Tech roundup: MacBook Air M3, Nothing Phone (2a), and other March gadget releases

MacBook Air M3

Apple's proclaimed best-selling laptop just got a refresh. The MacBook Air has been fitted with the tech giant's M3 chip, the proprietary processor used for the 2023 MacBook Pro and 2023 iMac.

Two versions of the MacBook Air have been released, 13- and 15-inch models. Aside from being thin at 1.13 cm and light at 1.24 kg, the laptop also features 18 hours of battery life, a Liquid Retina Display with support for two external displays, MagSafe charging, a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, and Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.

Coming in Silver, Starlight, Space Gray, and Midnight, the MacBook Air M3 starts at P69,990 with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD.

OPPO Reno11 F

Looking for a smartphone with a unique design? OPPO is adding a new device to its Reno11 series lineup: the Reno11 F 5G, launching on March 12.

This upcoming smartphone will be lightweight and thin at 7.54mm and 177g. Its other specs include a 120Hz AMOLED display, 64MP triple camera, MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chip, and a 5,000mAh battery with 67W SUPERVOOC charging.

The OPPO Reno11 F is launching on March 12, so keep your eyes peeled for its price.

Phonak Lumity series

Manila Hearing Aid and Phonak have brought a new generation of lifestyle-centric hearing aids, the Lumity series, to the Philippines.

First from the range is the Phonak Slim Lumity, which ditches the traditional bulky design usually seen in hearing aids. This device has an ergonomic shape so it nestles behind the ear of the wearer and comes with features such as improved speech understanding and AutoSense OS 5.0 so listening adapts to different environments. It also comes with a charging case—just like popular earbuds of today.

For those with moderate to severe hearing loss are the Phonak Naida Lumity and Phonak Audéo Life Lumity, which also have AutoSense OS 5.0 and Speech Enhancer. Meanwhile, the Phonak CROS Lumity is built for those with hearing loss in one ear as it integrates with compatible hearing aids to amplify sounds from the unaidable ear to the good ear wearing the hearing aid.

Sony BURANO Camera

For filmmakers, Sony Philippines has brought the BURANO Camera, a device part of the brand's CineAlta digital cinema lineup.

This shooter is the ultimate tool for single-camera operators and smaller film crews. It features an 8.6K full-frame sensor with dual base ISO of 800 and 3200, 16 stops of latitude, and image stabilization for PL and E-mount lenses.

Nothing Phone (2a)

The Nothing Phone (2a) is positioning itself as a flagship killer as this budget phone is equipped with a 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED display, 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging, MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chip, and a 50MP dual rear camera.

Like its previous iterations, the Nothing Phone comes with a unique-looking back that looks as if it's transparent. There are also strips of LED that light up near the camera.

The Nothing Phone (2a) will be available in Black and Milk for P18,990 for the 8GB/128GB model and P20,990 for the 12GB/256GB version.

Igloo and Lazada protection plans

In addition to gadgets, regional insurance tech company Igloo and e-commerce platform Lazada are offering Filipino shoppers protection plans for their electronics and beauty products purchases online.

Now, when a user is finalizing their payment on Lazada, they will be shown a tailored insurance plan for their cart. The electronic and gadget protection insure purchases from accidental and liquid damage and loss due to robbery and theft.

Meanwhile, product liability protection addresses issues with beauty products, giving consumers a defense against chemical burns and severe allergic reactions from product use.