ASUS CEO Jerry Shen talks Zenfones, arrival of Zenfone Zoom in PH

During the recently-concluded Zenfestival here in Manila where ASUS launched its new Zenfone lineup, we got the chance to have an interview with ASUS CEO Jerry Shen along with the top executives of the company. You can watch the full interview below: During the interview, one of the questions we asked Mr. Shen was which Zenfone […]

The post ASUS CEO Jerry Shen talks Zenfones, arrival of Zenfone Zoom in PH appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines News & Tech Reviews.

Top 5 Techs of the new Mazda6 and Mazda6 Sports Wagon

In addition to the CX-5 and its three new variants, official distributor Berjaya Auto Philippines (BAP) also announces the local availability of the 2015 Mazda6 sedan and Mazda6 Sports Wagon. We take a look at some of its game-changing technologies integrated in the car that would further improve your riding experience.

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2015 Mazda6

2015 Mazda6/Mazda6 Sports Wagon key specs:
2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G engine
SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed AT w/ Sport Mode
188PS @ 5,700rpm
250Nm @ 3,250rpm
Front MacPherson strut and real multilink suspension
19-inch aluminum wheels

Note: These features are present on Mazda’s 2015 CX-5 as well.

Mazda’s infotainment center

For its cockpit, the company designed it in a way that operation of its 7-inch display (which is its main infotainment center) would be easy and unobtrusive while driving. The screen is located on top of the center console, while navigation can be through a rotary commander which is at the center console behind the gearshift.

Users can also opt to just use voice commands or tap on the display itself to queue and play different media.

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MZD Connect

MZD Connect caters to the tech-savvy by helping you stay online easily even on-the-go. It uses an Internet service which is cloud-based that utilizes radio-like audio format, making it safe to use while driving. You just connect a smartphone via Bluetooth and the system will use its data connectivity to get you access to your e-mail, SMS, and even to social media sites.

With it, users can listen to tweets and Facebook posts. Replying via voice and posting audio messages are also possible in addition to giving a Like on a post. Lastly, it offers Mazda’s proprietary apps like fuel economy monitor, maintenance reminders, and warning guidance.

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Bose sound system

Both the Mazda6 and Mazda6 Sports Wagon are equipped with an 11-piece speaker from Bose (CX-5 has 9). We’ve seen a similar sound system on the Nissan Altima with 9 speakers and we already loved it — what more with 11 beautifully-crafted drivers.

The fun doesn’t end there as it also features Bose Centerpoint 2 virtual surround playback technology which, the company claims, analyzes the frequency of the sound source to deliver life-like virtual surround sound even though you play compressed audio.

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The 2015 Mazda6 Sports Wagon’s liftgate looks like that of the CX-5’s.

Finally, its AudioPilot 2 automatically compensates for the effects of unwanted sound that comes from different road surfaces, varying driving speeds, and even open windows. This is possible by placing a microphone in the cabin that listens to ambient noises continuously, and uses an algorithm that analyzes the music signal and reduces the effect of unwanted noise.

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Adaptive LED Headlights

Using four independently-controlled LED blocks per headlamp, the Adaptive LED Headlights system activates the high-beam lights for better visibility at night, but eliminates the danger of impairing the vision of an oncoming motorist by intelligently turning off specific lamps. With a camera up front, it senses the other vehicle’s position and adjusts its lamps accordingly to avoid shining too much light on it.

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Lane-keep Assist System

To avoid unintended lane changes, the new vehicles have Lane-keep Assist System that activates once you hit 65kph and up. It uses the aformentioned camera to determine lane markings on the road and signals the driver if the tires are nearing and about to go over them. Additionally, it provides steering torque assistance to return the car safely to its intended lane. 

With these tech features installed in their newest vehicles, riding them just became more enjoyable as well as safer for you and even other drivers. The company priced the 2.5-liter Mazda6 sedan at Php1,785,000, while the Mazda6 Sports Wagon is a tad bit higher at Php1,795,000.

The post Top 5 Techs of the new Mazda6 and Mazda6 Sports Wagon appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

Cherry Mobile Flare XL hands-on, first impressions

After being leaked with photos and specs, we finally have the Cherry Mobile Flare XL in our hands to test out. Check out our quick hands-on and first impressions of this budget phablet while we prepare for its full review.

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The Flare XL sports an IPS screen that spans 5.5 inches diagonally. It boasts an OGS (One Glass Solution) technology that reduces thickness of the display, allowing it to have an overall thin form factor.

cherry-mobile-flare-xl-review-philippines-1

In addition to its OGS display, the handset also incorporated a thin body that gives it an overall slim profile. This makes it easy for the hands to grip, compensating for its wide body. As you can see, it has a bronze-colored trimming that runs around the entire device which positively accents its body and makes it even sleeker.

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The volume rocker and power/unlock button are on the top right side of the device. They are positioned just right for the fingers to easily reach and press, whether left- or right-handed.

cherry-mobile-flare-xl-review-philippines-6

Connectivity ports are found up top, right along the strip of its chrome-like accents.

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Centered at the top-most edge of the plastic back panel, we have the 13MP rear camera with an LED flash. It’s supported by BSI so it should help make the photos a bit brighter when used on low-light places.

cherry-mobile-flare-xl-review-philippines-3

Turning it right side up, we’ll find the 5MP front-facing camera and its speaker for voice calls lined up with the sensors.

cherry-mobile-flare-xl-review-philippines-9

Adding to the back cover is the loudspeaker located just below the company’s logo. It is awkwardly placed off-center which slightly awakens the obsessive-compulsive disorder in us.

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This phablet implements a three-piece capacitive buttons setup namely Options, Home, and Back.

cherry-mobile-flare-xl-review-philippines-2

Finally, prying open the plastic back cover reveals its 2,300mAh battery which, you’d be glad to know, is removable. Just above it is where the trays for dual-SIM cards and microSD are found.

Despite its large screen and wide form factor, the Flare XL is not too heavy on the hands. It is not too light either; but packs a good amount of heft that helps in operating the handset with one hand.

We’ll be testing this device for the next few days and give you a piece of our mind on how it performs so stay tuned.

Cherry Mobile Flare XL specs:
5.5-inch IPS OGS HD display, 1280 x 720 @267ppi
1.4Ghz Octa-core processor
1GB RAM
Expandable 8GB internal storage
Supports microSD
13MP BSI rear camera with LED Flash
5MP front camera
3G HSPA+
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth
GPS
Miracast
Android 4.4 KitKat
2,300mAh battery
Price: Php4,999

The post Cherry Mobile Flare XL hands-on, first impressions appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

Cherry Mobile Flare XL hands-on, first impressions

After being leaked with photos and specs, we finally have the Cherry Mobile Flare XL in our hands to test out. Check out our quick hands-on and first impressions of this budget phablet while we prepare for its full review.

cherry-mobile-flare-xl-review-philippines-11

The Flare XL sports an IPS screen that spans 5.5 inches diagonally. It boasts an OGS (One Glass Solution) technology that reduces thickness of the display, allowing it to have an overall thin form factor.

cherry-mobile-flare-xl-review-philippines-1

In addition to its OGS display, the handset also incorporated a thin body that gives it an overall slim profile. This makes it easy for the hands to grip, compensating for its wide body. As you can see, it has a bronze-colored trimming that runs around the entire device which positively accents its body and makes it even sleeker.

cherry-mobile-flare-xl-review-philippines-8

The volume rocker and power/unlock button are on the top right side of the device. They are positioned just right for the fingers to easily reach and press, whether left- or right-handed.

cherry-mobile-flare-xl-review-philippines-6

Connectivity ports are found up top, right along the strip of its chrome-like accents.

cherry-mobile-flare-xl-review-philippines-7

Centered at the top-most edge of the plastic back panel, we have the 13MP rear camera with an LED flash. It’s supported by BSI so it should help make the photos a bit brighter when used on low-light places.

cherry-mobile-flare-xl-review-philippines-3

Turning it right side up, we’ll find the 5MP front-facing camera and its speaker for voice calls lined up with the sensors.

cherry-mobile-flare-xl-review-philippines-9

Adding to the back cover is the loudspeaker located just below the company’s logo. It is awkwardly placed off-center which slightly awakens the obsessive-compulsive disorder in us.

cherry-mobile-flare-xl-review-philippines-4

This phablet implements a three-piece capacitive buttons setup namely Options, Home, and Back.

cherry-mobile-flare-xl-review-philippines-2

Finally, prying open the plastic back cover reveals its 2,300mAh battery which, you’d be glad to know, is removable. Just above it is where the trays for dual-SIM cards and microSD are found.

Despite its large screen and wide form factor, the Flare XL is not too heavy on the hands. It is not too light either; but packs a good amount of heft that helps in operating the handset with one hand.

We’ll be testing this device for the next few days and give you a piece of our mind on how it performs so stay tuned.

Cherry Mobile Flare XL specs:
5.5-inch IPS OGS HD display, 1280 x 720 @267ppi
1.4Ghz Octa-core processor
1GB RAM
Expandable 8GB internal storage
Supports microSD
13MP BSI rear camera with LED Flash
5MP front camera
3G HSPA+
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth
GPS
Miracast
Android 4.4 KitKat
2,300mAh battery
Price: Php4,999

The post Cherry Mobile Flare XL hands-on, first impressions appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.