Accessories

Sony XB Series Speakers: His and Hers

Portable speakers for everyone!

Published

July 14, 2018

MJ Jucutan

Speakers may be made for parties and fun gatherings, but that’s not always the case. It can also be your best buddy, even during times when you’re not out socializing.

In the fourth installment of His and Hers, I went through a different route. I wanted to show how instrumental music is in our lives. These are the latest additions to Sony’s Extra Bass Portable Bluetooth speakers: the SRS-XB41 and SRS-XB21.

Both speakers have the same features and the only noticeable differences are in terms of size and, of course, the party lights. The SRS-XB41 comes in red with flashing strobes and a changing line light in multiple colors. It’s perfect for guys who like it flashy but don’t mind having a bulky and heavy speaker.

The SRS-XB21, on the other hand, comes in white with lights of the same color. It’s perfect for girls who like something that will fit in their bags — something they can carry wherever they go.

Let your heart sing with art

It’s not every day you get to wake up with a beautiful view. So, when creativity kicks in, bring out your portable speaker and art kit! Roll up your sleeves and paint something in sync with the beat. Next thing you know, you’ve already created something you can be proud of.

Beating the game

Some game nights can be enjoyed when you have a friend by your side. But sometimes, a speaker can be enough of a buddy. Play loud music that pumps you up, makes you smash those buttons, clear the stages, and win!

Pretty by the pool

There are times when stress gets the best of us, so it’s important to find time to relax. Put those sunglasses on and show off that new swimsuit you just bought. This splash-proof speaker is a good companion when lounging by the pool so you can listen to some great summer tunes. Now, go ahead, take a dip, and enjoy this moment.

Playing the right jam

After playing ball, you’ll find yourself trying to recover from a tiring game. Pull out that speaker and play your relaxing tunes. With the Sony Music Center app, you can select your favorite playlists, change the lighting patterns and sound modes, and be in complete control of your music. Be your own DJ when you turn on the live mode; you’ll get a festival vibe that takes your experience to the next level.

Lost in music and words

When the weather’s all cuddly and gloomy, it becomes ideal to stay indoors and have coffee by the bedside table. Pair it up with a good book, like Eat, Pray, Love, and a speaker to play some mellow music that soothes you. That’s the recipe for a perfect day!

Own the night

These wireless speakers remind us to stay connected. Invite your BF or BFF to come over and light up the night. Hand over some wine and unwind from everyday stress.

This episode of His and Hers proved that music is a necessary companion in our lives. It has the power to change a person or a place’s mood, and with the right speakers like Sony’s SRS-XB21 or the SRS-XB41, the moment can be more enjoyable and memorable.

Accessories

Jackery SolarSaga series: Free power for small devices

Portable solar panels can charge small gadgets directly

Published

March 22, 2026

GadgetMatch

As fuel prices continue to surge as of late, one of the ways to make up for the additional expenses is to turn to alternative power sources. That’s including solar power.

And Jackery is here to help Philippine consumers, with the availability of their portable SolarSaga panels.

These solar panels are an alternative to traditional and permanently installed rooftop solar panels. They are engineered for modern and mobile life with portable, lightweight, and sleek designs. They are built primarily to be set up and put away easily, and charge small devices directly.

Simply put the Jackery SolarSaga panels where sunlight is available, and it will convert up to 25% of sunlight into usable energy.

To charge small gadgets like phones and portable fans, or even smartwatches, the SolarSaga panels come with a USB-C and USB-A port.

Another way is connecting the SolarSaga to Jackery’s Explorer power stations like the Explorer 300 Plus or 1000 Plus.

From there, users can power up devices, essentially for free. On its own, the Jackery SolarSaga panels are available in 100W and 200W variants.

The panels are also IP68 rated for water and dust resistance. This makes them usable outdoors when brought to adventures like camping, picnics, or beach trips.

The panels are already available through Jackery’s Lazada and Shopee platforms, as well as Techroom’s Lazada and Shopee accounts.

Accessories

UGREEN adds new Nexode Pro power bank, charger to lineup

Intelligent displays, fast-charging, user-focused design

Published

March 22, 2026

GadgetMatch

UGREEN has expanded its Nexode Pro charging lineup with two new devices designed for the modern user. They are the Nexode Pro 10000mAh 55W Power Bank and Nexode Pro 100W 5-Port Charger.

These new offerings combine intelligent digital displays, fast-charging capabilities, and user-focused designs for reliable power — whether at the desk or on the move.

The Nexode Pro 10000mAh Power Bank is the ultimate travel companion, delivering strong charging performance in a compact and travel-friendly form.

It supports up to 45W single-port fast charge, meeting the industry standard for high-speed portable charging. It can reach up to 55W as well when charging compatible Xiaomi devices.

The accessory is equipped with two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a built-in retractable USB-C cable. As such, it can power up to three small devices simultaneously without requiring extra cables.

With a rated capacity of 36Wh, the power bank also meets airline carry-on requirements.

Meanwhile, the UGREEN Nexode Pro 10W 5-Port Charger supports workstations. It has four USB-C ports, a USB-A port, and up to a 100W output.

It also has a built-in smart TFT display for easy power distribution monitoring.

Accessories

Hermès launches a $5,000 MagSafe charger

The charging brick is sold separately.

Published

March 20, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Paddock Yoyo + Grand Paddock case

How extra are you as an Apple fan? No matter what you say, you’ll probably never be as extra as someone who buys a US$ 5,000 MagSafe charging case for their iPhone and Apple Watch. Hermès has just launched a series of leather chargers and cases specifically made for Apple fans.

Available now, Hermès has three types of MagSafe chargers for iPhone users. The cheapest one, the Paddock Solo, is a simple leather-bound puck that can charge a single device. The charger also has a braided 3.3ft USB cable. It costs an eye-watering US$ 1,250.

Paddock Solo charger

On the other hand, the Paddock Yoyo charger offers two charging zones for two devices simultaneously. Shaped like a yoyo (hence, the name), it allows users to roll the cable into a convenient stack. It costs US$ 1,750.

Finally, the Paddock Duo is a charging pad that allows for two devices simultaneously. It just doesn’t have a pocket for the cable. It likewise costs US$ 1,750.

Paddock Duo charger

Now, if you want to upgrade your pricey charging kit even further, Hermès has two cases for them: the Petit Paddock case and the Grand Paddock case.

The Petit Paddock case, as the name suggest, is a snug leather case that fits only the charger (and a brick, if bundled with the Yoyo). The charger and case combo will set you back by US$ 3,725 for the Solo, and US$ 4,225 for either the Duo or the Yoyo.