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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.

TESDA launches additional free digital courses on the e-TESDA platform  

Erl Burtanog, reporting for Yugatech;

The new courses are available through the TESDA Online Program and include content from HP LIFE, a free business and digital skills training platform. Learners can access the courses through TESDA’s online learning portal.

Among the new offerings are lessons on artificial intelligence, covering AI fundamentals, responsible AI use, and practical applications for work and business.

TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez said the initiative aims to help Filipinos develop skills needed to stay competitive as technology continues to transform industries.

As of this writing, the TESDA Online Program (https://e-tesda.gov.ph) website is down and appeared to have been down for sometime now.

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/.

Nissan presented two NEV concept SUVs at Auto China 2026

Nissan;

Nissan presented two NEV concept SUVs that demonstrates its accelerated NEV product offensive in China.

The Urban SUV PHEV Concept is designed for young Chinese customers. Its design draws from philosophies of the NX8 and Nissan’s future SUV lineup, blending advanced electrification technology with urban daily driving performance.

The Terrano PHEV Concept marks the return of an iconic nameplate. Equipped with the latest plug-in hybrid technology, the Terrano builds on Nissan’s off-road heritage while addressing the dual needs of outdoor adventure and urban commuting.

Production versions of both concept cars are scheduled to be unveiled within one year. Nissan also plans to introduce three additional NEV models in China within a year, further accelerating its NEV expansion and brand transformation.

Here’s a short but juicy intro video that Nissan released on the Urban SUV PHEV Concept and Terrano PHEV Concept;
Nissan Urban SUV PHEV

Nissan Terrano PHEV

New Energy Vehicle (NEV), commonly used in China to describe vehicles with new-type power systems, including Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). They are characterized by higher efficiency and lower emissions.

Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV), a U.S.-based definition referring to battery-powered, street-legal vehicles that typically have a top speed of 20 – 25 mph (32 – 40 km/h). They are designed for low-speed, short-distance driving within communities.

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.

Samsung Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57 now available in Saudi Arabia

Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy A37 5G and Galaxy A57 5G in Saudi Arabia, bringing flagship-tier “Awesome Intelligence” (AI) and premium durability to the mid-range market. Both devices hit shelves across the Kingdom on April 10, 2026.

Galaxy A57 5G

Samsung Galaxy A57 5G

The A57 features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a 1,900-nit peak brightness and 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by the Exynos 1680 (4nm) chip, it introduces a thinner 6.9mm aluminum frame protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+ and an IP68 rating.

  • Camera: 50MP Main (OIS), 12MP Ultra-wide, 5MP Macro.
  • Battery: 5,000 mAh with 45W fast charging.
  • Price: Starts at SAR 1,649 (8GB/128GB).

Galaxy A37 5G

Samsung Galaxy A37 5G

The A37 offers a similar 6.7-inch Super AMOLED experience but utilizes the Exynos 1480 processor. It maintains high-end features like “Circle to Search” and AI-driven photo editing, housed in a slightly thicker 7.4mm body.

  • Camera: 50MP Main (OIS), 8MP Ultra-wide, 5MP Macro.
  • Battery: 5,000 mAh with 45W support.
  • Price: Approximately SAR 1,329

Both phones run Android 16 (One UI 8.5) and come with an industry-leading commitment of 6 years of OS and security updates, ensuring long-term value for the Saudi Markets.

You can can checkout the full specs of the Samsung Galaxy A37 and Samsung Galaxy A57.

Opinion: Friendly reminder about your Facebook and other/all Social Media Account

There’s an “old” adage “if it’s free, you’re the product.” While social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer a great way to global connection at “no monetary cost”, the “free” price tag is an illusion that most social media users do not understand. In reality, the user (you) are the product, your attention/time and data which are harvested by the social media network for their “main/actual” customer are the advertisers.

Posting “legal notice”, in the hopes of making it viral circulates on social media feeds, with users/influencers posting statements like: “I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I DO NOT GIVE MY PERMISSION FOR META TO USE MY DATA.” While these posts provide a “false” sense of agency, they are legally meaningless. A status update cannot unilaterally rewrite a signed contract. Because you agreed to facebook’s Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. the moment you create your account, you already gave the platform your consent. These platforms operate on a “take it or leave it” basis; the only way to stop or legally “revoke” permission is to delete your account.

Here’s what Facebook says when you delete your account;

Deleting your account is permanent. When you delete your account, your main profile and everything else you’ve added will be permanently deleted. You won’t be able to retrieve anything you’ve added. All additional profiles, Messenger and all of your messages will also be deleted.

But even if you delete your account, there is no guarantee that all your data will be deleted from the system.

We have to remember that Facebook and other social media platforms pay engineers and designers tons of money, to keep you “the product” engaged for as long as possible and as often as possible. Which is why we have this thing called “Attention Economy”, where algorithms are built to trigger dopamine responses, leading to habits like “doomscrolling.” For the modern digital Filipino, it’s important to know that social media isn’t a free public service. It is a private marketplace where your time, privacy, and data are the real money being spent.

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.

Price of Petrol Around the World  

A great website to give us an idea on the price of petrol in different country. It also include the price of electricity per kWh. Of course, I immediately checked the price listed for the Philippines, which is the following;

Fuels, price per liter Date PHP USD
Gasoline prices 23-Mar-2026 86.20 1.44
Diesel prices 23-Mar-2026 102.60 1.71
LPG prices 23-Mar-2026 40.74 0.68
Kerosene prices 23-Mar-2026 131.10 2.19

Apple Announces WWDC 2026  

Apple;

Apple today announced it will host its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) online from June 8-12, bringing developers together from around the world for a week of connection, exploration, and innovation. In addition to the online experience, developers and students will also have the opportunity to celebrate in person during a special event at Apple Park on June 8.

WWDC26 will spotlight incredible updates for Apple platforms, including AI advancements and exciting new software and developer tools. As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting developers, WWDC will also provide unique access to Apple engineers and designers, and insight into new tools, frameworks, and features.

Somethings to look forward to, is the upcoming iOS 27 and macOS 27, and the company’s A.I. “Apple Intelligence” roadmap. Unlike the previous WWDC, Apple is making the event accessible to LinkedIn, WeChat and bilibili users.

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.

Apple to announce a new Macbook with M5 chip

Apple just teased the arrival of the M5-powered Macbook. In a tweet by Apple SVP Marketing Greg Joswiak, posted “Mmmmm… something powerful is coming,” with a 6-seconds video with the phrase “Coming soon” and a silhouette of a laptop that’s slightly open and arranged to look like the letter “V.”

A new m5 Macbook will not be a shock, since Apple announced the M4 Macbook Pro last October 2024.