Huawei launches Mate XT, world's first tri-folding phone
Base model starts at US$ 2,800
Published
on
September 10, 2024
The iPhone 16’s time under the spotlight is about to come to an end. After teasing the world’s first tri-folding smartphone, HUAWEI has finally unveiled the Mate XT at an event in China.
As confirmed by the company previously, the HUAWEI Mate XT is finally here. The smartphone will come with two hinges, folding the smartphone into a triple-screen foldable. It’s not a clamshell foldable, though. It folds like a book, much like the Galaxy Z Fold. (Although, it definitely looks more like a Z than the Galaxy Z series.)
When folded, the phone is 12.8mm thick. Though it has three screens, the size isn’t that much different from modern two-screen foldables today.
Now, when unfolded, the Mate XT turns into a huge 10.2-inch OLED screen — with a resolution of 2232 x 3184, 16:11 aspect ratio, and LTPO features. Since it has two hinges, users can also reduce this sizable behemoth to a 7.9-inch mode.
Under the hood, HUAWEI has not revealed what processor is powering everything. At the very least, we can confirm a Kirin 9010 5G chip or above because of satellite connectivity. It will also have a 50-megapixel camera, paired with a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens and a 12-megapixel periscope zoom lens.
Despite how thin it is, users will still enjoy a sizable 5600mAh battery, compatible with 66W fast charging.
Right now, the Mate XT is exclusive to Chinese markets. The phone will start at CNY 19,999 (or around US$ 2,809) for a 16GB/256GB variant and goes up to CNY 23,999 (or around US$ 3,370) for a 16GB/1TB model.
SEE ALSO: TECNO unveils own tri-fold smartphone concept
Seemingly out of nowhere
Published
on
September 10, 2024
One of the best ways to curb gamer rage is to check the prices of new controllers. Buying a new controller after breaking one can easily cripple your wallet. Today, prepare for an even bigger hit on your budget. PlayStation has just quietly raised the prices of a new DualSense controller all over the world.
Prior to today, a new controller costs US$ 69.99. At this price, it costs around the same price as a new game on the platform. It’s definitely a sizable purchase.
However, as spotted by IGN, the price of a new controller has suddenly gone up by a bit. Instead of US$ 69.99, a standard controller — coming in Black, Starlight Blue, Galactic Purple, Cosmic Red, Midnight Black, and Gray Camouflage — now costs US$ 74.99. Meanwhile, the more premium colorways — Sterling Silver, Cobalt Blue, and Volcanic Red — are now US$ 79.99 apiece.
In other parts of the world, the price has also increased. The United Kingdom, for example, saw a GBP 5 increase, and Australia got an AUD 10 increase.
PlayStation has not announced why the price for a new DualSense controller suddenly increased. However, it’s very timely. Sony has just announced that it will hold a technical showcase later tonight. All signs are pointing to a PlayStation 5 Pro coming very soon.
SEE ALSO: Sony might have leaked the first look at the PlayStation 5 Pro
It’s all about the camera
Published
on
September 10, 2024
Despite the flagship’s promise to deliver Apple Intelligence, the new iPhone 16 series is only a minor upgrade for the lineup. That said, the new series still has a few tricks up its sleeve. However, as expected, Android users are already spotting similarities with features on their own devices.
Camera Control = Double pressArguably, the biggest addition to the iPhone 16 series is a dedicated camera button called Camera Control. With a press of a button, users can now access the camera app without worrying about the screen. It’s especially useful if your hands are wet, and you just need a quick snap.
While iPhone users are celebrating a physical button for the camera, Android users have a very simple solution: double press the power button to open the same app. It’s not a dedicated button, but it works. Users can even use the volume down button as a makeshift shutter button. (Not all phones have the feature, but an Android phone will likely have it.)
To be fair, Camera Control has a lot more features than just a shutter button. It has haptic feedback that can control other functionalities, too. Even if it has similarities with a feature on Android, the execution is masterful.
Google Lens is now on AppleAnother feature touted during the “It’s Glowtime” event is the ability to point the camera at a subject and automatically search for relevant information on the web. For example, pointing at a restaurant will show opening times. Pointing at an event poster will automatically add the event to your calendar.
Android users will find similarities between this and Google Lens. With the Google-based app, users can also use their cameras to search for information on a chosen subject. It can even translate text in an instant.
With the rise of Apple Intelligence and Google’s Gemini, both iOS and Android versions of the feature will ultimately depend on the application of artificial intelligence. How effectively can these platforms determine what you want from a subject? The AI wars are only just starting. The next few years will better tell where Apple and Google stand on this feature.
Now, this is obviously just a short list. However, this is less because of the iPhone 16’s uniqueness and more a consequence of the fewer upgrades brought this year.
SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 adds Camera Control, Apple Intelligence, new colors
Featuring the new Ultra Bounce Case
Published
on
September 10, 2024
CASETiFY is releasing a variety of new cases for the iPhone 16 series, which has just been officially announced via the Apple “It’s Glowtime” keynote Monday.
The new collection includes the upgraded Ultra Bounce Case, as well as Ultra Bounce Accessories, Bounce Case, Impact Case, and Bounce Odyssey Band.
All of these new phone case options are MagSafe compatible and are perfect for CASETiFY’s accessories. All iPhone 16 products are now available on the CASETiFY website, as well as Amazon.
Headlining the pack is the new Ultra Bounce Case, which has been redesigned for even more durability. It will be available in Clear, Black and Purple colorways for US$ 100.
CASETiFY Ultra Bounce Case for the iPhone 16 Series.
Created with Tesselock, the new product’s entire top and bottom edges are designed with compression ribs and air cavity for structural support. This way, the iPhone’s vulnerable parts are protected even further with cushioning.
Rated 10x MIL-STD 810G, the case can provide single drop protection of up to 10 meters or 32.8 feet.
Along with the Ultra Bounce Case, CASETiFY released two attachments: the Ultra Bounce Carabiner and Ultra Bounce Keychain.
iPhone users may hook or attach their devices using these add-on accessories to sling bags, lanyards, or more. The Keychain, in particular, has beaded charm details and silicone dipped ends for a premium look and feel.
Meanwhile, the Bounce and Impact Cases are priced at US$ 80 and US$ 70, respectively, and are available in several different colors. CASETiFY has also released the Impact Ring Stand, Mirror Case (US$ 70), and Ripple Case (US$ 60).
Lastly, the Bounce Odyssey Band is compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 to 9 and SE. It costs US$ 70 and features enhanced protective corners with raised bezels.
