This week in tech

Speedo Shine

MANILA, Philippines - Misfit and Speedo team-up to launch the Speedo Shine - a wearable targeted specifically at swimmers who want to track their workouts. Apart from the usual, steps taken, calories burned, and hours of sleep, this wearable also measures swim and lap distances. It’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum so its both tough and pretty. But what we love most about the Speedo Shine, like all other Misfit wearables, is that you don’t need to charge it.

Oppo Mirror 5

Another mid-range smartphone hits the Philippine market, the Oppo Mirror 5. The phone’s specs won’t blow anything out of the water but it’s no slouch either. At P9,990, its quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM should be enough for casual users. It comes with a measly 16GB of internal memory but makes up for it with an expandable memory option of up to 128 GB. It also doesn’t hurt that it looks more expensive than it actually is, thanks to the reflective diamond cut glass segments on its back.

Android M is Marshmallow

The newest sweet treat in the Android family is white and fluffy. Google announced this week, its upcoming mobile operating system, Android 6.0, will be named Marshmallow. Every year, the build up to the big reveal is always a fun guessing game for fans. Other names we thought would have made great choices include, Mars, Milky Way, M&Ms and macarons. Do you like Marshmallow or do you wish it was something else?

One of the new features of Marshmallow that we’re really excited about is Google Now on Tap. Android’s virtual assistant is now more ever present. Tap and hold the home button and Google Now figures out what’s on your screen and what actions you require.   

MiUi 7

Xiaomi unveiled its latest implementation of Android, MiUi 7, and at its heart are customization and personalization. Launched in India, MiUi 7 gives users more control over the way their phone looks via new theme options. MiUi 7 also integrates with Opera Max’s data saving technology promising to reduce the data usage of some apps by up to 50 percent. A great way to get more out of your connection before hitting those data caps.

Disney Infinity

“To Infinity and beyond.” This iconic line from the movie Toy Story inspired the almost infinite universe of Disney’s action-adventure game, Disney Infinity. This week, the video game franchise launched its third installment in the Philippines. Disney Infinity 3.0 is all about Star Wars and includes a play set called Twilight of the Republic. Play as Anakin Skywalker, Master Yoda, or Obi Wan Kenobi and use the force to defeat Darth Mole. If that doesn’t satisfy your intergalactic craving, Disney Infinity Producer John Moffitt also teased figures and play sets related to the upcoming film Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The Disney Infinity 3.0 starter kit retails for P2,999 and goes on sale Sept. 1.