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Steam Controller price leaks at $99.99 ahead of expected announcement

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A new leak thanks to a review video that has been posted early has revealed more details about Valve’s upcoming Steam Controller, including its price and first impressions.

Steam Controller price and release timeline

Based on the leak, the Steam Controller is expected to be priced at US$99.99. This places it above popular controllers like the Xbox Core and DualSense, but still below most pro-grade controllers.

The Steam Controller continues to focus on its dual trackpad system, a feature that most Steam Deck users love. It is designed to provide more precise control for PC gaming and for navigation. The right trackpad functions as a cursor, while the left trackpad is used for scrolling and navigation.

Valve has also introduced TMR thumbsticks, which are designed to reduce or eliminate stick drift while offering smoother movement. The controller also features a larger and more tactile D-pad compared to the previous generation.

In terms of ergonomics, the controller is reported to be comfortable to hold during extended use. However, it lacks rubber grips on the handles, which may affect grip during longer or more intense gaming sessions according to the early review video

Steam Controller positioning

With its US$99.99 price point, the Steam Controller sits between mainstream and premium or pro-grade gaming controllers. The inclusion of dual trackpads and additional inputs may justify the cost for PC gamers looking for more control options.

realme 16 Series 5G now available for pre-order in the Philippines, starts at PHP 25,999

realme Philippines has officially launched the realme 16 Series 5G in the Philippines. The smartphone series brings upgrades in camera, battery, and performance across three new models. The lineup includes the realme 16 Pro+ 5G, realme 16 Pro 5G, and realme 16 5G, all now available for pre-order nationwide.

realme 16 Series 5G features

The highlight of the realme 16 Series 5G is its camera system. The Pro models feature a 200MP Multi-focal LumaColor Camera System, while the realme 16 Pro+ 5G adds a 50MP 3.5x telephoto lens for more versatile shooting options.

For the base model, the realme 16 5G comes with a dual 50MP portrait camera system using a Sony IMX852 sensor, paired with a secondary portrait lens for depth and detail.

All models in the realme 16 Series 5G are equipped with a 7000mAh battery, designed for extended daily use. The Pro variants support 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging for quicker top-ups.

In terms of performance, the realme 16 Pro+ 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, while the realme 16 Pro 5G uses the Dimensity 7300 Max chipset. The realme 16 5G is equipped with the Dimensity 6400 Turbo, optimized for efficiency.

The Pro models feature AMOLED displays with up to 144Hz refresh rates and peak brightness of up to 6,500 nits, while the realme 16 5G comes with a 120Hz AMOLED display in a more compact form factor.

Durability is also a key feature, with the entire lineup rated IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K for dust and water resistance.

realme 16 Series 5G pre-order details in the Philippines

The realme 16 Series 5G is now available for pre-order from April 23 to 30 with the following pricing:

  • realme 16 5G (8GB+256GB) – PHP 25,999
  • realme 16 Pro 5G (8GB+256GB) – PHP 31,999
  • realme 16 Pro 5G (12GB+512GB) – PHP 37,999
  • realme 16 Pro+ 5G (12GB+512GB) – PHP 43,999

Customers who pre-order will receive freebies including realme Buds Air7 or realme Watch S2, a 5000mAh power bank, and a Privilege Card, along with discounts of up to PHP 2,000.

Online buyers can also take advantage of limited-time offers, including discounts and bundled items, bringing the realme 16 5G to as low as PHP 22,499 for select promos. The realme 16 Series 5G is available via realme stores and online platforms nationwide.

TECNO CAMON 50 Series highlights Earth Day Run Manila with over 15,000 participants

TECNO CAMON 50 Series took center stage at the Earth Day Run Manila 2026, held at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. The event drew more than 15,000 participants, making it the largest leg of the nationwide run organized by RUNRIO.

CAMON 50 Series features showcased at Earth Day Run Manila

At the event, TECNO demonstrated the features of the CAMON 50 Series, including its Super-Zoom FlashSnap feature. This is a technology is designed to capture fast-moving subjects, making it suitable for scenarios such as running events. The event was also attended by Sarah Geronimo, ambassador of the TECNO CAMON 50 Series.

Aside from the CAMON 50 Series, TECNO also introduced its wearable devices including the Watch NEO and FreeHear 2. These products were displayed during the event as part of the brand’s ecosystem of connected devices.

The CAMON 50 Series is expected to continue its rollout in the Philippines following its appearance at the event.

OPPO Find N6, Find X9 Ultra, and Find X9s now open for pre-order in the Philippines

The OPPO Find Series pre-order Philippines period officially begins as OPPO Philippines has opened pre-orders in the country for its latest Find Series smartphones including the OPPO Find N6, Find X9 Ultra, and Find X9s.      

Pre-orders started on April 24 via select OPPO brand stores nationwide, with exclusive perks available for early buyers.

OPPO Find N6 pre-order details

The OPPO Find N6 is a foldable flagship which most power users and people who wants productivity will love. It features a large 8.12-inch inner display paired with a secondary cover screen.

It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and comes with up to 16GB RAM and a 6000mAh battery. The device also features a crease-less foldable display design for a more seamless viewing experience and a flagship camera system led by a 200MP sensor.

Customers who pre-order the OPPO Find N6 will get a 1-year extended warranty along with additional perks depending on the purchase channel.

  • Price: PHP 139,999
  • Pre-order: Starting April 24
  • Availability: May 1 (telco partners), May 15 (retail and online)

OPPO Find X9 Ultra pre-order details

The OPPO Find X9 Ultra is built for creators and photography-focused users. It comes with a quad-camera system highlighted by a 200MP main camera along with telephoto lenses for zoom photography.

The smartphone features a 6.82-inch AMOLED display with up to 144Hz refresh rate and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. It also packs a large 7050mAh battery with 100W fast charging and 50W wireless charging.

Pre-orders include a Flagship Imaging Photography Box when purchased from select OPPO stores.

  • Price: PHP 99,999
  • Pre-order: Starting April 24
  • Availability: May 15

OPPO Find X9s pre-order offers and features

The OPPO Find X9s is designed for users who want a balanced flagship experience. It features a 50MP triple camera system with Hasselblad tuning and supports 4K video recording with Dolby Vision.

The smartphone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9500-series chipset and comes with a 6.5-inch class display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also packs a 7025mAh battery with fast charging for all-day usage.

Customers who pre-order the device will receive a Portable Power Gift Box along with additional online-exclusive bundles.

  • Price: PHP 69,999
  • Pre-order: Starting April 24
  • Availability: May 15

OPPO Find Series pre-order availability in the Philippines

Pre-orders are available through select OPPO brand stores nationwide, while full product listings will also be available via the OPPO Online Store and Shopee.

Nintendo Authorized Store Opening at SM Makati in May 2026

Filipino gamers, this is a big news for you. Nintendo is finally opening its first official retail store in the Philippines, and it’s happening at SM Makati this May 2026. The announcement was revealed through a teaser display in front of the location of the store featuring Mario, confirming the arrival of a Nintendo Authorized Store in the country.

First Permanent Nintendo Store in PH

For years, Filipino fans have relied on online stores, third party sellers, and pop-up events, but this is the first permanent brick-and-mortar Nintendo store locally. It is located at the Level 2 of SM Makati

What to Expect

While full details haven’t been revealed yet, fans can expect:

  • Demo zones for Nintendo games
  • Official merchandise from major franchises
  • Exclusive items and accessories
  • A dedicated gaming retail experience

The opening of a Nintendo Authorized Store at SM Makati ans that there’s a Nintendo’s stronger commitment to the Philippine market.

Source: SM Makati Facebook Page

OPPO Pad 5 Pro Now Official: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 13.2-inch Display, 13,380mAh Battery

OPPO has launched the Pad 5 Pro, flagship tablet powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and a large 13.2-inch high-resolution display. This flagship device is meant for users who wants a strong performance for work and gaming in a slim form factor.

Large 13.2-inch 144Hz Display

The OPPO Pad 5 Pro comes with a 13.2-inch LCD screen offering 3,392 x 2,400 resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. It reaches up to 1,000 nits brightness for clear visuals even in bright environments.

The tablet pairs the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS 4.1 storage. This setup can handle demanding games, apps, multitasking, and creative workflows.

There’s a massive 13,380mAh battery as well with support for 67W fast charging for quick recharges.

OPPO Pad 5 Pro Full Specifications

Feature Details
Display 13.2-inch LCD, 3,392 x 2,400, 144Hz, 1,000 nits
Processor Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
RAM Up to 16GB LPDDR5X
Storage 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.1
Rear Camera 13MP
Front Camera 8MP
Battery 13,380mAh
Charging 67W fast charging
Connectivity Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C
Audio Eight speakers
OS ColorOS 16 (Android 16)

Pricing and Availability

The OPPO Pad 5 Pro starts at CNY 4,299 (approximately PHP 38,000) and goes on sale April 24 in China. Global launch details are still pending.

OPPO Pad Mini Now Official: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, 8.8-inch AMOLED, and 67W Fast Charging

OPPO officially unveiled the OPPO Pad Mini, its newest small tablet that will compete against the iPad Mini. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and running ColorOS 16 on Android 16, the OPPO Pad Mini is made for users who want a powerful performance without carrying a full-sized tablet around.

The OPPO Pad Mini comes with an 8.8-inch AMOLED panel with 2520 x 1680 resolution and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 144Hz. Brightness peaks at 1600 nits, so whether you’re watching videos, working outdoors, or reading articles, visibility is excellent.

Flagship Performance in a Mini Body

Powering the whole thing is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. OPPO also bundled PC-level WPS tools and cross-device features into ColorOS 16, which makes multitasking and productivity better.

Storage and memory options give buyers some flexibility, with RAM choices starting at 8GB and going up to 12GB, while storage goes from 256GB to 512GB.

Camera specs are decent for a tablet. It comes with a 13MP rear shooter and then there’s the 8MP front camera as well. The 8000mAh battery keeps the device running long, and then there’s the 67W of fast charging inside as well.

The OPPO Pad Mini supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and USB-C. Dual speakers round out the multimedia experience, and at just 5.3mm thin.

OPPO Pad Mini Specs

Feature Details
Display 8.8-inch AMOLED, 2520 x 1680, 144Hz
Processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 5
RAM 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X
Storage 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.1
Rear Camera 13MP
Front Camera 8MP
Battery 8000mAh
Charging 67W wired fast charging
Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Audio Dual speakers
OS ColorOS 16 (Android 16)
Thickness 5.3mm

Price and Availability

The OPPO Pad Mini starts at CNY 3,699, which is around more than PHP 32,600/CA$740. It is currently available in China, and OPPO has yet to announce its global rollout.

HONOR Pad X8b launches on TikTok Shop in PH, offers FREE stylus

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HONOR Philippines has officially introduced the HONOR Pad X8b, positioning it as its most durable tablet to date. The device is now available exclusively via TikTok Shop, priced at Php9,999 and bundled with a free stylus for a limited time.

The launch reflects HONOR’s continued push into accessible, performance-driven devices, particularly for users seeking reliable tablets for both productivity and entertainment.

Exclusive TikTok Shop Launch Signals E-Commerce Push

By partnering with TikTok Shop, HONOR is leaning into social commerce as a key distribution channel in the Philippines. The move aligns with broader industry trends, where brands increasingly tap into platform-based shopping ecosystems to reach younger, mobile-first consumers.

Company executives highlighted the tablet’s positioning as a balance of durability, portability, and everyday usability.

Durability Takes Center Stage in Tablet Design

A key focus of the HONOR Pad X8b is its reinforced build quality. The device features a metal chassis engineered with upgraded embedding materials, resulting in improved resistance to drops, pressure, and water exposure.

According to HONOR, the tablet achieves a 90% increase in structural strength compared to previous models. It also carries independent certifications from SGS for both drop and crush resistance, marking a first in its category.

During its launch event in Makati City, the company demonstrated the device’s durability through live stress tests, including impact and water exposure scenarios.

Lightweight Build Targets Everyday Use

Despite its durability-focused design, the tablet remains lightweight and portable. Weighing 499 grams and measuring 7.25mm thin, it is designed for on-the-go use without sacrificing structural integrity.

The combination of a slim profile and reinforced body positions the device as a practical option for students, remote workers, and casual users.

Affordable Pricing with Added Value

At Php9,999, the HONOR Pad X8b sits in the entry-level tablet segment. The inclusion of a free stylus further strengthens its value proposition, particularly for users interested in note-taking, drawing, or light creative work.

The device is also available in Space Grey and can be purchased exclusively through TikTok Shop as part of its initial rollout.

HONOR Expands Portfolio with Durability-Focused Devices

With the launch of the HONOR Pad X8b, HONOR continues to expand its ecosystem of AI-powered devices while emphasizing durability as a core differentiator.

As competition intensifies in the budget tablet segment, the company’s strategy underscores a growing demand for devices that combine affordability with long-term reliability.

HONOR awards Tesla Cybertruck to X9d 5G promo winner in PH

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HONOR Philippines has officially awarded a Tesla Cybertruck to the grand winner of its “Win A Tesla Cybertruck” campaign tied to the pre-order launch of the HONOR X9d 5G.

The promotion, which ran from January 9 to 23, 2026, generated strong consumer interest nationwide, combining product marketing with a high-profile prize to boost engagement during the device’s release period.

Promo Campaign Drives Strong Consumer Participation

According to HONOR Philippines, the campaign attracted significant attention as it positioned the HONOR X9d 5G as both a durable everyday device and a gateway to a major giveaway.

The smartphone, marketed for its ultra-tough build and long battery life, became a key driver of the brand’s early 2026 momentum. Company executives described the initiative as one of their most successful campaigns to date.

Winner Secures Prize After Bulk Purchase

The grand prize winner, Lorelyn Felonia, secured the Cybertruck after purchasing 10 units of the HONOR X9d 5G during the promo period.

The awarding ceremony was led by HONOR Philippines executives, including Country Manager Sean Yuan and members of the brand’s marketing leadership team. The turnover marks the official conclusion of the nationwide promotion.

Following the campaign’s success, HONOR Philippines said it plans to roll out similar initiatives that combine product innovation with consumer-focused rewards.

PLDT Home waives installation fees, boosts speeds to support WFH shift

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As rising fuel costs and inflation continue to reshape how Filipinos work, PLDT is rolling out a series of connectivity upgrades aimed at supporting the growing shift to remote work.

The company announced that PLDT Home will waive installation fees and implement speed boosts across select plans, positioning home broadband as a more accessible and cost-effective alternative amid increasing commuting expenses.

Fiber Upgrades Align with Work-From-Home Demand

The move comes as both businesses and government institutions encourage flexible work arrangements to offset the impact of global economic pressures. In response, PLDT Home is enhancing its fiber offerings to better support digital-first work environments.

Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer of PLDT, said the initiative is designed to help Filipinos remain productive despite ongoing challenges.

“Reliable internet access is essential for remote work, and these upgrades are meant to make that transition smoother for Filipino households,” Jimenez said.

Free Installation and Speed Boosts for Subscribers

As part of the rollout, new subscribers to PLDT Home Fiber Plan 1299 and above will receive speeds of up to twice their current plan for the first six months. In addition, the company is waiving the standard ₱3,600 installation fee to reduce upfront costs.

Subscribers switching to PLDT Home will also gain access to an Always On modem, a hybrid fiber-LTE device that automatically switches to a wireless connection during outages. This feature aims to ensure uninterrupted connectivity, particularly critical for freelancers, remote employees, and online businesses.

PLDT Home adds Perks Target Work and Home Entertainment

Beyond connectivity, PLDT Home is bundling additional services to enhance both productivity and lifestyle use at home. These include free access to Cignal TV content, a one-year subscription to a gaming pass, and discounts on select Samsung home appliances.

The bundled approach reflects a broader strategy to position home internet not just as a utility, but as a central hub for work, entertainment, and daily communication.

Flexible Fiber Prepaid Plans Expand Access

At the same time, PLDT Home is expanding its prepaid fiber offerings to cater to households seeking flexibility without long-term commitments.

Updated prepaid plans now offer speeds of up to 100 Mbps and 300 Mbps, alongside a wider range of load durations, from daily to annual options. Entry-level packages can go as low as Php19.17 per day for a 365-day plan, making high-speed internet more accessible to budget-conscious users.

With these updates, PLDT is doubling down on its role in supporting the country’s digital workforce, emphasizing speed, reliability, and affordability as core pillars of its broadband strategy.

Learn more here.