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

OBSBOT’s Meet Flip is your next best pocketable 4K webcam

Fold the Flip for further protection

Published

July 29, 2026

Vincenz

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Several months ago, you might remember that OBSBOT revealed the Tiny 3 series of web cameras.

Six months after, they also unveil the all-new Meet Flip. From the name itself, it’s the company’s latest foldable 4K webcam that puts hardware privacy front and center.

Foldable and pocketable

Despite weighing just 37.7 grams, the Meet Flip aims to deliver premium webcam features for all types of users. Be it remote workers, professionals, or content creators.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Undoubtedly, the biggest highlight has got to be the webcam’s folding design. Not only it’s portable, it protects your privacy too.

Closing the device physically blocks the lens, giving users a visual confirmation that the camera is no longer active. When it’s time for a meeting, simply unfold it and it’s ready to go.

That lightweight body also features a built-in mounting clip that works with laptops, monitors, and tripods. Users can mount it in landscape, portrait, or even upside-down orientations depending on their setup.

Despite that absurd amount of lightweightness, the OBSBOT Meet Flip is still able to house a 1/2-inch Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor with Quad Bayer technology. That’s something more commonly found among bigger and higher-end web cameras.

Other camera features include:

4K video recording / 30fps
1080p recording / up to 60fps
HDR support for challenging lighting
Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF)
4x digital zoom
f/1.8 aperture with ISO 100-6400 support for low-light environments

Beyond just video calls

The OBSBOT Meet Flip isn’t just packed with serious camera hardware, it’s seriously intelligent as well.

The Meet Flip supports AI Auto Framing. This automatically keeps users centered during meetings — regardless if they are presenting alone or with a group. Gesture controls also let users activate framing or adjust zoom without touching the keyboard or mouse.

Another standout feature is AI Magic Notes which provides real-time meeting transcription and automatically generates summaries, action items, and key discussion points.

The feature works with Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams through OBSBOT Center. Every webcam includes complimentary transcription of 120 minutes.

With that being mentioned, OBSBOT Center also makes users gain access to software features such as background blur, virtual backgrounds, beauty mode, and picture-in-picture overlays for presentations.

Those who want more advanced controls can enable Smart Eye Tracking, teleprompter support, and manual image adjustments.

Audio also gets an upgrade through an intelligent dual-microphone system that offers four recording modes:

Directional Mode / solo calls
Dual-Directional Mode / interviews
Smart Omni Mode / group meetings
Pure Audio Mode / unprocessed stereo recording

AI Noise Reduction and Automatic Gain Control are also available across most modes to help improve voice clarity.

OBSBOT’s Meet Flip is also compatible with mobile devices through the OBSBOT Live app and supports integrations with accessories including Elgato Stream Deck, Nintendo Switch 2, and UVC-to-NDI/HDMI adapters.

Pricing and Availability

The OBSBOT Meet Flip is available starting today for US$119 through OBSBOT’s online store, Amazon US, and select retailers worldwide. Regional pricing may vary.

Accessories

CASETiFY drops Samsung Galaxy Z8 series collection

Tailored for the latest foldable devices

Published

July 28, 2026

GadgetMatch

CASETiFY, as expected, has dropped its latest ecosystem tailored for the new Samsung Galaxy Z8 series devices.

The lineup caters to all devices under the series: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8, Z Fold8, and Z Fold8 Ultra. Accessories under the lineup range from US$ 20 to US$ 70. They are available across more than 70 CASETiFY Studio locations worldwide.

The latest collection reimagines the relationship between hardware and style, effortlessly bridging heavy-duty, military-grade protection with a modular network of magnetic add-ons and deeply personalized visuals.

Recognizing that the hinge is the most fragile component of a foldable device, CASETiFY is introducing a precision-engineered, smooth-gliding hinge protection mechanism for the very first time.

This is fortified to be incredibly tough and resilient against daily impacts for uncompromised 360-degree defense.

At the same time, CASETiFY still promises a seamless open-and-close movement each time to make the phone secure, clean, and easy to carry.

The CASETiFY Samsung Galaxy Z8 series lineup includes:

Impact Magnetic Case

The signature case introduces a breakthrough, smooth-gliding hinge cover that fully encases the device’s moving parts — minus the bulk. It is fortified with EcoShock technology and protective raised bezels.

Impact HD Screen Protector

This ultra-responsive defense layer is crafted from surface-strengthened 9H tempered glass. It features advanced anti-fingerprint and antimicrobial coatings.

Impact Camera Lens Protector

This scratch-proof tempered glass shield keeps your camera safe from every angle. It is also precision-engineered to prevent flash light haze to preserve original photo quality.

16 Personalities Print Collection

In addition, CASETiFY is giving enthusiasts a way to show who they are with the brand-new 16 Personalities Print Collection.

This typography-centered collection turns a four-letter personality personality archetype into a high-design visual manifest.

The highly collectible print collection expands far beyond the Galaxy Z8 series. It will be available across a wide selection of iPhone silhouettes and compatible lifestyle options.

Accessories

CASETiFY revives Spider-Man collection for Brand New Day

Spider-Man returns to CASETiFY

Published

July 24, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

CASETiFY has unveiled a new Marvel collaboration inspired by Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The collection marks the brand’s first Spider-Man release since 2023. It also arrives alongside Sony Pictures’ upcoming film, which opens later this month.

The lineup includes phone and tablet cases, MagSafe accessories, earbuds cases, watchbands, laptop sleeves, and wireless chargers. It is headlined by two premium phone cases. The Aluminium Spider-Man Mask Case costs US$84, while the 2.5D Silicone Case sells for US$78. Both are available for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Fans can also choose from five printed phone case designs: Spider-Man New Mask, Spider-Man Poster, Spider-Man Medley, Spider-Man Medley (Dark Version), and Spider-Man New Suit. CASETiFY also lets buyers personalize select phone cases and MagSafe wallets through its Custom Sticker feature.

More Spider-Man accessories

The collection goes beyond phone cases. It also includes MagSafe Grip Stands, Cardholder Stands, Wallets, a 2-in-1 Charging Stand, Earbuds Cases, Watchbands, Camera Lens Protectors, Laptop Cases and Sleeves, Tablet Cases, and Wireless Chargers. Prices start at US$24 for the Camera Lens Protector and go up to US$92 for the 2-in-1 Charging Stand.

The Marvel Spider-Man: Brand New Day x CASETiFY collection is now available through CASETiFY’s website, the Co-Lab app, and CASETiFY STUDiO stores worldwide.