News
Smart Phone Protect: Device coverage starting at PhP 125
Protect your phones for less
Smart has launched its new Smart Phone Protect service in partnership with Igloo to give mobile users some sort of insurance for their devices. The annual rates start at just PhP 125 for Phone Protect and PhP 180 for Phone Protect+.
Phone Protect provides basic protection coverage such as screen repair, accidental damage, and liquid damage. The annual fee ranges from PhP 125 to PhP 2,500, depending on the device value. For a more advanced level of protection, Phone Protect+ also covers theft or loss from fire for fee ranging from PhP 180 to PhP 3,600.
Device coverage for the respective services ranges from PhP 5,000 to PhP 100,000, depending on the Smart plan availed. Once subscribed to Phone Protect, users may get their devices repaired in as fast as 24 hours.
Smart’s new phone protection service covers both old and new devices, as long as they are in good functioning condition. Phone Protect (and Protect+) also applies to devices not only purchased from Smart but also the open market, so it is open to everyone, regardless of whether they are subscribed to prepaid or postpaid services.
To sign up for a Smart Phone Protect Plan, visit the service’s link here: smrt.ph/phoneprotect
In the portal, subscribers only need to fill in their name, mobile number, email address, and phone details. They will then be redirected to choose their preferred Smart Phone Protect Plan and payment terms. The service accepts different payment options, including mobile wallet, Debit, and Credit card. Users will receive their policy via email once the registration is complete.
Strava is emerging as a top choice for runners worldwide. Though the app is rising in popularity, there are still some features that are notably missing. If you’re eagerly awaiting for a few to drop, the fitness app is rolling out highly requested features soon.
Naturally, the most requested feature is dark mode. Considered an essential these days, the mode is present in a lot of apps today. Finally, Strava is getting its own version. In an update coming later this summer, users can turn the lights off permanently or according to the device’s settings.
Though not the most highly requested feature, the app is also (inevitably) getting a healthy dose of AI. In Athlete Intelligence Beta, the service will use large language models to interpret and summarize a workout for users. Finished workouts won’t just be a series of arcane numbers anymore. The developing AI will translate these to language that any user can understand.
Additionally, Leaderboard Integrity will analyze recorded activities for any potential errors — intentional or otherwise. If the system detects that an activity feels improbable, it will alert users to change its classification or delete it altogether.
Finally, Strava is getting night heatmaps. Concerned users will soon have the ability to see the traffic in a particular trail between sunset and sunrise. If you’re concerned about the safety of a route, the app will notify you if a path is well-lit and well-travelled at night.
The app will launch these features soon for users worldwide.
SEE ALSO: Strava is getting a much-requested chatting feature
Another year, another interesting concept goes back to the warehouse. Five years ago, LG showcased a rollable OLED TV concept. At the time, the concept joined the trend of displays that just merged into your living room. Though LG Display soon put the concept up for sale, the experiment is now coming to an end. LG has cancelled the Signature OLED R TV.
For ages, LG has been known for its quirky form factor experiments. Who can forget the swiveling or the rollable smartphone? As you might know now, LG has since pulled out of the smartphone business, taking its lookers away from the market. The experiments never stopped, though. LG soon applied its design philosophies to its display business.
The Signature OLED R TV presented something unique but familiar to audiences. Though the form factor was certainly different, it was part of the ongoing trend for devices that could easily disappear into a room. Think of Samsung’s The Frame series of displays. Compared to Samsung, LG opted for a more mechanical approach to hiding its display when not in use.
However, according to the Korean publication Chosun, sales for the unique TV haven’t really gone well. As a result, the company is discontinuing the line. The set, which costed around US$ 100,000, is now unavailable for purchase.
Regardless, the company isn’t done with unique devices. It is reportedly scheduled to launch a transparent display later this year.
SEE ALSO: LG’s new 97-inch OLED TV displays media wirelessly
News
Android can automatically change your phone’s vibration strength
It’s called Adaptive Vibration
Vibration alerts are meant to be discreet. However, if your phone is on a hard surface, the formerly gentle buzz can turn into a jump scare. Now, as part of the ongoing developments for Android 15, Google is experimenting with a new feature called Adaptive Vibration.
Earlier this week, I/O 2024 introduced a host of features coming to Android 15. The most notable of which is an easier way to secure a device after it’s stolen. Days after the conference, the company is still introducing more features coming to this year’s major update.
As the name suggests, Adaptive Vibration will automatically adjust your phone’s vibration strength. Of course, even without the update, you can already manually adjust the strength per notification. In that way, you can easily tell what you’re getting, based on the strength of the vibration.
Adaptive Vibration works differently. The feature will use the phone’s microphone and other sensors to automatically determine the perfect vibration strength for where it is. For example, the phone will lower the strength if it detects that it’s on a table. Likewise, it will increase the strength if it’s on a soft couch.
To be clear, this feature is different from adaptive alert vibration. The latter turns down vibration strength if the phone is facing up. Adaptive Vibration, on the other hand, uses more context to determine strength.
The feature debuted in Android 15 Beta 2. Only testers will have access to the feature for now.
SEE ALSO: Android is making it harder for snatchers to steal your phone
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