News
Apple iPhone 8 is more popular than iPhone X in the US — Report
The real flagship is not doing well
While the hype about the new iPhones is focused on the iPhone X, people are actually buying the iPhone 8 more — at least in the US.
According to the latest report by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X accounted for 61 percent of the total US iPhone sales in the fourth quarter of 2017. If we were to break it down, the most popular among them is the iPhone 8 at 24 percent, followed by the iPhone X at 20 percent and the iPhone 8 Plus at 17 percent.

These numbers are smaller compared to the same quarter last year with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus which have 72 percent of the total iPhone sales in the US. There’s a reason behind the lower shares and that’s because of the late availability of the new iPhones, particularly the iPhone X. Also, there are three new models which bump up the total available iPhone models to eight — the highest ever.
As for the older models, the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus claimed eight percent of combined sales while the iPhone SE, which is currently the smallest iPhone available, sold almost as much as the 6s series.
The report somehow gives us a glimpse of the demand of the highest-end iPhone in the future. Apple Insider pointed out a KGI Securities research note suggesting the phaseout of the iPhone X when the new lineup is released some time in Q4 2018. KGI blames the design or the infamous notch of the iPhone X to be the culprit of the lackluster sales, especially in China. Consumers see the notch as wasted space despite the borderless display of the phone.
News
Shokz OpenFit Pro launches at Power Mac Center, brings open-ear noise reduction
Open-ear, now quieter
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.
Samsung is making it easier for Galaxy users to share files across devices with the introduction of AirDrop support to Quick Share on the Galaxy S26 series.
The update allows Galaxy S26 users to send and receive files more seamlessly, expanding Quick Share’s functionality beyond Samsung’s own ecosystem. It’s a notable step toward improving interoperability, especially for users who frequently interact with devices outside the Galaxy lineup.
The feature begins rolling out on March 23, starting in Korea. Samsung says availability will expand to additional markets including Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Latin America, North America, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. As with most rollouts, timing may vary depending on the region.
For now, AirDrop support is exclusive to the Galaxy S26 series. Samsung notes that support for other devices will be announced at a later date.
Expanding what Quick Share can do
Quick Share has long been Samsung’s answer to Apple’s AirDrop — offering fast, wireless file transfers between Galaxy devices. Over time, Samsung has expanded compatibility to include Windows PCs and select Android devices.
With this update, the experience becomes more flexible. Users can expect fewer limitations when sharing photos, videos, and documents, particularly in mixed-device environments.
While Samsung has not detailed the exact technical implementation, the move signals a broader push toward making Galaxy devices easier to use alongside other platforms.
A software-driven upgrade for the S26
The addition of AirDrop support reinforces one of the key themes behind the Galaxy S26 series: improving everyday usability through software.
Launched in February, the Galaxy S26 lineup — consisting of the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra — focuses on refinement rather than dramatic hardware changes. Samsung has leaned heavily into what it calls “effortless intelligence,” with features powered by Galaxy AI designed to simplify daily tasks.
These include tools like Now Brief and Now Nudge, which surface contextual suggestions, as well as AI-powered editing features such as Photo Assist and Audio Eraser. Privacy also plays a bigger role this year, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra introducing a built-in Privacy Display that limits viewing angles in public spaces.
On the hardware side, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, paired with a redesigned vapor chamber for improved thermal performance. It also introduces faster 60W charging, a bump from the previous generation.
Making sharing more seamless
With AirDrop support coming to Quick Share, Samsung is addressing a common friction point for users: moving files between different ecosystems.
It may not be the most headline-grabbing feature, but it’s one that could have a meaningful impact on day-to-day use — especially for users who regularly share content across devices.
As the feature rolls out globally, it further positions the Galaxy S26 series as a device focused on practical improvements that make the overall experience smoother and more connected.
News
nubia to launch new Neo 5 series gaming phones on March 28
Head to SM Megamall for activities, guest appearances, surprises
nubia Philippines will officially launch the nubia Neo 5 series gaming smartphone on March 28 at their “Enter The NEOVerse: Born To Win” event. It will be held at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall in Metro Manila.
The nubia Neo 5 series’ design and details will be unveiled during the event. It is inspired by the REDMAGIC Gaming Lab, which is behind the REDMAGIC’s high-performance gaming ecosystem.
The nubia Neo 5 series will introduce a bold gaming-centric aesthetic, paired with performance-driven specs.
Customers can expect a sleek, futuristic styling, as well as powerful hardware engineered to elevate everyday mobile gameplay.
Across the lineup, users can expect high refresh rate displays, powerful processors, advanced cooling systems, and the familiar gaming triggers from the previous series.
It does look like nubia is adding AI-powered gaming optimization to give players an extra edge for every competitive match.
All these, of course, minus the flagship price tag.
Enter the NEOverse
At nubia’s launch event, the activity area will be transformed into a gaming-inspired universe.
Guests can explore interactive zones, participate in challenges, and experience the nubia Neo 5 series firsthand. They can also unlock exclusive rewards and prizes.
Moreover, the event will feature appearances from nubia ambassadors Sanya Lopez and ONIC Philippines.
From there, there will be 1v1 gaming sessions with ONIC PH players, as well as a special “Play” segment featuring a yet-to-be-revealed cosplayer.
nubia will also offer event-exclusive deals for early shoppers during the launch. Customers can enjoy up to seven premium freebies per nubia Neo 5 model. This is available for the first 100 customers.
Furthermore, nubia will officially announce its TikTok Super Brand Week, as well as partnerships with Yanlala and Geely.
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