News

Huawei unveils a new MatePad, Band 10, and FreeArc

Together with the Mate XT

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Okay, be honest. Your eyes are probably on the Mate XT right now. Who wouldn’t? After the longest wait, Huawei has finally launched the world’s first tri-fold smartphone. However, if you can pry your eyes away from this marvel for a second, the Chinese brand also launch three new devices into its expanding ecosystem.

Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2-inch 2025

Not to be mistaken for the old MatePad Pro 13.2”, the new (and officially named) MatePad Pro 13.2-inch 2025 brings the modern iteration of Huawei’s tablets into a larger form factor.

Last year, the MatePad Pro 12.2” brought a new brand of productivity to Huawei’s ecosystem. Now, with a larger screen, the MatePad Pro 13.2-inch 2025 can do more. Like its contemporary, the new tablet has a Flexible OLED PaperMatte Display, albeit with a larger 13.2-inch size. The screen is capable of displaying up to 1,000nits of brightness and at 2.8K resolution.

Inside, the tablet comes with PC-level WPS Office for an exclusive productivity suite. It also feature compatibility with keyboard and mouse interactions through the suite. The tablet will also come with the standard gallery of Huawei-exclusive apps including Notes and GoPaint.

Finally, the MatePad Pro 13.2-inch 2025 comes with a 10,100mAh battery. It is also compatible with Huawei SuperCharge, charging in just 65 minutes from an empty battery.

Huawei FreeArc

In the wearable space, Huawei is redefining its TWS earbuds. While you might already know about the usual FreeBuds, the unusual FreeArc will surely catch your eye.

The new FreeArc is Huawei’s first TWS earbuds with earhooks. The curved form factor can fit seamlessly inside the user’s ears, achieving maximum comfort without the plugged-in sensation of in-ear devices. The new product uses Huawei’s iconic C-Bridge Design while using 0.7mm nickel-titanium shape memory alloy, all supported y comfortable liquid silicone.

For performance, the FreeArc uses a 17x12mm high-sensitivity driver unit, symmetrical acoustic structure, dynamic bass algorithm, and Adaptive Equal-loudness Algorithm. With an IP57 rating, the device is able to withstand normal wear and tear from hard use.

Huawei Band 10

Today, Huawei is upgrading the Huawei Band series with a tenth iteration. The Huawei Band 10 touts itself as the thinnest fitness band (only 8.99mm in thickness) for all-day comfort. It also tracks a plethora of metrics to keep you updated with what makes you tick. It has 100 workout modes available out of the box.

For one, the Enhanced Sleep Health Assistant analyzes your sleep patterns to effectively recommend ways to maximize your sleep. Secondly, the Emotional Wellbeing Assistant monitors your physiology in real-time, made extra cute with an interactive Pet Panda watch face.

Price, availability

The Huawei MatePad Pro 13.2-inch 2025 starts at EUR 1,049 (approximately US$ 1,098). The PaperMatte version starts at EUR 1,199 (approximately US$ 1,254).

The Huawei FreeArc starts at EUR 119 (approximately US$ 125). It is available in black, green, and gray.

Finally, the Huawei Band 10 is available in black, white, green, blue, and purple.

News

realme 16 series 5G launches in the Philippines

Pro Plus variant, telephoto lens return; price, availability, offers

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realme has officially launched the realme 16 series 5G in the Philippines, composed of three variants: the 16 5G, 16 Pro 5G, and the 16 Pro+ 5G.

The latest numbered series entries promise improved photography, longer battery life, and smarter AI features.

The series is now available nationwide for the following SRPs:

  • realme 16 5G (8GB+256GB): PhP 25,999
  • realme 16 Pro 5G (8GB+256GB): PhP 31,999
  • realme 16 Pro 5G (12GB+512GB): PhP 37,999
  • realme 16 Pro+ 5G (12GB+512GB): PhP 43,999

To make the most out of purchasing any of realme’s new releases, customers can pre-order until April 30 for freebies such as the realme Buds Air7 or realme Watch S2.

Also up for grabs are a 5,000mAh power bank, Privilege Card, and discounts of up to PhP 2,000. These put the total perks’ value at about PhP 8,900.

In addition, Shopee customers can enjoy up to PhP 9,000 off until May 5 and get a free AKASO EK7000 series action camera. This means the device can be checked out for as low as PhP 22,499.

Master Portrait for moments that matter

The biggest highlight of the realme 16 series is the 200MP Multi-focal LumaColor Camera System on the Pro models.

This is designed for detailed shots across different focal lengths. Moreover, the Pro+ 5G brings back a 50MP 3.5x telephoto lens for more versatile portraits and zoom photography.

It can be recalled that the previous 15 series didn’t have a Pro+ model and also ditched the telephoto lens.

The more accessible realme 16 5G, on the other hand, has a dual 50MP portrait camera system powered by a Sony IMX852 sensor.

AI tools are available across all variants, including AI Edit Genie 2.0, AI Instant Clip, and AI Portrait Glow. There’s also more room to play with Vibe Master Mode and AI Photo Popout.

Built to last longer

All three variants are equipped with 7,000mAh batteries for extended daily use, with the Pro variants supporting 80W SUPERVOOC charging as well.

The Pro+ 5G runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, while the Pro houses a Dimensity 7300 Max.

Both Pro models likewise have an Airflow Vapor Chamber Cooling System and have 144Hz AMOLED displays.

The base model, meanwhile, is powered by a Dimensity 6400 Turbo chipset and comes with a 120Hz AMOLED display in a more compact form.

Another key highlight is durability, as the entire lineup features IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K dust and water resistance.

The realme 16 series features these distinct colorways:

  • Pro+ 5G: Master Gold
  • Pro 5G: Pebble Grey, Orchid Purple
  • 16 5G: Air White, Air Black (with built-in Selfie Mirror at the back)
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Entertainment

DC’s Clayface teaser shows off a horror-filled superhero movie

Our first taste of James Gunn’s Gotham City will be frightening.

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Last year, James Gunn’s Superman sparked an impressive wave of excitement for the new DC Universe. Though this year’s spotlight is on Supergirl, Clayface is also getting an eponymous film, giving us our first taste of Gotham City in this bustling universe.

There’s been a lot of mystery surrounding this film. For one, Gotham City’s DCU debut is based on, arguably, a secondary villain, rather than any member of the Bat-Family. Secondly, Gunn has confirmed that the movie will heavily lean towards the horror genre, a feat others have tried but often failed.

Today, DC Studios has released the first teaser trailer for Clayface. And no, Gunn wasn’t kidding when he said this is going to be a horror film.

Tom Rhys Harries plays Matt Hagen, a rising movie star suddenly scarred by a violent attack. Desperate to resurrect his career, he resorts to a scientific experiment that turns his skin into moldable clay.

As the teaser hints, the film will not shy away from body horror, including shots of Hagen’s disfigured face either from the attack or from the clay. It’s a big departure from the more traditional style of Superman or Supergirl. But it’s a gamble that might pay off for a universe as young as the DCU.

It’s also apropos that the DCU’s first horror film is getting a horror-themed premiere. Clayface will premiere in cinemas on October 23, 2026.

SEE ALSO: Superman sequel, titled Man of Tomorrow, comes out in 2027

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Automotive

VinFast to expand in the Philippines with e-scooters: report

VinFast to compete head-on with major motorbike players

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Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

VinFast is bringing its electric scooters to the Philippines.

According to a report by TopGear, the Vietnamese EV manufacturer has signed agreements with 14 local distributors.

The report mentioned that specifically, the Evo, Feliz II, and Viper models shall be made available. The rollout will naturally begin in metro areas, as expected.

These models provide longer range on a single full charge and higher top speeds compared to budget e-bikes. It means they are suitable to be driven on major highways, provided that drivers have a license and the scooter is registered.

Moreover, in what is somewhat similar to Gogoro’s model from a few years back, VinFast is set to have 30,000 battery-swapping stations nationwide.

This way, drivers wouldn’t have to worry about running out of battery power while on the road. They can simply swap batteries instead of looking for charging stations.

This development means VinFast is competing head-on against other fuel-powered motorcycle brands in a market where such vehicles are popular for everyday use.

Not only that, VinFast will likewise compete with the likes of Yadea, RUX Electric Mobility, and even Hatasu to a certain extent.

It doesn’t come as a surprise as back home, VinFast is aggressively pushing for electrification, selling e-scooters to consumers.

This is aligned with the government’s goal to eventually ban petrol motorbikes in major cities, including the capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Given the massive rate the production is going, it is only sensible for VinFast to also target nearby markets where it already has a presence, including Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Thailand.

In the Philippines, the Vingroup’s EV arm already competes in the electric cars and SUVs segment. Its offerings include the VF3 and VF5.

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