News

Huawei will launch a foldable, 5G-ready smartphone

Coming in the middle of 2019

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It’s that time of the year again. Towards the end of the year, the world’s biggest smartphone makers start making their huge promises for next year. For example, Samsung has already begun its annual run of rumors and leaks for the Galaxy S10.

However, among all the promises already out, the market has constantly peddled foldable screens and 5G networks. Most companies have promised future iterations of one or the other. For example, Xiaomi already conducted 5G network tests for launch next year.

Taking the cake, Huawei has promised both features in one fell swoop. Next year, the company will launch a foldable, 5G-ready smartphone.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, Huawei’s deputy chairman Ken Hu confirmed the company’s plans. According to Hu, Huawei’s first 5G-ready phone will “introduce a foldable screen.” To add, the phone will launch in the middle of next year.

Curiously, this release schedule falls in between the upcoming Mate 20 series and the successors of the P20. Whatever the phone is, it will likely stay away from Huawei’s major lines.

Months ago, Huawei also hinted a foldable, gaming-centric phone coming this year. At the time, the rumored phone lived exclusively in speculative territory. Now, with the Mate 20 series on the horizon, Huawei’s plans are more concrete.

With official confirmation, next year will finally see the rise of the foldable phone running on 5G networks. Like Huawei, Samsung has also promised a foldable phone soon after the launch of the Galaxy S10 series.

If anything, next year’s new trends should spell a sigh of relief from this year’s obsession with the notch and multiple cameras.

SEE ALSO: Huawei Mate 20 Pro official cases leak online

News

Sony revives classic Walkman headphones with USB-C MDR-3R

Iconic 1980s headphones

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Sony MDR-3R

Sony is bringing back one of its iconic Walkman-era headphones with the MDR-3R. The new wired headphones modernize the original MDR-3 with USB-C connectivity and updated features.

Introduced in 1979, the original Walkman and MDR-3 headphones helped popularize portable music listening. The MDR-3R carries that legacy forward with a familiar design and modern conveniences.

The headphones retain the original’s lightweight, open-ear construction. They also feature interchangeable blue and orange ear pads. Sony even gives the packaging and instruction manual a design inspired by the original model.

The MDR-3R connects to compatible smartphones and other devices through USB-C. Users can listen to music without charging, pairing, or installing updates. A built-in microphone and in-line remote also make calls and playback controls more convenient.

Sony equipped the headphones with the same 23mm driver units as the original MDR-3. The company also tuned them to closely reproduce the original’s sound signature. They deliver balanced audio, natural vocals, and the emotional richness associated with Sony headphones.

Sony MDR-3R gets a Stranger Things edition

Sony is also launching a special MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. The collaboration celebrates the 1980s inspiration shared by the Walkman era and Netflix’s popular series.

Inspired by Max’s signature headphone style and the mysterious Upside Down, the special edition features exclusive design details. These include an engraved Stranger Things logo and custom packaging.

Sony also considered environmental impact when developing the headphones. Approximately 25 percent of the plastic used in the product comes from recycled materials. The packaging is also plastic-free.

Price and availability

Sony has opened preorders for the MDR-3R and MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. Availability and pricing vary by market.

In the United States, the standard MDR-3R costs US$59.99, while the Stranger Things Edition costs US$79.99. The standard model is available through Sony and authorized retailers.

In Singapore, both models will launch in December 2026. The standard MDR-3R costs SG$89, while the Stranger Things Edition costs SG$129. Both are exclusive to Sony Stores and Sony Store Online.

In the Philippines, Sony has yet to announce local pricing and availability. Based on US pricing, the headphones would cost approximately PHP 3,500 for the standard edition and PHP 4,700 for the Stranger Things Edition, before local taxes and retail adjustments.

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Entertainment

The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert finally arrives in Manila

The run goes from March 4 to 6 at Solaire.

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As far as films in concert go, The Lord of the Rings is the classic experience for fans. Since 2008, the concert experience has been touring the globe, enamoring fans of the series with live renditions of Howard Shore’s iconic soundtrack. Now, the experience is finally arriving in Manila. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run in the Philippines from March 4 through 6 next year.

There’s a reason why the iconic trilogy is the classic experience for films in concert. Besides being a legendary film franchise, the series features Howard Shore’s Academy Award-winning score. Fans will likely still recognize the dulcet strings of the Shire or the grandiose crescendo of the Fellowship.

From March 4 to 6, The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run at The Theatre in Solaire. Under the baton of Reuben Blundell, the concert will star the 96-member Filharmonika Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ 100-member adult choir and 50-member boys’ choir, and soloist Malena Rampi.

Film Community Philippines members can get exclusive pre-sale access from November 9 to 11. Meanwhile, public ticket sales will start on November 20 via TicketWorld.com.ph.

SEE ALSO: Kingdom Come devs are working on a Lord of the Rings RPG

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Gaming

The next Elder Scrolls game is called Sentinel

And it will be set in Hammerfell.

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Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.

Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.

The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.

Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.

Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.

SEE ALSO: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is out now

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