News

Shokz OpenFit Pro launches at Power Mac Center, brings open-ear noise reduction

Open-ear, now quieter

Published

March 23, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

There’s a certain kind of listener this is built for. The kind who wants music on, but not the world off.

That’s exactly where the new Shokz OpenFit Pro steps in. Now officially available at Power Mac Center, the latest from Shokz pushes open-ear audio further with a feature that feels almost contradictory at first: noise reduction—without shutting you out.

It’s a balancing act. And from what we’ve seen at the launch, it’s one Shokz is leaning into hard.

Open-ear, but with focus when you need it

The headline feature here is Open-Ear Noise Reduction—a first for Shokz.

Instead of sealing your ears like traditional ANC earbuds, the OpenFit Pro keeps its signature open design. You still hear your surroundings, but now you can dial in a “focus mode” when things get too noisy.

It works through a triple-mic system paired with an ear-adaptive algorithm, which predicts in-ear noise and counters it with reverse sound waves. The result isn’t total silence, but a cleaner listening experience in places like offices, gyms, or busy streets.

It’s not about isolation. It’s about control.

Bigger sound, richer detail

Shokz is also going after better sound this time.

The OpenFit Pro uses a new Shokz SuperBoost™ dual-diaphragm driver, designed to deliver deeper bass and more detailed highs while keeping distortion low. The 11 × 20 mm driver performs like a larger speaker, giving it more room to breathe compared to typical open-ear buds.

There’s also Dolby Atmos support with head tracking, adding a more immersive layer—especially for supported content.

Built to stay on, all day

Comfort is still a big part of the pitch.

The earbuds use Ultra-Soft Silicone 2.0 and a flexible nickel-titanium ear hook that adapts to different ear shapes. They’re designed to stay secure whether you’re working out, walking, or just going through your day.

The build leans premium too, with an ultra-slim aluminum unibody design that keeps things lightweight and clean.

Calls, battery, and everyday extras

On the practical side, the OpenFit Pro checks a lot of boxes:

AI-powered triple-mic system for clearer calls (with wind resistance up to 25 km/h)
Up to 50 hours total battery with the case
Up to 12 hours listening time (6 hours with noise reduction on)
10-minute quick charge = up to 4 hours playback
Qi wireless charging support
Multipoint pairing, smart wear detection, and Bluetooth 6.1

It’s also IP55-rated, making it suitable for workouts and light rain.

A different take on listening

Open-ear audio has always been about awareness and comfort.

With the OpenFit Pro, Shokz is trying to add a third layer: focus on demand.

It doesn’t replace traditional noise-cancelling earbuds. It doesn’t try to. Instead, it gives you the option to stay present—while still tuning the noise down when it matters. And for a lot of people, that might be the better everyday choice.

Price and availability

The Shokz OpenFit Pro retails for Php 14,990 or PhP 2498.33/mo for six months with select credit cards. It’s available in Power Mac Center locations nationwide.

News

realme 16 series 5G launches in the Philippines

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

Published

April 24, 2026

GadgetMatch

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)

Entertainment

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

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

Published

April 23, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

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.

Automotive

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

VinFast to compete head-on with major motorbike players

Published

April 23, 2026

GadgetMatch

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.