TECHNOLOGY
Xiaomi introduces Redmi A5: Powerful camera, performance upgrades wrapped in new design
3:34 p.m. May 23, 2025
XIAOMI Corporation, a consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an Internet of Things (“IoT”) platform at its core, has unveiled Redmi A5, seamlessly blending an extensive array of generous upgrades that make advanced smartphone features accessible to a broader audience.
With a refreshed design, a significantly improved camera, and a larger display, Redmi A5 transforms the essentials into an experience that feels effortlessly refined, crafted for those who value both practicality and aesthetics in their everyday smartphone.
Design and Display
Redmi A5 introduces a sleek new design, elevating its visual appeal with a stylish flat frame and an enhanced camera deco with an all-new metallic-feel surround. This smartphone comes in sophisticated color options, each evoking a distinct sense of character. Midnight
Black and Sandy Gold feature a matte, smudge-resistant finish that offers a timeless, understated elegance. Lake Green and Ocean Blue take inspiration from nature, their veined patterns reminiscent of ripples on a tranquil body of water. With its slim 8.26mm body, Redmi A5 balances modern elegance with a comfortable grip.
Despite its slim profile, Redmi A5 expands possibilities with an up to 120Hz large 6.88-inch display, offering a truly immersive experience whether watching videos, browsing, or reading. Even when hands are damp, wet touch technology helps to maintain responsiveness, further improving usability. Meanwhile, for those longer sessions, TÜV Rheinland-certified eye protection and DC dimming help to minimize strain, making extended screen time easier on the eyes.
Camera and Performance Upgrades
Complementing the display, Redmi A5 introduces a substantial leap in camera capabilities through its powerful 32MP AI dual camera, allowing users to capture moments with remarkable clarity. With a larger sensor that takes in 18% more light4 than the previous generation, night photography stands out with improved detail, delivering brighter, clearer shots in low-light settings. The camera keeps photos crisp and vivid even when confronted with challenging backlit settings. Turning to the front, the upgraded 8MP selfie camera delivers natural-looking portraits with fresh detail. At the same time, the soft-light ring, achieved from the display’s illumination, allows users to take well-lit selfies even in dim environments. Thanks to these thoughtful innovations, Redmi A5 makes capturing and preserving memories effortless, whether a scenic view or a fleeting moment.
Building on its impressive camera upgrades, Redmi A5 has been designed to seamlessly fit into your fast-paced lifestyle, offering features for reliability and convenience at every turn. Powered by the octa-core UNISOC T7250 processor and supported by up to 8GB of RAM5 through memory extension, Redmi A5 easily handles multitasking, providing smooth app performance even during demanding tasks. Yet with its powerful performance, Redmi A5 doesn’t compromise battery life. Equipped with a 5200mAh battery, it supports over 20 hours of video playback and over hours of gaming on a single charge, keeping you going throughout the day.
For further added convenience, Redmi A5 also offers secure access through a side fingerprint sensor and face unlock. Plus, with the 3.5mm headphone jack, users can continue enjoying high-quality wired audio.
Pricing and Availability
Redmi A5 arrives in the Philippines in four colors—Midnight Black, Sandy Gold, Lake Green, and Ocean Blue—offered in two variants: one with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage at only P3,599, and another with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage at just P4,099.
It has been available online starting May 20 via Xiaomi’s official Shopee and Lazada stores, and in authorized Mi Stores nationwide beginning May 23.
TECHNOLOGY
DigiPlus earns first ASEAN Golden Arrow Award for corporate governance excellence
10:10 p.m. October 24, 2025
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the country’s digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, achieved a major milestone in corporate governance excellence by earning its first-ever Golden Arrow Award.
The recognition was conferred on Oct. 23, 2025, during the awarding ceremony organized by the institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), the Philippines’ Domestic Ranking Body (DRB) for the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS).
DigiPlus received a 2-Golden Arrow Award, one of the five levels of distinction granted to publicly listed companies that demonstrate outstanding corporate governance performance.
The Golden Arrow Recognition is among the Philippines’ most prestigious corporate honors, recognizing companies that lead in transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Anchored on the ACGS framework, it evaluates how effectively organizations uphold shareholder rights, engage stakeholders, promote sustainability, ensure transparency, and maintain strong board oversight in alignment with both local and international governance standards.
“Earning our first Golden Arrow affirms DigiPlus’ commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco. “We are proud to be recognized among the country’s most trusted, publicly-listed companies and remain focused on creating a long-term value for our shareholders, stakeholders, and the customers and the communities we serve by leading with transparency, accountability, and integrity.”
TECHNOLOGY
Rest easy with the Index Sleep Monitor smart sleep band from Garmin
11:09 a.m. August 29, 2025
GARMIN has announced the Index™ Sleep Monitor, an ultra-comfortable and lightweight smart sleep band that tracks sleep for a more comprehensive view of overall fitness and recovery.
Featuring up to 7 nights of battery life with continuous Pulse Ox tracking, the Index Sleep Monitor is worn on the upper arm and tracks sleep stages, heart rate variability (HRV) status, breathing variations, skin temperature and more to calculate a sleep score for users and provide valuable insights about their health.
After a night of sleep, the data seamlessly syncs to the Garmin Connect™ smartphone app and can be combined with metrics from a compatible Garmin smartwatch to fill in gaps in data for users who don’t wear their watch at night or are looking to better understand how well they recovered.
“We are thrilled to add the Index Sleep Monitor to our suite of innovative health and wellness products. Wearing this smart sleep band every night can provide in-depth sleep insights and a more complete picture of fitness and recovery so users can wake up ready to seize the day.” — Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing
Rest and recover
Throughout the night, the Index Sleep Monitor tracks the following sleep and recovery metrics, which can then be viewed on the Garmin Connect app:
● Sleep score: Every morning, receive a personalized score (0-100) for last night’s sleep based on sleep duration, stress, sleep stages and more.
● Sleep stages: View light, deep and REM sleep stages and when they occur during the night.
● HRV status: See the previous night’s average HRV and status (balanced, unbalanced, low or poor). After several nights of wear, the smart sleep band will establish a personal baseline to help provide a better understanding of recovery and overall wellness.
● Pulse Ox: Track blood oxygen saturation during sleep1.
● Breathing variations: Used in conjunction with Pulse Ox, view and better understand shifts in breathing patterns while sleeping.1
● Respiration: View respiration rates throughout the night.
● Skin temperature: Track skin temperature changes, which can be related to recent activity, sleep environment, potential illness and more.
● Women’s health tracking: Using skin temperature, women can get more insights into their menstrual cycle, including improved period predictions and past ovulation estimates2. Women can also track their menstrual cycle or pregnancy and get exercise and nutrition education in the Garmin Connect app.
● Body BatteryTM energy monitoring: View energy levels to see if the body is charged or needs more rest. Users who wear a compatible smartwatch while awake can get a more complete picture of their energy levels—day and night.
● Stress tracking: See if last night’s sleep was calm, balanced or stressful.
When it’s time to wake up, the smart wake alarm feature looks at lighter sleep stages during a pre-selected window of time to gently wake users with a light vibration so they feel more refreshed.
Available in two sizes (S-M and L-XL), the Index Sleep Monitor is easy to clean; just remove the module and toss the band into the washing machine on the gentle cycle.
It is for P10,290.00 and available via official Garmin Stores online in Kinetic, Shopee, and Lazada and in all Garmin Brand Stores and Garmin Specialty Stores.
For more information, visit https://ph.garmin.com/.
TECHNOLOGY
Time to make your moment: OPPO Reno14 Series 5G now available for pre-order
9:11 p.m. August 10, 2025
OPPO’s latest smartphone series is now available for pre-order in the Philippines—and it’s built for those who want to turn everyday moments into stories worth sharing.
The OPPO Reno14 Series 5G brings together AI-powered photography, vivid 4K video, sleek design, and powerful performance, all in one beautifully crafted device. Whether you’re creating content, diving into your favorite game, or simply making your moment, the OPPO Reno14 Series 5G makes it effortless to discover and explore—without compromise.
Your Studio, In Your Pocket
Capture yourself at your best with AI Portrait capabilities that naturally refine lighting, angles, and facial details—no filters or editing apps needed. Want to adjust after the shot? Features like AI Recompose and AI Perfect Shot help you fix framing, expressions, and more—all within the native camera.
Even in low light, the Ultra-Clear Low-Light Camera System and AI Flash Photography keep your shots vivid and full of life—perfect for nights out, concerts, and candle-lit dinners.
Powered by next-gen chipsets, MediaTek Dimensity 8450 for OPPO Reno14 Pro 5G, Dimensity 8350 for OPPO Reno14 5G, and Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 for OPPO Reno14 F 5G, you can count on a fluid experience whether you’re gaming, streaming, or multitasking.
Smart features like AI HyperBoost 2.0 and AI LinkBoost 3.0 optimize gameplay, prevent lag, and keep your connection smooth wherever you are.
Designed to be seen
The Iridescent Mermaid Design of the OPPO Reno14 Series 5G is more than a color, it’s a statement. Inspired by the shimmer of light underwater, the finish is paired with Velvet Glass and aerospace-grade aluminum for a look and feel that’s luxurious, durable, and uniquely OPPO.
Rep. Atayde: No ghost projects in QC’s first district
COA uncovers more fraud in Bulacan flood control projects, files new reports with ICI
DigiPlus earns first ASEAN Golden Arrow Award for corporate governance excellence
