News
Xiaomi VP Hugo Barra is resigning, going back to Silicon Valley [Updated!]
Xiaomi’s highly popular vice president, Hugo Barra, will soon be leaving the company to return to his roots in Silicon Valley. The fate of the Chinese manufacturer and Mr. Barra himself are shrouded in mystery.
Update: He’s joining the Facebook team in Silicon Valley!
No one but Barra and his close friends saw this coming. His last day will be right after next month’s Chinese New Year, after which he’ll “take some much-needed time off before embarking on a new adventure back in Silicon Valley.”
Barra was pivotal in turning Xiaomi into the international tech giant it is today. What began as a simple startup composed of just a few members nearly seven years ago, is now a multi-billion dollar company with revenues coming mostly out of China and India.
As the Global VP of Xiaomi for more than three years, Barra took control of their international push using his product management experience during his days as vice president of Google’s Android platform. The work he put into the Chinese company definitely paid off; what was once considered to be just an Apple copycat, now produces smartphones as groundbreaking as the Mi Mix and as well-rounded as the Redmi 4 Prime.
Despite his resignation, he believes Xiaomi is in good hands under the leadership of current CEO Lei Jun. It’s uncertain how this will affect the image of the brand, since Barra’s western background helped the company reach non-Chinese regions. It was only earlier this month when he took the stage at CES to show off Xiaomi’s best new products.
As for Barra, describing his next step as a “new adventure back in Silicon Valley” is terribly vague. Chances are we’ll be seeing him join forces with one of the already established tech leaders in San Francisco, California, or another startup altogether.
With rivals OPPO, Vivo, and Huawei leading smartphone sales in China, Xiaomi will have to regroup soon or else lose even more footing in the world’s largest handset market.
Update: As expected, Hugo Barra really is joining forces with an established tech company. In a post shared by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg himself, it says Barra will lead all of Facebook’s virtual reality efforts, including its Oculus team. Read the entire post below:
Image credit: Hugo Barra
News
Smart opens pre-orders for Samsung Galaxy S26 series
Get the devices for as low as PhP 2,433 a month
Smart has officially opened pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S26 series.
The newly-launched lineup includes the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra.
These new flagship devices are being offered across Smart Postpaid, Smart Infinity, and Smart Prepaid bundles with various storage and installment options.
As part of Smart’s pre-order offer, customers can get double the storage when they avail of an S26 series device with Smart Postpaid Plans+ 999 as soon as possible.
This plan includes 12 months of unlimited 5G, 20GB of data per month, and unlimited all-net calls and texts, aside from Smart Postpaid perks.
In addition, the first 26 customers to pre-order via the Smart Online Store will get a free Samsung Galaxy Tab A9.
Moreover, those who pay via straight payment or 0% credit card installment will get double data for postpaid plans.
Here are the pricing details for each model:
- Galaxy S26 (512GB): PhP 52,500 or PhP 2,433/mo (24 months)
- Galaxy S26+ (512GB): PhP 64,900 or PhP 3,008/mo
- Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB): PhP 73,200 or PhP 3,388/mo
- Galaxy S26 Ultra (1TB): PhP 94,800 or PhP 4,392/mo
For premium users, the Smart Infinity Plans (3500, 5000, 8000, and 9500) provide unlimited data and exclusive perks such as:
- a dedicated Relationship Manager
- 24/7 hotline support
- worldwide concierge services
Particularly, the new SIM-Only Plan 9500 also allows for one primary and two supplementary line under a single account.
For more on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, read here: Samsung Galaxy S26 series: Chasing usability, not specs
MWC 2026
TECNO resurrects modular phones with this new concept
Lets you snap on extra cameras, longer power, and more
Just like the brand’s ethos, TECNO really stops at nothing. From the last tri-foldable concept of 2025, they are also resurrecting the modular phone design — a once imagined “future of mobile phones.”
Dubbed as the Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology, it could re-shape the way we think about smartphones from 2026 and beyond.
Thinnest modular concept
Just like motorola’s defunct Moto Z line with moto mods from almost ten years ago, TECNO’s modular system uses magnetic attachment plus pogo-pin connectors for power delivery. Data transfers wirelessly (via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even 5G mmWave), so everything pairs almost instantly when you snap a module into place.
The brand says this is its answer to growing AI and performance demands — that without making phones thicker and bulkier.
Surprisingly, it’s oh-so thin as well! The base phone is just 4.9mm. Meanwhile, the modular Power Bank is 4.5mm. When combined, it’s still comparable to thickness of conventional smartphones.
TECNO will showcase around ten (10) modules in this concept ecosystem. Some of those include a power bank, action camera, even a telephoto lens module wasn’t missed out.
That particular module can work as a standalone imaging system. All while using the phone’s display as a viewfinder with low-latency preview.
Moreover, TECNO is presenting two flavors for this concept:
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ATOM edition — Clean silver aluminum with subtle red accents
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MODA edition — A bolder, geek-inspired look
Both keep the glass back and modular alignment zones, which subtly guide where accessories snap into place.
MWC-ready
As mentioned, this is just a concept, not a retail-ready device (just yet). But, the bigger picture is clear: TECNO went back to the drawing board by re-thinking the former modular ecosystem of the yesteryears.
This new modular concept could eventually support AI tools, storage expansion, and lifestyle accessories in the long run. If you’re heading to Barcelona, Spain for MWC 2026 (March 2-5, 2026), you can visit TECNO’s booth at Hall 7, Stand 7A40.
Samsung has announced the Galaxy S26 Series, introducing refinements across design, performance, and AI-driven features.
The lineup consists of three models: Galaxy S26 Ultra (6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X), Galaxy S26+ (6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X), and Galaxy S26 (6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X). All models support 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rates, with the Ultra offering S Pen compatibility.
The S26 Ultra leads with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor (3nm), while the S26 and S26+ use Samsung’s Exynos 2600 (2nm). Memory configurations reach up to 16GB RAM on the Ultra, with storage options up to 1TB.
Battery capacities remain consistent with previous generations: 5,000mAh on the Ultra, 4,900mAh on the Plus, and 4,300mAh on the base model. Charging improves on the Ultra with Super Fast Charging 3.0 (60W), capable of reaching approximately 75 percent in 30 minutes. Wireless charging and PowerShare functionality remain available.
Camera systems focus on computational improvements. The Ultra retains a 200MP main sensor with enhanced AI processing, stabilization, and Nightography optimizations. Generative editing tools and Audio Eraser features expand multimedia capabilities, including third-party app support for noise reduction.
Privacy Display and Private Album introduce additional privacy controls. Privacy Display restricts viewing angles at the pixel level and can be customized per app, addressing concerns about screen visibility in public spaces.
Design refinements emphasize cohesion. All models share a unified corner radius and updated material choices aimed at improving durability and heat dissipation. The Ultra is slimmer and lighter than its predecessor.
Pre-order, pricing, and availability in the Philippines
Pre-orders open February 26, 2026, with official availability following in March. Promotional offers include storage upgrades, discounts on accessories, and trade-in incentives.
Pricing in the Philippines starts at PHP58,990 for the Galaxy S26 (256GB), PHP74,990 for the Galaxy S26+ (256GB), and PHP86,990 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB). Higher storage tiers reach PHP121,990 for the 1TB Ultra variant.
Samsung positions the S26 Series as an evolution rather than a revolution — emphasizing usability, AI integration, and incremental refinement.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Series – Specs
| Feature | Galaxy S26 Ultra | Galaxy S26+ | Galaxy S26 |
| Display | 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
|
6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
|
6.3″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
|
| Rear Camera: Ultra Wide | 50MP, F1.9, 0.7 µm | 12MP, F2.2, 1.4 µm | 12MP, F2.2, 1.4 µm |
| Rear Camera: Wide | 200MP, F1.4, 0.6 µm | 50MP, F1.8, 1.0 µm | 50MP, F1.8, 1.0 µm |
| Optical Quality 2x | |||
| Rear Camera: Telephoto 1 | 10MP, F2.4, 1.12 µm | 10MP, F2.4, 1.0 µm | 10MP, F2.4, 1.0 µm |
| 3x optical zoom | |||
| Rear Camera: Telephoto 2 | 50MP, F2.9, 0.7 µm
|
— | — |
| Front Camera | 12MP, F2.2, 1.12 µm | 12MP, F2.2, 1.12 µm | 12MP, F2.2, 1.12 µm |
| Processor | Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (3 nm) | Exynos 2600 (2 nm)* | Exynos 2600 (2 nm)* |
| Memory (RAM) | 12GB / 16GB | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| (Micro SD: N/A) | |||
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,900 mAh | 4,300 mAh |
|
|||
| Dimensions | 78.1 x 163.6 x 7.9 mm
214 g (Sub6/mmWave) |
75.8 x 158.4 x 7.3 mm
190 g (Sub6/mmWave) |
71.7 x 149.6 x 7.2 mm
167 g (Sub6) |
| Colors | Standard: Cobalt Violet (Hero), Sky Blue, Black, White
Online: Silver Shadow, Pink Gold |
Standard: Cobalt Violet (Hero), Sky Blue, Black, White
Online: Silver Shadow, Pink Gold |
Standard: Cobalt Violet (Hero), Sky Blue, Black, White
Online: Silver Shadow, Pink Gold |
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