Microsoft will soon remove the ability to create local Windows account during the installation/setup process. The announcement was made when the company release the “Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6772 (KB5065797).”
Local-only commands removal: We are removing known mechanisms for creating a local account in the Windows Setup experience (OOBE). While these mechanisms were often used to bypass Microsoft account setup, they also inadvertently skip critical setup screens, potentially causing users to exit OOBE with a device that is not fully configured for use. Users will need to complete OOBE with internet and a Microsoft account, to ensure device is setup correctly.
For now, users can still use and create local Windows account during the setup process but once the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6772 (KB5065797) is rolled-out for the general public, a Microsoft account will be required to complete the Windows 11 installation/setup process.
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.
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.
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:
On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app, then tap the My Watch tab.
Tap General > Software Update.
Download the update. If asked for your iPhone passcode or Apple Watch passcode, enter it.
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:
Make sure that your watch is connected to Wi-Fi.
On your watch, open the Settings app.
Tap General > Software Update.
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
Go to Settings > System > Software Updates and select Update Software.
If there’s an update, select Download and Install.
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
Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.
Turn on visionOS Updates.
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.
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
Back up your Apple Vision Pro.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update. The screen shows the currently installed version of visionOS and whether an update is available.
If an update is available, tap Download and Install or Install Now. You might need to enter your Apple Vision Pro passcode.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
Our statement on the news about the Russian government's attempt to block WhatsApp:
WhatsApp is private, end-to-end encrypted, and defies government attempts to violate people’s right to secure communication, which is why Russia is trying to block it from over 100 million…
Threads, Meta’s Twitter/X clone, was able to achieve this in less than 3 years, which is impressive considering that it took Twitter, now X, 16 years to reach the 400 million monthly active user milestone.
The Google Pixel 10 even wont happen until next week (August 20) but the company has already announced the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold with a short 31-seconds video.
Below are the rumored specs of the upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold;
Display:
Cover Display: 6.4-inch OLED with a 120 Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Resolution: 1080 x 2424 pixels with peak brightness of 3000 nits.
Inner Display: 8.0-inch Foldable LTPO OLED with a 120 Hz refresh rate. The resolution is 2076×2152 pixels.
Performance:
Processor: Google Tensor G5 chipset.
GPU: Mali-G715 MC7
RAM: 16 GB.
Storage: 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB
Operating System: Android 16
Cameras:
Rear Cameras: A triple-camera system featuring:
Main: 48 MP wide-angle camera with an f/1.7 aperture and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).
Telephoto: 10.8 MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom.
Ultrawide: 10.5 MP ultrawide-angle camera.
Selfie Cameras: 10 MP front-facing cameras on both the cover and inner displays.
Video Recording: Supports 4K and 1080p video recording at up to 60 fps.
Battery:
Capacity: 5015 mAh.
Charging: 25W wired fast charging and 7.5W wireless charging.
Design and Features:
Build: Glass front and back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2) with an aluminum frame. The inner screen is made of plastic.
Durability: IP68 dust and water resistant.
Connectivity: Supports 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4.
Together with the Nothing Phone (3), the company also announced the Nothing Headphone (1). Available black and white colors, the Nothing Headphone (1) will retail for $299 or around SAR 1,121.25.
Below are the notable specs;
Dimension (HxWxD): 173.85 mm x 78.0 mm x 189.25 mm
Drivers: 40 MM DYNAMIC / 16 Ω
RF: 20 HZ – 40 KHZ
Diaphragm: PU
Tuning: SOUND BY KEF
Battery: 1040mAh Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Type: real-time adaptive anc
Depth: up to 42 db
Frequency range: 2000 hz
Microphone quantity: 3 mics each side / 6 mics total
Connection range: 10 M
Bluetooth 5.3
Dual connection
Compatible with Android version 5.1 and above, iOS version 13 and above.
Codecs: AAC, SBC, LDAC
Just like the Nothing Phone (3), preorders for the Headphone(1) will be this 4th of July and it will be available on 15th of July.
After officially announcing the production of the new Isuzu D-Max EV, Japan-based Isuzu officially unveil the specs of their latest EV pickup the new Isuzu D-Max EV. The first D-MAX EV, which was exhibited to the public as a prototype at the 45th Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand in March 2024, is now in production.
Production of the D-MAX EV is scheduled to begin at the end of this year, with sales expected to start in 2026 in the UK and will be rolled out to other countries and areas based on market needs.
In a nutshell, the new Isuzu D-Max EV is an all-electric pickup truck featuring a 4×4 drivetrain. Its dual electric motors deliver a peak output of 140 kW, providing a claimed driving range of 263 km based on WLTP standards on a single charge. Notably, it retains a substantial 3.5-tonne towing capacity, demonstrating that this European-first production electric pickup offers significant commercial capability without sacrificing performance. The pricing details for this EV pickup are yet to be announced.
Below is the specs of the new Isuzu D-Max EV Pickup;
Powertrain:
Dual electric motors, one on each axle, providing full-time 4WD.
Total power output of 140 kW (190 hp).
Maximum combined torque of 325 Nm (108 Nm front, 217 Nm rear).
Rough Terrain Mode for enhanced off-road capability.
Battery and Range:
66.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
WLTP combined driving range of 263 km (approximately 163 miles).
WLTP city driving range of up to 361 km (approximately 224 miles).
Energy consumption (WLTP): 255 Wh/km.
Performance:
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 10.1 seconds.
Top speed exceeding 130 km/h (over 80 mph).
Charging:
AC charging: Up to 11 kW, achieving a full charge (0-100%) in approximately 10 hours.
DC fast charging: Up to 50 kW, allowing a 20-80% charge in about 1 hour.
Dimensions and Weight:
Length: 5,280 mm.
Width: 1,870 mm.
Height (including roof rails): 1,810 mm.
Wheelbase: 3,125 mm.
Ground clearance: 210 mm.
Wading depth: Up to 600 mm.
Kerb weight: 2,350 kg.
Load Capacity:
Maximum payload: 1,010 kg (over 1 tonne).
Maximum towing capacity: 3,500 kg.
Suspension:
Front: Independent double wishbone.
Rear: Newly developed De-Dion suspension, replacing traditional leaf springs for improved handling and reduced noise and vibration.
Off-Road Capabilities:
Approach angle: 30.5 degrees.
Departure angle: 24.2 degrees.
Minimum turning radius: 6.1 m.
Key Features:
Updated 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
New 7.0-inch digital driver’s display.
Eight-speaker audio system.
Dual-zone climate control.
Heated front seats.
Keyless entry and start.
Full suite of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) including autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, and trailer sway control.
Availability:
Left-hand drive production has commenced, with shipments to Europe expected in Q3 2025.
Right-hand drive production is scheduled for the end of 2025, with the UK market launch anticipated in February 2026.
Pricing is yet to be confirmed but is expected to be higher than the diesel models.
Google Maps has updated its maps to make the label “West Philippine Sea” (WPS) more visible for the waters west of the Philippines. This has been praised in the Philippines as it reinforces their claim over this part of the South China Sea.
Before, the WPS label might have been harder to see. Now, it’s clearer even when zoomed out. Filipino leaders and the military see this as important recognition of their rights, especially after the 2016 international court ruling that favored the Philippines over China’s broader claims in the area.
Under Administrative Order No. 29, the Philippines officially named this area the West Philippine Sea in 2012, covering 200 miles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea. While China still calls it the South China Sea and disagrees with the international court’s decision, many Filipinos view Google’s update as a positive step in raising global awareness and acknowledging their sovereignty.
In a press release by the Philippines Government, Senate Majority Leader Francis ‘TOL’ Tolentino said “Growing global recognition for WPS represents a victory for all Filipinos. It is also an affirmation of the correctness of the Philippines’ current policy to assert its sovereign rights in line with international law and multilateralism.” Tolentino is the principal author of the landmark Philippine Maritime Zones Law (Republic Act 12064).
Nissan has announced that it will launch its autonomous driving ProPILOT technology in 2027. The ProPILOT features Nissan Ground Truth Perception technology with next-generation Lidar and Wayve AI Driver software, “will set a new standard for autonomous driving with advanced collision avoidance capability.”
From Nissan’s official statement, “Wayve AI Driver software, built on Wayve’s embodied AI foundation model, is designed to handle highly complex real-world driving conditions in a human-like manner. The technology’s ability to efficiently and rapidly learn from vast amounts of data ensures continuous advantage to Nissan vehicles for the future.”
The company previously demoed their aautonomous-drive (AD) technology in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai area.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will be reevaluating the agency’s Free Wi-Fi Program, this was announced on DICT website and social media channels.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), they are overhauling its Free Wi-Fi Program to improve efficiency and sustainability, driven by President Marcos’s directives, basically to cut the current program’s ₱6.5 billion annual cost for 7,000 locations with 16,251 Free Wi-Fi Sites.
One of the option that the agency is looking at is a long-term agreement with a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite provider to offer 200Mbps internet to 10,000 schools for ₱1.5 billion annually. In addition, 40,000 additional locations have been identified for multicasting educational content, further improving digital learning accessibility nationwide.
The DICT will allocate ₱5 billion, as directed by President Marcos, for the “SIM Card ng Bayan” project. This project will subsidize cell tower construction by providing students near new towers with free 25GB internet subscriptions. Leveraging the Common Tower Program to expand mobile network coverage and deploy broadband wireless access. The SIM Card ng Bayan Project is seen as a more sustainable alternative to the existing Free Wi-Fi Program.
Here are the price of the new iPad Air with M3 Chip in Saudi Arabia
iPad Air 11‑inch
Wifi Only
128GB – SAR2,699.00
256GB – SAR3,149.00
512GB – SAR4,049.00
Wi-Fi + Cellular
128GB – SAR3,349.00
256GB – SAR3,849.00
512GB – SAR4,749.00
iPad Air 13‑inch
Wifi Only
128GB – SAR3,699.00
256GB – SAR4,149.00
512GB – SAR5,049.00
Wi-Fi + Cellular
128GB – SAR4,349.00
256GB – SAR4,849.00
Apple Magic Tablet Keyboard
For 11-inches iPad Air – SAR 1,349.00
For 13-inches iPad Air – SAR 1,449.00
The new iPad Air with M3 Chip and the new Apple Magic Tablet Keyboard is now available for pre-order and will be available in Apple Authorized Resellers, starting March 12th.
Together with the new Macbook Air with M4 chip, Apple also announced a refreshed iPad Air powered by the “M3 chip and built for Apple Intelligence.”
Available in 11‑inch and 13‑inch Liquid Retina display, the new iPad Air supports Apple Pencil Pro as well as the Apple Pencil (USB‑C). Because it is powered by the M3 chip, the new iPad Air, which Apple claims to be “2x faster compared to iPad Air with M1,1 and up to 3.5x faster than iPad Air with A14 Bionic” and will be able to perform AI capabilities in iPadOS.
Apple iPad Air M3 Chip 11-inches and 13-inches
Here are notable specs of the new iPad Air;
– Display: 11 inches/ 13 inches Liquid Retina display, 264 ppi, 2360-by-1640-pixel resolution, True Tone and wide color display
– Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB storage
– Processor: Apple M3 chip 8-core CPU, 9-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
– Rear Camera: 12MP Wide camera, ƒ/1.8 aperture, Five-element lens, 5x digital zoom, 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps, 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps, 720p HD video recording at 30 fps
– Front Camera: Landscape 12MP Center Stage camera, ƒ/2.0 aperture, Smart HDR 4, 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
– Colors: Blue, Purple, Star light, Space Gray
Connectivity:
All Models
– Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO
– Simultaneous dual band
– Bluetooth 5.3
Wi-Fi + Cellular models
– 5G (sub‑6 GHz) with 4×4 MIMO
– Gigabit LTE with 4×4 MIMO
– eSIM
Sensors
– Touch ID
– Three‐axis gyro
– Accelerometer
– Barometer
– Ambient light sensor
– USB-C port for Charging, DisplayPort and data USB 3 (up to 10Gb/s)
The new iPad Air with M3 Chip is now available for pre-order and will be available in Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers, starting March 12th.
Below are the pricing of the new iPad Air with M3 chip;
iPad Air 11‑inch
Wifi Only
128GB – $599.00
256GB – $699.00
512GB – $899.00
1TB – $1,099.00
Wi-Fi + Cellular
128GB – $749.00
256GB – $849.00
512GB – $1049.00
1TB – $1,249.00
iPad Air 13‑inch
Wifi Only
128GB – $799.00
256GB – $899.00
512GB – $1,099.00
1TB – $1,299.00
Wi-Fi + Cellular
128GB – $949.00
256GB – $1,049.00
512GB – $1,249.00
1TB – $1,449.00
With the new iPad Air with M3 Chip, Apple has released a new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, featuring an expanded trackpad and a 14-key function row for enhanced control. The keyboard utilizes a magnetic attachment and the Smart Connector for instant power and data connectivity, eliminating Bluetooth pairing. A machined aluminum hinge integrates a USB-C charging port. The new white Magic Keyboard, featuring the popular floating design, is available starting at $269 for the 11-inch version and $319 for the 13-inch version.
Apple iPad Air and Magic Keyboard top viewApple iPad Air and Magic Keyboard
After Apple CEO Tim Cook tweets about the new Macbook Air, Apple has officially announced the new Macbook Air with M4 chip.
The upgrades that Apple made with the new Macbook Air is mainly with its processor, changing it from the M3 to the new M4 processor and the new 12MP Center Stage camera. The rest of its components remains the same. Apple did change the starting RAM from 8GB to 16GB, without changing the starting price of $999.00.
Here’s a nutshell of the specs of the new Macbook Air with M4 chip
Processor – Apple M4 chip with 10‑core CPU and up to 10‑core GPU with 16-core Neural Engine
Webcam – 12MP Center Stage camera
RAM – 16GB, configurable up to 32GB RAM
Storage – 256GB SSD configurable up to 2TB SSD
Battery – Built-in 53.8‑watt‑hour lithium‑polymer battery with up to 18 hours video streaming
Ports – MagSafe 3 charging port, 3.5 mm headphone jack, Two x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports with support for Charging, up to 2 external monitor, Thunderbolt 4 (up to 40Gb/s) and USB 4 (up to 40Gb/s)
Wireless – Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3
Audio – Four-speaker sound system
Dimension (HxWxD) – 1.13 cm x 30.41 cm x 21.5 cm
Weight – 2.7 pounds (1.24 kg)
Colors – Sky Blue, Silver, Star light and Midnight
Apple MacBook Air side view
Apple MacBook Air sky blue
Apple MacBook Air Touch ID and Magic Keyboard
Apple MacBook Air top view
The new Macbook Air with M4 chip is now available for pre-order and will be available in the appl.com and local retail store this Wednesday, March 12th. As for the pricing, a 13-inches Macbook Air with 16GB RAM and 256 GB SSD Storage will retail at $999.00, while a 15-inches Macbook Air with the same configuration will be at $1,199.00.
For upgrades and accessories, you can checkout the pricing below;
13-inches and 15-inches Upgrades
Memory
24GB RAM: +$200.00
32GB RAM: +$400.00
Storage
512 GB SSD: +$200.00
1TB SSD: +$400.00
2TB SSD: +$800.00
Accessories for 13-inches Macbook Air Only
35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter: +$20.00
70W USB-C Power Adapter: +$20.00
Software
Final Cut Pro License: +$299.99
Logic Pro License: +$199.99
Say hello to the new MacBook Air! The world’s most popular laptop now features M4, Apple Intelligence capabilities, and a beautiful new color—sky blue. pic.twitter.com/CZzHpVvIhO
Microsoft just announced that the company will stop supporting Windows 10 this coming October 2025.
The software giant said that “after October 14th 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates, technical assistance amd security fixes for Windows 10.”
The company added that PC running Windows 10 “will still work” but they recommend upgrading to Windows 11 is possible.
Modern PC supports Windows 11 and uprading to the latest Windows OS is free. But if you are like me using a 10 year old laptop, then the onlu course of action is to buy a new computer running Windows 11 right out of the box.
Even though it’s not yet available for order or pre-order, Apple already provided the pricing for the new iPhone 16e.
Available in Black and White colors in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities, the new iPhone 16e will have a starting price of ₱39,900.00 for the 128GB model, ₱46,990.00 for the 256GB and ₱58,990.00 for the 512GB.
Officially announced last Feb 19th, the iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inches Super Retina XDR OLED display, similar to the iPhone 14, the A18 chip that use the iPhone 16 with support for Apple Intelligence, no Touch ID, one 48 MP rear camera and a 12MP front facing camera. It will also have the Action button and the new Apple C1, the first cellular modem designed by Apple. The iPhone 16e will also be using a USB-C port for data and charging.
Apple did not specifically mentioned the capacity but instead said that it will have Up to 26 hours video playback, up to 21 hours if video streaming and it supports fast charging with up to 50% charge in 30 minutes using a 20W adapter. Just like with the previous iPhones it will also support Qi charger for its wireless charging features. You can checkout the full specs here.
The just announced iPhone 16e is now available for pre-order in Saudi Arabia. You can place your pre-order on the leading telecom and retailer in the Kingdom.
The iPhone 16e will be only be available in Black and White colors in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities, with starting price of SAR2,799.00 for the 128GB model, SAR3,299.00 for the 256GB and SAR4,299.00 for the 512GB. Pre-order period will be until February 28th 2025 and will start shipping or can be collected until March 7th 2025.
Grab Philippines has released an official statement regarding one of its driver-partner of being accused of lascivious acts by his passenger. In their statement, Grab Philippines said “After a comprehensive review of the Audio Protect recording from the trip, the driver-partner’s profile, and performance history, we found no conclusive evidence to support the allegations or indicate any malicious intent.”
After the surprise shutdown of Tiktok last weekend, the Chinese-owned social media received a much needed break when President Trump signed an executive order delaying the ban of TikTok for 75 days.
BBC news reports, “President Trump has signed an executive order granting TikTok a 75-day extension to comply with a law that requires a sale or ban of the platform.”
US President Donald Trump explained that in this 75-days extension, “the US will not enforce the law passed by Congress last year and signed by former President Joe Biden.” This will also allow its owner ByteDance until April 5, 2025 to find a solution to avoid an abrupt shutdown of their platform, TikTok. This deadline comes after the US Supreme Court upheld a law requiring ByteDance to divest its interest in TikTok by that date or face a nationwide ban.
ByteDance is currently exploring various options to comply with the law, including selling TikTok or spinning it off into a separate company. However, the company has also expressed concerns about the potential impact of a forced sale on TikTok’s users and employees.
If you can recall, it was during his first term in 2020, the US President Donald Trump issued an executive order to ban TikTok. He is currently attempting to evade a bipartisan law that went in effect this 19th of January.
In a move aimed at bolstering government revenue, the Philippines has introduced a 12% value-added tax (VAT) on digital services offered by foreign firms. This includes popular platforms like Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon, among other digital service providers (DSPs) — which have previously enjoyed tax exemptions.
Duey Guison, of Unbox.ph explains “Republic Act 112023, all services provided by resident and non-resident digital service providers regardless if they have a physical presence in the Philippines are subject to an additional 12% VAT. The law also adds a new provision to the Tax Code, where ‘”digital services delivered by foreign digital service providers are considered performed or rendered in the Philippines if the digital services are consumed in the Philippines.’”
The law does not only cover streaming service but basically “most” online service like ecommerce, digital platform or online merchant that caters to the Philippine market even if the company does not have any physical store or office in the Philippines.
In a press release, “Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero said the bill imposing a 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) on digital transactions will level the playing field for local and foreign digital service providers (DSPs), streamline tax administration and shore up government coffers by at least P80 billion in revenues.”
“Digital service is defined as any service supplied over the internet or other electronic network with the use of information technology and where the supply of the service is essentially automated. These include online search engines, online marketplace or e-marketplace, cloud service, online media and advertising, online platform, or digital goods.”
The law basically covers every companies doing online transaction.
Primate Labs Inc. creator of Geekbench, has launch the Geekbench AI, an AI benchmarking tool that measures AI performance. The app measures our devices CPU, GPU, and NPU to determine if it is ready for A.I. and machine learning applications.
Previously called “Geekbench ML,” Geekbench AI 1.0 is the first benchmarking application that will attempt to measure AI performances. Geekbench AI runs ten AI workloads, each with three different data types, giving you a multidimensional picture of on-device AI performance. Using large datasets that mimic real-world AI use cases, both developers and consumers can measure on-device AI performance in just a few minutes with Single Precision, Half Precision, and Quantized scores.
All the new gadgets have AI Things and Stuff inside, but how fast is that AI? How do you compare Apples to Androids, or laptops to desktops?
Introducing Geekbench AI 1.0 for easy cross-platform, cross-device, cross-framework AI performance measurements: https://t.co/INjUQsNvUc
Geekbench AI 1.0 will be available on Android, iOS, Linux, MacOS and Windows. It supports multiple AI Framework like TensorFlow Lite, CoreML, TensorFlow Lite, ONNX and OpenVINO. You can checkout Geekbench AI Workloads documentation to know the tests Geekbench AI uses to measure AI performance.
To use use Geekbench AI 1.0 you can download it from here.
Esports World Cup is still on going and will not conclude until 25th August, so the numbers are still under wraps but as of today, the Saudi Press Agency is reporting that Esports World Cup, which is currently being hosted in Riyadh Boulevard City, saw a large number of “guests and visitors from Gulf and other countries.”
There are a total of 500 clubs from different countries and more than 1,500 players participating in the Esports World Cup, the largest event in the history of the gaming and esports sector.
Amer Al-Marri, a visitor from Qatar, expressed his fondness for the distinguished and global organization of the tournament, indicating that coming from Doha along with a group of friends was specifically to attend this global event. He praised the professional level of competitions thanks to the participation of skilled players and qualified teams around the world. The visitor also expressed his admiration for the atmosphere in the Boulevard Riyadh City, through various entertainment activities and events that fit everyone’s taste.
Mohammed bin Mubarak, a visitor from Bahrain, explained that he came with his brothers and other relatives to attend the Esports World Cup. He hailed the great efforts of the Kingdom in receiving the participants and the professional and wonderful organization of the tournament, noting that Riyadh has become a global destination for tourism, entertainment, and sports.
Aside from the usual spots in Boulevard Riyadh City, tourists also explored historical and tourist sites in Riyadh.
OpenAI has announce the launch of SearchGPT, a prototype search engine designed to revolutionize the way we interact with information online. This new tool aims to combine the strengths of OpenAI’s advanced AI models with real-time internet data to provide users with fast, accurate, and contextually relevant answers.
SearchGPT is an AI-powered search engine desgined to leverages the capabilities of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, to deliver timely and precise information. Unlike traditional search engines, SearchGPT is designed to respond to queries in a conversational manner, allowing users to ask follow-up questions and receive answers that build on previous interactions.
Unlike the traditional search form, SearchGPT uses a large textbox asking users “What are you looking for?,” this is similar to what Facebook “What’s on your mind?” and X’s “What’s happening?” asks its users. But instead of the usual plain text and links on the search result, SearchGPT will try to organize the summarizes the result then provide a short description with the attribution links.
You can watch the video below for the demo as published by OpenAI;
We’re testing SearchGPT, a prototype of new search features designed to combine the strength of our AI models with information from the web to give you fast and timely answers with clear and relevant sources. We’re launching to a small group of users and publishers to get feedback. While this prototype is temporary, we plan to integrate the best of these features directly into ChatGPT in the future.
OpenAI has partnered with various news publishers, which include organizations like the Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press, and Vox Media, to ensure that high-quality content is highlighted and easily accessible. SearchGPT is currently being tested by 10,000 test users.
The MSI Claw Gaming Console is now in Saudi Arabia, their entry to the growing popularity of handheld gaming console category. The MSI Claw Gaming Console was first revealed in CES 2024 earlier this year, the MSI Claw is now available for preorder in Saudi Arabia. The MSI Claw Gaming Console will be competing with Asus, Lenovo and Steam.
The MSI Claw Gaming Console is said to be the world’s first gaming handheld powered by the Intel Core Ultra processor, Intel’s newest flagship CPU optimized for premium thin and powerful laptops (and handheld), that features 3D performance hybrid architecture, advanced AI capabilities, and available with built-in Intel Arc GPU. The Claw will be running Windows 11 Home right out of the box which can also be upgraded Windows 11 Pro and it features an Intel Arc Graphics card on a 7-inch touchscreen display with 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It two 2W Hi-Res speakers, a 6 cell (53Whr) Li-Ion battery, a Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI port, a microSD slot, and features a fingerprint scanner built in to the power button for added security.
There will be 3 available variants of MSI Claw Gaming Console which is differentiated by the their CPU, CPU Speed and storage size but all other components will remain the same. You can head to specs page of the MSI Claw Gaming Console for more details.
In Saudi Arabia, the based model MSI Claw Handheld Gaming Console with Intel Core Ultra 5 135H and 512 GB storage is priced at SR 3,299, which is around Php 48,944.50, while a more powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 155H and 512 GB variant will be available at SR 3,799, that’s Php 56,362.58.
The availability of the MSI Claw Gaming Console in the Philippine market is yet to be announced.
Philippine-based smartphone company Cherry, previously known as Cherry Mobile, has announced their latest smartphone line – the Aqua Smartphones Series. The Cherry Aqua Smartphones series is composed of Aqua GR and the Aqua S11 Pro, with a retail price of Php 11,999 and Php 7,999, respectively.
The Cherry Aqua GR will have a 6.8-inches FHD+ Curved 120Hz display and a 4700 Mah battery that support 66W fast charging. The Cherry Aqua GR is marketed to mobile gamers with its 2.6GHz MediaTek Dimensity 7050 Octa-Core Processor, with 8 GB RAM and 8GB storage that is expandable up to 256 GB via Universal Flash Storage (UFS), it supports 5G connectivity and a rear camera system that’s powered by a 108 MP camera and a 16 MP selfie camera.
The Aqua S11 Pro on the other hand will have a smaller 6.7-inches FHD+ 120Hz display, a 5000mAh Battery that supports 33W charging, it will be powered by Mediatek G99 2.2GHz Octa-core Processor, just like the Aqua GR, the S11 Pro have a 8GB RAM and 8GB storage that is expandable up to 256 GB via Universal Flash Storage (UFS). The rear camera is a AI triple camera powered by its main 64MP camera. The front camera will also be a 16 MP selfie camera. Both the Aqua S11 and GR will support NFC.
