Tag: iOS

In the world of Google TV’s, why do you still need the Chromecast function?

In 2020, Google introduced the fourth generation of its Chromecast, dubbed as Chromecast with Google TV (CCwGTV), which was the first time it came with Google TV (a modified Android TV user interface) and a remote. So, in the world of Google TV’s (and Android TV’s in general), is there still a need for the Google Cast function?

Here are the reasons why we still need the Google Cast around:

Queue up YouTube Videos

The one thing I love about the Chromecast is the ability to queue up videos you want to watch from your YouTube mobile app. Oftentimes, when I want to YouTube and chill, I open a video on my YouTube mobile app, cast that thing to my TV with a Chromecast, browse more of the homepage of the YouTube app, then add as many more videos as I like to watch next to the queue.

Although you can queue up videos as well in the web version of YouTube, the same is not true on Android TV’s. I just find it so inefficient to have to quit the video you’re currently watching, browse though the homepage, and select the single video you want to watch next. Continue reading

OnePlus 8 Pro vs. iPhone 12 Pro

This comparison is close to my heart for I’m about to renew my phone this year.

In 2017, I passed up on the iPhone 8/8 Plus/X and went for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 instead, primarily because of the price. Never regretted it. The Android of recent years is leaps ahead of its predecessors of the early 2010’s. Gone are the days of overheating Samsung Galaxy S2.

Anyway, the guy in the video above drew the following conclusion: Continue reading

Can I use the GOMO Sim in a Pocket Wifi?

GOMO is so far the only cellular service that offer 25GB for ₱299 and that don’t expire. But is the sim only usable in a smartphone? Can I also stick it into a pocket wifi or a prepaid home wifi, to enjoy the unexpiring data?

I was looking for the answer around the web, but couldn’t find any. So I hit them up on Twitter, and here’s what I got:

So yes, you can use the GOMO Sim in a pocket wifi, Globe at Home Prepaid Wifi, or any unlocked/open-line wifi router device, only that you have to activate the sim first in a mobile phone (Android or iOS/iPhone) app.

Instapay now available in Security Bank mobile app

We have our salaries paid through our Security Bank accounts. Since I keep funds in my accounts with other banks, I need to do fund transfers now and then. And Instapay for Security Bank would have really helped.

Today I discovered that Fund Transfer to Other banks via Instapay functionality is already added to the Security Bank mobile apps.

 

Security Bank transfer to other banks

Security Bank transfer to other banks via Instapay.

Apparently, this functionality is available only on Android and iOS apps, but not in the web using your favorite internet browser. Nevertheless, this is a welcome development, especially now that GCash disabled cash-in via bank cards starting July 6, 2020.

Currently, as the whole nation is still technically on lockdown, all fees for Instapay transfers for all banks, including Security Bank, are waived. When things go back to normal, this fee schedule indicates that fees range from ₱10 to ₱50 among the different Philippine banks. Security Bank in particular will charge ₱15 per transaction, which is I would say is not too steep. I would argue that would be a cost worth paying for the convenience of not waiting some 30 minutes should you need to visit a branch of your bank.

Update: Read: Security Bank InstaPay Temporarily Unavailable

The real reason why I’d still go with the iPhone

It’s already 2017. You’d think Android devices have already caught up with the iPhone, especially in terms of performance.

Just watch the video below. Just remember that the iPhone 7 Plus was released the earliest among the phones tested, which include Samsung Galaxy S8, LG G6, Google Pixel, and OnePlus 3T.

The Mobile Gaming Phenomenon that is ‘Pokemon Go’

Ever since Pokemon Go was announced in March and eventually launched in July (initially in select countries), it has taken the world by storm. Social media friends have started posting their virtual Pokemon finds, along with their own punchlines, which in the process captured the curiosity of those who are uninitiated in the Pokemon Go world. Eventually, every one has to try it out! That, regardless of news about armed robbers using this same mobile game to find their victims.

pokemon-go

So, what really is Pokemon Go?

Pokemon Go is a free mobile game for iOS and Android developed by Niantic. It is a GPS-based augmented reality game that allows players to capture, train and battle virtual Pokemon that appear throughout the real world. Although it is free, it supports in-app purchases for players who are maybe too lazy to go out and catch them outside their comfort zones and instead take some shortcuts.

This video trailer pretty much summarizes the game in less than 2 minutes: Continue reading

That stupid Facebook app built in browser

That stupid Facebook app built in browser is just plain stupid.

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They need to put it back to open in the default browser, may it be Safari for iOS or Chrome for Android. That way it’ll be easier to share the webpage in any app other than the stupid Facebook app.

This now gives me more reason to stop using Facebook altogether.