Philippines

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active gets beginners going

Attractive price point and useful features for a good start

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The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active has been in the Philippines market for a while now. And it doesn’t even cost a fortune. The lightweight and slim wearable costs just PhP 1,259 (roughly US$ 21.59).

It’s tailor-made for a wide range of customers. There’s those just wanting to make the jump from a regular watch with either a traditional watch face or a digital display. The smart band can also be for those wanting to start their fitness programs (or return to their active ways, like me).

Moreover, the product can be meant for someone who simply wants an add-on fashion accessory when going out.

Whatever the reason may be, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active is a great choice for beginners. It is reasonably priced, and is packed with several basic features for its price point to get their users going.

The wearable has a 1.47-inch TFT display with 60Hz refresh rate. It’s squared rather than oval, unlike Xiaomi’s other offerings. It’s quite simple and straightforward.

Slim, simple look

Design wise, customers can choose from a wide range of colors for its strap. The one I reviewed came in black.

Best of all, you can just untuck the actual watch and change the strap to another color.

I chose the green-striped variant that says “Every step matters” and glows in the dark.

The default watch face has everything you need. It tells the time and the amount of steps you took in a day.

It also has the month, day, and date on the upper left-hand side, and the battery percentage on the right. In a way, it’s satisfying to see the UI display all that in spite the small form factor.

As it’s powered by Xiaomi’s HyperOS as well, it’s easy to navigate from the home screen and browse its features.

For fitness…

As Xiaomi’s smart band offerings are usually meant for an active lifestyle, the Smart Band 9 Active supports a handful of workouts. There’s walking, running, cycling, jump rope, ball and racquet sports, and even training-based exercises.

If you’re someone who’s into statistics and want to keep everything recorded just to see your progress, the band can already provide that.

Just connect the Smart Band 9 Active to the Mi Fitness app to have a full view (and wider, quite literally) of everything on your smartphones. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Xiaomi one or not.

Naturally, it would also be better to have the band stay connected to your device for location tracking. That’s if you’re using it to run or pedal your way outdoors. There is quite a discrepancy from the distance it displays in real-time and the figure shown on my running app of choice.

…and more

Of course, for its asking price, the Smart Band 9 Active also has the two most basic health monitoring features. The first is heart rate monitoring, and the second is blood oxygen saturation, or SpO2.

I didn’t bother too much checking these on a daily basis but they work. However, while using the band to run, it did show my real-time heart rate, which was, in a way, a joy to see as it let me know I’m right where I want to be as far as my fitness program.

There’s also stress monitoring, which is a welcome addition. It just tells you if you’re currently in a state of stress or if you’re just calm. Be mindful that it is, just like in the case of any other wearable, not 100% accurate. Listen to your body still and check for signs if you need to take the day off.

There’s a handful of other features as well. You can set an alarm with it. There’s a stopwatch for P.E. teachers, for instance, or whatever situation requires it.

And when you connect it to your phone, you can turn it into a camera shutter. It’s for situations where a self-timer isn’t enough. Or group photos. You can even control music from your wrist under Music.

Long-lasting, water resistant

Furthermore, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active is long-lasting. With just a handful of basic features, it can last up to 18 days on a single charge. And whenever you need to replenish it, it takes just about two hours to charge back to full.

It also has 5ATM water resistance. Simply stated, it can withstand splashes. Think of playing football while running. Or swimming for short periods.

Overall: Gets beginners going

With all the useful features you’re getting on the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active, plus its attractive price tag, this offering is such a steal.

It’s for beginners and more. It has all the basics for various needs, from fitness to health monitoring to simple time-telling and step-counting.

If you want to start with a simple wearable to get you going, there’s no doubt the Smart Band 9 Active can be your BudgetMatch.

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News

Globe introduces The Loop, a portable 5G Wi-Fi hotspot

A home WiFi that moves with you

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February 4, 2026

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Globe at Home The Loop

Globe is giving Filipinos a new way to stay connected — whether at home or on the go — with The loop, its latest portable 5G Wi-Fi device.

Globe at Home The Loop

Officially unveiled at The Blueprint event, The loop combines style and function in one compact device. It looks like a sleek mini basket with a handle on top and a touchscreen display in the middle — designed for everyday use, not just tech setups.

While it serves as a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to 16 devices simultaneously, Globe also built Theoop to fit right into modern lifestyles. You can stream music, watch videos, and even make video calls directly from the device — perfect for family bonding moments, group trips, or quick catch-ups anywhere.

Globe at Home The Loop

With its built-in battery, The loop keeps your connection running for up to two days even during a power outage, making it a reliable companion at home or outdoors.

Price and availability

Globe at Home The Loop

Available in green, orange,and white and soon in pink! The Loop retails for PhP 10,999.

Available on TikTok Shop! Get the connection you’ll love and feel the 5G energy with exclusive launch deals.

Also available at select Globe The loop stores nationwide — including Alabang Town Center, ICONIC Store BGC, Glorietta 3, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Southmall, SM City Cebu, and more.

Globe’s The loop is more than a Wi-Fi gadget — it’s an experience built to keep every connection within reach.

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Cameras

Canon PhotoMarathon returns, introduces video, open categories

Happening on April 18 in BGC, Taguig

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February 1, 2026

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The Canon PhotoMarathon is officially returning this year and is introducing more categories for enthusiasts to join in.

The 2026 edition, the 19th in the Philippines, will happen on April 18 at the BGC Amphitheater in Taguig City.

For the first time, Canon is opening the competition to non-Canon users. Even those with just smartphones can register. The brand has also added a video category.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the contest categories and their corresponding prizes:

Main Category (Photo)

  • Open to Canon users only
  • Prize: Canon EOS R6 Mark III with RF24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM

Open Category (Photo)

  • Open to all camera brands
  • Prize: Canon EOS R8 with 24-50mm

Video Category

  • Open to all camera brands
  • Canon Prize winner: Canon EOS R50 V
  • Non-Canon Prize winner: Canon Powershot V1

The full mechanics will be announced on the day of the competition itself to make it even more challenging for those taking part.

To join, simply download the Canon PH Delightful app, create an account, go to the Events tab and select the Canon PhotoMarathon banner. Registration is already open.

To build up hype for the upcoming event, Canon will host photowalks, school tours, and regional tours leading up to the PhotoMarathon.

These are designed to engage photographers at every skill level. Admission is free and open to all digital camera users.

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Automotive

VinFast updates battery subscription policy for large upfront savings

Up to 20% upfront savings with a battery subscription model

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January 29, 2026

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VinFast has updated its battery subscription policy for the Philippine market, offering consumers up to 20% savings in upfront costs.

In addition to the traditional vehicle purchase with battery included, customers can own a VinFast EV under a battery subscription model.

This option offers a more attractive initial investment, with upfront costs reduced by up to 20% — depending on the model.

Battery subscription fees are applied flexibly, starting from PhP 1,600 per month, based on actual distance.

For instance, the VinFast VF3 can be purchased at PhP 590,000 under the battery subscription model rather than PhP 745,000. The monthly subscription fee then starts at PhP 1,600.

Meanwhile, for the VF6 and above variants, the monthly costs start at PhP 2,350. Customers can also save more than PhP 1.5 million on the VF 9 Plus.

Flexible financial tool

Positioned as a “lifetime battery warranty” solution, the battery subscription policy is a flexible financial tool that optimizes cash flow. It is likewise a long-term commitment to consumers.

VinFast assumes full responsibility for battery performance throughout the subscription period. This includes maintenance, repairs, and free replacement when battery capacity drops below 70 percent.

In the event of battery damage caused by an accident, VinFast will handle the issue under the battery subscription policy. This helps minimize financial risks for customers.

The pioneering policy reinforces VinFast’s customer-centric commitment, advancing green mobility in the market.

Meanwhile, customers who opt for the traditional vehicle purchase with battery included, VinFast can still offer comprehensive aftersales benefits. This includes a battery warranty of up to 10 years or 200,000 kilometers.

The dual approach allows interested consumers to be in control of the ownership model that best suits their needs and personal financial capabilities.

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