Saturday, 21 March 2020

5 reasons why realme 5i is a GREAT camera phone for the price

A month ago, realme 5i quickly became one of the best-selling phones in the country. It is due to its great specs for the price and a never-before-seen quad-camera set-up on an entry-level handset.
5 Reasons why realme 5i can be a fair-priced shooter
Realme 5i rear cameras

In our opinion, this phone's cameras are truly capable in terms of photography for the price. Here's why:

5 reasons why realme 5i is a GREAT camera phone for the price

1. Four cameras on the back for versatility - With a quad-lens array on the rear, this device packs a 12MP main camera with f/1.8 lens, an 8MP ultra-wide lens along with 2MP macro and depth sensors. Each of the lenses can be handy for you, depending on your subject and angle. 
It has AI for auto scene detection and optimization
It has AI for auto scene detection and optimization

Use the primary camera if you want shots packing plenty of details and the secondary ultra-wide camera if you want a larger field of view.
Main cam shot
Main cam shot
Ultra-wide
Ultra-wide

The main camera will be always better than the ultra-wide camera, but the wide camera is used is considered decent for the price.

2. Awesome bokeh effect - Users can snap artsy photos using the bokeh effect of the realme 5i's 2MP depth sensor. It produces a clean edge detection, clearly making the object or person the focus of the image as the subject. Not bad for the price!
Excellent subject-background separation
Impressive subject-background separation for the price

For selfies, it has a Portrait mode as well. Even if it doesn't have a secondary camera in front, the bokeh effect is very acceptable considering the price.
Selfie bokeh
Selfie bokeh

3. Richer colors with Chroma boost - There are times that we want to upload photos on social media without the hassle of retouching them. Chroma boost of this 5i device does the job by enhancing the colors and dynamic, without overdoing it.
Chroma Boost
Chroma Boost

4. Macro mode - The realme 5i is also one of the few with a Macro mode for the price. It could be useful when taking super close-up images in daylight.
Super macro
Super macro

If you don't need to take super close-up shots, the primary camera can take reasonably close shots with natural-looking background blur.
Main cam close-up (No Macro mode)
Main cam close-up (No Macro mode)

5. No problem in the dark with Nightscape mode - Aside from Chroma boost, this device is also equipped with Nightscape.
There is crop when using the Nightscape mode, but it works
There is crop when using the Nightscape mode, but it works

As we all know, smartphones, in general, struggle in dim-lit environments. But, when you use the Nightscape mode, you can take images with sharper details, enhanced dynamic range, and nicer exposure control than a regular point and shoot shots most of the time.
This phone can take decent low light shots
This phone can take decent low light shots

Quick thoughts

For us, these photos are clear pieces of evidence that the realme 5i is an affordable but versatile shooter.

It's a camera phone that can let you take detailed images in daylight, ultra-wide shots, super close-up shots, portraits with background blur, and respectable photos in low light conditions.

Not bad for a PHP 6,990 smartphone.

No wonder, it became a huge hit shortly after its launch here in the Philippines.

What do you guys think?


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Huawei, Smart, DENR reveals tech to prevent illegal logging and poaching in Philippine rainforests

Huawei Technologies Philippines, Smart Communications, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), are collaborating to pilot test an Internet of Things (IoT) solution that uses mobile technology to detect rainforest sounds that can help prevent illegal logging and poaching activities in the country's rainforests.
Huawei, Smart, DENR reveals tech to prevent illegal logging and poaching in Philippine rainforests
Pilot installations in New Guinlo, Taytay, Palawan

Huawei, Smart, DENR reveals tech to prevent illegal logging and poaching in Philippine rainforests

The group uses a tech called Rainforest Connection (RFCx) that utilizes old cell phones to monitor and record ambient sounds of priority forest areas identified by the DENR. The old cellphones dubbed as "Rainforest Guardians" will be are installed in strategic areas of the rainforest. They will be powered by solar panels and wireless connectivity.
Photo 1 shows representatives of Huawei, PLDT-Smart, Rainforest Connection and DENR namely: Daniel Guo Zhi, Huawei Philippines Vice President/COO; Chaye Cabal-Revilla, PLDT SVP & Group Controller and concurrent PLDT Group Chief Sustainability Officer; Topher White, Rainforest Connection CEO; and Brian Lachica, DENR Information Systems Analyst.
Photo 1 shows representatives of Huawei, PLDT-Smart, Rainforest Connection and DENR namely: Daniel Guo Zhi, Huawei Philippines Vice President/COO; Chaye Cabal-Revilla,  PLDT SVP & Group Controller and concurrent PLDT Group Chief Sustainability Officer; Topher White, Rainforest Connection CEO; and  Brian Lachica, DENR Information Systems Analyst.

The bio-acoustics it'll record will be uploaded to a cloud service using Smart's network and the information can be accessed via Rain Connection mobile app.
Rainforest Connection CEO Topher White with the RFCx Dashboard
Rainforest Connection CEO Topher White with the RFCx Dashboard

The information gathered will be used by community stakeholders to interpret patterns of forest activities and take action in affected areas.

The data can also be accessed by DENR's forest rangers in real-time. With the use of the tech, they can receive real-time alerts on sounds of chainsaws, trucks, and other sounds of forest destruction.

As of writing, the solution has been successfully deployed to five DENR-designated areas in Palawan.

Smart provided wireless connectivity to all the designated pilot sites, namely: Cadlao Island, Maranlao and Pasadena in El Nido; and New Guinlo and Pancol in Taytay.


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Siri Now Provides Coronavirus Advice From CDC and U.S. Public Health Service

iPhone users who ask Siri about COVID-19 can now complete a questionnaire about their symptoms and potential exposure to the virus to better understand their health situation, as noted by CNBC. Apple says the answers are sourced from the CDC and U.S. Public Health Service, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services.



Apple today also shared a COVID-19-related PSA from the White House Coronavirus Task Force in its App Store on iOS devices, as retweeted by Rene Ritchie.


The same PSA can also be watched on Apple.com.

Apple earlier said it is donating millions of masks for health professionals in the U.S. and Europe.
This article, "Siri Now Provides Coronavirus Advice From CDC and U.S. Public Health Service" first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums



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GameStop gives in; will close all US stores due to coronavirus threat (Update)

Person Holding Sony Ps4 Controller

Update: March 21, 2020 – GameStop has now given into tons of criticism of its previous plans to keep its US retail stores open during the current coronavirus outbreak. In a press release late tonight, the video game retailer stated all of its US stores will close for customers starting on Sunday, March 22. The company will still provide curbside pick-up at its store locations, and will continue to take orders on its website.

All GameStop store employees who will see their hours eliminated will get an additional two weeks of pay at their regular rate. The retailer will also reimburse all eligible employees one month of their portion of benefit expenses.

Original story: March 19, 2020 – US-based video game retailer GameStop allegedly sent out a company-wide memo today addressing its response to the coronavirus pandemic currently gripping the world. In the memo, the company allegedly says it will not close its retail locations, despite various government mandates pushing it to do so.

According to Kotaku, which saw the alleged memo first hand, GameStop describes its shops as “essential retail,” akin to something like a pharmacy, grocery store, or other storefronts that must remain open during circumstances such as these.

The memo allegedly even goes so far as to instruct employees to tell inquiring law enforcement to contact GamesStop’s corporate headquarters if there are any issues with this policy.

To be clear, GameStop just sells video games, consoles, toys, and other merchandise related to gaming. These would hardly fall under the “essential retail” category of something like a grocery store.

Related: The best games on Google Stadia: Who needs hardware?

Previously, GameStop employees speaking with Kotaku expressed concerns with the company’s lax response to the pandemic. However, that was before this memo, which is clearly putting the welfare of the company above the safety of its staff.

Here in the US, restaurants, bars, movie theaters, performance venues, and other food and entertainment facilities have all either completely shut down or moved to an adjusted business model in response to the crisis. Some of the changes are mandated by local and federal governments, while others have been self-directed.

For what its worth, GameStop’s financial situation is not great, so the company may fear that closing stores could cause it to go out of business permanently. However, there are other ways to deal with that besides putting retail workers at risk of contracting the virus and passing it on to others.

More posts about Coronavirus



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The best desks for your home office

Home office Desk and laptop 1

Sometimes work doesn’t end when you leave the office, and many of us work from home. This makes finding the best desk for your home office an important matter. Today we are diving into a sea of options to find the best desks for your home office.

What makes a good home office desk? For this list we are considering desks that offer great value for the price. We are also taking size into consideration, as we know many don’t want to sacrifice too much living space. And quality for price is obviously an important factor too.

The best desks for your home office:

Editor’s note: This list of the best desks for your home office will be regularly updated as new products launch and others get older.


1. Seville Classics Height Adjustable Desk Cart

Seville Classics 23.6 Height Adjustable Cart

Some people don’t need much to work from home. When a simple flat surface to place your laptop over is all you need, something like the Seville Classics Desk Cart may suffice. It also helps that it can be extended to different heights and has wheels to roll around. This unit can be easily stored in any closet whenever you are done using it, which means you have to sacrifice no living space. Not to mention it’s cheap!


2. Ikea Micke Desk

IKEA Micke desk in white

Ikea is always a great option for something simple, clean, and affordable. The Ikea Micke Desk doesn’t scream quality, but it is solid enough to be worth much more than its price. Like any Ikea product, it’s also simple to assemble. The Micke Desk has a modern and universal design that should look good in any room. Storage space also helps keep things more organized.


3. Sauder Anda Norr

Sauder Anda Norr Wall Mount platform

Here’s something really cool. This wall-mounted Sauder Anda Norr is great desk for your home office. It stays out of the way when not in use, even serving as furniture. Simply flip the door down and you will be treated with a nice working surface measuring 23.4 x 15.1 inches. It’s simple, cute, and convenient.


4. Nathan James Leighton

Nathan James Leighton Desk

The Nathan James Leighton Desk is functional, but also has a touch of elegance that can’t be matched by other items in this list of the best desks for your home office. The unit comes with a couple spacious drawers for storage. It’s also pretty sturdy and can hold up to 220lbs of weight.


5. Sauder Carson Forge

Sauder Carson Forge Desk for your home office

Those who want something simple, but with classic aesthetics should take a look at the Sauder Carson Forge Desk. It’s made with engineered wood, and this home office desk comes with a gorgeous cherry finish. Not to mention the iron styling provides character. Meanwhile, the three drawers will prove to be helpful for storing your documents and accessories.


6. Realspace Magellan Height-Adjustable Standing Desk

Realspace Magellan

Standing desks for your home office don’t need to be fancy and expensive. This one costs only a bit more than the one listed above and has an adjustable height mechanism, albeit not an electric one. Instead it uses a pneumatic system with which you need to physically push the desk up or down. The desk is 60 inches wide and 30 inches deep, which offers plenty of working space. And the design is simple enough to look good in any room.


7. Sauder Harbor View

Sauder Harbor View Computer Desk

If you are looking for a more permanent desk for your home office the Sauder Harbor View Computer Desk is a great option. It comes with a plethora of storage spaces and drawers, as well as a more solid engineered wood construction. While it costs more than the more basic home office desks in this list, it also won’t completely break the bank and offers great value.


8. Autonomous SmartDesk 2

Autonomous Smart Desk 2 Autonomous

The Autonomous brand is known for building some of the best standing desks for your home office at a fraction of the competitors’ prices. For this reason, they tend to have more simplistic designs and don’t offer many upgrades or premium material options. What’s important is that it will look great and function properly. I have personally been using an Autonomous desk for about two years without a single problem.


9. Uplift Height Adjustable Conference Table

Uplift Height Adjustable Confrerence Table - best desks for your home office

Uplift’s Height-Adjustable Conference Table is made to fit more people, which is good if you work with others at home, but the larger 80 x 30 inch surface is also great for those with work that requires more space. What makes this one of the best large desks for your home office is that the height can be adjusted, allowing you to work either sitting or standing. It’s an expensive desk for your home office, but it’s also solid, beautiful, and functional.


10. Jarvis Evolve

Jarvis Evolve Standing Desk for your home officeFully

If you have the money to spare and want something truly stylish, the Jarvis Evolve Standing Desk is one of the most beautiful desks for your home office. It features three drawers, which is something more standing desk makers should consider adding to their designs.

This is one of the best standing desks for the home office we have seen, but it will cost a pretty penny, starting at $1,849. The price premium might be affected by the fact it is part of the Rocket Mission, which is a collection of modern furniture from designer Vincent Leman.


Whether you want a permanent or temporary desk for your home office, this list of options should have everyone covered. Go get the one that best fits your needs!



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