Lenovo Expands Hybrid AI Across PCs and Mobile Devices

Lenovo Expands Hybrid AI Across PCs and Mobile Devices

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Artificial intelligence is becoming less about a single chatbot or application and more about how different devices work together.

That idea was at the center of Lenovo Innovation World at IFA 2026 in Berlin, where Lenovo introduced a broad lineup of personal and enterprise technology built around its Hybrid AI strategy.

The September 3 announcements covered everything from laptops and tablets to smartphones, wearables, business PCs and experimental device designs. A major focus was Lenovo and Motorola Qira, the company's personal AI experience designed to extend across compatible devices and everyday applications.

For consumers, the bigger story is not simply the number of new devices. It is Lenovo's attempt to make AI more connected to the way people already work, create, communicate and move between screens.

What is Lenovo's Hybrid AI approach?

Lenovo describes Hybrid AI as a combination of personal and enterprise AI.

On the consumer side, its goal is a "one personal AI, multiple devices" experience. Instead of treating a laptop, smartphone, tablet or wearable as completely separate products, Lenovo is working toward experiences that can carry context across compatible devices.

For businesses, the strategy combines AI-enabled devices with infrastructure, software, services and security tools designed to help organizations use their own data.

This distinction is becoming increasingly relevant as AI moves from experimentation into everyday computing and workplace applications.

Lenovo Qira expands across more devices

One of the key announcements at IFA 2026 was the expansion of Lenovo and Motorola Qira.

Eligible Lenovo PCs with 16GB of memory will gain support, while selected Motorola edge, razr and signature devices are expected to receive Motorola Qira as part of Android 17 updates. The new moto watch ultra will also become the first Motorola wearable to support Qira.

Lenovo is also expanding Qira's connections to applications people use regularly.

Through its collaboration with Workato, supported experiences are being extended across services including Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Contacts, Slack, Outlook Mail and Outlook Calendar.

The idea is straightforward: instead of repeatedly moving between applications to complete related tasks, users could interact with their information and services through a more connected AI experience.

That could matter particularly for people whose days already involve switching between a laptop, phone and other devices.

New Yoga devices put AI and creative work together

Lenovo's Yoga portfolio is also expanding with new AI-focused PCs and tablets.

The company introduced the Yoga Pro 9n and Yoga 9n 2-in-1, both featuring NVIDIA RTX Spark technology for local computing workloads. Lenovo also unveiled the Yoga Tab Plus Gen 2 and Yoga Tab Gen 2, continuing its focus on pen-based interaction on Android tablets.

Another concept, Lenovo Smart Canvas, explores how ideas could move between compatible devices using voice, pen, camera and touch.

For creators, the significance is less about adding AI as another feature and more about giving users different ways to begin and develop an idea.

A sketch on a tablet, for example, can be part of the same creative process as writing, editing or developing content on a PC.

IdeaPad Vibe brings more personality to AI PCs

Lenovo is also betting that personal computers do not have to look purely functional.

The new IdeaPad Vibe series offers seven color options and different configurations, positioning the laptop as both an everyday computing device and an expression of personal style. The IdeaCentre AIO i brings a similar approach to the home desktop, with a redesigned all-in-one design, Adaptive Lighting and ergonomic flexibility.

This reflects a broader shift in consumer technology. As laptops and desktops become increasingly capable, manufacturers are also competing on how naturally those devices fit into people's homes, routines and personal preferences.

What is new for business users?

Lenovo's IFA announcements extend beyond consumer technology.

The new ThinkCentre X Ultra and ThinkCentre M75 Series desktops are designed for organizations looking to deploy local Hybrid AI capabilities. The company also introduced the ThinkBook 14 Gen 9 and ThinkBook 14x Gen 2 for mobile professionals.

The commercial portfolio includes new ThinkVision monitors and additional ThinkShield security technologies, including ThinkShield TraceLock and Prompt Security.

For businesses, this points to another side of the AI transition: adding AI capabilities is not only about processing power. Organizations also need device management, visibility, security and governance as AI becomes part of everyday workflows.

Lenovo is also exploring what comes after today's laptop

Some of the most interesting announcements were not products intended for immediate mainstream use.

Project AeroBlade Concept explores a very thin, fanless mobile PC designed around sustained performance, while Project Swan Concept imagines a portable notebook that can expand into a larger workspace when users need additional screen area.

These concepts show that AI development is happening alongside experimentation with physical device design.

As computing becomes more intelligent, manufacturers are also reconsidering what a computer needs to look like and how much space it should occupy.

Motorola adds phones, wearables and accessories

The Motorola announcements broaden the ecosystem beyond PCs.

The new motorola edge 70 plus combines a quad-curved design, a 200MP camera system and Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 Mobile Platform. Motorola also introduced the moto watch ultra, which combines Wear OS by Google, Polar fitness and wellness features, LTE eSIM functionality and Qira support on compatible devices.

The company also unveiled the moto snap wireless charger and expanded its Brilliant Collection with the motorola razr with Crystals by Swarovski.

The Swarovski edition pairs the razr's flip-phone design with a PANTONE Meteorite finish and hand-positioned Swarovski crystals, highlighting Motorola's effort to position smartphones as personal accessories as well as computing devices.

What Lenovo's IFA announcements mean for everyday users

The significance of Lenovo's latest portfolio is ultimately less about having more AI devices and more about making those devices work together.

A person might use a laptop for work, a smartphone for communication, a tablet for reading or creative projects and a wearable for health and notifications. Lenovo's Qira strategy is an attempt to connect those separate experiences through a common layer of personal AI.

Whether that becomes genuinely useful will depend on how well these experiences work in real-world situations, including compatibility, privacy, reliability and how much control users retain over their information.

For now, Lenovo's IFA 2026 announcements offer a clear look at where the company sees personal computing heading: AI that is increasingly distributed across the devices people already use, rather than confined to one machine.

Lenovo presented these products and concepts at Innovation World during IFA 2026 in Berlin, with IFA running September 4–8, 2026.

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Maya Team Wins Corporate Football League Division 3 Cup With Perfect 9–0 Record

Maya Team Wins Corporate Football League Division 3 Cup With Perfect 9–0 Record

Maya’s cross-functional football team completed an unbeaten campaign to capture the Corporate Football League 2026 Division 3 Cup, finishing the tournament with nine wins, 31 goals scored and just three conceded.

The team, made up of employees from different functions across Maya, defeated Shopee, 3–1, in the championship match held at Atleta ’63 Turf Field in Bridgetowne, Pasig City.

The July-to-August tournament run saw Maya post a perfect 9–0 record. Before reaching the final, the team recorded wins against UnionBank, Wells Fargo, Shopee, GCash, JPMorgan Chase, RCM and Globe, followed by a 2–0 semifinal victory over UnionBank.

A cross-functional team on and off the field

The Maya squad brought together employees from product development, engineering, technology, data science, consumer business, credit, enterprise, strategic partnerships, marketing, corporate affairs, and strategy and programs.

For Mohamed Omar Mahmoud, Maya football team co-captain and senior strategic partnerships officer, the team's success came from putting aside their different roles and working toward the same objective.

“We came from very different teams across Maya, but on the pitch everyone had one priority: do what the team needed,” Mahmoud said.

He added that the players trained together, trusted one another and stayed focused throughout the tournament.

“Going 9–0 was special, but the best part was winning it together,” he said.

How workplace sports can connect employees

Maya said sports and shared-interest activities form part of its broader employee engagement efforts, providing opportunities for colleagues to stay active and build relationships outside their usual teams.

Respect for people is also one of the four pillars identified in Maya's environmental, social and governance framework. Its people initiatives cover areas including professional development, health and wellness, workplace safety and employee engagement.

“At Maya, engagement goes beyond formal workplace programs,” said Charee Lanza, Group Chief People Officer at Maya.

“We want people to have opportunities to stay active, pursue shared interests and connect with colleagues they may not normally work with,” Lanza said. “This team showed how that energy, discipline and sense of ownership can bring people together.”

What is the Corporate Football League?

The Corporate Football League is an amateur football competition for companies and organizations from different industries.

Its tournaments feature corporate, mixed open and women's categories, with corporate teams competing across divisions.

For Maya, the 2026 campaign ended with both a championship trophy and a rare perfect record, as its employees went through all nine matches without a defeat.

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Infinix XPAD 30 Pro: A Tablet for Study and Downtime

Infinix XPAD 30 Pro: A Tablet for Study and Downtime

School days can be a lot. There are lectures to attend, assignments to finish, group chats to keep up with, and deadlines that somehow always seem to arrive faster than expected.

But once the last requirement has been submitted, students need something else, too: time that isn't about school.

That could mean watching a favorite series, playing a few rounds of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), browsing YouTube, sketching, journaling, or simply lying down and scrolling without having to be productive. The Infinix XPAD 30 Pro is designed for that mix of productivity and entertainment, bringing an 11-inch 2.5K display, MediaTek Helio G200 Ultimate processor, AI features and stylus support into a slim tablet.

Why is the XPAD 30 Pro suited to both study and downtime?

The challenge with student devices is that they rarely stay in one lane.

A tablet may begin the day displaying lecture notes, switch to a document for an assignment in the afternoon, and end the evening playing a video or game. A device that can handle those transitions can be more useful than one designed around a single task.

The XPAD 30 Pro measures 6.6mm thick and weighs 476 grams, according to Infinix. It also has an 8,200mAh battery with 18W fast charging.

That combination makes portability one of its more practical features. It can move from a study desk to a café, bedroom or living-room couch without feeling like another piece of heavy equipment to carry around.

A bigger screen makes downtime more enjoyable

After spending hours looking at lecture slides, a good-sized display can make the transition to entertainment feel different.

The XPAD 30 Pro has an 11-inch 2.5K Eye-Care display, giving students plenty of screen space for streaming, YouTube, social media and other visual content. The display also supports a high refresh rate and Infinix's Wet Touch Technology, which is designed to maintain responsiveness when the screen is used with wet hands.

That can come in handy in everyday situations, whether you're watching something while having a snack or checking messages after coming in from the rain.

Of course, no display can solve the classic "I'll watch just one episode" problem.

But having a larger screen certainly makes settling in for that episode more inviting.

Can the XPAD 30 Pro handle mobile gaming?

For students who use gaming as their way to unwind, the XPAD 30 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Helio G200 Ultimate chipset.

Infinix positions the processor for gaming and everyday performance, while the tablet also includes gaming-oriented features such as Esports Mode and All-Scenario Bypass Charging. Philippine coverage of the device also notes support for Wet Touch Technology and AI Magic Voice Changer.

For a student, that means the same device used for reviewing notes can also become a larger gaming screen after the schoolwork is finished.

And yes, that "one quick game" can still turn into a full session.

What can students do with the tablet's AI features?

AI is becoming a more common part of student devices, but its usefulness depends on how it is applied.

The XPAD 30 Pro includes AI-powered features designed for tasks such as recognizing information on screen, translating content, organizing notes and working with written material.

Its AI Screen Recognition, for example, can recognize content on the display and work with Circle to Search. The tablet also includes AI Notes, AI Writing, AI Art and an AI Scan to Document feature.

These tools can be useful beyond homework.

A student might use translation while browsing foreign-language content, turn handwritten notes into organized material, or experiment with AI-assisted artwork simply for fun.

The important distinction is that AI should remain a tool rather than a replacement for learning. For schoolwork, students still need to understand the material and verify information generated by AI.

What about creative hobbies?

Not every tablet activity has to produce something that gets submitted to a professor or teacher.

With support for the X Pencil 20 stylus, the XPAD 30 Pro can also become a space for doodling, sketching, handwritten journaling, digital art or planning. Infinix positions the stylus and AI features as part of the tablet's broader learning and creative experience.

This is where a tablet can become more personal.

There is something different about opening a blank digital page because you want to create rather than because an assignment requires it.

Maybe it's the beginning of a digital journal. Maybe it's fan art. Maybe it's a messy sketch that never becomes anything more.

That's okay, too.

Can it also replace some school essentials?

The XPAD 30 Pro can also be configured for more productivity-focused use.

With the X Keyboard 11, the tablet can function more like a compact workstation for typing documents, replying to messages or organizing school requirements.

Infinix says the XPAD 30 Pro supports up to 16GB of extended RAM, 256GB of storage and microSD expansion of up to 2TB, although configurations and accessories can vary by market.

That flexibility can be useful for students who want to carry fewer devices.

Instead of bringing a tablet for entertainment and another device for basic school tasks, a single tablet can cover both roles.

How much does the Infinix XPAD 30 Pro cost in the Philippines?

The XPAD 30 Pro has a Philippine suggested retail price of ₱13,999, according to local tech coverage, with a reported launch price of ₱12,999 on selected online platforms.

The press material supplied for this feature also lists an X Keyboard 11 bundle at ₱14,699 through Infinix's official TikTok Shop.

Because online promotions can change, shoppers should check the current price and bundle inclusions before purchasing.

A tablet doesn't have to make every minute productive

There is a tendency to measure technology by how much work it can help us accomplish.

For students, that can mean looking for a device that makes note-taking faster, assignments easier and studying more efficient.

But downtime has value, too.

The XPAD 30 Pro's appeal is that it doesn't have to be only a school device. It can move from lecture notes to Netflix, from research to MLBB, from an assignment to a sketchbook.

That versatility is particularly useful for students who want one portable device that fits different parts of their day.

And after the notifications stop, the assignments are submitted and the group chat finally goes quiet, perhaps the most useful thing it can do is simply give you a place to switch off.

Because sometimes, me time doesn't need a productivity hack. It just needs a little room.

About the design award

Infinix says the XPAD 30 Pro received the 2026 European Product Design Award. The award organization's website describes the European Product Design Award as a program recognizing product and industrial design across international categories.

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Roblox Expands Creator Economy With New Tools at RDC 2026

Roblox Expands Creator Economy With New Tools at RDC 2026

Roblox is changing how creators build, distribute and earn from games as the platform marks its 20th anniversary.

At the 2026 Roblox Developers Conference (RDC), the company announced new ways for creators to distribute games beyond the Roblox app, reach players through web browsers, use AI-assisted development tools and access earnings through a new Roblox Wallet. The announcements point to a broader strategy: make Roblox less dependent on a single way of playing, while giving creators more tools to operate within its ecosystem.

What did Roblox announce at RDC 2026?

The 12th annual RDC, held in San Mateo, California, brought together developers, artists, designers, brands and other members of Roblox's creator community.

The announcements were organized around three areas: Play, Build and Grow.

For players, Roblox is working toward broader distribution across devices and the web. For creators, it is expanding its development engine and AI-assisted tools. On the business side, the company is introducing new ways for eligible creators to manage and access their earnings.

Together, the changes address three stages of the creator business: making a game, finding an audience and turning that audience into sustainable revenue.

Play: Roblox games could soon live beyond the Roblox app

One of the biggest changes is Roblox Everywhere, which will allow creators to make eligible games available as standalone applications across mobile, PC and consoles.

Roblox will continue to provide the underlying technology and services, but players could encounter a creator's game as a standalone app rather than only entering it through the main Roblox experience.

The company is also bringing games directly to the web.

By the end of 2026, Roblox says players will be able to launch games through Chrome from an Experience Details Page without installing the Roblox application. A game link shared through search, social media, email or another website could therefore take a player directly into the experience.

For creators, that changes the discovery funnel.

A potential player who sees a game on social media would have fewer steps between discovering it and actually playing it. That could matter particularly for smaller studios that rely on external communities, creators and social platforms to attract audiences.

Roblox is also developing offline play, allowing single-player sessions to be combined with online modes in the same game.

The engine is expanding in other directions as well, including support for 2D games through an orthographic camera and sprite-sheet imports. New communication features include a Friends chat tab that can follow players across games and voice typing.

How is AI changing game creation on Roblox?

Roblox is also lowering the technical barrier to game development through Build, its prompt-based creation tool.

Build allows users to describe what they want to create using natural language and generate a starting point for a playable experience. The tool is expanding its public alpha to Singapore and Serbia after previously launching in New Zealand.

Roblox says creators have published about 9,000 games through Build, with 71% of those games coming from people who had not previously used Roblox Studio.

That figure is significant from a creator-economy perspective because it suggests AI-assisted development is attracting people who were not already part of the traditional Roblox development pipeline.

The next step is Scene Generator, which Roblox says will arrive later in 2026 in both Build and Studio.

The tool is designed to generate scenes from prompts and reference images, giving creators another way to move from an idea to a usable game environment.

Roblox is also expanding its use of AI and automation for non-player characters, including NPCs that can participate in playtesting.

The implication is not that AI replaces game developers. Instead, tools such as these can shift some development tasks from manual production toward prompting, editing, testing and iteration.

For Roblox, that potentially expands the number of people capable of producing content for the platform.

What is Roblox Wallet and why does it matter to creators?

The business side of the RDC announcements centers on Roblox Wallet, a new financial account for eligible creators.

The Wallet is designed to let qualifying U.S. creators aged 18 and older receive earnings in real currency, access funds daily and transfer money. Roblox plans to begin rolling it out later in 2026 before expanding it internationally in 2027.

This builds on Roblox's existing creator monetization system.

Roblox has operated its Developer Exchange, or DevEx, program since 2013. DevEx allows eligible creators to exchange earned Robux for real-world currency.

The new Wallet does not simply add another payment option. It represents a move toward treating creators more explicitly as participants in a platform economy, with financial tools built around their earnings.

Roblox also announced the Roblox Card, which will connect to the Wallet and is expected to begin rolling out in 2027.

The initial Wallet rollout is limited, so creators outside the United States will need to wait for availability in their markets.

How will Roblox help creators get discovered?

Creating a game is only one part of running a digital product business. The next challenge is getting people to find it.

Roblox is therefore also changing its discovery systems.

The Moments tab, which lets users watch gameplay videos and move from viewing to playing, is now fully available in the United States. Roblox plans additional features that will connect gameplay videos more directly with games and user-generated content.

The company is also updating its Discovery Ranking system to account for different engagement patterns among younger and older players and is testing ways to optimize for direct player growth.

That matters because visibility on a large platform is itself a business resource.

A developer can build a technically strong game, but without discovery, the game may struggle to attract players. Roblox's changes therefore put distribution and audience development alongside creation as core parts of the creator ecosystem.

What does RDC 2026 mean for the Roblox creator economy?

The changes announced at RDC reflect a broader shift in how digital platforms think about creators.

Creators are no longer simply producing content for a platform. They increasingly need tools for development, audience acquisition, analytics, monetization and payments.

Roblox is bringing more of those functions into its own ecosystem.

The company's scale provides context. Roblox reported that players spent 29 billion hours on the platform during the most recent quarter, across more than 180 countries.

At that scale, relatively small changes in distribution or creator tools can affect a large number of developers and players.

The challenge, however, is that more tools do not automatically produce successful businesses.

Creators still need to understand game design, audience behavior, community management, monetization and the costs associated with producing and maintaining an experience. Standalone distribution can increase reach, but it can also increase competition for attention.

AI tools create a similar dynamic. If creating a basic game becomes easier, the number of games competing for players can also increase.

That makes differentiation and discovery increasingly important.

Roblox's 20th anniversary adds another layer

The RDC announcements come as Roblox celebrates two decades of the platform.

The company has also introduced anniversary activities, including Roblox 20th Classic Mode, which brings back elements of the platform's earlier visual identity, and The Hunt: Roblox 20, which begins September 17 and runs through September 28.

The Hunt is designed around a central hub that takes players through Roblox history, with portals connected to games representing different years and rewards tied to participation.

The 2026 Roblox Innovation Awards also took place during the anniversary period. Among the winners, RIVALS by Nosniy Games received Best Shooter, Nosniy Games received Best Studio, while Animal Hospital by Animal Anomaly won People's Choice and the Builderman Award.

These events serve a different purpose from the creator tools, but they illustrate the same underlying reality: Roblox's ecosystem now encompasses games, creators, communities, entertainment and commerce.

The bigger business story behind Roblox's next chapter

RDC 2026 shows Roblox moving beyond the traditional definition of a gaming platform.

Its strategy now touches four interconnected areas:

• Creation: AI-assisted tools lower the barrier to making games.
• Distribution: Standalone apps and browser play can put games in more places.
• Discovery: Video and ranking systems aim to connect players with experiences.
• Monetization: Roblox Wallet and the planned Roblox Card expand financial tools for creators.

The success of that strategy will ultimately depend on whether creators can use these tools to build experiences that attract and retain audiences.

For businesses, brands and aspiring developers, the development is worth watching for another reason. Roblox is increasingly functioning as a digital environment where entertainment, community, user-generated content and commerce intersect.

Its 20th anniversary is therefore less about looking backward than examining what happens when a gaming platform becomes infrastructure for a much larger creator economy.

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KAWS UNIVERSE Returns to UNIQLO UT With New Characters

KAWS UNIVERSE Returns to UNIQLO UT With New Characters

For fans of KAWS and UNIQLO UT, the latest collaboration is adding new characters to a familiar universe.

UNIQLO is launching KAWS UNIVERSE, a new UT collection created with contemporary artist KAWS, featuring his iconic COMPANION alongside characters inspired by three universal symbols: the Earth, Moon, and Sun.

The collection arrives in the Philippines on September 14, with T-shirts and sweatshirts available in adult and kids' sizes. For the first time in a KAWS collaboration with UNIQLO, the collection will also include plush charms.

What is KAWS UNIVERSE?

KAWS UNIVERSE is built around the idea that “We are better together.”

Rather than focusing only on KAWS' instantly recognizable COMPANION, the collection introduces new characters designed around familiar symbols shared across cultures and generations.

The Earth, Moon, and Sun serve as the inspiration for the new characters, with each helping express ideas of hope, warmth, familiarity, and connection.

It gives the collection a broader visual language while keeping the playful, slightly surreal quality associated with KAWS' work.

KAWS described the new characters as being inspired by things that people around the world “all live under and share,” connecting the collection to its central theme of togetherness.

New KAWS characters join COMPANION

COMPANION remains part of the collection, but it is no longer the only character taking center stage.

The new designs bring Earth, Moon, and Sun-inspired characters into the KAWS universe, creating graphics that can work across different pieces and age groups.

The collection also incorporates KAWS' recognizable “XX” motif, including more understated details and embroidery rather than relying entirely on large graphic prints.

For shoppers who prefer something more subtle, these details offer another way to wear the collaboration without making the artwork the entire focus of an outfit.

The collection is designed for adults and kids

KAWS UNIVERSE includes T-shirts and sweatshirts in adult and kids' sizes, making it possible for family members to wear pieces from the same collection.

That fits naturally with the collection's central idea of connection. Instead of positioning the designs exclusively as collector pieces for longtime KAWS fans, UNIQLO is presenting them as everyday clothing that can be worn across generations.

The designs also make the collection relatively easy to incorporate into casual wardrobes, particularly with simple jeans, shorts, or relaxed trousers.

Plush charms make their KAWS debut with UNIQLO

One of the more notable additions is the introduction of plush charms, available for the first time as part of a KAWS collaboration with UNIQLO.

Smaller than the apparel pieces, the charms extend the KAWS UNIVERSE beyond clothing. They can be carried or attached to personal items, giving fans another way to take the characters with them.

It also shifts the collaboration slightly toward the world of collectibles, where KAWS' characters have long had a strong presence.

When is the KAWS UNIVERSE collection available?

The KAWS UNIVERSE UT collection launches September 14 in the Philippines through UNIQLO.

The collection includes:

• KAWS graphic T-shirts
• Sweatshirts
• Adult and kids' sizes
• COMPANION designs
• New Earth, Moon, and Sun-inspired characters
• KAWS “XX” detailing and embroidery
• Plush charms

Availability, styles, and sizes may vary by store and online.

Why the collection stands out

KAWS UNIVERSE takes a familiar approach to artist collaborations by combining recognizable character design with pieces intended for everyday wear. But the introduction of new characters gives longtime KAWS fans something beyond another COMPANION-centered release.

The addition of plush charms also makes the collaboration interesting for collectors who may want a piece of the KAWS universe without buying apparel.

At its core, however, the collection stays with a simple idea: different characters, different generations, and different people can still exist within the same universe.

KAWS UNIVERSE launches September 14.

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HONOR Watch 6 Offers 120+ Sports Modes for Active Lifestyles

HONOR Watch 6 Offers 120+ Sports Modes for Active Lifestyles

If your workouts change from running one day to cycling, badminton, or another sport the next, a smartwatch with a broad range of activity profiles can make tracking more useful.

The HONOR Watch 6 is designed around that kind of flexibility, with more than 120 sports modes and specialized training features for activities including running, football, badminton, cycling, and outdoor adventures.

Priced at ₱13,999 in the Philippines, the smartwatch combines activity tracking with GPS positioning, a high-brightness display, long battery life, and wellness features intended for everyday use.

What sports can the HONOR Watch 6 track?

The watch supports more than 120 sports modes, giving users options beyond basic step and workout tracking.

Some activities get more detailed analysis through dedicated professional modes.

For football players, Football Professional Mode can track metrics such as steps, distance, sprint speed, average speed, and segment data. Users can also view heat maps and movement analysis through the companion app.

For badminton, Badminton Professional Mode provides data across five dimensions and nine core metrics. These include swing count, swing speed, shot power, forehand and backhand ratio, and stroke types.

That makes the watch particularly interesting for people who do not stick to a single workout routine.

What does it offer runners?

Runners get access to the Professional Running Coach, which is designed to provide more detailed guidance during training.

Its features include lactate threshold heart-rate monitoring, real-time AI voice guidance, heart-rate and pace targets, and posture analysis.

For someone who is moving from casual running to more structured training, these metrics can provide additional information to consider when planning workouts and monitoring performance.

How does it handle outdoor activities?

GPS accuracy becomes more important when workouts take place away from the gym.

The HONOR Watch 6 uses the HONOR AccuTrack System, combining a new GNSS chip with dual-band GPS technology for satellite acquisition and positioning.

It also supports dual-frequency independent positioning and 3D distance measurement. These features are designed to provide more precise tracking for activities such as trail running, cycling, and mountaineering.

The watch can provide up to 42 hours of dual-frequency positioning, according to HONOR.

A smartwatch designed for outdoor conditions

Outdoor workouts can be demanding on a smartwatch, particularly when the screen needs to remain visible under bright sunlight or respond to wet fingers.

The HONOR Watch 6 has a 1.46-inch Hybrid LTPS display with peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits. Its Wet Touch Control is designed to keep the display responsive in conditions involving rain, sweat, or humidity.

At approximately 41 grams and 10.8mm thick, the watch is also designed to remain relatively lightweight during extended wear.

How long does the HONOR Watch 6 battery last?

Battery life is another consideration for people who use a smartwatch throughout the day and during longer outdoor activities.

The HONOR Watch 6 has a 980mAh battery, with HONOR stating up to 35 days of battery life in long-endurance scenarios and up to 17 days under typical usage.

Actual battery life will vary depending on settings, connectivity, tracking features, and usage patterns.

It also looks beyond exercise

Fitness tracking is only one part of the HONOR Watch 6.

Its Body Energy Assessment uses information such as heart rate, heart-rate variability (HRV), sleep, and stress to provide an indication of the user's energy levels.

For everyday users, this can add another layer to workout tracking. Instead of looking only at how much exercise was completed, users can also consider sleep and recovery-related information when deciding how hard to train.

Who is the HONOR Watch 6 for?

The HONOR Watch 6 is aimed at people whose activity routines extend beyond one type of exercise.

A runner can use its training tools and running metrics, while someone who plays badminton or football can take advantage of activity-specific tracking. Outdoor enthusiasts also get GPS features designed for activities where positioning matters.

At the same time, its wellness tracking and long battery life make it suitable for people who want a smartwatch they can wear beyond workout sessions.

The combination of 120+ sports modes, specialized training features, outdoor positioning, wellness tracking, and extended battery life makes the HONOR Watch 6 a versatile option for users who want to keep track of how they move throughout the day.

HONOR Watch 6 price and availability in the Philippines

The HONOR Watch 6 is priced at ₱13,999 and is available through HONOR Philippines stores, partner dealers, and its official online channels on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

Buyers should check the respective stores for current availability and promotions.

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Eligible ASUS Laptops Now Come With 3 Months of Google AI Access

Eligible ASUS Laptops Now Come With 3 Months of Google AI Access

Buying a new laptop can now come with more than upgraded hardware. For a limited time, customers who purchase select ASUS and ROG laptops in the Philippines can also get three months of Google AI Pro or Google AI Plus at no additional cost.

The offer, which begins September 7, 2026, gives eligible customers access to Google's AI tools along with expanded cloud storage. Depending on the plan, that means either 5TB with Google AI Pro or 400GB with Google AI Plus.

For people who use their laptops for work, school, content creation, research, or entertainment, the combination puts AI tools and additional storage in one package.

What do ASUS customers get?

Eligible ASUS laptop buyers can choose between two Google AI plans, subject to the offer's terms and eligibility requirements.

Google AI Pro provides expanded access to Google's more capable Gemini models and higher usage limits across supported AI features. It also includes 5TB of cloud storage.

Google AI Plus offers access to Google's AI features with 400GB of cloud storage, making it a lower-storage option for users who want to explore Google's AI ecosystem without choosing the Pro tier.

The three-month offer gives new laptop owners an opportunity to try these services as part of their everyday workflow.

What can you actually do with Google's AI tools?

The appeal goes beyond having an AI chatbot on a new laptop.

Depending on the plan and availability, users can access AI experiences through the Gemini app, Deep Research, Google Flow, Gemini in Google apps, and Gemini Notebook, among other tools.

These can be useful in different ways.

Students, for example, can use AI-assisted research and organization tools when working through complex topics. Professionals can use AI to help draft, organize, analyze, or refine documents. Creators can explore image, video, and music generation tools as part of their creative process.

Google AI Pro also includes expanded access to developer-oriented and agentic tools such as Google Antigravity, Jules, and AI Studio, subject to plan terms and availability.

The important distinction is that these are cloud-based services, so the benefit isn't limited to the processing capabilities of the ASUS laptop itself.

The extra cloud storage may be just as useful

For many laptop users, storage becomes a problem long before the computer itself feels outdated.

Photos, videos, presentations, documents, creative files, research materials, and other digital content can quickly consume local storage. The Google AI offer addresses part of that problem by adding cloud capacity.

With 5TB on Google AI Pro and 400GB on Google AI Plus, eligible users have additional space for files and other supported content across Google's services.

For creators and people who work across multiple devices, cloud storage can also make files easier to access without relying entirely on the laptop's internal drive.

Which ASUS laptops are eligible?

The program is planned to run for one year from September 7, 2026, across selected ASUS laptops from the 2025, 2026, and upcoming 2027 portfolios in supported markets.

The participating lineup includes selected models from:

• ROG
• TUF Gaming
• ProArt
• Zenbook
• Vivobook

Not every ASUS or ROG laptop qualifies, so buyers should check the official eligibility list before purchasing.

Redemption is through the MyASUS app, with the full list of eligible models and terms available from ASUS Philippines.

ASUS also has a separate device promotion

The Google AI offer comes as ASUS runs its No. 1 Quality, School-Ready Deals promotion through September 15, 2026.

The promotion covers selected ASUS and ROG devices and is aimed at students, gamers, and professionals looking to upgrade their equipment.

ASUS also highlights its No. 1 Quality and Service package, which includes up to three years of international and local warranty, service access in more than 90 countries, and more than 100 ASUS Service Centers and Drop-Off Points in the Philippines.

For eligible laptops, the package also includes one year of Local Accidental Damage Protection, up to six free device-cleaning claims, and an extended return policy of up to 14 days, subject to the applicable terms.

What this means for laptop buyers

The ASUS-Google offer reflects a broader shift in how people evaluate laptops. Hardware remains important, but the software, cloud services, and AI tools available after purchase can also affect how useful a device becomes in everyday life.

For someone already considering an eligible ASUS laptop, the three-month Google AI access provides another factor to consider alongside the laptop's processor, memory, display, battery life, graphics capabilities, and price.

The offer is available for a limited time and only on selected models, so buyers should verify eligibility and the applicable terms before completing a purchase.

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Filipinos Are Using Ride-Hailing Apps More Often

Filipinos Are Using Ride-Hailing Apps More Often

Monday, September 14, 2026

Ride-hailing is becoming a more regular part of daily transportation for many Metro Manila residents, as commuters increasingly use apps based on convenience, safety, weather, and the availability of public transport.

Data from ride-hailing platform inDrive show that 74% of Metro Manila residents surveyed had used ride-hailing apps within the previous three months, with users booking rides an average of three times a week.

The figures point to a shift in how urban commuters make transportation decisions. Rather than relying on ride-hailing only for occasional trips, passengers are incorporating app-based transport into different parts of their daily routines.

Why are Filipinos booking ride-hailing trips?

According to inDrive's data, 56% of respondents book a ride-hailing trip when they are in a hurry. Weather is another major factor, with 49% saying they turn to ride-hailing when conditions affect their travel plans.

Other reasons include comfort, access, and safety. 

• 32% use ride-hailing to travel more comfortably.
• 30% use it when their destination has limited nearby public transportation.
• 29% choose ride-hailing when traveling late at night or in unfamiliar areas.

Trips from residential areas to malls, airports, and bus terminals also account for significant ride-hailing activity, reflecting the role of app-based transport in connecting commuters to major urban destinations.

The pattern suggests that convenience is becoming more than simply finding a vehicle. For commuters, it can mean having a transportation option that fits a particular schedule, destination, weather condition, or situation.

Passengers are comparing more than fares

Price remains an important consideration, but inDrive's data indicates that passengers are evaluating ride-hailing services on several factors.

Some 78% of respondents said they compare fares across multiple ride-hailing apps before booking. However, the lowest price is not necessarily the deciding factor.

Safety ranks particularly high, with 87% saying they value an app that makes them feel safe while commuting.

Meanwhile, 73% prioritize ride quality over cost. The factors passengers consider include the availability of rides, flexibility when booking, driver behavior, and overall comfort.

For mobility platforms, this means competing for passengers involves more than offering competitive fares. Reliability and the overall experience can also influence which service a commuter chooses.

inDrive sees higher demand in the Philippines

The growing use of ride-hailing is also reflected in inDrive's activity in the country.

The company said its in-city ride requests increased by 155% during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. It has also expanded its active partner-driver base as it works to accommodate the increase in bookings.

“With more Filipinos relying on apps like inDrive for their daily commutes, mobility providers need to keep pace with what passengers need and value,” said Sofia Guinto, inDrive Philippines Country Manager.

She added that the company aims to provide available, convenient, and safe rides while giving passengers greater freedom of choice.

The company is also continuing to onboard qualified partner drivers as demand for app-based transportation grows.

What the shift means for urban mobility

The increasing frequency of ride-hailing use reflects a broader change in how commuters navigate cities.

For passengers, an app can provide another transportation option when time is limited, weather conditions are unfavorable, public transport is less accessible, or a trip requires greater convenience.

As these services become part of regular commuting patterns, factors such as safety, availability, flexibility, and ride quality are becoming increasingly important alongside price.

For mobility companies, the challenge is to respond to these changing expectations while maintaining a reliable supply of drivers and rides as demand grows.

inDrive is a global mobility platform offering ride-hailing and other transportation services. More information about the company and its services is available through its website.

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ShopeeVIP+ Adds Netflix to Its Subscription Benefits

ShopeeVIP+ Adds Netflix to Its Subscription Benefits

For Filipinos who already shop on Shopee and maintain a Netflix subscription, a new bundled option is now available.

ShopeeVIP+ has officially launched in the Philippines, combining Shopee's existing membership perks with access to Netflix in a single subscription. The program is also rolling out in Indonesia and Thailand.

The new tier builds on ShopeeVIP, which offers shopping-related benefits such as free shipping and discount vouchers. With VIP+, subscribers can add a Netflix plan while continuing to receive shopping perks and selected benefits from partner brands.

Shopee says the ShopeeVIP+ subscription starts at ₱140 per month for the Netflix Mobile Plan under a multi-month subscription, while a single-month subscription starts at ₱169. Other Netflix plans are available at higher subscription tiers.

The arrangement reflects a broader shift in how subscription services are being packaged. Instead of paying separately for individual benefits, consumers are increasingly being offered bundles that combine shopping, entertainment, digital tools and other everyday services.

What Does ShopeeVIP+ Include?

At its core, ShopeeVIP+ combines the benefits of ShopeeVIP with a Netflix subscription.

Depending on the selected plan, subscribers can get:

• Netflix access, starting with the Mobile Plan
• Daily free shipping vouchers with no minimum spend
• Daily discount vouchers
• Monthly discount vouchers
• Shopee VIP Day perks
• 0% interest SPayLater for eligible three-month transactions
• Selected partner benefits, including offers involving Canva Pro, ChatGPT Go and Duolingo

Shopee's current terms state that VIP+ includes all monthly benefits available under ShopeeVIP, plus a Netflix subscription corresponding to the Netflix plan selected by the subscriber.

That makes the new program potentially more relevant to people who already use several of these services rather than treating Netflix as the only reason to subscribe.

How Much Is ShopeeVIP+ With Netflix?

The entry-level ShopeeVIP+ option starts at ₱140 per month when subscribed through a multi-month plan with the Netflix Mobile Plan.

A single-month subscription starts at ₱169 per month.

Subscribers can also choose higher Netflix tiers, including Basic, Standard and Premium, depending on their preferred viewing setup.

The Premium option is designed for households or users who want to watch across multiple devices, with Netflix's terms for the plan allowing simultaneous streaming on up to four supported devices.

Because the ShopeeVIP+ price depends on the Netflix tier and subscription period, it is worth checking the current package displayed in the Shopee app before subscribing.

Is ShopeeVIP+ Worth It If You Already Have Netflix?

The answer depends largely on how often you shop on Shopee.

For someone who orders regularly, the free-shipping and discount vouchers may provide value beyond the Netflix component. Shopee's current VIP terms list a daily 20% discount voucher, a monthly 20% discount voucher and a free-shipping voucher with no minimum spend, subject to the program's eligibility and voucher conditions.

For an occasional Shopee shopper, however, the calculation is different. A subscription only makes sense if the combined benefits you actually use outweigh the monthly cost.

This is especially important with subscription bundles. A long list of perks can sound attractive, but unused benefits do not necessarily translate into savings.

What Netflix Plan Can You Get?

ShopeeVIP+ subscribers can choose among the Netflix plans made available through the program:

• Mobile is suited to viewers who primarily stream on a smartphone or tablet.

• Basic and Standard provide options for viewers who want a larger-screen viewing experience, depending on the plan's current Netflix specifications.

• Premium is the highest-tier option and is designed for households or users who want higher-quality streaming and simultaneous viewing across multiple supported devices.

Shopee's terms also allow eligible subscribers to upgrade or downgrade their selected Netflix tier. Upgrades can take effect during the current billing cycle, while downgrades take effect on the next billing cycle, subject to the applicable terms.

What Happens If You Already Have a Netflix Account?

Existing Netflix users do not necessarily need to create a new account.

ShopeeVIP+ allows subscribers to link an existing Netflix account when activating the benefit. Once successfully linked, Netflix will stop directly billing that account while the ShopeeVIP+ benefit is active.

There is an important detail to remember: when the ShopeeVIP+ subscription ends, Netflix may resume charging the payment method already associated with the existing Netflix account.

In other words, subscribing to the bundle does not automatically mean your standalone Netflix membership disappears.

How to Activate Netflix Through ShopeeVIP+

The activation process starts inside the Shopee app.

1. Open the Shopee app.
2. Go to the Me page.
3. Select the ShopeeVIP icon.
4. Choose the ShopeeVIP+ subscription package.
5. Select your preferred Netflix plan.
6. Choose the subscription period.
7. Tap Subscribe and complete payment.
8. Follow the instructions to activate or link your Netflix account.

Shopee's terms indicate that Netflix can be activated at any point during an active ShopeeVIP+ subscription. Only one Netflix account can be linked to a VIP+ subscription at a time.

A Subscription Built Around Everyday Use

The interesting part of ShopeeVIP+ is not simply the addition of Netflix.

It is the idea of combining several recurring digital and shopping needs under one membership. For a consumer who already shops online regularly, watches Netflix and uses some of the partner services, a bundled subscription could make more sense than paying for each benefit separately.

That also places more emphasis on how consumers evaluate subscriptions. Instead of looking only at the headline benefit, it helps to consider which perks will actually be used each month.

With ShopeeVIP+, the real value may ultimately come from the combination of entertainment, shopping savings and convenience, rather than from any one benefit on its own.

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HONOR Magic V6 Fits Work, Travel and Everyday Life

HONOR Magic V6 Fits Work, Travel and Everyday Life

For many smartphone users, the day does not stay in one lane. A workday can involve replying to messages, checking documents, heading to an event, taking photos, watching videos and catching up with friends, often before the day is over.

That is the lifestyle space HONOR is targeting with the HONOR Magic V6, its latest foldable smartphone in the Philippines. Priced at ₱119,999, the device combines a foldable 7.95-inch inner display with a 6.52-inch outer screen, a 6,660mAh silicon-carbon battery and a multi-camera system designed for everyday photography.

Rather than treating the phone as a device for one particular type of user, HONOR is positioning the Magic V6 around different ways people spend their days, from work and sports to fashion, social events and content creation.

Why does a foldable phone make sense for everyday life?

The appeal of a foldable smartphone is fairly straightforward: it gives users a larger screen when they need it without requiring them to carry a tablet-sized device all day.

The HONOR Magic V6 opens to a 7.95-inch inner display and folds down to a 6.52-inch outer screen. It measures 8.75mm thick when folded and weighs 219 grams, according to HONOR.

That format can be useful when switching between tasks. A larger screen can provide more room for viewing documents, handling multiple apps or watching content, while the outer display works for quick messages, calls and everyday phone functions.

For people who work outside a traditional office, that flexibility can be particularly useful. A smartphone may serve as a communication tool in one moment and a mobile workspace or entertainment screen in the next.

What is a silicon-carbon smartphone battery?

A silicon-carbon battery uses silicon-based material in the battery's anode to increase energy density compared with conventional lithium-ion battery designs. The HONOR Magic V6 uses a 6,660mAh silicon-carbon battery with 25% silicon content and supports 80W wired and 66W wireless charging.

For consumers, the practical point is less about the battery chemistry and more about endurance. A larger-capacity battery can be useful for days that involve navigation, photography, messaging, video and other power-intensive activities.

From workdays to weekends, the Magic V6 takes different roles

HONOR's latest campaign features personalities from business, sports, fashion and lifestyle to demonstrate how the Magic V6 can fit into different routines.

Vince and Patricia Hizon represent the busy professional and social side of the device. Their schedules can move between meetings, events, travel and personal commitments, where having a large screen in a relatively compact folded form can make multitasking more convenient.

For golfers Marvi Monsalve and Jesse Guerrero, the phone is presented in a more active setting. The Magic V6 carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance, giving it added protection for users who bring their phones into different environments.

That does not mean a foldable phone is suddenly indestructible. Water- and dust-resistance ratings have specific testing conditions and limitations. Still, durability has become an important consideration as foldable phones move beyond being occasional luxury devices and into everyday use.

Can a foldable phone also work as a camera?

For users who treat their smartphones as their primary camera, the camera system remains an important part of the equation.

The HONOR Magic V6 features a 50MP wide main camera, 64MP telephoto camera and 50MP ultra-wide camera, according to the Philippine product information supplied for the device.

That combination covers several familiar shooting situations: the main camera for everyday photos, the ultra-wide camera for landscapes and group shots, and the telephoto camera for subjects that are farther away.

The phone also uses HONOR's AI Falcon Camera System, adding computational photography features to the hardware.

For fashion, beauty, travel and lifestyle users, having several focal lengths available in one device can reduce the need to switch between cameras or carry additional equipment.

Ida Andu and Isabelle Lim appear in HONOR's campaign with the Magic V6 in settings centered on style and social moments. The positioning makes sense for a category where smartphones increasingly double as cameras, communication tools and social-media creation devices.

A larger screen changes how we use our phones

The more interesting question surrounding foldables is not simply whether they can replace conventional smartphones. It is whether the larger screen changes what people are willing to do on a phone.

The Magic V6's inner display supports up to a 120Hz refresh rate and stylus input, while HONOR's software includes features designed around multitasking and AI-assisted functions.

That creates a different experience from a conventional smartphone when reading longer documents, reviewing content, watching videos or working across multiple applications.

For creators, the format can also be useful when reviewing photos, planning social posts or working with visual material while away from a laptop.

At the same time, the folded form keeps the device closer to the proportions people are already accustomed to carrying in a pocket or small bag.

What makes the HONOR Magic V6 relevant beyond its premium price?

At ₱119,999, the Magic V6 sits firmly in the premium smartphone category. That means its appeal will depend less on whether consumers simply need a new phone and more on whether they value the combination of a large foldable display, portability, cameras, battery capacity and flagship performance.

HONOR's current Philippine product page lists the Magic V6 with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform, a 6,660mAh battery, dual SuperCharge support and IP68/IP69 protection.

The larger trend is clear: foldable phones are increasingly being designed around everyday utility rather than novelty alone.

For someone who spends the day moving between meetings, travel, content creation and entertainment, a foldable can offer a different balance between screen size and portability.

For someone who primarily uses a phone for calls, messaging and social media, however, the advantages may be harder to justify at this price.

That distinction is important. A premium foldable is not automatically a better choice for everyone. Its value comes from whether its form factor solves real problems in the way a person actually uses a phone.

Is the HONOR Magic V6 worth considering?

The HONOR Magic V6 makes the strongest case for itself among users who want their smartphone to do more than handle basic communication.

Its combination of a large foldable display, relatively slim folded profile, high-capacity battery, multi-camera setup and durability features is aimed at people whose phones are part of nearly every part of their day.

The bigger lifestyle question is whether that flexibility is worth the premium price.

For users who regularly work, create, travel, photograph, watch and communicate from one device, the answer may be easier to make. For everyone else, a conventional flagship smartphone may still provide everything they need.

The HONOR Magic V6 is now available in the Philippines for ₱119,999 through HONOR Experience and partner stores. HONOR also lists a Lazada offer that includes a free HONOR Pad X8b worth ₱12,999, subject to the applicable promotion terms.

For more information, visit HONOR Philippines' official product page.

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