Accessories

The Huawei x Gentle Monster Eyewear II makes the future look stylish

It’s a little like meeting ‘the one’

Published

December 14, 2020

Carolyn Ramoran Hamilton | Almost Diplomatic

Every now and then, a piece of tech comes along that changes the way you live a certain aspect of your life. It might be something you never thought you needed. Maybe something some movie that’s supposed to be in the distant future showed you a version of? But one thing’s for sure. It’s a little like meeting the one. It certainly was how I felt with the Huawei x Gentle Monster Eyewear II.

The second version of the Chinese tech giant’s stylish wearable is now in the Philippines. Listening to music or taking calls while on the go has never looked this good.

Choose your style: The many faces of Huawei x Gentle Monster Eyewear II

I’ve been eyeing Gentle Monster’s Her sunglasses ever since I saw Son Ye Jin wear them on Crash Landing on You. Frames so big, they can practically make anyone look like a K-drama star. Living in Berlin at that time with no Gentle Monster store nearby, it was hard to try it on before buying.

Sunglasses, for me, had to be bought in a physical store because of how picky I can be. But when the Smart Myma style of this collab landed on my desk, I totally forgot about the style I’ve been looking at for months. They had Her in the first generation line-up but why miss out on Eyewear II’s new features?

Sure, this style is ginormous and can look quite comical on those with small faces. But if you’re someone like me who’s got a pretty strong jawline that makes your choice of glasses quite limited — well, lucky us. This style is perfect. For the rest of you lucky people with smaller faces, there’s always the smaller but still as eye-catching Smart Lang.

People who wish to opt for prescription glasses have the Smart Kubo and Smart Havana. For the best of both worlds, you can always switch to transition lenses to give you the best of both worlds.

The future looks stylish

Now on to the tech. Sure, there’s no doubt the glasses are stylish. But what makes them special or better than the first generation? A lot.

I tried the first generation Eyewear during IFA and one of my first comments was how the arms weren’t so comfortable. This issue was addressed in Eyewear II. I personally find that they stay on better with the way the arms bend towards the end. After wearing these glasses for hours, there was also no discomfort.

It also has five hours of music playback and up to three hours when used for phone calls. It also easily pairs with your current phone — even if it’s not Huawei. These glasses connect almost instantly to my iPhone 12 Pro as soon as I put them on.

The audio is also pretty good. Some say the bass falls a bit flat but I personally don’t notice that. The audio quality is pretty at par with your usual, wireless earphones. Calls come in crystal clear and the mic also functions really well even when you’re in a pretty noisy environment.

Control on your fingertips

The controls are pretty easy and to be honest — are pretty cool. Pairing the Eyewear II only requires a gentle pinch on the left temple. The voice assistant, meanwhile, is activated by a double-tap also on the left temple.

To move on to the next song on your playlist, you just need to swipe your finger on the right arm of your glasses to the front. Swiping back brings you to the previous song. Doing the same gestures on the left side will control the volume.

Removing the glasses will automatically pause music playback and will resume the moment you put it back on within three minutes.

Sure, it’s great — but what about the negatives?

The glasses do have enough battery to power through a long chat or a decent listening session. When you need to charge it, you pop it into its case that — sadly — doesn’t have a battery. So you have to keep it plugged in with a USB-C cable to get some juice and listening time back. Maybe the next versions on Eyewear will have a battery built into the case but that might also mean a little more added weight.

There’s a little bit of audio spilling out. Sure, a person who’s nearby might hear that there’s music coming out of your glasses but it’s not enough for them to recognize any words or music. No need to worry about people eavesdropping. The audio leak is also hardly noticeable outdoors.

I always felt awkward talking on the phone using my AirPods when my hair is down and they could hardly be seen. I’ve often gotten stares from people who think I’m talking to myself. Those stares got worse with Eyewear II. During a pretty long phone call that lasted while walking through Greenbelt, I’m pretty sure I left a couple of people thinking I was having quite the monologue. But who cares about what other people think? My dog thinks my Smart Myma is cool and his is the only opinion that’s valid.

The Huawei x Gentle Monster Eyewear II is available wherever you can score Huawei devices in the Philippines. It currently retails for PhP 21,999.

Accessories

Bringing Care-a-Lot to my daily carry

This is why my gizmos and workspace finally feel like a warm hug!

Published

March 13, 2026

MJ Jucutan

Growing up, the Care Bears taught us that sharing was a superpower and that every emotion had a color.

For many of us, the Care Bears weren’t just characters on a screen; they represented a language of kindness and colorful dreams.

Bringing the CASETiFY x Care Bears collection into my daily rotation feels like carrying a small piece of that “Care-a-Lot” magic wherever I go.

My iPhone 16 Pro now lives in the Care Bears Shake Shake Case (PhP 3,990). It’s a tactile reminder of playfulness in the middle of a busy workday.

When I’m heading out, the Share Bear Earbuds Pouch (PhP 2,990) clips onto my bag. It keeps my music close while reminding me of the value of sharing. It’s surprisingly versatile, too, fitting my Shokz OpenFit 2+ or even the bulkier case of the JBL Sense Pro.

When I switch to a different MagSafe case, the Starry Night Snappy Cardholder Stand (PhP 2,490) magnetically attaches to the back of my phone, adding a bit of celestial whimsy to my day

Even my workspace has a new glow. The Twilight Dreams Laptop Sleeve (PhP 3,090) fits my 13-inch MacBook perfectly, wrapping my most important work tool in nostalgic, soft-toned illustrations.

We often look for tech that performs, but we rarely look for accessories that hugs back. This collection does both.

It turns my everyday essentials into a canvas for positivity, proving that even in a digital world, there’s always room for a little more care.

Get the CASETiFY x Care Bears collection.

Accessories

CASETiFY relaunches Evangelion collab for 30th anniversary

Fans can now customize their own NERV-ready cases

Published

March 3, 2026

GadgetMatch

The A.T. Field is activated. To mark 30 years of Neon Genesis Evangelion, CASETiFY has relaunched its highly popular Evangelion collaboration. This time, fans control the sync rate.

For the first time, buyers can fully customize their Evangelion cases. The drop lets fans mix and match NERV logos, the 4th Angel, character art featuring Shinji Ikari and Rei Ayanami, and bold background graphics. The result is a case that feels like a personal unit build, straight out of the series’ control room.

The lineup pulls directly from Evangelion iconography. Designs include classic NERV insignias, holographic “A.T. Field” defense graphics, “Active Time Limit” warnings, and the official 30th Anniversary emblem. Each case uses CASETiFY’s signature impact protection, turning your device into a pocket-sized defensive barrier.

The collection goes beyond phone cases. Fans can also pick up matching AirPods cases, MagSafe wallets, watch bands, and laptop and tablet sleeves to complete their everyday tech setup.

Android users are included in the rollout. The collection supports devices like the newly released Samsung Galaxy S26 series, making it a timely drop for those looking to suit up their latest flagship.

The Evangelion collection is now available via the official CASETiFY website.

Accessories

CASETiFY launches Samsung Galaxy S26 collection

Galaxy S26 cases go bold

Published

March 3, 2026

GadgetMatch

CASETiFY has unveiled its full lineup of cases and accessories for the Samsung Galaxy S26, timed with the flagship’s global debut.

The new collection blends protection with personalization. Users can customize cases with photos and text or choose from bold, artistic prints across multiple case styles. The lineup also includes phone charms, body straps, magnetic accessories, screen protectors, and camera lens covers built specifically for the Galaxy S26.

Orders opened on February 25, 2026 via CASETiFY’s website.

Built for protection and everyday use

Leading the lineup is the Impact Ring Stand Magnetic Case ($85). It features a lifted camera ring with a built-in stand that adjusts from 0 to 150 degrees for hands-free viewing. The case carries 6.6-foot drop protection, 3x MIL-STD-810G certification, EcoShock cushioning, and CASETiFY’s Duo-Lock bonding system. It also supports wireless charging and magnetic accessories.

The Impact Magnetic Case ($70) increases drop protection to 8.2 feet with 4x MIL-STD-810G certification. It adds side sockets for charms and a raised bezel for screen protection.

For those who prefer a transparent look, the Impact Clear Magnetic Case ($70) focuses on long-lasting clarity and anti-yellowing materials. It offers 6.6-foot drop protection and 3x MIL-STD-810G certification.

Slim, glossy, and grip-focused options

The Mirror Magnetic Case ($70) adds reflective functionality with 4.9-foot drop protection, while the Compact Magnetic Case ($55) targets users who want a lightweight, slim profile with 4-foot drop protection.

The Glaze Magnetic Case ($70) stands out with a scratch-resistant glossy finish and anti-print peel-off technology, paired with mirror functionality and magnetic compatibility.

Rounding out the collection is the Force Case by CASETiFY ($55), designed for enhanced grip and durability. It delivers 6.6-foot drop protection, 3x MIL-STD-810G certification, Duo-Lock bonding, and full wireless charging support.

With multiple case styles and accessory options, CASETiFY’s Galaxy S26 collection gives users room to match their device to their personality without compromising protection.