Accessories

I brought the JBL Flip 7 on a boat, and now I won’t travel without it

This portable speaker played through a storm and earned its spot in my beach bag!

Published

August 31, 2025

MJ Jucutan

Somewhere in the middle of my post-breakup arc, I escaped to Shangri-La Mactan for ten days, craving sun, sea, and a little bit of solitude.

Of course, I got everything except that. The sun showed up and the sea sparkled. But solitude? Not a chance. Between moments of lounging by the beach, a fun crowd found me and never left.

Maybe it’s true what they say about Leos: that we are the personification of the sun and everyone else just revolves around us, even when we try to hide.

I guess I’ve built a reputation for being the life of the party. After all, I slid a JBL Flip 7 into one of my beach bags for an island-hopping trip, and that pretty much sums me up.

Main character, personified

Before main character energy became a TikTok cliché, I was already walking proof of it. I’ve always been the personality hire in every workplace I’ve joined, because somehow, the room lights up when I enter.

I command attention, whether I mean to or not. And maybe that’s why I’ve always owned JBL speakers over the years. On a charity excursion in the mountains three years ago, I carried a PartyBox Encore Essential on my shoulders while trekking through a muddy slope.

Back when I lived in a mid-rise condominium, I even got a noise complaint. The bass from my JBL speaker rattled the walls and shook the entire floor.

JBL’s speaker–whether it’s the PartyBox or its smaller portable siblings–have always had that unmistakable DNA.

Loud, confident, and unapologetic. The sound comes with full force, but when you actually listen, it’s balanced and bold. It’s really main character, personified.

That same identity extends to the new Flip 7. I got mine in Purple, my favorite colorway: bold, bright, and playful, just like yours truly.

If there’s one accessory I’ll bring everywhere, it’s this one.

Made to take every beating

It’s easy to imagine waterproof and drop-proof speakers as rugged slabs of tech, made for hikers and hardcore adventurers. The Flip 7 challenges that image with a design that speaks in color, texture, and fun.

Right now, it comes in Black, Blue, Red, Pink, White, Purple, and Squad (a camouflage look).

The form factor will feel familiar to anyone who’s used previous Flip models. Cylindrical, compact, and easy to grip.

Its matte fabric finish stays grippy, even when wet. It slips effortlessly into any tote, doesn’t feel bulky in the hand, and looks damn good on any poolside table.

The buttons are tactile, and the strap lets you hook it, tie it, or carry it around your wrist like a fashion accessory with benefits.

The details are thoughtful and well-executed, so the speaker never screams “utility.”

It’s rated IP67, which means it’s both dustproof and waterproof. You can submerge it in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

That’s why I didn’t worry when it fell off a table, rolled across the sand, or got splashed with seawater and dinner drinks.

Somewhere in the middle of our island-hopping adventure past Caohagan Island in Cebu, the skies turned without warning. We were in the middle of the sea, mid-lunch, mid-conversation — and the rain poured like Moana stole something from the ocean and the goddesses were angry.

I wasn’t about to let a sudden storm dampen our trip. So, I pulled out the Flip 7 and hit play on my downloaded Britney Spears playlist on Spotify. We were wet, cold, and shivering in open water with the waves getting higher. Still, we were laughing and singing as “Toxic” blasted through the rain.

We just let Britney carry us through the storm.

The good and the not-so-good

JBL claims up to 16 hours of playtime, and the Flip 7 came close. I used it across the day, from my pre-island-hop prep and the actual boat ride to some poolside downtime after the storm and even a post-dinner fireworks moment on the balcony.

By the end of the night, it died. It wasn’t quite 16 hours of continuous play, but it made it through the ride and the day.

What I appreciated more was how strong the Bluetooth connection remained. I paired it with my iPhone 16 Pro, my iPad Pro, my MacBook Air, and even my ASUS Zenbook S 14.

It stayed connected even when I moved around, like when I left the speaker playing on the poolside bed while I fetched a frozen margarita by the bar, at least 50 meters away.

Although, when two or more paired devices played media at the same time, the speaker sometimes paused playback instead of switching between them. It didn’t switch audio sources mid-stream, it just paused.

When I needed to share sound–which, yes, happens–JBL’s Auracast came through. It let me connect to other compatible JBL speakers and headphones so everyone could hear the same playlist in sync.

Designed to keep up

I’ve always been on the go, always diving headfirst into new experiences, adventurous or not.

The JBL Flip 7 tags along without missing a beat. It’s compact enough to carry without thinking, loud enough to overpower a storm, and stylish enough to be an extension of your personality.

I didn’t stop using it after my ten-day trip. I took it to Bangkok, played Chappell Roan during my morning rituals inside the hotel room, and started my day in full main character mode.

It’s the kind of gadget that blends into your life without asking for much. You don’t need to charge it daily or fuss with settings. You turn it on, and it plays.

If you want to tweak the sound, the JBL Portable app gives you control. But for people like me who prefer tech that works without using a single brain cell, the Flip 7 delivers exactly that.

Is the JBL Flip 7 your GadgetMatch?

The JBL Flip 7 is for people whose lives are made of spontaneous trips and unplanned adventures. If you care about how things look, how they sound, and how they hold up when things get messy, this one’s definitely your GadgetMatch.

For PhP 7,999, you get a portable speaker that doesn’t flinch when the weather turns and makes even the worst travel hiccups feel like scenes from your favorite coming-of-age film.

Because honestly, the Flip 7 made our trip feel like a movie. We turned up the volume and for a few moments, we were all the stars of the story.

The JBL Flip 7 is available at JBL’s official stores and authorized retail partners.

Accessories

OBSBOT’s Meet Flip is your next best pocketable 4K webcam

Fold the Flip for further protection

Published

July 29, 2026

Vincenz

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Several months ago, you might remember that OBSBOT revealed the Tiny 3 series of web cameras.

Six months after, they also unveil the all-new Meet Flip. From the name itself, it’s the company’s latest foldable 4K webcam that puts hardware privacy front and center.

Foldable and pocketable

Despite weighing just 37.7 grams, the Meet Flip aims to deliver premium webcam features for all types of users. Be it remote workers, professionals, or content creators.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Undoubtedly, the biggest highlight has got to be the webcam’s folding design. Not only it’s portable, it protects your privacy too.

Closing the device physically blocks the lens, giving users a visual confirmation that the camera is no longer active. When it’s time for a meeting, simply unfold it and it’s ready to go.

That lightweight body also features a built-in mounting clip that works with laptops, monitors, and tripods. Users can mount it in landscape, portrait, or even upside-down orientations depending on their setup.

Despite that absurd amount of lightweightness, the OBSBOT Meet Flip is still able to house a 1/2-inch Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor with Quad Bayer technology. That’s something more commonly found among bigger and higher-end web cameras.

Other camera features include:

4K video recording / 30fps
1080p recording / up to 60fps
HDR support for challenging lighting
Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF)
4x digital zoom
f/1.8 aperture with ISO 100-6400 support for low-light environments

Beyond just video calls

The OBSBOT Meet Flip isn’t just packed with serious camera hardware, it’s seriously intelligent as well.

The Meet Flip supports AI Auto Framing. This automatically keeps users centered during meetings — regardless if they are presenting alone or with a group. Gesture controls also let users activate framing or adjust zoom without touching the keyboard or mouse.

Another standout feature is AI Magic Notes which provides real-time meeting transcription and automatically generates summaries, action items, and key discussion points.

The feature works with Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams through OBSBOT Center. Every webcam includes complimentary transcription of 120 minutes.

With that being mentioned, OBSBOT Center also makes users gain access to software features such as background blur, virtual backgrounds, beauty mode, and picture-in-picture overlays for presentations.

Those who want more advanced controls can enable Smart Eye Tracking, teleprompter support, and manual image adjustments.

Audio also gets an upgrade through an intelligent dual-microphone system that offers four recording modes:

Directional Mode / solo calls
Dual-Directional Mode / interviews
Smart Omni Mode / group meetings
Pure Audio Mode / unprocessed stereo recording

AI Noise Reduction and Automatic Gain Control are also available across most modes to help improve voice clarity.

OBSBOT’s Meet Flip is also compatible with mobile devices through the OBSBOT Live app and supports integrations with accessories including Elgato Stream Deck, Nintendo Switch 2, and UVC-to-NDI/HDMI adapters.

Pricing and Availability

The OBSBOT Meet Flip is available starting today for US$119 through OBSBOT’s online store, Amazon US, and select retailers worldwide. Regional pricing may vary.

Accessories

CASETiFY drops Samsung Galaxy Z8 series collection

Tailored for the latest foldable devices

Published

July 28, 2026

GadgetMatch

CASETiFY, as expected, has dropped its latest ecosystem tailored for the new Samsung Galaxy Z8 series devices.

The lineup caters to all devices under the series: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8, Z Fold8, and Z Fold8 Ultra. Accessories under the lineup range from US$ 20 to US$ 70. They are available across more than 70 CASETiFY Studio locations worldwide.

The latest collection reimagines the relationship between hardware and style, effortlessly bridging heavy-duty, military-grade protection with a modular network of magnetic add-ons and deeply personalized visuals.

Recognizing that the hinge is the most fragile component of a foldable device, CASETiFY is introducing a precision-engineered, smooth-gliding hinge protection mechanism for the very first time.

This is fortified to be incredibly tough and resilient against daily impacts for uncompromised 360-degree defense.

At the same time, CASETiFY still promises a seamless open-and-close movement each time to make the phone secure, clean, and easy to carry.

The CASETiFY Samsung Galaxy Z8 series lineup includes:

Impact Magnetic Case

The signature case introduces a breakthrough, smooth-gliding hinge cover that fully encases the device’s moving parts — minus the bulk. It is fortified with EcoShock technology and protective raised bezels.

Impact HD Screen Protector

This ultra-responsive defense layer is crafted from surface-strengthened 9H tempered glass. It features advanced anti-fingerprint and antimicrobial coatings.

Impact Camera Lens Protector

This scratch-proof tempered glass shield keeps your camera safe from every angle. It is also precision-engineered to prevent flash light haze to preserve original photo quality.

16 Personalities Print Collection

In addition, CASETiFY is giving enthusiasts a way to show who they are with the brand-new 16 Personalities Print Collection.

This typography-centered collection turns a four-letter personality personality archetype into a high-design visual manifest.

The highly collectible print collection expands far beyond the Galaxy Z8 series. It will be available across a wide selection of iPhone silhouettes and compatible lifestyle options.

Accessories

CASETiFY revives Spider-Man collection for Brand New Day

Spider-Man returns to CASETiFY

Published

July 24, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

CASETiFY has unveiled a new Marvel collaboration inspired by Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The collection marks the brand’s first Spider-Man release since 2023. It also arrives alongside Sony Pictures’ upcoming film, which opens later this month.

The lineup includes phone and tablet cases, MagSafe accessories, earbuds cases, watchbands, laptop sleeves, and wireless chargers. It is headlined by two premium phone cases. The Aluminium Spider-Man Mask Case costs US$84, while the 2.5D Silicone Case sells for US$78. Both are available for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Fans can also choose from five printed phone case designs: Spider-Man New Mask, Spider-Man Poster, Spider-Man Medley, Spider-Man Medley (Dark Version), and Spider-Man New Suit. CASETiFY also lets buyers personalize select phone cases and MagSafe wallets through its Custom Sticker feature.

More Spider-Man accessories

The collection goes beyond phone cases. It also includes MagSafe Grip Stands, Cardholder Stands, Wallets, a 2-in-1 Charging Stand, Earbuds Cases, Watchbands, Camera Lens Protectors, Laptop Cases and Sleeves, Tablet Cases, and Wireless Chargers. Prices start at US$24 for the Camera Lens Protector and go up to US$92 for the 2-in-1 Charging Stand.

The Marvel Spider-Man: Brand New Day x CASETiFY collection is now available through CASETiFY’s website, the Co-Lab app, and CASETiFY STUDiO stores worldwide.