Last year ended with the bombshell announcement that Netflix might buy the entire Warner Bros. library. However, after some finagling and a rocky start, Paramount has now emerged as the main suitor for the lucrative library.

At the end of last year, it seemed all but confirmed that the gigantic Warner Bros. library was coming to Netflix as part of a huge buyout deal. This became even clearer when Warner Bros. Discovery rejected Paramount’s initial bid to counter Netflix. However, Paramount recently revised its offer to an astounding US$ 110 billion, or US$ 31 per share, which Warner Bros. Discovery signed off on. Netflix passed on the opportunity for a counteroffer, making Paramount the sole bidder.

Today, Paramount has announced that, if the deal pushes through, they will merge Paramount+ and HBO Max into one streaming service. This means that Paramount’s CBS, Comedy Central, and MTV will be under the same roof as DC, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and Mission: Impossible.

The value of the above names alone makes this into one of the most lucrative deals for Paramount. However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The combined entity will reportedly carry US$ 79 billion in net debt for both purchasing Warner Bros. and refinancing the newly purchased property.

Currently, the deal is expected to go through regulatory approval ending in the second half of 2026.

Globe is extending targeted roaming support to customers in key Middle East countries, following the evolving situation in the region.

The company said the initiative aims to help Filipinos abroad stay connected with loved ones and access essential services during uncertain times. The relief measures include complimentary roaming packages in select markets, along with credit or bill adjustments where needed.

Free roaming package in select countries

Globe is offering a complimentary roaming package to eligible Prepaid, TM, and Postpaid customers in the following countries:

• Saudi Arabia – via STC and Zain
• United Arab Emirates – via Du and e& (Etisalat)
• Bahrain – via Batelco and Zain Bahrain
• Qatar – via Ooredoo and Vodafone
• Kuwait – via Ooredoo Kuwait and stc Kuwait

The roaming relief package includes 1GB of all-access data, 15 minutes of calls, and 15 SMS credits valid for seven days. Globe designed the offer to support critical communication needs during this period.

The company will automatically activate the package for eligible customers. No registration is required. Recipients will receive a confirmation message once the service is active and ready to use.

To enjoy the benefit, customers must connect to Globe’s preferred roaming partners in each country. These networks are listed in Globe’s global roaming partner directories as primary operators in the region.

Additional support for customers in Iran

For customers in Iran, Globe is providing load support or bill adjustments to help offset roaming costs. The assistance will be administered through account credit adjustments, based on usage patterns while connected to roaming partners such as MTN Irancell.

“We recognize the importance of connection especially when circumstances are unpredictable. These measures represent Globe’s commitment to supporting our customers abroad, keeping them reliably linked to family and critical communication even in challenging contexts,” said Paula Rivera-Castillo, Head of Globe International Business.

Globe said it continues to monitor conditions in the region and work closely with international partners to ensure seamless connectivity and timely support for affected subscribers.

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.