Computers

Explaining OLED screens and Dark Mode

Why that screen fits in the dark

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Most of the applications you’re currently using must have rolled out their own version of dark mode by now. The smooth transition from a light to dark interface can be done through a push of a button, or by sending the moon emoji on Messenger. A lot of people also find dark mode quite sexy, and that’s probably because of the screen they’re looking at.

A lot of newly released smartphones now have OLED screens, and dark mode seems to work best on such displays! But why is that? How do OLED panels allow dark mode to flourish?

Better, blacker, affordable screens

Organic LED (light-emitting diode) or OLED is essentially a kind of display technology. In a nutshell, OLED panels allow for better and clearer images and colors.

Thin layers of carbon fiber make up OLED screens. Because of these lightweight fibers, screens show brighter and more vibrant colors. Apart from that, OLED screens show deeper blacks and reduce instances of motion blur when navigating. The best part is that OLED screens are becoming gradually cheaper to manufacture. That explains why more and more of today’s smartphones use this panel.

More colorful than the rest

In comparison to regular LED screens of the past, OLED promises more accurate colors by producing light from individual pixels, instead of relying on backlighting. Back then, LCD screens relied heavily on the backlight of the display to make colors pop. Although, such displays also make the colors seem washed, especially when compared to OLED.

Image credit: Denise Chan

However, OLED’s colors don’t always turn out better than on LED and LCD screens. One such case is when you turn your screen’s brightness to its maximum, especially under strong daylight conditions. LED and LCD screens are designed to perform relatively better in color accuracy when your screen’s brightness is set to max. OLED screens were not designed for maximum brightness, so colors at that point would be saturated.

Which OLED is best?

There are two types of OLED technologies that currently exist: AMOLED and PMOLED. A lot of people hear AMOLED tossed around a lot because lots of smartphones use it. Essentially, AMOLED uses a storage capacitor that controls how much light each individual pixel will give off. It’s the one responsible for projecting all sorts of vibrant colors on most OLED smartphone screens. Apart from that, AMOLED screens do support wider resolutions at a more affordable and efficient rate.

PMOLED, on the other hand, does not have a storage capacitor and instead relies on user control. Essentially, the user will control lighting settings, and the individual pixels will adjust accordingly. You can find PMOLED screens on smaller devices like older iPods and pocket Wi-Fi devices. Take note that these screens use more power to implement such color changes.

Joining the dark side

Ever since dark mode rolled out for different apps and interfaces, people have been contemplating on switching to it — and for good reason. On normal LED or LCD screens, the new feature does not bode well with the technology. The depth of the black their dark mode possesses is not reflected well, to the point that the blacks look more gray than actual black. This is much more obvious when the screen’s brightness is turned all the way up.

Image credit: Mike Enerio

Aesthetically, dark mode looks better on OLED screens because of the technology’s emphasis on deeper blacks. Most OLED screens have capacitors that control light passing through each pixel, which also works for blacks and whites. As such, dark mode shows up deeper and blacker, which is the intended look compared to regular modes. But, there’s actually more to just aesthetics for this mode.

It’s also been proven that dark mode on OLED helps save your battery life. Google confirmed this at its Android Dev Summit, citing that on max brightness, blacks consume less power than all other colors. Individual pixels need less electricity to show blacks on screen, which results in lower power consumption through time. Note that Google got these findings through tests on their original Pixel smartphones and their own apps like YouTube.

What’s left for OLED and dark mode

Apps and operating systems are now starting to embrace or consider incorporating dark mode into their software. While apps like Twitter and YouTube introduced such an option early on, others are beginning to take notice. Of course, you’re gonna need the right screen to fully immerse yourself.

Image credit: Simone Dalmeri

It has been proven: OLED and dark mode are indeed a perfect match. But, it is entirely up to you whether you want to stay in the light or switch to the dark side.

Computers

TP-Link unveils first Philippine store

TP-Link’s connection with the Filipinos just got stronger!

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TP-Link

August 18, 2023 marks a monumental day for TP-Link.  The networking and connectivity solutions provider opens its first ever physical store in the Philippines. It’s located at SM City North Edsa. 

TP-Link eyes to better serve and connect to the Philippine market. They plan to do so by bringing their range of connectivity, smart home, and surveillance products directly to Filipinos.

The grand opening was attended by customers, media representatives, and tech enthusiasts. It’s a telltale sign of a bright path for the networking brand. It was packed with lots of promos and fun activities

Delving more into details, TP-Link’s first ever local store has a variety of products readily available as of typing. From their high-performance WiFi mesh systems to their smart home products such as robot vacuum and mop, smart bulbs, smart plugs, and even to their surveillance cameras – both for homes and businesses, can be purchased readily at the store. Moreover, customers can also find products from TP-Link’s sub-brands, Tapo and VIGI.

Faster and wider connection

TP-Link’s Archer AX11000, designed to handle demanding gaming connectivity. It is a paragon of a powerful Wi-Fi system offering speedy and consistently reliable performance to your whole home. It leaves no room for dead spots. Meanwhile, Deco X95 is a high-performance mesh system that delivers faster speeds, improved capacity, and reduced network congestion. There are also other routers to go for if for your other needs and you can check them out yourself in their store or visit their website.

Security and safety at its finest

Zooming in on home security, the Tapo 325WB offers HD video surveillance with 1080p resolution and advanced night vision capabilities. This makes it a versatile and feature-rich security system. There also lies Tapo C225 that packs a handful of useful features. These are Physical Privacy Mode, Smart AI Detection and Notification, Smart Motion and Tracking, and many more! 

On the other hand, consumers may also take their business security to a new and more advanced level with the VIGI C540-W powerful outdoor pan tilt network camera, providing 4MP full-color surveillance to cover every corner flexibly.

Smart Home

Furthermore, TP-Link also offers a variety of products that will make your daily living more convenient and smarter. For one, the Tapo L530E is a smart Wi-Fi light bulb that lets you customize its brightness, light temperature, and colors–with 16,000,000 hues to choose from. All of which can be done within your fingertips!

That’s not all, there are also other amazing smart home products such as TP-Link’s Robot Vacuum & Mop, Smart plugs, and more.

The future of TP-Link in The Philippines

With a resoundingly positive reception from both customers and media, TP-Link is brimming with excitement and unwavering confidence in the boundless potential of its brand within the Filipino market. The remarkable enthusiasm and visible support exhibited by Filipino consumers during its opening last Friday is a great start for the networking solutions pioneer.

As for future branches, TP-Link says that while there are no set details about expanding to other locations, it’s definitely well-considered and is included in their future plans. As of now, TP-Link is focused on providing exceptional products and customer service.

And oh, watch out because promos are definitely coming!

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Accessories

Samsung Singapore launches ViewFinity S9 5K monitor

Stunning visuals

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ViewFinity S9

Samsung Singapore has announced the launch of the new ViewFinity S9 5K monitor that is optimized for professionals in the creative and visual industries.

A 2023 CES Innovation Award winner, the ViewFinity S9 provides top-notch visuals and lifelike colors, and versatile connectivity when needed.

Here are the display’s specs in a nutshell:

  • 27-inch screen with 5,120 x 2,880 resolution
  • 99% DCI-P3 coverage
  • 600cd/m2 brightness for any lighting environment
  • Delta E <21 color accuracy
  • TUV-certified Intelligent Eye Care

The ViewFinity S9’s display is 50% larger than most UHD monitors and provides exceptional clarity so professionals can work on ultra high-resolution content with accuracy.

The monitor comes with a smart calibration feature that allows users to make adjustments straight from a smartphone.

Mac and Windows PC users also benefit from the ViewFinity S9’s easy connectivity features. It has an assortment of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 and mini DisplayPort inputs in addition to USB-C.

The device is also equipped with a 4K SlimFit camera so it can be utilized for video-conferencing calls; it connects wirelessly so users won’t have to worry about extra wires or cables.

Pricing, availability, preorders

Preorders for the ViewFinity S9 is now open until August 27 before it retails with general availability the next day starting at SG$ 2,288.

Customers who preorder will get a complimentary portable SSD T7 Shield 4T in black worth SG$ 488.

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Computers

MSI releases Mini PCs Cubi and PRO DP series

Revolutionizing compact computing

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MSI Mini PC Cubi series

MSI has released its Mini PC lineup, featuring the Cubi 5, Cubi N, PRO DP10, and PRO DP21 series devices.

Power in a compact package

The Cubi 5 and Cubi N offer remarkable power in just compact packages; they are equipped with up to the latest Intel Core i7 processors.

Particularly, the Cubi 5 boasts an extensive range of connectivity options such as Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort.

The series also features Dual Ethernet ports (separate internet and intranet) to improve network security. It comes with a reliable backup to be activated if one port fails.

The Cubi series’ design also allows the devices’ memory and storage to be easily upgradeable.

Astonishingly powerful, surprisingly small

Meanwhile, the PRO DP10 and PRO DP21 come in compact designs with support for maximized productivity and efficiency.

They come with an exclusive MSI Cloud Center software, a wide range of ports for up to four displays on the PRO DP10, and up to eight USB ports on the PRO DP21.

Enhanced security

Lastly, MSI’s Mini PC product line comes with a top-notch security design, featuring TPM 2.0, Kensington Lock, VESA mountable design, and MSI Cloud Center.

The MSI Cloud Center enables secure data transfer between MSI’s Mini PCs and smartphones. It then creates a backup of all photos and videos to a storage location of the user’s choice.

The Cloud Center also ensures files will not be shared on any other servers.

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