TBC News

Tag: tech

  • Can It Survive? The HONOR X9d 5G Ultimate Plane Drop Challenge

    Can It Survive? The HONOR X9d 5G Ultimate Plane Drop Challenge

    Starting the year with a total bang! Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines unveils its most explosive release yet—the HONOR X9d 5G.

    Positioned as the toughest mid-range smartphone of the year, the latest addition to the X Series is built to withstand extreme challenges while delivering powerful everyday performance.  

    Since the launch of the X9 Series in the Philippines in 2023, HONOR has built a reputation as an innovative technology brand known for putting smartphone durability to the ultimate test.

    From the debut of the HONOR X9a 5G—famously dropped under five feet and featured in viral smash tests—the ultra-tough HONOR X9b 5G, which endured an intense 50-foot drop, each generation has pushed the boundaries of what mid-range smartphones can withstand.  

    This legacy continued with the launch of the HONOR X9c 5G in January 2025, which quickly became the most anticipated device in the X Series, thanks to its Triple-Defense mechanism and headline-making helicopter drop test and Guinness World Records for “The Most People Performing a Mobile Phone Drop Test Simultaneously.  
     
    Now, HONOR raises the bar even higher. To prove the next evolution of toughness, the all-new HONOR X9d 5G was subjected to its most extreme challenge yet—an ultra-intense high-altitude drop test.  

    “Year after year, HONOR fans and consumers push us to go beyond expectations, and that inspires everything we do,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “The HONOR X9d 5G was designed with Filipino users in mind—combining toughness, innovation, especially value. Our extreme durability tests reflect our confidence in delivering a device that can keep up with real life challenges.”  

    And now the ultimate question remains—can the HONOR X9d 5G survive an extreme high-altitude drop from the plane? Let’s find out!  
     

    The Ultimate Phone Drop Challenge: Media VS HONOR X9d 5G 

    To ensure credibility and transparency, HONOR Philippines invited one of its trusted media partners, Gadget Pilipinas’ Editor-in-Chief Gian Viterbo, to take part in the ultimate phone drop challenge, releasing the device from an ultralight plane at a speed of 60 km/hr.  
     
    “I said YES to the ultimate phone drop test challenge as a consumer, because I was genuinely curious about the result. I knew the risks and factors at hand, and I really wanted to know if the HONOR X9d would really survive,” expressed by Gian Viterbo, EIC of Gadget Pilipinas.  

    Here is the full video to witness and see the ultimate durability phone drop test:https://bit.ly/HONORX9d5G_PlaneChallenge   

    Watch the Launch and Win HONOR X9d 5G 
     
    Interested to know more about the toughest phone, HONOR X9d 5G? Don’t dare to miss the big news, revelations, and updates. Catch its grand launch, live on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/17fq2PZZUZ/ on January 9, Friday, 6 PM, and have the chance to win the latest HONOR X9d 5G.   

    And is really HONOR giving away a Tesla Cybertruck? The answer will be coming your way very soon.  

    Join the conversation and find out. Visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal. 

    Check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide (https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/) or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop). 

  • HONOR starts 2026 with a toughness stunt

    HONOR starts 2026 with a toughness stunt

    Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines kicked off the first day of the year with another explosive launch. The HONOR X9d 5G is now officially set to arrive on January 9.

    The ultimate phone durability test has indeed become a tradition—but among the hundreds of videos circulating online, what does a Tesla Cybertruck have to do with #TheToughestPhone, the HONOR X9d 5G?

    It has been circulating online that HONOR Philippines is giving away a Tesla Cybertruck during the official pre-order period of its newest smartphone, the HONOR X9d 5G. However, after watching videos from media and influencers, one could say it’s much more than just a prize.

    HONOR X9d 5G vs. Tesla Cybertruck?

    Based on the videos online, it’s shaping up to be a battle between the toughest phone and the toughest car. The #AllAngleUltraDefense HONOR X9d 5G is set to take on the all-steel Tesla Cybertruck. It’s an intriguing matchup, and HONOR fans are ecstatic to learn more.

    Join the conversation and find out soon. Visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook(Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram(Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal.

    Check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide (https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/) or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).

     

  • The security product SMBs ignored just won hardware of the year

    The security product SMBs ignored just won hardware of the year

    Zyxel Networks, a leader in delivering secure and AI-powered cloud networking solutions, today announced that its USG FLEX 50HP Firewall has won Security Hardware of the Year at the 2025 PC Pro Excellence Awards.

    Now in its 28th year, this UK-based program is one of the industry’s most respected, recognizing products that deliver outstanding performance and real-world value through expert review.

    Unified Security for Modern Networks
    The USG FLEX 50HP was recognized for solving a key challenge for SMBs and MSPs: maintaining consistent security across hybrid environments.

    Unlike traditional firewalls that manage cloud and on-premises settings separately, the USG FLEX 50HP uses Zyxel Networks’ Nebula cloud platform and Smart Sync to bridge the gap.

    With Nebula serving as the centralized management layer, Smart Sync enables synchronized security policies, network objects, and high availability settings across cloud and on-premises environments.

    This ensures consistent protection while simplifying day-to-day operations. The USG FLEX 50HP combining comprehensive threat protection with cost-effective deployment, empowering SMBs and MSPs to adopt enterprise-grade security without operational or budget strain.

    Global Recognition from Independent Experts
    This UK honor follows a string of international achievements for Zyxel Networks’ security portfolio. Recently, Zyxel Networkswas rated “Champion” in the Network Firewall and VPN categories in Germany’s Techconsult PUR 2026 survey.

    Additionally, the USG FLEX H series demonstrated top-tier performance in independent testing by The Tolly Group in the United States.

    “Being named Security Hardware of the Year by PC Pro validates our focus on making security practical for SMBs and MSPs,” said Mr. Gary Chen, SEA Regional Head at Zyxel Networks.

    “This recognition reflects our commitment to providing robust, reliable solutions that are easy to manage in an increasingly complex threat landscape.”

  • Crypto deal boom signals Wall Street comeback after years in the cold

    Crypto deal boom signals Wall Street comeback after years in the cold

    Crypto industry dealmaking surged to record levels in 2025, marking a decisive shift toward maturity and scale as mergers, acquisitions, and public listings rebounded sharply across the sector.

    Data from PitchBook shows more than 265 crypto-related mergers and acquisitions were completed during the year, with total transaction value reaching $8.6 billion, nearly four times the activity recorded in 2024.

    At the same time, public market access reopened in a meaningful way, with 11 crypto companies completing initial public offerings that raised a combined $14.6 billion, compared with just $310 million from four IPOs a year earlier.

    The acceleration in exits reflects clearer regulatory frameworks, growing institutional participation, and stronger operating fundamentals among leading firms.

    Companies that successfully went public in 2025 generally demonstrated recurring revenue, clear product-market fit, and limited reliance on volatile token prices.

    Exchanges, stablecoin issuers, and infrastructure providers dominated the IPO class, signaling investor preference for predictable, scalable business models.

    Industry executives point to regulatory clarity, durable revenue visibility, and improved public-market readiness as key factors behind the reopening of the IPO window.

    The inclusion of Coinbase in the S&P 500 further amplified institutional interest and validated crypto as an investable sector for traditional asset managers.

    Mergers and acquisitions in 2025 also differed from prior cycles, shifting away from distressed sales toward strategic expansion.

    Buyers focused on acquiring licenses, regulatory approvals, distribution networks, and technical capabilities that would be costly or slow to build internally.

    Payments infrastructure, stablecoin platforms, wallets, and enterprise-grade tools were among the most sought-after targets, while Web2 companies increasingly used acquisitions as a faster entry point into crypto.

    Looking ahead to 2026, deal pipelines remain strong despite a slowdown in early-stage funding that could limit future acquisition targets.

    Analysts expect continued activity across regulated services, infrastructure, and payments, alongside greater use of SPACs, reverse takeovers, and token-based deal structures as the sector enters its next growth phase.

  • Why 2026 may be the entertainment industry’s biggest security test yet

    Why 2026 may be the entertainment industry’s biggest security test yet

    Artificial intelligence will be the primary driver of new security risks across the global entertainment industry in 2026, expanding the attack surface from ticketing and production to distribution, gaming, and regulatory compliance, according to Kaspersky’s latest Security Bulletin.

    Kaspersky’s analysis concludes that AI is no longer a peripheral tool but a core operational layer that both defenders and attackers will exploit, forcing studios, platforms, and rights holders to rethink risk management across creative and commercial systems.

    The firm warns that AI-driven ticketing systems will intensify competition between pricing algorithms and scalpers, enabling real-time demand analysis, large-scale bot deployment, and dynamic resale pricing that can undermine fixed-price strategies and artist controls in secondary markets.

    In content production, the growing use of cloud-based and AI-assisted visual effects tools is expected to widen supply-chain risk, as studios increasingly rely on smaller vendors and freelancers whose infrastructure may be less secure, creating new pathways for pre-release leaks of high-value assets.

    Kaspersky also flags content delivery networks as an emerging concentration risk, noting that unreleased episodes, game builds, and live streams are often centralized within a limited number of providers, making them attractive targets for AI-enabled reconnaissance, credential abuse, and configuration exploitation.

    Within gaming and fan communities, generative AI tools are expected to accelerate abuse patterns, including the circumvention of in-game safeguards, the creation of prohibited content, and the potential exposure of personal data through poorly governed training or fine-tuning processes.

    On the regulatory front, Kaspersky anticipates tighter rules around transparency, consent, and licensing for AI-generated and AI-trained content, driving the creation of internal AI governance roles responsible for compliance across production, marketing, and distribution workflows.

    The company advises entertainment organizations to treat AI systems and their underlying data as critical infrastructure, extend threat modeling to all AI-enabled processes, strengthen oversight of external vendors, harden CDN security monitoring, and implement strict governance for generative AI deployments to mitigate financial, legal, and reputational risk.

  • Why 2026 may be the entertainment industry’s biggest security test yet

    Why 2026 may be the entertainment industry’s biggest security test yet

    Artificial intelligence will be the primary driver of new security risks across the global entertainment industry in 2026, expanding the attack surface from ticketing and production to distribution, gaming, and regulatory compliance, according to Kaspersky’s latest Security Bulletin.

    Kaspersky’s analysis concludes that AI is no longer a peripheral tool but a core operational layer that both defenders and attackers will exploit, forcing studios, platforms, and rights holders to rethink risk management across creative and commercial systems.

    The firm warns that AI-driven ticketing systems will intensify competition between pricing algorithms and scalpers, enabling real-time demand analysis, large-scale bot deployment, and dynamic resale pricing that can undermine fixed-price strategies and artist controls in secondary markets.

    In content production, the growing use of cloud-based and AI-assisted visual effects tools is expected to widen supply-chain risk, as studios increasingly rely on smaller vendors and freelancers whose infrastructure may be less secure, creating new pathways for pre-release leaks of high-value assets.

    Kaspersky also flags content delivery networks as an emerging concentration risk, noting that unreleased episodes, game builds, and live streams are often centralized within a limited number of providers, making them attractive targets for AI-enabled reconnaissance, credential abuse, and configuration exploitation.

    Within gaming and fan communities, generative AI tools are expected to accelerate abuse patterns, including the circumvention of in-game safeguards, the creation of prohibited content, and the potential exposure of personal data through poorly governed training or fine-tuning processes.

    On the regulatory front, Kaspersky anticipates tighter rules around transparency, consent, and licensing for AI-generated and AI-trained content, driving the creation of internal AI governance roles responsible for compliance across production, marketing, and distribution workflows.

    The company advises entertainment organizations to treat AI systems and their underlying data as critical infrastructure, extend threat modeling to all AI-enabled processes, strengthen oversight of external vendors, harden CDN security monitoring, and implement strict governance for generative AI deployments to mitigate financial, legal, and reputational risk.

  • Can It Survive? The HONOR X9d 5G Ultimate Plane Drop Challenge

    Can It Survive? The HONOR X9d 5G Ultimate Plane Drop Challenge

    Starting the year with a total bang! Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines unveils its most explosive release yet—the HONOR X9d 5G.

    Positioned as the toughest mid-range smartphone of the year, the latest addition to the X Series is built to withstand extreme challenges while delivering powerful everyday performance.  

    Since the launch of the X9 Series in the Philippines in 2023, HONOR has built a reputation as an innovative technology brand known for putting smartphone durability to the ultimate test.

    From the debut of the HONOR X9a 5G—famously dropped under five feet and featured in viral smash tests—the ultra-tough HONOR X9b 5G, which endured an intense 50-foot drop, each generation has pushed the boundaries of what mid-range smartphones can withstand.  

    This legacy continued with the launch of the HONOR X9c 5G in January 2025, which quickly became the most anticipated device in the X Series, thanks to its Triple-Defense mechanism and headline-making helicopter drop test and Guinness World Records for “The Most People Performing a Mobile Phone Drop Test Simultaneously.  
     
    Now, HONOR raises the bar even higher. To prove the next evolution of toughness, the all-new HONOR X9d 5G was subjected to its most extreme challenge yet—an ultra-intense high-altitude drop test.  

    “Year after year, HONOR fans and consumers push us to go beyond expectations, and that inspires everything we do,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “The HONOR X9d 5G was designed with Filipino users in mind—combining toughness, innovation, especially value. Our extreme durability tests reflect our confidence in delivering a device that can keep up with real life challenges.”  

    And now the ultimate question remains—can the HONOR X9d 5G survive an extreme high-altitude drop from the plane? Let’s find out!  
     

    The Ultimate Phone Drop Challenge: Media VS HONOR X9d 5G 

    To ensure credibility and transparency, HONOR Philippines invited one of its trusted media partners, Gadget Pilipinas’ Editor-in-Chief Gian Viterbo, to take part in the ultimate phone drop challenge, releasing the device from an ultralight plane at a speed of 60 km/hr.  
     
    “I said YES to the ultimate phone drop test challenge as a consumer, because I was genuinely curious about the result. I knew the risks and factors at hand, and I really wanted to know if the HONOR X9d would really survive,” expressed by Gian Viterbo, EIC of Gadget Pilipinas.  

    Here is the full video to witness and see the ultimate durability phone drop test:https://bit.ly/HONORX9d5G_PlaneChallenge   

    Watch the Launch and Win HONOR X9d 5G 
     
    Interested to know more about the toughest phone, HONOR X9d 5G? Don’t dare to miss the big news, revelations, and updates. Catch its grand launch, live on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/17fq2PZZUZ/ on January 9, Friday, 6 PM, and have the chance to win the latest HONOR X9d 5G.   

    And is really HONOR giving away a Tesla Cybertruck? The answer will be coming your way very soon.  

    Join the conversation and find out. Visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal. 

    Check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide (https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/) or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop). 

  • TCL Super Drum C682: The 5 Must-Know Features Setting the New Laundry Standard

    TCL Super Drum C682: The 5 Must-Know Features Setting the New Laundry Standard

    TCL, the Philippines’ No. 1 Panel TV brand and a global leader in TV and air conditioner sales, has made laundry solution smarter, easier, and quicker with the arrival of TCL Super Drum C682.

    It’s a sophisticated laundry solution designed to maximize cleaning efficiency while prioritizing fabric care and user convenience. By integrating innovative technology and intelligent design, the TCL Super Drum C682 sets a new standard for modern home appliances.

    Built on the core philosophy of smart clean and supreme care, this washing machine transcends ordinary cleaning.

    It seamlessly combines a bigger drum, advanced stain removal, and intelligent features that perfectly adapt to your family’s needs, delivering everything from efficiency and convenience to superior fabric-friendly care.

    “The TCL Super Drum C682 truly is a game-changer. By injecting genuine intelligence into laundry technology, we are setting a new industry benchmark. This machine is engineered to surpass all expectations, guaranteeing superior cleaning performance and the most economical use of water and energy available,” says Eric Li, Senior Product Manager of Washing Machine and Refrigerator, TCL Philippines. 

    Here are the five key features that solidify the TCL Super Drum C682 as a game-changer in laundry technology. 

    1. The Ultra-Large 540mm Super Drum

    The defining feature of the C682 is its massive drum diameter. At 540mm drum, the Super Drum is significantly larger than standard washing machine drums.

    With more room for clothes to drop naturally, this ultra-large size reduces friction and tangling for improved fabric care. It ensures garments are handled gently, protecting them from damage and wear, especially delicate or bulky items. 

    This feature also gives superior washing performance that allows water and detergent to penetrate deep into fabrics more effectively, leading to a deeper, more thorough, and more hygienic clean for every load.

    Lastly, it is very ideal for large households with its increased volume that easily accommodates bulky items like comforters, blankets, and large loads of family laundry, reducing the number of cycles required.

    2. DD Inverter Motor Technology (Direct Drive)

    The C682 utilizes a Direct Drive (DD) Inverter Motor, eliminating the traditional belt mechanism found in conventional machines.

    This technological advancement translates directly into enhanced performance and longevity for exceptional durability and reliability with fewer moving parts, the risk of component wear and tear is dramatically reduced, leading to a longer lifespan for the machine.

    Furthermore, the direct drive mechanism significantly minimizes vibration and noise, making the C682 one of the quietest washers in its class—perfect for homes where laundry is done near living spaces or bedrooms.

    It also optimizes energy efficiency with its precise control offered by the inverter technology that controls the power consumption for the load size and wash cycle selected, leading to substantial savings on electricity bills.

    3. Smart Control and Auto Dosing

    The integration of intelligent functions makes the laundry process effortless, ensuring optimal results every time without guesswork with its automatic dosing system that highlights sensors that automatically calculate the precise amount of detergent and softener required based on the load size and soil level. This prevents wastage, avoids residue buildup on clothes, and guarantees the best possible clean.

    TCL Super Drum C682 is also created with smart features that allow users to control and monitor the washing machine remotely via the TCL Home app. You can start, pause, and track cycles, receive alerts, and even download specialized programs, adding a layer of convenience to busy modern schedules.

    4. Steam Wash + ActiveFresh Function

    In today’s hygiene-conscious world, the ability to sanitize fabrics is essential. The TCL Super Drum C682 addresses this need with its powerful steam wash feature with its deep sanitization giving high-temperature steam penetrates deeply into fabrics, effectively eliminating bacteria, allergens, and dust mites without relying on harsh chemicals.

    It also introduces steam to help relax fabric fibers, significantly reducing wrinkles and making the ironing process much easier, or in some cases, unnecessary.

    The TCL Super Drum C682 also has ActiveFresh Function that prevents moisture buildup, bad odors keeping the clothes fresh even if you forget to unload immediately. 

    5. Ocean Wave Pattern

    C682’s Drum has the upgraded Ocean-wave pattern design, making it more suitable for ultra-thin, large diameter washing machines. Ensures cleaner washing results while being gentler on clothes. 

    In essence, the C682’s Ocean-wave Drum speaks of a modern solution that addresses the conflicting demands of modern washing: achieving maximum cleanliness while minimizing wear and tear—all within a space-saving, high-capacity machine design.

    TCL Super Drum C682 comes in 2 color variants: white (exclusively sold at all SM Appliance stores) and gray available at all authorized TCL dealers. 

    Follow TCL Electronics on Instagram and  Facebook or check out https://www.tcl.com/global/en for more details on TCL Super Drum C682.

  • Tough phone, tougher challenge for HONOR

    Tough phone, tougher challenge for HONOR

    Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines kicked off the first day of the year with another explosive launch. The HONOR X9d 5G is now officially set to arrive on January 9.

    The ultimate phone durability test has indeed become a tradition—but among the hundreds of videos circulating online, what does a Tesla Cybertruck have to do with #TheToughestPhone, the HONOR X9d 5G?

    It has been circulating online that HONOR Philippines is giving away a Tesla Cybertruck during the official pre-order period of its newest smartphone, the HONOR X9d 5G. However, after watching videos from media and influencers, one could say it’s much more than just a prize.

    HONOR X9d 5G vs. Tesla Cybertruck?

    Based on the videos online, it’s shaping up to be a battle between the toughest phone and the toughest car. The #AllAngleUltraDefense HONOR X9d 5G is set to take on the all-steel Tesla Cybertruck. It’s an intriguing matchup, and HONOR fans are ecstatic to learn more.

    Join the conversation and find out soon. Visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook(Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram(Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal.

    Check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide (https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/) or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).

     

  • Why a midmarket firewall is suddenly winning over global experts

    Why a midmarket firewall is suddenly winning over global experts

    Zyxel Networks, a leader in delivering secure and AI-powered cloud networking solutions, today announced that its USG FLEX 50HP Firewall has won Security Hardware of the Year at the 2025 PC Pro Excellence Awards.

    Now in its 28th year, this UK-based program is one of the industry’s most respected, recognizing products that deliver outstanding performance and real-world value through expert review.

    Unified Security for Modern Networks
    The USG FLEX 50HP was recognized for solving a key challenge for SMBs and MSPs: maintaining consistent security across hybrid environments.

    Unlike traditional firewalls that manage cloud and on-premises settings separately, the USG FLEX 50HP uses Zyxel Networks’ Nebula cloud platform and Smart Sync to bridge the gap.

    With Nebula serving as the centralized management layer, Smart Sync enables synchronized security policies, network objects, and high availability settings across cloud and on-premises environments.

    This ensures consistent protection while simplifying day-to-day operations. The USG FLEX 50HP combining comprehensive threat protection with cost-effective deployment, empowering SMBs and MSPs to adopt enterprise-grade security without operational or budget strain.

    Global Recognition from Independent Experts
    This UK honor follows a string of international achievements for Zyxel Networks’ security portfolio. Recently, Zyxel Networkswas rated “Champion” in the Network Firewall and VPN categories in Germany’s Techconsult PUR 2026 survey.

    Additionally, the USG FLEX H series demonstrated top-tier performance in independent testing by The Tolly Group in the United States.

    “Being named Security Hardware of the Year by PC Pro validates our focus on making security practical for SMBs and MSPs,” said Mr. Gary Chen, SEA Regional Head at Zyxel Networks.

    “This recognition reflects our commitment to providing robust, reliable solutions that are easy to manage in an increasingly complex threat landscape.”