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JBL’s new speakers will ~literally~ turn your house into a club

Meet your next party essentials!

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JBL just turned up the volume (literally).

At the JBL Experience, the global audio brand unveiled its latest lineup of party speakers and portable essentials.

The launch event was a full-sensory celebration, with surprise appearances by Michael Sager and Jackie Gonzaga and a genre battle between DJs that had the crowd vibing all night.

It’s party time!

JBL launched its most powerful battery-powered speaker yet. The PartyBox 520 is built for large gatherings, featuring a splash-proof IPX4 design, a rugged handle, and sturdy wheels so you can roll the party anywhere.

It offers up to 15 hours of playtime, fast-charging, and replaceable batteries to keep the music going nonstop. With AI Sound Boost and Auracast, you get crystal-clear audio and the ability to sync with other JBL speakers wirelessly.

JBL also unveiled the PartyBox Encore 2 and Encore Essential 2, which pack powerful performance in a more portable form.

With Bluetooth 5.4, ergonomic handles, and long-lasting battery life, they’re made for music lovers who are always on the go. The Encore 2 even includes wireless mics for karaoke battles, while the Essential 2 brings dynamic lighting to every beat.

A quick 10-minute charge gives you up to 80 minutes of playtime.

The JBL PartyBox 520 retails for PhP 42,999. Meanwhile, the PartyBox Encore 2 is priced at PhP 24,999 while the Encore Essential 2 comes at a more accessible price tag at PhP 18,999.

Small size, huge sound

JBL has also unveiled the Flip 7. It has been upgraded with an interchangeable finger loop, carabiner hook, and IP68 water and dust resistance.

Expect deeper bass, clearer highs, and up to 16 hours of playtime with Playtime Boost. It also supports Auracast for multi-speaker pairing and is powered by Bluetooth 5.4 for smoother wireless streaming.

Then, there’s the Charge 6 that takes versatility up a notch. With a detachable handle strap, AI Sound Boost, an upgraded woofer, and Auracast pairing, this speaker means business.

It offers an incredible 28 hours of battery life, plus it doubles as a power bank to charge your phone while playing your favorite tracks. Ideal for all-day, all-night playlists.

The JBL Flip 7 retails for PhP 7,999 while the JBL Charge 6 retails for PhP 10,999. Both units comes in different colorways, such as Black, Blue, Funky Black, Pink, Purple, Red, Sand, Squad, and White.

Wake up better

One of the things that really piqued our interest is the JBL Horizon 3. More than an alarm clock, it helps optimize your sleep cycle and wake routine with ambient sunrise alarms, ocean wave soundscapes, and intuitive lighting.

It’s also a powerful Bluetooth speaker with JBL stereo sound, dual passive radiators, FM radio, and now works with the JBL One App for easier control over alarms, EQ settings, and light modes. Designed with minimalism in mind, it’s a sleek and smart addition to any nightstand.

The JBL Horizon 3 retails at PhP 7,699.

Smart Home

Dreame unveils next-gen personal care lineup at DREAME NEXT 2026

Smart styling tools lead push as North America growth hits 1,230%

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Dreame

Dreame Technology has introduced a new wave of smart personal care devices at its DREAME NEXT 2026 event in Silicon Valley, signaling a bigger push into the US market following rapid growth in the region.

At the center of the announcement is a shift in positioning: from traditional beauty tools to what Dreame calls “intelligent, responsive companions.” The company says this approach is already paying off, with North American revenue surging 1,230% year-over-year in Q1 2026.

Smart styling, all-in-one systems

Leading the lineup are three key products set to launch in the US later this year.

The AirStyle Pro HI is an 8-in-1 styling system powered by a 130,000 RPM motor. It uses app-based hair recognition to tailor styling modes automatically, covering drying, curling, and straightening in a single device.

Meanwhile, the Aero Straight Pro combines drying and straightening in one pass. It uses dual hot-and-cold airflow channels, along with real-time sensing of hair moisture and temperature. Dreame also adds a “triple care” formula — keratin, argan oil, and negative ions — to protect hair during styling.

Then there’s Halo, a concept floor-standing hair dryer. It tracks the user’s head and adjusts airflow automatically, allowing for hands-free drying while doing other tasks.

Expanding beyond hair care

Dreame’s broader ecosystem spans hair, skincare, grooming, and oral care. One highlight is the Pilot 20 Intelligent Hair Dryer, which uses dual robotic arms to detect scalp and hair conditions and adjust airflow dynamically.

Other products shown include the Miracle Pro Hair Dryer and Pocket hair dryer, rounding out a portfolio designed to bring salon-level results into everyday routines.

Backed by industry recognition

The brand is also leaning into credibility. Dreame has earned accreditation from Intercoiffure Mondial, a global association of top hairdressers — a rare endorsement for a consumer tech brand.

Its products have picked up over 30 industry awards, including recognition from CES, IFA, and CNN’s Innovation of the Year.

US expansion in focus

Dreame is doubling down on the US with both online and offline expansion. It already has a presence on major e-commerce platforms and is building out retail through flagship and experiential stores.

The company expects wider availability across major US retail channels by the end of 2026.

Alongside product launches, Dreame also highlighted community efforts, including donations of personal care devices to San Francisco-based nonprofit The Welcome Home Project to support individuals transitioning into stable housing.

With its latest lineup, Dreame is positioning personal care as part of a connected, intelligent lifestyle — one that blends hardware, software, and everyday routines into a single ecosystem.

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Convenient Smart Home

Giving up counter space for reverse osmosis: Living with Waterdrop M6H in NYC

A 7-stage filtration system

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Waterdrop M6H

Living in New York City means two things when it comes to the kitchen: constantly negotiating with counter space and having the best drinking water in the country.

That’s exactly where a countertop reverse osmosis system like the Waterdrop M6H finds its place. It fits into apartment life surprisingly well, though not without tradeoffs.

Peace of mind

New York City is known for having some of the best drinking water in the country, and for most people, straight-from-the-tap is perfectly safe and dare I say: tastes the best, too. 

But using a reverse osmosis system isn’t necessarily about fixing bad water. It can also take already good water and filtering it down to a much finer level.

The Waterdrop M6H uses a 7-stage filtration system, which goes beyond basic filtration to remove things like heavy metals, chlorine, PFAS, and microplastics, which you might not think about daily but are still present in trace amounts. It also has UV sterilization, adding another layer of protection by targeting bacteria that may not be caught in filtration alone.

That extra layer of filtration becomes especially helpful when you have guests or family visiting. My parents, for example, have more sensitive stomachs, so even small differences in water quality can matter.

One tradeoff with reverse osmosis is that it also removes naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium. In practice, it shouldn’t be a major concern for most people. Food, not water, should be the primary source of these nutrients.

Built for apartment living

One of the biggest advantages of the Waterdrop M6H is how easy it is to set up. There’s no installation, no need to touch your plumbing, and if you’re renting: no back-and-forth with a landlord. 

It sits on my counter like any other appliance. It’s roughly the size of my super automatic coffee machine, which makes it feel familiar and non-invasive. And just like my coffee machine, I get access to great drinking water with just a few presses.

For apartment dwellers like me, that plug-and-play design is a huge win. I could be living in my current home for years, but will likely still need to move out at some point. That means I can take the M6H with me no matter where life takes me.

Compact is both good and bad

That small footprint is what makes it viable in a city kitchen, but it also introduces the biggest inconvenience. 

Because the unit is compact, the water tank isn’t huge, and neither is the wastewater capacity. The built-in 135oz water tank capacity is large enough to get you through a good portion of the day. 

In practice, that means you’ll be refilling clean water and emptying the waste tank regularly, sometimes more than two times a day depending on usage. 

It’s not difficult, but it’s definitely more hands-on than a built-in system that runs continuously in the background.

Eats up precious counter space

Beyond just physically occupying counter space, the machine changed how I use my kitchen. 

The spot it takes is often the same area I would use for prepping food, whether that’s chopping vegetables, rolling or kneading dough, and plating meals. It’s also the same spot I use for putting dirty dishes before they get washed.

So while it technically fits, it reduced my working surface in a noticeable way. In a New York kitchen, losing even a small section of prep space can have a huge impact on one’s daily routine.

Bottle compatibility can be hit or miss

Another noticeable drawback of its compact size is the height clearance under the spout. If you tend to use taller insulated bottles, especially the narrow ones, they won’t always fit comfortably underneath.

I have a combination of tall and short ones, and so that means having to tilt the taller ones or filling them in stages, which interrupts an otherwise convenient experience.

Well thought-out experience

Where the Waterdrop M6H really stands out is in how easy it is to use. The touchscreen is intuitive without feeling overdesigned, and the preset buttons for coffee and tea temperatures are more than welcome. Thanks to its instant heating, I’m never waiting around for hot water when I want a comforting cup of tea after a chilly day out.

One of my favorite features is the ability to customize how many ounces of water you want dispensed. You can set it, place your glass or bottle underneath — as long as it fits — and walk away while it fills because it stops on its own. It’s a small detail that makes drinking clean water convenient.

It’s just a bonus that I’m more conscious of the amount of water I’m drinking on a daily basis.

The detachable glass pitcher is another thoughtful touch. You can take it off and pour directly to your vessel of choice, store it in the fridge for cold water, or use it directly for cooking.

Better than a filter pitcher

If you’ve used a standard filter pitcher before, the difference is immediate. 

With something like a Brita, you’re constantly refilling and waiting for water to slowly drip through the filter before you can use it. The Waterdrop M6H produces purified water much faster and on demand.

Even though I have to refill the tank daily, it’s still far less frequent, and far less tedious, than topping off a pitcher multiple times a day. 

Cost-wise, it also evens out over time. Instead of repeatedly buying smaller filters, you’re replacing one larger filter less often, with a more advanced level of filtration to show for it.

Is the Waterdrop M6H your GadgetMatch?

Even in a city with excellent tap water, a reverse osmosis system like the Waterdrop M6H can be helpful. It makes the most sense if you’re renting but still want better-than-tap filtration without dealing with permanent changes. 

While not as inconvenient as a Brita pitcher, it still requires daily maintenance. It is not the best fit if you’re already tight on counter space, cook frequently and rely heavily on your prep area.

A permanently installed reverse osmosis system will always win when it comes to pure convenience, and Waterdrop has great options for that. It runs continuously, requires less day-to-day interaction that you just forget about it, and it doesn’t take up precious counter space. 

For my current setup, the Waterdrop M6H is a practical middle ground. It delivers many of the same benefits in a flexible, renter-friendly form.

The Waterdrop M6H retails for US$429 before tax. Maintenance is straightforward: the replacement filter costs $79.99 and lasts about 12 months or roughly 1,100 gallons of water.

It isn’t cheap, but you can think of it as a long-term investment in your health. Its benefits aren’t immediate or obvious day-to-day, but something you’ll likely appreciate over time and thank yourself for later.

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TCL showcases AI-powered air conditioning solutions at MCE 2026

For residential, commercial scenarios

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TCL recently presented its latest residential and light commercial air conditioning innovations at MCE (Mostra Convegno Expocomfort) 2026 in Milan, Italy.

Visitors were able to explore TCL’s smart climate technologies at Hall 7, Booth T11/U20 at the Fiera Milano Rho, where the company showcased its AI-driven solutions. These are designed to improve indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and everyday comfort.

TCL air conditioners are built around three core technology pillars: AI Health, AI Voice Control, and AI Energy-Saving.

Dedicated experience zones were up for visitors to witness some of the brand’s latest air conditioning technologies — demonstrated in real-world scenarios.

Key features include:

  • FreshIN 3.0: fresh air ventilation and intelligent purification to improve indoor air quality, plus offline voice control
  • VoxIN: heating performance in temperatures as low as -40°C
  • SaveIN: designed to support improved everyday energy saving performance for both cooling and heating
  • BreezeIN: combines T-AI energy-saving technology, smart control, and Gentle Breeze for more comfortable cooling

In addition, for businesses, TCL also featured the light commercial air conditioner: the TCL Free Match. This outdoor unit enables one outdoor unit to connect with up to six indoor units for flexible climate control.

The 200Pa high-static ducted system is also ideal for businesses, with up to 20-meter extendable duct length. It is compatible with BMS and AIRZONE systems, meeting European commercial space standards.

More capabilities include enhanced heat dissipation and a self-cleaning function to help maintain system efficiency and long-term performance.

This particular unit supports Hotel Mode as well for interconnected control and automatic operation.

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