realme advocates for Pinoy music with 2022 PPOPCON partnership

 In line with its mission to empower the Filipino youth in the pursuit of their passions, realme, the PH’s no. 1 smartphone brand for 2021^[1] today announced its partnership with the Pinoy Pop Convention (PPOPCON) in support of the local music scene.

 

Happening on April 9 to 10, the first-of-its-kind event will consist of a two-day convention from 10am to 8pm at the New Frontier Theater. This will feature various booths, merchandise selling, games, and other engagement activities in celebration of all things Pinoy Pop. 

 

Meanwhile, the second day (April 10) will culminate with a live concert from 3pm to 7pm at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. This will see the country’s most popular P-Pop groups come together and perform on stage–both offline and online–for their fans for the first time. The lineup includes MNL48, BINI, Alamat, 4th Impact, 1st.One, Press Hit Play, VXON, KAIA, DAYDREAM, YARA, VER5US, and G22, among others.

 

“There’s no denying that Filipinos are recognized for their passion for music and their undeniable talent in performing. The increasing popularity of P-Pop on the local and global stage is testament to this. As a brand that’s for and by the youth, we at realme would like to be at the forefront of this fast-rising scene and show our full support for local talent through empowering platforms such as PPOPCON,” shares Austine Huang, realme Philippines’s VP for Marketing. 

 

During the two-day convention, the brand will have an experiential booth with various activities, prizes, and other surprises for the P-Pop-loving realme Squad. It will feature a special photo booth, powered by the realme 9 Pro Series in collaboration with Fujifilm Instax, where fans can capture their PPOPCON memories through fun photo prints and get a chance to join the giveaway. There will also be a special meet-and-greet with VXON, the rising P-Pop group behind the hit single “The Beast” which was also chosen by the brand as the official theme song for realme Mobile Legends Cup (RMC) Season 6. 

 

Through partnerships with local artists and initiatives like the 2022 PPOPCON, realme continues to provide platforms for Filipino talent to be recognized and celebrated, be it in music, gaming and beyond. 

 

For more info and other updates, be sure to follow realme on Facebook at www.facebook.com/realmePhilippinesor visit www.realme.com.ph. 

 

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^[1]  based on Canalys and IDC sell-in reports for Q1-Q4 2021

IKEA launched today its sustainability products

In support of its vision of creating a better everyday life at home,IKEA today launched its sustainability range—a wide variety of affordable, quality home furnishings that will help the many Filipinos achieve a sustainable life at home.

While the concept of sustainable living is often viewed as challenging, unpractical, and expensive, IKEA simplifies it. “For us, a sustainable life at home is affordable and attainable through small actions that will eventually create a big impact on home life and on our Earth,” said 

Georg Platzer, Store Manager of IKEA Pasay City. “At IKEA we believe that sustainable living cannot be a luxury for the few. It must be affordable for the many.”

With more than 2,000 products that help people save energy and water, reduce waste, conserve resources, or settle into home furnishings made from renewable and recycled material, 57 solutions were specifically chosen and designed for Filipinos. 

A practical, affordable, and sustainable life at home

 

Anchored on the principle that anyone can live sustainably, IKEA presents simple solutions so that the many Filipinos can make small, affordable, but still very meaningful actions that have a positive impact on the environment:

·       Furniture that lasts longer. IKEA presents furniture that grows as a family grows. Rather than needing to be replaced, pieces can be supplemented with modules as needed. Products that can adapt as needs change are even more useful. For example, the PAHL desk, an adjustable table that helps avoid the cost and hassle of buying a new desk as your child grows.

·       Products that use less resources.  A pressure compensating aerator is standard across the whole IKEA range of taps and showers. This reduces the amount of water coming out by up to 50% but keeps the flow at the desired level. LED light bulbs are also standard across all IKEA products. Those use up to 85% less energy—this makes them planet friendly—and lasts 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

·       Products that help reduce waste. The world is using and wasting resources more than ever. By practicing some small and smart changes at home like adhering to a waste sorting system, we can help the world’s waste problem. For instance, the SORTERA recycling bin allows you to recycle and compost, significantly reducing waste at home.

·       Reusable products. From the trusty and durable FRAKTA bag to the IKEA 365+ food containers, IKEA products are meant to be reused many, many times. Something to look forward to is the STORSTOMMA, a rainbow-colored version of the Swedish retailers’ bestselling carrier bag, coming very soon.

       Plant-based foods. Plant-based foods have a smaller environmental impact than meat and dairy products. The problem is plant-based food often comes at the expense of flavor and texture. That’s not the case with the HUVUDROLL plant ball, a plant-based alternative that’s just as delicious its meat counterpart. The HUVUDROLL is fast becoming a favorite of Filipinos, so be sure to grab them right away because they sell out real quick.   

·       Products made from natural and responsibly sourced materials. Wood is durable, recyclable, and renewable if grown and used responsibly—It also looks great. Bamboo is another sustainable raw material used in IKEA products. Its strength and stability provide possibilities for construction with thinner elements and boards, resulting in reduced use of material. This saves natural resources and increases savings during transport. Bamboo also filters carbon dioxide, produces oxygen, and has a high growth rate making it extremely sustainable. Aside from wood and bamboo, all the cotton used for IKEA products comes from sustainable sources. In fact, 60% of the IKEA product range already uses renewable materials.  

·    A collection inspired by the surf lifestyle. Since 2019, IKEA has partnered with the World Surf League, a leading global sports organization for surfers, to develop a new collection inspired by an active lifestyle that’s close to the ocean and conscious of the planet. The KASEBERGA collection, which will be in IKEA Pasay very soon, offers a range of practical, beautifully-designed products that champion sustainability. It was developed with a focus on including more renewable materials like wood, and materials from recycled sources such as polyester. 

Much like how its products are catered for the many people, so is the concept of sustainable living. IKEA makes sustainable living at home easier and more affordable than ever with practical and simple solutions that any Filipino can do. 

Another way IKEA commits to sustainability is through its Circular Shop. “No visit to IKEA Philippines would be complete without dropping by the Circular Shop where you’ll find returned items, floor samples, end of the range, and discontinued pieces, all at a fraction of their original price. We’re dedicated to giving every piece we make a long and useful a life as possible, and this is one of the ways we’re making sure we do that,” added Platzer.

Teleperformance has just been awarded as one of the Philippines Best Workplaces in 2022

Teleperformance has just been awarded as one of the Philippines Best Workplaces in 2022. This was announced during the virtual reveal that premiered live on Great Place to Work® Philippines via YouTube.

In total, 25 workplaces are ranked as “Philippines Best Workplaces” according to research and consulting firm, Great Place to Work Philippines. 

The Philippines Best Workplaces List is highly competitive. Regarded as the global authority on workplace culture, seasoned consultants from Great Place to Work® curate the List using rigorous analytics and confidential employee feedback. Companies are only considered if they are first, a Great Place to Work-Certified organization. In the qualifying year of 2021, nearly 100 companies in the Philippines were Great Place to Work-Certified. (Only companies who attain at least 65% on Great Place to Work Trust Index Survey can attain the Certification.)

Great Place to Work is the only company culture award in the world that selects winners based on how fairly employees are treated and what their workplace experience is like. Companies are assessed on how well they are creating a great employee experience that cuts across race, gender, age, disability status, or any aspect of who employees are or what their role is.

“With the continuous disruptions that companies face, the Best Workplaces in the Philippines remain grounded in their purpose and values. They continue to put their people first. They prioritize the holistic well-being of their employees as fatigue and burnout become more evident in workplaces,” says Antoniette Mendoza-Talosig, Managing Partner of Great Place to Work® Philippines and Principal Consultant of Great Place to Work® ASEAN.

Teleperformance Philippines Chief Operations Officer Joey Marquez underlined the significance of this achievement: "This milestone gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase our values, the Teleperformance culture, and the great work of our people in delivering excellent customer service to our customers, clients, and stakeholders. This recognition further inspires us to create more remarkable experiences for our people – whether they may be working in one of business sites across the country, or in their homes."

Teleperformance said that they will continue to move forward towards their goals while upholding the high standards of being a Best Place to Work™. The company also looks forward to giving back through the Citizen of the World corporate sustainability programs and initiatives. Most of all, Teleperformance will carry on fostering a TP culture that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive for all. 

Teleperformance has been certified Great Place to Work® in the Philippines consecutively in the last four years, becoming the first company in the Philippines to achieve this feat. The Trust Index Survey conducted in 2021 by the Great Place to Work® Institute had the highest participation rate among the Teleperformance Philippines employees across all 22 business sites.

During the pandemic, employee initiatives held by Teleperformance were recognized by various sectors such as the Safety Seal Committee certifying Teleperformance business sites that ensure health and safety protocols against COVID-19. Teleperformance also rolled out free COVID-19 vaccination for employees through the TPVac program and currently has a partnership with the government to conduct vaccinations in various Teleperformance Philippines workplaces for employees and their loved ones.

In addition, Teleperformance celebrates diversity and inclusion through empowering both Women and the LGBTQ+ community through their TP Women and TP Pride councils as they raise awareness and educate employees through year-long initiatives. They also have a comprehensive HIV/AIDS program that has been awarded the Duyan Ambassador Award from Project Red Ribbon and recognized by the Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP).

To know more about Teleperformance Philippines, visit their website at www.teleperformance.com.

Loyal PLDT customer wins P5 million in Grand Giveaway promo

Years spent on taking care of his parents while keeping ties stronger through phone calls with family were rewarded when 57-year-old Rod from Manila won P5 million from the first-ever PLDT Home Rewards Grand Giveaway promo. 

A loyal subscriber of PLDT for 38 years, Rod received an SMS sent to customers, encouraging them to register to PLDT Home Rewards, which automatically qualifies them to join the raffle. “I decided to join just because, and I didn’t think I’d actually win,” he said. “So, imagine my surprise when I got that phone call from a PLDT Home representative. I didn’t believe it at all at first!”  

The youngest in a brood of six, Rod resigned from his office job in Makati to take care of his ailing parents full time. “I never considered it a sacrifice on my part. I’m glad that I was there for them in their final years.”  

Rod said that his phone line was his connection to his siblings, three of whom are already based overseas. 

“It’s been years since I last saw them, but we never lost touch and would always update one another through frequent calls,” he said. “My older sister said, maybe this is your prize from heaven. It’s our parents’ way of thanking you for your selflessness.”

Since it’s been ages since he and his siblings last got together, he’s musing if winning the grand cash prize could be a sign for a family reunion, especially with overseas travel restrictions now being eased. “They’ve been teasing me, calling me don or boss! I’d love to see them and my nephews and nieces soon!” 

From L-R Patrick Tang, First Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Customer Management, Winner of PLDT Home Rewards 5M Grand Giveaway and Jason Ignacio, AVP and Head of PLDT Home Loyalty and Planning

Rewarding customers, changing lives

Customers enjoyed more rewarding experiences through the PLDT Home Rewards Grand Giveaway. Overflowing prizes, including two (2) Crate & Barrel home makeover packages worth ₱500,000 each; ten (10) SM Gift Cards worth ₱150,000 each; ten (10) Shopee Pay credits valued at ₱100,000 each; plus work, study, play and watch-at-home packages were given away in the weekly and monthly draws from April to December 2021. 

Like Rod, PLDT Home customers can enjoy great rewards this 2022. Aside from the exciting giveaways, they can also receive Crystals for their PLDT transactions and exchange them for bill credits and vouchers from over 40partner brands. 

“We’re glad to have made 2021 exciting for PLDT Home subscribers. For this year, we have something even bigger, so everyone should watch out for more thrilling treats and promos,” said Patrick Tang, First Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Customer Management.

Start collecting your Crystals now! To join, all you have to do is enroll your PLDT account to the PLDT Home Rewards program and, upon successful registration, start earning Crystals through regular PLDT transactions like payments, plan upgrades, and more.

 

For more information about how to register to PLDT Home Rewards and its exclusive treats and perks, visit: pldthome.com/rewards.

Hailey Decker is the new Head Coach of the RP (Republic of the Philippines) Blu Girls

Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) recently appointed Hailey Decker as the new Head Coach of the RP (Republic of the Philippines) Blu Girls, the country’s national softball team.

New Head Coach of the RP Blu Girls team, Hailey Decker

Decker is no stranger to the RP Blu Girls.  She previously played first and third base during her ASAPHIL career from 2017-2019, and she had helped the team bag a historic silver award in the 2017 Asian Championships — a top-level international sports competition of Asian athletes and sports teams. 

“Decker has been with us for a while. She is fully committed and truly immerses herself in the culture, making sure she maintains a strong connection with all the players.  She is also very generous in sharing her knowledge and skills which is a trait that is well appreciated by the team and her peers,” said Cheska Almonte, ASAPHIL Secretary General.

President of ASAPHIL, Mr. Jean Henri Lhuillier, also shared his warm reception of Decker as the new head coach. “Hailey in 2017 was a great addition to the team as a player, so I know that as she steps on the role of being the head coach, she will help the team achieve far greater things. The Blu Girls are also excited to have her on board as one of their mentors. With the wealth of experience Decker brings, our national team will surely have a great deal of advantage in the sport,” ASAPHIL President Jean Henri Lhuillier said.

Coach Hailey Decker during one of her RP Blu Girls’ stints

While Coach Decker is now head coach of the Blu Girls team, she is also an assistant coach for the University of the Pacific. During her collegiate years at the University of Nebraska, she helped the Huskers achieve a stellar 45-16 record that led to the team playing at the Women's College World Series. In her final season, she set the Huskers’ single-season record for doubles and was named First Team All-Big 10 and First Team All-Midwest Region. She then transferred to the University of Oregon as a junior and was a starter for the Ducks in the 2015 Women’s College World Series (WCWS). Earning All-Pac12 Honorable Mention and First Team All-Pacific Region, Decker helped Oregon to back-to-back Pac-12 titles in 2015 and 2016. Decker also became a member of the Philippines National Team in 2017, where she went on to start for the national squad in the World Cup of Softball, Canada Cup, USA Softball International Cup, Asian Games, Asian Championships, Asia Cup, and the World Softball Championships.

With her exposure and experience in softball internationally, Decker seeks to hone the knowledge, skills, and instincts of the Philippine national softball team and contribute more to the sport in the country.

Smart Infinity rewards members with a luxurious escape at Shangri-La Boracay

Smart Communications, Inc.’s luxury postpaid brand, Smart Infinity, is about to send members to a piece of indulgent paradise as part of its commitment of providing limitless possibilities, rewarding experiences, and exclusive lifestyle privileges. 

A complimentary 3 day and 2 night stay in a Deluxe Room for two (2) at Shangri-La Resort & Spa, Boracay—one of the island paradise’s must-visit destinations—is available to Infinity members when they sign up for a Smart Infinity Limitless Plan 5000 or 8000 from April 8 to June 8, 2022.

Part of the perks of the stay at the Shangri-La include daily breakfast for two, plus roundtrip land and speedboat transfers from Caticlan, so that members get to fully enjoy their leisure experience on the beautiful and pristine island.

“As the summer season draws even closer, the time also draws near to take that luxurious and revitalizing vacation that you deserve. There’s no better destination for a getaway than the clear waters and fine white sands of Boracay Island, and no better place to stay in than the Shangri-La Boracay. Smart Infinity’s limitless possibilities allow its members to enjoy the perks and pleasures that come with their lifestyle,” said Sofia Borromeo-Alvarez, Smart Infinity Brand Head.

Limitless rewards made simple, possible

This exclusive reward is but one of the many possibilities available to Smart Infinity members, which they deserve as high-powered individuals that make big waves and leave lasting impacts on society. 

On top of limitless support and dedicated service, Smart Infinity also gives members the power to keep making the world better. Smart Infinity members can also make a positive impact on the world with a few taps on their smartphone through the Infinity Gives Back program. In the Infinity Gives Back program, members can choose to donate to a wide variety of advocacies focused on rebuilding communities, providing quality education and safety to children, and more.

To sign up or renew your Smart Infinity plan and to learn more about its various offers, as well as the limitless perks and privileges available to members, visit the Smart Infinity website at https://smart.com.ph/Infinity/plans, and follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Philippines’ fastest 5G mobile network

Limitless meets the fastest 5G with every Smart Infinity account as it is powered by Smart, the fastest 5G network in the Philippines as reported by Ookla®, the global leader in mobile and broadband intelligence.

Ookla recently declared Smart as the country’s fastest 5G mobile network and the winner of its Speedtest Awards for Q3-Q4 2021 with a Speed Score of 201.95, while its closest competitor posted a Speed Score of 116.08.

To bag this award, Smart posted a median download speed of 218.82 Mbps and a median upload speed of 22.46 Mbps, while its closest competitor posted a median download speed of 116.92 Mbps and a median upload speed of 10.81 Mbps.

 

Pamper your paw-friends at Tiendesitas

Everyone deserves to have a day all for themselves–and that includes our beloved paw-friends because for all the joy and help they bring to the family, they too deserve to be pampered every once in a while.

 

So, if you’re planning for a day like no other for you and your pet, look no further than Tiendesitas: the metro’s undisputed go-to destination for all things pet.

 

1.Shopping at Pet Mall and Fur Ever Happy Pet Supplies

Need to replenish your stash of treats or get that new dog bed or cat tower? Get it from Pet Mall and Fur Ever Happy Pet Supplies and because they’ve been such good boys and girls, why not have your pet pick out a new toy while you’re at it?

 

Fur Ever Happy Pet Supplies (Level 1, Building C, Pet Village)

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Pet Mall (Level 1, Building C, Pet Village) 

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2.Schedule a checkup at the Animal Care Specialists Veterinary Clinic

A happy pet is a healthy pet and every paw-parent knows never to skip on check ups. This is why having a tried-and-tested pet clinic like Animal Care Specialists Veterinary Clinic is important to ensure that our pets are always in tip-top shape.

 

Animal Care Specialist Veterinary Clinic (Level 1, Building C, Pet Village)

Photo source: Ortigas Malls

 

3.Pamper your pet with a grooming appointment at the Divine Life Pet Grooming Center

Of course, no pet pampering day is complete without a trip to the spa. Getting a new haircut, getting those nails clipped, and spending a few hours relaxing in the bath sounds like the best day ever and that’s exactly what Divine Life Pet Grooming Center offers for our four-legged friends.

 

Divine Life Pet Grooming Center (Level 1, Building C, Pet Village)

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4.Shop while waiting for your furbabies

Tiendesitas is not just a haven for pets, it also offers a wide variety of stores for hoomans too–perfect for those few hours when their furbabies are relaxing.

 

Find that perfect workout or running gear so you and your dog can both burn those calories and energy at Decathlon, or find new items that will complete your interior design dreams from woven hampers to ceramic artworks at Glaze and More.

Decathlon (Level 2, Building C)

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Glaze and More (Level 1, Building A, Furniture Village)

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Dads, meanwhile, can get on with that home improvement project with tools and equipment at Mr. DIY or shop for some tees at the Indio Filipino Clothing.

 

Mr. DIY (Level 2, Building A)

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Indio Filipino Clothing (Level 2, Building A)

Photo source: Ortigas Malls

 

5.Strut with your freshly groomed pet around Tiendesitas

Simply stroll around Tiendesitas’ 30,000 square meter space and marvel at the beautiful stylized Filipino architecture across all its villages.

Photo source: Ortigas Malls

 

6.Recharge with a satisfying late lunch

Finally, what relaxing day is ever complete without good food? At Tiendesitas, visitors and their paw-friends have a lot of restaurants that allow pets inside so you’d never have to bother where to have your pets wait while you dine.

 

Enjoy the most amazing sisig at Aysee or the amazing selection of scrumptious Filipino food–from Crispy Pata to Kare-Kare–at Barrio Fiesta and Jay-J’s Restaurant. Make it a feast with Rico’s Lechon from Cebu or enjoy a classic yet still absolutely delicious chicken from Tom Sawyer’s Old Fashioned Krispy Chicken.

AYSEE (Level 2, Building B, Food Village)

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Barrio Fiesta (Level 1, Building B, Food Village)

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Jay-J’s Restaurant (Level 1, Building A)

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Rico’s Lechon (Level 1, Building B, Food Village)

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Tom Sawyer’s Old Fashioned Krispy Chicken (Level 1, Building A, Furniture Village)

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Not up for Filipino food or fried chicken? No problem as Gabriele can fulfill your Italian cravings while Masil is right there to serve you with authentic Korean dishes sure to make you exclaim, “massisseoyo!” (Korean word for delicious).

 

Gabriele Italian Restaurant (Level 1, Building A, Furniture Village)

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Masil Korean Charcoal Grill (Level 1, Building A)

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Tiendesitas prides itself for offering seasoned pet owners everything they need for their pets and that includes making sure they are healthy and rabies-free. The pet-friendly mall recently partnered with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and the Pasig City local government for Rabies Awareness Month where they gave out free rabies shots alongside enjoyable activities for pets and owners alike.

 

This is only among the initiatives the mall is providing to help pet parents give their furbabies their best lives and why it remains Metro Manila’s best pet-friendly mall.

 

Enjoy amazing and exclusive activities and perks if you join the Elite Pet Society including a free starter kit from Royal Canin Starter Hub and 5% off at Nutri Chunks. Always present your membership ID and get extra perks via stamp cards where every fifth visit at Divine Life Pet Hub or sixth visit at Royz Farm Pet Shop gets your pet a free grooming session.

 

Ortigas Malls also offers a wide variety of rewards and perks if you get the Ortigas Community Card. This includes free parking for three hours on weekdays, and up to 50% discount from H.J.A.U Furniture, Artrilogy Art Gallery, Linden Teak, Whey King, Illumina Aesthetic Centre, and many, many more.

 

Learn more about Tiendesitas, Elite Pet Society, the Ortigas Malls Community Card, and never miss an update by visiting www.ortigasmalls.com and via its social media pages.

 

The vivo X Fold will have an 8-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED display with a high refresh rate

Excellence and providing the latest product innovation is what vivo always strive for. Foldable phones are slowly being recognized by consumers as actual smartphones rather than just novelty devices. However, most smartphone manufacturers are still finding ways to address consumer pain points to lead the competition. The rumored leaks on vivo X Fold is an example of such and it might address what consumers are looking for in a foldable phone. But what do we know so far?

On the 10th anniversary of the vivo X series, the vivo X Fold will be officially launched in China on April 11, 2022. It is designed with the traditional Chinese concept that the Earth is square and Heaven is round. The vivo X Fold will be equipped with a metal, leather back design and four camera set-up with big and crisp screen resolution. It is rumored to break the foldable industry as many will be seeing new technology features that will define Foldable 2.0 era. 

 

Professional Photography In A Snap

vivo and Zeiss' partnership will continue in the arrival of vivo's foldable smartphones. By having the best camera technology in the fold series, it is expected that vivo X fold will deliver high-quality imaging performance. It is equipped with advanced imaging tools such as field of optics, OIS gimbal stabilisation, optical, digital zoom, etc allowing users to have a better shooting experience and helping them unleash their inner creativity in a snap. 

Foldable 2.0 Era: Premium Wing Design Technology

vivo takes pride in developing premium and durable products. For instance, the vivo X Fold's design reflects a high-end aerospace-grade floating wing hinge offering optimal solution for folding screens. Based on leaks, vivo X Fold's hinge adopts a floating mid-board design called aerospace-grade floating wing hinge. It is rumored to have a central crease that will provide sufficient space for the screen to bend, so that the screen can be unfolded more completely. Using multiple aerospace materials, the hinge is lighter and stronger, and will also be able to fold more than 300,000 times. To improve the user unlock experience, vivo X Fold has added 3D ultrasonic dual-screen fingerprint technology, which is better than side fingerprint unlocking.

The Bigger The Better: AMOLED screen, OLED Panels, You Name It! 

It is rumored that the vivo X Fold will have an 8-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED display with a high refresh rate. It will also come up with OLED panels, big RAM and ROM storage. The vivo X Fold is said to have 80W fast wired charging and 50W wireless charging to get you running again in a few minutes without worrying about your battery getting drained. The device will also run on latest Android's OS, Funtouch OS 12. 

 

With all these speculations circulating around, many are excited about how vivo will change the folding smartphone industry. We can only use the new technology it will offer in the next few days, so make sure you hit that update button for more updates!