Huawei has recently announced the global launch of their three new devices: the MatePad Pro 13.2, the FreeClip open-ear wireless earbuds, and the MateBook D16 2024.
Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2
The MatePad Pro 13.2 is their largest flagship tablet that will be available globally. It is powered by the Kirin 9000S SoC and runs HarmonyOS 4 in where you can install .apk or Google apps thru GBox. The tablet offers up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. The MatePad Pro 13.2 features a 13.2″ 144Hz OLED display with a resolution of 2,880×1,920 pixels. It packs a 10,100 mAh battery with 88W wired charging.
The tablet also features six speakers and dual rear camera – a 13MP primary, an 8MP ultrawide, and then there’s a 16MP selfie camera. The Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2 also supports the new smart magnetic keyboard that comes with a trackpad.
Huawei FreeClip
The FreeClip is a wireless earbud with a unique open-ear design for an all-day comfortable wearing. It is designed for listeners who want in-ear wireless headphones that allow them to stay attuned to their surroundings. The FreeClip can go up to 32 hours and charge fully back in 40 minutes. The buds are IP54 splash-proof and they come with features such as AI Call noise reduction and it has a smart wear detection.
Huawei MateBook D 16 2024
The MateBook D16 2024 is a Windows laptop that was announced in China last month2. It features a 16-inch IPS LCD with a 1920×1200px resolution, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and up to 300 nits peak brightness2. The baseline model brings a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and Intel UHD graphics while the higher-end models get i7 and i9 processors with Intel Iris Xe graphics2. All models are equipped with 16GB LPDDR4X RAM and 1TB M.2 SSD of the 2280 variety2.
With these new devices, Huawei continues to push the boundaries of technology, offering consumers innovative and high-quality products.
Cherry has just announced that they’re offering a promo in where you can get different items including their CHERRY Aqua Smart TV 55” mode for only Php 15,000!
Cherry H
The CHERRY Aqua Smart TV 55-inch model, will be available on December 20 for P15,000 from its original SRP of Php 29,999. It is equipped with a 4K resolution and the latest version of the Google TV OS. It comes with built-in apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video.
The CHERRY Aqua Smart TV 32-inch is also discounted. Powered by Android TV OS, this model offers HD resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. It can be taken home for Php 6,000, down from its original SRP of Php 11,999.
The AVITA Essential 14” notebook powered by an Intel Celeron N4000 CPU which is available in Matte Black, Concrete Gray, and Matte white is also discounted. This laptop can be yours for P8,000, down from its original SRP of P16,000.
The CHERRY Smart Air Purifier Ultra SAP-3000 is also available for P10,000 from its original price of P19,999 SRP, gets rid of airborne viruses with its 4-Layer Medical Grade Filters such as Anti-Virus H13 HEPA Filter, Washable Mesh Filter, Granular Activated Carbon Filter, and Built-in Ionizer. It also simplifies daily tasks as it allows you to control the temperature and set timers remotely using the CHERRY IoT Solutions App.
The CHERRY Smart Air Purifier Max SAP-1000, which removes dust from the air, strains droplets, filters out bacteria, and produces healthy anions responsible for preventing colds, flu, fever, and asthma, will be available for P8,000 from its original price of P14,500 SRP.
The CHERRY 8-in-1 Air Fryer Oven, a versatile and reliable companion with eight cooking functions, is now priced at P6,000 from its original SRP of P8,800.
The CHERRY Aqua Tab Deluxe, featuring a 10.1” HD IPS Display paired with 2GB RAM and 32GB ROM (expandable via MicroSD up to 256GB), can be yours for P3,999, down from its original price of P5,999.
Lastly, for the globetrotters, the compact CHERRY Roam T1 Style provides internet connection outside the country to up to 5 devices. Snatch it for P1,000 from its original price of P2,490.
CHERRY Stores located at SM MOA, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Southmall, and Robinsons Manila. You can avail these discounts at selected Cherry Stores: These massive discounts from CHERRY offer consumers the opportunity to upgrade their electronics without breaking the bank. Don’t miss out on these incredible deals!
Power Mac Center (PMC) is ushering in the holiday spirit with a triple treat for its customers, spreading infinite smiles. PMC delights its fans with a charitable donation drive, a captivating digital art contest, and exclusive shopping promotions to add joy and warmth to the celebrations.
#PMCPointsToPurpose
In the true spirit of giving, Power Mac Center has launched a special donation drive, #PMCPointsToPurpose, aiming to make a positive impact on the lives of underprivileged children battling cancer and chronic illnesses. Loyal 1 Infinite members, part of PMC’s loyalty program, are encouraged to contribute by donating a minimum of 100 points at any Power Mac Center or The Loop store. Notably, no purchase is required to participate.
As a gesture of appreciation, each donation qualifies the member for a raffle entry to win an AirPods Max valued at Php33,990. The donation drive is open from December 8 to 31, 2023, allowing customers to contribute to a meaningful cause during the holiday season.
Christmas Memory Digital Art Contest
For the creatively inclined, PMC presents the Christmas Memory Digital Art Contest, inviting participants to visually capture their most cherished Christmas stories through digital artwork. Entrants are required to post their creations publicly on Instagram using the hashtags #PMCChristmasStories and #Pixelworx, tagging PMC’s official account @PowerMacCenter.
Participants can submit one entry each, comprising a high-resolution JPEG or PNG file and a short video (under one minute) showcasing the creation process. Three winners can also win a curated set of Power Mac Center premium accessories worth Php25,000. The contest runs from December 2 to 31, 2023, offering a creative outlet to share and celebrate festive memories.
Big Discounts for Festive Shopping
As part of the holiday cheer, Power Mac Center also offers big discounts to make gift shopping a delight. Customers can explore the holiday catalog, featuring up to 80% off on selected Apple accessories and Beats by Dr. Dre products for non-installment payment methods.
Additionally, enjoy up to 20% off on premium accessories from renowned brands such as Anker, Logitech, Energea, WHOOSH!, Twelve South, SwitchEasy, Microsoft, and Transcend. Mobile Care, PMC’s official service arm, extends a 15% discount on diagnostic and software services for all Apple devices. Meanwhile, Basecamp, PMC’s official training arm, presents a holiday offer of 25% off on the iPad coding training course for kids.
All promotions and offers are valid until December 31, 2023, ensuring customers have ample time to complete their festive shopping with Power Mac Center.
Meanwhile, you can join the “Infinite Smiles” Holiday 2023 campaign at any nationwide Power Mac Center and The Loop stores or at powermaccenter.com, Lazada, Shopee, SM Malls Online, and the Viber Store.
Shopee has marked the country’s holiday shopping season with an extraordinary 50x increase in orders on Shopee Live during its 12.12 Mega Pamasko Sale. As the gifting season started, the initial two minutes of the highly anticipated sale recorded an impressive 12 million items sold on Shopee Live across markets.
In the Filipino tradition of ‘monito-monita’ or the exchange of surprise gifts, which extends over several days, shoppers are turning to live-stream shopping on Shopee Live to fulfill their gifting needs amidst the holiday rush. This surge resulted in 46x more new buyers locally, collectively saving a substantial Php509 million, facilitated by extensive collaborations with brands and sellers.
As the year-end approaches, Filipinos also eagerly anticipate year-end bonuses, translating into opportunities for significant purchases, gifts for loved ones, or self-rewards after a year of hard work. Home & Living items emerged as the top best-selling category, followed by Women’s Apparel and Mobile Accessories.
The festive season also serves as a reason for some retail therapy, prompting Filipinos to refresh their wardrobes, prep for holiday parties, or kickstart skincare resolutions. This sentiment is reflected in a 5x uplift in orders for both the Fashion and Health & Beauty categories. Top-performing brands with the highest number of orders across the platform include Uni-Care, Maybelline, and Issy & Co., while o.two.o.ph, Uni-Care, and Lovito.ph garnered the highest number of orders on Shopee Live.
Despite the shopping spree, Filipinos exhibit financial prudence by stocking up on top-selling essentials such as face masks, organic baby wipes, and 3-in-1 twin coffee packs.
Moreover, the 12.12 Mega Pamasko Sale has been extended until December 15, 2023. Shoppers can still enjoy free shipping with a minimum spend of P0, exclusive 70% off on Pamasko Deals from a wide range of brands and sellers, and Shopee Mall Outlet deals offering discounts of up to 90% off.
Don’t miss out on the extended festivities and exciting offers!
Lenovo has made one of the biggest innovations this year when they unveiled the latest generation of the Yoga Book 9i. Unlike most laptop manufacturers that have a folding display, the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i comes with a more practical dual display that you can use for different functionalities.
Design and construction
The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i features rounded corners with a thin and lightweight aluminum chassis. It feels premium and solid without being too hefty. It has a sleek design even with the mechanism for the two displays which are connected by a hinge to make use in different modes possible.
The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i that we got comes in Tidal Teal color and for the ports, it has three Thunderbolt 4 ports and all of them can be used for charging. I recommend bringing a dongle with you if you’re a power user.
The device also has a switch to turn off the camera as an added privacy feature, Its5MP Webcam at the top of the display is great for video calls on Zoom and Teams since the quality is actually superb compared to most options in the market.
This powerhouse also supports Windows Hello so users can unlock their device with facial ID technology.
Despite being a 2-in-1 device, the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i has a solid hinge with no creak or flexing. Since the device has rounded edges, it’s way easier to hold whenever I’m using it. The sound ispowered by Bowers and Wilkins and sound quality was average and just enough for my usage.
Different modes
Users can convert this device into multiple modes but the most useful and common would bethe laptop mode in which you can use the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i’s lower display as your virtual keyboard and touchpad by just tapping eight fingers on the display.
Typing on a screen doesn’t have the same feel of a normal keyboard but thankfully, there is a detachable magnetic keyboard you can use if you prefer. Whenever you place the keyboard on the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i, the device automatically detects it and a virtual touchpad appears. If you slide down the keyboard, you can add more space for your windows and apps.
My personal favorite way to use the Yoga Book 9i is in Scroll mode where I have two displays in landscape mode in use. I can use the folio stand to have a better orientation for the notebook and then I can magnetically attach the keyboard to the folio stand. This makes multitasking easier and more productive.
For programmers and for those who love to read ebooks, the book mode of the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i will be a much appreciated feature. In this mode, you can use the laptop’s dual display in portrait mode giving them a more screen estate for texts which is excellent for programmers.
You can also use the Yoga Book 9i in Tent Mode which is great for showing presentations and with the pen, users can annotate and add written notes on files. The tablet mode on the other hand, is perfect if you want to use the notebook for drawing and tablet-optimized apps.
Keyboard
There’s a bluetooth keyboard included that you can magnetically attach to the folio of the device or you can place it on top of the lower display. It’s pretty much what we can expect from a bluetooth keyboard but the typing experience on the keyboard was great. Despite the thin profile of the keyboard, it was responsive and pretty comfortable to type with.
Crisp and vivid displays
The dual display of the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is the main highlight of the laptop. In terms of the technical specs, it offers a dual 2800×1800 resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate and 400 nits brightness. This isn’t the first laptop to have a dual-display but Lenovo’s implementation on this device was very good. I like that I can open two apps in full size at the same time which makes it perfect for productivity.
The display quality, was bright, vivid, and the contrast was really good. It’s bright enough to be used outside so I enjoyed using it on Scroll mode even while sitting outside in a coffee shop.
Software and performance
On the inside the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home and it does come with proprietary software applications to help optimize the dual display of the notebook. Some of these apps include the Lenovo Vantage app and also the Yoga Book User Center which are both useful in optimizing the dual display and performance of the Yoga Book 9i
For the processing power, the unit is powered by an Intel Core i7-1355U processor along with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. There’s the latest 13th Generation Intel Core i7 processor inside which will do just fine for basic school, office, and presentation needs.If you’re planning on playing games on this notebook, you’ll be able to play some of the latest ones but you’ll have to tone down the graphics settings.
In our benchmarks, it’s pretty much what we expected:
Screenshot
In CrystalDiskMark, it’s pretty much what we expected from the device
In Cinebench R23, it was proven that the notebook’s CPU has a powerful single core performance. However in multi-core, it performed just fine for its power.
Screenshot
In PCMark10 and 3DMark, it’s basically the scores that we expected from its processor and with Intel XE graphics. Basically, the benchmark scores tells us that it will do perfectly fine for office and productivity use however, it wouldn’t have a stellar performance in gaming
Gamers should be able to play Valorant just fine at an average of 95 fps at 2800×1800. For me, I was even able to play Horizon Zero Dawn at 29 fps at 720p at low settings. While not recommended, the second display of the device can be used for other apps while playing games. Basically, this dual-display device is made for productivity first and not focused on gaming.
Battery life
The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i has an 80Whr of battery inside and it comes with a 65W USB-C Charger. Surprisingly, I was getting great battery life on this device despite having two displays. In our normal usage of the notebook such as writing articles, programming and listening to Spotify, I was getting around 7-8 hours of battery life on the notebook.
Lenovo Premium Care
One of the best things about owning a Lenovo device is the Lenovo Premium Care service, where you can get a three year warranty that includes easy data migration and 24/7 support. Lenovo technicians can provide on-site support and remote troubleshooting.
Lenovo also offers Accidental Damage Protection, where they provide protection against unexpected damages. This includes in-person assistance for repairs and if the PC can’t be repaired, they’ll replace it at no extra cost
Verdict
The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is a device that is definitely made for productivity. The dual display of the device is something that I appreciate over a foldable display because of its flexibility of opening two apps at different displays and I can do more with its dual display rather than a single foldable display.
The scroll mode of the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is nicely done too along with its sturdy keyboard folio and bluetooth keyboard. The Intel Core i7-1355U processor might not be the most powerful chip in the market but it brings a balance of power and performance on the notebook as I was able to get a long battery life out of this despite having a dual display. This makes the Lenovo YogaBook 9i perfect for office workers, students, and for those people who are using their laptop for productivity.
Pricing
The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is now available in the Philippines and it’s priced at Php 149,995. This also includes a three year warranty with Lenovo Premium Care service and Accidental Damage Protection. If you want to know more about the product, head over to their website.
JBL has recently introduced its latest lineup of audio devices just in time for the holiday season. Alongside these product launches, the brand has kicked off its Christmas promo, JBL Barkada Travel Tunes, offering customers the chance to own JBL products and win an exciting barkada travel package.
Latest Audio Offerings
In November, JBL also released its reimagined Authentics Speaker range, featuring the JBL Authentics 200, JBL Authentics 300, and JBL Authentics 500, alongside their inaugural Bluetooth turntable, the JBL Spinner BT. This release breathes new life into the iconic JBL L100 speaker from the 1970s and introduces the JBL Spinner BT, a Bluetooth turntable merging retro designs with modern technologies.
Expanding its portfolio, JBL introduced the new Live and Soundgear series. The Live 670NC and Live 770NC wireless on-ear headphones, equipped with True Adaptive Noise Cancelling and Smart Ambient technology, promise an immersive sound experience. Additionally, the JBL Soundgear Sense, the brand’s first true wireless open-ear earbuds, incorporates OpenSound Technology with air conduction, providing a balanced audio experience in sync with the surroundings.
Among the new releases is the JBL Partybox Ultimate speaker, designed for those who love entertaining. This speaker boasts original JBL Pro Sound and Dolby Atmos sound technology, delivering sound that can fill large spaces with immersive 3D spatial effects. With dual tweeters and subwoofers, the Partybox Ultimate produces powerful bass, complemented by a captivating sensory experience featuring starry night effects, light trails, strobes, and surface projection lights.
Holiday Promo: JBL Barkada Travel Tunes and Sound Fest 2023
In the spirit of the season, JBL presents the Barkada Travel Tunes Raffle Promo, offering participants a chance to win a travel package for four to Tokyo, Seoul, El Nido, and Siargao. To join, customers can purchase any JBL products worth Php3,000 SRP per raffle entry until December 31, 2023, at participating JBL Concept Stores, Kiosks, Authorized Dealers, and online stores.
Furthermore, JBL enthusiasts can gear up for Sound Fest 2023, the brand’s annual music festival scheduled for December 15, 2023, at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. The event will feature OPM band icons such as Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Adie and Al James, and special guest ambassadors from JBL Australia, H3rizon, and Tigerlily.
Participants in the Barkada Travel Tunes promo can enjoy a complimentary concert pass to the Sound Fest, making it an exciting treat for JBL fans.
For more details about the promo mechanics, raffle draw dates, and Sound Fest updates, participants can register and upload proof of purchase at www.jblchristmaspromo.com.
Infinix Zero 30 5G is one of the most competitive mid-range smartphones out there. It boasts a lot of things including 4K selfie video at 60fps and also a 144Hz display that is way ahead in its price range.
The Infinix Zero 30 5G also features a premium design with a metal-like camera module at the back with some screws that adds to a metal feel on the smartphone. And then there’s the MediaTek Dimensity 8020 processor as well which can run most apps and games that we need on the smartphone.
Another selling point of the smartphone is its 144Hz 3D Curved AMOLED display along with its 5000mAh battery and its faster 68W Super Charge.
If you want to know more about the smartphone, head over to our video review below:
When we visited OPPO’s HQ last month, one of their main highlights is their efforts in XR or Extended Reality. Just like their imaging lab and their data center, they’re using AI and robotics to maximize their and optimized their developments.
In their XR Lab, we saw and tested OPPO’s MR Glass. They’ve also demoed the power of their OPPO Find X6 Pro for XR as we were able to map the room of the XR Lab and also place objects and interact with it.
In their lab, they also used the robotic arm to mimic the movements of a human head, and with the MR headset, it enables the team to adjust the device’s display and cameras according to the images captured and displayed. This is controlled which is why it makes the adjustments more accurate.
This innovative approach to XR device calibration emphasizes OPPO’s commitment to pushing the development of the AR, MR, and XR technology and delivering better user experiences. As the field of XR evolves, OPPO’s XR Lab is expected to play a crucial role in the future especially with extended reality growing more popular in the market.
realme has just announced their newest flagship smartphone in the market and it’s one of the newest smartphones to pack a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor inside, the realme GT5 Pro. This smartphone is currently the most powerful one thanks to its chipset but it’s actually more than that.
The realme GT5 Pro also features a 50MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto lens and also an 8MP ultrawide sensor. The best part about it is that the smartphone boasts a Sony LYT-808 sensor, one of the best one for smartphones today.
For the display, the smartphone uses a 6.78-inch Full HD+ display with 4500 nits brightness. It also has a 144Hz refresh rate which is why it’s smooth. The smartphone also comes with a 5400mAh battery inside and also a 100W charging speeds.
realme GT5 Pro Specs
6.78-inch AMOLED, 1264 x 2780 pixels, 144Hz refresh rate
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
12/16GB RAM
256GB, 512GB, 1TB Internal Storage, UFS 4.0
50MP Main Camera with Sony LYT-808 sensor + 50MP telephoto + 8MP ultrawide lens
32MP Selfie Camera
100W Wired Charging, 50W Wireless Charging
5G, LTE
Under display fingerprint scanner
Android 14 based on realme UI 5.0
5400mAh battery
The realme GT5 Pro starts at 430 euros (Php25,685~) for the base 12GB/256GB variant and goes up to 550 euros (Php 32,868~)
Infinix has launched the HOT 40 series. The HOT 40 series is designed for the people who are on the budget. The HOT 40 Pro comes with Helio G99 processor and also a 120Hz FHD+ Display that gamers would love.
The Infinix HOT 40 Pro also features an up to 16GB of RAM along with 256GB of internal storage. It also features NFC inside which is a plus. While for the camera, there’s the 108MP main camera along with 32MP selfie camera.
The display of the smartphone features a 120Hz refresh rate. For the charging speeds, they’re promising 20% to 75% in 35 minutes.
The Infinix HOT 40 Series is expected to grow soon and they’re priced at $200 and below.