cameras Triple camera system:<br> – 50 MP wide (f/1.68)<br> – 48 MP ultrawide (f/1.7)<br> – 48 MP telephoto (f/2.8) with 5x optical zoom and 100x Pro Res Zoom Triple camera system:<br> – 50 MP wide (f/1.68)<br> – 48 MP ultrawide (f/1.7)<br> – 48 MP telephoto (f/2.8) with 5x optical zoom and 100x Pro Res Zoom
Front Camera 42 MP Dual PD selfie camera (f/2.2) 42 MP Dual PD selfie camera (f/2.2)
Durability IP68 dust and water resistance, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back IP68 dust and water resistance, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back
Software Support 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Connectivity Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, 2×2 MIMO55, Bluetooth 6, NFC, Google Cast, Ultra-Wideband chip for accurate ranging and spatial orientation, Dual Band GNSS GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Thread networking technology Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, 2×2 MIMO55, Bluetooth 6, NFC, Google Cast, Ultra-Wideband chip for accurate ranging and spatial orientation, Dual Band GNSS GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Thread networking technology
Authentication Fingerprint Unlock, Face Unlock, Pattern, PIN, password Fingerprint Unlock, Face Unlock, Pattern, PIN, password
Sensors Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Gyrometer, Magnetometer, Barometer, Temperature sensor Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Gyrometer, Magnetometer, Barometer, Temperature sensor
Buttons and ports USB Type-C 3.2, Power button, Volume controls USB Type-C 3.2, Power button, Volume controls
Cellular 5G mmWave, 5G Sub-6, 5G mmW, GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA, LTE, NB-IoT, LTE 5G mmWave, 5G Sub-6, 5G mmW, GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA, LTE, NB-IoT, LTE
Battery 15W Qi2-certified 25W Qi2-certified
Wired Charging 30W (up to 55% in 30 mins) 45W (up to 70% in 30 mins)
Wireless Charging 15W Qi2-certified 25W Qi2-certified
Dimensions 152.40 mm x 71.12 mm x 7.62 mm 162.56 mm x 76.20 mm x 7.62 mm
Weight 207 g / 7.3 oz 232 g / 8.2 oz
Color Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, Obsidian Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, Obsidian
Release Date August 28, 2025 August 28, 2025
Starting Price $999 $1,199

All three smartphones; Pixel 10, the Pixel 10 Pro, and the larger Pixel 10 Pro XL, is now available for preorder and will be in stores Aug. 28th.

Telegram and WhatsApp are “partially” blocked in Russia

Russia has “partially” blocked certain calling features on the messaging applications Telegram and WhatsApp. This action was taken in response to these platforms allegedly being used “to deceive and extort money, and to involve Russian citizens in sabotage and terrorist activities.”

According to a report by Associated Press, the measure was implemented because these platforms are being “used to deceive and extort money, and to involve Russian citizens in sabotage and terrorist activities.” The statement did not specify which calling features were affected, but reports from Russian users indicate that both voice and video calls may be impacted.

This is the statement from WhatsApp related to the Russian government’s attempt to block the service.

Telegram has not release any statement as of this posting.