Wearables
Sony adds open-clip earbuds to lineup with LinkBuds Clip
Well-designed clip-on earbuds
Sony has officially announced the Sony LinkBuds Clip, giving consumers a new open-clip truly wireless earbuds option instead of the usual in-ear variant.
Designed with customer feedback in mind, the LinkBuds Clip combines a natural listening experience and situational awareness. They feature a unique, rounded, and ergonomic open shape that fits comfortably in any ear.
The C-shaped design doesn’t intrude the ear canal and securely and easily fits various ear shapes. The main body and upper band provide a wide fitting range and excellent stability as well.
Matching-colored Air Fitting Cushions are also included, allowing users to adjust the fit by changing the band’s position. This socially friendly design also enables listening while talking naturally to people around.
Of course, the new product does not compromise on Sony’s renowned audio quality. There are three listening modes: Standard, Voice Boost, and Sound Leakage Reduction. Listeners can expect clean and balanced bass, mids, and trebles for both music and podcasts.
Digital Sound Enhancement restores high-frequency details to deliver sound closer to the original recording.
Moreover, clear calls with advanced voice pickup technology also isolates and enhances voice for scenarios which need them.
Sony leveraged AI for this feature’s noise reduction algorithm to help with clear speech across a wide range of environments.
The Sony LinkBuds Clip offers up to 37 hours of battery life and an IPX4 water resistance, among other useful features like 360-degree audio and custom settings via the Sound Connect app.
The LinkBuds Clip come in four colors: Lavender, griege, green, and black, with the charging case also customizable with different color pieces. Sony’s latest wearable costs US$ 229.99.
News
Two new Xiaomi audio wearables join REDMI Note 15 Series
The Mijia Smart Audio Glasses and REDMI Buds 8 Lite
Xiaomi has launched two new audio wearables on the same day it launched the REDMI Note 15 in the Philippines.
These two wearables are the Mijia Smart Audio Glasses and the REDMI Buds 8 Lite.
The two new offerings expand Xiaomi’s ecosystem, bringing innovative features in different form factors to users.
Mijia Smart Audio Glasses
The Mijia Smart Audio Glasses house a speaker system and four built-in microphones in a stylish eyewear design.
This enables users to stay aware of surroundings while enjoying crystal-clear audio and 4.5m/s wind noise reduction.
It is an ideal accessory for city walks, outdoor travel, and even more discreet scenarios like meetings and calls with a new privacy mode.
This mode leverages a custom algorithm to ensure clear audio while significantly reducing sound leakage.
Inside the glasses are non-coaxial steel-cased batteries. Full charging takes just about an hour, and fuels up to 13 hours of music playback.
Users can connect the wearable to the Xiaomi Glasses app for greater customization and control.
The Mijia glasses are available in three styles: Titanium, Pilot-Style, and Browline. All lenses can be replaced with prescription ones if needed.
In addition, the Browline and Titanium come with up to 25% blue light protection lenses while the Pilot-Style features up to a 99.99% UV light blocking rate.
Pricing:
- Browline and Pilot-Style: Starts at PhP 10,999
- Titanium: Starts at PhP 12,999
REDMI Buds 8 Lite
On the other hand, the REDMI Buds 8 Lite are built for those who seek practicality and crystal-clear sound at the same time.
The buds house large 12.4mm titanium-diaphragm drivers for clear sound and rich detail. They support Bluetooth 5.4 connection for AAC and SBC audio codecs for high-quality audio across a wide range of devices.
Moreover, the REDMI Buds 8 Lite feature up to 42dB hybrid active noise cancellation, on top of a Transparency Mode.
The ANC uses a combination of talk and feedback microphones to effectively detect and suppress ambient noise.
And with the Xiaomi Earbuds app, users can tailor-fit the sound better to their liking with five pre-installed EQ modes and the option to customize EQ tuning.
The Buds 8 Lite is available in Black, White, and Blue starting at PhP 1,199.
Joining the two new Xiaomi audio wearables are other AIoT devices that are now available at online and offline Xiaomi stores: the Mijia Smart Air Purifier Max, Xiaomi Electric Scooter 6, and 6 Lite.
CES 2026
Leion Hey2, world’s 1st AR Translation Glasses, launched at CES 2026
Real-time translation with focus on making conversations feel more natural
LLVision has announced the Leion Hey2 at CES 2026. It is the world’s first AI-powered professional AR translation glasses that are meant to make conversations feel more natural rather than mediated by real-time translation technology.
The wearable comes with a four-microphone array with 360-degree spatial voice detection. It weighs just 49 grams, and has a lightweight magnesium-alloy frame and adjustable titanium nose pads.
LLVision mentioned the Leion Hey2 prioritizes keeping conversations natural and uninterrupted by displaying real-time subtitles directly in the user’s line of sight.
Waveguide optics paired with a micro-LED light engine deliver crisp, stable text across real-world lighting conditions.
The display is intentionally restrained to keep subtitles clear and readable while preserving eye contact.
Engineered for real-world conversations
The company said it spent more than a decade in developing integrated AI and AR solutions focused on real-world multilingual communication.
From hardware architecture to interaction design, every decision is shaped by the demands of real-time, human communication.
LLVision also claims the Hey2 treats translation as a primary feature, instead of just an add-on on top of entertainment, cameras, and more, unlike other smart glasses.
This way, dialogues feel more natural rather than feeling mediated by technology. At least, on paper.
In addition, the Leion Hey2 supports more than 100 languages and dialects, and can deliver sub-500ms translation latency in real-world use.
On a single full charge, the wearable offers up to six to eight hours of continuous translation on its own. Paired with a charging case, the device can last 96 hours total.
Furthermore, the Hey2 also supports real-time captioning for Deaf and hard-of-hearing users, expanding accessibility.
More importantly, all data processing follows GDPR-aligned privacy principles and is supported by secure cloud infrastructure built on Microsoft Azure.
Users remain in control and can review, manage, or delete translation history at any time.
Price, availability
The Leion Hey2 is now available in the United States via LLVision’s official online store. It is priced at US$ 549.
Until January 31, customers can also preorder the device for just US$ 499. Preorders come with a clip-on sunglass lens and 1,200 minutes of Pro translation service.
Accessories
Trade doomscrolling for these 12 intentional New Year’s resolutions and side quests
New Year’s resolutions don’t always have to be extreme to be meaningful. Sometimes the most impactful changes come from scrolling less and just being more present. What if you leaned into healthier routines, making your environment better, and small side quests? This guide focuses on building habits and routines that feel good even after January.
1. Build strength and cardio
Getting more active at the start of the year doesn’t have to mean drastic routines or intimidating gym memberships. The most sustainable fitness habits are the ones that fit naturally into your day.
The NovaRow R50 Air Resistance Rower from Merach offers a low-impact workout that blends strength and cardio in one efficient motion. Exercises like rowing makes it easier to show up, even on your busiest days. It’s accessible at any fitness level because it’s easy to pick up and is gentler on the body while still offering a full-body workout.
The best part is you’re getting a professional-grade rowing machine so you can do your workouts at the comfort of your own home; you get to engage 86% of your major muscle groups even when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Speaking of comfort, the NovaRow R50 is thoughtfully designed with adjustable footplates and an extra cushioned ergonomic seat. When paired with the Merach app, workouts feel more engaging thanks to interactive games and scenic rowing routes.
Once you’ve built the habit, you can increase your workout intensity. It’s got a 10-level air resistance system that offers up to 110 lbs of peak resistance to support long-term progress.
It’s available on Amazon as well as merachfit.com, with an extra 10% discount using the code GADGET.
2. Track your progress
Moving your body more is one of the most universal New Year’s resolutions and one of the easiest to abandon when life gets busy halfway through the year. The key to sticking to a fitness resolution isn’t intensity, but awareness and consistency.
A smartwatch like the Amazfit Balance 2 helps track steps, workouts, sleep, and recovery. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced HYROX athlete, it’s got over 170 workout modes to support you.
Want to try golf next year? It has 40,000 downloadable maps of golf courses. Got scuba certification on your bucket list? The Balance 2 has pro-grade waterproofing and certification for that too.
With up to 21 days of battery life, it can keep you accountable without being intrusive. It also tracks your rest and recovery to help you understand your body better without overdoing your workouts. Being aware of fitness metrics makes progress visible and more tangible, so you get more motivated to keep going.
As a bonus, it’s casual enough that you can wear it even when you’re not working out. It’s currently 10% off on Amazon.
3. Train anywhere
Showing up is often the hardest part of any fitness goal, especially when travel interrupts your momentum. Centr’s Home Workout Kit is an all-in-one resistance training system that adapts to your lifestyle and environment.
Whether you’re at home, at the gym, on a work trip, or on vacation, progress continues, no excuses. Each kit includes 3 fabric bands, 5 tube bands, 2 ankle straps, 2 D-handles, a dual-hook bar, and a door anchor, and a travel-friendly carry bag. It retails for $66.99 on shop.centr.com.
4. Hydrate
Staying hydrated sounds simple, yet it’s one of the most commonly overlooked wellness habits. Studies show 75% of Americans are actually dehydrated. Maybe it’s because tap water doesn’t always taste great or because we worry about what’s actually in it.
The LARQ PureVis 2 helps turn hydration into a habit by tracking your intake and reminding you to drink throughout the day. The built-in UVC light eliminates most contaminants by automatically activating every two hours and the Nano Zero Filter removes common pollutants.
Apart from making sure you’re water’s clean it also keeps it cold, making it more enjoyable to stay hydrated. Using a reusable bottle like the PureVis 2 also means fewer plastic bottles headed to landfills — an impact you can also track on the LARQ app. Get one on bylarq.com/gadgetmatch
5. Sleep better
Everyone wants better sleep, yet it can feel frustratingly out of reach. While you can’t control everything, improving your bedroom environment is one simple change that can make a real difference. Clean air and gentler mornings can dramatically change how you feel throughout the day.
The BlueAir Mini Restful Sunrise Clock Air Purifier creates a healthier sleep setup that supports deeper rest and calmer wake-ups. By combining air purification with a gentler wake-up helps you feel more rested and less rushed in the morning. It’s a resolution that starts at night and pays off all day.
It’s $200 and is available in two colors that easily blend in with your home decor: Coastal Beige and Midnight.
6. Read more
Doomscrolling is one habit we should all leave behind coming into the new year. Reading, on the other hand, slows the mind, builds focus, creates space for deeper thinking, and oftentimes, sparks imagination.
If getting physical books feels intimidating, an e-reader like the Kindle Paperwhite and apps like Libby make it easy to browse and borrow titles from public libraries. One lightweight device and zero notifications make it easy to pick up a book whenever you have a quiet moment.
The Kindle Paperwhite starts at $135, while both the Libby app and a public library card are free.
7. Grow your food
Who says growing your own food has to be complicated? Spending time around plants has a calming effect, yet many people don’t even try because they assume gardening requires space, sunlight, or experience.
The Auk Mini is a smart indoor garden that removes the guesswork with automated lighting and watering. This makes it easy to grow your own food even when you live in a small apartment.
While the bundle comes with basil and parsley seeds, it supports anything that sprouts and grows, with other herbs and leafy greens thriving especially well, along with tomatoes and chilies. You can use their Auk-certified seeds or your own so you’re not locked into the system.
Most herbs and salads are ready to harvest in 4–6 weeks, while tomatoes and chilies typically take 8–12 weeks. Like a lot of indoor plants, pruning and harvesting from the top encourages new growth, keeping your plants productive.
Maintenance is also intentionally minimal. You only need to refill water and nutrients and harvest regularly. If you want to start a new crop, you can simply remove the old plants, clean the unit, and replant.
The Auk Mini Bundle is $219 with free shipping.
8. Make more sustainable choices
Living more sustainably doesn’t require perfection. Small swaps, especially for everyday essentials, can make a meaningful impact over time.
Switching to cotton-lined diapers like Kudos is a big step in itself. While still disposable, it offers a more eco-conscious option by using 100% cotton lining instead of plastic. They’re also made without lotions, fragrances, latex, parabens, phthalates, or chlorine.
Kudos’ award-winning DoubleDry technology also ensures 12 hours of leak protection, making them reliable. Designed by an MIT engineer and responsibly made in the US, these diapers prove that choosing better-for-the-planet options doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or peace of mind.
A monthly subscription is $84, with 120-210 diapers in each box depending on the size.
9. Invite more light into your home
Your environment plays a huge role in your mood more than you realize. Small upgrades that improve light and cleanliness can make your space feel calmer and more intentional.
The Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Mini takes care of one of the most neglected chores. By keeping your windows clean, you’ll let in more natural light into your space. Designed for effortless, one-pass cleaning, it features an upgraded three-nozzle wide-angle spray system that easily dissolves dirt and grime quickly. Its WIN-SLAM 4.0 intelligent path planning also adapts to different window types.
It’s got a 10-level protection system, including multiple layers of fall prevention, intelligent safeguards, and accidental damage insurance. The upgraded steady-climbing system ensures stable, slip-free movement even on wet surfaces, while ultra-fast edge detection adjusts cleaning paths in real time for seamless coverage in any lighting condition.
The result is brighter, cleaner windows, and more natural light. It’s a simple way to elevate your home and uplift your mood, with very minimal effort on your part.
The Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Mini is currently under $300.
10. Ask for help (without hesitation)
Many New Year’s goals fail not because of lack of effort, but because they’re too vague. Clarity and accountability make progress feel achievable.
A strawberry.me life coaching subscription pairs you with a coach who helps turn manifestations into more concrete steps. Even when you think you don’t need help, getting an outsider’s perspective can help you see what you can’t see for yourself. After all, even the most successful people get help.
Try it and get half off your first session using https://strawberry.me/GadgetMatch
11. Be more introspective
Taking time to reflect after each day can help turn experiences into lessons, and goals into actionable plans. Journaling doesn’t need to be time-consuming or intimidating.
While it still adds to your screen time, Apple’s free Journal app for iPhone makes reflection more approachable with simple prompts and quick entries. Whether you jot down a quick thought, something you’re grateful for, or something that annoyed you, it helps you slow down and process your day. Building this habit add up to greater clarity and emotional balance over time.
13. Try a new side quest
Not every resolution needs a measurable outcome. Trying a new side quest is about curiosity, creativity, exploration, and doing something simply because it’s fun.
That can mean getting crafty with pottery, punch needle or embroidery. Or you can choose something with a tangible end like baking or candle making.
If you’re craving a creative outlet, trying watercolor or photography can open up new ways of seeing the world and testing your patience. Looking to learn new skills? Consider signing up for a language class or trying a new sport.
If you feel like you don’t have extra time or budget for side quests, you can also build it into your daily work commute. If you drive to work, try leaving earlier on a Wednesday, parking somewhere different, and walking the rest of the way. Not only will you discover new neighborhoods, walking different routes also keeps your brain sharp and alert.
If you take public transportation, you can bring knitting materials, write poetry about the people you see, or play the New York Times Crossword.
Starting something new helps break routines and even build confidence over time. The great thing about side quests is there’s no pressure to be good at it or to keep doing it. You can do it by yourself, with a friend, or a big group. The only requirement is that you try.
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