Gaming Updates : iOS 26: Here's What You Can Do With Apple's New Games Ap

Source : 

https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-26-games-app/

ChatGPT : 

Apple’s new Games app in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe expands the gaming experience by turning the Games tab in the App Store into a full-featured app. Key features include:

- Home Tab: Personalized game suggestions, “Continue Playing,” friend activities, and curated lists like top played games and new releases.

- Events: Showcases limited-time gameplay events and updates.

- Apple Arcade Tab: Dedicated section promoting the $6.99/month Apple Arcade subscription with recommendations.

- Library Tab: Unified library of all games played across devices, showing achievements and quick access to content.

- Play Together Tab: Social hub for multiplayer games, friend lists, and a new Challenges feature for asynchronous competitive gameplay.

- Game Center Integration: More visible with achievements, friend invites, and real-time leaderboards.

- Game Mode: Overlay in Control Center offering quick access to leaderboards, invites, and game settings without leaving the game.

- Multiplayer: Easy invites with Party Codes and links, requiring all players to be on iOS 26+.

- Search & Profile: Improved game discovery and social interaction tools.

The app enhances social gaming on Apple devices but does not support cross-platform play with Android or other systems.

Opinion : 

I think it's a good time for a refreshed gaming app.

Missed the Game Center app days.

Rewards Updates : Terrible Twos: What now for family travel?

Source : 

https://milelion.com/2025/08/10/terrible-twos-what-now-for-family-travel/

ChatGPT : 

When a child turns two, they must have their own airline seat, ending the cheap 10% infant fare. Child fares are much higher—often 75–80% of adult prices—and full miles are needed for award seats, with few exceptions (Air France-KLM, TAP Portugal). Aaron Wong outlines four travel options:

1. All in Business Class – costly, rarely worth it for toddlers.

2. All in Economy – cheaper, but harder on long-hauls.

3. Split family seating – one parent in Business, others in Economy.

4. Avoid flying – opt for cruises or regional trips instead.

Opinion : 

Didn't know Milelion guy had a kid.

1 kid is easy to manage. 3 kids are when the real challenge is 😜

I've to opt economy for family of 6 travellers (3 adults, 3 kids). 

Just makes sense financially.

It's not so much about the airline experiences anymore, but the memories you create with your loved ones.

Gaming Updates : 8BitDo’s Pro 3 is a super customizable controller that’s too limited on Switch 2

Source : 

https://www.theverge.com/reviews/755307/8bitdo-pro-3-controller-review-pc-nintendo-switch-2

ChatGPT : 

The 8BitDo Pro 3 ($69.99) is a highly customizable, comfortable controller with swappable face buttons, joystick caps, adjustable triggers, macro buttons, and improved TMR joysticks and Hall effect triggers. It works across many platforms via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz and includes a charging dock. While excellent for PC and multi-platform use, it’s limited on Switch 2—its rumble feels imprecise, and it can’t wake the console. It’s a worthwhile upgrade from the Pro 2 for most users, but Switch 2 players may prefer the official Pro controller.

Opinion : 

I've 3 x 8BitDo Pro 2 controllers. They work well with my iMac, Macbook and iPads.

This brand is good and can be made with purchases via Shopee, Lazada.

Investing Updates : Weekly Earnings Preview: Grab rewards by guessing the market winner!

Source : 

https://www.moomoo.com/community/feed/weekly-earnings-preview-grab-rewards-by-guessing-the-market-winner-114990918205853

ChatGPT : 

From Aug 11–15, companies including BigBear.ai, Sea, Circle, CoreWeave, and Tencent will release earnings. Moomoo invites users to view its earnings and economic calendars, then guess which stocks will perform best for a chance to win rewards. The preview encourages tracking market reactions to these reports.

Opinion : 

Market's too bullish.

Hoping for some pullback 😛

Rewards Updates : PSA: HealthHub and Health Buddy now coding as MCC 9399 on some cards

Source : 

https://milelion.com/2025/08/10/psa-healthhub-and-health-buddy-now-coding-as-mcc-9399-on-some-cards/

ChatGPT : 

HealthHub and Health Buddy payments with Citi Rewards Mastercard/Visa are now coding as MCC 9399 (Government Services), making them ineligible for rewards. Previously, they coded as MCC 8099 (Medical Services), allowing up to 4 mpd. DBS Woman’s World Card transactions still code as 8099, with points awarded, and NUHS app remains unaffected for all cards. The MCC change may be issuer-specific, so other cards can still earn 1.2–2 mpd. Users are advised to check MCC before paying, using tools like HeyMax, Instarem, or DBS Digibot.

Opinion : 

MCC code management is such a chore.

We're so high tech in many areas.

We need transparency of this through the apps.

Technology Updates : From Selfie to Sticker: How I Designed My Own Whatsapp Cute Chibi Sticker with ChatGPT

Source : 

https://goods-wanderers.blogspot.com/2025/07/from-selfie-to-sticker-how-i-designed.html

ChatGPT : 

With AI tools like ChatGPT, anyone can create cute personalised chibi WhatsApp stickers without drawing skills. The process: take a selfie, upload it to ChatGPT with a prompt for 12 chibi expressions and matching outfit, crop the images, then use the Sticker Studio app to cut and save them into sticker packs. The author made stickers for herself and family, noting they’re fast to create and highly customisable. She recommends ChatGPT for best results, as other AI tools produced less appealing designs.

Opinion : 

Nice how to do guide.

Technology Updates : OpenAI launches GPT-5 free to all ChatGPT users

Source : 

https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/08/openai-launches-gpt-5-free-to-all-chatgpt-users/

ChatGPT : 

OpenAI has launched GPT-5 and its variants (Pro, Mini, Nano), calling it its “best AI yet” with fewer errors, better coding, and ‘safe completions’ for sensitive queries.

Key points:

- Free access for all ChatGPT users (with limits); Plus and Pro get higher or unlimited use. GPT-5 Pro replaces o3-pro.

- Simulated reasoning now available to free users for improved logical/analytical answers.

- Capabilities: best coding model (74.9% SWE-bench), strong in math, multimodal, medical queries (with disclaimers).

- Accuracy: up to 80% fewer factual errors vs. o3; reduced sycophancy from 14.5% to <6%.

- New features: custom chat colors, preset personalities, Gmail/Google Calendar/Contacts integration (Pro), unified “Advanced Voice,” and safe completions instead of hard refusals.

- Developer API: 256k-token context, cheaper Mini/Nano tiers, new tools like free-form function calling and reasoning effort control.

- Rollout: replaces GPT-4o, o3, o4-mini, 4.1, 4.5; enterprise/education access next week; old voice mode retired in 30 days.

Opinion : 

Fascinating.

Note to children - You need to run your life like a GPT 😆

Portfolio Updates

Estimates from Yahoo Finance tracker

Portfolio link : 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕆𝕟𝕝𝕪 𝕃𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕆𝕟𝕔𝕖, 𝔽𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝕆𝕗 𝕄𝕚𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕆𝕦𝕥 𝟙𝟘𝟙: Portfolio & Tools

It's been a while since my last portfolio updates.

Well... it's targeted to be simple so there shouldn't be many updates to begin with 😄

The goal is always the same. To achieve 1m - 1.5m from 55++ and convert most to dividends/interest payments in late life to fund retirement.

Let's brief through what's happened so far.

Portfolio Updates : 

On equities market, I've continued to DCA into VWRA bringing it closer to the target 60% allocation. But market has been hitting ATH frequently since liberation day, and so the logical steps were to top up allocations to "decent valued" CFA, CLR which I did a few times.

On crypto market, I've exchanged my remaining DOT to ETH when Altseason had a mini bull run. Turned out it was a wise move 😋. I'm left with BTC (70%), ETH (20%), ADA (5%), USDC (5%). I transferred more to Aave for USDC staking as the rates got better.

On cpf updates, I've added more into POEMs Amundi world etf. Endowus has not responded to POEMs entry into CPF OA investing. Perhaps the client shift is not significant.

On T-bills, bonds and cash mgt, I'm still replacing the expired T-bills monthly. The interest low is pretty low and so there's no need to add additional funds.

Overall, this portfolio is performing closely to the average S&P500 returns. Looking to streamline further over time (45, 50, 55, 60 age) to < 12 holdings.

Rewards Updates : 

On referrals, I've received more referrals from MooMoo, Interactive Brokers, etc. Thanks everyone for your contributions 😀. I'm still using mainly seedly, reddits for spamming referrals and social engagements to get referrals. This is the best setup for now as my time is in a balanced manner between family, hobbies and money making.

LifeStyle Updates : 

Nothing ground-breaking happening 😉

Same old 3 kids.

Same old football, tennis, video games and jogging hobbies.

Perhaps the biggest change is I've started refreshing the wardrobe due to wear and tear issues. There's many clothing that are worn from 5 to 10 years. Very loose, dropping all the time, etc. 😂

Food Updates : Commentary: From prata to cars, vending machines are everywhere in Singapore

Source : 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/vending-machine-retail-future-medicine-cars-prata-blind-boxes-5277651

ChatGPT : 

Vending machines in Singapore have evolved beyond snacks to offer everything from roti prata to luxury cars, driven by demand for 24/7 convenience, low-cost retail, and self-service culture. Sales hit S$117 million in 2024, and are expected to rise further.

They work well for sealed, on-the-go products, but can’t replace the human touch needed for items requiring advice or experience—like skincare or tech gadgets. Upfront costs, maintenance, and lack of instant support are downsides.

Conclusion: Vending machines are a powerful retail tool, not a replacement. The future lies in hybrid models, blending convenience with personal service.

Opinion : 

Vending machine food is cool.

But fresh cooked food is still the best and healthier.

LifeStyle Updates : LG Subscribe comes to SG: Will you pay a monthly subscription to use your fridge or washing machine?

Source : 

https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/lifestyle/lg-subscribe-home-appliance-subscription-singapore-price-comparison

ChatGPT : 

LG has launched LG Subscribe, Singapore’s first home appliances subscription service, with a physical store at Suntec City. Customers can select appliances with no upfront payment, and instead pay a monthly fee over 3, 5, or 7 years. At the end of the contract, you own the product.

What sets LG Subscribe apart:

- Includes extended warranties (up to 7 years)

- Bundles regular maintenance and servicing

- Two care options:

- Self Care: DIY maintenance kits and consumables sent regularly

- LG Careship: In-person professional servicing

- Launch promo: Free 1-year Redmart+ membership (until 30 Sep 2025)

Example: For the LG Objet Tankless Water Purifier WD518AN, LG Subscribe costs more overall than retail, but includes warranty and filter costs, unlike traditional instalment plans.

Bottom line: You pay more, but get peace of mind through servicing and warranty coverage.

Opinion : 

Interesting concept.

It's probably worth a consideration if you're aiming for a real "atas" device.

If not, spoil, throw and replace is still practical? 😋