Category: Tech

  • Enjoy ease and convenience of voice control with the Venu 2 Plus health and fitness GPS smartwatch by Garmin

    Enjoy ease and convenience of voice control with the Venu 2 Plus health and fitness GPS smartwatch by Garmin
    Train effectively and move stylishly with Garmin’s Venu 2 Plus that boasts an all-new streamlined case and built-in intelligent voice control.

    Garmin Philippines announced the arrival of Venu 2 Plus GPS smartwatch in the country. Garmin’s latest offering lets users take calls, access  their compatible smartphone’s voice assistant to send texts, control compatible smart home devices and more. These voice-controlled functionalities join the robust suite of health, wellness and fitness features of Garmin’s Venu 2 Series. With a bright AMOLED display and battery life of up to nine days, the Venu 2 Plus is a direct line to wellbeing for active Filipinos. 

    “To support Filipinos’ drive to have a more active lifestyle where multi-tasking is crucial, Garmin presents a smartwatch that can give users the ability to answer calls or send texts without digging through their pocket or bag,” said Garmin Asia Director Scoppen Lin. “Garmin lets its user focus on their workout with the Venu 2 Plus’ on-device voice capabilities, on top of the signature features that the popular Venu 2 series is known for.”  

    Here’s what’s new for the Venu 2 Plus:

    • Phone calls from the wrist: Users can make and take phone calls with the press of a button. 
    • Voice assistant control: Compatible with Siri, Google Assistant or Bixby, users can utilize their smartphone’s voice assistant to send texts, ask questions, control compatible smart home devices and more. 

    All-day health monitoring

    The Venu 2 Plus dials into wellbeing with the broadest range of 24/7 health monitoring features available, including: heart rate (with user-configurable alerts for high or low readings2), advanced sleep with sleep score and insights by Firstbeat AnalyticsTM, breathwork activities, fitness age, respiration, Pulse Ox, all-day stress, hydration, and women’s health (menstrual cycle tracking and pregnancy tracking). Body BatteryTM energy monitoring shows users how “charged” their body is, as well as the draining effects of stress and exercise. Health SnapshotTM logs a two-minute window of key health stats and generates a report users can share with a health care provider; a great tool for capturing physiological data anytime you’re feeling off your baseline. 

    Enjoy ease and convenience of voice control with the Venu 2 Plus health and fitness GPS smartwatch by Garmin
    The Venu 2 Plus lets one focus on their workout as the device handles the rest – intelligent voice control support, multiple professional training programs and 9-day battery life.

    Customized fitness 

    The Venu 2 Plus pulls in all of the latest fitness features recently introduced on the Venu 2 series including over 25 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps with favorites that include walking, running, HIIT, cycling, pool swimming, Pilates, yoga, indoor climbing, hiking, advanced strength training with muscle map DC 

    Preloaded workouts can also be found on the watch and preset workouts are available for download from Garmin ConnectTM app on user’s smartphone. Customizable workouts may be created by choosing from over 1,400 exercises. The Venu 2 Plus has more than 75 preset animated workouts that demonstrate proper form and technique in Garmin Connect and on the wrist. Whether training for a 5K or longer, the device is compatible with Garmin Coach free adaptive training plans. 

    Safety and tracking

    The Venu 2 Plus also includes Garmin’s safety and tracking features such as automatic incident detection (during outdoor walks, runs or rides)3 and manually triggered assistance alerts, both of which send a message with the user’s location to their emergency contacts. LiveTrack lets friends and family track the user’s outdoor activity3. Users can also assign a designated emergency contact that the Venu 2 Plus can call, such as local emergency services. 

    Smart features on the wrist

    The Venu 2 Plus keeps the essentials on the wrist with built-in music (download up to 650 songs including playlists from Spotify®, Amazon Music, and Deezer4), and smart notifications for calls, texts, calendar reminders, social media updates, breaking news stories and more3. Users may personalize the Venu 2 Plus with apps, watch faces and more available to download from the Connect IQTM store. Unlike many other smartwatches, the Venu 2 Plus can be used with either Android or Apple® smartphones. 

    Designed for all-day wear 

    • The Venu 2 Plus has a 43mm watch case, stainless steel bezel and hardware, and a comfortable, 20mm industry-standard quick release silicone band. Mix and match bands and bezels. 
    • It boasts a durable Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 touchscreen AMOLED display with optional, always-on mode.
    • The Venu 2 Plus is powered by an impressive battery life that lasts up to 9 days in smartwatch mode and up to 8 hours in GPS + Music mode.
    • It is capable of rapid battery recharge with 10 minutes of charging which adds up to one day of smartwatch mode battery life or one hour of GPS + music battery life. Users may extend the time further with battery saver mode.
    Enjoy ease and convenience of voice control with the Venu 2 Plus health and fitness GPS smartwatch by Garmin
    The Venu 2 Plus is now available in the Philippines for only PHP 25,695 in  Black, Ivory and Powder Gray color variants. 

    Don’t miss out on Garmin’s special promotion! The first 75 customers can get a free Garmin Tote Bag for every purchase of Garmin Venu 2 Plus watch for only PHP 25,695. The device is available in Black, Ivory and Powder Gray at Garmin Brand Stores, kinetic.com.ph, Lazada, Shopee and Garmin PH Viber Community.

    The Venu 2 Plus was recognized at the recently concluded CES 2022 global tech-event as an Innovation Awards honoree. Find out more information about this new product through its minisite. Visit the Garmin’s virtual pressroom for updates and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and subscribe to us on YouTube. 

    Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized the wellness industry. Committed to developing wearables and health measurement tools that help people of all activity levels lead healthier lives, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. 

    1 This is not a medical device and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition; see Garmin.com/ataccuracy. Pulse Ox not available in all countries.
    2  See Garmin.com/ataccuracy
    3 When paired with a compatible smartphone. For safety and tracking features requirements and limitations, see Garmin.com/safety.
    4 May require premium subscription by a third-party music provider 
    5 View current supported country, payment network and issuing bank information.  

  • 10 Best Nintendo Switch Games to Make The Most of Those Joycons

    Last October, Nintendo rolled out the OLED version of the Nintendo Switch to join its standard and Lite versions and to further cater to gamers’ varying needs from a console. And it looks like the Switch will just get better from here; after all, since its release in 2017, the success of Nintendo’s handheld console really proved to be a gamechanger, taking the portability of video games to the next level.

    If you’ve finally decided to join the growing community of Nintendo Switch users, or are just trying to expand the library of games on your device, then you’re probably on the lookout for some Switch games that are worth your time and money. If so, you don’t need to look far. Here’s a list of some of the best games that you should definitely play if you have a Switch!

    1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

    The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild showcases the peak of the Nintendo Switch’s potential. It takes players to the vast, open-world Hyrule where the iconic characters of The Legend of Zelda franchise reside. Embark on a journey across Hyrule’s beautiful and barren lands, climb its frozen mountains and flaming volcanoes, glide from its highest peaks in this open-world game that gives the players immense freedom. As Link, it is your quest to help Princess Zelda defeat the darkness from the evil Calamity Ganon and bring back the peace in Hyrule. The sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is also expected to be released this 2022.

    Download it here

    2. Super Mario Odyssey

    Mario is one of Nintendo’s most popular characters, if not the most popular. For the Nintendo Switch, the mustached plumber also got a triple-A game that takes the Super Mario gameplay to the next level. In this sandbox-style 3D game, you join Mario and his new ally Cappy on a globe-trotting adventure where you can capture and control a variety of objects, animals, and even enemies, as you explore incredible new places far from the Mushroom Kingdom. Collect Power Moons to fuel the Odyssey airship and save Princess Peach from Bowser! The game also allows you to play with a friend where one of you plays Mario and the other plays the fun Cappy!

    Download it here

    3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

    Animal Crossing: New Horizons is another must-have game for the Nintendo Switch, especially for those who want to just relax and enjoy playing with their console. Inhabit a deserted island and build a community from the ground up. Have a soothing island getaway where you can garden, fish, catch insects, befriend islanders, hang out with your friends, and so much more! With all the available tools, the possibilities seem limitless when it comes to decorating and putting a personal touch on your paradise! Nintendo also continues to release updates and DLCs for the players to expand their game with.

    Download it here

    ALSO READ
    7 Games Like ‘Animal Crossing’ If You Don’t Have a Switch

    4. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    The ultimate crossover of video game icons, Super Smash Bros. is an epic fighting game that you and your friends can totally enjoy. Packed with characters like Mario, Link, Kirby, Pikachu, Cloud Strife, Sonic, and Ryu just to name a few, Super Smash Bros. offers plenty of battle action with stages that can cater to up to eight players! Make your couch the next arena for a legendary competition with your pals! More characters are also being added to the roster via DLC.

    Download it here

    5. Pokémon Sword and Shield

    Like Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda, the beloved Nintendo game franchise Pokémon also received an upgrade in the form of Pokémon Sword and Shield. Choose from the three starters: Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble, and begin your journey as a newbie trainer in the immersive 3D landscapes of the Galar Region. Challenge the troublemakers of Team Yell, unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta, and utilize the new power of Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon to become the next champion! Of course, always aim to catch them all!

    Download it here

    6. Luigi’s Mansion 3

    It’s Luigi’s moment to step up and save everyone in Luigi’s Mansion 3! The green-clad plumber has been invited to the Last Resort Hotel, but when his brother and friends go missing, it is up to Luigi to save the day. Explore the creaky and creepy floors of the hotel, fight spooky ghosts with the all-new Poltergust G-00, and join forces with the green and gooey Gooigi to solve puzzling contraptions and defeat the bosses of each themed floor! Up to 8 players can also play together to ascend the ScareScraper via local wireless or online.

    Download it here

    7. Monster Hunter Rise

    Whether you’re a fan of the Monster Hunter franchise or a newbie hunter, Monster Hunter Rise is definitely worth checking out for the Switch. Jump into the ninja-inspired village of Kamura where you, alongside your canine companion Palamute, go on a quest to become the ultimate hunter. Aside from its new environments and monsters, MH: Rise also introduces the high-flying ‘Wire Action’ gameplay which adds an exciting new layer to its combative gameplay.

    Download it here

    8. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

    Like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the ideal couch game for up to four friends. The game features every track of the Mario Kart 8 on Wii U, including the DLC, plus new battle courses where you can race and crash your friends’ karts! Aside from returning favorites such as King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr., the Inklings of Splatoon are also joining in on the fun!

    Download it here

    9. Hades

    One of the best video game releases of 2020, the indie video game Hades has found gamers’ respect that levels with Nintendo’s own triple-A games. In this rogue-like, hack-and-slash game, you play the Prince of the Underworld, Zagreus, who defies his father Hades and tries to escape the realm crawling with mythical monsters. Upgrade your weapons, grasp the power of Olympus, and discover the rich stories you can only find in the Underworld.

    Download it here

    10. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition

    From the beloved Dragon Quest series, this game hails you as the Luminary– the hunted hero who must protect the kingdom of Erdrea from destruction. Join a ragtag group of adventurers, forge your gear, level up your party members’ skills, and engage in epic turn-based battles as you travel across the kingdom. This version also lets you change between HD and 16-bit graphics, giving everyone a kick of nostalgia for long-time fans of the series.

    Download it here

    Honorable Mentions

    Looking for more video games to play? Check out our latest video game lists. Stay in the loop and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

    ALSO READ
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  • 15 New Video Games We’re Pumped Up to Play This 2022

    The year has only begun, but the future is already bright for all kinds of gamers– whether they own a PlayStation, Xbox, PC, or Nintendo Switch. After all, 2022 marks the arrival of some of the most awaited games across different consoles such as Elden Ring, God of War: Ragnarok, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sequel.

    If you’re wondering which other video games are set for release this year, our latest list has you covered! Below are some of the titles we just can’t wait to get our hands on this year!

    Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction (January 20)

    PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, XBox One, XBox Series X/S, and Google Stadia

    This Rainbow Six spinoff offers a co-op tactical gameplay perfect for friends who love first-person shooter games. When the Chimera parasite that caused the Outbreak in New Mexico turned up in different US areas, the Rainbow Exogenous Analysis & Containment Team (REACT) organization was formed to combat its spread. As part of REACT, your mission is to find out more about the parasite and the creatures it has spawned to save the world’s future.

    Pokemon Legends: Arceus (January 28)

    Nintendo Switch & Nintendo Switch Lite

    The beloved game franchise is taking it to the next level with Pokemon Legends: Arceus— a 3D open-world game that’s set in a long-gone era of the Sinnoh Region. Survey, catch, and research familiar and new Pokemons to complete the very first Pokedex!

    Dying Light 2: Stay Human (February 4)

    PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, XBox One, & XBox Series X/S

    Set 20 years after the events of Dying Light, this sequel puts you in the shoes of a parkour expert who uses his skills to get around the City, not only plagued by zombies but is also torn by conflicts by its remaining survivors. Hone your skills, create allies, take down foes, and find the truth behind your memories. The fate of the City is in your hands.

    Horizon Forbidden West (February 18)

    PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5

    The sequel to the popular game Horizon Zero Dawn brings back Aloy, the young Nora Tribe huntress who lives in a world plagued by mechanical beasts. When a mysterious plague kills everything in its path, Aloy must venture into the deadly Forbidden West to find its source and stop its spread.

    Elden Ring (February 25)

    PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, XBox One, & XBox Series X/S

    Elden Ring follows the Tarnished who were exiled from the Lands Between. As one of the Tarnished, your quest is to seek the Great Runes– remnants of the Elden Ring and brandish its power to become the next Elden Lord of the Lands Between.

    Gran Turismo 7 (March 4)

    PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5

    Fans of racing games are also in for a treat with the upcoming arrival of Gran Turismo 7. The real driving simulator offers over 420 cars, over 90 track routes, and a staggering collection of gaming modes. Buy, tune, race, and hone your skills to unlock more cars and challenges in the seventh installment of the famous racing game!

    Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands (March 25)

    PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, XBox One, & XBox Series X

    A spin-off of the Borderlands game franchise, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands takes players to a high fantasy world full of whimsy and wonder, courtesy of the unpredictable Tiny Tina. Roll your multiclass hero and loot, shoot, slash, and cast your way through monstrous dungeons on a quest to stop the tyrranical Dragon Lord.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-RAqyHU48M

    STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl (April 28)

    PC and XBox Series X/S

    The sequel to the award-winning, post-apocalyptic shooting game takes you to the heart of Chernobyl Exclusion Zone which is now filled with violent mutants, deadly anomalies, and warring factions. As a lone stalker, you get to explore a 64-km² open world, choose from over 30 weapons with various modifications, and create allies and foes to survive the radioactive zone.

    God of War: Ragnarok (2022)

    PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5

    In preparation for the prophesied war that will end the world, Kratos and Atreus must journey into the Nine Realms, gathering allies and facing fearsome foes that include Norse gods and monsters, but the threat of Ragnarok will have them choosing between the safety of the realms and the safety of their family.

    The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Sequel (2022)

    Nintendo Switch & Nintendo Switch Lite

    Another much-awaited sequel, Nintendo’s Breath of the Wild sequel brings players back to the vast open world of Hyrule, now faced with an even bigger threat. The teaser for the game also reveals Link’s new abilities, new forms of foes, and more breathtaking views that the game is known for.

    MultiVersus (2022)

    PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, XBox One, & XBox Series X/S

    The biggest video game crossover of the year, MultiVersus from Warner Bros. gathers popular characters from different media and pits them against each other in a fighting game. Some of the characters include Adventure Time‘s Finn and Jake, Game of Thrones‘ Arya Stark, Scooby-Doo‘s Shaggy, Justice League superheroes, and more!

    Bayonetta 3 (2022)

    Nintendo Switch & Nintendo Switch Lite

    When mysterious life forms that appear to be neither angel nor demon create further chaos on the streets, the ever-graceful Bayonetta arrives with her guns, her signature Witch Time power, and her new Demon Masquerade ability to end their frenzy.

    Gotham Knights (2022)

    PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, XBox One, & XBox Series X

    In DC’s new open-world action RPG, Gotham is left without its protector after Batman’s demise. The Batman Family, which consists of Nightwing, Batgirl, Red Hood, and Robin, will then have to step up to take his place, especially now that a new criminal underworld is clawing its reach across the city streets.

    Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League (2022)

    PC, PlayStation 5, and XBox Series X/S

    Gamers can also enter the world of DC as its iconic villains from the Suicide Squad. Set in Metropolis, you get to play characters like Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, and King Shark in a war against invading aliens and the Justice League superheroes who are now determined to destroy the city they once vowed to protect.

    Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (2022)

    PC, PlayStation 5, XBox Series X/S, and Google Stadia

    Immerse into Ubisoft’s upcoming video game that’s based on James Cameron’s hit film Avatar. In this first person, action-adventure game, you play as Na’vi who must embark on a journey across a never-before-seen part of Pandora– the Western Frontier. Explore a world filled with unique creatures, meet new characters, and thwart the threat brought by the RDA forces.

    Looking for more games to play on your favorite gadgets? Check out more of our video game lists.

  • 15 Building & Farming Games on iOS & Android That will Soothe You with Progress

    There are games we enjoy due to the adrenaline-pumping action. There are also titles that capture our interest with a captivating story. And there are games that are just fun to play for a minute or two. Then there are the building and farming simulators— games that get us hooked with their progressive gameplay. Growing a small town or a patch of land and seeing them turn into a bustling metropolis or an abundant farm really feeds us with satisfaction, that’s why many of us just can’t stop playing!

    If you’re into such games, and you prefer your phone as a handheld console, then worry not! On this list, we’ve rounded up some awesome mobile games that involve satisfying building and farming mechanics!

    Stardew Valley

    Android (P235) | iOS ($249)

    Stardew Valley is an open-world pixel farming game that will keep you occupied not just with sowing seeds and reaping crops, but also with combat, crafting, fishing, and the construction of your farm buildings. You also get to befriend the villagers and start a family, making this farm simulator more satisfying as you progress throughout the game.

    Townsmen

    Android | iOS (Free)

    Townsmen has been around even before smartphones, and yet it continues to fetch players who’ll get addicted to its gameplay. You start off with a small village with the goal of turning it into a thriving medieval empire. To do so, you have to strategically place buildings, have your people fetch resources, and survive dangers by constructing defensive towers to protect your citizens.

    Fallout Shelter

    Android | iOS (Free)

    Here’s a strategic building game that’s post-apocalyptic but fun to play! In this game, you’re in control of an underground Vault that you have to maintain and expand to meet your dwellers’ needs for survival. Aside from survival, you can also help your dwellers live a full life despite being inside a bunker by giving them the ideal jobs and leading them to their happiness.

    Pocket City

    Android | iOS (Free)

    Pocket City is a city-building game that lets you witness the expansion and progression of your city. As mayor, you get to build residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, as well as parks and recreational spots. To add some spice to your gameplay, there are also wild disasters and crimes that could create chaos to your city, so be ready to rebuild are recover.

    Dungeon Village

    Android (P159) | iOS (P249)

    Here’s a medieval fantasy adventure infused with building mechanics from Kairosoft! Grow your village by building the necessary establishments to turn it into a mecca for the strongest adventurers and summon them to defeat monsters, clear dungeons, and secure treasures for you! You can also check out more Kairosoft games if you like management and building sims.

    Clash of Clans

    Android | iOS (Free)

    Clash of Clans is a medieval strategy game that offers exciting PvP battles. Build your village, raise troops of Barbarians, Wizards, and other types of fighters, and join clans to participate in epic Clan Wars! But don’t let your guard down, your village must also be ready from attacks!

    Harvest Town

    Android | iOS (Free)

    Here’s another farming sim that’s similar to Stardew Valley, offering high freedom to its players. You play the character of someone who grew up on a farm and moved to the city only to grow old with regrets. You then wake up young again on the farm you missed so much, and this time, you get to live your life sowing seeds, harvesting crops, fishing, exploring caverns, and so much more.

    Minecraft

    Android (P360) | iOS (P349)

    Minecraft is perhaps the most popular building game out there. From PC, the game has also jumped to mobile devices bringing convenient access for its creative and adventurous players anytime, anywhere. Play in Creative Mode, where your imagination can roam free as you build with unlimited resources, or pick Survival Mode where you have to mine for powerful weapons that will protect you from the world’s dangers.

    Terraria

    Android (P260) | iOS (P249)

    Like Minecraft, Terraria is a sandbox game with a pixel side-scroller approach. Besides allowing the players to build their kingdom from the ground up, the game also offers a vast world for you to explore, which has over 20 biomes and mini-biomes, over 400 foes to fight, and so much more! If you’re into action as well as building games, then Terraria is a must-try title on mobile!

    Bit City

    Android | iOS (Free)

    Grow your tiny town into a bustling city in this idle game with an eye-catching low-poly look. As you gain more profit, you get to upgrade your buildings, add more vehicles, and construct iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower. You can even expand your domain to space!

    My Time at Portia

    This open-world 3D game takes you to the charming land of Portia. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the game puts you in the shoes of a builder who must restore the glory of human civilization by what you do best– crafting and building! As you grow into a seasoned builder, you even get to bond with the NPCs, create a circle of friends, and find romance!

    SimCity BuildIt

    Android | iOS (Free)

    When it comes to simulation games, EA’s The Sims franchise is one of the most popular out there. Their SimCity line, which actually preceded the Sims games, is also popular to fans, and for those wanting to play it anywhere, SimCity BuildIt is the game to pick up. Design a beautiful city, recreate famous cities like London and Tokyo, and battle against monsters and fellow Mayors to keep the peace in your city.

    Tour of Neverland

    Android | iOS (Free)

    Tour of Neverland is an adorable 3D farming game on mobile that’s quite similar to Nintendo’s Animal Crossing. The game tasks you to run your own tropical island, starting with a small plot of land and a few seeds to plant. As you progress, you can begin expanding your farm, own more buildings, and access more features. You can also play co-op online.

    DomiNations

    Android | iOS (Free)

    Like Clash of Clans, here’s another strategic building game that involves wars against other players. Choose your nation, build an empire, and play through historic campaigns inspired by . Each of the eight nations– the Romans, British, Chinese, French, Germans, Japanese, Koreans and Greeks– have unique strengths and units you could use to your advantage to protect your nation and thrive.

    Harvest Moon: Light of Hope

    Android (P815) | iOS (P749)

    Harvest Moon is one of the pioneers in farming simulators. In Light of Hope, you are on a voyage to start a new life when a monsoon sinks your ship and you find yourself stuck in a harbor town that was also devastated by the storm. Now it’s up to you to rebuild the town by playing through Harvest Moon’s classic gameplay, which involves growing crops, tending to your livestock, befriending the NPCs, and so much more!

    Looking for more games to play on your favorite gadgets? Check out more of our video game lists.