It looks like Samsung might be revisiting one of its more interesting camera experiments from the past. A new report out of Korea suggests the company is exploring the return of variable aperture on future Galaxy smartphones, possibly starting with the Galaxy S27 series.
According to Korean publication ET News, Samsung’s mobile division has asked Samsung Electro-Mechanics and MCNEX to begin developing smartphone-ready variable aperture systems. Industry sources quoted in the report describe Samsung as “strongly committed” to bringing the feature back, which suggests this isn’t just early-stage experimentation.
A feature Samsung already tried back in 2018
Variable aperture isn’t new for Samsung. The company introduced a dual-aperture system on the Samsung Galaxy S9, allowing the camera to switch between f/1.5 and f/2.4. It carried over to the Samsung Galaxy S10 before quietly disappearing with the Galaxy S20 lineup.
Galaxy S9 variable aperture system
For those unfamiliar, variable aperture allows the camera lens to physically adjust how much light enters the sensor.
A wider aperture (lower f-number) helps in low light and creates stronger background blur.
A narrower aperture improves sharpness and depth of field in bright conditions.
On Galaxy smartphones, most improvements over the last few years have come from processing algorithms rather than mechanical lens adjustments. Bringing back real optical control could give Samsung another tool to improve image quality, especially in challenging lighting.
Earlier rumors had suggested the feature might return with the Galaxy S26 series, but that now seems unlikely. The focus appears to have shifted to the Galaxy S27 lineup, which would likely arrive in early 2027 if Samsung sticks to its usual schedule. The feature would likely roll out exclusively on the Galaxy S27 Ultra to differentiate it from the rest of the lineup.
Interestingly, this development comes alongside separate rumors that Apple may introduce variable aperture on the iPhone 18 series, potentially in 2026 and possibly limited to Pro models.
If Samsung manages to refine the technology and keep the module slim, variable aperture could make a meaningful comeback in flagship smartphones. And for mobile photography enthusiasts, that’s at least something to keep an eye on.
The comments on the HONOR Magic8 Pro Air unboxing videos are full of praise for this phone, and I’m not at all surprised. It really is that good. Weighing just 155 g and boasting a 6.3-inch display, it’s even lighter than the so-called ‘Air’ phones on the market. It takes us back to the days when mobile phones were compact and easy to hold. If you’re tired of phones getting bigger and heavier every year, you’ll understand exactly why this device exists.
Design
For how thin and light it is, the Magic8 Pro Air doesn’t skimp on essential features at all. It has an IR blaster, NFC, stereo dual speakers, wireless charging, and even a physical SIM slot. Other than the USB 2.0 port, there’s barely a flaw to find. The triple-camera setup shifts its center of gravity slightly upward, but its ultra-light, compact build means you never feel that top-heavy awkwardness in your hand.
Honestly, I’ve never liked the feel of the iPhone Air. It’s way too thin—holding it feels like holding a piece of corrugated paper. The slightly thicker Magic8 Pro Air, on the other hand, delivers a far better hold. I know that might sound like an excuse, but it’s how I truly feel. And I’m a total fan of small phones—the Magic8 Pro Air is the tiniest among all Air phones. So yeah, HONOR built my dream phone.
Now, everyone has their own preferences. The iPhone Air is still the thinnest Air phone around, and it looks better too. But one thing’s undeniable: the Magic8 Pro Air blows the iPhone Air out of the water in specs. The most obvious win? It’s triple cameras.
Cameras
Of the Magic8 Pro Air’s three cameras, the ultra-wide is the weak link—everything else is flagship-grade.
The 3.2x telephoto lens is perfect for daily use, with a focal length that’s just right, not too long, not too short. Image quality is solid too; it’s barely different from the main cam in most cases. You just need a steady hand, though—any shake and the shot gets blurry fast. Even at 6.4x zoom, it still performs surprisingly well, and I’m really happy with that.
The main camera is flawless, right up there with other flagship phones. Colors are vibrant, and the bokeh effect is stunning. Since the telephoto lacks a macro mode and has a minimum focusing distance of nearly 50cm, the main cam takes on macro shooting duties. The ultra-wide can do macro, too, but neither camera delivers satisfying macro shots.
The ultra-wide is easily one of the phone’s biggest letdowns. It’s better than the 8MP ultra-wides on budget phones—50MP clearly boosts sharpness, and daytime shots look totally fine. But as soon as the light dims, image quality drops off a cliff around the edges. Video on the ultra-wide isn’t the best either; there’s a lot of frame tearing. Switch to the main cam, though, and all those issues disappear.
For a 155g phone, this camera performance is seriously impressive. A great main cam, a solid telephoto, a decent ultra-wide in daylight—it’s easily the best triple-camera Air phone you can get.
The camera’s quick-launch button? It’s not great. Just like the iPhone’s, it’s a struggle to switch to your desired focal length with it. And since it’s a capacitive touch button, not a physical one, the tactile feel is off. As an AI button, though, it’s pretty good. It basically does what Apple Intelligence promised in its launch ads—hold up the phone, and it tells you what you’re looking at. The only downside is the lack of customizability; most of the time, I forget it’s even there.
Performance
The Dimensity 9500 is one of the most powerful mobile chips currently available, so HONOR made the perfect call by putting it in the Magic8 Pro Air. I even think there’s a reason HONOR went with a MediaTek chip—they’ve clearly found a secret optimization formula. Its performance in Honkai: Star Rail is insane, with perfect power efficiency and frame rates that are almost scary good. We checked, no funny business here—its resolution is the same as other phones, over 900P.
We can’t guarantee it won’t throttle when it gets hot in summer, but I can say its gaming experience in winter beats a lot of flagships. No AI frame interpolation or AI super resolution, but this thing is basically a gaming phone in a compact body.
Display & Battery
The display tuning works perfectly with battery life. Daily streaming and scrolling look sharp and natural, and the screen’s power draw is super well-controlled—no excessive battery drain for the sake of better visuals. It strikes the perfect balance between experience and efficiency.
This screen handles gaming and media with ease, and it lays a great foundation for the phone’s battery life. Pair that with a large-capacity battery, and whether you’re a heavy gamer or a light daily user, you get all the battery life you need. A full day of normal use means no need to top up the battery constantly. Our real-world tests back this up: 15 minutes of Honkai: Star Rail uses just 6% battery, 20 minutes of high-load Genshin Impact only 5%. Even heavy gaming doesn’t eat through the battery fast, and light daily use keeps power drain super low.
Verdict
How many of you love the iPhone Air for its lightness and thinness, but hate the compromises—single speaker, no physical SIM, only one camera, and short battery life? Well, HONOR has the solution.
I’ll admit, the Magic8 Pro Air is an incredibly appealing phone. It’s cheaper than the iPhone Air in China, but it’s still a lot more expensive than I thought it would be. If it gets a $100 price drop down the line, this will be the perfect phone in the world—no exceptions.
After teasing the arrival for the past few days, the Oppo K14x 5G has gone official in India today. Designed to deliver power, performance and smoothness, a top-tier trio that defines OPPO’s promise of a worry-free, all-day experience, the device targets students, early jobbers, gamers and value-conscious users. Positioned as an entry-level model in the upcoming K14 series lineup, the smartphone focuses on battery life, everyday performance, and durability. Here is a look at what the phone offers.
Oppo K14x 5G specifications and features
Oppo K14x 5G
The Oppo K14x 5G features a 6.74-inch LCD display with HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and supports high brightness mode reaching up to 1,125 nits, improving visibility in outdoor conditions. On the front, the device houses a 5-megapixel selfie camera designed for video calls and basic photography needs.
On the rear, the handset carries a dual-camera system consisting of a 50MP primary sensor paired with a 2MP monochrome lens for portrait effects and depth information. The phone runs on ColorOS 15.0 based on Android 15, but there is no information about the phone’s update policy.
Under the hood, the device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, paired with up to 6GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of internal storage across variants. The phone is backed by a large 6,500mAh battery and supports up to 45W fast charging, helping users get through extended usage without frequent charging breaks.
Oppo K14x 5G
The device also includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric security and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones. Other specifications include an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.4, USB Type-C connectivity, and dual SIM support.
Oppo K14x 5G price in India, availability
The Oppo K14x 5G comes in two variants, with the 4GB+28GB model priced at Rs 14,999 (~$165) and the 6GB+28GB version priced at Rs 16,999 (~$190). Pre-orders have already started, and the device will be available via Flipkart, OPPO India’s website, and offline retail stores starting February 16. Buyers can choose between Prism Violet and Icy Blue colour options.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
On February 8, 2026, AGIBOT hosted AGIBOT NIGHT in Shanghai. The 60-minute event was livestreamed globally and featured humanoid robots as the sole on-stage performers and hosts. According to the company, this was the first large-scale live event in which robots led the entire program without human presenters.
Why AGIBOT Organized the Event
AGIBOT said the event was intended to show that embodied artificial intelligence systems are ready to operate beyond controlled laboratory and industrial environments. The company used the live format to test system stability, coordination across multiple robots, and sustained operation under real-world conditions. The event also explored how robots might function in social and cultural settings rather than purely technical roles.
Robot-Led Segments Including Dancing, and Comedy
The program consisted of robot-led segments such as group dance performances, runway-style walks, and choreographed routines requiring synchronized movement. Humanoid robots also handled hosting-style roles, including transitions between segments and on-stage interactions. Additional performances included comedy skits, music-based acts, and illusion performances, all carried out entirely by robots without human intervention.
Human–Robot Joint Performances on Stage
Several segments featured humans performing alongside robots. These included joint dance routines where humans and humanoid robots moved in synchronized patterns, as well as shared illusion and card magic performances. The segments required real-time alignment between human motion and robotic movement, highlighting coordination rather than pre-recorded or isolated demonstrations.
Performances Involving Multiple Robot Types
In addition to humanoid robots, quadruped robots participated in coordinated routines on stage. These performances involved interaction between different robot form factors, with humanoid and quadruped robots operating together in shared choreography and movement-based segments. Multiple robots performed simultaneously without visible interruptions.
Robot Models Demonstrated During the Event
AGIBOT used the event to showcase its range of robot platforms. Full-sized humanoid robots were used for hosting, navigation, and large-scale stage performances. Smaller humanoid models focused on expressive movement and interaction. Industrial humanoid robots demonstrated controlled manipulation capabilities, while quadruped robots were used for mobility-focused routines.
What the Event Demonstrated Technically
The company emphasized reliability over isolated technical feats. Robots operated continuously throughout the 60-minute program without resets or performance breaks. According to AGIBOT, more than 5,000 humanoid robots had been delivered globally by the end of 2025, positioning the event as evidence of scalable deployment rather than a one-off showcase.
Cultural Timing and Public Setting
AGIBOT NIGHT was held during the Chinese Spring Festival period, when entertainment events typically focus on family and shared experiences. By staging the event at this time, AGIBOT placed humanoid robots within a familiar cultural context, presenting them as participants in public life rather than industrial tools.
What This Signals for Humanoid Robotics
The event reflects a broader shift in the humanoid robotics industry toward systems capable of operating at scale in live, public environments. Rather than focusing on prototypes or controlled demos, AGIBOT NIGHT positioned humanoid robots as coordinated systems able to perform reliably in real-world cultural settings.
Vivo is expected to hold a launch event in March in China. The event is expected to see the arrival of the Vivo X300 Ultra, Vivo X300 Max, and the company’s first camera. In a new development, the upcoming Vivo Pad 6 Pro has received approval from the country’s 3C certification platform, indicating that it may also launch soon in China, probably at the March event.
Vivo Pad 6 Pro / iQOO Pad 6 Pro 3C certified
As can be seen above, two new tablets bearing the model numbers iPA2673 and PA2671 have received approval from the 3C authority in China. These could be the upcoming iQOO Pad 6 Pro and Vivo Pad 6 Pro, respectively. While the iQOO device has been spotted with a power brick that supports up to 80W charging, the Vivo Pad 6 Pro’s power adapter supports up to 90W charging.
To recall, the Vivo Pad 5 Pro was announced along with the Vivo X200 Ultra and Vivo X200s in April 2025 in China, whereas the iQOO Pad 5 Pro was announced in May. Therefore, it is likely that the iQOO Pad 6 Pro may debut around a month after the Vivo Pad 6 Pro.
According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the Vivo Pad 6 Pro / iQOO Pad 6 Pro will arrive with a 13-inch display and a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. In addition, these tablets are expected to pack huge batteries, but the exact capacity is not known yet.
Other details about these tablets remain under wraps. Like the Vivo Pad 5 Pro and iQOO Pad 5 Pro, their successor editions are expected to pack nearly identical specs.
In related news, the Vivo X300 Ultra’s standard version, which bears the model number V2547A, has also been approved by 3C. This comes close on the heels of the X300 Ultra Beidou Edition’s 3C certification, which was spotted earlier this week. Both devices have been listed with a 100W charger.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
OpenAI has started testing a new feature inside ChatGPT that could change how some users experience the platform. The company confirmed that a limited rollout has begun, with early feedback expected to shape future expansion and refinements.
OpenAI begins ChatGPT ad testing with privacy safeguards
Example of ChatGPT ad
The test currently applies to logged-in adult users in the US who are on the Free and Go subscription tiers. Paid plans such as Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Education will remain ad-free. According to OpenAI, advertisements will appear as clearly labelled sponsored placements that are visually separated from normal responses to avoid confusion. The company says answers generated by ChatGPT will remain independent and will not be influenced by advertisers.
During the trial phase, ads are matched with conversation topics, previous chats and past ad interactions to improve relevance. For example, someone discussing cooking ideas may see promotions related to food or grocery services. However, advertisers do not receive access to individual conversations or personal details, as OpenAI states that only aggregated performance data such as views and clicks is shared.
OpenAI says introducing ads helps support infrastructure costs and enables broader access to advanced AI features, especially for lower-cost or free users. The Go plan in the US costs $8 per month, positioning it as an affordable subscription alongside the free tier. Users who prefer an ad-free experience can switch to higher-tier subscriptions or opt out of ads with certain usage limitations.
The move has also sparked reactions within the AI industry, including criticism from competitors questioning how ads might affect user trust. OpenAI maintains that safeguards are in place, including restrictions preventing ads from appearing near sensitive topics such as health, politics or mental health. Users will also have control over ad settings, including dismissal options, feedback tools and the ability to manage personalisation preferences.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
iQOO announced the Z11 Turbo in China last month. It’s the company’s top-of-the-line smartphone powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. As usual, iQOO will also launch a few other models in the lineup, among which the iQOO Z11 and iQOO Z11x have now surfaced in the first set of leaks.
According to the fresh information shared by well-known tipster Digital Chat Station, the upcoming iQOO Z11 series has now been approved for network access, which usually means the launch isn’t too far away.
iQOO Z11 and Z11x Specificatoins
One of the devices carries the model number V2551A in the 3C listing, which is likely to be the standard iQOO Z11. The phone is said to ship with a 90W fast-charging adapter, paired with a battery estimated to be around 9,000mAh. If true, it would make the Z11 one of the largest-battery phones in its segment.
The phone is also expected to feature a large 1.5K LTPS display and a mid-range processor, suggesting iQOO is aiming for a balance between performance, battery life, and display quality rather than chasing flagship specs.
Alongside this model, the tipster also mentioned a second version that could be called the iQOO Z11x. This is said to feature a 6.76-inch FHD+ LCD display with a high refresh rate. The chipset is rumored to be the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4.
Interestingly, the use of an LCD panel seems to have sparked some reactions, with one user joking that releasing an LCD phone with a 7s Gen 4 chipset in 2026 feels like a “miracle.” Digital Chat Station responded humorously, calling it a “rare LCD.”
The conversation also briefly touched on other Vivo devices. When asked whether the upcoming vivo X300 Ultra might feature a 6,800mAh battery, the tipster responded with a clear “no.”
As always, none of this is official yet. We’ll keep you posted if anything becomes official.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Lenovo is starting to drip-feed details about the upcoming Legion Y700 (2026), and the biggest reveal so far is that it features a 165Hz display. But if you’re wondering why a tablet needs a 165Hz refresh rate, Lenovo has explained exactly this in a detailed post on Weibo.
According to Lenovo, the Legion Y700 (2026) features a 3K display with a resolution of 3040 x 1904 pixels, paired with a 409ppi pixel density. On paper, that is already premium territory.
But Lenovo knows that many people will look at the 165Hz number and ask an obvious question: Isn’t 120Hz already smooth enough?
Lenovo Legion Y700 (2026) 165Hz refresh rate is a choice for users
According to Lenovo, the answer lies in how refresh rates actually affect real-world use, especially gaming.
The company explains that a 60Hz display refreshes every 16.67ms, while a 144Hz display drops that interval to 6.94ms. At 165Hz, the refresh interval goes down further to 6.06ms. While those numbers may not sound dramatic, Lenovo argues that the difference becomes noticeable in fast, competitive games.
The company uses a familiar gaming scenario to make its point. In fast-paced shooters or MOBAs, quick camera movements, aiming, and map dragging can expose the limits of lower refresh rates. At lower refresh rates, these actions can introduce slight visual jitter or instability, which can throw off aiming or timing.
Lenovo says the biggest advantage of 165Hz is how it reduces that jitter to make moves feel smoother and more stable when it matters most.
Beyond smoothness, Lenovo claims 165Hz helps address ghosting and system latency, two common issues in competitive games. Faster refresh cycles mean moving objects appear clearer, with smoother edges, making it easier to track targets.
At the same time, a higher refresh rate also reduces the delay between a screen tap and the resulting visual change.
For non-gaming use, Lenovo says power consumption shouldn’t be a major concern. The Legion Y700 (2026) includes an intelligent refresh rate system that adjusts automatically. It ramps up during scrolling and motion, then drops down when reading or viewing static content to save battery life.
As for whether 165Hz is necessary for everyday tasks like browsing or reading comics, Lenovo’s answer is refreshingly honest: it’s subjective. The company suggests users simply try it and decide for themselves.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Among the two rumored flavors, Qualcomm is expected to bring LPDDR6 RAM and a full-fledged GPU for only the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro. A newly leaked block diagram now suggests the Pro chip may also have another exclusive feature: an HPB design.
According to a leak from China, Qualcomm is expected to adopt Heat Pass Block (HPB) technology, the same cooling method used in Samsung’s Exynos 2600. Instead of relying on more traditional layouts, HPB places a dedicated heat-spreading layer directly on top of the chipset package. The goal is to move heat away from the silicon faster, before it becomes a performance bottleneck.
Qualcomm’s recent chips have aimed for extremely high peak frequencies, with rumors suggesting the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro could reach even 6GHz. Sustaining those speeds has been a challenge in the past, often forcing the chip to throttle down once temperatures rise. HPB is designed to reduce that problem by giving the processor more thermal headroom.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro to use Package-on-Package memory
The schematic leak also reveals other technical details. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro appears to use a Package-on-Package (PoP) design, where memory is stacked closely with the processor to save space.
The chip supports both LPDDR6 and LPDDR5X RAM along with UFS 5.0 storage using two high-bandwidth lanes.
Beyond raw performance, the chip may also focus on productivity features. The leak hints at multi-display support, which could enable desktop-style experiences when phones are connected to external monitors.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro AI-generated image
If true, the leak suggests Qualcomm is seriously rethinking how it handles heat in its most powerful chips. Adopting HPB could help the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro maintain high performance for longer periods, instead of briefly hitting impressive numbers before slowing down.
That said, it’s still unclear whether this cooling solution will be exclusive to the “Pro” variant. There’s no confirmation yet that the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 will receive the same treatment.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Acer has launched a new Predator Orion 7000 gaming desktop in China featuring the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and RTX 5080 GPU. It is priced at 29,999 yuan ($4,333) on JD.com and follows last year’s global IFA debut of the RTX 5090 variant, now bringing the RTX 5080 option to China.
Acer Predator Orion 7000 Specifications
The system runs on Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K with 24 cores, including 8 performance and 16 efficiency cores, reaching boost clocks up to 5.7GHz. It integrates an NPU for accelerating AI tasks like gaming, productivity, and content creation. Acer pairs it with a Z890 chipset and sets a 200W PL1 power limit for sustained performance.
Graphics performance is handled by the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080, which comes with GDDR7 memory and supports DLSS 4 with multi-frame generation. The GPU delivers up to 1800 TOPS of AI computing power.
Acer uses its FrostBlade X360 thermal system to manage heat. The desktop features a 360mm all-in-one liquid cooler and three ARGB fans. The chassis includes panoramic tempered glass side panels with EMI shielding and 16.7 million color ARGB lighting, customizable through PredatorSense software. The build uses 85% PCR recycled plastic.
The system includes 64GB of DDR5-5600 memory and supports up to 128GB via four DIMM slots. For storage, it includes a 2TB SSD, one PCIe Gen5 M.2 slot, two Gen4 M.2 slots, and a hot-swappable SSD bay. There are also two 3.5-inch HDD bays for additional storage.
In terms of connectivity, the desktop includes Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen1 and Gen2 Type-A ports, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort outputs, RJ45 Ethernet, and Wi-Fi 6E. The top I/O section includes three USB-A 3.2 Gen1 ports, one USB-C 3.2 Gen1 port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. DTS:X Ultra support is available for spatial audio.
In related news, Alienware has recently launched the Area-51 desktop featuring AMD’s Ryzen 9000X3D processors, starting at $3,349. ASUS has also introduced the ExpertCenter P500 desktop equipped with a Ryzen 7 CPU and support for RTX 5060 graphics.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Audio-Technica has introduced the ATH-WP900SE, a limited-edition over-ear headphone designed to accurately reproduce the sound of string instruments, with a clear emphasis on guitars.
The ATH-WP900SE features solid ash wood earcups, a material widely used in electric guitars and basses. Each unit is finished in a three-tone sunburst lacquer inspired by classic guitar designs. The lacquer work is carried out individually by Japanese guitar manufacturer Fujigen, resulting in visible wood grain and a deep gloss similar to that found on musical instruments. This is the first time Audio-Technica has applied a guitar-style lacquer finish to its headphones.
At the core of the headphones are newly developed 53 mm dynamic drivers created exclusively for this limited edition. The acoustic structure has been tuned specifically for string instruments. A redesigned voice coil improves linear motion and control, while uniform airflow behind the driver helps reduce unwanted resonance and uneven vibration. Audio-Technica has also optimized the acoustic port shape to deliver tighter bass. The company says this setup allows clear reproduction of guitar contours, strong low frequencies, and natural sustain.
The ATH-WP900SE offers a frequency response range of 5 Hz to 50 kHz, a sensitivity rating of 98 dB/mW, 37 ohms of impedance, and a maximum power input of 1,000 mW. Despite the large driver size, the headphones weigh around 235 grams without the cable.
Comfort features include low-resilience memory foam used in both the headband and ear pads, wrapped in artificial leather to support long listening sessions. The earcups swivel flat, making the headphones easier to store in the included pouch.
Audio-Technica uses its A2DC detachable connector system for stable signal transmission. The box includes two 1.2 m cables: a 3.5 mm unbalanced cable and a 4.4 mm balanced cable for use with compatible headphone amplifiers and high-resolution audio players. Additional accessories include a Fujigen cleaning cloth for the lacquered wood housing and a handwritten serial number card.
Pricing & availability
The ATH-WP900SE is available for pre-order in Japan and is priced at 110,000 yen, or about $750. The official release date is February 20, 2026.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
ASUS Republic of Gamers has announced the ROG Strix Aiolos SSD Enclosure, a high-performance external SSD enclosure designed for users who need fast data transfers, stable thermals, and easy storage management. The enclosure is built for next-generation NVMe M.2 storage.
The ROG Strix Aiolos uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C interface and supports transfer speeds of up to 20Gbps. This allows quick movement of large game libraries, raw video files, and backups. The enclosure supports M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs in 2280, 2260, and 2242 form factors, as well as M.2 SATA SSDs with B+M key support. This dual compatibility allows users to install both newer NVMe drives and older SATA M.2 SSDs without needing a separate enclosure.
ASUS includes the ROG SSD Dashboard for storage management. The software provides real-time information on SSD status, performance levels, and key metrics through a dedicated interface designed for ROG enclosures. This gives users a clear view of drive health and operation without relying on third-party tools.
Thermal control is handled through a dual-layer cooling design. Inside the enclosure, a high-efficiency thermal pad pulls heat away from the SSD to help prevent performance drops during sustained workloads. The exterior is coated with a heat-resistant liquid silicone rubber layer that protects the enclosure from dust and smudges while keeping it cool to the touch during extended use.
The ROG Strix Aiolos also features customizable Aura RGB lighting, which can be controlled through a web-based interface. The tool-free push-to-open design allows quick SSD installation and removal. For portability, the enclosure includes a metal hook with a fabric tag that offers five times the tensile durability of the hook used on the ROG Strix Arion. ASUS also bundles an ROG strap and a braided cable for added durability.
The enclosure measures 115.5 x 46 x 15.12 mm and weighs 139 g. It supports Windows 10, Windows 11, and macOS 14.4 or later. Power is supplied via 5V DC. The operating temperature range is 0°C to 40°C, while storage temperatures range from -40°C to 60°C. ASUS has not yet announced pricing or availability details for the ROG Strix Aiolos.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Nothing seems ready to have a little more fun with its next round of products. In a recent teaser, the company hinted that both the upcoming Nothing Phone (4a) and Nothing Headphone (a) could arrive in five different colors. That’s a noticeable shift from the more limited white-and-black approach we saw with the (3a) series, and it suggests the brand may be leaning harder into personality this time around.
Nothing teases color options for Phone (4a) and Headphone (a)
The teaser itself is simple but clever. It forms the familiar “(a)” branding using dots in five colors: white, black, pink, yellow, and blue. It doesn’t explicitly confirm which product gets which shade, but it’s clear that color is going to be part of the story.
According to a previous report, the Headphone (a) could launch in white, black, pink, and yellow. That leaves blue as the likely standout option for the Phone (4a), possibly giving the mid-range device its own distinct look instead of overlapping entirely with the headphones.
Compared to the Nothing Phone (3a) lineup, which mostly stuck to safe tones, this would be a more expressive direction. It feels intentional.
Nothing Phone (3a) in Blue
As for specs, details are still limited, but there are a few expectations floating around. The Phone (4a) is rumored to feature a refreshed design, improved IP rating for better water and dust resistance, and upgraded internals. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s-series chip has been mentioned, alongside 12GB RAM and 256GB storage in at least one configuration.
There’s also talk of a price increase, possibly up to 30% higher than the previous model, reportedly tied to ongoing DRAM pricing pressures. Whether that sticks will likely depend on how component costs look closer to launch.
On the audio side, the Headphone (a) appears positioned as a more affordable alternative to the Nothing Headphone (1), which currently sits in the premium bracket. The new model is rumored to land around €159 and could include active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and even LDAC support.
Both devices are expected to launch in March, though Nothing hasn’t officially confirmed the date yet.
Discord will begin rolling out new teen safety features globally in early March, placing all new and existing users into a teen-appropriate experience by default unless they verify they are adults. The update introduces stricter content controls, limited access to age-gated spaces, and new communication rules designed to reduce unwanted contact while keeping user privacy intact.
Under the new system, sensitive images and videos will remain blurred unless a user is age-assured as an adult. Only verified adults can access age-restricted channels, servers, and app commands, speak on stage in servers, or change message request settings. Direct messages from people a user may not know will go into a separate inbox by default, and users will see warning prompts for friend requests from unfamiliar accounts.
To unlock adult features, Discord requires age verification through one of several methods. Users can choose facial age estimation using a video selfie that is processed entirely on their device, or submit a government ID to Discord’s verification partners. Identity documents are deleted quickly, usually immediately after age confirmation. Discord is also deploying an age inference model that runs in the background to help determine whether an account belongs to an adult, without always requiring manual verification. Some users may be asked to complete multiple steps if more information is needed.
Once verified, users receive confirmation via Discord’s official account. Age status is private and cannot be seen by others, and users can view or appeal their assigned age group at any time in account settings.
Discord previously tested this “teen-by-default” approach in the UK and Australia. The company says the global rollout builds on those results. Savannah Badalich, Discord’s head of product policy, said the goal is to give teens stronger protections while allowing verified adults more flexibility, adding that teen safety remains central to Discord’s product design.
Public reaction to the change has been mixed. Some users support tighter controls around messaging and content for teens. Others are concerned about privacy and mandatory age checks. Critics note that recent security incidents show Discord has struggled to keep user data safe. A breach of a third-party support provider in late 2025 exposed government ID photos and personal information for tens of thousands of users when attackers accessed age verification and support ticket data. Discord says about 70,000 users had their ID photos exposed and that it cut off the vendor’s access and is working with law enforcement, but some reports suggest the stolen data could be much larger. Users on social forums have expressed frustration that verification photos, said to be temporary, were still stored and then leaked, raising doubts about how secure the process really is.
The update follows similar moves across the industry. Instagram already places teens into stricter content and messaging settings by default. Snapchat keeps teen accounts private and limits how they can be discovered. TikTok has expanded AI-based age detection to flag underage users. Discord is also launching a Teen Council made up of 10 to 12 users aged 13 to 17 to advise on future safety features, policies, and tools.
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Getting a breath of fresh air is nearly impossible in Indian cities. With air pollution being a major health risk right now, air purifiers have slowly gone from “nice to have” to a necessity for every household. The market is flooded with plenty of options across different budgets that offer comparable performance for a cleaner air in your home. Among the wide variety of models, the Qubo Smart Air Purifier Q400 sits firmly in the budget segment, priced under Rs 10,000, and promises smart features without asking you to overspend. After using it as an everyday purifier, the Q400 feels like a product that knows exactly what it wants to be: practical, simple, and effective.
The Qubo Q400 makes a good first impression by not wasting your time. Unboxing is straightforward, and from opening the box to having it up and running, it takes about five minutes. There’s no complicated assembly, no confusing manuals, and no unnecessary steps.
The purifier itself is lightweight and easy to carry around, which matters more than you’d think. If you want to move it between the bedroom during the night and the living room during the day. This portability makes it especially appealing for smaller homes or apartments where one purifier often has to cover multiple rooms. It features a rather minimalistic design that is clearly not aiming to be a luxury appliance. But it doesn’t look out of place in a modern home.
2. Does It Actually Clean the Air?
Pre-Filter after 2 weeks
In daily use, Qubo Q400 gets the job done. It detects pollution spikes quickly and reacts almost immediately. Cooking smoke is a great real-world test, and the Q400 reliably picks it up within seconds, ramping up fan speed in Auto mode without manual intervention. In a small to medium-sized room, dust and airborne particulates get reduced in just about 10 to 15 minutes. You can “breathe” the difference, especially if you’re coming from outdoors. Auto mode works intelligently, adjusting fan speed based on air quality and even switching off when pollution levels drop.
3. Smart Features and App Experience
The Qubo Air App
The mobile app is one of the Q400’s stronger points. Qubo brings intuitive, responsive, and easy-to-understand, even if you’re not particularly tech savvy. You can monitor air quality, switch modes, adjust fan speeds, and schedule operations directly from this software on your phone.
Unfortunately, you’re not getting a dedicated screen that displays air quality. Instead, the Q400 uses color codes, namely Green, Yellow, and Red, to indicate air quality levels. For a deeper insight, the Qubo app gives you the finer details like AQI.
4. Sleep Mode and Noise Levels
Green indicates good air levels
Sleep mode deserves special mention because it’s genuinely quiet. Once enabled, the purifier fades into the background, making it suitable for overnight use even if you’re a light sleeper. There’s no distracting hum or sudden fan bursts.
5. What It Gets Wrong
Yellow indicates moderate air quality
The biggest omission is the lack of a numeric AQI display on the device itself. If you like glancing at exact air quality numbers, you’ll need to open the app every time. The color-coded system works, but it’s less informative than a proper display. Furthermore, there is no set standard with different brands having different colors to indicate air quality.
Room size is another limitation. The Q400 is best suited for small to medium rooms. If you’re expecting it to purify a large open living area or an open kitchen-living room combo, it may struggle to keep up. Lastly, while maintenance is simple, it does require some attention. Regularly cleaning the pre-filter is essential to keep performance consistent. It’s not difficult, but it’s something you can’t completely ignore.
6. Alternatives You Should Consider
Top view
If you want a purifier with a built-in numeric AQI display or support for larger rooms, there are other options to choose from. The Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite is slightly more expensive, but it offers such a display panel. There is also the Sharp FP-F40E-W that uses ions to neutralize airborne pollutants. You can even check out the Eureka Forbes 270 Air Purifier that brings 360° air intake technology and activated carbon.
7. Verdict: Should You Buy the Qubo Smart Air Purifier Q400?
The Qubo Smart Air Purifier Q400 is easy to recommend for what it is. At under Rs 10,000, it delivers reliable air purification, responsive Auto mode, quiet night-time operation, and a solid app experience. It doesn’t overpromise, and more importantly, it doesn’t underdeliver. If you live in a small to medium-sized home and want an affordable, smart purifier that works quietly in the background, the Q400 is worth your money. Just don’t expect premium design touches or advanced features like on-device displays.
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Ayaneo has revealed key specifications and features of the NEXT 2, its latest Windows handheld gaming device. Like many other handhelds on the market, this upcoming device will also be powered by an AMD Ryzen AI APU and will offer premium features like an OLED display, advanced cooling, and TMR joysticks.
Ayaneo NEXT 2 features
The NEXT 2 offers two AMD processor options: the Ryzen AI Max 385 for the base model and the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 for premium configurations. Ayaneo claims the Max+ 395 delivers discrete graphics-level performance. RAM and storage vary by processor, with other hardware specifications remaining consistent across models.
Display specifications include a 9.06-inch OLED panel with 2400 × 1504 resolution in landscape orientation. The screen features a high refresh rate for enhanced responsiveness during gameplay. Audio output comes through front-facing speakers, while navigation includes an 8-way D-pad and dual smart touchpads flanking the display.
Controls represent a key differentiator. The NEXT 2 introduces TMR joysticks with adjustable torque, a feature Ayaneo claims as industry-first for Windows handhelds. Hall Effect joysticks and Hall linear triggers with dual-mode locks provide additional input precision. Four programmable rear buttons enable ten-finger control configurations. A dual-fan cooling system manages thermal performance during intensive gaming sessions.
Pricing & availability
Pricing starts at $1,799 for early backers purchasing the 32GB/1TB Ryzen AI Max 385 model, increasing to $1,999 at retail. The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 configuration with 64GB RAM and 1TB storage costs $2,299. The flagship model featuring 128GB RAM and 2TB storage carries a $3,499 early bird price, jumping to $4,299 at retail launch. All versions ship exclusively in Polar Black.
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In interesting news, Toyota is building its own game engine for the screens inside your car.
Toyota Connected North America, the subsidiary responsible for in-vehicle connectivity, has announced a new gaming engine called Fluorite. It’s designed specifically for automotive systems, where hardware is often less powerful than a typical smartphone or laptop.
What is Toyota’s Flourite engine?
Fluorite is written in C++ and is built to work closely with Google’s cross-platform UI framework, Flutter. That means developers can use Flutter’s Dart language and high-level APIs to build interactive experiences, including games and 3D interfaces, without needing heavy, traditional game engines.
According to Toyota, the engine is optimized to deliver strong performance even on low-end or embedded hardware. It also supports modern graphics APIs like Vulkan, which allows the system to get close to the device’s full hardware-accelerated performance.
Fluorite also brings some developer-friendly features. It supports a hot reload system similar to Flutter, letting developers see changes within a few frames instead of waiting through long build times. The engine also supports model-based trigger areas, so artists can define touch or click interactions directly inside tools like Blender.
Why does Toyota need a game engine?
So why does a car company need its own game engine?
Toyota says the project started as an attempt to build 3D user interfaces for future vehicles. The team looked at established engines like Unity, but found them too heavy for embedded automotive systems. Licensing costs were also a concern. In the end, building a lightweight, in-house solution made more sense.
More importantly, Toyota is marketing Fluorite as a fully featured open-source engine. As a result, even if the automaker won’t work on games, it gives an opportunity to independent and enthusiast developers.
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Apple may not be planning much of an upgrade for the iPhone 17e, at least if the latest leaks are to be believed. According to a Weibo leaker and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the next “e” model could end up being more of a quiet refresh than a meaningful redesign.
Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo claims the iPhone 17e is essentially the iPhone 16e with one major internal change: the new A19 chip. The leaker says there are no notable updates to the display, Face ID system, or overall hardware features.
In fact, they go as far as saying Apple hasn’t even changed the phone’s mold, which means the physical design and dimensions will remain the same.
That assessment lines up closely with what Mark Gurman is reporting. In his latest comments, Gurman largely confirms that the iPhone 17e will focus on internal upgrades rather than visible changes.
The changes are all internal
The phone is expected to run on the A19 chipset and will reportedly gain MagSafe support. The latter was missing from the iPhone 16e and was a common point of criticism from users.
iPhone 16e
Beyond the processor, Gurman says the iPhone 17e will also feature Apple’s latest in-house wireless technology, including the C1X cellular modem and the N1 wireless chip. These upgrades fit Apple’s ongoing strategy of reducing its reliance on third-party suppliers.
Design-wise, the iPhone 17e will still skip the Dynamic Island and stick to a notch-style layout like the 16e. Expect no dramatic visual changes, and likely the same screen size and overall look.
As for pricing, both Fixed Focus Digital and Gurman suggest there will be no increase. If true, the iPhone 17e will launch at the same $599 price point as its predecessor. Gurman also notes that the launch could happen soon, with one leak pointing to a February 19 debut.
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XElectron has launched the iProjector 3 Plus in India. The new smart projector supports native Full HD resolution and 4K content decoding. It runs official Google TV and is priced at ₹27,990 ($308). The projector is now available through Amazon, Flipkart, and select offline retail partners, and includes a one-year manufacturer warranty.
XElectron iProjector 3 Plus Specifications
The iProjector 3 Plus features a native 1080p display with a brightness rating of 2000 ANSI lumens. It can project screen sizes from 55 inches up to 300 inches. The projector supports HDR10 content and is designed for both daytime and nighttime viewing across a variety of home lighting conditions.
It runs official Google TV out of the box. Users can access more than 10,000 certified apps including Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, JioCinema, ZEE5, and SonyLIV. The system supports Google Assistant for voice search, along with built-in Google Cast and Google Photos.
XElectron has integrated several automatic calibration features into the projector. It includes Auto Focus, Auto Keystone Correction, Auto Obstacle Avoidance, Auto Tilt Correction, and Auto Screen Fit. These features help adjust image alignment and sharpness automatically when the projector is moved or repositioned.
The iProjector 3 Plus uses a fully sealed optical engine to prevent dust from entering critical components. This design helps maintain image clarity over long periods of use. The projector includes built-in 20W speakers tuned with a passive bass radiator and supports Bluetooth 5.4, allowing it to function as a wireless speaker or connect to external audio systems.
For connectivity, the projector includes dual-band Wi-Fi 6, 2 x HDMI ports, 2 x USB ports, LAN, AV input, Audio Out, and HDMI ARC. The projector also supports wireless screen mirroring via AirPlay and Miracast.
The Huawei Pura X2 is expected to launch in China soon. The phone was initially pegged for a March debut; however, recent reports have said the launch has been pushed back to April. Now, A new leak has shared more details about the upcoming foldable.
According to tipster Experience more (体验more on Weibo), the device will feature a 7.69-inch inner display with a WQHD+ resolution. The outer display is said to measure 5.5 inches. This is a clear upgrade over the original Huawei Pura X, which came with a 6.3-inch inner screen and a much smaller 3.5-inch cover display.
The leak also claims that the Pura X2 will be powered by Huawei’s Kirin 9030 chipset. In addition to the larger displays, the foldable is expected to gain a telephoto camera, which was not highlighted in earlier leaks. Previous reports have already suggested that the device will offer high-end memory and storage options, with configurations going up to 20GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage. The Pura X2 is also said to run HarmonyOS 6.1 and launch in multiple color options, including blue, black, green, orange, purple, and white.
While the original Pura X was announced in March 2025, a Chinese tech blogger has claimed that the Pura X2 could be unveiled around April instead, ruling out an early Q1 launch. There is also a chance that Huawei may introduce its Pura 90 flagship series before the Pura X2.
Other leaks have suggested that the main display could feature a 16:10 aspect ratio, along with a larger outer screen. The phone is also rumored to feature a total of four cameras, including a triple rear setup with a 200-megapixel main sensor. The phone is also reported to arrive in many shades, including white, green, orange, blue, black, and purple.
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