News
Microsoft’s Surface Duo is official with a dual screen setup
Designed for maximum productivity
Microsoft teased the launch of a dual-screen smartphone in October last year. It was also coupled with another device called the Surface Neo, a dual-screen PC. While the latter has been delayed indefinitely, Microsoft has finally unveiled the Surface Duo today.
To make things clear, the Surface Duo is essentially a smartphone and runs on Android. Yes, Microsoft is directly making an Android phone under the Surface brand. It isn’t very surprising since the giant has embraced cross-platform support unlike any other and intends to monetize via hardware as well as Office software suite.
The phone has already leaked quite some times and they’ve been on-point. The device runs on a Snapdragon 855 processor with 6GB RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage.
However, the prime selling point of the phone is its display. The dual-screen setup consists of a 5.6-inch screen each, with an aspect ratio of 4:3. Together, it’s an 8.1-inch setup with a total aspect ratio of 3:2. And yes, the screen is AMOLED.
Continuing the Surface lineup, Microsoft says it’s the thinnest Surface yet. It has a 3577 mAh battery and supports 18W fast charging. It ships with a host of pre-installed Microsoft apps like Office, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, OneNote, and more.
The phone is priced at US$ 1,399 for the 128GB option and sales start from September 10 via AT&T, Best Buy, or the Microsoft Store in the US. Global availability hasn’t been announced yet.
It’s worth noting that the phone isn’t supposed to be a flagship killer and is targeted towards a niche audience that’s looking to leverage maximum productivity on the go. However, considering the dual-screen setup, the Galaxy Fold2 can be an excellent competitor, albeit a little too expensive.
News
Sony teams up with Hello Kitty for exclusive limited-edition collection
Sony and Hello Kitty join forces.
Sony has teamed up with Hello Kitty for a limited-edition collaboration that combines selected Sony products with exclusive merchandise featuring Sanrio’s beloved character.
Available exclusively through Sony Store channels, the collection marks Sony’s first collaboration with Hello Kitty. It covers the Xperia 10 VIII smartphone and three wireless headphone models: the WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N, and WH-CH530.
Each collaboration model comes with exclusive Hello Kitty merchandise designed specifically for Sony Store customers.
Sony x Hello Kitty collection
The Xperia 10 VIII collaboration model is priced at SGD 919. It comes with an exclusive Hello Kitty sacoche-style shoulder bag designed to carry the smartphone and other small essentials, along with a Hello Kitty tote bag.
Meanwhile, the WH-1000XM6 collaboration model costs SGD 609. The WH-CH730N is priced at SGD 249, while the WH-CH530 costs SGD 149.
Each headphone collaboration package includes a Sony Store-exclusive Hello Kitty pouch for carrying the headphones and personal belongings, as well as a Hello Kitty tote bag.
The products retain Sony’s existing designs while adding Hello Kitty-themed accessories. The collection aims to bring the character’s signature charm into everyday use without changing the core design of the Sony devices.
Available now in Singapore
Pre-orders for the Sony x Hello Kitty collaboration models are now available through Sony Store channels in Singapore.
Sony is also showcasing the collection at the Sony Store at 313@somerset. Visitors can try the products firsthand and take photos at a dedicated Hello Kitty photo wall.
The collaboration models are available in limited quantities.
For more information, visit the official Sony Store Singapore website.
UPDATE: Sony x Hello Kitty arrives in the Philippines
The Sony x Hello Kitty collaboration will also be available in the Philippines starting October 16, 2026, at select Sony Centres.
Customers who purchase the WH-1000XM6 can add the exclusive Hello Kitty Collaboration package for PHP 4,999. The WH-1000XM6 is available in Black, Silver, Midnight Blue, Sand Pink, and Sandstone.
The collaboration will be available at the following Sony Centres:
- SM Mall of Asia
- SM Megamall
- Glorietta by Ayala Malls
- The Sony Centre-exclusive collaboration goods are designed to complement Sony products with Hello Kitty’s signature charm, adding a playful touch to everyday music experiences.
News
iPhone 18 series breaks records in Vietnam as pre-orders triple
Despite hefty price tag, market saw immense demand for latest Apple devices
The iPhone 18 series saw immense demand upon its availability in Vietnam, with reports indicating that pre-orders at some local retailers for the latest Apple devices more than tripled compared to the previous generation during the same window.
Pre-orders in the market officially opened last month and saw hundreds of thousands of deposits in just days. Devices officially began hitting shelves and delivering to consumers last September 18.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max has been the sought-after model, as XO Tours noted, accounting for about 80% to 90% of the total number of pre-orders. Meanwhile, Burgundy has been the hit color option.
Retailers did have a few safeguards in place, like limiting each customer to a maximum of two Pro or Pro Max units combined.
And in spite of the hefty price tags, the availability of 0% interest installment plans, as well as Buy Now, Pay Later options kept the flagship models as an accessible luxury for consumers, with trade-ins also providing additional discounts.
As with many developing markets, Vietnam also relies heavily on smartphones as everyday devices over laptops, tablets, or PCs.
News
vivo V80 Lite launches in the PH: Price, availability, pre-order details
Pre-order until October 16 for perks
vivo has launched the Guinness World Records holder vivo V80 Lite in the Philippines for a starting price of PhP 24,999.
The midrange offering is available for pre-order until October 16. Customers can enjoy the following benefits when they place pre-orders during the period:
- vivo Buds Air3, worth PhP 1,799
- PhP 1,000 pre-order discount
- vivo Silver Membership exclusive privileges via the vivo Store app
- four-year battery warranty, worth PhP 1,510
- 100GB Google One cloud storage for six months (can be claimed until October 2, 2027)
Customers can also get an additional PhP 500 discount when purchasing through Home Credit at 0% interest until October 31, 2026. Use the voucher code HCV80LITE.
The vivo V80 Lite comes in two configurations:
- 6GB+128GB: PhP 24,999
- 6GB+256GB: PhP 27,999
The smartphone is designed for everyday use, as well as extended hours, with a 10,000mAh BlueVolt battery.
It becomes the latest handset to offer such a battery capacity, addressing a common pain point in smartphone usage.
The phone is also reinforced with IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance for overall ruggedness.
In front is a 1.5K OLED display with high brightness for visible content even when outdoors.
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