When you think of a watch built for the outdoors, Casio‘s G-Shock is likely the first thing that comes to mind. It has been the practical standard for decades.
But Apple has been steadily carving out its own space in this category, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 shows just how serious the company is about the rugged wearable market.
Choosing between the two isn’t just about comparing spec sheets; it’s about deciding what kind of tool you actually need on your wrist when you head outside.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 sticks to its familiar titanium case, which is now available in a black finish alongside the natural titanium. It’s built well, featuring MIL-STD 810H certification, IP6X dust resistance, and 100 meters of water resistance.
It comes with a new LTPO3 OLED display, has thinner borders, and gets bright enough, up to 3,000 nits, to read clearly in harsh, direct sunlight. Apple also pairs this with activity-specific bands, like the reflective Trail Loop or the Scub’H Diving band.
Casio takes a distinctly different approach to durability. G-Shocks rely on thick resin bezels, carbon core guards, and deeply recessed screens to absorb impacts. While the Ultra 3 is tough, it still has a large, exposed glass surface that can scratch or crack if you hit it against a rock at the wrong angle.
The G-Shock is designed so that the screen rarely takes a direct hit. It’s a more forgiving design if your daily routine involves heavy manual labor, climbing, or environments where your wrists take a lot of bumps.
This is where the two watches diverge the most. The Ultra 3 is essentially a standalone communication and health device. Running watchOS 26, it offers 5G connectivity and a new two-way satellite communication feature for when you lose cell service, which is a genuine safety benefit for hikers and backpackers. It’s also a comprehensive health tracker, introducing hypertension notifications, detailed sleep scores, and an AI-assisted Workout Buddy alongside standard features like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring.
G-Shocks, meanwhile, offer a wider spectrum of utility depending on what you buy. The traditional models are straightforward, giving you the time, alarms, timers, and maybe a compass or barometer. However, Casio also makes a range of smarter G-Shocks that bridge the gap.
These hybrid models offer Bluetooth smartphone syncing, step tracking, heart rate monitoring, and GPS. They provide the core data a runner or hiker might want, without the constant ping of notifications or the complexity of managing a full smartwatch operating system.
3. Battery Life
Battery life is often the deciding factor for outdoor gear. Apple has improved the Ultra 3’s battery management, offering about 42 hours of regular use and up to 72 hours in a low-power mode.
The new fast charging is helpful, 15 minutes on the charger gets you about 12 hours of use, but you still need to remember to pack a proprietary charger and a power bank for weekend camping trips.
G-Shocks are much lower maintenance. Standard battery models last for years, and Casio’s solar-powered options can keep ticking indefinitely as long as they get regular sunlight.
Even the smarter G-Shocks equipped with fitness tracking and heart rate sensors can often go weeks between charges. If you don’t want to worry about your watch dying on a trail, Casio has a clear advantage.
4. Which One is Right for You?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Casio G-Shock serve different needs. The Ultra 3 is for people who want deep health insights, reliable connectivity, and modern safety features like satellite messaging and crash detection. It’s a highly capable device, provided you are willing to charge it every couple of days.
The G-Shock, whether you opt for a basic model or one with smart fitness tracking, is for those who prioritize reliability and simplicity. It’s a watch you can put on, take into the mud, and largely forget about until you need to check the time or your heart rate.
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Asus has unveiled the new Vivobook 15 (2026) in India, bringing an AI-ready laptop designed for everyday work, learning and entertainment. Alongside the launch, the company has also announced special offers across its consumer, gaming and creator laptop lineup during Amazon Prime Day and the Flipkart GOAT Sale.
2026 Asus Vivobook 15 specifications and features
The Asus Vivobook 15 is the first laptop in India to feature Intel’s Core 5 Series 3 processor. The chip includes an integrated Intel AI Boost NPU capable of delivering up to 16 TOPS for AI-powered Windows experiences. The laptop features a 15.6-inch Full HD anti-glare display, 16GB DDR5 RAM and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, while security and convenience features include a fingerprint reader, a privacy shutter for the HD webcam and a dedicated Copilot key on the backlit keyboard.
Asus has also equipped the laptop with MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability, and despite the large display, it weighs only 1.7kg. The Vivobook 15 will be available in Cool Silver, Quiet Blue and Terra Cotta colour options.
The Asus Vivobook 15 (2026) carries an MRP of Rs 1,59,990 but will be available at a launch price of Rs 1,07,990. It will be sold exclusively through Amazon and Flipkart. It has also introduced the TUF Gaming A15 Prime Day Special, powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics. It features a 15.6-inch Full HD 144Hz display, 16GB DDR5 RAM and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD, and is priced at Rs 1,18,990 during the sale.
Prime Day and GOAT Sale offers
Alongside the new launches, Asus is offering discounts of up to 55 percent across a wide range of laptops during Amazon Prime Day and the Flipkart GOAT Sale.
Buyers can also avail instant bank discounts of up to Rs 6,000, exchange bonuses of up to Rs 20,000 and no-cost EMI options for up to 18 months on select models. The offers cover several Vivobook, Zenbook, TUF Gaming and ROG laptops across different price segments.
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OnePlus is working on a couple of new flagship phones for the Chinese market. Apart from the OnePlus 16, the company is also expected to introduce the Ace 7 series in China. Today, reliable tipster Digital Chat Station shared key details about what appears to be the upcoming Ace 7 lineup.
OnePlus Ace 7 key details tipped
According to the leak, engineering prototypes are currently being tested with both the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (SM8850) and a custom variant of the same chip with the model number SM8850Q. The prototypes are said to feature a 6.78-inch 1.5K flat display with an exceptionally high 185Hz refresh rate, a massive battery of around 9,000mAh, 100W or 120W fast charging, active fan cooling, and a minimalist design. These specifications align with the Ace 7 leak the same source shared back in May, although the earlier leak did not mention the SM8850Q chip.
The tipster further claims that the Pro variant may also include a 50-megapixel 3.5x periscope telephoto camera based on Samsung’s JN5 sensor, although this specification has reportedly not been finalized. To recall, the Ace 6 lineup included three models: the OnePlus Ace 6 (Snapdragon 8 Elite), OnePlus Ace 6T (Snapdragon 8 Gen 5), and OnePlus Ace 6 Ultra (Dimensity 9500). As the previous generation did not include a Pro model, it appears that the company could be planning to launch the OnePlus Ace 7 Pro.
Last month, the same source revealed details about another upcoming Ace-series phone. Since it is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 6, it could launch as the OnePlus Ace 7T in China. A tweaked version of the device may debut globally under the OnePlus 16R branding. The Ace 7T is also expected to feature a 1.5K 185Hz LTPS OLED display, but the rest of its specifications remain under wraps.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Samsung looks set to make its clever Privacy Display technology a standard feature across the entire Galaxy S27 series in 2027. According to reports from TheElec, every model in the lineup, including the S27, S27 Plus, S27 Pro, and S27 Ultra, will get the feature. The more affordable S27 FE is expected to be the only one left out. This is a major expansion from the Galaxy S26 series, where Privacy Display was available only on the Ultra model.
Samsung first introduced the tech on the S26 Ultra using something called Flex Magic Pixel. It works by dynamically controlling the OLED screen so that people viewing from the side see a darkened display, while the person in front gets a clear view. It’s a great defense against shoulder surfers in public.
The first version was popular but had some early teething issues with consistency. Those problems have reportedly been sorted out. For the S27 series, we’re expected to see a refined second-generation version that delivers a smoother and more reliable experience.
One industry source noted that making Privacy Display standard across the flagships shows how important the feature is to Samsung. It’s no longer just an Ultra exclusive but a core part of the premium Galaxy experience.
This move could give Samsung a meaningful edge, especially against Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 series. In a world where people are increasingly protective of their data, being able to shield your screen from prying eyes in cafes, trains, or meetings is genuinely useful.
The S27 lineup (expected early next year) will also introduce a new compact “Pro” model. While we’re still waiting for full specs, the wider rollout of Privacy Display is easily one of the most interesting upgrades so far.
As privacy concerns continue to grow, features like this could play a bigger role in buying decisions. Samsung seems confident the technology is now mature enough to become a selling point across its flagship range — and it might just push the rest of the industry to follow.
The battle among AI companies is increasingly shifting toward hardware that powers advanced models, with Anthropic eyeing custom chip development in collaboration with Samsung, according to a report from The Information.
This is not a sudden move from Anthropic. Back in April, the AI company was weighing the idea of producing its own AI chips in response to insulate its infrastructure from chip shortages. Now, it appears the company is finally moving ahead with this idea.
Anthropic hasn’t yet finalized what the chip will be used for and the level of computing performance it aims to deliver, according to the report. While the company declined to confirm any partnership with Samsung, it told TechCrunch that their “diversified hardware stack that includes chips from Google, Amazon, and Nvidia will continue to be pivotal to its compute strategy.”
Anthropic’s move to build its own chips isn’t very surprising, as many AI companies have been doing so either to cater to specific compute tasks or to gain some independence from Nvidia. However, the timing of this reported collaboration is more important.
Anthropic’s biggest rival, OpenAI, recently unveiled its own custom inference chip developed in partnership with Broadcom. OpenAI says this chip, dubbed “Jalapeño,” is more efficient and achieves significantly better performance-per-watt in early testing compared to leading general-purpose AI GPUs. This could have triggered Anthropic to pace its custom chip development efforts.
Samsung is a key player in the AI supply chain. The South Korean giant is a major partner of Nvidia, producing chips that the company needs for training and deploying advanced AI models. Nvidia’s software tools also play a crucial role in the manufacturing process.
Samsung is working with Nvidia on an AI chip factory in South Korea and is reportedly in discussions with Google about chip manufacturing. The company has already secured orders from Tesla for manufacturing its next-generation AI chips.
The Redmi 17 5G appears to be inching closer to its global debut as it has surfaced on two certification platforms. While one listing confirms the handset’s identity, another reveals several important hardware details, giving us a better idea of what to expect before Xiaomi makes anything official. The development was first spotted by XpertPick.
SIRIM and NCC listings reveal key details
Refmi 17 5G NCC listing
The upcoming Redmi 17 5G, carrying the model number 26062RN92G, has been approved by Malaysia’s SIRIM certification platform. Although the listing only confirms the device’s marketing name and model number, its appearance suggests that the smartphone is being prepared for international markets.
It also reveals that Redmi has skipped the Redmi 16 branding and will move directly from the Redmi 15 series to the Redmi 17 lineup. The same handset has also been certified by Taiwan’s NCC authority, which discloses much more about the device.
According to the NCC database, the Redmi 17 5G is expected to arrive in four memory configurations. Buyers may get options including 4GB+64GB, 4GB+128GB, 4GB+256GB and 8GB+256GB. The certification also confirms the battery model number BM7H and the bundled charger bearing the model number MDY-17-EN.
Information cross-checked with the earlier TÜV certification indicates that the Redmi 17 5G could pack a large 7,500mAh battery. The included charger is expected to support up to 45W fast charging. If this turns out to be accurate, it would be an upgrade over the Redmi 15 5G, which offered a 7,000mAh battery with 33W charging.
Coming back to the NCC listing, the Redmi 17 5G will be equipped with connectivity features, such as 5G, 4G LTE, VoLTE, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC and a USB Type-C port. The certification further points to an IP64-rated design for protection against dust and water.
While Redmi is yet to announce an official launch date, these certifications suggest that the Redmi 17 5G could make its global debut in the near future.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Content creators and filmmakers looking for high-quality audio in a tiny package now have a strong new option. DJI just launched the Mic Mini 2S, a compact wireless microphone system that delivers pro-level features without weighing you down.
What really stands out is its support for 32-bit floating-point internal recording. This means it can capture everything from quiet whispers to sudden loud sounds without distortion or clipping, giving you much more flexibility when editing later. The transmitter has a generous 14.5GB of built-in storage, which supports up to 28 hours of loop recording. You can record in raw format for detailed post-production or processed files if you want something ready to use right away.
The transmitter is incredibly light at just 12 grams. It features a detachable magnetic clip that rotates and a removable front cover, so you can easily customize it. It comes in Obsidian Black and Cloud White, with extra color options and windproof fur covers available separately.
The noise reduction system has two modes: Weak for indoor spaces (great for cutting fan noise or echo) and Strong for outdoor environments with traffic or wind. Battery life is solid too, with up to 11 hours on the transmitter and 10 hours on the receiver. The charging case pushes total usage to around 40 hours, and fast charging gives you about an hour of use from just five minutes plugged in. You can even use the transmitter by itself as a standalone voice recorder.
On the connectivity side, one receiver can pair with up to four transmitters (including older DJI models), and it supports mono, stereo, or quad track output, which is super useful for editing. It works directly with DJI’s Osmo Pocket 4, Action 6, and other devices in their ecosystem, plus it supports Bluetooth connections to phones. The transmission range goes up to 400 meters in ideal conditions.
Pricing and availability
In China, DJI is offering several bundles:
One-to-two charging case kit: 1199 yuan (roughly €154 at the current exchange rate)
1-to-1 bundle: 629 yuan
Phone-to-phone kit with case: 629 yuan
Single transmitter: 399 yuan (~ €51)
Special artist collaboration magnetic covers: 199 yuan
While the Mic Mini 2S is expected to launch in global markets soon, DJI hasn’t announced official pricing for regions outside China yet.
The Oppo Find X10 Ultra is still some time away from its expected debut, but leaks surrounding the flagship have already started surfacing. A new tip from a reliable source suggests Oppo is testing one of its most advanced camera systems yet, with a particular focus on long-range photography.
Oppo Find X10 Ultra camera specifications tipped
According to tipster Digital Chat Station, Oppo is testing a flagship smartphone with a dual periscope telephoto camera setup. While he did not specify the phone’s name, it appears that he could be talking about the Find X10 Ultra.
The prototype is said to feature a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with an approximately 1/1.3-inch sensor, accompanied by a 50-megapixel periscope super telephoto camera with an approximately 1/1.95-inch sensor, which is said to support 10x optical zoom. In the comments section of the post, the tipster added that the final 200-megapixel telephoto sensor has not yet been decided, with another HP-series sensor remaining under consideration.
The tipster also revealed that Oppo had previously evaluated an even larger 1/1.12-inch sensor for the 200-megapixel periscope camera during the early stages of development. However, that configuration is still under evaluation and has not been finalized.
Previous reports claim the Oppo Find X10 Ultra could feature a 6.89-inch 2K LTPO BOE display with ultra-narrow symmetrical bezels and support for the BT.2020 colour gamut. It is also expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s forthcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chipset, which is likely to be manufactured using TSMC’s 2nm process. The flagship is tipped to pack a battery exceeding 7,000mAh, with some rumours pointing to a capacity of around 8,500mAh.
Oppo Find series Product Manager Zhou Yibao has already confirmed that the Find X10 Ultra will not launch in 2026. Based on current leaks, the device is expected to debut in the first quarter of 2027, while the standard Find X10, Find X10 Pro, and Find X10 Pro Max are expected to arrive between September and October 2026.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Xiaomi was expected to release Android 17 soon, with a new HyperOS 4 custom skin on top, but now it seems the company may have different plans. Leaked internal firmware files for Xiaomi’s latest flagship phones suggest the company may be developing HyperOS 3.3 based on Android 17.
The Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra have been spotted (via Ximitime) with an unreleased HyperOS 3.3 firmware version, based on Android 17. While these are internal engineering builds and not intended for public release, they suggest Xiaomi may be testing them behind the scenes for a wider release later this year.
Xiaomi 17: OS3.0.330.11.XPCCNXM
Xiaomi 17 Ultra: OS3.0.330.8.XPACNXM
Interestingly, these builds have no mention of HyperOS 4, which was expected to be released with Android 17. However, since the new firmware is still under internal testing, I’d wait for more concrete details before reaching a conclusion.
That wait isn’t going to be much longer, as the next major HyperOS version, based on Android 17, has been officially confirmed for release in July or August. Ahead of the release, we can expect official teasers that should reveal whether it’s HyperOS 3.3 or HyperOS 4.0 coming to your phone.
Regardless of the HyperOS versions, we expect to see major upgrades to personal intelligence, new UI elements, deeper liquid glass UI integration, and plenty of under-the-hood improvements to make the system faster and more responsive. So, there’s a lot to look forward to with the upcoming HyperOS update.
In case you haven’t checked whether your Xiaomi device is eligible for the next big HyperOS 4 update, check out the complete list on this page.
We’ll keep you posted as we receive fresh details. You can visit the Xiaomi section on this website to stay updated, or simply join our Telegram channel to receive instant notifications.
The Redmi Note 17 series has already been officially confirmed to launch in China later this month. Meanwhile, several reports have claimed that the Redmi K100 series could debut as early as August in China, significantly earlier than the October 2025 debut of the Redmi K90 lineup. However, it now appears that the most powerful model in the K100 series may not launch this year.
Redmi K100 Pro Max launch timeframe (rumored)
According to tipster Digital Chat Station, a Redmi flagship powered by Qualcomm’s upcoming 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series flagship chipset is currently undergoing testing and is tentatively scheduled to launch in the first half of 2027. The tipster did not reveal the device’s marketing name, but it could be the rumored Redmi K100 Pro Max, which is expected to sit at the top of the K100 lineup.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series chipset is expected to be fabricated on TSMC’s 2nm N2P process and feature Qualcomm’s next-generation Oryon CPU architecture with two prime cores, three performance cores, and three efficiency cores. Previous reports suggest the prime cores could surpass the 5GHz frequency mark. The device is also rumored to feature an advanced cooling solution, possibly including an active cooling fan for improved sustained performance.
Redmi K100 series expected to arrive in August
While the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6-powered flagship may arrive next year, the first Redmi K100 series models are still expected to launch in China this August. Previous leaks suggest the initial lineup will include the Redmi K100 and Redmi K100 Pro (tentative names), both powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.
The series is also tipped to feature a 185Hz display, a 9,000mAh battery, a 200-megapixel primary camera, a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera, 100W wired charging, wireless charging support, an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, a large vibration motor, and an IP-rated water-resistant design.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Recent reports have revealed that the upcoming Vivo X500 series lineup may include multiple models, such as the Vivo X500e, X500, X500 Pro (or Pro Mini), X500 Pro Max, and X500 Ultra. Among these, the X500e and X500 Ultra are expected to launch in the first half of next year, while the remaining three models may debut in China this September.
In a recent Weibo post, reliable tipster Digital Chat Station shared the camera details of the X500 Pro Max. Now, the tipster is back with a new leak, revealing what appears to be detailed information about the Vivo X500’s camera specifications.
Vivo X500 camera specifications tipped
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According to DCS, an engineering prototype believed to be the upcoming Vivo X500 is equipped with a triple rear camera setup. The leak claims the device features a 50-megapixel Sony primary camera with a large 1/1.28-inch sensor, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 64-megapixel Sony periscope telephoto camera with a 1/2-inch sensor and a 70mm equivalent focal length.
The tipster added that telephoto macro support has not yet been confirmed, although it is likely to be included in the final hardware.
As for the rest of the specifications, the Vivo X500 is expected to feature a 6.59-inch OLED display with a 1.5K resolution. Under the hood, it is likely to be powered by a Dimensity 9500-series chipset and pack a massive 7,500mAh battery. At present, there is no information about the device’s fast charging capabilities.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
The iQOO Z11i has been launched in China as the fourth member of the Z11 series after the iQOO Z11x, Z11, and Z11 Turbo. Aimed at the entry-level segment, the new smartphone combines a large battery, a high refresh rate display and practical everyday features, while also bringing back a design element that has become increasingly uncommon in recent years, the waterdrop notch.
iQOO Z11i specifications and features
iQOO Z11i
The iQOO Z11i features a 6.74-inch LCD panel with an HD+ resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,200 nits peak brightness. The waterdrop notch display also supports DC dimming, a paper-like viewing mode and TÜV Rheinland low blue light certification for improved eye comfort.
Powering the device is the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. It also supports expandable storage through a microSD card.
Keeping the lights on is a 6,500mAh battery with 15W charging support and reverse wired charging. The phone runs Android 16 with OriginOS 6 on top.
For photography, it offers a 5-megapixel front-facing camera and a 13-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and support for up to 1080p video recording. Other features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a 3.5mm headphone jack, USB Type-C, Bluetooth 5.1, an IR blaster, IP65-rated dust and water resistance, SGS five-star drop resistance certification and a hybrid dual-SIM slot.
iQOO Z11i price and availability
The iQOO Z11i is now available in China in Ink Shadow, Qingfeng and Desert Gold colour options. The 6GB + 128GB model is priced at 1,299 Yuan (~$190), the 8GB + 128GB version costs 1,499 Yuan (~$209), while the top-end 8GB + 256GB variant is priced at 1,699 Yuan (~$237).
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Casio is expanding its Baby-G lineup in Japan this month with the release of the BGA-290SA series. The two new models, BGA-290SA-6AJF and BGA-290SA-7AJF, are currently available for pre-order and will officially launch in later this month for ¥15,950 ($98).
Design Details
The BGA-290SA series opts for a straightforward, round case design. The watches are available in two colorways: a pale purple and a soft white. The dial features standard metallic Arabic numerals and a glossy vapor deposition finish on the bezel ring. It uses a hybrid analog-digital display, meaning you get traditional physical hands alongside a small digital screen at the bottom of the watch face for additional data.
From a build perspective, the watch is pretty lightweight. It weighs just 33 grams and measures 45.2 x 41.5 x 10.1 mm. Both the case and the band are made of resin, and the display is protected by standard mineral glass. Like most watches in the Baby-G family, it is built for durability. It features Casio’s standard shock-resistant construction and 100 meters of water resistance, making it suitable for swimming and general outdoor use.
The internal feature set is standard for a modern, non-smart Casio timepiece. It is powered by a CR1025 battery rated for around three years and includes world time across 48 cities in 31 time zones, a 1/100 second stopwatch, a 24-hour countdown timer, five daily alarms, and an hourly time signal.
For visibility in low light, the watch includes a Double LED light system. This consists of one LED for the analog face and a separate LED backlight for the digital LCD display, both featuring selectable illumination durations and an afterglow effect. It also features a hand shift feature, which allows users to temporarily move the analog hands out of the way so they do not obstruct the digital readouts on the lower half of the dial.
Running out of storage always seems to happen at the worst possible time. It could be while recording a 4K video, downloading a new game or backing up important files before a trip. That’s when a reliable USB-C flash drive/pendrive or portable SSD can save the day.
But if you’re already overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available and can’t figure out which one is right for you, we’ve done the hard work. Here’s our roundup of the best USB-C flash drives and portable SSDs you can buy in 2026.
USB-C flash drives vs portable SSDs: Which one should you buy?
Before adding one to your cart, it’s worth knowing the difference between a USB-C flash drive and a portable SSD because they both cater to different kinds of users.
A USB-C flash drive is like a mini notebook or diary in your pocket. It’s compact, affordable, and perfect for everyday tasks like transferring photos, sharing presentations, backing up documents or expanding your phone’s storage. Most of them are small enough to live on your keychain, so they’re always within reach.
Portable SSDs, on the other hand, are more like carrying an entire filing cabinet that somehow fits in the palm of your hand. Still small, of course, but not as compact as flash drives.
They’re significantly faster, offer much larger capacities, and are built for handling demanding workloads, such as editing 4K videos, transferring hundreds of gigabytes of data or storing massive game libraries. They do cost more, as well, but if speed and capacity matter to you, they are the best option.
1TB, USB-C connector, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Up to 600MB/s
Rs 22,412
Kingston DataTraveler Exodia
If all you need is a reliable drive for carrying everyday files, the 64GB variant of the Kingston DataTraveler Exodia is an easy recommendation. It’s affordable and gets the work done. The drive comes with a lightweight design, a protective cap, and a large loop that makes it easy to attach it to a keychain. This is great for basic tasks, like carrying office presentations, movies, and family photos.
It supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, which means you get quicker file transfers than older USB 2.0 drives. On paper, it’s said to offer up to 400MB/s read speeds. Kingston also backs it with a five-year warranty, making it a dependable option for long-term use.
The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Luxe is one of the best sellers on Amazon, as it’s incredibly versatile. One side features a USB Type-C connector, while the other has a traditional USB Type-A port. So, if you’re transferring files from your smartphone to your laptop or moving photos to an older desktop, this drive saves you from hunting for adapters.
The drive’s all-metal construction feels quite premium, while the swivel design protects both connectors without needing a separate cap.
Performance is solid too. Thanks to USB 3.2 Gen 1 support, transferring photos, videos and documents is quick. It supports up to 400MB/s faster read speeds, and doesn’t cost a bomb for the 128GB and 256GB variants.
Samsung’s Type-C flash drive is another reliable option, and it’s also fast offering up to 400MB/s read speeds. It has a clean metal design that’s small enough to stay plugged into a laptop without sticking out too much.
Samsung also backs it with protection against water, shocks, magnets, X-rays, and extreme temperatures, making it a dependable choice if you regularly carry important files. The 128GB is the cheapest, but you also get a 256GB variant, if you plan to store extra files.
The Kingston Dual Portable blurs the line between a traditional USB flash drive and a portable SSD. At first glance, it seems like an ordinary USB-C thumb drive, but beneath its compact shell lies SSD-level performance.
Thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, it delivers read speeds of up to 1,000MB/s and write speeds of up to 900MB/s, making it the fastest flash drive in the segment.
That faster speed means you can copy a 4K video project, a massive game or movie library, or hundreds of RAW photos in far less time than you’d expect from a typical flash drive. Pair that with the 1TB variant, and you’ve essentially got an entire workstation that fits in your pocket.
The Buffalo SSD looks like an ordinary flash drive, but don’t let its size fool you. Yes, it’s a tiny SSD drive but with support for a USB-C adapter that ships within the box. It supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance with read speeds of up to 600MB/s and write speeds of up to 500MB/s. That’s significantly faster than a typical flash drive and close to what you’d expect from an entry-level SATA SSD.
Unlike most portable SSDs, there’s no separate enclosure or cable to carry around. Just plug it into your laptop, tablet or smartphone and you’re ready to transfer large files in seconds.
The only real compromise with the Buffalo flash drive is its plastic casing, which doesn’t feel as premium or rugged as the metal enclosures found on some competing drives.
The SanDisk Portable SSD is the sweet spot for most users, striking the right balance of speed, portability, and price. It weighs just 40 grams, and is about the size of a stack of credit cards, which makes it easy to slip into your pocket or backpack.
It supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 platform, with read speeds of up to 800MB/s, so moving large photos, videos and documents will be quicker than a traditional hard drive. It’s also shock resistant with 2-metre drop protection, meaning it can shrug off the occasional knock while travelling.
Need something faster and tougher? The Crucial X10 is a performance SSD with read speeds of up to 2,100MB/s, which means even huge 4K video projects, RAW photo libraries, and game files can be transferred in minutes.
It also carries an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance along with 3-metre drop protection, which means it’s ready for everything from your desk to an outdoor shoot. The 1TB variant is a great place to start, but if your storage needs grow over time, it’s also available in capacities of up to 8TB.
The WD My Passport SSD is designed for users who don’t want to compromise on speed or security. Its sleek metal body houses a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface with read speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and write speeds of 1,000MB/s, so everything from project folders to full system backups can be moved in a matter of minutes.
Just like some other SSDs on this list, the My Passport also has 256-bit AES hardware encryption and password protection. These ensure your confidential files are always safe. It also features a durable, shock-resistant design, and is backed by a 5-year limited warranty.
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD puts security front and centre. It comes with 256-bit AES hardware encryption, which means your sensitive files stay protected with password security.
The hardware encryption aside, it’s also quite fast, reaching read speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and write speeds of 1,000MB/s. Its IP65-rated body keeps dust and splashes at bay, while the rugged design is built to handle drops. You also get an integrated carabiner loop, which makes it easy to clip onto a backpack or camera bag so it’s always within easy reach.
The Samsung T7 Shield is one of the most reliable portable SSDs you can buy on the market. It’s wrapped in a rugged rubber shell, has an IP65 rating and 3-metre drop protection, which means it can handle dust, splashes and the occasional tumble without breaking a sweat.
It reaches read speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and write speeds of 1,000MB/s, keeping large file transfers quick and consistent. You also get AES 256-bit hardware encryption, adding an extra layer of security for sensitive files. Additionally, Samsung offers a 5-year limited warranty, giving you extra peace of mind for the long haul.
The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Luxe is the best budget USB-C flash drive, thanks to its dual USB-C and USB-A connectors, premium metal build, and read speeds of up to 400MB/s.
Which is the best premium USB-C flash drive?
The Kingston Dual Portable Drive is the best premium USB-C flash drive, delivering near-SSD performance with read speeds of up to 1,000MB/s and write speeds of 900MB/s.
Which is the best budget portable SSD?
The SanDisk SDSSDE30-1T00-G26 is the best budget portable SSD, as it offers 800MB/s read speeds, a compact design, and 2-metre drop protection at a competitive price.
Which is the best premium portable SSD?
The Samsung T7 Shield is the best premium portable SSD on this list, pairing 1,050MB/s speeds with IP65 durability, AES 256-bit hardware encryption, and a 5-year warranty.
What’s the fastest portable SSD?
The Crucial X10 is the fastest portable SSD on this list, with read speeds of up to 2,000MB/s.
Is SSD better than HDD?
Yes. An SSD is faster, more durable and more power-efficient than an HDD, making it the better choice for most users. HDDs are still worth considering if you need large amounts of storage at the lowest possible cost.
Is a 2TB SSD overkill?
No, 2TB isn’t overkill, especially today, when 4K videos, RAW photo libraries and modern games can quickly eat up storage space. For most users, though, 1TB still strikes the best balance between capacity and price.
So, what’s your pick: a USB-C flash drive or an SSD? Let us know in the comments below.
Casio has opened US pre-orders for the DW5600TNT-7, a new G-Shock watch designed in collaboration with the Seoul-based streetwear brand thisisneverthat. The watch, which initially debuted in Japan last month, is priced at $155.
Casio DW5600TNT-7 Specifications
The DW5600TNT-7 uses the familiar square case of the standard DW-5600 line, but swaps out the usual opaque materials for a translucent resin bezel and strap. The clear hardware is paired with an inverted LCD, featuring light text on a dark background, to create a high-contrast, black-and-white color scheme. It is a straightforward design that leans on a 1990s streetwear aesthetic without altering the core shape of the watch.
Casio has added a few specific details for this release. The streetwear brand’s logo is printed across the lower half of the watch face, engraved on the metal case back, and stamped on the resin band loop. Additionally, the standard Protection and G-Shock text engraved into the top and bottom of the bezel has been treated with a phosphorescent finish, allowing the words to glow in the dark.
Underneath the collaborative branding, the watch features the standard hardware and durability metrics of the 5600 series. It measures 48.9 x 42.8 x 13.4 mm and weighs 52 grams. The display is covered by mineral glass, and the case is built to handle Casio’s standard shock resistance alongside 200 meters of water resistance.
For illumination, the watch uses a white LED backlight with an afterglow function. It also includes a flash alert feature, which syncs the backlight to flash alongside the buzzer for alarms, hourly time signals, and countdown timer alerts.
The watch runs on a single CR2016 coin-cell battery, which Casio estimates will last for about five years before needing a replacement.
The DW5600TNT-7 ships in custom packaging designed for the collaboration and can be pre-ordered directly through Casio’s US website.
The earbuds feature a 12mm dynamic driver setup equipped with a titanium-coated PET diaphragm. On the software side, they provide a 10-band custom equalizer alongside three standard audio presets. There is also a spatial audio function called Alive Audio, though it is limited to users paired with an Oppo smartphone running ColorOS 12.0 or newer.
For noise cancellation, the Enco Air 5 features a 52dB adaptive ANC system. According to Oppo, the earbuds use an algorithm to monitor ambient noise and automatically switch between deep, medium, and light noise cancellation modes depending on the environment.
Coming to the battery life, the earbuds can last up to 13 hours on a single charge with ANC turned off, and up to 54 hours total when factoring in the charging case. If you leave ANC turned on, those numbers drop to 6.5 hours for the earbuds and 27 hours total. The case charges via USB-C and supports a quick charge feature that reportedly provides 11 hours of playback from a 10-minute plug-in.
For connectivity, these feature Bluetooth 6.1 with multipoint connectivity, allowing them to connect to two devices simultaneously across iOS and Android. They also include a low-latency gaming mode and customizable touch controls on the stems, which can be mapped to launch specific apps like Spotify.
For voice calls, these use a triple-microphone array that works alongside an AI noise reduction model to filter out background sound. The earbuds weigh 4.3 grams each and have an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, making them suitable for exercise.
Pricing and Availability
The Oppo Enco Air 5 is available now in Midnight Black and Lavender Purple through Amazon, Flipkart, and Oppo’s online store. These are priced at Rs. 3299 but the brand is currently offering a temporary launch price of Rs. 3,099.
In related news, Sennheiser has recently launched its first clip-on earbuds featuring 12mm drivers, LDAC, and a 36-hour battery alongside the Honor Earbuds 5e with adaptive 52dB ANC, LHDC 5.0, AI features, and up to 45 hours of playback.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
As AI agents get smarter and start handling more complex tasks on our phones, one big challenge is keeping users in the loop without forcing them to constantly switch apps. Google is tackling this with a new feature called Android Halo.
In a recent video on Google’s official developer YouTube channel, Android President Sameer Samat gave more details about it (around the 30-minute mark). First previewed at Google I/O in May, Android Halo is designed to make communication between users and their AI assistants much more seamless and transparent.
A dedicated spot in the status bar
The idea is simple but clever: Android Halo creates a persistent space in the phone’s status bar for your chosen AI agent, whether that’s Gemini or a compatible third-party one. When the agent is working on something, you’ll see a subtle indicator there. It can show progress updates, ask you quick follow-up questions, or display final results without you needing to open the app again.
Samat explained that while AI agents are getting good at running multiple tasks on their own, they still need human input at key moments. Halo acts as a dedicated channel for three main things: asking clarifying questions, sharing updates, and showing completed work.
“This is a dedicated location on the status bar where the user-selected agent can report updates to the user and receive the user’s latest instructions for the current task queue,” he said. He called it an interesting new direction for how we’ll interact with intelligent systems in the future.
By keeping everything visible and easy to access, Halo brings more transparency to background AI activity. It makes these smart agents feel less like mysterious black boxes and more like helpful partners, which should help build user trust.
The feature is expected to arrive later in 2026 with Android 17. It fits nicely into Google’s broader Gemini plans and could work alongside other new AI capabilities. While we’re still waiting for full details on rollout and supported devices, the goal is clear: make AI on Android feel more natural and integrated into daily use.
This move shows where the industry is headed, toward more proactive, agent-style AI. Features like Halo could become essential as these systems take on bigger responsibilities. It’ll be interesting to see how it evolves.
Browser extensions are supposed to make life easier, but some can come with serious privacy risks. Microsoft’s security researchers recently discovered a sneaky Chrome extension pretending to be the popular AI search engine Perplexity AI. Instead of helping users, it was secretly monitoring search activity and redirecting it through attacker-controlled servers.
The extension, called “Search for perplexity ai”, looked pretty harmless on the Chrome Web Store. But behind the scenes, it was doing some shady stuff. Microsoft Threat Intelligence broke down the details in a blog post on June 30, and Google quickly pulled it from the store. Still, if you installed it, it’s not gone until you remove it yourself.
The extension asked for broad permissions that went way beyond what a normal search helper needs. It used “chrome_settings_overrides” to take over your default search engine, so every time you typed something in the address bar, it first sent the query to a fake domain, “perplexity-ai.online”, before eventually passing it on to real search results.
It also used “declarativeNetRequest” permissions to monitor and modify network traffic. This gave it the ability to log your searches and even see real-time typing suggestions. There’s no sign it stole passwords or login info, but it could easily build up a detailed picture of your interests and online habits.
For reference, the real Perplexity AI lives at perplexity.ai. Always double-check the domain and the developer before installing anything, especially AI-related tools that are trending right now.
If you have the extension, remove it right away. Here’s the quick way:
Open Chrome and go to “chrome://extensions/”
Turn on Developer mode (top right corner)
Find the extension with the ID “flkebkiofojicogddingbdmcmkpbplcd” and click Remove
While you’re there, check your default search engine settings and reset them if needed
This whole episode is a good reminder that the Chrome Web Store isn’t perfect. Even with review processes, scammers are getting better at impersonating popular services. Microsoft suggests regularly reviewing your extensions, being picky about permissions, and sticking to well-known developers when possible.
Timex has announced the Waterbury Heritage America 250, a new watch marking the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. The company opted for a 1970s motorsport-inspired chronograph. It costs $319 and utilizes a meca-quartz movement, making it a practical, everyday option in the entry-level watch market.
Design Details
The watch features a brushed and polished stainless steel case measuring 39mm in diameter. At 13.5mm thick, it is fairly standard for a chronograph, and the 39mm width is a versatile size designed to fit wrists ranging from 5.9 to 8.1 inches.
The dial is black with two white subdials, a traditional panda layout, accented by red outlines. Timex included a blue tachymeter bezel and mismatched red and blue pushers for the stopwatch functions. The only direct reference to the anniversary is a small 250 printed on the lower half of the dial.
Inside the case, the watch runs on a meca-quartz movement powered by an SR936SW battery. Meca-quartz is a hybrid system that has become increasingly popular in affordable chronographs.
It relies on standard quartz technology for primary timekeeping to maintain high accuracy, but it employs a mechanical module for the stopwatch functions. This setup gives the chronograph’s seconds hand a smooth mechanical sweep and provides a tactile, crisp click when engaging the pushers to start, stop, and reset the timer.
In terms of hardware, the watch is fitted with a domed mineral crystal. The watch ships on a 20mm black perforated leather strap equipped with quick-release spring bars, allowing users to swap bands without specialized tools.
Durability metrics are standard for the category. The case offers 50 meters of water resistance, making it suitable for light swimming but not intended for diving or high-pressure water activities. Additionally, the hands feature luminescent in-fill for low-light legibility.
OPPO Reno 16 and OPPO Reno 16 Pro share the same premium design language and many flagship-level features, but the Pro model introduces meaningful upgrades in performance, display smoothness, imaging, and video recording. Instead of redesigning the phone, OPPO has focused on improving the core hardware where it matters most. Here’s a closer look at the biggest differences between the two models.
Major Features:
Category
OPPO Reno 16
OPPO Reno 16 Pro
Pro Upgrade
Display
6.32-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
6.32-inch AMOLED, 144Hz
Smoother scrolling and gaming with a 144Hz refresh rate.
Processor
Snapdragon 7 Gen 4
MediaTek Dimensity 8550 Super
Faster CPU and GPU performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
RAM Options
8GB / 12GB
12GB only
Higher base memory for improved multitasking.
Main Camera
50MP with OIS
200MP with OIS
Significantly higher-resolution primary camera for more detailed photos.
Telephoto Camera
50MP, 3.5x optical zoom
50MP, 3.5x optical zoom
No upgrade.
Ultra-wide Camera
50MP
50MP
No upgrade.
Rear Video Recording
4K up to 60fps, 1080p up to 120fps
4K up to 60fps, 1080p up to 480fps, 720p up to 960fps
Much more advanced slow-motion video capabilities.
Selfie Camera
50MP AF, 4K 60fps
50MP AF, 4K 60fps
No upgrade.
Battery
6700mAh (Intl.) / 6000mAh (EU)
6700mAh (Intl.) / 6000mAh (EU)
No upgrade.
Charging
80W wired, 55W PPS
80W wired, UFCS support, 55W PPS
Adds UFCS compatibility and slightly faster full charge.
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LHDC 5
Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX HD, LHDC 5
Similar overall connectivity with minor codec differences.
Storage Options
256GB/512GB with 8GB or 12GB RAM
256GB/512GB with 12GB RAM
Higher-end memory configuration by default.
Price
Priced around $600 / ₹62,000
Priced around $830 / ₹71,000
Around $230 / ₹9,000 premium for the hardware upgrades.
Disclaimer: Specs are based on available data. Actual performance may vary. Verify details from official sources before buying.
At first glance, both smartphones look nearly identical. They feature the same premium construction with a glass front, aluminum frame, and either a glass or composite plastic back, depending on the variant. Both also carry IP68 and IP69 ratings for excellent resistance against dust and water, making them equally durable for everyday use. The in-display fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and modern ColorOS 16 interface create a familiar flagship experience on both devices. Since the overall build quality is unchanged, choosing between them does not come down to materials but rather to what is inside.
Display Quality
Both phones use a 6.32-inch AMOLED display with a sharp 1216 × 2640 resolution, HDR10+ support, up to 3,600 nits peak brightness, and Crystal Guard protection. The biggest difference is the refresh rate. The Reno 16 offers a smooth 120Hz panel, while the Reno 16 Pro increases it to 144Hz for even smoother animations and gaming. The improvement is subtle during everyday use but becomes more noticeable while scrolling quickly or playing high-frame-rate games.
Verdict
The design experience remains virtually identical across both models. The primary display upgrade is the 144Hz refresh rate on the Reno 16 Pro, making it feel slightly more responsive without changing the overall viewing quality.
2. Specifications Including Battery
Performance
The largest hardware upgrade comes from the processor. The OPPO Reno 16 runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, which is well-suited for daily tasks, multitasking, and moderate gaming. The Reno 16 Pro steps up with the MediaTek Dimensity 8550 Super, featuring higher CPU frequencies and a more powerful Mali-G720 MC8 GPU. This allows the Pro model to handle demanding games, intensive multitasking, and future software updates more comfortably. The Reno 16 also offers 8GB and 12GB RAM options, while the Pro starts with 12GB RAM, giving it a stronger baseline for power users.
Battery and Charging
Both smartphones include a large 6,700mAh silicon-carbon battery internationally, with a 6,000mAh version available in Europe. Charging speeds are almost identical, with both supporting 80W wired charging and 55W PPS. The Reno 16 Pro adds UFCS support and completes charging a couple of minutes faster, but the real-world difference is fairly small. Battery endurance should remain very similar because both use the same battery capacity.
Verdict
The Reno 16 Pro delivers its biggest upgrade through processing power and memory configuration rather than battery improvements. Users focused on gaming, long-term performance, and demanding workloads will notice the difference most.
3. Camera
Main and Secondary Lenses
Camera hardware is where the Reno 16 Pro makes its strongest statement. The Reno 16 features a capable triple-camera setup with a 50MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto lens offering 3.5x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. The Reno 16 Pro upgrades the primary sensor dramatically to 200MP while retaining the same 50MP telephoto and 50MP ultrawide cameras. Beyond higher resolution, the Pro also expands video recording with support for 1080p recording up to 480fps and slow-motion recording at 720p 960fps, making it considerably more versatile for creative users.
Selfie Camera
Both devices feature the same 50MP autofocus ultrawide selfie camera capable of recording 4K video at up to 60fps. Selfie quality, autofocus performance, and video capabilities remain identical, meaning front-camera users receive the same experience regardless of model.
Verdict
The biggest photography upgrade is clearly the 200MP main camera and significantly expanded slow-motion recording on the Reno 16 Pro. Meanwhile, the Reno 16 maintains the same telephoto, ultrawide, and selfie hardware, keeping much of the overall camera experience consistent.
4. Pricing
The OPPO Reno 16 is priced around $600 (₹62,000), making it the more accessible option in the lineup. The OPPO Reno 16 Pro is priced around $830 (₹71,000), representing roughly a $230 premium. That additional cost is mainly directed toward the faster Dimensity 8550 Super chipset, the upgraded 200MP primary camera, the smoother 144Hz display, higher standard RAM, and expanded video recording features. Since many core features remain identical, buyers are primarily paying for internal hardware improvements rather than an entirely different smartphone experience.
Is the Price Justified?
The pricing reflects the hardware upgrades rather than cosmetic changes. Those who value higher performance, advanced photography, and stronger gaming capabilities are more likely to appreciate the additional investment. Buyers who mainly use their phone for everyday tasks may find that the standard Reno 16 already delivers a premium experience.
Verdict
The price difference aligns closely with the performance and camera upgrades. The Reno 16 focuses on offering flagship-like essentials, while the Reno 16 Pro adds premium hardware for users seeking extra power and creative flexibility.
Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and may vary based on country, region, launch timing, and applicable taxes. Always check whether the listed price is for a China unit or a global/international variant when purchasing.
5. Conclusion
OPPO Reno 16 and Reno 16 Pro share an impressive foundation, including premium construction, IP68/IP69 protection, stereo speakers, Android 16 with ColorOS 16, a large silicon-carbon battery, and a versatile triple-camera system. The differences are concentrated in four major areas: the Reno 16 Pro upgrades to a 144Hz display, introduces the faster MediaTek Dimensity 8550 Super processor, replaces the 50MP main camera with a 200MP sensor, and adds far more advanced slow-motion video recording. These enhancements make the Pro model feel like an evolution focused on enthusiasts rather than a complete redesign.
Verdict
This comparison is less about one phone replacing the other and more about understanding the hardware improvements. The Reno 16 Pro builds on the Reno 16 with meaningful upgrades in performance, imaging, and display smoothness, while preserving the same premium design, battery capacity, and overall user experience.
Choose OPPO Reno 16 if premium design, long battery life, and reliable everyday performance are the priority, while the OPPO Reno 16 Pro is better suited for users who want faster performance, a higher-resolution main camera, and more advanced video recording capabilities.
Disclaimer: This comparison is based on the specifications provided and is intended for general informational purposes. Actual performance, camera results, battery life, and overall experience may vary depending on real-world usage, software updates, and individual preferences.
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