Wearables
Samsung is reportedly building a new Android-based watch
Goodbye Tizen?
Before the current rise of smartwatches, Samsung captured swaths of the emerging industry armed with the Linux-based Tizen operating system. However, the operating system is definitely one of the most controversial ones out there, especially when compared to Apple’s watchOS and Google’s Wear OS. To the clamor of Android smartwatch fans, Samsung is reportedly building a new Android-based watch, instead of a Tizen one.
Leaked by renowned Samsung leaker Ice Universe, Samsung will return to its Android roots in the next smartwatch launch. Notably, the leaker used “Android,” instead of Google’s Wear OS. With that wording, it remains ambiguous which form of Android will don the upcoming Gear.
Samsung's new watch will use Android to replace Tizen.
— Ice Universe (@UniverseIce) February 19, 2021
As mentioned above, Samsung had used Android for its smartwatches previously. The last one to use the operating system was 2013’s Galaxy Gear. Since then, Samsung switched to Tizen. At the time, Google’s smartwatch software ecosystem was still in its relative infancy. Now, however, Google can boast a thriving ecosystem filled with numerous devices from various brands. One of the key strengths that Samsung can tap is a wider variety of compatible apps. Though Tizen is still superior in terms of battery life, the Linux system doesn’t exactly have a robust gallery of apps.
Currently, no one knows when the next Galaxy Watch, if it’s called that this year, will launch. Though Ice Universe’s leak definitely carries some weight, the upcoming Android-based watch will have to wait for the next report.
SEE ALSO: Samsung is launching ECG monitoring for the Galaxy Watch 3
News
Nothing adds color to its wearables with the Headphone (a)
The Pink and Yellow colors look great!
Last year, the Nothing Headphone (1) added a sense of fashion to the drab headphone market. Today, Nothing is adding a splash of color to its stylish lineup of headphones through the newly launched Headphone (a).
As with the (a) series of phones, the Headphone (a) melds fashion with affordability and performance. For quality, the wearable will have intelligent noise cancellation and sharper voice pick-ups with a 3-microphone Environmental Noise Cancellation system. It will also deliver rich immersive sound through Static Spatial Audio.
It’s only 310g light for easy use throughout the day.
For convenience, the Headphone (a) will have tactile gestures, such as a Button, Roller, and Paddle, to easily control the device without need of a phone. Users can integrate features like Channel Hop and Camera Shutter mode straight into the controls.
The headphones are designed for up to five days of battery life. Plus, a five-minute charge time can already provide five hours of playback. Finally, for durability, it is rated for IP52 resistance.
The Headphone (a) is available for preorders now. Starting March 13, it will be available in White, Black, and Pink. It will sell for EUR 159. Meanwhile, a limited-edition Yellow pair will be available starting April 6.
Accessories
Xiaomi launches latest ecosystem devices: Watch 5, Redmi Buds 8 Pro, more
Smart, on-the-go products debut
Xiaomi has launched an entire slate of smart, on-the-go devices as part of their major first quarter ecosystem release.
These products, ranging from smartwatches to earbuds to smart home devices and electric scooters, were introduced alongside the flagship Xiaomi 17 series smartphones and Xiaomi Pad 8 series tablets.
All are now available in the Philippines. Here’s a quick rundown.
Xiaomi Watch 5
Price: PhP 18,999
The Xiaomi Watch 5 runs on Wear OS by Google. It has a large 1.54-inch display reinforced by strong sapphire glass.
The watch has a stainless steel middle frame, and a flagship dual-chipset design. Inside are the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 and BES2800 low-power processor.
Users can leverage quick gestures with EMG, IMU, and PPG sensors for essential actions. Such can execute tasks like dismissing calls, silencing alarms, launching workouts, and more.
As usual, there are several sport modes, and advanced health monitoring features, which have been refined to deliver a better experience.
Redmi Buds 8 Pro
Price: PhP 3,999
The wearable leverages a 3-mic system with up to 12 m/s wind noise cancellation and up to 55dB ANC.
Inside are coaxial triple drivers for rich sound complemented by Dolby Audio. There are three color options: Obsidian Black, Cloud White, and Glacier Blue.
Users can enjoy up to 33 hours of playback along with its charging case.
As a quick addition, a Xiaomi Tag is available for PhP 899 for a single piece or PhP 2,799 for the four-pack.
This tool is compatible with Apple Find My or Google Android Find Hub, working within a user’s chosen OS ecosystem.
Xiaomi UltraThin Magnetic Power Bank 5000
Price: Php 3,699 (Black and Silver) | PhP 3,899 (Radiant Orange)
Furthermore, Xiaomi’s latest power bank supports simultaneous charging of two devices while sporting a slim and portable look.
It is capable of up to 15W of wireless charging, and 22.5W of USB-C fast charging.
Xiaomi Smart Dehumidifier
Price: PhP 14,999 | PhP 9,499 (Lite)
For smart home devices, the company’s latest dehumidifier has 5 noise-reduction designs for as low as just a 35.8dB ambient noise.
It features smart dehumidification, an external drainage, and three modes, including a clothes drying mode.
Xiaomi Electric Scooter 6 Ultra
Price: PhP 46,999
Lastly, Xiaomi’s latest electric scooter is all about upgrades. It has improved front and rear disc brakes, as well as 12-inch tires.
The e-scooter comes with dual swing-arm suspension for better support, an ergonomic design, and a 3-inch display for the rider.
It also has a 1200W peak power with Boost mode, which is vital for uphill climbs or quick acceleration.
On a full charge, the ridable is capable of a 75-kilometer range, making it fit for casual commutes around the city and quick trips.
Other variants include the Electric Scooter 6 Lite and Electric Scooter 6 to suit
All the aforementioned Xiaomi AIoT devices are available at Xiaomi Authorized Stores nationwide, as well as Lazada and Shopee.
The new Galaxy Buds4 Pro pushes Samsung’s audio ambitions further. At launch, Samsung positioned it as its most advanced Buds yet — built for hi-fi listening and all-day wear.
The headline upgrade is a wider woofer that increases effective speaker area by nearly 20 percent. Combined with a tweeter, it supports 24-bit/96kHz audio for fuller bass and clearer highs. The two-way speaker design also improves Active Noise Cancellation performance by minimizing wind and external feedback.
Enhanced Adaptive ANC and EQ now adjust in real time based on fit and environment. Commuting, flying, or working in a busy café feels quieter without sacrificing detail in your music or podcasts.
For calls, Super Clear Call uses super wideband technology and AI-based noise reduction to deliver clearer voice quality, even in noisy surroundings.
Design gets a refresh, too. The new blade-inspired look features a premium metal finish with a defined pinch control area. The Buds4 Pro uses a canal-fit design for maximum immersion, while the standard Galaxy Buds4 opts for an open-fit feel. Both come in White and Black, with Pink Gold exclusive to the Pro.
Hands-free controls extend beyond playback. Users can trigger AI assistants such as Bixby and Google Gemini directly from the earbuds. Head Gesture support on the Pro allows call management without touching your phone.
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