News
Redmi 9T: Price and availability in the Philippines
Power on a budget
Xiaomi is officially launching the Redmi 9T in the Philippines. This entry level smartphone that’s a POCO M3 dead-ringer promises to power you unlike any other in its price segment.
The display is 6.53 inches with a FHD+ resolution and Gorilla Glass 3. Xiaomi even put a thought on the user’s viewing experience, with the phone having a TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification. It also has a Widevine L1 certification for streaming Netflix episodes and movies in full HD and above.
On the performance front, Redmi 9T packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662. This chipset delivers capable performance without sipping too much energy thanks to its 11nm fabrication process. Backed by a large 6,000 mAh battery, users can last a day and a half without needing to charge.
But if users really need to charge, they can surely rely on the in-box 22.5W charger for quick top-ups. By default, the Redmi 9T comes with 18W fast charging support and reverse wired charging capabilities.
Xiaomi also touts the improved 48MP quad-camera setup on the Redmi 9T. The 48MP wide-angle primary camera is backed by an 8Mp ultra-wide-angle camera for better landscape and group shots. It also has a 2MP depth and 2Mp macro camera for better close-up shots and bokeh.
For videography, Xiaomi added a movie frame feature to give videos a more cinematic look and feel. The timelapse feature also improves on the Redmi 9T with support for custom speeds and duration. Combined with microSD expandable storage for up to 512GB, users shouldn’t run out of space even when taking lots of videos or downloading games.
Price and availability
Redmi 9T will be available in 4GB + 64GB atPhP 6,990. Meanwhile, the 6GB + 128GB version will be available at PhP 7,990.
Both of Redmi 9T’s versions will be on sale at the Xiaomi Philippines Flagship Store on on Lazada and Shopee on January 29, 2021. There will be a special offering of PhP500 off for the 4+64GB variant for 24 hours.
The new Redmi 9T will also be available with exclusive freebies at Authorized Mi Stores and resellers only during the official sale.
Gaming
Final Fantasy VII REVELATION trailer showcases Weapons, more
Scheduled to launch in Spring 2027
Final Fantasy VII REVELATION is shaping up to be the biggest chapter yet in Square Enix’s remake trilogy. During gamescom Opening Night Live, Square Enix revealed a new gameplay trailer for the upcoming RPG. It showcases the return of the legendary Weapons, a new Summon, and more ways to explore its massive world.
The third and final entry in the Final Fantasy VII Remake Series is scheduled to launch in Spring 2027 for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox on PC. The game is now available for wishlisting across all platforms.
The Weapons return
The new trailer puts the spotlight on the Weapons, enormous guardians that emerge as the planet faces an unprecedented crisis.
Unlike typical enemies, the Weapons make no distinction between friend and foe. Their rampages cause destruction across the planet, forcing Cloud and his companions to confront them while continuing their fight against Sephiroth.
The trailer shows battles against these colossal creatures across different environments. Cloud and his allies face the Weapons on desert sands, during aerial encounters, and even underwater. Ruby Weapon, Emerald Weapon, and Ultima Weapon can also be seen in the footage.
The Weapons were late-game encounters in the original Final Fantasy VII. Revelation reimagines these battles for its modern combat system, with some appearing as particularly challenging endgame encounters that pay homage to their original forms.
Explore the world from the Highwind
Revelation will also significantly expand the series’ approach to exploration.
Players can freely explore the entire planet aboard the Highwind airship. They can then parachute down to different locations, transitioning seamlessly from aerial travel to ground exploration.
On the ground, players can traverse the world using Chocobos and a grappling hook. The trailer also teases aerial encounters and other ways the party will interact with the expanded world.
With Meteor threatening the planet and the Weapons causing chaos across different regions, players will have multiple conflicts to deal with. The party can choose where to go, who to help, and the order in which to tackle different situations.
New abilities through FITS
The trailer also introduces the new FITS system.
FITS lets characters equip unique outfits that provide new abilities and increased power. These outfits are tied to specialized roles inspired by classic Final Fantasy jobs.
Cloud appears in a Warrior FITS, while Tifa is shown wearing a Black Mage FITS. The system adds another layer of character customization to the series’ hybrid combat system, which combines real-time action with Tactical Mode.
The game will also feature new playable characters and abilities as the party prepares for its final confrontation with Sephiroth.
The final battle begins in 2027
Final Fantasy VII Revelation follows Cloud and his companions as the world approaches total destruction. With Sephiroth nearing godhood and Meteor threatening to annihilate the planet, the party boards the Highwind for its final journey.
The game serves as the conclusion to the three-part Final Fantasy VII Remake project, which began with Final Fantasy VII Remake and continued with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Players who want to catch up can play both titles on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Both games also feature Streamlined Progression options that can make the experience more accessible for players who want to move through the story more quickly.
Save data from the previous games will also unlock bonuses in Revelation. Players with Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade save data will receive the Chocobo & Moogle Summon Materia, while Final Fantasy VII Rebirth save data unlocks the Phoenix Summon Materia.
Final Fantasy VII Revelation launches in Spring 2027 for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
HONOR has officially launched the Magic V6 in the Philippines, bringing its latest book-style foldable to the local market.
The HONOR Magic V6 is now available for pre-order at PHP 119,999. Pre-orders run from August 25 to September 4, 2026 through HONOR Experience and Partner Stores, as well as HONOR’s online store.
Customers who pre-order during the promotional period will also receive a free HONOR Pad X8b worth PHP 12,999 when they claim their purchase on September 5.
That makes the Magic V6 one of the more premium foldable options available locally. But after spending considerable time with the device for our full review, I found that its appeal isn’t simply about packing flagship hardware into a foldable.
The Magic V6 gets remarkably close to feeling like a regular flagship smartphone when folded, while still delivering the larger-screen experience that makes a book-style foldable useful.
Read our full HONOR Magic V6 review
Thin, light, and built to last
The Magic V6 measures just 8.75mm when folded and 4.0mm when unfolded on the White version. It weighs around 219 grams, giving it a surprisingly familiar feel in the hand.
That’s something I called out in my review. Despite being a foldable, the Magic V6 doesn’t feel like a tablet folded in half. It feels much closer to a traditional flagship smartphone.
HONOR also equipped the foldable with its Super Steel Hinge, which has a claimed tensile strength of 2,800MPa. An AI-assisted bionic cushioning system helps distribute impact from accidental drops and everyday use.
The Magic V6 also carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for water and dust resistance.
Its inner display uses UTG flexible glass, while the outer display gets HONOR’s Anti-scratch NanoCrystal Shield. The latter uses up to 5,600 layers of silicon nitride coating to improve scratch resistance, durability, and reflectivity.
The two displays measure 6.52 inches externally and 7.95 inches internally. Both support adaptive refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz.
The outer screen reaches up to 6,000 nits peak brightness, while the inner display reaches 5,000 nits. Both also support 4320Hz PWM dimming for eye comfort.
A 6,660mAh battery in a foldable
One of the Magic V6’s biggest selling points is its battery.
It packs a 6,660mAh HONOR Silicon-carbon Battery, which HONOR calls the largest battery ever fitted into a foldable smartphone.
The battery uses roughly 25 percent silicon content and reaches an energy density of 921Wh/L. Despite the capacity, HONOR managed to keep the device’s body remarkably thin.
It also supports 80W wired and 66W wireless HONOR SuperCharge, along with wireless reverse charging.
In my review, battery life became one of the Magic V6’s biggest strengths. I found myself worrying less about the battery the longer I used the device. Even when using the phone unfolded, taking photos, multitasking, and going through a regular workday, I felt confident that it would get me through the day.
Under the hood, the Magic V6 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage.
Cameras and productivity
The Magic V6 uses a triple-camera system consisting of a 50MP main camera, 64MP periscope telephoto, and 50MP ultra-wide camera.
The telephoto camera uses a 1/2-inch sensor and supports CIPA 6.5-stop image stabilization. HONOR also includes AI-powered imaging features such as AI Color Engine, Magic Color 2.0, Magic Video Color, and AI Image to Video 2.0.
I found the camera system to be one of the standout features of the Magic V6. It takes photos that I wouldn’t hesitate to post immediately on social media, although I still noticed some limitations once I went beyond 6x zoom.
The foldable also runs MagicOS 10, with HONOR AI Agents covering tasks such as settings, photos, suggestions, and contextual actions.
For productivity, HONOR adds Fast Flex for quickly activating split-screen mode and Multi-Flex for running up to three apps simultaneously on the inner display.
Works with Apple devices
HONOR is also positioning the Magic V6 as a cross-platform device.
It can connect with iPhone, Mac, AirPods, and Apple Watch through HONOR Share for file transfers, notification sharing, and Mac workflows. The Magic V6 also supports Quick Share for easier file transfers between Android and compatible Apple devices.
This isn’t just a theoretical feature, either. I regularly used the Magic V6 to move files between the phone and my MacBook Pro M4 during my review.
HONOR has also integrated Google Gemini, including Gemini Live interactions using text, voice, or images.
Buyers get a three-month Google AI Pro trial, which includes access to additional Gemini features, Flow, NotebookLM, video generation powered by Veo 3.1, Nano Banana Pro, and 5TB of cloud storage.
HONOR Magic V6 Philippines price and availability
The HONOR Magic V6 costs PHP 119,999 in the Philippines.
It is available in Red, Gold, and White.
Pre-orders run from August 25 to September 4, 2026, through HONOR Experience and Partner Stores and online.
Customers who pre-order can claim a free HONOR Pad X8b worth PHP 12,999 on September 5.
The local launch gives Philippine buyers access to one of HONOR’s most ambitious foldables yet. And based on our time with it, the Magic V6 delivers on the core promise of a book-style foldable: a phone that feels surprisingly normal when folded, then becomes a much larger productivity tool when you need it.
Shokz has launched two new open-ear audio products designed for active lifestyles and everyday use.
The OpenRun Air 2 is a bone conduction sports headphone built for running, cycling, hiking, and outdoor training. The OpenFit Air 2 is a true wireless earbud designed for workouts, commuting, and all-day wear.
Both products keep the ear canal open. This lets users listen to music and take calls while staying aware of their surroundings.
OpenRun Air 2 gets smaller and lighter
The OpenRun Air 2 weighs 26.4 grams. It is also more than 9% smaller than the OpenRun.
Shokz redesigned the ear hooks to follow the natural curve of the ear. The new design distributes pressure more evenly. A forward-shifted center of gravity also helps reduce bounce during movement.
The ear hooks and neckband use a durable memory alloy. This helps keep the headphones secure during activities.
The headphones use Shokz’s PremiumPitch 3.0 bone conduction technology. Its upgraded driver uses an all-metal, dual-coil, dual-reed structure. Shokz says this delivers richer bass, clearer vocals, and a more balanced sound.
Users can also adjust the sound through the Shokz App. It offers four preset EQ modes and two custom EQ profiles.
The OpenRun Air 2 offers up to 10 hours of listening time. That’s 25% longer than the OpenRun. A five-minute Quick Charge can also provide up to two hours of playback.
An IP67 rating protects the headphones from dust and water. The device also uses USB-C charging and physical controls.
For calls, the OpenRun Air 2 uses an AI-powered noise reduction microphone. Shokz says it helps keep calls clear even in windy conditions.
The headphones come in Black and Ice Blue. Both colors are available in Standard and Mini sizes.
OpenFit Air 2 is the lightest OpenFit
The OpenFit Air 2 weighs 7.2 grams per earbud. Shokz says it is the lightest product in the OpenFit lineup.
The new charging case is 10.5% smaller than the previous generation. The earbuds and case together are also 17.6% lighter.
Shokz redesigned the ear hook with a 0.75mm nickel-titanium alloy frame. This balances flexibility and support during workouts and everyday use.
The open-ear design also reduces pressure and heat buildup inside the ear canal.
For audio, the OpenFit Air 2 uses Shokz’s Bassphere driver and OpenBass 2.0 algorithm. The system uses a dual-driver setup to improve low-frequency performance.
A 30-degree angled speaker directs sound toward the ear. DirectPitch technology also helps reduce sound leakage.
Like the OpenRun Air 2, the OpenFit Air 2 supports four preset EQ modes and two custom profiles through the Shokz App.
The earbuds provide up to eight hours of listening time on a single charge. The charging case extends total battery life to up to 36 hours. A 10-minute quick charge provides up to three hours of playback.
The earbuds also use pressure-sensitive controls designed to reduce accidental inputs from sweat, water droplets, or hair.
Other features include dual microphones with AI noise reduction, IP55 sweat and water resistance, Bluetooth 6.1, Multipoint Pairing, Fast Pair, Swift Pair, customizable controls, and Find My Earbuds through the Shokz App.
The OpenFit Air 2 comes in Black, White, and Ice Blue.
Pricing and availability
The Shokz OpenRun Air 2 and OpenFit Air 2 will be available starting August 27 through Shokz.com and select retailers.
Both products are priced at $129.95 USD and $169.95 CAD.
-
Reviews4 days agoTECNO MEGAPAD 2 review: Eyes on the size
-
Singapore1 week agoREDMI Note 17 Series focuses on long-term reliability
-
News1 week agorealme 16T to come with 8,000mAh battery, 7-year battery health guarantee
-
Gaming2 weeks agoMarvel Wolverine Limited Edition PS5 bundle SEA pricing
-
Accessories7 days agoJackery expands Explorer Series portable power stations
-
Reviews2 weeks agoSamsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Review
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoBox office: Brand New Day set to surpass US$ 2 billion, drives Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 resurgence
-
News2 weeks agoHONOR Robot Phone officially launches after its MWC debut








