Oppo has unveiled the Oppo Find N5 as the world’s first Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered foldable phone. Surprisingly, the brand has managed to slim down its design to 8.93mm in the folded state, breaking the 9.2mm record set by last year’s Honor Magic V3. A recent leak revealed that the Magic V4 is in the works and may debut in the second quarter of this year. A new leak by tipster Digital Chat Station has revealed the specific month in which the device will launch. Additionally, he has also shared details of other Honor devices that are expected to launch by mid-2025.
Honor Magic V4 launch timeframe (rumored)
According to DCS, the Honor Magic V4 is set to debut in China in June. Like its predecessor, it will feature an ultra-thin design. While it’s unclear if it will be slimmer than the Find N5, it is expected to be a few millimetres thinner, maintaining the standard set by the Magic V3.
Upcoming Honor devices
Apart from Magic V4, the brand is also working on a couple of new phones, which may launch by mid-2025. These include the Honor 400 series, Magic V2 Flip, and GT Pro.
DCS did not share any information about the specifications of the upcoming Honor devices. However, it appears that the Magic V4 may feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite. The tipster also revealed that the Vivo X Fold 4 will launch in quick succession after the Magic V4.
Reports suggest that Xiaomi may not launch a book-style foldable phone. As far as Huawei is concerned, it may launch the Mate X7 in the second half of this year.
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Instagram is rolling out a handful of useful updates to its direct messaging service, including message translation, music stickers, and the ability to schedule messages.
Message translation has been available on Facebook Messenger since 2018, but it’s only now making its way to Instagram DMs. It’s a little ridiculous that it took Meta this long to roll it out— WhatsApp still doesn’t have it—but better late than never, right?
Now, you can translate messages in your Instagram chat by simply long-pressing on a sent or received message and tapping Translate. The translated text will appear right below the original.
Another addition to DM is music stickers. The feature lets you share a snippet of your selected song in messages. You’ll find the new Music option under the Stickers tab in your chat, where you can search for a song to share. Just keep in mind that the sticker will only include a 30-second preview of the song.
Instagram is also adding the ability to schedule messages, which should come in handy for things like birthday wishes at exactly midnight. You can long press the send button to schedule a message and select your preferred time from the available customization options.
Group chats are getting a small but useful tweak as well. Each group will now have a personalized QR code that you can share to invite others. However, group admins will still have control over who can join as they can refresh the QR code at any time to limit access.
And finally, Instagram is expanding last year’s feature that lets users pin up to three chat threads in their DMs. Now, you’ll also be able to pin specific messages within one-on-one or group conversations, making it easier to keep important texts front and center.
These new features have already started rolling out globally, so if you don’t see them yet, they should arrive soon.
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Logitech MX Series is designed to enhance productivity and promote health with ergonomic design. All Logitech MX Series products, including wireless keyboards, mechanical keyboards, Wireless Mice, and others, are on 20% sale in India. Interested users can grab their favorite accessory with a discount using coupon code LOGIMX20.
Logitech MX Ergo S Advanced Wireless is on sale for the price of Rs 7,995 and with the 2% discount coupon, you will get it for Rs 6,396. The Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K Collaboration Web Cam is on sale for Rs 19,995, and with the coupon code, it is down to Rs 15,996. It’s a whopping Rs 3,999 discount on the list price.
Further, the other wireless keyboards and Wireless Mouse are also available at the same price. You can choose between different colors for the Logitech MX Anywhere 3S Compact Wireless mouse. Similarly, the Logitech MX Keys Mini Minimalist Wireless Keyboards is available in five different colors including White, Black, Rose, Pale Grey, and Graphite.
The famous Logitech Wave Keys Wireless Ergonomic keyboard is on sale with a Cushioned Palm rest for the price of Rs 5495. The 20% discount with the coupon code will plummet the price. Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse is also on sale for the price of Rs 5495 in three different colors Graphite pale Grey and Rose.
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Samsung is rolling out the One UI 7 beta 4 update for the Galaxy S24. This is still the beta version of One UI 7 and not the final build but offers various improvements and fixes to the major update for last year’s flagship phones. So here’s everything you need to know.
Samsung Galaxy S24 gets One UI 7 Beta 4 Update
The South Korean tech giant is bringing out the One UI 7 beta 4 for the Galaxy S24 amid reports of the update seeing delays. While the Galaxy S25 got its first update, the Galaxy S24 users had no launch timeline for the official build of One UI 7. But now, the One UI 7 beta 4 is finally here for the 2024 premium model. This is a major software upgrade, bringing the latest Android 15 OS, new AI features, and various tweaks to the user interface (Via 9To5Google).
Samsung’s One UI 7 Beta
As of right now, Samsung has only offered this update on the base Galaxy S24, so it has yet to arrive in the Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 Ultra. This update is currently rolling out in the brand’s home market of South Korea. But considering how the beta program is also live in other regions like Europe and the US, we can expect a wider release to follow soon. This is a sizeable update that has a total download of 1.4GB.
The Beta 4 build of the One UI 7 brings various bug fixes and stability improvements along with new AI Filters for the camera, LOG video format, and much more. We still don’t have an official release date for the One UI 7, so stick around for more.
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Vivo is gearing up to launch a new budget smartphone in the Indian market soon. But ahead of the official announcement, the Vivo T4x model has just been spotted on a new leak that revealed its main rear camera details and more. So here’s what we know.
Vivo T4x may arrive with a 50MP AI rear camera
Vivo T3X
According to a MySmartPrice report, the Chinese smartphone maker’s Vivo T4x will reportedly feature a 50MP AI main camera on the back. The artificial intelligence part of this device is the various AI powered tools. This includes AI Erase, AI Photo Enhance, and AI Document Mode. Unfortunately, there is no word regarding any other sensor on the back. But from what we know so far, the Vivo T4x could offer a dual camera setup on the rear.
Apart from this, the report confirmed that the upcoming Vivo smartphones will also offer Military Grade Certified Durability for their design and house an IR blaster. For those unaware, this feature allows you to control TVs and other devices as it can double as a remote control. In a recent teaser, the brand confirmed that the Vivo T4x will pack the largest battery ever in the segment thanks to its massive 6,500mAh battery pack.
Vivo T4x 5G teaser
This model will be sold via Flipkart in India, with its Indian release being right around the corner. The smartphone could launch for under 15,000 INR and could arrive in two color options, namely Pronto Purple and Marine Blue. An earlier report also claimed that the T4x is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC.
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Back in 2023, Tecno introduced an imaging technology called Universal Tone to improve skin tone accuracy in photos, ensuring that people of all complexions are represented more naturally.
Since then, the company has worked with universities to refine the tech and even launched a web portal to let users identify their true skin tone with just a single click.
Now, Tecno is pushing things even further. The company today announced an upgraded version of Universal Tone that expands its skin tone database and improves its Multi-Skin Tone Color Restoration Engine for even more accurate color reproduction.
What’s new in Tecno Universal Tone?
The latest upgrade to Universal Tone brings a more advanced Multi-Skin Tone color card which now features 372 patches—up from 268 in the previous version.
In simple terms, this means Universal Tone now has even more skin tone data to work with, so when you snap a photo, your skin tone should look more natural and true to life.
While the new dataset serves audiences on a global scale, Tecno says it has also developed a regional color card specifically for Saudi Arabia.
Developed in collaboration with the University of Leeds (UK) and Dar Al-Hekma University (Saudi Arabia) in late 2024, the custom color card features 187 unique Saudi skin tone patches that will more authentically depict the nation’s varied skin tones.
Beyond the expanded database, Tecno says it has also improved its Multi-Skin Tone Color Restoration Engine with a refined CCM Skin Tone Calibration Algorithm and an upgraded Spectrum-Based Automatic White Balance (AWB) Algorithm.
The CCM algorithm which is now trained with the updated Multi-Skin Tone color card dataset is designed for more precise color calibration. Meanwhile, the AWB Algorithm is said to tackle color shift issues in monochromatic photo scenarios to improve exposure and white balance when capturing diverse skin tones in the same frame.
Together, these upgrades boost skin tone accuracy by over 50%, according to Tecno—making Universal Tone its most advanced skin tone aesthetic data model.
The new and updated Universal Tone will make its debut in the upcoming Tecno Camon 40 series set to launch at MWC 2025.
Xiaomi‘s next gen flagship TWS earbuds has just been revealed. A fresh leak has showcased the entire design of the upcoming Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, offering us a look at its sleek new design, multiple color variants, and more. So here are all the details.
Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro Renders Leaked
The latest leak arrives from known tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore who shared renders with MySmartPrice. The entire design of the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro has just been revealed via this leak. We can see an in-ear design with silicon tips and stems. It has a charging case that is shaped like a pebble along with an LED indicator as well. The bottom houses a USB Type-C port for charging, a multi purpose button, and an etching that confirms audio tuning by Harman AudioEFX.
Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro
The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro can be seen in three sleek colors, namely Titanium, White, and Black. All of these carry a glossy finish as well. Unfortunately, the leaked official looking renders only offer us a glimpse of its design and don’t reveal any details regarding its specifications or features. However, we can expect improved audio quality over its predecessor, support for ANC (Active Noise Cancellation), and possibly even spatial audio.
Keep in mind that this is still just speculation at this point, so take this with a pinch of salt. The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro is set to make its global debut along with the Xiaomi 15 series next month. To recall, the flagship phones will be announced on 2nd March 2025, so stay tuned for more as we will be covering the launch event.
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After launching the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung has now shifted its focus to its upcoming foldable—the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The first firmware for the device has been spotted on Samsung’s servers, signaling that the company has started working on it.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
One UI 7 testing underway for Galaxy Z Fold 7
According to X tipster @tarunvats33 (via Sammobile), the first software build for the US variant of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (model number SM-F966U) has been discovered on Samsung’s servers. The firmware, labeled F966USQU0AYB3, is reportedly based on Android 15 and One UI 7.x.
This leak reaffirms a recent report suggesting that Samsung will skip One UI 7.1.1, the reason behind which is reportedly the delay in rolling out the stable One UI 7.0 update for existing devices.
What to expect from the Galaxy Z Fold 7
As for the hardware, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rumored to come with a redesigned hinge mechanism, which reportedly reduces the crease. The displays are also expected to be larger this time—a 6.5-inch cover display paired with an 8-inch foldable one. This is up from the 6.3-inch and 7.6-inch panels of the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6
However, not everything is expected to be impressive: recent reports suggest that the phone might lose some S Pen features. While it could make the device a bit slimmer to compete with some of its Chinese counterparts, some people may find it hard to accept the reduction of S Pen features. Nonetheless, there’s no word on which specific features the S Pen will lose, so we’ll have to wait for it before commenting further.
As for the performance, recent rumors claim the phone will pack the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, contradicting earlier reports that suggested the Z series would adopt Exynos.
There’s no word on the adoption of the Si/C battery tech as of now, so don’t expect a reasonable increase in battery capacity.
The camera setup could include a 200MP primary sensor, an ultrawide lens, a 3x telephoto lens, and an improved under-display camera.
The phone is expected to measure around 10mm when closed, down from 12.1mm. This, combined with the larger displays and improved hinge technology, could make it one of the most refined foldables yet.
Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy A26 5G is inching closer to its official launch. Now the support pages for the device have gone live in several markets, including the UK, Ireland, and Latin America. This follows earlier sightings of the phone on several certification platforms including BIS, TUV Rheinland, and Bluetooth SIG.
While the support pages don’t reveal much information about the device itself, they strongly suggest that the Galaxy A26 5G could debut soon, possibly alongside the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56 in March. For reference, the Galaxy A25 5G was announced back in December 2023.
The support pages, spotted on Samsung’s regional websites, don’t explicitly mention the Galaxy A26 5G by name. However, they list the model number SM-A26B/DS, which has been previously linked to the A26 in Bluetooth SIG listings. This confirms that the device is indeed the Galaxy A26 5G.
Galaxy A26 5G rumored specifications:
Based on previous leaks and rumors, the Galaxy A26 5G is expected to feature a 6.64-inch or 6.7-inch display with a waterdrop notch design. The screen will likely support FHD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
Under the hood, the phone could be powered by an overclocked version of the Exynos 1280 chipset, though some rumors suggest it might feature the Exynos 2400e SoC instead.
Samsung Galaxy A26Galaxy A25
For those unfamiliar, the Exynos 2400e is a slightly downclocked version of the flagship Exynos 2400, and it powers the more premium Galaxy S24 FE. So, it’s less likely that Samsung will use this chip to power a device that is expected to offer a water-drop notch in 2025. It could be paired with up to 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage.
Now here’s another surprise: according to a previous report, the phone could pack a battery smaller than its predecessor—4,565mAh down from 5,000.
On the software front, it will likely run Android 15-based One UI 7, similar to the recently launched Galaxy S25 series. However, don’t expect the AI features as part of the Android 15-based skin.
The launch of the iPhone 16e marks a new chapter for Apple, but this progress comes at a cost. It’s a story of evolution, where the new replaces the old, leaving behind a series of sacrifices that reflect a significant shift in Apple’s design philosophy. Let’s take a closer look at what the iPhone 16e has left behind.
The Apple iPhone 16e, while still relatively sleek, represents a clear departure from the compact design that many users cherished. Measuring 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, it’s notably larger than the iPhone SE 2022’s 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm, resulting in a volume increase of over 20%.
While it maintains a size comparable to the iPhone 16 (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm), the 16e’s growth signals a shift away from truly pocket-friendly devices. This increase in size impacts one-handed usability and the overall feel of the device.
2. The End of the “SE” Era
With the launch of the iPhone 16e, Apple has effectively retired the “SE” branding. This shift may signify a change in Apple’s product strategy, potentially indicating a move away from the budget-friendly “Special Edition” line. This rebranding could also represent an effort to streamline Apple’s product naming conventions.
Apple hasn’t officially revealed what the ‘e’ in iPhone 16e stands for. It could represent “economical,” “essential,” “edition,” or even “enhanced.” Without an official confirmation, the meaning remains open to interpretation, leaving room for speculation among Apple enthusiasts.
3. The Farewell to the Touch ID Sensor
The removal of the Touch ID sensor marks a significant shift in Apple’s biometric authentication strategy. Face ID now stands as the sole method, representing a complete transition away from the fingerprint-based security that many users had grown accustomed to. This change, while offering advanced facial recognition, eliminates the tactile convenience of Touch ID.
4. The Sunset of the Lightning Port
The death of the Lightning Port signals Apple’s full embrace of USB-C. This move aligns Apple with industry standards and offers users a more universal charging and data transfer solution. However, it also signifies the end of an era for Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector, a staple for many years.
5. The Silent Extermination of Previous Models
The launch of the iPhone 16e has effectively marked the end of a few older iPhone models, most notably the iPhone SE 2022 and the iPhone 14, both of which have been removed from Apple’s official website.
With the 16e taking the spot that many expected for an SE 4 and offering newer technology in a similar form factor, it significantly diminishes the appeal of the iPhone 14. By striking a balance between features, performance, and affordability, the 16e accelerates the obsolescence of these older models within Apple’s lineup.
iPhone 16e specifications and price
The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED 60Hz display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, reaching a local peak brightness of 1200 nits and protected by Ceramic Shield. It is powered by the Apple A18 chip and 8 GB of RAM. Charging options include 20W wired and 7.5W wireless (without MagSafe).
The iPhone 16e runs on iOS 18, which brings support for Apple Intelligence. For photography, it features a 12-megapixel front camera with Face ID and a 48-megapixel rear camera offering 2x lossless zoom.
Other features of the iPhone 16e include an Apple C1 modem, satellite connectivity, an Action Button (without camera controls), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, a USB-C port, and an IP68-rated chassis with an aluminium alloy middle frame.
In India, the iPhone 16e is priced at Rs 59,900 for the 128GB variant, Rs 69,900 for the 256GB version, and Rs 89,900 for the 512GB model. In the US, these variants are priced at $599, $699, and $899, respectively Available in White and Black, pre-orders start on Feb. 21, and sales commence on Feb. 28.
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Qualcomm and MediaTek are already working on their next-generation flagship chips and both are rumored to launch their new SoCs earlier than their predecessors. According to reports, MediaTek could launch Dimensity 9500 in mid-2025 while the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 might go official in early October.
But it’s not just the chips that could see an early release—smartphones powered by them might also hit the market ahead of schedule. That’s according to a new rumor from China that suggests manufacturers could roll out devices a month earlier than expected.
According to Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the first wave of Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 and Dimensity 9500 phones is “definitely” launching in October. But some manufacturers could push their releases even earlier, with the first devices potentially arriving by late September.
If past trends hold, either Vivo or Oppo will likely be the first to launch a Dimensity 9500-powered phone, while Xiaomi could be among the first to launch a device featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2.
Dimensity 9500 might see a big change
Fortunately, we already have some early details on what to expect from these new chips—and MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 appears to be in for a major overhaul.
According to a previous report, the upcoming MediaTek flagship will adopt a 2+6 CPU cluster layout, a big departure from the all-big-core architecture seen in the Dimensity 9300 and 9400.
The reasoning behind the shift isn’t entirely clear, especially since MediaTek was the first to go all-in on big cores, but the new chip is expected to feature two Cortex-X930 “Travis” cores alongside six Cortex-A730 “Gelas” cores.
Samsung showcased the Galaxy S25 Edge at the Galaxy Unpacked event earlier this year, without revealing any details about the phone. According to leaks, the phone is less than 6mm thick, which raises durability concerns for some. In the latest news, sources inside Sammobile claim that the back plate of the phone is made of ceramic.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
Ceramic is harder, but more brittle
While the back plate will be more scratch-resistant, it will also be more prone to breaking if dropped on a hard surface. In comparison, the other models in the Galaxy S25 series use the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, and the Ultra model has survived head-height drops onto concrete.
While the S25 Edge will be much lighter than the Ultra model (160 grams, according to Ice Universe), ceramic is still a relatively uncommon material for a smartphone back plate and it will be interesting to see how it handles an accidental drop.
If this rumor is true, Samsung may have chosen it to reduce the phone’s weight. While traditional ceramics (like those used in pottery) are usually denser and heavier than glass, advanced ceramics (like those used in smartphones) can indeed be lighter than glass while being more durable.
Other than that, the middle frame will reportedly be made of aluminum, the same as the base and plus model of the series.
As for the internals, the phone is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and a 3,900 mAh battery—100 mAh less than the base model. While there is a 7-core version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, rumors claim the S25 Edge will boast an 8-core version, the same one as the other models in the series. The phone has recently surfaced on Geekbench, which reaffirms the core count.
This super-slim Galaxy flagship is expected to launch sometime in the second quarter of this year. We’ll share more information as soon as they become available.
Honor is gearing up to expand its number-series lineup with the upcoming Honor 400 series. The spotlight is now on the Honor 400 Lite, which has recently appeared on the Google Play Console. Interestingly, the Honor 300 series didn’t offer a ‘Lite’ model. So, this device will succeed the Honor 200 Lite launched back in April last year.
The listing has revealed some key specifications and a glimpse of the phone’s design, giving us a hint at what to expect.
Key details revealed by the listing
The Honor 400 Lite listing (model number ABR-NX1) confirms that the device will be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7025 chipset, which features a CPU with two Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores running at 2GHz.
This chip has previously been featured in the Moto G55 and the Redmi Note 14, and it promises a balance between performance and power efficiency. Overall, it’s suitable for everyday tasks as well as lightweight games.
The configuration listed on Google Play Console packs 8GB of RAM, and we also expect a 12GB version as the Honor 200 Lite comes in both configurations. As for software, the 400 Lite will come with Android 15 out-of-the-box.
The Play Console listing also includes a render of the device, which looks very similar to the predecessor. From the pill-shaped cutout in the display to the bezels, the overall design language of the phone appears to be very similar to last year’s model. Nonetheless, this is still a render and the bezels could be slimmer than what’s depicted in the render.
Honor 200 Lite specs
While most of the specifications remain under wraps, we can refer to its predecessor to get an idea of what to expect. The Honor 200 Lite packs a 6.7″ FHD+ AMOLED display on the front and a triple camera setup on the back—108 MP main + 5 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro camera. The pill-shaped cutout includes a 50MP selfie camera.
On the inside, the 200 Lite packs a relatively small 4,500mAh battery which supports 35W wired charging. With the recent trend of using the high-density Si/C battery, we expect at least a slight increase in capacity with the Honor 400 Lite.
Realme has officially announced its collaboration with DeepSeek-R1, making the Realme Neo 7 SE the first smartphone in the industry to feature AI-powered gaming enhancements. For those who don’t know, the smartphone I is set to launch on Feb. 25 in China. Another model dubbed the Realme Neo 7x will also debut alongside the Neo 7 SE.
DeepSeek-R1 is expected to enhance Realme Neo 7 SE gaming by providing AI-powered real-time strategy assistance. The above poster suggests that the AI real-time strategy feature of a popular chess mobile game will be the first to support deep analysis and online search. The integration of DeepSeek-R1 will help break down complex challenges, understand the essence of battles, think deeper, and provide more accurate strategies for players.
Under the hood, the Neo 7 SE features the Dimensity 8400-Max chipset. To support extended gaming sessions, it will come equipped with a massive 7,000mAh battery and fast charging capabilities. It also features a 6.78-inch 1.5K OLED display for enhanced visual clarity and immersive gameplay.
The Neo 7 SE is expected to ship with up to 16 GB of RAM and up to 1 TB of storage. On the front, it will have a 16-megapixel selfie camera, and its back panel will feature an OIS-assisted 50-megapixel main camera and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens. The phone is expected to offer other features, such as 90W fast charging, an IR blaster, and Realme UI 6-based Android 15.
Realme will launch the Neo 7 SE with a sub-2,000 Yuan (~$275) pricing. It will be available in three shades, such as sliver, black, and blue. In China, the device will compete with the Redmi Turbo 4, which features the Dimensity 8400-Ultra SoC.
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A new leak suggests that Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro models could take a step back in durability compared to the iPhone 16 Pro models. According to a report, the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max could ditch the titanium frames used in the last two generations of Pro iPhones in favor of aluminum.
However, the rumored iPhone 17 Air model could still get a titanium frame, which is expected to replace the plus model.
A shift back to aluminum
In an investor note obtained by MacRumors, Apple supply chain analyst Jeff Pu revealed that the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to feature aluminum frames instead of titanium.
Switching back to aluminum will mean the iPhone 17 Pro models will be less durable than not only its predecessors but also the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and possibly the upcoming Ultra flagship from the brand as well.
During an accidental drop onto a concrete-like surface, aluminum generally gets scuffs while titanium does not suffer from any considerable damage.
But why would Apple do this?
According to Pu, Apple’s decision to switch to aluminum is driven by environmental considerations. Aluminum has a lower carbon footprint compared to titanium, and Apple is reportedly working toward its goal of achieving carbon neutrality across its products and supply chain by 2030.
This could be one of the reasons behind switching back to aluminum. As MacRumors notes, the company could market the iPhone 17 models as their first carbon-neutral iPhones. Titanium’s durability also makes it harder to work with, which could be another reason behind this speculated switch back to aluminum.
Nonetheless, this is still a rumor, and readers are suggested to take it with a pinch of salt.
Augmented reality (AR) headsets have evolved significantly in 2025, offering enhanced hardware, refined user experiences, and growing software ecosystems. While AR has long been a futuristic concept, recent developments suggest that it is on the cusp of mainstream adoption.
However, with premium price tags and the ecosystem still in flux, the question remains: Is it worth investing in AR technology today?
Current AR Hardware Landscape
The AR headset market is more competitive than ever, with tech giants and emerging players refining their offerings. Apple, Meta, Google, Samsung, and several Chinese manufacturers have established themselves as industry leaders, each taking a unique approach to AR integration.
Apple’s Vision Pro set a high benchmark when it launched in early 2024, and its successor, expected later this year, promises better battery life and a lighter form factor. Apple’s spatial computing ecosystem continues to expand, with more developers optimizing apps for visionOS.
Meta remains a dominant force with its Quest lineup, now headlined by the Quest 3 and the upgraded Quest 3s. These headsets offer improved processing power, better passthrough AR capabilities, and a growing library of mixed-reality experiences, making them appealing to both casual users and professionals.
Interestingly, the landscape of AR hardware is shifting, with proper headsets becoming less popular as users increasingly favor lightweight AR glasses. Microsoft, once a significant player in the AR space, has discontinued its HoloLens 2 without releasing a successor, signaling a move away from bulky enterprise headsets.
Meanwhile, Meta is at the forefront of AR glasses development with its Orion project, first unveiled last year and expected to launch for consumers in the near future. Unlike traditional AR headsets, Orion glasses aim to provide a more seamless, everyday wearable experience, blurring the line between virtual and physical worlds without requiring a heavy head-mounted display.
Meanwhile, Google is making a return to the AR and VR space with its Android XR platform, a dedicated ecosystem designed for next-generation immersive experiences. Built to support a wide range of devices, Android XR is expected to provide a strong foundation for developers looking to create AR applications with deep Google integration. Samsung, one of Google’s key partners, is making significant strides with Project Moohan, its first Android XR headset.
Rumored to offer a premium design and high-end features, this device is expected to challenge Apple’s Vision Pro while benefiting from Google’s software expertise. If Samsung’s approach to foldables is anything to go by, Project Moohan could set a new standard for Android-powered AR headsets.
Chinese manufacturers like XREAL (formerly Nreal), Oppo, and TCL have gained traction with lightweight AR glasses designed for entertainment and productivity. These devices, often more affordable than their Western counterparts, rely on external processing via smartphones or dedicated computing units.
Software and Services
AR content and applications have matured significantly in 2025, making the hardware more compelling. Developers are focusing on key areas that showcase the strengths of AR. Productivity and collaboration apps like Microsoft Mesh, Zoom AR, and Apple’s Freeform AR enable seamless remote meetings, holographic presentations, and collaborative workspaces.
Gaming has gained momentum with titles that blend virtual elements into the real world, while platforms like Disney+ and Netflix are experimenting with immersive AR content for interactive storytelling.
Brands are leveraging AR for virtual try-ons and 3D product visualization, making online shopping more interactive. Companies like Peloton and Apple have integrated AR-based guided workouts and fitness coaching, enhancing the at-home exercise experience.
Google’s Android XR platform could play a crucial role in accelerating software development for AR, offering an open ecosystem that encourages innovation and cross-device compatibility. Developers will benefit from Google’s extensive suite of tools, including AI-driven enhancements that can improve real-world object recognition, voice interactions, and spatial awareness.
The potential synergy between Android XR and Samsung’s Project Moohan suggests that AR adoption may soon become more accessible to a wider audience beyond Apple’s ecosystem.
What’s Next for AR?
While AR headsets have come a long way, they are still evolving. The next few years will likely bring major advancements in key areas. More compact and lightweight designs are in development, as bulky headsets remain a major barrier to mainstream adoption.
Advances in optics, battery technology, and micro-LED displays should help create sleeker and more comfortable wearables. Battery life remains a challenge, but manufacturers are exploring new energy-efficient chips and external battery solutions.
Faster connectivity and generative AI will enhance real-time interactions, making AR applications more fluid and intuitive. High costs remain a hurdle, but as production scales and competition increases, prices should gradually decrease.
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Should You Invest in AR Headsets Today?
For businesses and professionals in industries like healthcare, design, and remote collaboration, AR headsets in 2025 are already delivering significant value. The technology enhances productivity, enables new ways to interact with digital content, and provides immersive training solutions.
For everyday consumers, the decision is less straightforward. While AR headsets offer impressive experiences, their high prices and evolving software ecosystem make them more of a luxury than a necessity.
Unless you have a specific use case such as gaming, creative work, or early adoption of emerging tech it may be wise to wait for more refined and affordable options in the coming years.
Microsoft recently introduced the “Majorana 1” quantum processor, generating significant interest in the tech industry. The company claims that this new chip, powered by a “topological qubit,” marks meaningful progress toward scalable and practical quantum computing. According to Microsoft, Majorana 1 could enable the development of a single chip with a million qubits—something that has long been considered a distant goal.
This development is particularly intriguing because Majorana 1 uses a new material called a “topoconductor” to create a special state of matter that supports topological qubits. These qubits, based on Majorana particles, are expected to be more stable and resistant to environmental disturbances—a major challenge in existing quantum computing designs. If these claims hold up, improved stability could make it easier to scale up qubit numbers and achieve fault tolerance, a critical requirement for real-world quantum applications.
However, while the announcement is promising, it is important to keep expectations in check. The current prototype of Majorana 1 contains only eight qubits—far fewer than quantum processors developed by IBM and Google, which already use hundreds or even thousands of qubits with other technologies. While Microsoft’s vision of a million-qubit chip is ambitious, this is still an early-stage development rather than a finished product.
Bringing a prototype to practical application is a complex and time-consuming process. Microsoft’s claims will require thorough validation, and the performance of Majorana 1 will need to be demonstrated through concrete benchmarks and real-world tests. The history of quantum computing includes instances of overpromised advancements that did not pan out, making it essential to approach such announcements with a degree of caution and focus on verifiable results.
That being said, if Microsoft’s approach proves successful, it could have a significant impact. The stability and error correction advantages of topological qubits could help address long-standing scalability issues in quantum computing. Microsoft’s roadmap, which includes a “tetron” architecture and gradual scaling strategies, outlines a structured approach to achieving error detection and, eventually, fault-tolerant quantum computing.
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Apple unveiled the iPhone 16e, a new entry-level model in its iPhone 16 lineup, replacing the iPhone SE. The device includes Apple’s first in-house cellular modem, the C1, and supports Apple Intelligence, the company’s privacy-focused AI system. Pre-orders begin February 21, with availability starting February 28.
The iPhone 16e is powered by the A18 chip, delivering an 80% faster CPU and six times faster machine learning performance compared to the iPhone 11’s A13 Bionic. It features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display and Ceramic Shield glass. Battery life lasts up to 12 hours longer than the iPhone SE, with support for USB-C (up to 480 Mbps data transfer speed) and wireless charging. Specifically, the device is rated for up to 26 hours of video playback (up to 21 hours while streaming), and up to 90 hours of audio playback. It is capable of charging up to 50% charge in 30 minutes using an Apple 20W USB‑C power adapter.
Super Retina XDR Display:
6.1-inch (15.40 cm) all-screen OLED display
2532 x 1170 resolution at 460 ppi
HDR, True Tone, and Wide Color (P3) support
Haptic Touch and 20,00,000:1 contrast ratio (typical)
800 nits max brightness (typical); 1,200 nits peak brightness (HDR)
Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating
Display Zoom and Reachability
The device supports satellite connectivity for emergency SOS, roadside assistance, and off-grid messaging. An Action button provides quick access to functions like the camera, Translate, Shazam, and third-party apps such as Snapchat.
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2. Apple Intelligence Integration
Running iOS 18, the iPhone 16e is designed to support Apple Intelligence, allowing on-device AI features such as Clean Up for photo editing, natural-language photo searches, and AI-generated Genmoji. Siri now has improved contextual awareness and offers optional ChatGPT integration for broader queries. Privacy is a key focus, with Apple’s Private Cloud Compute ensuring that processed data is not stored.
3. Camera
The 48MP dual-camera system includes a 2x optical zoom, Night mode, and 4K Dolby Vision video recording.
Rear Camera System:
48MP main camera (26 mm, ƒ/1.6) with optical image stabilization and Hybrid Focus Pixels
12MP 2x telephoto (52 mm, ƒ/1.6) with optical image stabilization and Hybrid Focus Pixels
Digital zoom up to 10x
Night mode, Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 5
Portrait mode with Depth Control and Portrait Lighting
Panorama (up to 63MP), Photographic Styles, and Burst mode
4K Dolby Vision video at multiple frame rates, Night mode time-lapse, and QuickTake video
Spatial Audio recording and wind noise reduction
Front Camera (TrueDepth):
12MP camera (ƒ/1.9) with autofocus and Focus Pixels
Night mode, Smart HDR 5, and Photographic Styles
Portrait mode with Depth Control and Portrait Lighting
4K Dolby Vision and slow-motion video support
4. Sustainability
Apple continues its sustainability efforts with the iPhone 16e, which incorporates 100% recycled cobalt and 95% recycled lithium in its battery. The chassis is made from 85% recycled aluminum and fully fiber-based packaging. The device is rated IP68, meaning it can withstand submersion up to six meters for 30 minutes under IEC standard 60529.
5. Pricing and Availability
The iPhone 16e starts at $599 (INR 59,999) and is available in matte black or white, with storage options of 128GB. It also comes in 256GB, and 512GB storage potions, which cost $699 and $899, respectively.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
MSI has introduced its latest gaming monitor, the MAG 273QP QD-OLED X24, a 26.5-inch QD-OLED display that brings high refresh rates, fast response times, and impressive color accuracy to the table. The monitor has been listed on MSI’s official website. Pricing details remain undisclosed for now.
MSI MAG 273QP QD-OLED X24 Specs
At the core of the MAG 273QP QD-OLED X24 is a 2560×1440 (WQHD) 3rd gen QD-OLED panel, delivering vibrant visuals with a 240Hz refresh rate and an ultra-fast 0.03ms GtG response time, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking fluid motion clarity. The display also features Adaptive-Sync technology, ensuring smooth frame transitions with minimal tearing.
In terms of brightness, the monitor offers 250 nits in SDR mode, while HDR content benefits from 450 nits (True Black 400 with 10% APL) and a peak brightness of 1000 nits (3% APL). It features a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio that enhances depth in dark scenes, while 10-bit color support ensures rich and accurate color reproduction. The panel covers 138% of the sRGB gamut, 99% of DCI-P3, and 98% of Adobe RGB, delivering professional-grade color accuracy suitable for content creators.
MSI has added smart features to enhance usability, including AI Vision for dynamic brightness and saturation adjustment, Smart Crosshair for better visibility, and Optix Scope for instant zoom in FPS games. The monitor is optimized for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, while OLED Care 2 helps prevent burn-in and extend panel lifespan.
The MAG 273QP QD-OLED X24 comes with two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4a, supporting WQHD resolution at 240Hz, along with a headphone jack. The stand allows for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments, and the monitor is VESA-compatible (100 x 100 mm) for wall mounting.
The monitor also features an anti-reflection coating to reduce glare, a headphone-out port, and PIP/PBP mode for enhanced connectivity and multitasking. Additionally, it comes with a 3-year burn-in warranty, including coverage for OLED burn-in.
Samsung has launched the Galaxy A06 5G in India, expanding its budget 5G smartphone offerings. Starting at Rs. 10,499, the A06 5G follows the recent Galaxy F06 5G release.
Samsung Galaxy A06 5G features
The device boasts a 6.7-inch HD+ LCD screen with 800 nits peak brightness and a notched 8MP front camera. It’s powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, offering up to 6GB RAM and 128GB expandable storage. The phone runs Android 15 with One UI 7 and promises four OS upgrades and four years of security updates.
For photography, the phone features a 50MP rear camera with a 2MP depth sensor and an 8MP front camera. Other features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a 3.5mm jack, and a 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging (charger not included). The A06 5G is IP54-rated for dust and splash resistance and includes the Samsung Knox Vault for improved security. Voice Focus improves call quality.
Pricing & availabilty
Available in Black, Gray, and Light Green, the 4GB+64GB variant costs Rs. 10,499, the 4GB+128GB model is Rs. 11,499, and the 6GB+128GB version is Rs. 12,999. It will be available via retail outlets, Samsung stores, and online. A launch offer provides a one-year screen protection plan for Rs. 129 under Samsung Care+, a significant discount from the usual Rs. 699.
The phone is similar to the Galaxy F06 5G, which launched a week earlier, but the Galaxy A06 5G includes an IP54 rating as the only difference. Not to mention that it is also Rs. 1,000 cheaper.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
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