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JBL Horizon 2 review: Ring the alarm

Oh, it makes a damn good speaker too

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I’m a person who creates a setup for any piece of tech I have in my room. In essence, I’d like to keep things organized so that I know how best to use them. Believe it or not, I tried fixing up my bedside area with a table and phone chargers. I just needed something to fit the entire setup altogether.

Enter the JBL Horizon 2, a one-of-a-kind Bluetooth speaker fit for any living or bedroom space. It comes with features that make it a great device to blast your favorite songs on, especially when you’re jamming in your room. Although, it provides much more than just a nice soundtrip in any given space.

So, let’s take a deeper dive into the JBL Horizon 2:

More than just a speaker apparently

Upon unboxing the speakers, I honestly thought that it was just a bulky speaker for your bedside table. I mean, it comes in a form factor that’s mostly focused on speaker-like features and functions — like Bluetooth pairing and FM Radio. Also, it comes with a volume dial at the top and an LED screen in the center… wait, what?

JBL Horizon 2

Yes, the JBL Horizon 2 isn’t just any regular Bluetooth speaker you plug into a wall. In fact, it’s also designed as an alarm clock, as well. The LED screen that’s built into the design displays the time, any active alarms and logos to indicate a connected device. Although, it’s not that enticing when (at certain angles), I couldn’t see what’s displayed since it’s not an anti-glare display.

JBL Horizon 2

Nonetheless, the JBL Horizon 2 looks like a practical kind of speaker with a dual purpose. It’s not everyday you come across something like this, and I welcome it.

Easy to set up and work around

One thing this speaker brings is some ease of setup in any given space. As mentioned, I had it set up just on my bedside table since it was the only free space available. When you plug it in, it automatically turns on and is ready for an initial set up (date, time, and even your alarms).

JBL Horizon 2

For the most part, the controls were quite intuitive since there are symbols to help guide you through it. From connecting your preferred devices via Bluetooth to tuning the FM radio, it was pretty easy to work around. Also, you have access to two USB-A ports at the side of the speaker for charging your devices, as well.

JBL Horizon 2

Almost excellent sound quality

As a speaker, the JBL Horizon 2 provides a near excellent audio experience. Apart from the ease of connection, the speakers released sounds with some level of deep bass suited for any room. Also, it’s quite loud even just at volume levels 9-15, depending on how sensitive your ears are to sounds in any area.

I also found it quite nice that there is a dedicated volume dial for ease of control. Instead of having to press buttons on my phone, I could just simply turn the dial in the direction I want to increase or decrease the volume. The thing is, it assigns the volume levels according to your device’s volume settings, so I could gauge the bearable levels.

However, I say it’s almost excellent because in some cases, I experienced a slight hiccup with the sound quality. For the most part, audio playback happens after about 1-2 seconds from playing certain tracks or videos. Although audio and video sync quite well during playback, I still find it weird that there’s this level of delay even if my phone is close to the speakers.

Helpful in waking you up

If you’re someone like me who is recently having a hard time waking up, the JBL Horizon 2 is quite the useful alarm clock. Instead of having to set 15 different alarms on your phone, you can just set two alarms and they’re quite loud. Even if my head is not beside my bedside table, I can still hear it when I gain consciousness from my sleep.

To turn off the alarm, you have to press the volume dial like how most people in movies do but with less aggression. If you don’t press it, like most alarms, the JBL Horizon 2 comes with its own snooze functionality that you can also set. If there’s any real complaints I have about the alarm setup, it’s the fact that you can’t adjust the volume of the alarm.

Another feature that helps with the alarm functionality is the night light at the back of the speaker. All it takes is pressing the volume dial twice, and that night light is on — for those who can’t sleep with the lights off. If the speakers are close to you, this is great for shining light in your eyes to wake you up! Honestly, it’s an effective way to wake you up if you hate the sun.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

At PhP 6,299, the JBL Horizon 2 provides a multi-faceted sound system for any living space. It comes with speakers with great audio quality suited for those lovely soundtrips while indoors. With relative ease, you can connect almost any kind of device with Bluetooth and enjoy hassle-free volume control.

When you’re not using it as a speaker, it serves its other purpose as an alarm clock quite well. Even though the LED screen is rather subpar, it still tells you the time and even sets off according to your alarms for the day. With a night light at the back, you will also not have any problems with sleeping in the dark.

JBL Horizon 2

It’s an audio device that will surely find its place in your home or bedroom. While it may not be a portable device, it’s something worth investing in while you’re not going anywhere.


For more great products and accessories like the JBL Horizon 2, visit OnWardPH or follow them through their Facebook and Instagram accounts (@OnWardPH) for you to keep posted.

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Bellroy expands in the Philippines with retailer partnerships

Products now available at Beyond the Box, Digital Walker

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Australian carry brand Bellroy has expanded its footprint in the Philippines, striking partnerships with retailers Beyond the Box and Digital Walker.

This shall enable Filipino customers to experience the brand’s award-winning, protective tech kits firsthand at select physical stores and even online.

Bellroy has befome a global favorite since its inception in 2010 for its design-led minimalism and commitment to sustainability.

Some of the brand’s featured products readily available in-store include MagSafe-compatible phone cases and the best-selling Desk Caddy and Tech kit.

The latter is designed to organize chargers and cables seamlessly.

Meanwhile, the Venture and Lite series bags are also available. These are crafted from durable, water-resistant fabrics made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles.

Furthermore, exclusive editions featuring INNOVERA, a high-performance plant-based leather alternative with 80% renewable carbon content, are also on display.

Customers can visit select Digital Walker and Beyond the Box branches nationwide to check Bellroy’s offerings.

They are present at flagship locations in Bonifacio High Street, Uptown Mall, and Glorietta. Alternatively, customers can also shop online via digitalwalker.ph and beyondthebox.ph.

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Dyson now has its own pricey handheld fan

The HushJet Mini Cool can spin up to a blazing 65,000rpm.

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Handheld fans are in again. With the scorching heat bearing down on the country, a portable way to keep cool is an absolute must if you want to last even a few minutes out in the sun. Now, if you have the money, why settle for a plain old JisuLife? Dyson has just launched its own handheld fan called the HushJet Mini Cool.

Ironically, when I see a JisuLife, I already think of a Dyson with its unique design reminiscent of a turbofan engine. With its new handheld fan, Dyson is once again reimagining new ways to deliver wind from one place to another.

The HushJet Mini Cool doesn’t feature Dyson’s iconic circular chamber. Rather, it’s very tubular with an asterisk-like spout to deliver cool air. The brushless motor inside can spin up to 65,000rpm, which translates to air speeds of up to 25m/s.

For reference, the JisuLife Pro 1 spins only up to 15,000rpm. The HushJet Mini Cool has some serious firepower for such a small device.

For functionality, Dyson’s fan has six speeds, which includes a boost mode for those extra-hot days. It can also stand on its own, so it can be a makeshift desk fan if the need arises.

For its insane windspeeds, the fan doesn’t have the most stellar battery life. A single charge is reportedly enough for only six hours of juice. Thankfully, it can be charged via a USB-C cable and a charging stand shipped with the box.

As with most things Dyson, the HushJet Mini Cool costs a pretty penny, setting you back by US$ 99.99. It comes in three colorway options: Stone/Blush, Ink/Cobalt, and Carnelian/Sky (available in May).

SEE ALSO: The JisuLife Outdoor Fan Ultra 1 takes portability to a bigger scale

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GameSir G7 Pro ZZZ Edition: My default PC controller

A surprisingly easy switch

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GameSir G7 Pro ZZZ Edition

There’s a moment when a new piece of gear stops feeling new. You stop thinking about it. You stop noticing it. It just becomes part of your setup. That’s what happened with the GameSir G7 Pro ZZZ Edition.

I keep saying this about GameSir controllers that I’m starting to sound like a paid shill—but I’m not. The truth is, this is a spectacular controller. It has quietly become my default whenever I game on PC.

And for someone who tends to overthink setups, that says a lot.

I’ve been playing my usual rotation—Sleeping Dogs for quick pick-up sessions, and NBA 2K26 when I just want to zone out. Nothing too hardcore. Nothing too technical. But enough to get a real feel for what a controller is like to actually live with.

And the G7 Pro? It just works.

GameSir G7 Pro ZZZ Edition

Familiar, but better

I actually first held this controller at Gamescom in Cologne while playing Honor of Kings: World. At the time, I didn’t even realize it wasn’t a standard Xbox controller. That’s how natural it felt.

It was only during a lull in the demo that I noticed the GameSir branding and went, “Wait, this isn’t first-party?”

That first impression stuck.

gamescom 2025 | GameSir | Honor of Kings: World

gamescom 2025 | GameSir | Honor of Kings: World

Back home, using it on my own setup, that same feeling carried over. It doesn’t scream premium in the way some flashy controllers do, but it feels solid, balanced, and intentional. The weight distribution is right. The grips feel secure. Nothing about it feels cheap.

There are small touches here that go a long way, too. I’m a big fan of the orange accents around the sticks—it gives the controller just enough character without going overboard.

Even the ZZZ collaboration design, which could have easily gone full loud and chaotic, feels surprisingly restrained. It still has personality, but it doesn’t scream for attention.

And if you do get tired of how it looks, you can just swap things out. Switching from the default black faceplate to a clear version gives it a completely different vibe. It’s a small thing, but it helps the controller feel fresh over time—like it can evolve with your setup instead of being stuck as one look forever.

It’s the kind of controller you don’t have to adjust to.

GameSir G7 Pro ZZZ Edition

Just works, right out of the box

I’ve already broken down everything included in the package in our unboxing reel. But what matters more is this: you don’t actually need to touch most of it to enjoy the controller.

And that’s a good thing.

I like my gear to be great by default. Not something I have to tweak before it becomes usable.

The G7 Pro nails that.

Clicks you can trust

The buttons are one of those things you don’t think about—until they’re bad. Here, they’re not.

They’re not loud. Not distracting. You can play comfortably without feeling like you’re announcing every input to the room. I wouldn’t necessarily game beside someone sleeping, but it’s not something I’d worry about either.

What you do notice is how smooth everything feels.

GameSir G7 Pro ZZZ Edition

Not necessarily faster than a standard Xbox controller, but more precise. More consistent. There’s a sense of durability to every press, like it’s built to take repeated inputs without wearing down. It’s subtle. But it adds up.

The only thing I didn’t vibe with was the default circular D-pad. It’s not bad—it’s just not for me. Good thing there’s a more traditional option in the box. I swapped that out eventually– after these photos were taken. 

When control actually matters

GameSir G7 Pro ZZZ Edition

If there’s one moment that sold me on the G7 Pro, it wasn’t in a shooter. It was in NBA 2K26. I usually play a more system-heavy game. Move the ball. Run plays. Keep things controlled.

But with this controller, I found myself leaning into isolation. More dribble-heavy possessions. More one-on-one situations. Not because I had to—but because I felt like I could.

The sticks felt reliable enough to handle it. No hesitation. No second guessing. No fear of drift creeping in. That confidence changes how you play.

And that’s when you realize a controller is doing something right.

Triggers built for a specific kind of player

GameSir G7 Pro ZZZ Edition

The triggers are interesting. They come with locks that turn them into near-instant inputs—perfect for competitive shooters. And to be fair, they work. But for me, they feel a little too shallow.

There’s barely any travel, to the point where it almost feels like you’re not pressing anything at all. That’s great if you’re chasing faster reaction times. Not so great if you prefer a bit more feedback.

This is one of those features that will either click with you immediately or not at all. If you play a lot of shooters, you’ll probably love it. If you don’t, it’s easy to ignore.

More control than I actually use

GameSir G7 Pro ZZZ Edition

Customization is a big part of the G7 Pro’s appeal. Swappable D-pads. Magnetic faceplates. Extra buttons. Back paddles. It’s all there.

You can see everything included in our unboxing, but the short version is this: it gives you a lot of control over how you want to play.

Personally, I didn’t use most of it.

I tend to stick to default layouts, especially since I jump between platforms and want to keep my muscle memory consistent. The extra buttons can feel a bit overwhelming if you’re not into tinkering.

But that’s the thing—you don’t have to use them.

You can explore at your own pace. Or ignore them completely. And the controller still feels complete.

Seamless where it matters

I mostly used the G7 Pro wired on my Legion 7i. Setup was easy. Plug it in, press the Xbox button, and it just works. No weird pairing issues. No friction.

Any hiccups I ran into were more on Windows than the controller itself. That reliability matters more than any spec sheet.

A controller that fits into your routine

Battery life was never really a concern for me.

Partly because my gaming sessions have been shorter lately—quick bursts here and there. But also because it just didn’t feel like something I had to constantly think about.

I didn’t use the charging dock much yet since I’m still reworking my setup. But I do want to make space for it eventually. It looks good, and it fits the kind of “drop and go” routine I prefer.

For now, I’ve just been using my UGreen Nexode charger alongside everything else on my desk. Not ideal, but it works.

Not perfect—but close

If I had to nitpick, it really comes down to two things.

The default circular D-pad isn’t for everyone. And the extra buttons might feel like overkill if you just want a straightforward experience.

That’s it.

Everything else feels dialed in.

Is the GameSir G7 Pro ZZZ Edition your GamingMatch?

GameSir G7 Pro ZZZ Edition

I think the reason I enjoyed using the G7 Pro so much is simple. I’ve already assigned it a role. This is now my go-to PC gaming controller.

As someone who leans PlayStation, the DualSense is still king for me overall. That’s years of muscle memory and familiarity. It’s hard to replace.

But having a dedicated controller for each platform removes friction. It clears space in your head. And the G7 Pro does that effortlessly. From here on out, it’s going to be the standard I measure other PC gaming controllers against.

And that might be the biggest compliment I can give it.

BUY HERE

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