News

iPadOS 15 gets homescreen widgets, better multitasking

Can an iPad replace your Mac?

Published

June 8, 2021

Shivam Vahia

Alongside iOS 15, watchOS 8, and macOS 15, Apple also unveiled its operating system for the iPad lineup — iPadOS 15. The new software update adds a tonne of new features that make the iPad a solid tool for work and play.

First off is a redesigned home screen that now supports widgets, just like iOS 14 did on the iPhone. There are also widgets for more apps than before, and they now come in different sizes than they did before. The new widgets for iPadOS include Find My, Contacts, Parcels, and Game Center.

The iPad is also getting the App Library, which is basically an App Drawer in Android’s glossary. It also sorts your apps into categories, so this is a good way to keep all your tools organized. The App Library is built right into the Dock, always a touch away.

The biggest addition for power users is an improved multitasking experience. The user can switch between Split View or Slide Over, and new shortcuts have been added to ensure switching between the two is seamless and instant.

In Split View, you can swipe down to replace an app with a new one for either side of the screen. It’ll also work with apps that have multiple windows. On the other hand, Slide Over display lets you access all open windows for any given app. This can come in handy when multiple Safari windows need to be dealt with in one go.

The Notes app now supports shared notes, so you can tag someone with an @, use hashtags to categorize, and see a timeline of all activities on the note. For those random note yet immediate note-taking moments, Quick Note can be summoned from the corner of the screen with the Apple Pencil.

Safari has received a major overhaul on all Apple’s operating systems, and the same extends to iPadOS. It now has a new minimal UI bar that puts tabs and the browser URL bar on the same row. The user can set up new tab groups, and there’s finally support for web extensions, just like macOS.

FaceTime has a variety of improvements, and the biggest of them is a feature called SharePlay that allows you to listen to songs together over Apple Music or watch TV shows in sync. It’s similar to last year’s Netflix Party but now deeply embedded within the Apple ecosystem.

Apple confirmed iPadOS 15 would be rolling out to compatible iPads in Fall 2021 — roughly around September or October.

Related Topics:App Library Apple Apple iPad iPad iPadOS 15 Quick Note Side Over Split View

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.