The search for the best e-commerce platform is an on-going feat that will never seem to end, but at the moment, we’ve got our eyes on Shopee PH. It’s essentially a shopping mall at your fingertips. This mobile app format allows you to easily browse and buy while you’re stuck in traffic and even while you’re waiting in line.

And since the growth in online shopping via mobile has been through the roof, Shopee decided to make things a little better by throwing a massive mobile shopping event on Sept. 9. They already have a couple of promos running like the 9-Mania auctions (you can bring home MAC Cosmetics and Colourpop lippies at your own bidding price) and sale items that goes from P499, P399, and then down to P299. On the day itself, they will have 999 items that will be priced at P99 below. That means 90 percent off on items from their sellers like Plump, Belo Essentials, Unisilver, and Sooper Beaute.

They will also have Flash Deals and Best Selling Bargains from their preferred sellers, Beat the Clock deals (for deeper discounts) that will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and also a Buy One, Take One deal—all happening on Sept. 9. If that doesn’t drive you to shop more than usual, then I don’t know what will.

One thing is for sure, I’ll be online and hoarding Korean face masks and Kylie Lip Kits.

Download Shopee PH from Apple App Store or Google Play Store so you can get started. And for more updates on the different deals and auctions, visit their website and Facebook page.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

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This special day in September when Apple would announce their new line of products has finally come—and that means the launch and a descriptive detail of the new iPhone 7. There were a lot of rumors leading up to their announcement and now it’s time to break down the reasons why we love it and why we can’t wait to get our hands on it.

Water and splash resistant

One of the rumors that I’m glad to know is true—the new iPhone now comes in an aluminum unibody that’s meant to be water and splash resistant and in that case, dust-resistant as well. You can now capture moments while you’re at the beach or pool, be able to check recipes while you’re by the sink, run while it’s raining, and so much more.

Better camera features means better selfies

The new iPhone 7 now comes in a 12 megapixel back camera and a seven megapixel front camera (better selfies!) that’s equipped with optical image stabilization, that lessens the blur from your photos due to motion or when your hand shakes while shooting. But our real favorite would have to be the higher aperture which allows more light into the camera and lets you shoot better in low light—we can now document events in galleries, low-lit clubs, or heck, even my office cubicle.

One additional thing that might actually have you upgrade to the iPhone 7 plus is that it comes with two cameras that work together—wait, what?—it comes with a wide angle and a telephoto lens. Basically it allows you to zoom in better on your images and be able to take detailed close-ups too. If you’re the type who relies on their iPhones for taking 100 percent of their photos, then I suggest you splurge and get this one.

Lest we forget, you can now shoot 4K (highest quality ever!) videos on your phone—you’re one step closer to being a film enthusiast thanks to Apple.

Stereo speakers that’s two times louder than the iPhone 6s

If you love listening to music out loud when you’re getting ready (cue Ariana Grande’s “Side to Side”) and catching up on Netflix shows on your phone, then you’ll love this new upgrade. It’s now built in with stereo speakers with sounds that come out of both ends of your phone giving you better range and sound. But if you like listening via your earphones, then…

Airpods are God’s gift to tangled cords

Okay, okay so this might not be part of the new iPhone 7 upgrade but allow us to gush over it. The new Airpods are basically Apple’s version of wireless headphones, but instead of those bulky Bluetooth earpieces available, this one comes in a sleek white version they are known for. They say it delivers great sound, can last for more than five hours when used, and can easily connect to any Apple device. Are you sold?

Bigger space means more photos, videos, and music

The previous models like iPhone SE and iPhone 6s came with 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB. But this time around they extended their memory and you can now choose from three—32GB, 128GB, or 256GB. This allows you to store more images, video, downloaded music (may that be Apple Music or Spotify), more books, and uhm, more everything.

Longer battery performance because of their new A10 chip
I may not understand the technicalities of this new A10 Fusion chip, but what I know is that it allows your new iPhone 7 to perform two times faster than the one you’re currently using (they say this ALL the time and I always get sold!) and it requires less power for it to function more efficiently. That leads to a longer battery performance that’ll last you through all the Snapchat or Instagram Story update!

Look good in any of their five finishes

iPhone 7 now comes in two additional finishes—matte black and a glossy jet black along with their usual silver, gold, and rose gold. For someone who promised to get the silver or rose gold next time, I might have to eat up what I said, because I’m in love with the jet black finish.

You can preorder your iPhone 7 or 7 plus online starting tomorrow and it’ll be available starting Sept. 15.

Let us know: what do you love and not love about the iPhone 7? Share your thoughts via our comment section below or tag us on Twitter.

Photo courtesy of Apple

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It’s time to update your Instagram app because there’s an added feature that will definitely be handy—the app will now allow you to filter the comments on your page to keep negativity and unnecessary comments at bay.

Instagram CEO and co-founder Kevin Systrom made the announcement on his blog and the story behind it is pretty great. He talked about how they created Instagram to be a welcoming community where people can share a bit of their lives and for them to find inspiration. And with a growing audience every day, they wanted to make sure that the comments on your photos and videos are kept positive and safe.

“The beauty of the Instagram community is the diversity of its members. All different types of people—from diverse backgrounds, races, genders, sexual orientations, abilities and more—call Instagram home, but sometimes the comments on their posts can be unkind. To empower each individual, we need to promote a culture where everyone feels safe to be themselves without criticism or harassment. It’s not only my personal wish to do this, I believe it’s also our responsibility as a company. So, today, we’re taking the next step to ensure Instagram remains a positive place to express yourself.”

You can use the keyword moderation tool and list down the words that you deem offensive and/or inappropriate. All you have to do is toggle the “Hide Inappropriate Comments” button on your settings.

Now your Instagram can be a more positive environment for you to share your flat-lays and selfies.

For more information, you can click on Instagram Help Center.

[Nylon]

Photo courtesy of Instagram and PicJumbo

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Good news for Snapchat fans: Snap, Inc., the renamed Snapchat company, will release video-recording sunglasses called Spectacles later this year.

The specs come in three colors―black, teal, and coral―and will have a 115-degree-angle lens which can shoot 10-second videos in just one click. The best part is that you can upload the footage directly to the Snapchat app via WiFi or bluetooth.

Snap CEO Evan Spiegel tells the Wall Street Journal that they made this so people can document moments without the hassle of holding a smartphone. He even relates it to his hiking trip with fiancée Miranda Kerr: “It was our first vacation, and we went to Big Sur for a day or two. We were walking through the woods, stepping over logs, looking up at the beautiful trees. And when I got the footage back and watched it, I could see my own memory, through my own eyes—it was unbelievable. It’s one thing to see images of an experience you had, but it’s another thing to have an experience of the experience. It was the closest I’d ever come to feeling like I was there again.”

Spectacles is the first hardware product of the newly-renamed Snap, Inc. The name change, WSJ reports, is the result of Evan branching out to other projects beyond the app.

The glasses will roll out some time in the fall and will cost $129.99. However, don’t expect it to be a permanent item just yet. Evan says they’re taking it slow for now to see how people will like it. “It’s about us figuring out if it fits into people’s lives and seeing how they like it.”

With a successful app already under their belts, we won’t be surprised if this sells out on the first day.

[Mashable and Wall Street Journal]

Screengrabs from Spectacles’ website

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If you’re the type to click your tongue at yet another app update, now is not the time with the new encryption feature for Facebook Messenger. This ensures that your conversations are kept private and safe from third party entities like hackers and even the government.

With the updates, you can now tap the “secret” option atop the “new message” screen to activate the end-to-end encryption service. This also allows you to send photo and video messages to your friends that are available for viewing for 24 hours. (Sounds like another app we and Kylie Jenner like to use).

Facebook-owned WhatsApp rolled out this update earlier in the year to all users automatically. So this new option within Messenger might be a little suspicious as it only allows people who take the time to actually look at the new settings to enable the encryption. So as you read this, we give you the responsibility to share this post and spread the word to as many friends as you can.

[Wired]

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

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“Why does the accessory only favor my phone and not my outfit?” asks will.i.am, founder of fashionable tech company i.am+ and co-founder of Black Eyed Peas.

It has always been a struggle for will.i.am to find clothes that suit him, he said in an interview with Refinery 29. And he feels the same way with gadgets and accessories. So he thought of putting up a company that marries both fashion and technology.

One of their products that just hit the markets a few hours ago is called BUTTONS—a Bluetooth wireless earphones that look like a pair of earrings when worn (the design was inspired by vinyl records) and can turn into a necklace-of-sorts when you click the magnetized disks together. Not only can you listen to music and answer calls hands-free, you can totally look good while doing it.

Some of the faces that will.i.am tapped were Kendall Jenner, Naomi Campbell, Shaun Ross, and India Love. And their creative director and partner is no other than André Leon Talley.

#ButtonedUp in NYC @kendalljenner @iamnaomicampbell @andreltalley @indialove @shaundross @iamplusofficial

A video posted by i.am+ (@iamplusofficial) on Nov 2, 2016 at 1:27pm PDT

These new pair of earphones are exclusively available in the Apple Store and it retails for $230. A portion of the sales will be donated to the i.am.angel Foundation.

[Refinery 29 and New York Times]

Photos courtesy of i.am+

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It’s that time of the year again when we’re scrambling to find the right gifts for everyone in our lives before Christmas season officially rolls in. But if you’re like me and you haven’t bought anything yet, online shopping app Shopee has an emotional way of reminding us to do just that with their holiday video.

The short video centers on the lives of single mom Mylene and her three kids Jun, Cat, and Anna. As the three kids get older and busier, Mylene still tries to get them all home for Christmas. So after we get sad over the children declining their mom’s request to come home, we see them accessing Shopee app on their phones to find gifts for their mom and later, showing up at their house just in time to prepare for Christmas Eve.

As for the gifts? They were all delivered to Mylene before Christmas day thanks to Shopee’s integrated logistics. By the looks of the gifts she received, it seems that Mylene’s children went all out because of the amazing deals you can find in just one click and also the nationwide Free Shipping and Cash on Delivery on Shopee.

If you’re curious about Shopee’s offerings this Christmas, you can check them out at christmas.shopee.ph, browse their app (Available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store), or simply look up #ShopeeXmasTime on social media. You’re sure to find something for everyone in your life, and even yourself.

Shopee is a mobile-first marketplace where people from Southeast Asia and Taiwan can easily buy and sell items from fashion, to beauty, and even home accessories. The platform makes online shopping secure and fuss-free, especially when it comes to processing your payment. So instead of heading to the mall during the busiest time of the year, you can accomplish all the holiday shopping you need and at the same time get to spend precious time with your family and friends.

Screencap from YouTube

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Instagram posted a blog announcing two of their most recent updates, so hurry and update your app right now. Done? Okay.

You can now send disappearing photos and apps via Instagram Direct—it works on both individual messages and group chats. That means being able to share your wackiest selfie without having to worry.

Basically it’s still the same direct messaging feature but you can now make it more visual and fun. This already rolled out yesterday and you are free to use it anytime!

You can just swipe right to show your camera and take a photo or a video, then tap the arrow to send privately. After that, you can select friends and group chats who you want to send it too and the best part is you can do it all in one go. The photo or the video you send will disappear it gets viewed, and just like Snapchat, it notifies you if it has been replayed or screencapped.

Next up is Live Video on Instagram which is very similar to their parent company’s feature Facebook Live, but the only difference is that the video gets deleted after you live stream. Unlike Facebook which allows you to keep your video for as long as you like.

This however is not yet available to everyone at the moment, but they will be rolling out globally in the coming weeks. The first one who posted their live video on my feed was actually Eva Chen and I can’t wait to view more soon.

Posting your live video is easy, just swipe right to show your camera and tap “Start Live Video,” and you can stream up to an hour. Once you go live, Instagram will notify your friends and build your audience. You can also opt to allow comments or disable them altogether.

Watch out for our live Instagram video very soon, we’ll definitely stream once it’s available. For now you can follow us at @preenonline.

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That title is not a click-bait. As early as now, there are rumors as to what you can expect with the iPhone 8 even if the iPhone 7 has just been made available (especially in Manila, that took a while).

As you all know, Apple will be celebrating their 10^th anniversary next year and that calls for a massive celebration, if not a massive product launch that’s bound to wow. Instead of the usual September announcement for the new iPhone, some people are saying that Apple might just announce a new iPhone product by early next year.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple is working on 10 prototypes for the next iPhone, some of which feature a curved OLED screen similar to the Google Pixel. There was also a directive to produce thinner and organic light-emitting displays, different from what we have now. The iPhone 7 features LED screens which require additional backlight that drains the battery.

There are also rumors of edge-to-edge screens that will be great for people who love to watch movies or TV series on their phones (Hello, Netflix while in traffic!). Refinery 29 also said that the new iPhone might come in three sizes: 4.7 inch, 5 inch, and a 5.5 inch models. Wow! That’s definitely a lot to think about, consider, and look forward to.

We’ll never really know when they’ll be releasing new models, but with Apple’s competitive edge it might just be sooner than expected.

[Refinery 29]

Photos courtesy of Apple

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The new Apple update has a treat for us emoji lovers. iOS 10.2 is bringing us over 400 new and redesigned emojis to our phones.

The new additions include facepalm, taco, shark, gorilla, bacon, avocado, clown, a pregnant woman, and more. As for the redesigned emojis, expect to see an upgraded peach and burger.

There are also new male and female professions like judges, astronauts, mechanics, artists, and pilots. Of course, they all come in different skin tones.

The new emojis were designed with the Unicode Consortium, which is a non-profit organization that helps out in creating them. Meanwhile, Emojipedia rounded up all 422 emojis in one video so we can see them.

We can just imagine all the ways we can use all these emojis. So be sure to update your phones ASAP if you want to get them.

[Apple and Business Insider]

Photos courtesy of Emojipedia

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Hands up if you’ve succumbed to paying high Uber and Grab fares just to get around this holiday season? Both my hands are up, just in case you can’t tell. Surge prices have been ridiculous to a point where my usual ride from the house to the office is tripled even if there’s no traffic.

Thank the heavens for the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) because they have ordered an immediate cap on the surge prices of transport network companies aka Uber and Grab. LTFRB limited the price surge to “twice the rates for time covered and distance traveled, excluding the base fare.”

Based on Inquirer.net, it means that when you travel 10-km for an hour, Uber will charge you about P348 tops and if you take the same route with a Grab (sedan, not premium), it’ll cost you about P200. As mentioned earlier, this is on top of your base fare which can range from P30 for a Grab and P40 for UberX. You do not know how relieved I am. I can now breathe normally, so could my credit card.

We, as riders, also understand the price hike based on demand and traffic, but please make it reasonable—not something that will cost an arm and a leg.

The order issued will be in effect until the next memorandum circular. So for now, you can ride Grab and Uber in peace. Travel safe!

[Inquirer.net]

Photo courtesy of Grab PH’s Twitter account

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The iPhone 8 isn’t out yet, but Apple revealed another surprise. Last night, they announced a special-edition red iPhone 7.

It will be available in iPhone 7 and 7 Plus models, and only in 128 GB and 256 GB storage options. The price will start at $749 for the iPhone 7 and $869 for 7 Plus.

Meanwhile, there are no new software features included in the phone. The only difference is it has a red aluminum case.

This is Apple’s first red phone, made in support of the (RED) organization, which supports AIDS prevention and research. A portion of the proceeds from the phone will go to the program.

In the past, they’ve put out products such as red iPads, iPods, and gold EarPods to support (RED). According to a press statement, Apple has raised $130 million so far.

The red iPhone 7 will be available on March 24 (two days from now!) in Apple Stores, Apple website, and other authorized retailers worldwide. Will you be getting one?

[Business Insider]

Photos courtesy of Apple

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It looks like you’ll be spending more time on Facebook than you already do. Facebook is joining the trend of quick videos made popular by Snapchat, by incorporating it right onto your news feed.

The latest update will have story circles on the very top of your feed just like Instagram Stories. Facebook Camera is also easily accessible and will be seen on the upper left hand side allowing you to easily post video clips and photos on your story, your groups with friends via direct messages, or even your timeline. Similar to Instagram and Snapchat, stories will disappear in 24 hours, except of course, if you post it on your timeline.

But why do we think it’ll eat your time up more than before? Facebook Camera provides you with a number of masks (aka filters) to choose from and most are very reactive (Think: Falling leaves and once you touch or sway a leaf, it will react to your movement). They will have location-based masks that are accessible by swiping your fingers up, and they also have partnerships with movies that allow you to look like Wonder Woman or even a Minion in your post. As reported by Refinery29, these masks are not just for Facebook, but can also be used on Facebook Live once you get an update.

It’s not stopping there because in the future, Facebook wants to collaborate with all of us. “Over the coming months, we plan to introduce new ways for the Facebook community to create their own frames and effects that can be used with the new Facebook camera,” said Facebook product manager Connor Hayes.

Are you ready? So just wait for the update and you can start posting stories.

[Refinery29]

Photo courtesy of Facebook

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The new iPhone 8 is set for release this fall, at least that’s what Hypebeast said, but we actually believe it to be true given the number of rumors going around. Just a month ago, we shared that the new iPhone 8 will feature a curved OLED screen and it looks like it’s really going towards that direction plus more.

Instagram user Benjamin Geskin made it his life mission to create realistic renders of the iPhone based on rumors and leaked blueprints of the upcoming model. Yesterday, he did not just post a render, but images of the alleged physical sample—“CNC model according to Foxconn.” (Cue: Gasps)

iPhone 8 Dummy (This is CNC model according to Foxconn) #iPhone8 #iPhoneX #iPhoneEdition

A post shared by Benjamin Geskin (@venyageskin1) on Apr 23, 2017 at 3:17am PDT

Something like this (Space Black) #iphone8 #iphoneedition #iphonex A post shared by Benjamin Geskin (@venyageskin1) on Apr 23, 2017 at 11:29am PDT

The phone features an edge-to-edge screen that completely let go of the physical home button, 2.5D glass front and back, long buttons, dual cameras, and more. The rear camera will also be vertical, similar to Samsung smartphones, and will probably accommodate 3D VR shooting.

THIS IS IT. 2017 OLED iPhone. #iPhone8 #iPhoneX #iPhoneEdition Thanks to @le.pich

A post shared by Benjamin Geskin (@venyageskin1) on Apr 24, 2017 at 4:08am PDT

These are just rumors but they almost always end up to be true. Are you ready to let go of your current smartphone for the iPhone 8? I am.

[Hypebeast]

Photos courtesy of Benjamin Geskin’s Instagram account

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Catherine Zeta-Jones once sang in that easy favorite musical movie Chicago that she can’t do it alone. It’s a powerful reflection at life in the wake of striving for independence. If this badass can’t make it by without some help, what chance have we got?

Well the difference between Catherine’s character and you is how you don’t live in a forgotten era. You’re in this technology crazed 21st century. When the phrase “There’s an app for that” doesn’t work, there’s a gadget that can help you out. In the rush to the second half of the year, we’re chasing some deadlines, ticking off a few goals, and still doing the daily grind to get where we need to more than ever. So here’s to you who needs some help. Here are gadgets to give you that leg up in personal life, regular work, and everything else in between.

Samsung Galaxy S8

The latest from Samsung is one tough cookie. It’s water-resistant for up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. So no panic attacks needed when you accidentally drop it in the pool. You also get a large “Infinity screen” that allows for bigger visuals when doing on-the-go reports or watching your recently downloaded series. Available for pre-order in select Samsung outlets.

JayBird Freedom Earphones

A lot of my workmates like to shut off office noise when they’re in the zone. Do it with utmost control and comfort with these earphones. These earphones feature wireless Bluetooth tech so you can customize your playlists and volume, take calls, and  has a snug fit so you don’t have to worry them falling out. Available at Digital Walker.

Huawei P10

The power of today’s technology allows you to be an entrepreneur or a star with a single photo. If you need to upload photos for your online business or get that Instagram update up with the best quality, this phone’s got your back. It features a dual lens camera  developed with Leica for the best quality photos every time. Available via Globe Telecom.

FitBit Charge 2

One of the first fitness coach on-the-go gadgets gets an upgrade with breathing exercises (for when you need to remember to focus) and auto-tracking so it logs your exercise without you needing to tinker with it. So you can transition from a high-intensity workout to your yoga with ease. No excuses, indeed. Available online.

Sony α6500 Camera

If you’re an active creative, you’ll understand how there is growing pressure to expand your skills set to be a content creator. Start off your photography know-how with an easy point-and-shoot. Once you’re past the basics, this camera offers the best stabilization features no matter what lens you are using. Plus it’s got touch detection so you can easily navigate your settings and adjust your photos. Available at SM Megamall.

Art by Yayie Motos

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Instagram has just launched two new ways to use their Explore tab through IG Stories. You will now be able to see location-based as well as hashtagged stories.

When you add a location sticker or a hashtag to a post on your story, it could be selected to be part of a bigger story but only if your account is public. You will be redirected to an Explore-like tab when you click on a location or hashtag in someone’s story, showing you stories of other people. This is perfect if you’re one to stalk people on Instagram, scrolling through an endless feed of stories.

[Refinery29]

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

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Ride-sharing app Uber has a fun update to let your friends know that you’re on your way. It’s via Snapchat filters, of course.

Uber and Snapchat announced their tie-in last November. The Snapchat filters have been available since this week, so if you’re a user of both apps, you can unlock the Snap filters while you’re on an Uber ride.

There are six different filters: ETA, TGIF (available on Fridays), Monday Grind (available on Monday mornings), Ride Type, Commute (available from Monday to Friday at 6 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.), and a Mystery filter.

In case you haven’t seen it yet, go update your Uber apps. You’ll see a Snapchat tab during your trip so you can unlock the new filters. Just take a photo and swipe right.

Photo courtesy of Venture Beat

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The much-anticipated Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is underway and among their big announcements is the iOS11. The software upgrade is set to make your iPhone and iPad perform at its optimum.

Coming this fall, the improvements will apply to iPhone models 5 and up and to iPad Air and Pro models, iPad 5, iPad mini 2 and the sixth generation iPod. The number of upgrades are extensive, from big feautres to small fixes.

For the small improvements, these include fixes in the iMessage. The software upgrade will provide between synching among all your Apple products. Meaning you don’t have to delete the messages across your iCloud, iOS and iMac. Whatever you delete on your iPhone will be deleted across synced devices which eliminates pesky notifications. Also your conversations will now be stored in iCloud so you can easily retrieve them should you require a new device. On the other hand, the Control Center will feature a different layout that won’t require you to swipe again to get to your music. This goes with the drag-and-drop feature that will now be also seen in the iPad so you can easily navigate apps and files. Simple but God knows how it’s a pain when you can’t arrange your files the way you want them. Hence, an improvement on the Files App will come around so you can see all of your files on the iCloud, Dropbox, and OneDrive in one go, rather than opening several apps.

The new layout for the Control Center

Still on the iPad, the upgrade will be more seamless when it comes to app pairings. No need to set up split screens as you can keep two apps commonly used together open while swtiching to another app so you can go back to it easier.

Siri will also be getting a level-up with a more natural sounding voice and translation abilities for Chinese, German, French, Italian and Spanish. Great for traveling, right?

Speaking of traveling, Maps will now feature indoor maps for malls and airports. Right now, the mall maps are only available for key cities in the US but there the 20 maps for airports feature international airports. No more rushing to get to the bathroom just before boarding time! Furthermore, Maps will be a little more intutive for drivers as it will now provide speed limits and lane guidance. A Do Not DistuRb feature will also help you focus more on the road rather than wasting time fiddling with the app. Text messages will also not be shown and you will only be able to send out a message in urgent cases.

Meanwhile, Apple Pay will also now feature person-to-person payments, that will also be available on the Apple Watch. The Apple Pay Cash Card will also be intorduced to ease peer-to-peer transactions and can be be easily transferred to your preferred bank account. Another good thing to have when always on the go.

Of course, the all-important camera will be getting new features such as more professional settings. Users can now shoot in portrait mode with optical image stabilization, a flash, or in HDR. There’s also going to be Loop and Bounce effects. But don’t fret if you think that all of this will be taking so much storage. The photos shall now be stores in High Efficiency File Format (HEIF) which means the photos shall take up less space in your phone but without compromising quality.

The iOS11 also heralds a redesigned App Store with a Today tab to keep you posted on new releases, a recommedations feature in the Games menu, and a separate Update tab, so you can easily look over the new features that your current apps can get. Apple music will also be getting a social media feature so you can share to your friends what you’re currently listening to. Watch out there, Spotify.

Lastly, techies will rejoice as iOS 11 is loaded with fixes to the Apple Pencil and give more opportunities for augmented reality (AR) that will help developers with app-making as it gives users more ways to experience virtual content overlayed on real-world scenes. This will make gaming and shopping apps, making it more immersive.

Excited to hit that update button? So are we. Just a little less excited as we stick around for the unveiling of the latest iPhone.

[The Verge and HighSnobiety]

Photos courtesy of HighSnobiety

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Commuting on the MRT can feel like hell on earth at times. The station can be akin to the club on a Saturday night with all the sweaty bodies pressing against each other. You can end up getting home in the middle of the night because of the delays. Let’s not forget the possibility of the train breaking down due to lack of maintenance or who knows what.

Last Monday, the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) decided to make the lives of commuters a little easier. As a joint project with telecommunication giants Globe and PLDT, they installed free high-speed wi-fi along all MRT stations as well as the Cubao-Guadalupe stretch along EDSA. Globe and PLDT clarified though that it’s only free for the first 30 minutes. The DICT also intends on extending it to the rest of EDSA.

Loading and Posting Tweets

Out of all our social media apps, Twitter is among those that load the fastest. As an initial test, we tried to see how quickly we could refresh our timelines. Surprisingly, it loaded in a few seconds. Pictures took a while longer to load but videos played perfectly after that.

Loading Instagram Posts and Stories

Sadly, not the same can be said about Instagram. Admittedly, loading posts and stories on Instagram can take a while on regular Wi-Fi. For the EDSA Wi-Fi, it can take a little bit longer than we’re used to but it definitely does load. You might want to scroll through Twitter while waiting to see your favorite celebrity’s #OOTD.

Keeping Our Streaks on Snapchat

What if your Snapchat streak is about to expire but you’re still stuck at the MRT station? Snapchat can take a lot of data to load stories and send snaps so we wondered if the free Wi-Fi would have our backs. And it did but it can take a while but significantly less than Instagram.

Streaming Our Favorite Spotify Playlists

Time to step it up with streaming. It took a while search for songs on Spotify and for it to start playing. But in less than a minute, you’re on your way to jamming out to your favorite commute playlist. Sadly, there were a couple of lags here and there and it can take a while for the song to recover. It’s probably better to download your songs instead.

Watching YouTube Videos

If you’re commuting to the other side of the city, watching videos is the perfect way to kill time and distract yourself from your fatigue. To our amazement, YouTube videos could start playing only in a few seconds. However, expect the resolution to go down and for it to lag a couple of times, just like streaming music. It might be best not to push through with this one.

It seems like the free Wi-Fi by DICT is off to a good start. It still needs some improvements, especially if it intends to accommodate the amount of daily commuters in the city, and maybe the whole of EDSA.

Photo courtesy of Inquirer.net

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The post Testing Out EDSA’s Wi-Fi: Does It Really Work? appeared first on Preen.

Have you ever tried to hack your way around Uber just so you can book for another person? I’ve done it for a few friends and even my boyfriend who has no patience to learn how the app works even if he has one. Other occasions we book for people are when relatives or officemates request for it, like airport pickups or whatnot. It wasn’t easy sending each other screencaps and updates, but we did it anyway.

Uber heard our plea and finally granted us our wish, we can now “Request for a Guest,” and it’s available starting today. Time to update your app!

As you wait, we’ll teach you the steps on how you can easily use this new feature: First you enter your pickup location and as soon as Uber detects that it’s far from where you are, it’s prompt to ask if the ride is for you or for someone else. You then select the rider’s name from your phone’s contact list, enter the chosen destination, and request for their ride.

As soon as Uber assigns a driver, the rider receives a text message with all the necessary details—estimated time of arrival, car model, plate number, driver’s name, his contact details, and a link where you can track your driver’s location. The driver and the rider can now coordinate with each other sans the hassle, because all of the details mentioned can be accessed even if you don’t have the app.

For payment, you can opt for cash, which your loved one or friend can pay for, or it can easily be charged to the card on file.

Easy peasy, right? Now you can book rides for anybody, especially if they don’t have signal, the app, or even if they don’t have a smartphone.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash and GIFs from Uber

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