News

OnePlus is bringing its sandstone design back

Blast from the past

Published

on

Besides the best bang-for-your-buck package, the early days of OnePlus edged out its competitors in another segment: form factor. The pioneering OnePlus One sported a unique sandpaper-like finish, putting it above its metal and plastic competitors. Unfortunately, the company eventually phased the texture out for the industry standard after the OnePlus 5T. Now, OnePlus is bringing its sandstone design back from the dead.

Officially announced on Twitter, the OnePlus Nord will get a sandstone variant on October 14. The special edition joins the Nord’s current Blue Marble and Gray Onyx offerings.

However, amidst the “special edition” label, OnePlus has not revealed whether the sandstone variant is here to stay or will sell at a limited clip. Regardless, it’s a fitting return to form for the Chinese company.

OnePlus launched the Nord lineup as a veritable return to its roots. The company has already packed in impressive specs in a competitively priced package with the OnePlus Nord. With a sandstone finish waiting in the wings, the Nord edges closer to OnePlus’s brilliant past.

Besides the Nord’s new variant, OnePlus is also launching the new OnePlus 8T on October 14. Though the company remains busy with the Nord lineup, the OnePlus 8T continues the company’s long-standing flagship tradition. The launch event might also see new accessories coming for the company.

Going to the realm of speculation, OnePlus is also slated to launch two more Nord smartphones this month to complement its midrange and budget segment.

SEE ALSO: OnePlus 8T will have a 120Hz screen

News

Sony teams up with Hello Kitty for exclusive limited-edition collection

Sony and Hello Kitty join forces.

Published

on

By

Sony x Hello Kitty

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

Sony x Hello Kitty | Xperia 10 VIII

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.

Sony x Hello Kitty | WH-1000XM6

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.

Continue Reading

News

iPhone 18 series breaks records in Vietnam as pre-orders triple

Despite hefty price tag, market saw immense demand for latest Apple devices

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

News

vivo V80 Lite launches in the PH: Price, availability, pre-order details

Pre-order until October 16 for perks

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending