News

Huawei launches GENTLE MONSTER Eyewear II

With updated smart functions

Published

October 20, 2020

Kenrick Buduan

Last year, Huawei showcased a one-of-a-kind smart eyeglasses designed for fashion-conscious consumers, the GENTLE MONSTER Eyewear. Now, the company is back at it again with a second-gen version of the eyeglasses, now featuring a much-streamlined design and smarter functions.

A more comfortable and immersive wearing experience

The temples of GENTLE MONSTER Eyewear II is made of plastic titanium for lower density and lighter weight. This should guarantee a more comfortable wearing experience for the user. Meanwhile, Huawei constructed the temple hinges out of titanium elastic to increase the eyewear’s holding strength.

The eyewear also comes with a 20-degree curved earpiece angle, which is a huge improvement from its predecessor’s 12-degree angle.

: Myma Model

: Havana Model

Users will also feel a noticeable difference in the sound quality of the eyewear. The large-amplitude loudspeaker inside is bigger and slimmer. Such improvements translate to a much-wider soundstage, allowing for an immersive experience than ever before.

Like before, the smart eyewear still includes a unique acoustic design that adapts to the user and their environment. Two semi-open speakers on both sides of the temples transmit sound directly through a directional chamber, reducing leakage and providing a stereo-like listening experience. To further reduce sound leakage, the temple features a leakage hole design that offset sound waves.

The eyewear also has an adaptive volume technology that can lower or raise the speaker volume accordingly depending on the surrounding noise.

Smarter eyewear features

The Gentle Monster Eyewear II also features updated gesture controls. Pairing the eyewear is much simpler now, with users only needing to pinch the left temple to start the process. Meanwhile, double-tapping on the left temple activates the eyewear’s voice assistant.

Swipe gestures are also included in the eyewear. A few swipes on the temples either play the next/previous song or raises/lower the eyewear’s volume.

The eyewear also intelligently detects its wear status. For instance, it automatically pauses any playing music when a user takes it off. It also displays a battery status window on the companion smartphone if a user puts it on after a long period of inactivity. Tapping on the window opens the eyewear’s settings so users can check and tweak it further. Furthermore, the eyewear also greets the user when they put it on the first time each day.

Huawei rates the GENTLE MONSTER Eyewear II for five hours of continuous music playback. The eyewear improved upon its predecessor by bundling a new NFC wireless charging technology allowing quick and hassle-free charging anytime, anywhere.

Pricing and availability

The eyewear now retails in Singapore for SG$ 638 in select Huawei concept stores. This price applies to both the Myma and Havana model. Buyers can also purchase the eyewear at authorized resellers like Best Denki, Challenger & Hachi.tech, COURTS, Harvey Norman, as well as online stores such as Lazada and Shopee.

News

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

Iconic 1980s headphones

Published

November 6, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

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.

Entertainment

The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert finally arrives in Manila

The run goes from March 4 to 6 at Solaire.

Published

November 6, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

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.

Gaming

The next Elder Scrolls game is called Sentinel

And it will be set in Hammerfell.

Published

November 4, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

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.