News
Not SE? Apple unveils the iPhone 16e
Part of the iPhone 16 family
What most people expected to be the latest version of the iPhone SE turned out to be something different. Same. But different. Officially announced is the iPhone 16e which is part of the iPhone 16 family. One key similarity is that it also sports the A18 chip found in the rest of the iPhone 16 fam.
The iPhone 16e will be available in two matte finishes — black and white. There will also be colorful cases available. Pre-orders begin Friday, February 21, with availability beginning Friday, February 28.
Performance
The 6-core CPU is up to 80 percent faster than the A13 Bionic chip on iPhone 11. The 4-core GPU powers stunning graphics performance and unlocks next-level mobile gaming on the go, enabling graphically demanding AAA titles and hardware-accelerated ray tracing for more realistic lighting and reflections.
Meanwhile, the 16-core Neural Engine is optimized for large generative models and runs machine learning (ML) models up to 6x faster than A13 Bionic.
Apple Intelligence
Having the same chip as the rest of the family means the iPhone 16e is built for Apple Intelligence. It enables features like the Clean Up tool which most people will probably recognize as the “Magic Eraser”. As some samples on the Internet have circulated, Apple’s Clean Up tool can get messy and isn’t as Magical as the Google’s Magic Eraser.
But there are other Apple Intelligence things too. Image Playground, create the perfect emoji with Genmoj, and make their writing even more dynamic with Writing Tools. They can now type to Siri, and Siri is more conversational with the ability to follow along if users stumble over their words. Siri can also maintain context from one request to the next.
With access to ChatGPT seamlessly integrated into Writing Tools and Siri, users can choose to access ChatGPT’s expertise without jumping between applications, so they can get things done faster and easier than ever before.
Action Button
Like the rest of the fam, the iPhone 16e also sports the Action Button. The Action button can be used to quickly open the camera or flashlight; switch between Ring and Silent modes; recognize music with Shazam; activate Voice Memos, Focus, Translate, and accessibility features like Magnifier; or use Shortcuts for more options.
Single rear shooter
The iPhone 16e, unlike its… siblings(?) only has a single rear camera. It’s a 48MP shooter. However, Apple is calling it a 2-in-1 camera system.
Using computational photography, the 48MP Fusion camera takes super-high-resolution photos, so users can capture gorgeous images that balance light and detail. It does have a 2x telephoto zoom. That’s why Apple says it’s a 2-in-1 system. Sounds like a stretch, but sure.
It can record 4K with Dolby Vision up to 60 fps. It also records video in Spatial Audio for immersive listening with AirPods, Apple Vision Pro, or a surround sound system, and enables more ways to edit video sound with Audio Mix
Naturally, there’s a front-facing TrueDepth camera. Its autofocus enables sharper close-ups and group selfies.
Price and availability
The iPhone 16e will be available in white and black in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities, starting at USD 599 or USD 24.95 per month for 24 months.
Customers in 59 countries and regions, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Türkiye, the UAE, the UK, and the U.S., will be able to pre-order iPhone 16e beginning at 5 a.m. PST on Friday, February 21, with availability beginning Friday, February 28.
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.
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
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
-
Lifestyle6 days agoYour coffee nook is getting a makeover with Starbucks’ holiday collections
-
Lifestyle1 week agoSticker season is back, and so is the planner your ~friends~ might fill in for you
-
Gaming6 days agoWild Rift Patch 7.3, celebrates K/DA comeback
-
Gaming2 weeks agoROG G700 review: The best prebuilt PC you can get off the shelf
-
Gaming1 week agoPlayStation unveils Prism Collection
-
News2 weeks agoApple unveils its biggest iPad mini update yet
-
Laptops1 week agoApple unveils MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR display and Touch
-
News2 days agoSony revives classic Walkman headphones with USB-C MDR-3R


