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Next Galaxy Fold can work like a laptop, based on patent

Promises to be cheaper

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Is the Galaxy Fold’s price getting you down? Despite the pioneering form factor, the foldable phone has one of the most expensive price tags in recent history. Naturally, buying one is likely out of a lot of people’s paygrade. However, Samsung is already working on a more affordable variant as early as now.

Three months ago, the midrange foldable phone first debuted on rumor mills. Back then, Samsung was supposedly working on an impressive foldable outing with a lesser price: a huge 7nm octa-core processor, 12GB of RAM, and 512GB of UFS 3.0 storage. However, the rumor hasn’t materialized into a follow-up yet.

Now, a new patent is confirming the new development. Reported by LetsGoDigital, the upcoming foldable phone will have a stranger take on the new form factor. Instead of the known 2-in-1 design, the patent also depicts a “laptop” mode wherein the device can fold and operate like a laptop screen. Hinged perfectly through the middle, the device might use the lower panel as a keyboard and the upper panel as a monitor.

Additionally, the patent also ponders on several options: whether to position the hinge directly on the middle or on various positions along the screen. Regardless, the new development already acknowledges the Galaxy Fold series more as a foldable tablet, than as a smartphone.

Further, the design also lacks a few key features including a camera. According to the report, the distinct lack could also signal the impending development of an under-screen camera. If that’s the case, the Galaxy Fold 2 holds an interesting surprise when it drops hopefully within the coming year.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Fold: Price and availability in the Philippines

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

Sony and Hello Kitty join forces.

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

Pre-order until October 16 for perks

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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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