News
Motorola razr 5G now official
A minor refinement
Motorola re-ups their foldable with a few improvements here and there but also equipped it with the next generation of connectivity. The Motorola razr 5G is here and it smoothens out any rough edges from its predecessor.
Quick View display
Building on feedback from the previous model, the 2.7-inch Quick View display lets users access the phone even while it’s close. Even better, users have full control on what shows up there.
It now has a navigation bar that mimics the gestures of Android 10. You can also use it to reply to messages either with speech-to-text, smart reply, or even a full keyboard all on Quick View.
You also have access to Google Maps, Spotify, and YouTube Music. razr pre-selected the apps that will show up by default. These are camera, messages, calculator, Keep, Google News, Google Home and YouTube. However, users have the ability to change these based on their usage.
Updated design
Some of the design changes include a tapered chin, rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, and an updated hinge. These changes were all made to make it even easier for one-handed use. These were all taken from direct customer feedback.
The Motorola razr 5G is made of polished 3D glass and 7000 series aluminum. It will come in three colors: Polished Graphite, Liquid Mercury, and Blush Gold.
When flipped open, there’s still the same sized 6.2-inch Flex View display with a 21:9 CinemaVision aspect ration. The hinge is still zero gap but has been built to be stronger. Motorola says it can now do up to 200,000 flips. Based on usage study, this should be enough to last power users up to five years.
Faster with 5G
The biggest obvious improvement is the addition of 5G capability. It’s now equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor.
Naturally, that’ll take more battery power so it’s been upped from 2510mAh to 2800mAh. Still not a lot, but at least there’s some improvement.
Better camera
Replacing the paltry 16MP shooter is a 48MP one with f/1.7 aperture and optical image stabilization. They also added another 20MP camera for selfies.
Valve has officially revealed pricing and availability details for the Steam Machine, its living room-focused gaming PC running SteamOS.
The company is launching the device in four configurations. Reservations open immediately through a randomized queue system designed to reduce scalping and bot purchases.
Steam Machine price
The base Steam Machine with 512GB of storage costs USD1,049. A bundle that includes the Steam Controller is priced at USD 1,128.
Meanwhile, the 2TB model costs USD 1,349, while the 2TB bundle with a Steam Controller retails for USD 1,428.
Buyers who opt for either 2TB variant will also receive two additional faceplates: a red fabric finish and a solid walnut option.
Valve says all listed prices already include VAT where applicable.
Why Steam Machine costs more than expected
The pricing announcement comes months after Valve delayed the Steam Machine’s launch.
According to the company, rising component costs and supply chain issues forced it to revisit its original pricing targets.
Valve explained that when development began in 2023, it expected hardware costs to gradually decline over time. Instead, the company encountered significant increases in RAM and storage pricing, alongside periods where some components became difficult to source altogether.
The company added that component shortages also limited the number of units it could manufacture for launch.
Steam Machine was first announced as a compact PC gaming device designed for living room setups. It runs SteamOS and is positioned as an alternative to traditional game consoles while maintaining access to the broader PC gaming ecosystem.
Reservations use randomized queue
Rather than opening direct sales, Valve is implementing a reservation system.
Interested buyers can sign up for their preferred Steam Machine model until June 25 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. After the registration window closes, Valve will randomize all entries and assign customers either a reservation slot or a waitlist position.
Customers selected for the reservation queue will receive an email confirming that a Steam Machine has been reserved in their name. Purchase invitations will begin rolling out starting June 29 as inventory becomes available.
To qualify, users must have a Steam account in good standing and must have made a Steam purchase before April 27, 2026. Valve is also limiting registrations to one entry per household.
Users may sign up for multiple models. If selected for more than one queue, Valve will automatically assign the highest-end model available and remove the user from other reservation lists.
Not a console, says Valve
Despite its console-like form factor, Valve says it does not view Steam Machine as a traditional console.
The company describes the device as an extension of PC gaming rather than a closed ecosystem. Unlike conventional consoles that often subsidize hardware through software sales and subscriptions, Valve says Steam Machine is built around the openness that has long defined PC gaming.
Valve also reiterated plans to expand SteamOS support beyond its own hardware. With the recently released SteamOS 3.8, users can already install the operating system on compatible living room PCs, although support is currently limited to AMD graphics cards.
For users in Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, orders will be handled through regional distributor Komodo. Steam Machine will not be available in South Korea.
Automotive
Mercedes-Benz holds a Welcome Home campaign to celebrate 140 years
Get freebies and discounts from now until the end of July.
Mercedes-Benz has been an important part of Filipino car culture. Stylized as the “Chedeng,” the brand’s cars are still worthy choices today. Now, to celebrate their 140th anniversary, Mercedes-Benz is launching the Welcome Home Campaign, offering treats and discounts for Filipino drivers.
From now until the end of June, new Mercedes-Benz owners can get an exclusive 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen Replica. The limited-edition replica represents the history of brand’s innovations in the motoring space.
Similarly, until the end of the month, interested customers can start their Benz journey for downpayments as low as PhP 140,000. Discounted prices, however, will go on until the end of July:
| MODEL |
Original Price |
Discounted Price |
CLA 200 Progressive |
PhP 3,990,000 |
PhP 3,490,000 |
C 180 Avantgarde |
PhP 3,990,000 |
PhP 2,990,000 |
GLB 200 AMG Line |
PhP 4,590,000 |
PhP 4,090,000 |
GLC 200 4MATIC |
PhP 5,190,000 |
PhP 4,690,000 |
EQB 250+ Electric Art |
PhP 4,290,000 |
PhP 4,090,000 |
EQE 300 Electric Art Sedan |
PhP 5,590,000 |
PhP 3,990,000 |
EQE 350+ AMG Line Sedan |
PhP 6,290,000 |
PhP 4,690,000 |
EQS 450 4MATIC AMG Line Sedan |
PhP 9,990,000 |
PhP 7,490,000 |
Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC |
PhP 5,719,000 |
PhP 5,519,000 |
Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC |
PhP 5,719,000 |
PhP 5,219,000 |
If you already own a Chedeng, Mercedes-Benz will show some love by offering special aftersales initiatives throughout the campaign period. Additionally, there will be more roadshow activations happening the entire year to showcase the latest in the Benz lineup.
Finally, if you have a Chedeng story of your own, Mercedes-Benz is inviting long-time fans to share their stories on social media by tagging the official Mercedes-Benz Philippines account and using the hashtags #Chedeng and #140YearsofInnovation. Featured users can win exclusive Benz merchandise.
Gaming
Ubisoft co-founder dies in plane crash
Claude Guillemot was one of five brothers that founded Ubisoft.
Claude Guillemot, one of the four co-founders of Ubisoft, has died last week in a plane crash. He was 69 years old.
As reported via Bloomberg, Guillemot died alongside the plane’s other passenger. They both died in La Baule in France.
Regardless of how you feel about the company today, Ubisoft is still an undeniable reason why RPGs are so popular. In 1984, Guillemot started the company with his four brothers. Since then, it’s become a household name for gaming. Its portfolio includes Assassin’s Creed, Prince of Persia, Splinter Cell, Anno, and Far Cry. Despite the prolific resume, the company is currently struggling to recreate the magic that made it so popular over a decade ago. Its current efforts include remaking Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, which launches next month.
Though Claude might not be your first thought when thinking of Ubisoft, the company is still owned by the family, headed by his brother Yves. Claude, however, was the chairman of Guillemot Corp.
“Ubisoft was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Claude Guillemot, co-founder of the group and chairman of Guillemot Corp., in an accident. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. No further statements will be made at this time,” Ubisoft said about his passing.
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