News
Xiaomi introduces Redmi 12 to the Philippines
Starts at PhP 6,999
Xiaomi has officially unveiled the Redmi 12, its latest entry-level smartphone, to the Philippine market.
The sleek budget phone features a 6.79-inch FHD+ 90Hz DotDisplay as part of its 8.17mm thick body which also sports a premium glass back and an infinite camera design.
The screen has Adaptive Sync, and is able to display a 2460 x 1080 resolution — the largest in the Redmi series so far. Moreover, the display is SGS Low Blue Light certified and has a Reading mode 3.0 feature to avoid eye strains.
The device is powered by a MediaTek Helio G88 processor and has up to 8GB RAM and up to 256GB storage. It also houses a 5,000mAh battery that supports 18W of fast-charging.
For its camera package, the Redmi 12 has a 50MP main camera, joined by an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro lens. In front is an 8MP selfie camera.
Price and availability
The Redmi 12 can be snagged for the low early bird price of only PhP 6,999 for the 8GB+128GB model, PhP 1,000 off its original SRP, from September 20 to 29 via Xiaomi’s Lazada store.
The 8GB+256GB variant, on the other hand, is priced at PhP 8,999 and is available on both Lazada and Shopee, on and TikTok starting September 30th.
From September 29 onwards, customers may opt for a 0% interest, 6-month installment plan via Home Credit.
In a world with a love-hate relationship with extra buttons on a phone, Apple has gone to the deeper end and included two buttons in the latest iPhones: the Action Button and the Camera Control. Next year, Apple might consolidate the two buttons into one, ridding itself of the Action Button.
According to a Weibo leak from Instant Digital, Apple will merge the two buttons starting with next year’s iPhones. Though technically a new button in itself, the merged version will, based on the leak, retain more Camera Control than the Action Button.
Of course, both functions can coexist in the same button. The Camera Control activates with a single press, while the Action Button needs a longer press. In the merged button, a single press can still open the camera and a longer press can activate whatever the user sets it to.
Both buttons have had a storied past. The Action Button came in 2023, replacing the Ring/Silent Switch. Meanwhile, the Camera Control debuted a year later, offering control over the camera with a capacitive button. The current iterations retain both buttons on the same phone.
Personally, as someone used to creating content, the Camera Control button is ultimately a boon to get those shots quickly while in the moment. Retaining that functionality is definitely worthwhile.
Enterprise
NVIDIA CEO admits to having an affair with alleged Chinese spy
The company is currently investigating the allegations.
In one of the craziest headlines this year, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has admitted to having an affair with an alleged Chinese spy.
Over the weekend, a heavy allegation claimed that the NVIDIA CEO had a relationship with a person actively involved in Chinese intelligence. Since Huang is involved in business globally, the accusation isn’t a light one. In fact, it’s serious enough that Huang admitted to the affair late this past Sunday.
In an internal letter reported by Associated Press, the CEO acknowledged the existence of the affair with a business executive. Of note, Huang did not confirm the executive’s ties to Chinese intelligence. NVIDIA, however, will conduct its own investigations regarding the allegations. Despite the allegations, Huang will remain as the company’s CEO. The company is also confident that the alleged spy did not compromise NVIDIA’s secrets.
According to The New York Times, the executive, Alice Huang, was reportedly feeding information back to Beijing, despite being an executive of the Singapore-based Megaspeed, which is already a serious customer of NVIDIA.
Now, NVIDIA is currently in a prime position when it comes to the industry today. Formerly a huge proponent of gaming peripherals, the company is now one of the biggest names in AI hardware, allotting a lot of its products for data centers. Huang’s allegations come at an interesting time.
Sony is bringing back one of its iconic Walkman-era headphones with the MDR-3R. The new wired headphones modernize the original MDR-3 with USB-C connectivity and updated features.
Introduced in 1979, the original Walkman and MDR-3 headphones helped popularize portable music listening. The MDR-3R carries that legacy forward with a familiar design and modern conveniences.
The headphones retain the original’s lightweight, open-ear construction. They also feature interchangeable blue and orange ear pads. Sony even gives the packaging and instruction manual a design inspired by the original model.
The MDR-3R connects to compatible smartphones and other devices through USB-C. Users can listen to music without charging, pairing, or installing updates. A built-in microphone and in-line remote also make calls and playback controls more convenient.
Sony equipped the headphones with the same 23mm driver units as the original MDR-3. The company also tuned them to closely reproduce the original’s sound signature. They deliver balanced audio, natural vocals, and the emotional richness associated with Sony headphones.
Sony MDR-3R gets a Stranger Things edition
Sony is also launching a special MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. The collaboration celebrates the 1980s inspiration shared by the Walkman era and Netflix’s popular series.
Inspired by Max’s signature headphone style and the mysterious Upside Down, the special edition features exclusive design details. These include an engraved Stranger Things logo and custom packaging.
Sony also considered environmental impact when developing the headphones. Approximately 25 percent of the plastic used in the product comes from recycled materials. The packaging is also plastic-free.
Price and availability
Sony has opened preorders for the MDR-3R and MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. Availability and pricing vary by market.
In the United States, the standard MDR-3R costs US$59.99, while the Stranger Things Edition costs US$79.99. The standard model is available through Sony and authorized retailers.
In Singapore, both models will launch in December 2026. The standard MDR-3R costs SG$89, while the Stranger Things Edition costs SG$129. Both are exclusive to Sony Stores and Sony Store Online.
In the Philippines, Sony has yet to announce local pricing and availability. Based on US pricing, the headphones would cost approximately PHP 3,500 for the standard edition and PHP 4,700 for the Stranger Things Edition, before local taxes and retail adjustments.
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