Viltrox has unveiled two lightweight ultra-wide autofocus primes in its Air series: the AF 9 mm F2.8 Air for APS-C cameras and the AF 14 mm F4 Air for full-frame systems, aimed at creators who want wide views without bulky gear.
Specifications
The AF 9mm F2.8 Air is compatible with Sony E, Nikon Z, and Fujifilm XF mounts. It features a 113.8° field of view, which is equivalent to 13.5mm on full-frame. The lens has a fast F2.8 aperture that supports low-light shooting and subject separation.
The optical design includes 13 elements in 11 groups, with 3 ED elements, 3 high-refractive index elements, and 2 aspherical elements. The lens weighs just 175 grams and supports a minimum focusing distance of 0.13 meters.
The AF 14mm F4.0 Air supports Sony FE and Nikon Z mounts and is aimed at full-frame users. It delivers a 112.6° field of view and features a 12-element, 9-group optical layout.
Viltrox used 4 ED elements, 2 high-refractive index elements, and 2 aspherical elements in the design. The lens weighs 170 grams for FE mount and 185 grams for Z mount. It also supports close focusing at 0.13 meters and delivers 0.23x magnification.
Both lenses use STM autofocus motors for fast and quiet focusing. They support face and eye detection for photo and video shooting. Viltrox has included a standard 58mm filter thread, weather sealing, and a USB-C port for firmware updates. The front elements feature a coating that resists water and dust.
Pricing and Availability
Viltrox has priced both the AF 9mm F2.8 Air and AF 14mm F4.0 Air at $199 / €229 / £190. The lenses are now available globally through authorized dealers and the official Viltrox online store.
In related news, Viltrox recently introduced the AF 56mm F1.2 Pro lens for Sony E and Fujifilm X-mount APS-C cameras, along with the AF 15mm F1.7 Air, a lightweight wide-angle prime for APS-C systems.
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Portronics has announced the launch of the Conch One, a new pair of wired earphones that feature a Type-C connector and built-in karaoke functionality. The company claims this is India’s first wired karaoke earphone with a Type-C port.
The Portronics Conch One is priced at ₹1,149 and is available through Portronics’ official website, Amazon, Flipkart, and major offline retailers. It comes with a 6-month warranty.
Portronics Conch One Specifications
The Conch One comes with a 14.2mm premium dynamic driver. The earphones deliver deep bass and support four customizable EQ modes, including Bass, HD, Cinema Surround, and Game. These modes allow users to adjust the sound profile depending on the type of content.
The earphones connect via a Type-C audio jack, which ensures compatibility with modern smartphones, tablets, and laptops that do not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. They also feature in-line controls for easy access to playback and mic settings.
The Conch One is designed for more than just music playback. Portronics has positioned it as a multi-purpose audio accessory that supports karaoke singing, video recording, online classes, and vlogging.
The earphones come with a built-in karaoke mic that supports eight vocal sound modes, including Professional, Singer, Theatre, Acoustic, Melody, and Vocal Clear. You can switch between regular listening and karaoke by long-pressing the multifunction (M) button, while a short press in karaoke mode cycles through the vocal effects.
In terms of design, the Conch One has a lightweight ergonomic build for extended use. Portronics uses a tangle-free cable that improves durability and makes the earphones easier to handle.
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In related news, Portronics has recently launched two new gadgets in India: the Nebula X, a 150W wireless party speaker with a karaoke mic and RGB lights, and the ToadPlay Mini, a wireless mouse with sport-themed designs.
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Oppo is gearing up to unveil its next generation of flagship smartphones soon. These premium devices are expected to arrive with cutting edge hardware, the latest software, various new updates, and what appears to be the world’s first in the display’s brightness segment as well.
Oppo Find X9 Series Teased with Industry-First 1 nit Display
The Chinese tech giant shared a bunch of teasers ahead of the official announcement. Looking at the image posters, the upcoming Find X9 and Find X9 Pro will feature the world’s first 1 nit display for next gen eye protection. Oppo also employed a self developed P3 display chip to improve the visual experience. Furthermore, the flicker free display features a 3840Hz PWM dimming, 6900K default eye protection color temperature, and more.
Oppo Find X9 Series Display Teased
Based on a recent leak, the base Oppo Find X9 is expected to debut with a 6.59-inch LIPO OLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a high refresh rate. The display also supports a 12-bit 60 billion color precision with zero-latency processing. Oppo is even offering TUV Rheinland and SGS certification for eye protection, which is likely for low blue light and display flicker.
The next flagship smartphones from the brand will debut with MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 SoC, which will likely be paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage. The Find X9 is rumored to arrive with a 32MP camera on the front, while the rear features a 50MP quad camera setup. A huge 7,025mAh battery pack powers the base variant, which may bring 80W wired fast charging and 80W wireless fast charging.
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I recently got my hands on the Rogbid Model S, a fully-featured Android smartwatch that promises to deliver a smartphone-grade experience in a compact, wrist-worn form factor. After spending considerable time with this device, I can say it’s both impressive and frustrating in equal measure. Let me walk you through my comprehensive experience with what might be one of the most ambitious budget smartwatches available today.
First Impressions and Unboxing
Right off the bat, I’ll be honest. The packaging wasn’t anything to write home about. It’s your typical budget device presentation, but everything you need is there: the watch itself, a magnetic charging cable, and a basic manual. What struck me immediately was the sheer size of this thing. At 48mm x 47mm with a 14.3mm thickness, the Model S is undeniably chunky. It’s clearly inspired by the Apple Watch Ultra design language, but significantly bulkier to accommodate all the internals.
The build quality is decent for the price point, featuring a glossy metal frame that feels solid in hand. I received the black variant, and while the overall construction is satisfactory, there’s one glaring weakness. The crown feels cheap and doesn’t match the quality of the rest of the watch. The color choice and build quality of this crucial component really let down the overall aesthetic.
Display and Design
The star of the show is undoubtedly the 2.4-inch AMOLED display with its claimed 720×720 pixel resolution. The screen is genuinely impressive, with vibrant colors, sharp text, and excellent visibility even in bright sunlight.
However, here’s where things get murky. While Rogbid advertises a 720×720 resolution, when I ran diagnostic tools on the device, CPU-Z showed the actual resolution as 480×480 pixels, and it also reported a pixel density of just 124 PPI instead of the claimed 300. This is a significant discrepancy that potential buyers should be aware of. Despite the lower actual resolution and pixel density, the display still looks good for a smartwatch of this price range, but the false advertising is concerning.
The touch response is excellent, and the interface feels fluid when navigating through menus. Multiple watch faces are available, and they genuinely look attractive on this large canvas. The size makes it comfortable for extended viewing sessions, which is crucial since this watch positions itself as a multimedia consumption device.
Unique Rotating Camera
One of the Model S’s most distinctive features is its 190-degree adjustable rotating crown camera. This is genuinely clever engineering. When not in use, the camera stays hidden and flush with the watch body. Pull out the crown slightly, and you can manually adjust the lens orientation for selfies, video calls, or capturing your surroundings.
I tested the camera, and while it’s functional, expectations need to be managed. The image quality is comparable to a basic front camera on a budget smartphone from a decade ago. It’s more of a novelty feature, but for video calls through WhatsApp or similar apps, it does the job adequately.
The mechanical aspect works smoothly, though I worry about long-term durability given that it’s a moving part in a relatively affordable device. Still, it’s a unique selling point that sets the Model S apart from virtually every other smartwatch on the market.
Performance and Software Experience
This is where the Model S both shines and stumbles. Running Android 8.1 (despite claims of Android 10 in the settings, which is another false advertisement), the watch provides genuine smartphone functionality. I was able to log into my Google account immediately and access the full Play Store. The experience of downloading and running apps like Subway Surfers, Instagram, YouTube, ChatGPT, and DeepSeek on my wrist was genuinely exciting.
Gaming performance is adequate for casual titles. Subway Surfers ran reasonably well, though some jitters are expected since these games aren’t optimized for smartwatch form factors. YouTube and Instagram work surprisingly well on the large display, making content consumption more feasible than I initially expected.
However, the Unisoc SL8541e chipset shows its limitations during intensive use. I experienced noticeable lag during multitasking, and the watch occasionally restarted when pushed too hard. With what appears to be 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage in most variants (though I received the 8GB RAM model with 128GB of internal storage as per CPU-Z), performance is acceptable for basic smartphone tasks, but don’t expect super smoothness.
The battery life with the claimed 1500mAh capacity (my variant shows 2100mAh) provides a full day of mixed usage, including calls, app usage, and fitness tracking. The ultra power saving mode helps extend battery life when needed by limiting background processes.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Let’s address the elephant in the room. The health sensors are about what you’d expect from a budget Android smartwatch. The heart rate monitor and blood oxygen sensor appear to work, showing data on the screen, but in reality, they don’t measure accurately. To be honest, they barely work at all. I wouldn’t rely on these readings for medical purposes or serious fitness tracking. They’re fine for the illusion of general awareness, but they fall far short of the reliability you’d get from dedicated fitness wearables.
Surprisingly, the step counter works quite well and tracks daily activity reliably. The watch includes multiple sports modes for different activities, and with built-in GPS, it can track outdoor workouts independently. The fitness features are comprehensive on paper, but the execution feels more like checkbox features rather than carefully calibrated health tools.
Connectivity and Standalone Features
The 4G LTE support with global band compatibility is where the Model S truly differentiates itself. With a nano SIM card, this watch becomes a genuine standalone device. You can make calls, send messages, and use data services without a smartphone connection. The call quality through the built-in speaker is adequate for short conversations, though a Bluetooth headset improves the experience significantly.
The watch doubles as a Bluetooth companion for your smartphone, though the experience lacks the polish you’d get from an Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch. Notification syncing works on Android once you grant several permissions, while iPhone users will find the functionality more restricted because of iOS limitations.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even NFC are all present, making this one of the most connectivity-rich smartwatches at this price point. The inclusion of dual-band GPS with multiple satellite system support provides reliable location tracking for navigation and fitness activities.
Real-World Usage and Daily Experience
After using the Model S for several weeks, it’s clear this watch targets a very specific user type. If you want maximum functionality and don’t mind managing a complex device, it delivers impressive value. The ability to use ChatGPT, stream videos, play games, and handle calls directly from your wrist is genuinely impressive.
However, daily wear comfort is compromised by the size. Sleep tracking becomes uncomfortable due to the bulk, and the watch definitely makes a statement on smaller wrists. The move-to-wake feature works well and adds convenience during daily use.
The software experience feels more like managing a tiny Android phone than using a traditional smartwatch. You’ll need to actively manage battery life, close background apps, and deal with occasional performance hiccups. The ultra saving mode and one-tap cleanup features help, but this isn’t a set-and-forget device.
The Verdict
The Rogbid Model S succeeds as a proof-of-concept that stretches the limits of what a smartwatch can be. Having full Android, standalone 4G calling, a rotating camera, and broad connectivity at this price is genuinely impressive.
That said, I’m genuinely disappointed by the false advertising around its display resolution and Android version. If there hadn’t been any discrepancies in the specs, I could have recommended it as a budget smartwatch, even though it’s really meant for niche users or anyone chasing novelty.
The misleading claims undermine an otherwise intriguing product and highlight a wider transparency problem in the budget smartwatch market. Buyers need to know they’re getting Android 8.1, not 10, and that real hardware figures may differ from the marketing.
For tech enthusiasts who want to experiment with a smartphone-on-the-wrist and don’t mind trade-offs in polish or battery life, it can be a fun, capable gadget. It also fits specific scenarios where you need communication without carrying a phone.
For most people, though, more traditional watches from Apple, Samsung, or Garmin deliver far better reliability, fitness tracking, and integration. The Model S demands patience, curiosity, and a willingness to live with its quirks.
Despite its rough edges, the Model S is an ambitious attempt to pack smartphone features into a watch form factor. If you can look past the marketing exaggerations and accept its limitations, it still offers a unique and surprisingly capable wrist-worn computing experience at this price.
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Vivo’s upcoming X300 series is set to be one of the company’s biggest launches of 2025, and now it seems a Fan Edition model is also in the works. A new device listed as the Vivo X300 FE, with model number V2537, has surfaced in the IMEI database.
The listing, first spotted by PassionateGeekz, suggests that Vivo is preparing to expand its X300 lineup beyond the standard and Pro models. What isn’t clear yet is whether the X300 FE will arrive alongside the main lineup this October or follow at a later stage.
A quick recap of the predecessor
Since no official details are available, the X200 FE provides the best clue about what to expect. Last year’s model shipped with a 6.31-inch LTPO AMOLED display, supporting a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and brightness levels reaching up to 5,000 nits. It’s powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
The X200 FE also packs a versatile triple-camera system headlined by a 50MP wide sensor, a 50MP periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide shooter.
On the front, it offers a 50MP selfie camera with 4K video support. Other notable features included stereo speakers, an under-display fingerprint sensor, NFC, and IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance. As for the battery, the X300 FE features a 6,500mAh cell that supports 90W fast charging.
If Vivo follows a similar formula, the X300 FE could serve as a more affordable alternative while retaining premium touches. For now, the IMEI database entry is the first sign that the device exists.
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Samsung seems to be moving quickly toward its next major software update. According to a new report from SamMobile, the site managed to dig into leaked One UI 8.5 firmware and discovered that Samsung is already preparing the next big version of its custom Android skin, One UI 9.0.
The firmware only mentions One UI 9 and reveals nothing else. But it’s safe to say that the update will be based on Android 17. As for timing, SamMobile suggests the official rollout could still be a year away.
However, Samsung has been moving faster with software updates lately, so there’s a chance One UI 9.0 might arrive earlier than last year’s One UI 8.0, which launched on September 15.
One UI 9 will first show up in foldable devices
What seems more certain is where One UI 9.0 will show up first. Samsung’s next foldable flagships—the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8—are expected to ship with it pre-installed.
Even more interesting, Samsung is reportedly planning to launch its first tri-fold smartphone globally next year, and it too could debut with One UI 9.0. That would give Samsung a fresh software story to pair with its most experimental hardware yet.
For now, there’s no clear picture of what new tools or UI changes will define One UI 9.0. AI features are always a possibility, given the significant attention they’ve received across the industry, but nothing in the firmware currently indicates that. Still, firmware leaks have a way of dropping breadcrumbs, so more details may emerge before Samsung makes anything official.
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Poco is reportedly working on the Poco F8 series of smartphones for the global market. The lineup is expected to include multiple models, such as the Poco F8, F8 Pro, and F8 Ultra. Like the F7 series, the Pro and Ultra models may debut early in 2026, whereas the standard F8 may break cover in Q2 2026. Ahead of the expected launch timeframe, the alleged Poco F8 Pro has surfaced in GSMA’s IMEI database.
Poco F8 Pro IMEI database listing
POCO F7 Pro
According to XiaomiTime, a Poco phone bearing the model number 2510DPC44G has appeared in the IMEI database. At present, there is no India variant, which indicates that the device may not launch in the country.
Recently, a Xiaomi phone with the model number 2510DRK44C bagged 3C certification in China. The device, which was spotted with a 100W charger, is expected to debut as the Redmi K90 by the end of October this year.
The Poco F7 Pro was a rebranded version of the China-exclusive Redmi K80. Therefore, while the K90 may remain confined to the Chinese market, it could debut globally as the Poco F8 Pro.
Redmi K90 Pro / Poco F8 Pro specifications (rumored)
As per reports, the Redmi K90 is expected to launch with the forthcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. It may feature a 6.59-inch flat RGB OLED LTPS display with 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Security is likely handled by an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor. Powering the device could be a 7,100mAh battery with 100W fast charging. Other highlights include dual stereo speakers, a premium metal mid-frame, and an x-axis linear motor. The Poco F8 Pro, being a rebranded version, may pack the same specs.
The Poco F8 Ultra is yet to appear in the IMEI database. This device is expected to be a rebadged version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5-powered Redmi K90 Pro.
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Xiaomi is expected to unveil the Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max on Sept. 30 in China. The lineup is also expected to include other models, such as the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Xiaomi 17S Pro, as successors to the previous generation’s Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Xiaomi 15S Pro. Recently, a new Xiaomi device bearing the model number 2512BPNDAC surfaced in the database of China’s radio certification platform. This device is believed to be the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which is expected to launch in 2026.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra radio certified in China
Xiaomi 17 Ultra radio certified
As seen above, the Xiaomi 2512BPNDAC has received radio certification in China. The listing reveals one key detail: the device will support Ultra-Wideband (UWB) connectivity.
The global and Indian variants of this device, with respective model numbers such as 2512BPNDAG and 2512BPNDAI, were spotted in the GSMA IMEI database in July. There have been reports that Xiaomi may not launch premium smartphones in India. Therefore, there is no clarity on whether any of the Xiaomi 17 series will make it to the Indian market.
The “2512” numbers in the model number indicate that it may debut in China. However, since the Xiaomi 15 Ultra was announced in February 2025, the 17 Ultra is expected to hit the Chinese market in February 2026.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra specifications (rumored)
As far as specs are concerned, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s camera setup is expected to include a customized 50-megapixel 1-inch primary camera, a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-600 ultra-wide lens, and a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 3x to 5x continuous optical zoom.
Like the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Pro series, the Ultra edition could be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. At the same time, the brand is also said to be working on the next-generation Xring O2 chip. So, it remains to be seen whether the Xiaomi 17 Ultra features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or the Xring O2.
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Fire-Boltt has introduced FireLens, a smart eyewear line combining technology with everyday wear. The range includes FireLens Audio and FireLens Vision AI, offering hands-free calls, music, AI-powered assistance, real-time translation, and high-quality imaging in lightweight, prescription-ready frames. Continue reading ahead to learn more about these products.
FireLens Audio and FireLens Vision AI
FireLens F1, F2, and F2 Pro
The FireLens Audio brings sound and productivity into a pair of regular glasses. Built with directional speakers and a discreet microphone, it allows users to listen to music, handle phone calls, and interact with voice assistants without needing earphones. The design keeps the frames fashionable and comfortable, making them suitable for daily use at work or on the move.
FireLens Vision AI takes eyewear beyond audio by integrating an 8-megapixel camera powered by Fire-AI technology. Photos and Full HD videos can be captured using either a side button or simple voice commands such as “Hey FireLens, take a photo”. Its AI capabilities extend to exploring landmarks, providing cultural and local information, identifying objects, plants or signs, and offering instant translations in more than 35 languages. Users can record notes and conversations for later recall, set reminders, and access tips about their surroundings.
The glasses feature dual microphones for clearer voice pickup and 32GB of onboard storage to save captured content. They also integrate with Siri, Google Assistant, and Bixby, while ChatGPT support enables on-the-go AI queries.
The FireLens series will be available in three different versions to cater to varied user needs. The FireLens F1 is a standard fit option that comes with a 220mAh battery and delivers essential AI and audio functions.
For those seeking a larger frame and longer power backup, the FireLens F2 offers a 300mAh battery along with more advanced AI features. At the top of the range is the FireLens F2 Pro, designed with a large fit and equipped with a 390mAh battery, providing access to the full Vision AI suite for an enhanced experience.
The eyewear is splash-resistant, available in different silhouettes and colours, and prescription-ready. They include magnetic charging pins, sturdy metal hinges, an LED indicator for camera activity, and a touchpad for easy control on the temple. Transitions® lenses make them adaptable for indoor and outdoor use.
The FireLens AI companion app links the glasses with smartphones, allowing firmware upgrades, translation services, media management, and AI meeting logs.
FireLens Audio and Vision AI price and availability
FireLens Audio is available at Rs 3,499, whereas the FireLens Vision AI series will be priced between Rs 9,999 and Rs 14,999. These products will be sold via Fire-Boltt.com and Flipkart.
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Hisense has officially launched the world’s first 150-inch screen-sound laser TV in China. The new model, called the Hisense Xplorer X1 Ultra (also known as Discovery X1 Ultra), expands the existing lineup that previously included 100-inch and 120-inch versions. The company has now introduced new 139-inch and 150-inch variants in the Chinese market.
Hisense Xplorer X1 Ultra Specifications
The Xplorer X1 Ultra appears to be the Chinese version of the TriChroma Laser TV L9Q, which is expected to be sold globally. Hisense uses a dual MCL39 tri-color RGB laser light engine co-developed with Texas Instruments. The display delivers 1000 nits of full-screen brightness and supports 110% of the BT.2020 color gamut. The contrast ratio is rated at 5000:1, and the TV supports Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, and MEMC motion smoothing.
Hisense has equipped the X1 Ultra with a new SST-architecture DMD chip, also developed with Texas Instruments. The chip allows pixel-level light control and eliminates the halo effect.
To maintain image fidelity in well-lit rooms, Hisense uses a Nano Spectrum Selective Screen Pro with less than 1% reflectivity. The screen surface is 2H-hardened, scratch-resistant, and foldable. The ultra-short throw design has a 0.18 throw ratio, allowing the display to sit nearly flush with the wall.
The TV includes a 9.1.4-channel audio system developed with Harman Kardon. It features 15 speaker units, a wireless subwoofer with an 11.9L acoustic chamber, and a peak output of 206W. The system supports Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and screen-vibration-based directional sound that matches audio to on-screen action.
The X1 Ultra packs a MediaTek MT9655 chip with 4GB RAM and 1TB storage. It supports Wi-Fi 7, 4K MAX high-bitrate playback, a native 4K smart UI, and uses Hisense’s DeepSeek AI for context-aware voice control and real-time scene tips.
The connectivity options include four HDMI 2.1 ports, USB 3.0 and 2.0, Ethernet LAN, RS232, optical and coaxial audio out, and antenna input. The remote control includes NFC for tap-to-cast smartphone mirroring.
The Xplorer X1 Ultra has a 2 cm wall-mounted screen, weighing 20 kg with a 13.1 kg main unit. It draws about 350 W, offers TÜV eye protection, low blue light, ambient light adaptation, diffused reflection, and shows 6.9 billion colors with ΔE≈0.6.
Hisense has announced pricing for all four sizes:
150-inch: 99,999 yuan (~$13,700)
139-inch: 79,999 yuan (~$11,200)
120-inch: 69,999 yuan (~$9,800)
100-inch: 49,999 yuan (~$7,000)
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Xiaomi’s upcoming launch event isn’t just about the new Xiaomi 17 series phones. The company is also preparing to roll out the Pad 8, and thanks to a steady stream of leaks, we already have a decent picture of what’s on the way.
The Pad 8 is shaping up as the base model in Xiaomi’s refreshed tablet lineup, sitting below the Pad 8 Pro. A recent Geekbench entry for a device tagged as 25097RP43C suggests it’s running on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, paired with 12GB of RAM. Early scores land around 1,984 for single-core and 6,323 for multi-core. That’s slightly shy of phones like the Poco F7 or Nothing Phone (3) using the same chip, but that’s not unusual for pre-release hardware.
Xiaomi has already teased some of the specs, including an 11.2-inch LCD screen with a sharp 3.2K resolution and a fast 144Hz refresh rate—clearly targeting gamers and heavy content consumers. Powering everything is a 9,200mAh battery with 45W fast charging. Despite packing in that much juice, the tablet is impressively thin at 5.75mm and weighs just 485g, which puts it nearly on par with the Pro version.
Other details floating around include a 13MP rear shooter, an 8MP selfie cam, quad speakers, quad microphones, and a USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port for faster transfers. On the software front, it’s expected to ship with HyperOS 3, designed to integrate more smoothly with the rest of Xiaomi’s ecosystem.
Leaked hands-on images show a clean, flat-edged design with slim bezels, keeping in line with the brand’s recent devices. With the official reveal coming later this month, the Pad 8 looks set to offer a more affordable tablet option that still ticks a lot of the right boxes.
Samsung’s plans for its next wave of futuristic devices appear to have shifted. The company had been expected to showcase its first tri-fold smartphone alongside the upcoming XR headset this month, but new reports suggest the foldable won’t be ready in time. Instead, the spotlight will fall solely on the headset, leaving foldable fans waiting a little longer.
According to ETNews, Samsung is preparing to launch the Project Moohan XR headset on October 21. The device will mark Samsung’s official entry into mixed reality, with features like AI-assisted controls, advanced eye and hand tracking, and support for a wide range of Android apps. It’s powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 and uses a high-resolution display, positioning it as a strong challenger to Meta’s Quest series and Apple’s Vision Pro.
The Galaxy Tri-Fold, however, has reportedly been pushed back. The inward folding tri-fold was initially tipped to launch together with the headset. Samsung is said to be holding off until late November, giving the device more time for final quality checks while also spacing out its big launches.
Samsung has already proven itself a leader in book-style foldables with the Galaxy Z Fold lineup, but the Tri-Fold represents a bigger leap—and with that comes added complexity. By separating the launches, the company ensures that each product gets its own moment, and that the Tri-Fold’s debut isn’t overshadowed by the excitement around XR.
The delay may test the patience of fans who have been waiting years for a true tri-fold phone, but it doesn’t look like the project is in jeopardy. Instead, Samsung seems to be playing it safe, aiming to close out the year with back-to-back showcase products: Moohan for XR in October, and the Tri-Fold foldable soon after.
Apple’s thinnest iPhone, the iPhone Air, has just faced one of the harshest durability trials—JerryRigEverything’s infamous bend test. At only 5.6mm thick, many feared the ultra-slim design would revive memories of the iPhone 6 Plus “Bendgate” saga. But thanks to its titanium middle frame, the slimmest iPhone held up impressively—at least until JerryRigEverything pushed it to the limit. In his latest durability test, the iPhone Air went through an unusual round of torture, and the result might surprise you.
The durability run began with scratches. Apple’s new Ceramic Shield 2 glass held up impressively, resisting marks until level 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. That’s a step above most phones, including Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra with Gorilla Armor 2, which showed scratches at level 6. Nelson even joked, “Apple ruined my line,” since his go-to scratch commentary didn’t quite apply here.
However, not every claim lived up to expectations. Apple’s much-touted anti-reflective coating didn’t perform as well as promised. Under bright lighting, it showed more glare than Samsung’s older Galaxy S24 Ultra, leaving a small dent in Apple’s otherwise strong display performance.
Then came the big moment—the bend test. Apple has been promoting the Air’s grade 5 titanium frame as being twice as rigid and 60% more elastic than aluminum. When Nelson applied pressure from the back, the frame barely budged. Bending it from the front produced some flex, but the phone quickly returned to shape without permanent damage.
Of course, Nelson pushed things further. Using a crane scale, he applied up to 216 pounds (about 98kg) of force, which finally cracked the front glass and bent the frame beyond recovery. Even then, the back glass didn’t shatter, and the phone remained operational.
The iPhone Air has proven that being thin doesn’t have to mean fragile. With a titanium frame and stronger Ceramic Shield 2 glass, it easily shrugs off normal daily abuse and puts fears of a “Bendgate 2.0” to rest. The only real disappointment is the anti-reflective coating, which doesn’t live up to Apple’s marketing. Still, durability-wise, the iPhone Air stands as one of the toughest devices in Apple’s 2025 lineup.
Xiaomi just pulled off something that has the entire air conditioning industry doing double-takes. They’ve extended their warranty on all Mijia air conditioners in China from 6 years to 10 years of free coverage, and here’s the kicker: it applies to people who already bought them too.
When Lu Weibing, one of Xiaomi’s top executives, made this announcement during a livestream, it caught the industry off guard. This covers everything, wall units, tower styles, and even those complicated central air systems that usually get minimal coverage.
The wild part? If you installed a Mijia AC anytime after January 1st, 2025, you’re automatically covered. Bought yours in 2024, but installed it this year? You’re in too.
When Xiaomi says free, they mean it. No repair fees, no service charges, no surprise costs. Free diagnostics, parts, labor, and even refrigerant refills. The catch? It only covers performance failures due to product quality issues, not damage you cause yourself. But for manufacturing defects and natural wear, you’re completely covered for a decade.
Xiaomi sold 7.5 million AC units this year. Their extended warranty usually costs 200 yuan ($28) per unit. By offering this for free, they’re giving away 1.5 billion yuan ($210 million) worth of service coverage. That’s a massive bet on customer loyalty.
Lu Weibing didn’t just announce a policy; he threw down the gauntlet to every AC manufacturer, calling them out to stop cherry-picking warranty coverage and start treating customers fairly.
For anyone who’s dealt with appliance warranty headaches, this sounds refreshing. No fine print, no discovering your model doesn’t qualify.
This feels bigger than marketing. Xiaomi is so confident in their quality that they’re backing it with real money for real people. By making it retroactive, they’re showing existing customers that loyalty goes both ways.
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Baseus is rolling out a new fast charger called the PicoGo AE21 Digital Display Fast Charger. It’s already on sale in China and is now heading to Europe and North America with a price tag of €59.99 in the EU.
The charger uses GaN tech to stay compact and efficient while still pushing out plenty of power. It has two USB-C ports, each supporting up to 100W, plus a USB-A port rated at 33W. That means you can charge a laptop and a phone at the same time, or even run two laptops if needed—though in that case the USB-A shuts off and the two Type-C ports split the output, with 65W on the first port and 35W on the second.
If the connected devices don’t demand that much—say a Galaxy S25, which tops out at 25W—the charger adjusts to a 45W + 30W split across the USB-C ports while keeping the USB-A active at 18W. That’s enough to charge a phone, a power bank, and a pair of earbuds at once, all at decent speeds.
But what makes this fast charger stand out is the little digital display on the front. It shows live charging data like voltage, wattage, and even temperature, so you can see exactly how your devices are pulling power. Baseus says it uses graphene materials and smart thermal controls to keep heat under control, even when running at full tilt.
Despite packing all this, the PicoGo stays compact. It measures 6.7 x 3.3 x 5.3 cm and has foldable prongs, so it’s easy to toss into a bag without adding bulk.
For anyone who needs one charger to handle a laptop, a phone, and maybe a pair of earbuds all at once, the PicoGo looks like a strong option. With a global launch expected soon, it might be one of the more practical travel chargers you’ll see this year.
Just days after the stable One UI 8 rollout began for the Galaxy S25 series, traces of One UI 8.5 have been spotted on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The early appearance suggests Samsung is moving faster than usual with its mid-cycle software refresh.
The stable One UI 8, built on Android 16, brings tweaks to Galaxy AI, more customization tools, and smoother performance. The rollout is still making its way across regions. But while users are still waiting for that, a test build for One UI 8.5 has already popped up on Samsung’s servers.
The firmware carries the version number S938BXXU5CYIA/S938BOXM5CYIA/S938BXXU5CYIA. It can’t be downloaded—Samsung patched the loophole that once allowed sideloading test builds—but its presence is enough to confirm development is well underway.
So what’s in it? Nothing official yet, but past mid-cycle updates have brought UI refinements, smoother animations, and extra Galaxy AI features. It’s possible One UI 8.5 will follow the same path.
Interestingly, developer @Feruzbek_101 managed to get a test build running on his Galaxy S21+. He shared a few images that reveal some of the early UI tweaks.
Samsung is also working in parallel on the Galaxy S26 series, which means One UI 8.5 might launch first with that hardware before it reaches current S25 owners. If so, it could be early 2026 before S25 Ultra users see the stable version.
Still, the fact that it’s already showing up is a good sign. Samsung’s software teams are clearly pushing updates quicker, keeping pressure on rivals like Google and Xiaomi. Expect more leaks in the coming months.
The OnePlus 15 may look and feel quite different from its predecessor, the OnePlus 13. A new report from tipster Digital Chat Station, who claims to have gone hands-on with the upcoming flagship, points to some notable changes in both design and materials.
OnePlus 15 render
According to the leaker’s post on Weibo, the OnePlus 15 will feature a flat display with rounded corners and is described as “much smaller” than the 6.9-inch iPhone 17 Pro Max. Previous leaks suggested a 6.78-inch screen, slightly more compact than the 6.82-inch panel on the OnePlus 13 (review).
Interestingly, the middle frame is said to use a special coating that’s “four times harder than titanium.” It reportedly comes in a matte, earthy tone inspired by Dune, moving away from the glossy finish of the OnePlus 13.
The biggest uncertainty surrounds the camera housing. Early rumors hinted at a square module — a shift from the round layout of the OnePlus 13 — but Digital Chat Station now suggests those renders were inaccurate. The actual design remains under wraps, leaving fans waiting for OnePlus to confirm the details.
Under the hood, things appear clearer. The OnePlus 15 is expected to run on Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Benchmark listings spotted earlier indicate about a 20% boost in CPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite inside the OnePlus 13, promising smoother multitasking, gaming, and AI-powered features.
OnePlus is set to unveil the phone in October 2025. If these leaks prove accurate, the company’s next flagship could deliver a refreshed design alongside a major performance upgrade — though the final word will only come once OnePlus makes it official.
SanDisk has launched a new lineup of portable solid-state drives under the ELE series name in China. The new drives serve as a direct successor to the popular WD Elements SE series, which existed before the split between Western Digital and SanDisk.
SanDisk ELE SSD Specifications
The SanDisk ELE series portable SSD features sequential read speeds of up to 400MB/s. This makes the drive approximately 2.5 times faster than conventional external hard drives. It is available in two storage options: 1TB and 2TB.
The drive is built to handle everyday storage needs, including file transfers, mobile content creation, and general productivity. It uses a USB 5Gbps interface and supports both USB Type-A and Type-C connectivity. SanDisk includes a Type-C adapter in the box.
SanDisk has designed the drive with portability in mind. The ELE SSD has a square body measuring 64.5mm on each side, with a thickness of 8.7mm. It weighs about 45 grams, making it easy to carry in a pocket or bag. The drive also supports drop resistance of up to 2 meters, offering protection against accidental falls.
The SSD is compatible with Windows 10 and later versions, as well as macOS 11 and newer. It operates within a temperature range of 0°C to 45°C and can handle storage temperatures from -20°C to 85°C. These ratings ensure the device can withstand routine use and safe storage in a range of conditions. SanDisk provides a three-year limited warranty with the ELE series.
Pricing and Availability
The 1TB model is priced at 499 yuan (around $70), and the 2TB version costs 819 yuan (about $115). SanDisk has not confirmed global availability yet.
In related news, Samsung has unveiled its 8TB 9100 Pro PCIe 5.0 SSD with read speeds up to 14,800 MB/s, while SanDisk introduced the WD Blue SN5100 SSD, offering up to 4TB capacity and read speeds reaching 7100 MB/s.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
The stable One UI 8 rollout has just begun, but leaks have already started revealing important details about its next iteration, One UI 8.5. We already know that Samsung has been working on it for months, and recently, the Galaxy S25 Ultra was spotted on the test server with One UI 8.5 build. Now, a leaked video has surfaced on the internet, giving us our first look at the software well ahead of its official release.
A developer, @Feruzbek_101, was able to somehow modify the One UI 8.5 internal beta build and run it on a Galaxy S21+. The video shared by him reveals Samsung is making UI changes across various apps and functions, including the Settings app, Galaxy Themes, and Studio Editor.
The changes become visible right from the boot screen. There’s a new One UI 8.5 logo on the boot screen with gradients around it, giving it a colorful experience. Samsung has been showing a minimalist “Samsung Galaxy” text on the boot screen for years. It’s good that Samsung’s making some changes there.
The Setting app is also getting some notable UI tweaks. The menu options are now compact, and there are no subtitle texts as well. The search bar is now located at the bottom, which is easier to reach, and there’s an overflow gradient on both top and bottom edges. There are also drop shadows on all containers and the search bar. The expanded search page now shows different categories in a three-column grid.
More changes are visible inside the Settings app when you tap on a specific item. The back button floats above the content and gets a drop shadow of its own, which looks similar to iOS 26. Furthermore, the One UI Home Screen page within the Settings page replaces the dummy icons with real ones.
The Phone app may be getting a big UI overhaul in One UI 8.5. As the video shows, the traditional three-tab structure is replaced with a pill-shaped design, making it easier to access options while also extending the screen’s usability. The Galaxy Studio is also getting a pill-shaped UI element. This could be implemented in more stock apps to offer users a streamlined user experience.
One UI 8.5 also brings design changes to the Galaxy Themes app. The app launch page features a giant brush icon, perhaps aiming to convey a colorful and tweaking vibe. Inside, the app shows pill-shaped buttons. The Device Care section gets a revamped UI, featuring a card design for the device health status. The individual options below show long progress bars.
You can click this link to watch the complete leaked video of One UI 8.5.
The One U 8.5 is currently in an early phase of development, and therefore, these changes are not final yet. The stable build is expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026. That’s when we’ll see the full version of One UI 8.5 along with all new features and upgrades.
Remember to regularly visit our One UI 8.5 section for the latest updates on this topic. You can also follow us on Telegram to stay on top of the latest tech trends and updates.
Huawei launched the Nova Flip last year as its most affordable foldable. It looks like the company is now working on its successor. According to reliable tipster Digital Chat Station, the company is working on a new device called the Nova Flip S.
The device will reportedly come in multiple memory options: 12GB of RAM paired with 256GB, 512GB, or even 1TB of storage. The color option is said to include Sakura Pink, Zero White, Sky Blue, Starry Black, Feather Sand Black, and New Green.
On the software front, the phone will run HarmonyOS 5.0, Huawei’s latest operating system. The original Nova Flip launched with the Kirin 8 series chipset, and while this leak doesn’t confirm the processor for the Flip S, it’s reasonable to expect an upgraded chip for smoother performance.
As for price, Digital Chat Station suggests the Nova Flip S will land somewhere around 5,000 yuan (roughly $700 USD).
Huawei Nova Flip Specifications
While other specs of Nova Flip S are yet to come, let’s take a quick recap of the specs of Nova Flip. The device measures 169.8 x 75.4 x 6.9 mm when unfolded and 87.6 x 75.4 x 15.1 mm folded, weighing about 195g.
Huawei Nova Flip
It features a 6.94-inch LTPO OLED foldable display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 2.14-inch OLED cover screen. The main camera system includes a 50MP wide lens with OIS and an 8MP ultrawide lens, while the front houses a 32MP selfie camera capable of 4K video.
Other highlights include stereo speakers, no headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6 support, NFC, and a 4400mAh battery with 66W fast charging and 5W reverse charging. Security was handled by a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
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