Wearables

The WF-1000XM5 builds on its predecessor’s formula

Available for pre-orders now

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Last week, Sony teased an upcoming audio product coming this week. The writing on the wall made it apparent that the WF-1000XM5 was coming. Right as the week starts, Sony makes things official. The WF-1000XM5 is now out.

Prior to today, Sony has a pulse on the wireless earbuds market with the WF-1000XM4. The series brought high-resolution audio to the segment. Of course, it’s difficult to rest on one’s laurels. Though it took a while to launch, the successor is now building on the foundations of the tried-and-tested formula.

The WF-1000XM5 has a new high-performance driver called the Dynamic Driver X. The driver can reportedly reproduce lower frequencies much better using improved materials. An Integrated Processor V2 sports 24-bit audio processing and analogue amplification. Once again, LDAC optimizes connectivity via Bluetooth to reduce latency.

Plus, each earbud has three microphones embedded inside. With the microphones, the earbuds can isolate noise even better and create a more comfortable fit away from the hustle and bustle outside. The microphones will also improve call quality, allowing the earbuds to pick up your voice even in crowded locations.

Sony is also improving the looks of its iconic wireless earbuds. Instead of protruding excessively out of your head, the WF-1000XM5 has a 25 percent smaller form factor. It is also 20 percent lighter. Finally, it has a glossier texture compared to the all-matte design of its predecessor.

The battery can last up to 8 hours on a single charge. Additionally, the charging case can hold up to 16 hours of juice. It, along with the earbuds, have an IPX4 rating for added durability.

The WF-1000XM5 is available for pre-orders now for US$ 299.99. It is available in black and silver.

SEE ALSO: The A6700 brings Sony back to the APS-C market

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Galaxy Buds4 Pro first look

Bigger sound, smarter controls

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Galaxy Buds4 Pro


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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Samsung Galaxy Buds4 series now official

With wider woofer, smarter ANC

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Galaxy Buds4

At its February Unpacked event in San Francisco, Samsung unveiled the new Galaxy Buds4 series, headlined by the Galaxy Buds4 Pro. The focus this year is simple: deliver sound as the artist intended, then make it adapt intelligently to real life.

The Galaxy Buds4 Pro introduces a new wider woofer that increases effective speaker area by nearly 20 percent compared to the previous generation. Paired with a tweeter, the two-way system supports 24-bit/96kHz audio for richer detail, deeper bass, and cleaner highs. From orchestral strings to low, resonant bass lines, Samsung says this is its most powerful hi-fi tuning yet.

Smarter ANC

The hardware upgrade works alongside enhanced Adaptive EQ and Active Noise Cancellation. The Buds4 series analyzes wearing conditions and ear shape in real time, applying optimized ANC algorithms to reduce noise leakage and maintain balanced sound. Whether you’re on a plane, train, or bus, low-frequency engine noise is reduced while vocals and instruments stay clear.

Super Clear Call

Call quality also gets a boost. Super Clear Call uses super wideband technology and machine learning-based noise reduction to double the bandwidth of conventional Bluetooth calls. Even in loud environments, voices remain crisp and natural.

Blade design

Design plays an equally important role this generation. Samsung introduces a refined “blade” identity shaped by analyzing hundreds of millions of global ear data points and running over 10,000 simulations. The result is a smaller earbud head for improved stability and long-wear comfort. A metal-finished blade includes a clearly marked pinch control area, while a new transparent clamshell cradle makes charging and storage more intuitive.

The Galaxy Buds4 Pro adopts a canal-fit design for maximum immersion. The standard Galaxy Buds4 uses an open-fit approach for a lighter, more breathable feel. Both models come in White and Black matte finishes, with an online-exclusive Pink Gold option for the Pro.

Works with AI agents

Within the Galaxy ecosystem, integration runs deeper. Users can activate AI agents like Bixby, Google Gemini, and Perplexity hands-free. The Buds4 Pro also adds Head Gesture controls for managing calls and triggering actions without reaching for your phone.

Price and availability

In the Philippines, the Galaxy Buds4 Pro is priced at Php 14,990, while the Galaxy Buds4 comes in at Php 11,490. Pre-orders begin today, with general availability starting March 11 alongside the Galaxy S26 series.

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HUAWEI FreeClip 2 launching on February 19

Premium audio wearable, tech fashion statement

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HUAWEI will officially launch the HUAWEI FreeClip 2 in the Philippines on February 19.

HUAWEI says the only Airy C-Bridge open-ear TWS earbuds is the next evolution of open-ear listening.

It is designed for users who want premium sound, all-day comfort, and a truly secure fit — not just as a cutting-edge audio wearable but also as a tech jewelry.

There are several trendy colorways: Denim Blue, Black, Rose Gold, and White. Users can also style the FreeClip 2 with interchangeable accessories, like the Star, Butterfly, Flake, and Tassel designs.

Building on the first-generation FreeClip, the FreeClip 2 introduces a lighter, softer, and new design.

The Acoustic Ball, which houses the audio driver, is contoured and weighted to sit naturally near the ear canal. This change allows directing sound precisely while maintaining an open-ear design.

The counterbalance is the Comfort Bean, a broad and soft contact surface for a stable and ergonomic fit. This rests gently behind the ear and distributes pressure across a wider area.

Meanwhile, the Airy C-Bridge design is crafted from skin-friendly liquid silicone and high-performance shape-memory alloy. It is 25% lighter and is tested to withstand 25,000 bends.

 

Crystal-clear calls, powerful audio

Performance wise, the FreeClip 2 boasts of clearer sound and more reliable calls in real-world environments.

It is equipped with an advanced three-microphone system, including a Voice Pick Up bone-conduction mic.

The powerful dual-diaphragm driver in a TWS design is also engineered to deliver impressive sound. Users can expect a better bass performance for fuller and more dynamic audio for music, podcasts, and even video calls.

An integrated NPU AI Processor also elevates the listening experience with precise audio processing.

With Adaptive Volume, the wearable detects ambient noise and automatically adjusts playback. Adaptive Voice Enhancement also intelligently amplifies voice based on the content being played or surrounding noise.

Other features include up to 38 hours of usage, iOS and Android compatibility, and IP57 rating.

For its Philippines release, HUAWEI is offering Early Bird Vouchers worth PhP 1,000. On Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok, customers can also get PhP 500 vouchers and two sets of accessories, as well as a one-year, one-time loss compensation service.

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