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Smart Now taking Pre-order for the new iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo

October 4, 2026
Smart Now taking Pre-order for the new iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo

Smart Communications has opened pre-orders for Apple’s flagship lineup across its regular Smart Postpaid Plans+ and luxury Smart Infinity Plans. Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo will begin this October 16th, with the same plan offerings under the Smart Infinity Plans.

Smart Postpaid Plans+

Device Model Base Plan Monthly Fees Included Benefits
iPhone 18 Pro (256 GB) Plan+ 1499 ₱3,713 / month total Unlimited 5G for 12 months, 18 GB Open Access Data for 3 months, choice of Unli App Bundle, Open-Line handset option.
iPhone 18 Pro Max (256 GB) Plan+ 1499 ₱4,050 / month total Unlimited 5G for 12 months, 18 GB Open Access Data for 3 months, choice of Unli App Bundle, Open-Line handset option.
iPhone Duo Plan+ 1499 / Custom Tier Custom Cash-out / Add-on High-tier foldable tier pricing varies based on approved credit limits; eligible for charge-to-bill options up to 36 months for re-contracting subscribers.

Smart Infinity Plans (Premium Tiers)

For VIP members seeking unlimited data, dedicated relationship managers, and family sharing options:

Plan Monthly fee Data Allocation Benefits
Line Only Plan 3500 ₱3500/month Unlimited 4G/5G data Unlimited Calls and text to all local networks and landline, 500 MB roaming Data for 3 days, ₱1500 worth of consumables
Device Plan 3500 ₱3500/month Unlimited 4G/5G data Unlimited Calls and text to all local networks and landline, 500 MB roaming Data for 3 days, ₱500 worth of consumables
Line Only Plan 5000 ₱5000/month Unlimited 4G/5G data Unlimited Calls and text to all local networks and landline, 1GB roaming Data valid for 5 days, ₱2500 worth of consumables. Dedicated Infinity Relationship Manager
Device Plan 5000 ₱5000/month Unlimited 4G/5G data Unlimited Calls and text to all local networks and landline, 1GB roaming Data valid for 5 days, ₱1500 worth of consumables. Dedicated Infinity Relationship Manager
Line Only Plan 8000 ₱8000/month Unlimited 4G/5G data Unlimited Calls and text to all local networks and landline, 2GB roaming data valid for 7 days, ₱4500 worth of consumables. Dedicated Infinity Relationship Manager
Device Plan 8000 ₱8000/month Unlimited 4G/5G data Unlimited Calls and text to all local networks and landline, 2GB roaming data valid for 7 days, ₱3000 worth of consumables. Dedicated Infinity Relationship Manager
Line Only Plan 9500 ₱9500/month Unlimited 4G/5G data 2 supplementary lines, Unlimited Calls and text to all local networks and landline, 2GB roaming Data for 7 days, ₱4500 worth of consumables. Dedicated Infinity Relationship Manager

Both the Smart Postpaid Plans+ and Infinity Plans comes with a 24 months contract.

Smart also opened the pre-orders for Apple Watch;

Apple Watch Series 12

  • ₱1,521 a month as a device add-on.
  • ₱28,900 cashout with Plan 999.

Apple Watch Ultra 4

  • ₱2,467 a month as a device add-on.
  • ₱49,200 cashout with Plan 999.

For more information on the Smart iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro max and iPhone Duo Pre-order, please visit https://smart.com.ph/infinityiphone18.

Globe Now Accepting Pre-order for iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max

October 4, 2026
Globe Now Accepting Pre-order for iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max

Globe Telecom just announced that they are now accepting pre-order for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Globe Telecom offers the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max across both standard GPlan options and premium Platinum GPlans. No word as to when the iPhone Duo will be available.

Image: Iphone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max via Apple.com

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available in all 8 GPlan and Platinum GPlan with a corresponding cashout.

Standard GPlan (with Device)

Plan Monthly Fee Data Allocation Perks
GPlan 799 ₱799/mo 3GB all-access data Unli Allnet Calls & Text + Unli landline calls. Globe Scam Protect for 12 months.
GPlan 999 ₱999/mo 5GB all-access data Unli Allnet Calls & Text + Unli landline calls. Globe Scam Protect for 12 months.
GPlan 799 ₱799/mo 3GB all-access data Unli Allnet Calls & Text + Unli landline calls. Globe Scam Protect for 12 months.
GPlan 999 ₱999/mo 5GB all-access data Unli Allnet Calls & Text + Unli landline calls. Globe Scam Protect for 12 months.
GPlan 1299 / GPlan PLUS 1299 ₱1,299/mo 8 GB Unli Calls & Texts to All Networks, 12-mo Globe Scam Protect
GPlan 1499 ₱1,499/mo 10 GB Unli Calls/Texts, 10 GB Satellite Data, 12-mo Globe Starlink
GPlan 1799 ₱1,799/mo 13 GB to 20 GB Unli Calls/Texts, Unli 5G / Satellite Data perks
GPlan 1999 ₱1,999/mo 15 GB Unli Calls/Texts, 10 GB Satellite Data, Globe Starlink access
GPlan 2499 ₱2,499/mo 25 GB to 40 GB Unli Calls/Texts, Unli 5G, 10 GB Satellite Data

Platinum GPlan

Platinum offers provide higher or unlimited data allocations, priority network access, and VIP lifestyle perks.

  • Platinum Plan 3799: ₱3,799/mo | Unlimited All-Access Data, Globe Priority Network, Unli Calls/Texts, Local Airport Lounge Access, THEA Platinum Digital Concierge.
  • Platinum Plan 4999: ₱4,999/mo | Unlimited All-Access Data, Globe Priority Network, Free Gadget XChange up to ₱499/mo, DragonPass International & Local Airport Lounge Access.
  • Platinum Plan 7999: ₱7,999/mo | Unlimited All-Access Data, Globe Priority Network, 2 DragonPass International Lounge passes, maximum perks, and priority device allocation.

Both the Standard GPlan and Platinum GPlan comes with a 24 months contract. The pre-order will run until Oct 15th and the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available on the 16th of October.

It’s official the HONOR 600S 5G Now in the Philippines

October 1, 2026
It’s official the HONOR 600S 5G Now in the Philippines

As previously mentioned, HONOR Philippines has now officially launch the HONOR 600S 5G in the country. The event was HONOR 600S 5G Grand Launch was live streamed via their social media account with special live performance by Gloc-9.

With the launch event, we now have the details regarding pricing or availability;

The HONOR 600S 5G are now available for pre-order, via HONOR PH’s Shopee store, TikTok Shop, Lazada store and HONOR Retail Store, and will ship by October 7, 2026.

Below is the pricing for the 3 variants of HONOR 600S 5G;

  • 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage: ₱18,999.00
  • 8GB RAM + 256GB Storage: ₱19,999.00

Here’s the specs of the HONOR 600S 5G;

Category SpecificationDetails
Display: 6.872 inches
TFT LCD (IPS)
HD+ (1592 x 720 pixels)
120 Hz refresh rate
860 nits (Typical), 1020 nits (Peak/HBM)
Dynamic Dimming, Eye Comfort Technology
Processor (SoC): Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 (4 nm)
CPU: Octa-Core (2x Cortex-A78 @ 2.3 GHz + 6x Cortex-A55 @ 1.95 GHz)
GPU: Adreno 613
RAM and Storage: 8GB + 256GB
Rear Camera: Dual Camera Setup:
• Main: 50 MP, f/1.8 aperture, 8x Digital Zoom
• Auxiliary: Depth/Auxiliary lens, f/3.0 aperture
Rear single LED flash, Portrait mode, Night mode, Time-lapse, Pro mode with Up to 1080p @ 30fps video playback
Front Camera: 5 MP, f/2.2 aperture
Video: Up to 1080p @ 30fps
Image: 2592×1944
Video: 1920×1080
Features: Portrait mode, Beauty mode, Face Recognition, Screen Flash
Battery & Charging: 8,100 mAh (typical value) / 7,900 mAh (rated)
Lithium-ion polymer battery
Wired Charging: 45W HONOR Super Charge
Operating System: MagicOS 10 (Based on Android 16)
Durability: IP68 / IP69 / IP69K dust & water resistance rating, 2.5m drop resistance
Network: GSM/WCDMA/4G(LTE FDD)/4G(LTE TDD)/5G(NR)
SIM: Dual Nano-SIM
Connectivity and location: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Dual-band (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz)
Bluetooth: v5.1 (BLE/SBC/AAC/LDAC/aptX/aptX HD)
NFC: Supported
Port: USB Type-C, USB 2.0, OTG
Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, AGPS
Sensors: Gravity, Fingerprint, Compass, Acceleration, Ambient Light, Proximity
Audio: HONOR Sound 7.3, Stereo Speaker / Amplifier
Dimension: 168.3 mm x 78.54 mm x 8.30 mm
Weight: 216.5 grams
Colors: Misty Purple, Desert Gold, Velvet Black

Lenovo announces Googlebook 15

September 30, 2026
Lenovo announces Googlebook 15

Lenovo has officially announced the Lenovo Googlebook 15, its first entry into AI-integrated laptop computing.

Starting at $1,099.99, it pairs built-in Gemini Intelligence with a 15.3-inch 2.8K 120Hz OLED touchscreen. Under the hood, it packs an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, and a 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD. Key software features include deep Gemini integration—highlighted by Magic Pointer, Rambler smart dictation, and seamless Android syncing—plus 1 year of Google AI Pro.

The Lenovo Googlebook 15 launches on October 4, 2026.

Image: Lenovo Googlebook 15

Product Specifications

Lenovo Googlebook 15
Dimensions 15.9 x 341 x 236mm
Weight Starting at 1.29kg (under 3 lbs)
Display 15.3” (2880×1800), OLED, 100% DCI-P3
16:10, 500nits
120Hz3
Touchscreen
Processor Intel Core Ultra 5 325 Processor
Memory2 LPDDR5x 16GB/32GB
Storage2 SSD 256GB / 512GB
Operating System Googlebook OS
Battery1 70Wh, 12.5+Hr1
Camera 5M RGB + Dual Mic Webcam with Physical Shutter
Ports 1x Thunderbolt 4
1x USB 3.2 Type-A
1x Audio Combo JackRight:
1x Thunderbolt 4
1x HDMI 2.0
Audio 4x speakers, with Dolby Atmos®
Connectivity Wi-Fi 79
Bluetooth® 6.0
Keyboard & Touchpad Backlight keyboard, Haptic Touchpad 150mmx95mm
Certification MIL-STD-810H10
TÜV Low Blue Light Certification
EPEAT Gold11

NTC Fines Globe, Smart, and DITO ₱100k Daily for Subpar Mobile Broadband Services

September 29, 2026
NTC Fines Globe, Smart, and DITO ₱100k Daily for Subpar Mobile Broadband Services

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has issued Show Cause Orders against the country’s top telecommunications providers—Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, and DITO Telecommunity—imposing a fine of ₱100,000 per day on each operator. The financial penalty will remain active until the companies rectify persistent service deficiencies and meet the required Quality of Service (QoS) standards.

The regulatory action follows performance audits conducted in September 2026, which revealed that mobile broadband speeds and signal reliability in several key Metro Manila locations failed to show noticeable improvement from earlier evaluations. Despite prior warnings issued throughout the year, follow-up tests confirmed weak coverage and sluggish internet connections in designated areas across the National Capital Region.

Alongside the daily fines, the regulator has required each telecom company to submit a technical corrective action plan detailing targeted infrastructure upgrades and explicit implementation timelines. To ensure strict compliance, the NTC plans to conduct re-validations every two weeks while expanding its quality checks nationwide. This regulatory crackdown highlights growing government pressure on service providers to deliver stable, high-speed mobile internet to Filipino consumers.

Source: ABS-CBN

HONOR to officially launch the 600S 5G in the Philippines

September 28, 2026
HONOR to officially launch the 600S 5G in the Philippines

HONOR Philippines confirmed that the HONOR 600S 5G will officially launch locally on October 1, 2026. The announcement was made thru the HONOR Philippines’ official FB Page @HonorPhilippines. The device features 5G connectivity, AI-driven creativity tools, and an 8,100mAh battery.

HONOR has not officially announced pricing or availability. Pricing, availability, and launch promos are expected to be revealed during the launch event, which will be streamed live via the official Facebook page of HONOR Philippines.

Here’s the specs of the HONOR 600S 5G;

Category SpecificationDetails
Display: 6.872 inches
TFT LCD (IPS)
HD+ (1592 x 720 pixels)
120 Hz refresh rate
860 nits (Typical), 1020 nits (Peak/HBM)
Dynamic Dimming, Eye Comfort Technology
Processor (SoC): Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 (4 nm)
CPU: Octa-Core (2x Cortex-A78 @ 2.3 GHz + 6x Cortex-A55 @ 1.95 GHz)
GPU: Adreno 613
RAM and Storage: 8GB + 256GB
Rear Camera: Dual Camera Setup:
• Main: 50 MP, f/1.8 aperture, 8x Digital Zoom
• Auxiliary: Depth/Auxiliary lens, f/3.0 aperture
Rear single LED flash, Portrait mode, Night mode, Time-lapse, Pro mode with Up to 1080p @ 30fps video playback
Front Camera: 5 MP, f/2.2 aperture
Video: Up to 1080p @ 30fps
Image: 2592×1944
Video: 1920×1080
Features: Portrait mode, Beauty mode, Face Recognition, Screen Flash
Battery & Charging: 8,100 mAh (typical value) / 7,900 mAh (rated)
Lithium-ion polymer battery
Wired Charging: 45W HONOR Super Charge
Operating System: MagicOS 10 (Based on Android 16)
Durability: IP68 / IP69 / IP69K dust & water resistance rating, 2.5m drop resistance
Network: GSM/WCDMA/4G(LTE FDD)/4G(LTE TDD)/5G(NR)
SIM: Dual Nano-SIM
Connectivity and location: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Dual-band (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz)
Bluetooth: v5.1 (BLE/SBC/AAC/LDAC/aptX/aptX HD)
NFC: Supported
Port: USB Type-C, USB 2.0, OTG
Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, AGPS
Sensors: Gravity, Fingerprint, Compass, Acceleration, Ambient Light, Proximity
Audio: HONOR Sound 7.3, Stereo Speaker / Amplifier
Dimension: 168.3 mm x 78.54 mm x 8.30 mm
Weight: 216.5 grams
Colors: Misty Purple, Desert Gold, Velvet Black

Microsoft Unveils Surface Pro 12-Inch and Surface Laptop 13-Inch Powered by Snapdragon X2 Plus

September 27, 2026
Microsoft Unveils Surface Pro 12-Inch and Surface Laptop 13-Inch Powered by Snapdragon X2 Plus

Microsoft has announced the next generation of its portable Copilot+ PCs: the Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch. Unveiled at the Snapdragon Summit, both ultra-portable devices feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Plus processor, bringing upgrades to performance, battery efficiency, and local AI processing.

Alongside the refreshed PCs, Microsoft also introduced the new Surface Mouse, featuring integrated haptic feedback.

The core update for both devices is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Plus chip. Built in close collaboration with Surface engineering teams, the six-core processor is optimized for thin, fanless chassis, balancing sustained workload capabilities with low power draw.

The integrated Qualcomm Hexagon Neural Processing Unit (NPU) delivers 80 TOPS of local processing power. Compared to the prior Snapdragon X Plus generation, Microsoft claims:

  • 95% faster local AI inferencing on the NPU.
  • Over 60% faster graphics performance via the updated Adreno GPU.
  • Up to 17% faster performance in Office productivity workloads.
  • Up to 18% better energy efficiency.

Surface Pro 12-Inch

Image: Surface Pro 12-inch

The Surface Pro 12-inch maintains its 2-in-1 form factor with a fanless design, weighing 686g (1.51 lbs) without the keyboard.

Key Specifications:

  • Display: 12-inch PixelSense LCD touchscreen (2196 × 1464 resolution, 90 Hz refresh rate). Display brightness has been increased by 25% to 500 nits.
  • Memory & Storage: 16GB or 24GB LPDDR5x RAM; 256GB or 512GB UFS storage.
  • Battery Life: Rated for up to 15.5 hours of local video playback or 13 hours of active web browsing.
  • Cameras & Audio: 1080p Full HD front-facing camera and a 10-megapixel Ultra HD rear-facing camera.
  • Software Features: Introduces Microsoft Ink Canvas, an AI-assisted environment for sketching, annotating, and summarizing text using the Surface Slim Pen.
  • Connectivity: Dual USB-C / USB 3.2 ports, Wi-Fi 7, and an optional 5G configuration for enterprise users.

Surface Laptop 13-Inch

Image: Surface Laptop 13-inch

The Surface Laptop 13-inch retains its traditional clamshell footprint in a fanless aluminum chassis weighing 1.23 kg (2.7 lbs).

Key Specifications:

  • Display: 13-inch 3:2 PixelSense touchscreen with a 500-nit peak brightness. (Note: Screen does not support pen input).
  • Memory & Storage: 16GB or 24GB LPDDR5x RAM; removable 256GB or 512GB UFS storage.
  • Battery Life: Delivers up to 22.5 hours of local video playback or up to 18 hours of active web usage.
  • I/O Ports: Two USB-C / USB 3.2 ports, one USB-A 3.2 port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Inputs: Full-size backlit keyboard and precision touchpad.

Surface Mouse with Haptic Feedback

Image: Surface Mouse

Microsoft also debuted the Surface Mouse ($79.99). Designed with an ambidextrous shape, it incorporates subtle physical haptic prompts to confirm digital UI actions—such as snapping windows into place or selecting objects. It connects via Bluetooth 6.0 and includes a customizable action button dedicated to Copilot and shortcut navigation.

Pricing and Availability

Feature / Model Surface Pro 12-inch Surface Laptop 13-inch
Starting Price $1,149.99 $1,199.00
Release Date October 13, 2026 October 13, 2026
Color Options Platinum, Black, Violet Platinum, Black, Violet
Form Factor Detachable 2-in-1 Clamshell Laptop
Display Brightness 500 nits (25% brighter) 500 nits (25% brighter)
Weight 686 g (tablet only) 1.23 kg

Both devices are scheduled for release on October 13, 2026 in select markets, with pre-orders now available.

Apple Philippines announces Pre-order dates for iPhone 18 Pro Series and iPhone Duo

September 27, 2026
Apple Philippines announces Pre-order dates for iPhone 18 Pro Series and iPhone Duo

Apple Philippines just announced pre-order dates for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo. On the Apple Store Philippines, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available for pre-order starting October 2nd, while the iPhone Duo can be pre-ordered on October 16th.

There is no official word yet on when the new iPhone 18 Pro models and iPhone Duo will hit physical stores and authorized retailers, but they are expected to arrive within the month of October.

As for pricing, you can check out the tables below.

Image: Iphone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max via Apple.com

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max

Storage Variant iPhone 18 Pro iPhone 18 Pro Max
256GB ₱94,990.00 ₱99,990.00
512GB ₱110,990.00 ₱115,990.00
1TB ₱142,990.00 ₱147,990.00
2TB ₱189,990.00 ₱194,990.00
Image: iPhone Duo from Apple.com

iPhone Duo

Storage Variant iPhone Duo
256GB ₱ 159,990.00
512GB ₱ 175,990.00
1TB ₱ 207,990.00
2TB ₱ 254,990.00

Gen 3 of the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Announced

September 27, 2026
Gen 3 of the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Announced

At Meta Connect 2026, CEO Mark Zuckerberg showcased the next evolution in the company’s wearable technology lineup, introducing the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) smart glasses. Building on the popular foundation laid by previous generations, the new iteration offers key hardware improvements alongside expanded design choices.

The Gen 3 generation focuses on enhanced comfort, refined hardware, and aesthetic variety:

  • Bold New Styles: Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) comes in two bold new styles, Aviator and Zena, which join the collection alongside the iconic Wayfarer.
  • Refined Design & Audio: The new generation features a slimmer design, a more comfortable fit, and a 6-mic array for clearer audio.
  • Extended Power: The longer battery life provides up to 9 hours on a single charge.
  • Assignable Action Button: A new assignable action button enables quick access to Meta AI or your favorite feature.

With these additions, Meta is broadening the visual and functional appeal of its wearable tech, offering over 100 different AI glasses style combinations across its smart eyewear portfolio.

The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) smart glasses are available starting at $449 and are now available for purchase.

Discord ban has now been lifted – CICC

September 24, 2026
Discord ban has now been lifted – CICC

The ban for Discord has now been lifted, according to the statement released by the Philippines’ Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).

In their statement, “The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) have lifted the temporary ban on Discord following the platform’s commitment to concrete measures to strengthen online safety and protect Filipino children.”

The decision to lift the ban was made after a meeting between Philippine government officials and senior Discord representatives, including its Regional Director for APAC Public Policy and Government Affairs and its Senior Public Policy Advisor for the Asia-Pacific region.

DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda emphasized that the government’s actions are grounded in the responsibility to protect Filipino children while ensuring that digital platforms remain accountable for the safety of their users.

“We respect freedom of expression, but these rights must never become a shield for predators and groomers. If you operate in the Philippines, Filipino children are your responsibility too. Do not mistake distance for immunity. We welcome innovation, but access comes with a responsibility,” Aguda added.

The temporary ban was imposed to protect Filipino children and communities and to ensure that the serious concerns raised by the government were met with concrete action. With Discord now committing to the measures discussed with the government, the DICT and CICC have lifted the ban.

CICC also had a press conference regarding their meeting with Discord Representative and Online Child Safety;

Discord Blocked by Globe and DITO in the Philippines

September 24, 2026
Discord Blocked by Globe and DITO in the Philippines

Philippine telecommunications providers Globe Telecom (and its subsidiary GOMO) alongside DITO Telecommunity have begun enforcing DNS-level blocks on Discord. The disruptions leave millions of Filipino gamers, esports teams, and remote workers abruptly unable to access the messaging service without using custom DNS or VPN workarounds.

The service restrictions stem from a crackdown by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), which issued a 24-hour directive ordering social platforms to set up local representatives and tighten child-safety mechanisms following recent school violence.

Notably, the block occurred despite initial reports of a granted extension. While the CICC later clarified that an official extension was granted only to Reddit after it made specific local commitments, Discord had engaged with authorities by offering briefings on its safety tools. Nevertheless, telecom providers moved forward with site restrictions pending formal compliance agreements.

The sudden blockade has drawn heavy criticism from tech advocates, legal observers, and industry leaders. Critics point out that blanket network blocks disproportionately penalize legitimate freelancers and community groups while doing little to stop bad actors who easily circumvent basic DNS filters.

Google Launches Googlebook Premium Laptops with Android Integration

September 22, 2026
Google Launches Googlebook Premium Laptops with Android Integration

Google has officially entered a new hardware chapter with the announcement of the Googlebook, billed as a brand-new category of laptops engineered specifically for modern workflows.

According to Google, the device represents “a new category of laptops designed for the way we work today — is now available for pre-order. Built on the Android technology stack and paired with desktop foundations from ChromeOS, Googlebook is designed for Gemini Intelligence and engineered to work with your Android phone right out of the box.”

Essentially an evolved successor to the traditional Chromebook formula, the Googlebook shifts the focus from lightweight, cloud-centric web browsing to high-end hardware performance and deeply integrated artificial intelligence.

Unlike the budget-friendly, plastic chassis traditionally associated with Chromebooks, Google is launching the Googlebook alongside premier OEM partners—including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.

Feature Specification Details
Starting Price $899
Displays Up to 2.8K OLED touchscreens
Processors Intel Core Ultra or Snapdragon X Elite chips
Battery Life 14+ hours of usage
Materials Premium aluminum, magnesium alloy, and carbon fiber
Updates 10 years of software update support

Unlike earlier generations of Chrome-based laptops, these devices are designed to compete directly with flagship ultrabooks and MacBooks, pairing powerful neural processing units (NPUs) with premium display panels and tactile, elevated builds.

Googlebook OS: Android Stack Meets ChromeOS Foundations

The core engine driving the hardware is Googlebook OS, a unified operating system that merges Android’s app stack directly with ChromeOS’s desktop architecture. Because it runs natively on Android technologies rather than relying on a virtualized app layer, cross-device workflows feel natural.

  • Instant Phone Sync: Messages, files, photos, and apps mirror seamlessly between your Android phone and laptop right out of the box.
  • Universal Search: Shared search indexing lets you locate content on your mobile device straight from your laptop desktop.

AI Features Built Around Gemini Intelligence

Gemini AI is deeply embedded into the operating system rather than treated as a add-on tool:

  • Magic Pointer: An interactive cursor feature powered by Gemini. Wiggling or gesturing with the pointer triggers contextual AI assistance based on what is displayed on your screen—such as automatically extracting event details to populate your calendar or synthesizing multi-document comparisons.
  • Rambler: A voice-to-text tool built for dictation and spontaneous idea structuring. Rambler cleans up spoken thoughts in real time by removing verbal filler (such as “ums” and “ahs”) and adjusting mid-sentence corrections automatically.

Pricing and availability, and Pre-order

Googlebook will have a starting price of $899, this includes 12 months of Google AI Pro providing 5TB of cloud storage and our Gemini Advanced tools, plus 3 months of YouTube Premium, Adobe Photoshop, and more. Googlebook OS also comes with regular feature drops and updates for up to 10 years.

Pre-orders are now open on the Google Store, Best Buy, and other select retailers. Devices arrive on shelves starting October 4 in the U.S., and October 5 in Canada, the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, and Australia.

DICT Launches Public Dashboard to Track Free Wi-Fi Performance Nationwide

September 21, 2026
DICT Launches Public Dashboard to Track Free Wi-Fi Performance Nationwide

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has announce the launching of its Free Wi-Fi Monitoring System, a public monitoring platform that allows Filipino to track the real-time status and performance of the government’s Free Wi-Fi for All Program across the country.

Accessible via the official DICT website (http://dict.gov.ph/), the Network Monitoring System (NMS) V2 functions as an operational dashboard providing visibility into public Wi-Fi sites nationwide. The platform tracks key metrics including real-time site availability, uptime performance, connectivity status, incident reports, and service-level agreement (SLA) compliance.

Through the dashboard, users can view the operational status of access points down to the regional, provincial, and municipal levels. The system monitors connectivity in public schools, community centers, and municipal hubs, enabling faster response times for technical disruptions and ensuring more reliable service.

While DICT has used the NMS V2 internally since last year to oversee network expansion, opening the dashboard to the public aims to enhance government transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in digital services.

To ensure service quality, the agency is encouraging the public to submit feedback, report service outages, or escalate complaints through three channels:

  • Hotline: 1326 Citizen Complaint Center
  • Email: 1326@dict.gov.ph
  • Mobile: eReport feature within the eGovPH Super App

Members of the public can view the live dashboard by visiting dict.gov.ph, navigating to the “Services” menu, and selecting “Free Wi-Fi Monitoring System.”

iOS 27 Now Available

September 17, 2026
iOS 27 Now Available

Apple has officially rolled out iOS 27, delivering a major performance and intelligence upgrade for compatible iPhone models. The landmark release refines the mobile experience with deep AI integration and flexible interface options.

5 New Features in iOS 27 that you need to checkout;

  1. Dedicated Siri AI App: Siri transitions from an overlay into a full standalone application, leveraging advanced foundation models to handle complex, continuous conversations with natural context.
  2. Enhanced Visual Intelligence: Users can point their camera at real-world objects or scenes to instant search, retrieve contextual details, or query on-screen content directly.
  3. Liquid Glass Interface Customization: Building on Apple’s aesthetic overhaul, users gain elevated control over transparent UI elements, theme density, and lock screen layouts.
  4. Cross-App Communication Hub: Phone, Mail, and Messages share contextual data, letting you view relevant email details directly within active call screens.
  5. Advanced Parental Controls: Features like Time Allowances and “Ask to Browse” offer refined website security and scheduling limits for family accounts.

To Update Your iPhone to the new iOS 27:

  • Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network and ensure your battery is charged above 50%.
  • Open Settings > General > Software Update.
  • Tap Download and Install on iOS 27 and follow the on-screen prompts.

You need to be using iPhone 11 and the later model and iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later model to update to the iOS 27.

You can go here for other ways to get the new iOS 27.

Xiaomi Officially Launches REDMI Note 17 Series in the Philippines

September 17, 2026
Xiaomi Officially Launches REDMI Note 17 Series in the Philippines

Xiaomi has officially launched the REDMI Note 17 Series, marking a major leap forward for its best-selling mid-range family. Built around “REDMI Titan Quality,” the lineup introduces upgraded durability, clean modern design aesthetics, and industry-leading endurance highlighted by massive silicon-carbon batteries scaling all the way up to 10,000mAh.

For the first time, Xiaomi introduces a Pro Max tier to the REDMI Note line. The higher-end models also earn TÜV SÜD 5-star certification, featuring quad IP-ratings (IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K) alongside an innovative Underwater Mode for water-resistance testing up to 2 meters for 72 hours.

Xiaomi REDMI Note 17

Xiaomi’s standard REDMI Note 17 serves as the foundation for the new lineup, offering exceptional battery longevity and multimedia performance at an accessible price point.

The REDMI Note 17 is engineered for everyday power users seeking maximum screen real estate and multi-day battery endurance. It features an expansive 6.99-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with ultra-thin bezels, IP65 dust and splash protection, and hi-res Audio. Equipped with a 50MP primary camera, the phone utilizes AI Image Enhancement and AI Erase tools for clean, vibrant photos.

REDMI Note 17 Key Specifications

  • Display: 6.99-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon® 6s 4G Gen 2 (6nm)
  • RAM and Storage: 4GB+128GB | 4GB+256GB | 6GB+128GB | 6GB+256GB | 8GB+256GB, Expandable storage up to 2TBLPDDR4X + UFS2.2
  • Rear Camera: 50MP Main 5P lens and f/1.8
  • Front Camera: 16MP Selfie
  • Network: 4G / 3G / 2G
  • Wireless: Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.0
  • Battery & Charging: 7,700mAh battery with 45W Fast Charging
  • Durability: IP65 splash resistance, Corning Gorilla Glass
  • OS: Xiaomi HyperOS (Android 16 base)
  • Dimension & Weight: (H x W x T) 169.70mm x 79.14mm x 8.45mm, Weight: 224g
  • Colors: Black, Sky Teal and Celestial Purple

You can check the full specs of REDMI Note 17 here.

The REDMI Note 17 is available nationwide through authorized Xiaomi stores, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

  • 4GB + 128GB: ₱14,999.00
  • 6GB + 128GB: ₱15,999.00
  • 6GB + 256GB: ₱17,999.00

Xiaomi REDMI Note 17 5G

Designed for fast connectivity without compromising on battery performance, the REDMI Note 17 5G bridges mid-range affordability with high-speed network performance.

The REDMI Note 17 5G builds upon the base model by offering dual-SIM 5G connectivity powered by Snapdragon silicon. Its massive 7,700mAh battery easily provides up to 3 days of light-to-moderate usage. The front panel features a bright 120Hz AMOLED display protected by Gorilla Glass 7i, making it resilient against accidental drops.

Key Specifications

  • Display: 6.99-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 1,800 nits peak brightness
  • Processor: Snapdragon® 4 Gen 4 Mobile Platform (4nm)
  • RAM and Storage: 6GB+128GB | 6GB+256GB | 8GB+256GBExpandable storage up to 2TBLPDDR4X + UFS2.2
  • Rear Camera: 50MP main camera, 5P lens, f/1.8
  • Front Camera: 16MP front camera, Sensor size 1/3″, f/2.5 and 5P lens
  • Network: SIM 1 + Hybrid (SIM or microSD) Dual standby, Network Bands 5G / 4G / 3G / 2G
  • Wireless: Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
  • Sensors: Virtual Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Electronic compass, IR blaster
  • Battery & Charging: 7,700mAh silicon-carbon battery with 45W fast charging
  • Durability: IP65 rating, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i
  • Security: In-screen fingerprint sensor, AI face unlock
  • OS: Xiaomi HyperOS
  • Dimension & Weight: (H x W x T) 169.70mm x 79.14mm x 8.45mm, Weight: 225g
  • Colors: Black, Sky Teal and Celestial Purple

You can check the full specs of REDMI Note 17 5H here.

The REDMI Note 17 5G is available nationwide through authorized Xiaomi stores, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

  • 6GB + 128GB: ₱16,999.00
  • 6GB + 256GB: ₱18,999.00
  • 8GB + 256GB: ₱19,999.00

Xiaomi REDMI Note 17 Pro 5G

The REDMI Note 17 Pro 5G takes durability and display quality to near-flagship levels, earning TÜV SÜD 5-star ratings for toughness.

Highlighting Xiaomi’s “Titan Quality,” the Pro model boasts quad IP ratings (IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K), making it resistant against dust, high-pressure water jets, and deep submersion. It features a crisp 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED display capable of reaching 3,500 nits peak brightness. A 50MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) delivers steady photos and videos, while an 8,340mAh battery with 67W HyperCharge keeps the device running smoothly.

Key Specifications

  • Display: 6.83″ AMOLED display, 1.5K (2772 × 1280) and Up to 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Snapdragon® 6s Gen 4 Mobile Platform (4nm)
  • RAM and Storage: 6GB+128GB | 6GB+256GB | 8GB+256GB | 8GB+512GB | 12GB+256GBLPDDR4X + UFS3.1 (256GB/512GB) / UFS2.2 (128GB)
  • Rear Camera: 50MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), 0.64μm, f/1.8, 5P lens and 8MP ultra-wide camera, 1.12μm and f/2.2.
  • Front Camera: 16MP front camera, 1μm,f/2.4 and 5P lens
  • Network: Dual SIM (nano SIM + nano SIM or nano SIM + eSIM), Bands: 5G/4G/3G/2G
  • Wireless: Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
  • Sensors: Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor‌, Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Electronic compass, IR blaster, Gyroscope
  • Battery & Charging: 8340mAh(typ) Silicon-Carbon Battery, 67W HyperCharge, Support for 22.5W wired reverse charging
  • Durability: IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K
  • Security: In-screen fingerprint sensor, AI face unlock
  • OS: Xiaomi HyperOS
  • Dimension & Weight: (H x W x T) 163.45mm x 78.27mm x 8.6mm, Weight: 223g
  • Colors: Black, Purple and Sky Blue

You can check the full specs of REDMI Note 17 Pro 5G here.

The REDMI Note 17 Pro 5G is available nationwide through authorized Xiaomi stores, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

  • 6GB + 128GB: ₱22,999.00
  • 6GB + 256GB: ₱24,999.00
  • 8GB + 256GB: ₱25,999.00

Xiaomi REDMI Note 17 Pro Max

Positioned at the high-end of the series, the REDMI Note 17 Pro Max 5G introduces a 10,000mAh battery to mainstream mid-range smartphones.

The Pro Max model is designed for extreme endurance and heavy usage, delivering up to 3 days of battery life from its 10,000mAh silicon-carbon cell paired with 100W HyperCharge. It carries the same 5-star quad IP ratings (IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K) and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 armor as the Pro. Powered by a 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 Mobile Platform with up to 24GB of RAM, it handles gaming, multitasking, and AI camera features with ease.

Key Specifications

  • Display: 6.83″ AMOLED display, 1.5K (2772 × 1280) resolution and Up to 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: Snapdragon® 6 Gen 5 Mobile Platform (4nm)
  • RAM and Storage: 8GB+128GB | 8GB+256GB | 8GB+512GB | 12GB+256GB, LPDDR5X RAM, up to 6400 Mbps, UFS 4.1 (256GB / 512GB), UFS 2.2 (128GB)
  • Rear Camera: 50MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), 0.8μm, f/1.5, 6P lens and 8MP ultra-wide camera, 1.12μm and f/2.2.
  • Front Camera: 32MP front camera, 0.61μm, f/2.2 and 4P lens
  • Network: Dual SIM (nano SIM + nano SIM or nano SIM + eSIM or eSIM + eSIM), Network Bands: 5G/4G/3G/2G
  • Wireless: Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 4, 802.11а/b/g, Supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC
  • Sensors: Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Electronic compass, IR blaster and Gyroscope
  • Battery & Charging: 10000mAh(typ) Silicon-Carbon Battery with 100W HyperCharge and Supports up to 100W charging with PPS-compatible adapters. Supports 27W wired reverse charging
  • Durability: IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K
  • Security: In-screen fingerprint sensor, AI face unlock
  • OS: Xiaomi HyperOS
  • Dimension & Weight: (H x W x T) 163.44mm x 78.27mm x 8.65mm (Green, Purple, Black) / 8.57mm (Cloud Blush), Weight: 229.5g
  • Colors: Black, Purple and Cloud Blush

You can check the full specs of REDMI Note 17 Pro Max here.

The RREDMI Note 17 Pro Max is available nationwide through authorized Xiaomi stores, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

  • 8GB + 256GB: ₱32,999.00
  • 12GB + 256GB: ₱34,999.00

Apple Unveils AirPods 5: Enhanced Audio, Next-Gen ANC, and All-Day Comfort

September 13, 2026
Apple Unveils AirPods 5: Enhanced Audio, Next-Gen ANC, and All-Day Comfort

Apple has officially announced the AirPods 5, delivering meaningful upgrades across sound architecture, active noise control, and overall wearability. Powered by the all-new H2 audio processing chip, the AirPods 5 offer richer base response, crisp treble, and real-time computational audio optimization tailored dynamically to the structure of your ear.

A key highlight of the lineup is the dual-tier design model, offering users a choice between an ultra-light open-ear fit and a premium Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) variant equipped with Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness. Redesigned acoustic vents and refined stem angles provide improved ergonomic balance, ensuring secure comfort for prolonged listening sessions. Wireless case charging now comes standard across models alongside universal USB-C connectivity and full Precision Finding support via Apple’s Find My network.

Feature Category Specifications & Highlights
Audio Chipset H2 headphone chip
Audio Features Personalized Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, Conversation Awareness
Noise Control Active Noise Cancellation
Battery Life Up to 4 hours of battery life on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation enabled
Charging & Case USB-C, MagSafe/Qi wireless charging, integrated Find My speaker
Sensors Dual beamforming microphones
Inward-facing microphone
Optical in-ear sensor
Motion-detecting accelerometer
Speech-detecting accelerometer
Force sensor
Force sensor with volume swipe (AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case)
Durability Dust, sweat, and water resistant (IP57)

You can checkout the full specs of the new Apple AirPods 5 here.

With seamless ecosystem integration, lossless audio streaming capability via Apple Vision Pro connection, and responsive touch stem controls, the AirPods 5 establish a new baseline for everyday personal audio. Apple AirPods 5 is now available for pre-order and will be available in September 9, 2026 in over 65 countries and regions. The AirPods 5 will retail for $129 and the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case will be $149.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 Announced

September 13, 2026
Apple Watch Ultra 4 Announced

Alongside the Apple Watch Series 12, Apple announced the Apple Watch Ultra 4—a more rugged, high-performance counterpart designed for extreme environments and off-grid exploration.

The Ultra 4 features a refined Grade 5 titanium enclosure and a brighter LTPO3 OLED display. Powered by the S11 chip, it improves battery performance, accelerates Siri processing, and expands satellite connectivity for messaging and location sharing without cellular service. Health features gain non-invasive blood pressure trend detection, while the Oceanic+ app integration offers deeper tracking for divers and water sports enthusiasts.

Specification Details
Case Size 49mm (Grade 5 Titanium)
Display Sapphire Crystal, LTPO3 OLED (Up to 3,000 nits)
Processor S11 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine
Battery Life Up to 42 hours (72 hours in Low Power Mode)
Durability 100m Water Resistance (ISO 22810), EN13319 Dive Certified (40m), IP6X, MIL-STD 810H
Connectivity Satellite Emergency SOS & Messaging, 5G RedCap, Precision Dual-Frequency GPS (L1+L5)
Storage 64GB
Price Starting at $799

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 positions Apple to better compete for the hardcore athletic market, directly challenging screenless trackers like Whoop and dedicated sport watches from Garmin. Like the Apple Watch Series 12, pre-orders for the Apple Watch Ultra 4 are now open, and it will be available in stores and at retailers starting Friday, September 18th

ICYMI: Apple announces Apple Watch Series 12, with the all-new Health Sensing System

September 13, 2026
ICYMI: Apple announces Apple Watch Series 12, with the all-new Health Sensing System

Along with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo, Apple has unveiled the Apple Watch Series 12, focusing on advanced health tracking, enhanced durability, and refined performance.

At the center of Series 12 is the upgraded Health Sensing System powered by the S11 chip, enabling 5-second heart rate interval readings and continuous recovery HRV tracking. This real-time data powers the new Readiness feature, which converts daily activity, sleep, and vitals into an actionable daily readiness score.

Durability sees a substantial upgrade with Ceramic Shield 2 glass on aluminum models. Connectivity steps forward with 5G RedCap support on cellular models, while charging speeds improve—reaching 80% in roughly 30 minutes. On the software side, the watch leverages Audio Intelligence for privacy-focused features like on-device conversation review.

Apple Watch Series 12 has the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable. Unlock new features like high-frequency heart rate tracking, heart rate variability in daytime vitals, and a readiness score that lets you know when to rest or put yourself to the test. And now every day feels more effortless with Siri Al and Audio Intelligence.

Apple Watch is the ultimate device for a healthy life, with features like sleep score, cycle tracking, and in-depth workout metrics. It’s built to go all day with up to 24-hour battery life, a wide-angle Always-On Retina display, and superdurable Ceramic Shield 2 on aluminum cases.

Specification Details
Case   Sizes: 42mm and 46mm
Materials: Aluminum, Titanium, Ceramic
Display: Always-On LTPO3 OLED (Up to 2,000 nits)
Processor: S11 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine
Storage: 64GB
Battery   Life: Up to 24 hours (38 hours in Low Power Mode)
Connectivity: 5G RedCap, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3, Ultra Wideband (UWB   2)
Water   Resistance: 50m (ISO 22810:2010), depth gauge to 6m
Price: Starting at $399   

Pre-orders for the Apple Watch Series 12 are now open, and it will be available in stores and at retailers starting Friday, September 18th.

Pricing of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in the Philippines

September 11, 2026
Pricing of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in the Philippines

Together with the iPhone Duo, Apple has officially release the pricing information of the next generation iPhone the Philippines and here are the pricing of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max.

Storage Variant iPhone 18 Pro iPhone 18 Pro Max
256GB ₱94,990.00 ₱99,990.00
512GB ₱110,990.00 ₱115,990.00
1TB ₱142,990.00 ₱147,990.00
2TB ₱189,990.00 ₱194,990.00

Similar to the iPhone Duo, there is no word yet on when the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available locally—even though pre-orders in other markets begin this Friday, September 12, with in-store availability starting September 18.

iPhone 18 Pro is Apple’s most powerful iPhone yet. It features the A20 Pro chip, which has exceptional AI capabilities and is cooled by a next-generation vapor chamber. It delivers the longest battery life ever in an iPhone — 6 more hours of video playback on iPhone 18 Pro Max compared with iPhone 17 Pro Max. A Pro camera system with variable aperture, greater depth of field, and better-quality low-light photos. And Siri AI, your more personal, more powerful AI assistant.

Technical Specifications for iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Feature iPhone 18 Pro iPhone 18 Pro Max
Display Super Retina XDR ProMotion (1-120Hz), 2868-by-1320-pixel resolution at 460 ppi Super Retina XDR ProMotion (1-120Hz), 2868-by-1320-pixel resolution at 460 ppi
Processor A20 Pro (2nm, 6-Core CPU, 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators) A20 Pro (2nm, 6-Core CPU, 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators)
Neural Engine Dual 16-Core Neural Engine (32 Cores total) Dual 16-Core Neural Engine (32 Cores total)
Main Camera 48MP Fusion Main Ultra Wide with variable aperture with Ultra Wide 48MP Fusion Telephoto 48MP Fusion Main Ultra Wide with variable aperture with Ultra Wide 48MP Fusion Telephoto
Front Camera 18MP Center Stage front camera 18MP Center Stage front camera
Video Recording 4K Dolby Vision, Cinematic post-processing 4K Dolby Vision, Cinematic post-processing
Connectivity Apple N1 (Wi-Fi 7, BT 6, Thread) + C2 Modem Apple N1 (Wi-Fi 7, BT 6, Thread) + C2 Modem
Battery Life Up to 36 hours video playback Up to 45 hours video playback
Storage Options 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Color Finishes Black, Silver, Glacier, Burgundy Black, Silver, Glacier, Burgundy

**iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Full Tech Specs here.

iPhone Duo Pricing in the Philippines

September 10, 2026
iPhone Duo Pricing in the Philippines

Just hours after the Apple Sept. 9 ‘Surprise and Shine’ Event, information about the iPhone Duo became available in the Apple’s Philippines Store and as expected the price for the iPhone Duo in the Philippines is on the highest of the high end.

Storage Variant iPhone Duo
256GB ₱ 159,990.00
512GB ₱ 175,990.00
1TB ₱ 207,990.00
2TB ₱ 254,990.00

No word yet on when it will become available in the country, since pre-orders for the iPhone Duo in other markets will start on Friday, October 16, and will be in-store and online availability on Friday, October 23.

iPhone Duo Specs

Feature Official Specification
Inner Display 7.6-inch Flexible OLED, Super Retina XDR (1-120Hz ProMotion)
Outer Cover Display 5.4-inch OLED, Super Retina XDR (1-120Hz ProMotion)
Build Materials Polished Grade 5 Titanium Chassis, Ceramic Shield
Processor A20 Pro (2nm architecture, 6-core CPU, 7-core GPU)
Neural Engine Dual 16-Core Neural Engine (32 Cores total)
Main Cameras Dual 48MP Fusion Camera System (Main + Ultra Wide)
Front Cameras – (Outer) 12MP Center Stage Camera
– (Inner) Under-display FaceTime camera
Stylus Support Apple Pencil compatible (Inner and Outer Display)
Wireless Silicon Apple N1 (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread) + C2 Cellular Modem
Battery Endurance Up to 44 hours video playback (outer display) / Up to 31 hours (inner display)
Storage Configurations 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Color Finishes Star White, Night Sky

iPhone Duo Price in Saudi Arabia

September 10, 2026
iPhone Duo Price in Saudi Arabia

Together with the iPhone 18 Pro series, here are the pricing for the iPhone Duo inside the Kingdom.

Storage Variant iPhone Duo
256GB SAR 9,499
512GB SAR 10,499
1TB SAR 12,499
2TB SAR 15,499

iPhone Duo will be available for pre-order on 16th of September and will be available in stores on 23rd of October.

Pricing of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in Saudi Arabia

September 10, 2026
Pricing of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in Saudi Arabia

Apple has officially announce the next generation iPhone and for those living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia here are the pricing of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max.

Storage Variant iPhone 18 Pro iPhone 18 Pro Max
256GB SAR 5,699 SAR 6,099
512GB SAR 6,699 SAR 7,099
1TB SAR 8,699 SAR 9,099
2TB SAR 11,699 SAR 12,099

iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will be available for Pre-order this Friday, Sept. 12th and will be available in stores and retailers starting 18th of September.

Apple Announces the iPhone Duo: Titanium Foldable Flagship Starts at $1,999

September 10, 2026
Apple Announces the iPhone Duo: Titanium Foldable Flagship Starts at $1,999

Apple has officially introduced the iPhone Duo, marking the most significant evolution in the iPhone’s physical design since its inception. Unveiled on stage by Apple CEO John Ternus, the device enters the foldable market with a refined book-style form factor. Crafted from mirror-polished Grade 5 titanium, the iPhone Duo folds into a compact passport-sized shell while opening into a expansive tablet-class canvas. The hardware is available in two distinct finishes: Star White and Night Sky.

Image: iPhone Duo in folded and unfolded form

The physical design centers on two displays. The cover interface uses a 5.4-inch outer panel for quick single-handed tasks. Unfolding the device reveals a 7.6-inch Ultra Retina XDR inner display engineered with a multi-pivot magnetic hinge, resulting in a near-invisible crease across the foldable screen.

The hinge allows the phone to flex across multiple positions. It can sit in Laptop Mode—splitting apps with controls on the bottom half and content on top—or stand independently in Tent Mode for hands-free video playback. A camera utility called Duo Preview projects live viewfinders onto both screens simultaneously, letting photography subjects see their framing in real time.

Under the hood, the device is powered by the 2nm A20 Pro silicon, backed by a 6-core CPU, 7-core GPU, and Dual 16-Core Neural Engines designed for complex Apple Intelligence workflows. On-device software support includes true side-by-side app multitasking and full support for the Apple Pencil on the inner display. The rear housing features a dual 48MP Fusion system, paired with the custom C2 cellular modem and N1 wireless chip for efficient network management.

Image: iPhone Duo in Star White and Night Sky Colors
Feature Official Specification
Inner Display 7.6-inch Flexible OLED, Super Retina XDR (1-120Hz ProMotion)
Outer Cover Display 5.4-inch OLED, Super Retina XDR (1-120Hz ProMotion)
Build Materials Polished Grade 5 Titanium Chassis, Ceramic Shield
Processor A20 Pro (2nm architecture, 6-core CPU, 7-core GPU)
Neural Engine Dual 16-Core Neural Engine (32 Cores total)
Main Cameras Dual 48MP Fusion Camera System (Main + Ultra Wide)
Front Cameras – (Outer) 12MP Center Stage Camera
– (Inner) Under-display FaceTime camera
Stylus Support Apple Pencil compatible (Inner and Outer Display)
Wireless Silicon Apple N1 (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread) + C2 Cellular Modem
Battery Endurance Up to 44 hours video playback (outer display) / Up to 31 hours (inner display)
Storage Configurations 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Color Finishes Star White, Night Sky

iPhone Duo Intro Video

iPhone Duo is a foldable iPhone with the largest iPhone display ever and reimagined iOS experiences for unprecedented versatility, including side-by-side apps for multitasking, hands-free FaceTime calls, and flexible viewing. It features an inner display that’s 50 percent larger than iPhone 18 Pro Max, a titanium frame, a 48MP Dual Fusion camera, all-new ways to shoot, the A20 Pro chip, a dual-battery system for all-day power, and Siri AI, your more personal, more powerful AI assistant.

Pricing and Availability
The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 for the base 256GB storage variant, with higher storage tiers extending up to 2TB.

Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo open on Friday, October 16, at 5:00 a.m. PT. Official in-store and online availability begins one week later, on Friday, October 23.

Apple announces iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max with Variable Aperture Cameras, A20 Pro Silicon, and Next-Gen AI

September 10, 2026
Apple announces iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max with Variable Aperture Cameras, A20 Pro Silicon, and Next-Gen AI

Apple has officially revealed its latest flagship flagship lineup: the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Unveiled during Apple’s keynote event, the new smartphones mark a major step forward in mobile photography, thermal engineering, custom silicon performance, and deep OS-level artificial intelligence integration.

Spec-wise, the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are the same device with the difference in just their size and battery life; the iPhone 18 Pro features a 6.3-inch while the iPhone 18 Pro Max is clocks in at 6.9-inches, both are Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology. As for the battery life, the iPhone 18 Pro will have 36 hours of video playback, while the larger iPhone 18 Pro Max will have up to 45 hours of video playback.

As for the specs that both iPhone shares are; Inside, the 2nm A20 Pro chip delivers 20% faster CPU speeds, 40% better graphics, and dedicated AI acceleration, backed by an expanded vapor chamber that improves cooling by 40%.

Apple’s new N1 and C2 custom chips bring Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and reliable cellular performance, while optimized designs boost battery life up to 36 hours on the Pro and 45 hours on the Pro Max. Finally, iOS 27 upgrades Apple Intelligence with context-aware Siri features and a smaller Dynamic Island that handles up to three Live Activities at once.

Image: Apple iPhone 18 Pro Color Lineup from Apple.com

Technical Specifications for iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max

Feature iPhone 18 Pro iPhone 18 Pro Max
Display Super Retina XDR ProMotion (1-120Hz), 2868-by-1320-pixel resolution at 460 ppi Super Retina XDR ProMotion (1-120Hz), 2868-by-1320-pixel resolution at 460 ppi
Processor A20 Pro (2nm, 6-Core CPU, 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators) A20 Pro (2nm, 6-Core CPU, 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators)
Neural Engine Dual 16-Core Neural Engine (32 Cores total) Dual 16-Core Neural Engine (32 Cores total)
Main Camera 48MP Fusion Main Ultra Wide with variable aperture with Ultra Wide 48MP Fusion Telephoto 48MP Fusion Main Ultra Wide with variable aperture with Ultra Wide 48MP Fusion Telephoto
Front Camera 18MP Center Stage front camera 18MP Center Stage front camera
Video Recording 4K Dolby Vision, Cinematic post-processing 4K Dolby Vision, Cinematic post-processing
Connectivity Apple N1 (Wi-Fi 7, BT 6, Thread) + C2 Modem Apple N1 (Wi-Fi 7, BT 6, Thread) + C2 Modem
Battery Life Up to 36 hours video playback Up to 45 hours video playback
Storage Options 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Color Finishes Black, Silver, Glacier, Burgundy Black, Silver, Glacier, Burgundy

**iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Full Tech Specs here.

iPhone 18 Pro is Apple’s most powerful iPhone yet. It features the A20 Pro chip, which has exceptional AI capabilities and is cooled by a next-generation vapor chamber. It delivers the longest battery life ever in an iPhone — 6 more hours of video playback on iPhone 18 Pro Max compared with iPhone 17 Pro Max. A Pro camera system with variable aperture, greater depth of field, and better-quality low-light photos. And Siri AI, your more personal, more powerful AI assistant.

Pricing and availability;
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 for 256GB of base storage, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299 for the 256GB model. Through Apple Installments, customers can purchase the iPhone 18 Pro starting at $49.95 per month or the Pro Max at $54.12 per month over a 24-month period, with trade-in discounts offering up to $1,200 off eligible devices.

Pre-orders for both models begin on Friday, September 12, followed by the official in-store launch on Friday, September 18th.

Open AI announces ChatGPT Images 2.5

September 9, 2026
Open AI announces ChatGPT Images 2.5

Open AI just announced the ChatGPT Images 2.5, an image generation engine powered by the GPT-Image-2.5 model family.

Images 2.5 produces more natural lighting and richer textures, is better at preserving the subjects in your reference photos, and follows editing instructions more reliably across multiple turns. We’ve also reduced image generation latency by up to 50% compared with Images 2.0, so you can generate images and refine your concepts more quickly.

In ChatGPT, we’re introducing product features that give you more control over the creative process. Sketch⁠(opens in a new window) is a new feature that lets you draw directly in ChatGPT as a reference for your final image. Templates make it easier to start creating across some of the most popular image formats, like flyers and product photos. You can also now place comments directly on images for more focused editing, and you can share prompts you’ve used to let others try your ideas with their own photos and details.

Images 2.5 is available to all ChatGPT, ChatGPT Work, and Codex users across desktop, mobile, and web.

For developers, we’re introducing two new models in the API. GPT‑Image‑2.5 Flare brings the same improvements in quality, editing, and speed, and GPT‑Image‑2.5 Sunburst offers an extra level of precision for detailed creative work with longer generation times.

Pricing and availability

Model Modality Input Cached input Output
gpt-image-2.5-sunburst Image $8.00 $2.00 $30.00
Text $5.00 $1.25 –
gpt-image-2.5-flare Image $8.00 $2.00 $30.00
Text $5.00 $1.25 –

Intro video for ChatGPT Images 2.5;

Say hello to ChatGPT Images 2.5—faster, sharper, smarter, with better tools for creating whatever you can dream of.

Faster image generation to keep your ideas flowing
Improved fidelity for more natural, recognizable images
Consistent details across multiple edits
Comment-based edits to change only what you want

What to Expect at Today’s Apple “Surprise and Shine” Event?

September 9, 2026
What to Expect at Today’s Apple “Surprise and Shine” Event?

Apple’s highly anticipated “Surprise and Shine” keynote takes center stage today at Apple Park. Marking CEO John Ternus’s first major product unveiling, the presentation promises a historic shift in Apple’s hardware roadmap.

Apple’s First Foldable Device
The headline act is expected to be the long-rumored iPhone Ultra—Apple’s foray into foldable devices. Featuring a custom liquid-metal hinge engineered to minimize screen creasing, the passport-style foldable opens into a seamless 7.8-inch display, driven by the next-generation 2nm A20 Pro chip and C2 5G modem.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
Alongside the foldable flagship, Apple will showcase the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Key hardware upgrades include a mechanical variable aperture primary camera system, advanced vapor-chamber cooling, and a refined Dynamic Island footprint.

Smart Wearables & OS Rollouts
As with previous September Apple events, the company will most likely announce its next-generation wearables: the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 with continuous background health tracking, alongside AirPods 5 powered by the new H3 chip. Official release dates for iOS 27 and watchOS 27 will also be included in the presentation.

Other Devices & Services
While Apple’s September event is usually reserved for new iPhones and wearables, it wouldn’t be surprising if the company also announces updates to its various services and platforms, including Apple TV+, iCloud, Apple Arcade, and visionOS for the Vision Pro.

With baseline iPhone models shifted to spring 2027, today’s event firmly spotlights Apple’s high-end, futuristic design vision.

Where and How to Watch

The Apple “Surprise and Shine” event will stream live on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT via:

The Boring Bot: Google Philippines Offers Free 1-Year Google AI Plus for College Students

September 7, 2026
The Boring Bot: Google Philippines Offers Free 1-Year Google AI Plus for College Students

Google Philippines has announced that eligible college and university students across the country can access a full year of Google AI Plus for free. The initiative aims to support Filipino tertiary students by providing advanced, AI-driven learning tools to enhance their academic productivity.

Subscribers gain complimentary access to Google’s Gemini Omni model, interactive 3D visualizations, Gemini Live for conversational study, and Study Notebooks—a tool designed to turn class materials into step-by-step lesson plans and practice tests. The plan also includes 400 GB of cloud storage shared across Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.

Here’s the complete list of benefits for free Google AI Plus for Students;

To claim the promotion, students must sign in to the student hub or Gemini app using a personal Google account and verify their active enrollment at an eligible Philippine institution. A valid payment method is required for activation, but no charges apply during the 12-month period. Eligible students can redeem the offer until December 31, 2026. You can visit https://one.google.com/u/1/ai-student, for more information.

This article was originally published on AllThingsEV.net as Google Philippines Offers Free 1-Year Google AI Plus for College Students.

ATEV: Tesla Launches Public Cybercab Service in Austin

September 6, 2026
ATEV: Tesla Launches Public Cybercab Service in Austin

Tesla has officially launched its highly anticipated Cybercab into public ride-hailing service in Austin, Texas, opening paid driverless rides to passengers. Engineered specifically for autonomous transport, the Cybercab is Tesla’s first dedicated vehicle designed completely without manual driving controls—eliminating the steering wheel, accelerator, brake pedals, and side mirrors entirely.

The futuristic two-seater features upward-opening butterfly doors and an open lounge cabin. Without a traditional dashboard or steering column, passengers enjoy expanded legroom, an automated profile system that adjusts climate settings upon entry, and a large central display powered by Starlink for 4K streaming and gaming. Despite its compact footprint, the rear hatchback accommodates full-sized luggage. Key technical innovations built into the vehicle include inductive wireless charging, dry electromechanical brake-by-wire, and steer-by-wire systems.

Riders request vehicles using the Tesla Robotaxi app within a geofenced Austin service zone. However, the launch has drawn swift scrutiny from federal regulators. Tesla deployed the fleet by self-certifying that the vehicle complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Because federal regulations historically require standard driver equipment, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an audit query to review Tesla’s technical data and evaluate whether formal exemption permits are required for expanded commercial operations.

TESLA CYBERCAB AT A GLANCE
Passenger Capacity: 2 Adults
Manual Controls: No Wheel,   no Pedals and no mirrors
Door Architecture: Powered   Butterfly Doors
In-Cabin Connectivity: High-Speed   Starlink V5
Braking & Steering System: Electro-mechanical   Brake-by-Wire
Charging Method: Automated   Inductive Wireless

Despite regulatory review, the Cybercab launch represents a significant milestone in Tesla’s transition from driver-assist software toward purpose-built autonomous fleets, positioning the automaker directly alongside competitors like Waymo and Zoox in the emerging driverless ride-hailing market.

This article was originally published on AllThingsEV.net as Tesla Launches Public Cybercab Service in Austin, Texas.

Apple’s New Mac Studio and Mac Mini now in Saudi Arabia

September 5, 2026
Apple’s New Mac Studio and Mac Mini now in Saudi Arabia

Apple’s newest hardware the Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra, and Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro, are now available in Saudi Arabia.

Image: Apple ’s new Mac mini featuring M6 and M5 Pro

The new Mac Minis is the first update to the compact desktop in nearly two years. The refreshed lineup keeps the same design but brings a major internal overhaul, headlined by two new chip options: the all-new M6 and the M5 Pro, which first appeared in the MacBook Pro earlier this year.

Image: Apple Mac Studio Front Ports

While the new Mac Studio is a more powerful version of the Mac mini and marketed towards professionals working with demanding workloads like 3D rendering, video effects, and large-scale AI models.

The two new Mac desktop are now available for preorder and will be available by Sept 29th.
Here are the starting prices for the Mac Studio and Mac mini models directly from Apple Store Saudi Arabia.

Mac Studio

Model / Processor Standard Starting Price Education Starting Price
Mac Studio (M5 Max) SAR 11,999 SAR 10,999
Mac Studio (M5 Ultra) SAR 25,999 —

Mac mini

Model / Processor Standard Starting Price Education Starting Price
Mac mini (M6) SAR 4,299 SAR 3,799
Mac mini (M5 Pro) SAR 7,999 SAR 7,499

Lenovo Debuts First Saudi-Made Laptop at LEAP 2026

September 2, 2026
Lenovo Debuts First Saudi-Made Laptop at LEAP 2026

At the LEAP 2026 technology conference in Riyadh, Lenovo marked a major milestone in Middle Eastern technology manufacturing by unveiling its very first locally produced commercial laptop.

Assembled at Lenovo’s new state-of-the-art facility in Riyadh, the physical unit serves as a working proof-of-concept for the tech giant’s localized production capabilities. The unveiling builds on Lenovo’s strategic multi-billion-dollar partnership with Public Investment Fund (PIF) entity ALAT, aimed at bolstering domestic industrial capabilities and tech infrastructure under Saudi Vision 2030.

The newly minted laptop represents the frontline of a broader operational hub. The Riyadh facility is engineered as Lenovo’s first global manufacturing plant designed to produce its entire product ecosystem—encompassing PCs, ThinkPad commercial laptops, servers, and Motorola mobile devices—under one roof.

While retail pricing and precise sub-model specifications for the consumer market remain under wraps, full-scale mass production at the Riyadh site is scheduled to officially ramp up in late 2026. Beyond hardware production, the facility incorporates local engineering talent trained alongside Lenovo’s global technical teams, positioning Saudi Arabia as a vital hub for regional and international technology manufacturing.

Source: Lenovo