News
Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi Pad 8 series price, availability in PH
Xiaomi’s latest flagship devices have arrived
Xiaomi has officially launched its latest flagship smartphone series, the Xiaomi 17, in the Philippines. The lineup consists of two models: the Xiaomi 17 and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
Customers can get the Xiaomi 17 in four color options: Alpine Pink, Ice Blue, Venture Green, and Black. The base model is available via Lazada, Shopee, and Xiaomi authorized stores for the following prices:
- 12GB+256GB: PhP 49,999 (from 53,999) until March 19
- 12GB+512GB: PhP 53,999 (from 55,999) until March 19
Early purchases also come with the following perks:
- Up to PhP 4,000 off on Shopee
- Up to PhP 2,000 off on Lazada
- Free Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm worth PhP 7,799
- Chance to win a Leica Q3 worth PhP417,000 (only one entry per customer per purchase)
Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is available at PhP 84,999 for the 16GB+512GB configuration. That’s a generous reduction from its base price of PhP 99,999.
Exclusive Shopee online perks until March 19 include:
- Free Xiaomi Watch 5 worth PhP 18,999
- Free Xiaomi Photography Kit
- Raffle entry to win Leica Q3
The Xiaomi 17 Ultra features an outstanding camera system, making it one of the best camera-focused flagships available now.
It comes with a 50MP f/1.67 main Leica Optical Summilux high-speed lens, with a large 1-inch sensor size.
This camera is complemented by a 50MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera and a 200MP f/2.39~2.96 telephoto camera with 3.2x~4.3x continuous optical zoom. The latter uses a 1/1.4-inch Samsung ISOCELL sensor.
The Ultra is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and has a large 6.9-inch 120Hz 2k display.
For a comprehensive review, read here: Forget the Phone: Xiaomi 17 Ultra Is A CAMERA!
On the other hand, the Xiaomi 17 has a more compact 6.3-inch design, Leica triple cameras, a 6,330mAh battery with support for 100W charging, and the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.
Xiaomi Pad 8 series
In addition to Xiaomi’s latest flagships, the company has also launched its latest premium tablet locally.
The Xiaomi Pad 8 series is now available in the Pad 8 and Pad 8 Pro variants. Both come in Pine Green, Gray, and Blue color options. Exclusive pre-order bundles are available until March 26:
- Pad 8 Pro: PhP 36,999 (from 38,999) with Touch Keyboard, free Focus Pen Pro
- Pad 8: PhP 27,999 (from 29,999) with Normal Keyboard, free Focus Pen Pro
In addition, there is also a Matte Glass version available from PhP 45,999.
The Xiaomi Pad 8 has an 11.2-inch 144Hz IPS LCD display with ample 3.2K resolution, 345ppi pixel density, and 800 nits peak brightness.
It comes in a lightweight body at 485 grams, and is even thinner than its predecessor at 5.75mm. The slate is also equipped with a 9,200mAh battery for longer use.
Professional workflows are likewise supported with integrated WPS Office PC.
Meanwhile, the Pad 8 Pro is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite. It even has a 50MP rear camera, 32MP front camera, and up to 512GB of storage, as well as 67W HyperCharge.
For the full review, read here: Xiaomi Pad 8 review: Slab that slaps!
Entertainment
YouTube remains top PH video platform; advertisers urged to continue investing
Advertisers urged to continue investing in TV programs
As YouTube remains the top streaming platform in the Philippines, advertisers are urged to continue investing in TV programs and content available on the platform, as these generate effective returns.
According to a 2025 Kantar Study, YouTube is the No. 1 video streaming platform in the Philippines in terms of reach.
The same study mentions that 97% of Filipinos in rural Visayas and Mindanao, two major island groups in the country, have watched online TV programs on YouTube in the past month.
Another significant finding is that the streaming platform is providing a 60% incremental reach beyond traditional linear TV.
This proves that YouTube is an essential bridge to Filipino TV viewers, specially in this era. The platform has transformed from just being a video hosting site to an all-in-one entertainment hub that spans traditional TV programs and both longform vlogs and shortform trending clips.
Given this massive gravitational pull, YouTube has partnered with media giants ABS-CBN, GMA, and TV5. This is to ensure the best content, from news to live sports, is available to every YouTube subscriber.
Furthermore, during the “Unstoppable: YouTube in the Next Era of Growth” event, the networks also urged advertisers to keep supporting such TV programs and related content.
They mentioned conversion numbers that say ads through such content remain effective. This is a dynamic that sponsors can continue to explore for marketing, given that YouTube has also integrated Unskippable Ads onto their platform.
Accessories
Jabra launches PanaCast Room Kit for simpler hybrid meetings
The function room setup that doesn’t need an IT guy
Jabra is expanding its hybrid work ecosystem with the new PanaCast Room Kit.
It’s a video conferencing solution built for meeting rooms. But it skips the usual complexity. No tangled cables, no custom programming, and no need for IT on standby.
The kit is designed for teams of three to 15 people. Setup takes minutes: Connect the cameras, place the speakers and microphones, and link everything with a single cable.
That’s it. A standard room becomes a smart collaboration space without the usual friction.
Built for inclusive meetings
At the center of the experience is the PanaCast 55 VBS.
It uses a 180-degree multi-camera system powered by onboard AI. Jabra’s Virtual Director technology tracks speakers and reframes the view in real time.
Everyone stays visible. Even those seated at the far end of the table.
The goal is simple. Make remote participants feel like they’re in the room.
Audio keeps up with that promise. The PanaCast SpeakerMic extends coverage up to 11 meters. Every voice comes through clearly and at a consistent volume. No need to raise your voice just to be heard.
No-fuss by design
The system adds a Huddly L1 camera for a secondary angle. This gives meetings a more complete and inclusive view.
There’s also the Jabra Control IP touch controller. It handles meetings with simple, one-touch controls.
Everything works together with minimal input. No manual pan-tilt-zoom adjustments. No audio balancing. The AI handles it.
Enterprise-ready, plug-and-play simple
The PanaCast Room Kit is fully UC-certified. It works with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet.
It also runs on the Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP), bringing enterprise-grade security and reliability.
The idea is straightforward. High-end meeting tech shouldn’t be hard to use.
From small huddle spaces to larger boardrooms, the kit scales without added complexity. It removes the usual barriers to hybrid collaboration.
Whether it’s a quick team sync or a full boardroom discussion, the PanaCast Room Kit aims to give everyone a front-row seat.
vivo has officially announced the global launch of the X300 Ultra, marking the first international debut of its top-tier imaging flagship.
The device introduces the ZEISS Master Lenses Collection, featuring triple prime focal lengths at 14mm, 35mm, and 85mm. It supports up to 200MP output across key focal lengths and can extend reach to 200mm and 400mm using optional telephoto extenders.
A 200MP 85mm telephoto camera with gimbal-level stabilization and 60fps AF tracking enables detailed long-range shots. Meanwhile, the 35mm camera uses a large Sony LYTIA sensor for natural perspective and improved low-light performance.
For video, the X300 Ultra supports multi-focal 4K 120fps recording in both 10-bit Log and Dolby Vision formats. It also introduces Pro Video mode with LUT support and compatibility with ACES workflows for advanced color grading.
The phone runs on Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, paired with a dedicated imaging chip. It packs a 6600mAh battery with 100W wired and 40W wireless charging.
Other features include a 2K ZEISS Master Color Display, quad-mic audio recording system, IP68/IP69 durability, and up to five years of OS updates.
Pricing and availability will depend on the region.
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