Accessories
Chic smartwatch? Say hello to the Huawei Watch GT 5!
Found: my new distance running partner
While sipping a cup of coffee on an afternoon date with my best friends, we pondered how I fell in love with running, especially since I’d always hated it for years. (Read: Confessions of a wishful runner)
I never imagined running more than a 10K on the road or hitting the trails on the weekend, but here we are. I guess it’s safe to say that long-distance running has a way of sneaking up on you. It’s far more addictive, empowering, and easier to ease into than short distances like 3K and 5K.
Reminiscing about my humble beginnings, I decided to put the Huawei Watch GT 5 to the test. With its lightweight design and chic Crystal Blue strap, the smartwatch became my partner-in-crime for both city and trail runs.
Featherweight accessory
I’ve been running long distances for two years now, yet I haven’t committed to a full marathon.
For now, I keep my distances between 15 and 36 kilometers, so I can still have time and energy for my other commitments. Running long distances means being mindful of what you wear—clothes, gear, shoes, and accessories.
That includes the smartwatch on your wrist. The Huawei Watch GT 5 made it easy to track my distance without feeling weighed down by its size. The 41mm variant felt like a featherweight—I totally forgot I was wearing it until it buzzed to signal each completed mile.
The comfort of the Huawei Watch GT 5 helped keep my focus on the path, not my wrist. I barely felt any itching from the fluoroelastomer strap, and I trust its tracking features enough to maintain my momentum.
Another huge perk? I use both an iPhone and an Android device, so having a smartwatch that isn’t locked into one ecosystem is a game-changer. It tracked my progress seamlessly, giving me one less thing to worry about as I push through each mile.
Trail running
Sometimes, city runs don’t quite give me the runner’s high I crave. On some weekends, I add a level of excitement to my runs by hitting the nearest trails.
Trail running is unpredictable, no matter how prepared and strong you are. It’s got hills, uneven ground, and sometimes, a bit of mud.
Even though the terrain can be tricky, I love how it provides a refreshing break from the repetitive concrete. It’s also mentally engaging—I need to be cautious with every step and hop along winding paths.
I recently visited Mount Ayaas for an 11-kilometer trail run with over 600m elevation gain. With just my smartwatch, a belt bag of gummy bears, my phone, and a 500ml water bottle, I took on the trail alone.
Since the Huawei Watch GT 5 is equipped with Sunflower Smart GPS, it gave me a reassuring “safety net” as I navigated the trail. I was familiar with the route, but the solo adventure made it a bit nerve-wracking.
Thankfully, there’s a route backtracking feature, so if I ever got lost, I knew I could find my way back.
There are also offline contour maps for those who want to explore more remote areas, but that’s an assignment for another day. (I need to stay alive to keep running and testing this watch!)
Pacing yourself
Throughout the trail, the watch’s clear display allowed me to check my heart rate and pace at a glance. I’ve also braved different weather conditions during runs, even getting soaked in the rain on my way back.
The Huawei Watch GT 5 kept up with me, despite my ever-changing pace, terrain, and weather.
If you’re tackling longer runs, monitoring your heart rate is essential to avoid overexertion. The Huawei TruSense technology in the GT 5 is designed for faster and more accurate heart rate readings.
Comparing it with my Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2), the Huawei Watch GT 5 provided real-time heart rate monitoring on par with my other smartwatch.
This precision helps me tune into my body, both on long-distance road runs and trail runs. I can pace myself on steep hills and conserve energy, avoiding early burnout on challenging routes.
To be honest, long-distance running is as much a mental game as it is physical. Maybe that’s why I enjoy it so much—I have to strategize, think, and move cautiously rather than rely solely on strength and speed.
In these moments, I rely on the Huawei Watch GT 5’s real-time alerts as gentle reminders to stay focused. Each buzz helps me reframe my mindset, guiding me through the remaining distances on my training log.
Battery life that matches my stamina
If you follow my Instagram Stories, you’ll know how much I love back-to-back races or training sessions. On a perfect weekend, I start my Saturday morning running the trails of Montalban, Rizal. After freshening up, I’ll head to an evening session at my nearest Obstacle Park to test my endurance.
The next day, I’ll run at Car-Free Sundays on Ayala Avenue, where runners gather from six in the morning until ten. After an easy run, I’ll head to Anytime Fitness for an upper body strength session.
With back-to-back training sessions, the Huawei Watch GT 5’s battery life truly shines. It holds its own alongside my Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) and outperforms other smartwatches like Apple and Samsung in terms of endurance.
I’ve bid farewell to constant recharging and can freely schedule workouts without worrying about plugging in the watch daily.
The secret to getting stronger
Long-distance running certainly builds strength, but it can only take you so far. My secret to getting stronger is ensuring my body recovers well, which is critical for endurance training as muscles repair during rest.
The Huawei Watch GT 5’s sleep tracking feature has been especially useful, providing detailed reports on my sleep quality. I listen to my body and my smartwatch, using its data to decide when I need to cut back on runs and prioritize recovery.
Pondering about my thoughts again, I realized I’ll always love long-distance running. Some days, I’m setting personal records, while other days, it feels like a slog. But every run is part of the process; each step is another part of the story.
With every boost in endurance, the Huawei Watch GT 5 is there to build confidence along the journey.
Is this your GadgetMatch?
For anyone unsure of which smartwatch to choose, I recommend taking a look at the Huawei Watch GT 5.
It’s more than just a fitness tracker—its lightweight design, comprehensive health tracking, and unmatched battery life make it the ideal running partner. (If you’re single, that is.)
As for me, the Huawei Watch GT 5 has kept up with my adventures. I’ve had a smartwatch that’s not only stylish for post-run brunches but also a reliable accessory on the road and the trail—even if it doesn’t look rugged.
At this point, it’s not just a smartwatch; it’s a must-have accessory for anyone aiming to become a beast while keeping a touch of beauty.
Price, availability
The Huawei Watch GT 5 (41mm or 46mm) starts at PhP 12,999 for the Blue Fluoroelastomer strap, and PhP 13,999 for the Brown Woven or White Leather straps.
Meanwhile, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro (42mm) starts at PhP 22,999 for the White Fluoroelastomer strap, and PhP 31,999 for the White Ceramic. Also, the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro (46mm) retails for PhP 17,999 for the Black Fluoroelastomer strap, and PhP 24,999 for the Titanium.
The Huawei Watch GT 5 series is available on Huawei’s authorized online and offline stores.
Accessories
Making the case for sophisticated protection
Why settle for survival when you can have style?
Protection is a baseline, but sophistication is a choice.
We’ve moved past the era of chunky, industrial shells that make your phone look like it’s prepared for a lunar landing. This season, we’re embracing accessories that complements the lifestyle you’ve curated.
Confidence in minimalism
The RHINOSHIELD Air X in Black is the choice for those who appreciate the architecture of their device. In the dappled sunlight of a garden or resting against the weathered grain of a vintage wooden wheel, the Air X feels right at home.
It offers a translucent window into the tech you’ve invested in, framed by a silhouette so slim it feels like a second skin.
The MagSafe ring on the back acts as a focal point; a piece of geometric art that doubles as a functional powerhouse. It’s designed for the person who values a seamless flow, snapping onto chargers and accessories with a satisfying click that echoes its precision.
Because it retains the phone’s original profile while providing world-class impact resistance, the “cost-per-wear” logic applies here perfectly.
A bold declaration
The RHINOSHIELD Solid X in Blue is the case that stands out among the bougainvillea and the golden hour glow. The deep, saturated blue is a mood. A rich hue that holds its own against the most vibrant summer palette.
Holding the Solid X feels premium; its matte texture provides a secure, tactile grip that defies the humidity of a tropical afternoon.
It’s the “sensible” purchase that feels entirely indulgent. By absorbing the shocks of an active life without sacrificing its sophisticated edge, it pays for itself the first time your phone meets the pavement instead of the repair shop.
READ MORE: 11 must-have accessories for your next tropical escape this summer
Accessories
11 must-have accessories for your next tropical escape this summer
What to pack for your next vacation!
Summer isn’t merely a date on a calendar; it’s a visceral, shimmering feeling.
It’s the specific scent of high-end SPF mingling with saltwater, the warmth of the sun on your shoulders as you step off a private jetty in Palawan, and that delicious, light-headed euphoria that comes from knowing you have absolutely nowhere to be, except precisely where you are.
But darlings, a mood this perfect requires maintenance. To navigate this season, one must view accessories not as mere purchases, but as strategic assets.
After all, if an item is bought specifically to prevent a holiday disaster or to match a turquoise horizon, it isn’t “spending” but a self-funded insurance policy. (And we all know insurance is the most adult, responsible thing one can have.)
Here is your definitive guide to the “investments” that will define your summer.
For the high-octane adventurer
If you are the type of person who can trip over a flat surface, the last thing you need on an island-hopping trip is a “phone-overboard” disaster.
The RHINOSHIELD Solid X in Blue is your first line of defense this season. Imagine the scene: you’re trying to capture a 360-degree sunset transition for your followers on a speedboat, the boat hits a wake, and your phone takes a terrifying tumble toward the deck.
While a lesser case would result in a mid-holiday meltdown, the Solid X absorbs the impact well. Its premium matte finish feels like silk against the palm, even in 90% humidity, ensuring your grip never wavers while you’re reaching for that third mango daiquiri.
It’s the “sensible” purchase that allows you to be reckless with your adventures. Technically, it’s peace of mind wrapped in a shade of blue so vibrant it makes the horizon look dull.
Since it saves you from the cost of an emergency replacement, it’s practically paying for itself with every drop.
For the unstoppable power player
For the high-functioning professional who simply cannot leave the “office” behind, having a foldable like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 means having a portable command center for those mandatory luxury resort check-ins.
But… it deserves better than a bulky, uninspired shell. You need the Pitaka Blue Aramid Fiber case. It’s so thin it feels like the phone is practically naked, yet it’s crafted from material used in fighter jets.
When you unfold that screen to check the exchange rate at a boutique in Bangkok or Gaysorn Village, the sleek, woven texture tells the world you value precision over bulk. It’s “Quiet Luxury” for the tech-obsessed — understated and impossibly chic.
For the hands-free curator
Forget fumbling with a camera while trying to balance a coconut in one hand and a designer clutch in the other.
These Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses in Shiny Jeans Transparent are the secret weapon for the Balinese spiritual retreat.
They allow you to record your walk through the bustling morning markets or the lush Monkey Forest in Ubud completely hands-free.
The transparent frames capture the light of the tropical sun perfectly, giving you that “Creative Director on a sabbatical” look.
This is a camera that lets you capture your POV documentary without missing a single moment of the scenery.
For the seamless traveler
Even if you’re only flying from Singapore to Phuket, your bag should look like you’re embarking on a grand tour of the continent.
The new TUMI Mediterranean collection in Peach and Sky Blue is the only way to travel. The colors are reminiscent of sunrise, and the organization inside is so meticulous. It’s the kind of bag that ensures you are never “that person” frantically digging for a passport at the check-in counter.
You’re the person who glides through the terminal with a peach-hued aura of total control, knowing that even if your flight is delayed, your aesthetic is right on time.
For the sophisticated urbanite
As the sun dips below the skyline and you transition from the infinity pool to a rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City or a five-star dinner in Makati, your tech needs a change of attire.
Enter the RHINOSHIELD Air X in Black. If the Solid X is your rugged adventurer, the Air X is your “Little Black Dress” of tech protection. This case is for the moments when you want your phone to disappear into your aesthetic rather than scream for attention. It’s impossibly slim, sliding into a tailored trouser pocket or a tiny evening bag without creating an unsightly bulge.
But don’t let the “Air” moniker fool you; the protection is still world-class. The MagSafe ring on the back is a masterclass in geometric minimalism, allowing you to snap on a battery pack during those long nights of “networking” (read: dancing) without missing a beat.
Since it works with every outfit you own, the “cost-per-wear” is essentially zero, which makes it a fiscal masterstroke.
For the beach club connoisseur
No summer is complete without a basket bag, and the CELINE Classic Panier is the gold standard for any respectable beach club, especially in Bali. It’s the “everything” bag that’s large enough to hold your sunscreen, your secrets, and a spare pair of sandals for when the humidity makes your heels unbearable.
The leather logo is a subtle nod to those who know, making it the perfect companion for a casual lunch at La Brisa that inevitably turns into a three-course affair.
For the private villa host
One cannot rely on the tinny speakers of a hotel room. You need the Marshall Willen.
It looks like a vintage piece of equipment but packs enough punch to fill a private villa with the sounds of Bossa Nova.
The cream finish is “Quiet Luxury” personified, blending into your sand-and-linen aesthetic perfectly. It’s dust-proof and water-resistant, meaning it can handle a little sea spray while you lounge on a catamaran or by the pool.
For the street-style visionary
For those days spent exploring the “hidden” cafes of Seoul-inspired districts in Jakarta or Manila, your iPhone needs the CASETiFY Matin Kim case.
Denim is having a massive moment in street style, and this case allows your phone to join the movement. It’s tactile, it’s trendy, and it adds a touch of “effortless cool” to your mirror selfies. It’s like a tiny pair of designer jeans for your most precious possession, and we all know you can never have too much denim.
For the globetrotter
If your iPhone could talk, it would probably ask for a vacation.
This CASETiFY AirTags case is a whimsical tribute to the lifestyle, covered in a vibrant print of AirTag-style passport stamps.
It serves as a constant reminder of where you’ve been and where you’re going next. It’s the perfect conversation starter when you’re waiting for your next flight to Denpasar or Koh Samui. It essentially acts as a visual manifestation of your future travels. (And manifesting is free!)
For the high-society ironist
When you finally make it to the powdery white sands of Boracay, you need a statement piece that speaks to your high-society sensibilities.
Laying out the Hermès Traffic Jam towel on Station Zero is a stroke of genius. There you are, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and zero honking horns, reclining on a literal “traffic jam.”
It is a flex; a cheeky nod to the city disarray you’ve successfully escaped. The plush cotton is exactly what your skin deserves after a dip in the ocean.
For the stressed-but-stylish Optimist
Finally, for those moments when the heat gets to you and the “Out of Office” reply isn’t working fast enough, you need the CASETiFY Care Bears Shake-Shake Case.
There is something deeply meditative about watching tiny glittery bears tumble around through a transparent shell. It’s a bit of childhood whimsy for those who refuses to take life — or their accessories — too seriously. Don’t think of it as yet another smartphone case. It’s a portable stress-relief tool for the modern jet-setter who needs a little magic in their day.
A message from the editor: Perhaps, this is an extensive list. But it’s also a collection of absolute necessities for a definitive summer. Each item is a strategic “investment” so go forth, look fabulous, and don’t let the humidity ruin your glow.
Accessories
Insta360 Flow 2 update improves Android support, adds new iOS features
Better Android lens support
Insta360 Flow 2 update improves Android support, adds new iOS features
Excerpt: Better Android lens support
Insta360 has released a major spring update for its Flow 2 series handheld gimbals, bringing wider Android compatibility and new features for iPhone users.
The update focuses on improving how the Flow 2 and Flow 2 Pro work across different devices. It expands support for flagship Android phones while adding new shooting tools for iOS, making hands-free, stabilized video easier to capture without extra gear.
Android finally gets full lens access
One of the biggest changes is native multi-lens support on Android. When paired with the Insta360 app, the Flow 2 series can now access ultra-wide and telephoto lenses on supported devices from Samsung, Google Pixel, vivo, OPPO, and more.
This means users can shoot at full resolution using their phone’s native cameras, whether capturing wide landscapes or zoomed-in details. The update brings Android performance closer to what iPhone users have been getting, especially in more dynamic shooting scenarios like concerts, sports, and vlogging.
The improved lens access also works with features like Widescreen Mode, helping users create smoother, more cinematic footage with better framing flexibility.
Faster 360 panoramas for quick sharing
The Flow 2 series continues to stand out with its ability to capture full 360-degree panoramas. With the new 360 Panorama 2.0, stitching is now 50% faster, producing results in about 20 seconds.
Users can capture everything in one go, then choose their preferred framing afterward. The feature also supports interactive sharing via links, letting viewers pan and explore the image on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Creative templates such as Tiny Planet are also available for quick edits, making it easier to turn panoramic shots into shareable content.
Dual View adds more angles in one take
Dual View Mode introduces multi-angle recording without the need for additional cameras. It allows simultaneous recording using the front and rear cameras, or even dual rear lenses, producing three clips in a single take.
This is useful for creators who want to capture reactions alongside the main shot or experiment with different focal lengths at once. Combined with AI tracking, the feature keeps subjects centered while adding more variety to footage.
Apple Watch control for hands-free shooting
For iPhone users, the update adds Apple Watch control, turning the watch into a remote for the gimbal.
Users can start or stop recording, adjust settings, switch modes, and even control zoom using the Digital Crown. This allows for better control during solo shoots, especially when the phone is mounted on the gimbal at a distance.
Smarter tracking and remote control tools
The update also improves several AI-powered features across the Flow 2 series.
AI Tracker now works across more Android apps, enabling subject tracking during video calls, livestreams, or hands-free recording. Multi-person tracking keeps groups in frame, while Active Zoom Tracking allows up to 15x zoom while maintaining focus on moving subjects.
There’s also a new smartphone remote control feature, which lets users operate the gimbal using a second phone. This adds flexibility for more complex shooting setups without interrupting the shot.
Availability
The update is available now through the Insta360 app and the official website. Compatibility may vary depending on the smartphone model.
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