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Amazon Echo Dot Max supersizes the tiny speakers
It’s been ages since we got an upgrade for the Amazon Echo. These past years, Amazon focused primarily on the smaller Echo Dot or the versatile Echo Show. Now, it’s time for the regular speakers to get a shot. During a massive launch event, the company launched a refresh to the Echo Studio and the new Echo Dot Max.
First up is the Echo Studio. Launched in 2019, the original Studio came out to appeal to audiophiles. The large speaker was the first in Amazon’s lineup to feature Dolby Atmos and the ability to adapt to any room. Now, the Studio is getting a much-needed sequel.
The new Studio ditches the cylindrical format of long, long ago. Now, the speaker adopts the lineup’s spherical shape. It’s still the largest one in the lineup, but it’s also 60 percent smaller than the original. Despite that, the new Studio now has a built-in “high-excursion” woofer to improve bass and spatial audio.
Speaking of built-in woofers, the new Echo Dot Max has the same “high-excursion woofers.” It also has custom tweeters for the other side of the audio spectrum. Though we haven’t seen an upgrade to the regular Echo, the Dot Max might be good enough to replace the former.
Despite being an upgrade over the smaller Dot, the Dot Max is apparently good enough to encompass an entire room. We mentioned the hardware inside for audio output, but it also has a new AZ3 chip to better detect your voice in a noisy room.
The Echo Dot Max and the Echo Studio will start shipping out on October 29. The Dot Max retails for US$ 99.99 and is available in Graphite, Amethyst, and Glacier White. The Studio sells for US$ 219.99 and is available in Graphite and Glacier White.
Before the new year starts, it’s already fair to assume that Supergirl might be one of the most anticipated movies of 2026. Premiering a year after the globally successful Superman, Supergirl will see the adventures of Clark Kent’s superpowered cousin, Kara Zor-El. Now, the next film in the sage finally has a teaser trailer.
As James Gunn mentioned previously, Supergirl will be based on Tom King’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Off traveling to other planets to party, Kara finds herself thrust back into the role of being a hero after a young girl named Ruthye Mary Knoll asks her for help.
Though the teaser trailer is mostly a montage of scenes, we already know what we can expect. According to Gunn, Supergirl will be tonally different from Superman, and we see this in the trailer.
However, we can still see influences from Gunn including the usage of “Call Me” by Blondie for the trailer. Also, the film’s space scenes look like they can fit right in with Guardians of the Galaxy.
Still, that’s what we have, and we’re excited. Supergirl will premiere on June 26, 2026.
The film will be directed by Craig Gillespie (Cruella). Milly Alcock plays the titular character. Meanwhile, she will star alongside Eve Ridley as Ruthye Mary Knoll.
SEE ALSO: Superman sequel, titled Man of Tomorrow, comes out in 2027
The HONOR Magic8 Pro, HONOR’s latest flagship smartphone, has been officially launched Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Customers can place preorders starting December 11 across UAE via the HONOR Online Store, Sharaf DG, Emax, Ecity, Jumbo, Virgin Megastore, Amazon, Carrefour, e&, Eros, Noon, and Lulu.
The pricing are as follows:
- 12GB+512GB (Sunrise Gold, Sky Cyan, Black): AED 3,999
- 16GB+1TB (Sunrise Gold, Black): AED 4,699
Those who preorder will get the following as part of a preorder gift package worth AED 2,299:
- HONOR VIP Care+ with 12-month damage protection
- 3-month Google AI Pro trial
- HONOR Watch5 Ultra
HONOR Magic8 Pro: AI imaging, mobile intelligence, creator-focused tech
The introduction of the HONOR Magic8 Pro reinforces the company’s leadership in AI Imaging, mobile intelligence, and creator-focused technology.
The phone boasts of groundbreaking on-device AI innovations, including Low-bit Quantization Technology for AI Models and Next-Generation Hybrid Retrieval Technology.
Powering the Pro model is the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 mobile platform. It is the first phone in UAE to have the processor.
HONOR’s agentic AI capabilities and Qualcomm’s mobile platforms make it possible for the device to be more efficient and packed with computing power.
The phone also comes with a 7100mAh Silicon-carbon battery. More advanced features include the AI Button, AI Search, and AI Documents, all designed to enhance productivity and support AI-driven workflows.
For its camera package, the HONOR Magic8 Pro has a 200MP AI Ultra Night Telephoto camera and an upgraded AI Ultra Night Portrait mode.
The device also introduces AI Magic Color and a new AI Editor, enabling refined color optimization and on-device creative adjustments.
For more of the innovations on the HONOR Magic8 Pro, read: HONOR reveals 1st images of Magic8 Pro, introduces new AI technologies
TNT has been recognized for having the Best Mobile Latency, according to network intelligence and connectivity insights company Ookla, which is known for its internet speed tests.
Based on Ookla analysis for Q1 to Q2 2025, TNT’s network, powered by Smart, led with a median latency of 45.89 milliseconds (ms) for all network technologies.
(NOTE: Mobile latency measures how quickly data travels over a network; the lower the latency, the faster the response)
This enables users to tap, click, and swipe on their favorite apps in real-time. For streaming and mobile gaming, it also means a smoother experience.
Be it MOBA titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang or FPS games like Call of Duty Mobile, which both need real-time responsiveness, TNT allows gamers to make their best moves without worrying about lag.
Binge-watchers, meanwhile, can enjoy their favorite series, vlogs, and micro-dramas without buffering. On the other hand, students and professionals can attend online meetings or quick calls using just mobile data.
Furthermore, online live sellers and shoppers can also enjoy real-time transactions, ensuring their favorite items make it to the cart without delay.
Such low latency is also crucial for those who love scoring flash deals or vouchers where those who are among the first to click win discounts.
Users who want to level up their experience can switch to TNT by getting a TNT SIM or eSIM at accredited retailers and convenience stores. They may also do so via the Smart Online Store.
Subscribers from other networks can also easily switch to TNT without changing their number through Mobile Number Portability (MNP).
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