News

Sony and TCL eye joint future for BRAVIA TVs

Sony, TCL explore TV venture

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Sony and TCL have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a strategic partnership in home entertainment. The move could reshape how Sony TVs and audio products are developed, built, and sold worldwide.

Under the agreement, Sony Corporation and TCL Electronics Holdings Limited will discuss forming a joint venture that would take over Sony’s home entertainment business. TCL would hold a 51% stake, while Sony would retain 49%.

The two companies aim to finalize binding agreements by the end of March 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. If completed, the new company is expected to begin operations in April 2027.

What the joint venture would handle

The proposed joint venture would operate globally and manage the entire home entertainment pipeline. This includes product planning, design, manufacturing, sales, logistics, and customer service.

Products under the venture would cover televisions and home audio equipment. Sony and TCL say these products are expected to continue carrying the globally recognized Sony and BRAVIA names.

The partnership is designed to combine Sony’s strengths in picture and audio quality, brand value, and operational expertise with TCL’s display technology, manufacturing scale, and vertically integrated supply chain.

Why Sony and TCL are teaming up

The companies point to continued growth in the large-screen TV market. Viewing habits are shifting, driven by streaming platforms, smarter TV features, and demand for higher resolution and larger displays.

Sony brings decades of imaging and sound expertise. TCL contributes cost efficiency, advanced panel technology, and global manufacturing reach. Together, the companies believe they can deliver more competitive products while improving operational efficiency.

Sony President and CEO Kimio Maki said the partnership aims to create new customer value through more compelling audio and visual experiences. TCL Chairperson DU Juan described the move as a way to elevate brand value, scale operations, and optimize the supply chain.

What this could mean for consumers

If the joint venture moves forward, consumers can expect future Sony-branded TVs and audio products to benefit from TCL’s display innovations and production scale, while retaining Sony’s image processing, sound tuning, and overall design philosophy.

Both companies say they will continue to support the venture’s long-term growth as the home entertainment market evolves.

Automotive

Mercedes-Benz celebrates 140th anniversary at the Presidential Car Museum

A generation’s worth of presidential Benz models under one roof

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Last month, Mercedes-Benz Philippines kicked off its 140th -anniversary “Welcome Home” campaign. Designed to celebrate the iconic Chedeng and introduce a new generation to the brand, the campaign attracts old and new customers alike. Now, the brand’s 140th year is also hitting history buffs with a special showcase at the Presidential Car Museum in Quezon City.

Since President Cory Aquino’s term, the official presidential car has been a Benz, offering comfort and protection for the current head of state. It is here where Mercedes-Benz wants to celebrate the legacy of the brand, especially in the annals of Philippine history.

Amid the cars of Presidents Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, and Macapagal-Arroyo, Mercedes-Benz is displaying a replica of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen Replica, which is the world’s first automobile introduced by Karl Benz in 1886. The replica will be on display until December 2026.

Outside the Presidential Car Museum, Mercedes-Benz is running discounts through the end of July. There are also special aftersales services for those who already own a Benz. Finally, the brand will continue to run activations throughout the anniversary, so expect to hear a lot more about the Chedeng throughout the year.

SEE ALSO: Mercedes-Benz holds a Welcome Home campaign to celebrate 140 years

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News

Samsung releases teaser with Spider-Man: Brand New Day Easter eggs

Spot also teases upcoming Galaxy foldable devices

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Samsung has just premiered a new spot that showcases clips directly from Spider-Man: Brand New Dayjust a few weeks before the movie hits cinemas later this month.

The clip showcases Spider-Man as he fights crime and puts his phone through the wear and tear of superhero life.

In the spot, the Fabricator creates a number of devices for Spider-Man built to stand up to the pace and unpredictability of life behind the mask. This includes what clearly looks like a Galaxy Z Flip phone.

This provides a behind the scenes look into how Peter Parker ultimately landed on a Samsung phone — as fans speculated from the first trailer.

Meanwhile, Ned can also be seen using the Spidey Tracker to try and catch Spider-Man throughout the city on his Samsung phone.

The campaign pretty much formalizes Jacob Batalon — who plays Ned Leeds — as Samsung’s Team Galaxy’s newest ambassador.

The clip ends with the text “A brand new shape for a Brand New Day”, which is also a callback to what the brand has been teasing regarding the future of its Galaxy foldable devices.

Samsung to release latest devices at Galaxy Unpacked

Next week, Samsung is set to launch its latest devices at Galaxy Unpacked 2026.

Ahead of the launch, customers who wish to reserve as early as now can get a US$ 30 credit during pre-order, for a total of up to US$ 1,230 in savings.

Customers can also enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 10 US$ 500 Samsung.com gift cards towards their purchase.

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Apps

iOS 27 public beta gives us our first taste of Siri AI

You can access the beta for free.

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Normally, public betas come and go with nary a peep from anyone but dedicated fans and testers. After all, why care about a beta when the final release is likely just around the corner? This one, however, is special. Today, Apple launched the iOS 27 public beta, and it’s our first taste of the redesigned Siri AI.

Recently, WWDC 2026 unveiled Apple’s latest attempts at entering the AI segment. Whereas previous iterations to incorporate AI failed to make an impact, Siri AI promises to provide users with helpful feedback that’s actually helpful.

Now, in the public beta for iOS 27, users all over can finally access the new assistant. To get to the beta, you need to be a part of the beta program, which you can easily sign up for on beta.apple.com. Once signed up, you can get the update from Software Update in Settings. You’ll see options for a developer beta and a public beta. Choose iOS 27 Public Beta.

At face value, Siri AI offers much of what you’d get from a traditional AI-powered assistant. However, it does slightly differ because it integrates the entire phone. The assistant contextualizes your information (including emails, messages, and photos) to give you the most accurate feedback that you might need.

If that’s not enough, Siri AI also has its own chatbot app. If you’re more used to ChatGPT, the assistant should give you that bit of familiarity.

Now, if you don’t want to go for a beta, Apple is expected to launch iOS 27 in its final form sometime in September.

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