Apps
6 free VPN apps for Android and iOS
If you’re connecting to a public Wi-Fi, it’s best to use a virtual private network or VPN to mask your IP address and avoid security risks. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted “tunnel” over the internet between your device and any website or app you are trying to access.
There are paid VPN apps if you badly need one especially during travel, but there are also free-to-use apps for those quick internet sessions. Here are six free VPNs for your phones and tablets:
Betternet

Betternet is one of the transparent free VPN apps available because they are open to how they make a profit. It maintains its free model by showing video ads and sponsored apps, which is acceptable. It also has a simple, one-touch interface. It has a paid version available if you want a faster and more reliable connection, too.
OpenVPN Connect

If you want an open source VPN app, then OpenVPN Connect is for you. This app requires a little more knowledge than usual but you can configure a number of advanced settings in the app. Keep in mind that you’ll need to have an OpenVPN server yourself in order to use this application.
Opera VPN

Opera VPN is one of the newer and better VPN apps available. It’s free but it doesn’t come with annoying ads, plus it has additional security features. The app is pretty basic though, but it’ll do fine when you want to keep your phone safe from public Wi-Fi spots in airports or malls.
Turbo VPN

If you want a really popular free VPN proxy client, there’s Turbo VPN. It’s really prevalent among users, especially on Android devices, thanks to its access to nine servers, unlimited bandwidth, and zero restrictions. The app does include ads, but that’s no surprise. It’s also simple and easy to use.
VPN Robot

VPN Robot is one of the newer apps you can download. It’s free with ads, but there’s no paid subscription if you want to get rid of them. It’s also pretty simple to use and has a number of servers from different continents.
Yoga VPN

Yoga VPN features a one-touch connect interface and offers unlimited bandwidth, unlimited time, and more. It also provides a DNS proxy to prevent DNS leaks. The app has a lot of proxy servers in different regions. It’s free, but you need to earn points (watch ads, etc.) to unlock specific locations.
SEE MORE: 12 lightweight versions of your favorite Android apps
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Accessories
TicNote AI recorder launches in the Philippines
AI-powered transcription, translation, insights, more
Mobvoi has officially launched TicNote, its AI-powered note-taking device in the Philippines for PhP 9,499. The thin and lightweight recorder is currently available offline and will soon roll out on Lazada and Shopee.
The pocket-friendly TicNote comes with 64GB of memory and offers up to 25 hours of continuous recording. Beyond these, it supports real-time translation in over 120 languages through the TicNote app.
Moreover, powered by Shadow AI, the device goes further with advanced insights, including Smart Summary, Mind Map View, Deep Research Reports, Aha Moment, and even AI Podcast Generation.
To complement the device, Mobvoi offers unlimited TicNote cloud storage and 600 minutes of free monthly recording time.
On paper, the TicNote AI recorder has several professional applications. It can be used for meetings, legal and medical consultations, and more scenarios to record high-quality audio.
Meanwhile, journalists can leverage the tool for press conferences and media scrums. Even content creators can use the tool as a microphone as TicNote can process high bitrate audio and save it to .wav format.
Still, there’s a catch. Users will still need a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to make the most out of TicNote’s AI-powered features.
And that raises the dilemma: modern phones already offer AI translation, real-time transcription, and audio-to-text uploads through popular AI assistants.
For consumers, the question becomes whether TicNote offers enough beyond what their phones already do — or if it will just make having both devices redundant.
Apps
Disney Plus: NBA Christmas Day games to stream live
More sports content also available on the platform
Disney+ will stream the entire 2025 NBA Christmas Day games slate live on the platform for Philippine basketball fans to enjoy.
Fans can tune in to the anticipated matchups starting at 1:00 AM (Manila time) on December 26.
Here’s the full schedule:
- 1:00 AM: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks
- 3:30 AM: San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
- 6:00 AM: Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors
- 9:00 AM: Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- 11:30 AM: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets
And in case viewers missed a tip-off, the full replays will also be available on the app. Worth noting is the second matchup, which is a rematch of the Emirates NBA Cup semifinals.
Meanwhile, the third pairing brings long-time former Golden State Warrior Klay Thompson back to the Bay Area in a compelling match.
Plus, the Rockets-Lakers showdown features two seasoned veterans and future Hall of Famers Kevin Durant and LeBron James in their latest meeting.
Beyond the NBA Christmas Day games on Disney+, fans can stay plugged in all day with ESPN’s NBA Tip-Off at 12:00 AM. Inside the NBA, on the other hand, airs at 8:30 AM.
In addition, for something totally different, check out NBA alt-cast, Dunk the Halls, the first real-time animated NBA game.
This playful showdown happening also on December 26 at 1:00 AM reimagines the Cavaliers-Knicks tiff on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park, with some help from Mickey Mouse and his friends.
In line with Disney+’s NBA Christmas Day games, the platform has also uploaded highlights of the 2025 League of Legends KeSPA Cup on the app. The tournament features top teams from Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and North America.
Disney+ continues to strengthen its sports offerings on the platform, with an all-new Sports Page for easier access.
In a congested country like the Philippines, using navigation for shortcuts is a requirement. However, these apps can hog a lot of battery. If you forgot your car charger, it’s practically game over for your phone. Today, Google is shipping out a Maps update which can save your phone’s battery for those long drives.
Announced earlier this month, the update will include a Power Saving mode for Google Maps. The new mode will turn the normally colorful interface into monochrome with particular emphasis on black. The interface will reduce all interactable elements, so you can just focus on the display.
Presumably, it also reduces the power required by the app, while still prioritizing navigation. According to Google, smartphones will get up to four hours more juice when the mode is enabled.
Unfortunately, it’s not a widely released update yet. Google is limiting the update’s rollout to the Pixel 10 series for now. It’s also limited to driving mode; it won’t work if you’re just walking or cycling. The option is accessible through Driving options under Navigation in the settings.
In countries where Android Auto isn’t the norm just yet, a power saving mode for navigation is a godsend. Besides hoping that the update arrives on more devices, one can also hope that Google, who also owns the app, will introduce a similar mode to Waze. (To be fair, Waze did have a battery saver option, but it just dimmed the display for long straights.
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