Her GadgetMatch

Stop making fun of the things I like: A woman’s perspective on that sparkly case burn

I like pretty things and I can’t deny!

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I like pretty things. I also like pretty things in tech. Sure, I love powerful gadgets too, but if they can be beautiful, powerful things, the better.

But you know what I don’t like? People giving backhanded compliments on things I enjoy on my next fancy gadget. That’s right: I dictate how colorful or sparkly my smartphone should be.

In true millennial fashion, I feel personally attacked by this tweet. You can rant about chipsets all you want but please, keep the sparkly cases out of it. 

I was squealing in delight when Huawei mentioned their Swarovski case at the P30 event yesterday. Sure, time dedicated to the shiny thing was like two percent of the whole presentation, but it was something I was definitely excited about (among other things). This reaction was to be expected: I also squealed in delight when I tried out Samsung’s LED light case; I most definitely squealed when I first reviewed my first Meitu selfie phone, cowhide leather with gold rivets and all.

You see, I have different wants and different needs. As a modern woman, I want things that are not only functional, they also need to be aesthetically pleasing to me. This also means that what I want is usually a departure from what the traditional tech audience (with different aesthetic sensibilities) has deemed important.

And you know what? That’s okay. Despite posts inadvertently but effectually claiming my likes are invalid, I will continue to get excited for the pretty things in tech to come.

I love the sparkly Swarovski P30 case and that shouldn’t take away from me appreciating good technology. Those two are not mutually exclusive. This is me, sparkly phone case in hand (I wish), asking: Why can’t I have it all?

Numerous times, as a woman covering tech, I have been made to feel bad about something I like. But get this: Just because my priorities in a phone, in phone accessories, or in what I want to see in phone launches are different from what the traditional tech audiences want, it doesn’t make it any less valid. Awesomeness not in the traditional tech sense does not negate awesomeness.

The world is changing people! We live in a time when dog robots are a thing, refrigerators talk, new smartphones launch every month, and women comprise half of the technology audience. I should be able to enjoy shiny phone cases in peace. Quite literally, you don’t have to put it on your phone if you don’t want it.

Just don’t make me feel bad for liking phone cases; I don’t make fun of silly things like fake macho circuit boards on transparent phones.

Accessories

Razer fully unwraps these limited BLACKPINK Edition gaming gear

They are finally coming in your area!

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Initially teased a month ago, the much-awaited BLACKPINK x Razer collab has finally been revealed for all the BLINKs to see (and purchase).

Hitting the ‘DEADLINE’

ICYMI, BLACKPINK (or K-Pop’s biggest female quartet composed of Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, and Jisoo) started their highly-anticipated ‘DEADLINE’ World Tour just last year.

With Razer’s signature dark black styling paired with BLACKPINK’s bold and iconic pink scheme, this collaboration felt like the perfect match.

Now, if you’re the type of BLINK who still has a severe sepanx (like yours truly), all these limited BLACKPINK-themed gaming gear by Razer might just be the cure.

That said, here are all the BLACKPINK Edition gaming accessories you should expect from the Singaporean-American gaming giant.

Ornata V3 Tenkeyless – BLACKPINK Edition

A low-profile RGB keyboard with clicky Mecha-Membrane switches.

DeathAdder Essential – BLACKPINK Edition

Gaming mouse with ergonic comfort and precision alongside mechanical switches and programmable buttons.

Gigantus V2 – Medium – BLACKPINK Edition

Razer’s smooth and durable mouse mat with that BLACKPINK flair

Enki X – BLACKPINK Edition

Badly-needed gaming chair for all-day comfort combined with BLACKPINK’s aesthetics — made for your marathon gaming sessions.

Pricing and Availability

Here are the SRP of the special Razer x BLACKPINK Edition gaming essentials:

  • Ornata V3 Tenkeyless – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 119.99
  • DeathAdder Essential – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 49.99
  • Gigantus V2 – Medium – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 29.99
  • Enki X – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 499.99

These will all be released worldwide (excluding Canada and Japan) by the 2nd quarter of 2026.

Currently, Razer has set-up a pop-up store in Hong Kong. BLINKs in the area can experience all the special gaming gear with dedicated photo zones in the scene.

 

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A post shared by Richard Lai (@richardlaihk)

This popped right in time as BLACKPINK will hold the Hong Kong stop of their ‘DEADLINE’  tour for three straight days — from January 24 (Saturday) until January 26, 2026 (Monday).

Moreover, these might just be the perfect complement to the quatro’s upcoming ‘DEADLINE’ EP by February 27, 2026.

Might as well, an advanced 10th year anniversary gift this August 2026.

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Deals

Trade in your old device and switch to Dyson at SM Podium

A simple trade-in lets you enjoy Dyson’s latest technology with better value!

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Sometimes, the right upgrade arrives at the perfect moment.

Dyson is giving everyone that chance with its Trade to Upgrade event happening from November 25 to 28 at the 2F Atrium of SM Podium.

It’s a limited run designed for anyone who has been waiting to switch to smarter cleaning, cooler airflow, or sleeker styling.

The idea is simple: Bring your old purifier, vacuum, or hair tool from any brand, working or not, and switch to a Dyson machine within the same category.

You can enjoy up to 30 percent off when you trade in a purifier for a Dyson purifier, a vacuum for a Dyson vacuum, or a hair dryer or styler for a Dyson hair tool.

It’s a straightforward way to upgrade your daily routines with technology that performs better and looks better at home.

The event also welcomes shoppers who are not trading in. Dyson is offering flexible payment options with zero percent installment for up to twenty-four months on all machines, including the Airwrap Coanda 2X and the Amber Silk finish.

This gives more room to choose the device that fits your lifestyle without rushing the decision.

Whether you are setting up a smarter home or refreshing your everyday essentials, this event is a chance to experience Dyson’s design and engineering in a more accessible way.

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Her GadgetMatch

How the HUAWEI Active Rings run inspired my next streak

One active morning turned into a streak I wanted to keep!

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There are days when running feels like a routine and there are mornings when it feels like a gift.

The HUAWEI Active Rings Fun Run landed perfectly on one of those good mornings. I woke up before the sun, optimistically laced my shoes, and took my place at the SM Mall of Asia Complex, where a thousand runners gathered with the same intention.

Everyone wanted to move with purpose and enjoy a moment that centered on fitness and a little glow from our smartwatches.

Finding my rhythm with my Active Rings

HUAWEI partnered with RUNRIO and a full roster of lifestyle staples like GCash, Shopee, Nature’s Spring, and URC. It created a space that felt alive even before anyone started running.

There were giant inflatables, interactive photo walls, and booths with snacks and hydration that framed the Race Village.

When the run began, the energy pushed me forward. The seaside breeze reminded me why I loved running outside. HUAWEI designed this event for their community of users and I felt that intention with every step.

It felt easy to check my stats and stay on pace because the watch tracked everything that mattered without distracting me.

I was inspired when seasoned runners passed me by, whereas some of them would later claim the top spots. The runners around me boosted me with energy that I wanted to match. They were competitive in a way that felt inspiring.

The little moments that made the morning sweeter

After crossing the finish line, I wandered around the Race Village again. I watched runners take photos with their medals and chat with friends they made during the route.

The GCash Watch Pay booth became unexpectedly helpful for a lot of participants. It let everyone bind their GCash account to their HUAWEI smartwatch.

It made sense for runners who preferred to go cashless and travel light. Shopee was also present and reminded everyone how modern life blends with fitness.

Every corner of the event touched a part of our daily routines. It showed how technology can help simplify healthy habits.

Keeping the streak alive with Light Up Your Active Rings

The fun run wrapped up the physical celebration but HUAWEI kept the momentum alive through the Light Up Your Active Rings Online Challenge. It runs from November 8 to 30 inside the HUAWEI Health App.

Participants only need to burn 1500 kcal within the challenge period to unlock the exclusive Manila Medal, a new badge inside the app that feels like a digital pat on the back.

Sharing the medal on TikTok with the hashtags #LightUpYourActiveRingsPH and #EnjoyYourMoment also enters participants into a chance to win a HUAWEI Watch GT 6.

HUAWEI will announce the winner on December 15. It feels like an invitation to stay active long after the race banners are packed away.

The challenge is simple and the message is clear: movement matters even when it feels small. Running, walking, cycling, or making your day a little more intentional can change the way you show up for yourself.

A community that runs with you

That morning reminded me that fitness does not need to feel lonely. The run united beginners, athletes, and curious participants who wanted to experience something new.

It gave us a morning filled with movement and reminded us that wearable technology can help us stay accountable in a way that feels supportive.

HUAWEI continues to build a fitness community that encourages healthier habits and celebrates every active streak. The Active Rings Fun Run made that mission feel real on the ground. Meanwhile, the Light Up Your Active Rings challenge brings it online for anyone who wants to keep going.

I left the MOA Complex with tired legs and a full heart. My Active Rings glowed with pride and I promised myself that this would not be the last time I ran for the kind of joy that morning gave me.

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