Apple continues to innovate in the audio space with the launch of the fourth-generation AirPods, a USB-C version of the AirPods Max, and new health features for the AirPods Pro 2. These announcements were part of the highly anticipated “It’s Glowtime” event, which also saw the debut of the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10.

AirPods 4: What’s New?

The AirPods 4 bring a familiar design, similar to the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro, featuring shorter stems. Like the AirPods 3, the new earbuds don’t include silicone ear tips, offering users a more open fit.

Powered by Apple’s H2 chip, the AirPods 4 offer enhanced features like personalized spatial audio and hands-free Siri calls, where users can interact with Siri by nodding or shaking their heads. The earbuds also feature noise isolation for an improved listening experience.

Battery life has been extended, with the charging case now equipped with USB-C for faster charging, providing up to 30 hours of battery life. Two versions of the AirPods 4 will be available, with one model featuring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), similar to the AirPods Pro.

Additionally, other popular features like Conversation Awareness, Transparency Mode, and Adaptive Control, previously seen on the AirPods Pro 2, will now be available on the AirPods 4.

Prices start at P8,490 for the standard model, while the ANC version will retail at P11,490.

AirPods Max: Fresh New Colors

While there’s no new generation of the AirPods Max yet, Apple introduced new color options for its over-ear headphones, including Midnight, Blue, Purple, Orange, and Starlight. The AirPods Max now also come with a USB-C port, aligning with Apple’s shift to USB-C across its devices.

AirPods Pro 2: Health Features for Better Hearing

In addition to the AirPods 4 launch, Apple is rolling out new health features for the AirPods Pro 2. Users will now be able to perform a hearing test using their iPhone and AirPods Pro 2, with the results displayed on the Health app.

Moreover, Apple highlighted that the AirPods Pro 2 can serve as a hearing aid, offering support for users with hearing difficulties.

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The Apple Event streamed early on Tuesday, September 10, unveiling the new iPhone 16 series, along with updates to the Apple Watch and AirPods. Here’s a quick recap of the key highlights.

The iPhone 16 Series: What’s New?

The iPhone 16 series brings four models to the table: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The series introduces the A18 chip, a two-generation leap from the previous A16 Bionic in the iPhone 15, with Apple’s latest 6-core CPU for faster performance. The iPhone 16 models offer the biggest displays yet, with the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus featuring 6.1″ and 6.7″ screens, while the Pro models boast 6.3″ and 6.9″ screens.

The A18 chip delivers up to 30% faster performance compared to the iPhone 15, and it’s said to challenge even high-end desktop PCs. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max take things further with the A18 Pro chip, which Apple claims is the most advanced yet.

In terms of cameras, the iPhone 16 offers a 48MP fusion camera with up to 4x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom, while the Pro models up the ante with 10x optical zoom and 25x digital zoom. Battery life is another strong point, with up to 27 hours of video playback on the Pro models and 33 hours on the Pro Max—making it the best battery life on an iPhone to date.

New Features to Watch Out For

One of the standout features in the iPhone 16 lineup is the new Camera Control. This feature gives users greater control over their camera, with the ability to access it instantly and adjust settings with simple gestures. Zooming in and out has never been easier, and a new visual intelligence tool can even provide details about a location you’ve photographed, like restaurant hours, menus, and reviews.

At the heart of the iPhone 16 lineup is Apple Intelligence, a personal AI-powered system designed to make everyday tasks smoother. It can proofread text, rewrite notes, transcribe audio, and even summarize emails and notifications. Siri has also received an upgrade, becoming more intuitive and responsive to context. For example, simply saying, “Send Erica the photos from Saturday’s barbecue,” will prompt Siri to take care of it without any further steps.

Pricing and Availability

According to the Apple Philippines website, here are the starting prices for the iPhone 16 models:

• iPhone 16: P54,990
• iPhone 16 Plus: P62,990
• iPhone 16 Pro: P69,990
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: P84,990

Pre-orders begin on September 13, with availability starting September 20.

Other Announcements: Apple Watch and AirPods Updates

In addition to the iPhone, Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 10, their thinnest watch yet with the largest display and the fastest charging capability. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 also made its debut, featuring a sleek black titanium case and claiming to have the most accurate GPS in any sports watch.

The AirPods 4 have been upgraded with Active Noise Cancellation, a first for their open-ear design. New color options for the AirPods Max, including purple, beige, and light orange, were also revealed.

With these impressive updates, it’s clear that Apple continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in tech.

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Unsurprisingly, Samsung dominates the foldable phone market, benefiting from its well-established reputation. Their household name makes it easier for consumers to trust the design and embrace the foldable trend.

However, Samsung isn’t the only player in the game. Tech enthusiasts have also been exploring other options, with the Honor Magic V2 standing out as the slimmest foldable phone available. That said, it might soon lose its crown to the upcoming Honor Magic V3, expected to launch at IFA 2024.

This new iteration from Honor isn’t just about being slim—it’s about bringing in powerful AI features to challenge competitors. According to the latest updates, the Honor Magic V3 will incorporate several cutting-edge tools from Google’s AI suite, including AI eraser, face-to-face translation, and live translation. These features are highly practical and promise to enhance the user experience.

One of the standout features, particularly for travelers and international users, is live translation. Samsung has been heavily marketing this feature in their new foldable devices, making it a key selling point. Now, with Honor including it in the Magic V3, it’s clear they’re stepping up their game to compete with the tech giant.

With many tech enthusiasts already impressed by Honor’s current foldable lineup, the Magic V3 looks set to raise the bar even further. The coming weeks will reveal if this handset lives up to the growing anticipation.

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PT&T explained that the partnership is designed to bring connectivity to areas where traditional internet service is lacking. The targeted regions include those underserved by conventional fiber internet providers, particularly in mountainous or remote locations where building infrastructure like cell towers is a challenge.

James Velasquez, PT&T’s CEO and president, highlighted the transformative potential of this venture, stating, “Together, we are poised to transform network security and connectivity across the Philippines, providing innovative technology solutions that will empower our clients to thrive in today’s fast-paced, digital-first environment.”

Netlinkz CEO James Tsiolis echoed this sentiment, noting that the joint venture combines global expertise with PT&T’s local insights to deliver high-quality services tailored to the evolving needs of businesses in the region.

In addition to satellite services, the partnership will offer a range of information technology solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and data security for enterprises.

PT&T has been preparing to expand its presence in the local market. Last year, the company announced an increase in capitalization by nearly P9 billion to support an expansion that includes rolling out fiber optic infrastructure. Currently serving Metro Manila and the southern Tagalog region, PT&T is also focusing on expanding its services to the northern regions, aiming to achieve a 40-percent population coverage.

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Google, Facebook, and Amazon: Prime Targets for Password Hackers

It’s no surprise that cybercriminals are heavily targeting Gmail, Facebook, and Amazon accounts. These platforms are goldmines for hackers, as they can facilitate a range of cybercrimes, from data theft and malware distribution to credit card fraud. Google accounts are particularly valuable, often serving as a master key that unlocks other accounts and personal information, making them a prime target for cybercriminals. Think about the sensitive data stored in your Gmail inbox, and it’s clear why these accounts are so highly sought after. Moreover, many organizations still send password reset requests and two-factor authentication links to email accounts, adding to their vulnerability.

Kaspersky’s research analyzed 25 of the most popular global brands to identify those most frequently targeted by phishing attacks. The findings were staggering: during the first half of 2024 alone, there were approximately 26 million attempts to access malicious sites disguised as these brands, marking a 40% increase from the same period in 2023.

Phishing Attacks on Google Soar by 243%

Google remains the top target for phishing attacks, with a 243% increase in attempts recorded in the first six months of 2024. Kaspersky reported blocking around 4 million of these attacks during this period. According to Olga Svistunova, a security expert at Kaspersky, gaining access to a Gmail account can provide cybercriminals with entry into multiple services, making it an attractive target.

Facebook users were not far behind, with 3.7 million phishing attempts, while Amazon saw 3 million. Other brands on the top ten phishing targets list include Microsoft, DHL, PayPal, Mastercard, Apple, Netflix, and Instagram. Additionally, Kaspersky noted a significant increase in attacks on brands like HSBC, eBay, Airbnb, American Express, and LinkedIn.

Kaspersky researchers attribute this rise to an increase in fraudulent activity, not a decline in user vigilance. For advice on protecting yourself from phishing attacks, visit the online resources provided by Google, Facebook, and Amazon

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One of the standout features in iOS 18 is the new swipe-down gesture in the Notes app’s gallery view, allowing users to swiftly return to the folder view, making navigation more efficient. The Photos app is also getting a useful upgrade with a new “recently viewed photos” section, organizing images based on when they were last viewed.

The Music app’s interface is getting a facelift, especially when using Siri to play music, offering a more seamless experience. The Phone app is bringing back the familiar iOS 17 UI for recent calls and enhancing search capabilities for quicker call retrieval.

Verizon users will appreciate that 5G standalone is now enabled by default, ensuring a faster and more reliable connection without additional setup. iOS 18 also introduces a new security delay feature to prevent unauthorized profile installations, boosting device security.

Other notable enhancements include a visual upgrade in the Maps app with a new animation for adding locations, and better battery performance metrics, providing users with more insights into their device’s power consumption.

The release timeline includes an iPhone event on September 10th, where the RC (Release Candidate) version of iOS 18 is expected to be unveiled. The final public release follows on September 16th, with iOS 18.1 arriving in October.

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We saw from The Verge that the Motorola Razr Plus is one of the few phones in 2024 that truly delights users. Priced at around Php 40,000, this foldable smartphone offers a refreshing break from the usual slab-style devices, boasting unique features that set it apart. Its standout feature is the cover screen, which now measures four inches diagonally, offering more customization options and a more mature, user-friendly experience.

The Razr Plus also impresses with its improved hinge design, which minimizes the crease when the phone is fully unfolded, and its IPX8 water resistance rating. Despite these enhancements, the inner screen remains a bit underwhelming, with a 6.9-inch 1080p OLED display that could benefit from a higher pixel count and brighter output.

While the Razr Plus excels in design and user experience, its camera performance and software support leave something to be desired. The new photo enhancement engine struggles in medium light, and Motorola’s promise of three years of OS upgrades and four years of security updates lags behind competitors like Samsung and Google.

For those who love flip phones, the Razr Plus is a compelling option, but it may not be the best choice for casual users. The standard Razr, offers a more affordable alternative with similar features. As the Galaxy Z Flip 6 looms on the horizon, Motorola still has room to improve, particularly in software updates and camera performance, but the Razr Plus remains a delightful, if imperfect, device.

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Discover the future of smartphones with the SAMSUNG Galaxy S24+ Plus, featuring 256GB of storage, an AI-enhanced experience, and cutting-edge technology. This unlocked Android powerhouse comes in the stunning Cobalt Violet shade, ready to elevate your mobile experience.

Circle & Search Instantly: Curious about what your favorite influencer is wearing or where they vacationed? Simply circle it on your screen with the S24+ and let Google do the rest, providing instant answers with Circle Search.

Real-Time Translations: Communicate effortlessly with Live Translate, offering near real-time voice translations directly through your Samsung Phone app.

Smart Note-Taking: Focus on capturing ideas, not formatting. Note Assist will summarize, format, and even translate your notes, keeping everything neatly organized.

Transform Your Photos: With Generative Edit, every photo can become a post-worthy masterpiece. Move or remove objects, fill in empty spaces, and watch your images go from great to jaw-dropping.

Stunning 50MP Camera: Capture life’s most vibrant moments with a 50MP camera that delivers natural, true-to-life color.

Unmatched Power: Experience seamless multitasking with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the fastest in any Galaxy smartphone yet.

Perfect Your Messages: Chat Assist offers real-time tone suggestions and helps you avoid typos, making your texts sound professional or conversational as needed.

Bigger, Brighter Display: Enjoy every detail on the S24+’s expansive and brighter screen, perfect for outdoor viewing and easy on the eyes with Eye Comfort Shield.

Capture Every Moment: With Dual Recording, capture both the action and your reaction simultaneously using the main and selfie cameras.

Super Fast Charging: Never miss a moment with Super Fast Charging, letting you quickly recharge and get back to living life.

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Mark your calendars! Apple has officially announced that it will unveil its highly anticipated iPhone 16 lineup on September 9. According to TechCrunch, Apple began sending out press invites on Monday, confirming the event date, which had previously been speculated to be September 10. The event, titled “It’s Glowtime,” will be held at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park, starting at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET.

Rumors have been swirling for months, and now we’re on the brink of seeing the iPhone 16 lineup, which is expected to feature larger screens on the Pro models and a new button dedicated to capturing photos, particularly in landscape mode. Additionally, all iPhone 16 models are likely to include the Action Button, previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro line.

But that’s not all—TechCrunch reports that Apple may also introduce the Apple Watch Series 10, boasting a bigger screen and a new, more powerful chip. We could also see new versions of AirPods, possibly in two variants.

The event is also expected to highlight Apple’s AI advancements under the Apple Intelligence suite, with the iPhone 16 models likely supporting these features. Following the event, we anticipate the release of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, watchOS 11, and other major software updates.

Stay tuned as we cover more details on Apple’s upcoming releases!

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At the heart of the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the powerful new A18 Pro chip, a 3nm processor designed to handle the latest AI-driven features with ease. Expect a larger display with ultra-thin bezels, a sleek new Capture Button for quick snaps, and a reinforced build that promises durability. Battery life is also rumored to get a boost, with faster USB Type-C charging thrown into the mix.

Running on iOS 18, this device will introduce some exciting AI-powered tools and app enhancements, although major updates like the reimagined Siri might arrive a bit later. As always, expect this top-tier device to come with a premium price tag.

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