Sony Corporation and TCL Electronics have signed a memorandum of understanding to move forward with discussions on a strategic partnership in the home entertainment field.
Under the proposed plan, the two companies intend to establish a joint venture that will assume Sony’s home entertainment business, with TCL holding 51% and Sony holding 49%. The new company would operate globally, overseeing product development, design, manufacturing, sales, logistics, and customer service for products such as televisions and home audio equipment.
The joint venture is expected to leverage Sony’s picture and audio technologies, brand value, and operational expertise, alongside TCL’s display technology, global scale, and cost-efficient supply chain. Products are planned to continue carrying the Sony and BRAVIA brand names.
Sony and TCL aim to finalize binding agreements by March 2026. If completed, the new company is expected to begin operations in April 2027.
HONOR Philippines has recorded an eye-catching pre-order milestone for the HONOR X9d 5G, after one customer reserved 50 units in a single transaction. The update was shared by Stephen Cheng, Vice President for Marketing of HONOR Philippines.
Images accompanying the post showed multiple HONOR X9d 5G pre-order cards alongside an official sales invoice, confirming the bulk reservation. While the customer’s identity was not disclosed, the intent was clear: maximize entries for the Cybertruck giveaway tied to the X9d 5G pre-order campaign.
The HONOR X9d 5G is currently at the center of a high-profile promotion that gives buyers a chance to win a Tesla Cybertruck during the pre-order period. The unusual 50-unit purchase underscores how the promo, combined with the phone’s durability-focused positioning, is generating strong early interest.
HONOR has been actively promoting the X9d 5G through public durability challenges and media collaborations, helping fuel momentum ahead of full retail availability.
HONOR X9d 5G Availability in the Philippines
The HONOR X9d 5G is available for pre-order through HONOR Experience Stores and partner retailers nationwide for a limited time, with Cybertruck promo entries included during the campaign period.
The 50-unit pre-order highlights how promotional incentives are shaping early demand for the HONOR X9d 5G in the Philippine market.
Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone Fold may finally be taking shape, according to supply-chain analyst Jeff Pu in a recent investor note shared publicly. The early details suggest Apple’s first foldable smartphone could arrive in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, bringing a book-style design with dual displays .
The iPhone Fold is rumored to feature a 7.8-inch internal foldable display while a 5.3-inch outer display would support everyday smartphone interactions when folded. Unlike Apple’s current flagship models, the foldable design reportedly opts for Touch ID instead of Face ID.
According to the analyst’s projections, the iPhone Fold could be equipped with Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chip built on a 2nm process, paired with 12GB of RAM. This chip is expected to also power the rest of the iPhone 18 Pro series.
Apple’s first foldable smartphone is also said to include a dual rear camera setup with 48-megapixel sensors, while both the inner and outer fronts may house 18-megapixel selfie cameras. The foldable device’s body is expected to blend titanium and aluminum materials, balancing durability with premium design.
The shift to Touch ID may address design limitations with under-display sensors on a foldable form factor, while the dual-display setup positions the iPhone Fold to compete directly with established foldable phones from other manufacturers.
At this stage, these spec projections remain rumors based on analyst forecasts and supply-chain data. Apple has not officially confirmed the iPhone Fold’s release date, hardware details, or pricing.
The tablet market in the Philippines has always been saturated whether you want a premium one or an affordable one. On one end, you have premium devices that cost as much as expensive laptops. On the other, budget tablets often compromise too much on performance, display quality, or everyday usability.
The TechLife Pad Pro 12 positions itself right in the middle, offering a large display, LTE connectivity, and a price point clearly aimed at students and casual users
Design, Hardware and Build Quality
For a tablet in the entry-level to midrange segment, the TechLife Pad Pro 12 looks refined and sleek. The slim chassis gives it a more premium feel despite its affordable price tag. It is thin, clean-looking, and minimal, making it suitable for both work and entertainment anywhere.
The size is something you’ll immediately notice thanks to its 12-inch display, this is not a tablet you’ll comfortably hold with one hand for long periods but its display is perfect for watching a TV series or movies. It feels better to use it at home on a desk, table, or stand rather than holding it with your hand. For users who plan to watch videos, attend online classes, or multitask with split-screen apps, the large display becomes an advantage.
For the buttons, the tablet feels great in landscape mode as the volume button and also the power button are on the top side in landscape mode and they’re very accessible as well. As for the camera placement, it is strategically placed in the middle of the tablet, which again, is perfect for landscape usage.
Another thing to love on this tablet is the quad speakers setup is loud enough whenever I listen to my Spotify playlist or just watching some clips on YouTube. Bass is limited, and I will still prefer external speakers or headphones, but clarity is good enough for spoken content and casual media consumption.
Tablet cameras are rarely a selling point, and the TechLife Pad Pro’s rear camera is usable for document scanning and occasional photos, while the front camera is more important here for video calls, online classes, and meetings.
For Zoom calls, Google Meet, or casual video chats, the front camera does the job. Image quality is acceptable in good lighting but struggles in low-light conditions. This is expected and unlikely to disappoint users who understand the role of a tablet camera.
Display: Big, Bright, and Made for Media
The highlight of the TechLife Pad Pro 12 is easily its giant display. The 12-inch screen offers plenty of space for reading, browsing, streaming, and multitasking. Watching videos on YouTube, Netflix, or other streaming platforms feels immersive simply because of the screen size.
Colors are decent for its range, brightness levels are usable indoors, and text remains clear for documents, emails, and web pages. While this is not a high-refresh-rate or OLED panel, it delivers exactly what you’d expect from a tablet in this price range. It’s designed for consumption and entertainment, not competitive gaming or professional color work. But hey, at least there’s a 90Hz refresh rate on this.
For students attending online classes or professionals viewing spreadsheets and presentations, the extra screen real estate is genuinely useful.
Performance and Everyday Use
Under the hood, the TechLife Pad Pro 12 runs onMediaTek Helio G200 processor. Its hardware clearly made for efficiency and affordability rather than raw power. Day-to-day tasks such as web browsing, social media, video streaming, and document editing run smoothly. Apps open at a reasonable pace, and switching between common applications feels stable. Despite the Helio G200 being not the best performer around, I was still able to run games like Honkai Star Rail and also Where winds meet.
This is not a gaming-focused tablet, and heavy 3D games will require lowered settings. However, casual games and basic Android games perform fine. Multitasking is manageable thanks to the larger screen, though pushing too many apps at once can introduce slight slowdowns. Nonetheless, it is still perfect for most light tablet tasks.
In our benchmarks, it got the scores as we expected. As expected, the processor ran like an entry-level tablet however, what I liked about it is the performance was consistent despite stressing it out. Check out the benchmarks that we got below:
Software Experience
The tablet runs on Android with TechLife’s custom touches on top. The interface remains relatively clean, with minimal bloatware compared to some competitors in the same price range which is probably the best thing about this tablet in my opinion. Navigation feels familiar, and features like split-screen and floating windows make good use of the large display.
For productivity, pairing the tablet with a Bluetooth keyboard or accessories significantly improves the experience. Writing documents, responding to emails, or browsing with multiple windows becomes more laptop-like when set up.
My personal favorite about this tablet is it comes with PC Mode in where you can have a user interface that works perfectly with window mode on apps. This makes it easier to do multitasking and also do multiwindow on the tablet.
For users who prioritize current usability and less bloatwares, the experience remains solid in this tablet
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is one of the tablet’s stronger points. Thanks to efficient hardware and a large battery, the TechLife Pad Pro 12 comfortably lasts a full day of heavy use. Streaming videos, browsing, note-taking, and video calls can all be done without constantly worrying about charging.
This makes it particularly appealing for students and users who are often on the office or school. Charging speeds are standard abd not especially fast, but reasonable given the battery size, I wouldn’t really complain
LTE Connectivity: A Practical Advantage
One of the most important features of the TechLife Pad Pro 12 is LTE support. Having built-in mobile data connectivity makes a huge difference, especially for users who rely on internet access outside the home.
For students attending classes on the go, parents sharing the tablet with kids, or professionals who need occasional connectivity without tethering to a phone, LTE adds real-world convenience.
It’s a nice added feature for people who are always on the go or want to have a tablet that can access the internet everywhere you go.
Who Is It For?
The TechLife Pad Pro 12 is made for people who wants a large tablet that they can use for multimedia and for productivity. It might not have the best hardware inside but it’s definitely made for students who need a large screen for online classes, reading, and note-taking and for casual users who prioritize streaming, browsing, and social media
Final Verdict
The TechLife Pad Pro 12 doesn’t try to compete with premium or powerful tablets and that’s exactly why it works. It focuses on the essentials for most Filipino consumers, a large display, reliable everyday tablet, solid battery life, and the added flexibility of LTE connectivity.
For users looking for an affordable, big-screen Android tablet that can handle daily tasks without unnecessary stuff, the TechLife Pad Pro 12 delivers strong value. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable, practical, and well-suited for the kind of everyday usage most people actually need.
If your priority is screen size, connectivity, and usability over high-end specs, the TechLife Pad Pro 12 is a tablet worth considering.
Lenovo has revealed the Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable at CES 2026, introducing a gaming laptop concept that uses rollable OLED display technology to deliver flexible screen sizes in a single device.
The Legion Pro Rollable features a 16-inch OLED display in its default form, maintaining a familiar laptop footprint for portability and everyday use. When expanded, the screen can roll out horizontally to 21.5 inches and further extend up to 24 inches, creating an ultrawide viewing area suited for immersive gaming and multitasking.
Lenovo designed the rollable mechanism to allow users to switch between compact and expanded screen modes depending on their workflow. The standard 16-inch mode is intended for mobility, while the larger expanded modes provide additional screen space for games, content creation, and productivity tasks that benefit from a wider aspect ratio.
As a concept device, the Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable is not yet planned for commercial release. Lenovo has not announced pricing or availability, positioning the device as a preview of how flexible display technology could shape future gaming laptops.
HUAWEI has launched the MatePad 11.5 (2026) Dynamic Edition in the Philippines. It offers a portable PC alternative with WPS Office 2.0 support and multitasking features at a more affordable price.
Performance and Display
The new MatePad is priced at PHP 19,999 and aims to replace basic PC tasks with a more portable setup.
Productivity Tools and Design
The tablet supports PC-level WPS Office 2.0, allowing users to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations directly on the device. Built-in multitasking features such as floating windows, split-screen mode, and SuperHub file sharing enable smoother workflows across supported HUAWEI devices.
The MatePad 11.5 (2026) Dynamic Edition supports the HUAWEI Smart Keyboard and HUAWEI M-Pencil (3rd Generation), enabling typing, mouse navigation, and handwritten note-taking. AI Handwriting Enhancement in HUAWEI Notes converts handwritten notes into clean, shareable text.
The tablet features a slim 6.1mm thin body and weighs 515g, making it easy to carry for school or work. It is powered by a 10,100mAh battery rated for over 14 hours of video playback, with 40W HUAWEI SuperCharge for faster recharging.
HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 (2026) Dynamic Edition Availability and Pricing
The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 (2026) Dynamic Edition is available at PHP 19,999, bundled with productivity accessories including a keyboard, stylus, Bluetooth mouse, and PC-level WPS Office. The tablet is available for a limited time through HUAWEI’s official online stores and partner e-commerce platforms.
Xiaomi has officially unveiled the REDMI Note 15 Series in the Philippines, marking the global debut of its latest midrange smartphone lineup.
The new series, which includes the REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G, REDMI Note 15 Pro 5G, REDMI Note 15 5G, and REDMI Note 15, is positioned around what Xiaomi calls REDMI Titan Durability, combining reinforced build quality, larger batteries, and enhanced water and dust resistance with notable upgrades in imaging, performance, and display technology.
Titan Durability and Battery Upgrades Across the Lineup
At the core of the REDMI Note 15 Series is Xiaomi’s Titan Durability approach, which spans structural reinforcement, battery longevity, and environmental protection.
The REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G leads the lineup with a 6,500mAh Silicon–Carbon (SiC) battery paired with 100W HyperCharge support and reverse charging capabilities. According to Xiaomi, the use of SiC technology allows higher energy density without increasing device thickness, while battery management systems are designed to retain at least 80 percent capacity after 1,600 charge cycles.
Meanwhile, the REDMI Note 15 Pro 5G and REDMI Note 15 5G also benefit from large-capacity batteries, while the standard REDMI Note 15 features a 6,000mAh battery aimed at extended everyday use.
In terms of physical protection, the Pro models carry SGS Premium Performance Certification and have IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K water and dust resistance certifications. Xiaomi states these models are tested for immersion at depths of up to two meters for 24 hours under laboratory conditions. The rest of the lineup offers enhanced splash and dust resistance designed for daily environments.
Camera and AI Imaging Improvements
Imaging is another major focus of the REDMI Note 15 Series. The REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G and REDMI Note 15 Pro 5G introduce a new 200MP main camera built around a 1/1.4-inch sensor, supporting multiple optical-level zoom options and AI-assisted image processing.
The REDMI Note 15 5G and REDMI Note 15, meanwhile, sport a 108MP main camera system designed to deliver flexible shooting across common focal lengths.
Across all models, Xiaomi integrates AI-powered photography features, including portrait enhancements, reflection removal, and simplified editing workflows with direct social media sharing support.
Performance, Connectivity, and Display Features
On the performance side, the REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G runs on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 platform, paired with Xiaomi’s IceLoop cooling system. Other models use a mix of Snapdragon and MediaTek chipsets, depending on variant and market positioning.
All devices in the series support Google Gemini and Circle to Search, while select models include Xiaomi HyperAI features and Offline Communication, which enables short-range voice transmission without network coverage in supported conditions.
Display sizes range from 6.77 inches to 6.83 inches, with AMOLED panels offering up to 120Hz refresh rates, high peak brightness, and TÜV-certified eye-care features. It also has dual-speaker systems, with volume boost enhancements varying by model.
Pricing, Availability, and Launch Promotions in the Philippines
Xiaomi has confirmed the following suggested retail prices for the Philippine market:
The REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G has an SRP of Php27,999.
The REDMI Note 15 Pro 5G starts at Php19,999, depending on storage configuration.
The REDMI Note 15 5G starts at Php14,999.
The REDMI Note 15 starts at Php9,999.
From January 16 to 29, early buyers can receive discounts and bundled freebies, including wearables and accessories, depending on the model. Follow-up promotions continue from January 30 to February 8 with bundled items still available, though without the initial price discounts.
Additionally, every purchase includes three months of Spotify Premium and a three-month 100GB cloud storage plan. Xiaomi is also offering 0 percent installment plans via Home Credit. Its monthly payments starting at Php1,199 for up to 18 months, subject to approval.
The REDMI Note 15 Series is now available through Xiaomi stores, mi.com, and major e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop, with availability and promotions varying by channel.
HONOR Philippines has partnered with Boys Night Out, one of the country’s longest-running radio talk shows, to showcase the HONOR X9d 5G. The partnership features the radio show’s hosts putting the smartphone through a series of extreme durability tests.
Boys Night Out, which launched in 1999, airs on Magic 89.9 with hosts Sam Y.G., Slick Rick, Tony Toni, Tin Gamboa, and Gino Quillamor. The show is known for its bold and humorous commentary on relationships, dating, and pop culture.
The HONOR X9d 5G faced off against the Boys Night Out hosts in a durability challenge that tested the smartphone’s resistance to extreme conditions. The device proved its strength through multiple tests conducted by Sam Y.G., Slick Rick, Tony Toni, Tin Gamboa, and Gino Quillamor.
The HONOR X9d 5G features SGS Triple Resistant Certification and IP69K water resistance. The smartphone includes HONOR’s Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop technology for enhanced durability.
Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor and up to 256GB of storage. The HONOR X9d 5G includes an 8,300mAh battery with 66W SuperCharge support. The smartphone is equipped with a 108MP AI camera and a 6.79-inch OLED display as well.
HONOR X9d 5G Pricing and Availability
The HONOR X9d 5G is available in three colors: Reddish Brown, Sunrise Gold, and Midnight Black. Pre-orders run from January 9 to 23 at an introductory price of PHP 17,999.
Customers who pre-order during this period will be eligible to win a Tesla Cybertruck. The HONOR X9d 5G can be purchased at HONOR Experience and Partner Stores, as well as online through Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop.
TNT has received multiple honors at the 2025 International Business Awards (IBA), highlighting its creative marketing and brand engagement initiatives.
At the 22nd edition of the IBA, TNT secured a Gold Stevie Award for Brand Experience of the Year – Consumer for its TNT Petmaloop Challenge. The campaign brought together content creators from across the Philippines to showcase places that bring them joy using short-form video content, culminating in a continuous livestream that set a Guinness World Records title for the longest travel livestream.
Viral Campaigns and Global Recognition
TNT also received a Silver Stevie Award for Viral Marketing Campaign of the Year for its SIM Registration campaign. The initiative used humor and relatable storytelling to encourage subscribers to register their SIMs, generating over 100 million views across social media platforms through organic sharing.
The awards form part of the broader recognition earned by Smart and the PLDT Group at the same event.
Apple has officially announced Apple Creator Studio, a new subscription service that brings together its professional creative apps into a single package. The service is designed for video creators, musicians, designers, and productivity-focused users working across Apple devices.
Apple Creator Studio includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage, along with new AI-powered features and premium content in Keynote, Pages, and Numbers. The subscription builds on Apple’s creative software ecosystem while adding intelligent tools aimed at accelerating workflows.
What’s Included in Apple Creator Studio
The subscription provides access to Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro on Mac and iPad, with Pixelmator Pro now arriving on iPad for the first time with a touch-optimized interface and Apple Pencil support. Video creators gain new AI-assisted tools such as transcript-based search, visual search, beat detection, and automated montage creation on supported devices.
Music creators benefit from new Logic Pro features, including Synth Player, Chord ID, and an expanded Sound Library. Apple Creator Studio also unlocks Motion and Compressor on Mac, while MainStage allows live performance setups using the same sounds created in Logic Pro.
AI Features and Visual Productivity
Apple Creator Studio introduces intelligent and generative features across productivity apps. Subscribers gain access to premium templates, AI-assisted image creation, automatic image upscaling, smart cropping, and beta features in Keynote such as generating presentations from text outlines. Numbers also gains AI-assisted formula generation and pattern-based data filling.
Pricing and Availability
Apple Creator Studio will be available on the App Store starting January 29, 2026, priced at Php 399 per month or Php 3,990 per year, with a one-month free trial.
