Gadgets
ECS Launches the LIVA Z2 and Z2V Mini PCs

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) has announced the LIVA Z2 and Z2V silent, energy efficient multi-functional mini PC designed for digital signage, workstation, and noise sensitive situations. The LIVA Z2 and Z2V are available with three Intel Gemini Lake-based options, for varying processing needs. Both models are supported by 64GB of onboard eMMC, with a 2.5” HDD bay available for expanded storage options, 3 USB 3.0, 2 USB 2.0 and a high-speed USB type C connector. The LIVA Z2 features HDMI 2.0 for high bandwidth needs while the Z2V has HDMI 1.4 and D-Sub connectors for legacy and presentation situations. The all-new LIVA Z2/Z2V Mini PC features a fanless design, allowing power saving and complete silence. It provides stunning 4K / UHD high-quality playback with the full function of a desktop in a space-saving design.
The LIVA Z2/Z2V fits a lot of tech into its small size. The case is only 0.48 litres yet provides a multitude of connectors including one reversible USB type C, two HDMI, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 and a Kensington lock. For the maker and professional developers, the LIVA Z2/Z2V includes a GPIO, an uncommitted digital signal pin whose behaviour is controllable by the user at runtime. The LIVA Z2/Z2V is easier to upgrade than many mini PC despite its small size. Simply remove four screws and the user can access the M.2 Wi-Fi, memory modules and 2.5” HDD storage slots.
Supporting smooth 4k playback and HEVC 10-bit decryption ability from the latest Intel HD 600 series integrated graphics, LIVA Z2/Z2V is widely used to support digital storefront, the point of sale terminal, or menu board in retail sectors. The fanless design makes the media player invaluable in dust sensitive roles or places that require the least noise possible, such as hospitals, banks and government offices. Additionally, its compact size (132 mm x 118 mm x 56.4 mm), VISA mount, and power usage characteristics make it an excellent option for use as a thin client for remote and cloud-based operation, workstation, or mini-server system.
The LIVA Z2/Z2V is an environmental win. Low carbon footprint, long life, energy efficiency and low power draw make for incredible energy efficiency and cost saving. When used as a home entertainment centre or media library, the LIVA Z2/Z2V uses less power than a lightbulb, about 6W. Its silence and no moving parts mean the only thing heard is everything except the PC. This tiny yet powerful PC has the ability of a much larger system without the noise, cost, or hassle inherent in bigger units.
LIVA Z2 Mini PC | LIVA Z2V Mini PC | |
CPU | Intel® Pentium®N5000
Intel® Celeron® N4100 Intel® Celeron ®N4000 |
Intel® Pentium®N5000
Intel® Celeron® N4100 Intel® Celeron ®N4000 |
Memory | DDR4 2x SO-DIMM | DDR4 2x SO-DIMM |
Storage | eMMC 32G / 64G
2.5” HDD (Optional) |
eMMC 32G / 64G
2.5” HDD (Optional) |
Networking | 1 x Gigabit LAN
Wi-Fi 802.11ac + Bluetooth 4.2 |
1 x Gigabit LAN
Wi-Fi 802.11ac + Bluetooth 4.2 |
Expansion Slot | 1 x M.2 for WiFi | 1 x M.2 for WiFi |
Display Output | 1 x HDMI 2.0 + 1x HDMI 1.4 | 1 x HDMI 1.4 + 1x VGA |
Audio | 1 x Combo Jack | 1 x Combo Jack |
USB | 3 x USB 3.1 Gen1 Ports (Type A)
1 x USB 3.1 Gen1 Ports (Type C) |
3 x USB 3.1 Gen1 Ports (Type A)
1 x USB 3.1 Gen1 Ports (Type C) |
Dimensions | 132 X 118 X 56.4 mm | 132 X 118 X 56.4 mm |
OS Support | Windows 10 | Windows 10 |
Power Supply | Input : AC 100-240V
Output : DC 19V |
Input : AC 100-240V
Output : DC 19V |

Computex
Acer to Unveil AI-Powered Laptops, Smart Wearables, and Gaming Gear at COMPUTEX 2025

Ahead of Computex, Acer has made a series of announcements detailing its new and upcoming AI-powered devices, including laptops, desktops, wearables, and e-mobility solutions. For gamers, Acer unveiled the Predator Triton 14 AI gaming laptop, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU. Acer highlights its use of graphene thermal interface materials (TIM) in the CPU, which it says is an industry first for laptops, aimed at improving cooling. The Predator Helios Neo 14 AI, with similar specifications, was also announced, alongside the Predator Orion 3000 gaming desktop, equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and the same NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU found in the laptops.
The Predator Triton 14 AI is set to launch in EMEA in July, with a starting price of EUR 2,999. The Predator Helios Neo 14 AI will start at EUR 1,699, and the Predator Orion 3000 desktop will be available in EMEA for EUR 1,099. Acer’s more budget-friendly Swift lineup also received updates with the introduction of the Swift X 14 AI and Swift X 14 AI Creator laptops. Both models are powered by the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, emphasizing their AI capabilities and graphics performance. The Swift 14 AI is a Copilot PC, utilizing AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processors, while the Swift X 14 AI Creator features Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2). Both laptops boast 3K OLED displays and haptic touchpads. These Swift AI laptops are slated for a July release in EMEA, with a starting price of EUR 1,799.
In the thin and light category, Acer showcased the Swift Edge and Swift Go AI Copilot+ laptops. The Swift Go AI, constructed with a magnesium-aluminum chassis, weighs just 0.99 kilograms and claims up to 21 hours of battery life. It will be offered in 14-inch and 16-inch versions, with the latter promising 16 hours of battery life. All three Swift laptops are powered by Intel Core Ultra 200V series processors and are “eligible to receive updates to Copilot+ PO experiences.”
The Swift Edge is expected to arrive in EMEA in June, starting at EUR 1,599. The Swift Go 16 AI will have a starting price of EUR 1,200, while the 14-inch version will start at EUR 1,199. The Aspire series also sees new AI Copilot+ laptops with the Aspire 14 AI and Aspire 16 AI, offering configurations with either Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen processors and Intel Arc graphics.
Acer also introduced new Predator and Nitro gaming and smart monitors. Highlights include the Predator X27U F5, featuring a 500 Hz refresh rate, and the Predator X27 X, with 4K resolution. Both support AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology. Additionally, the company announced the Acer Nitro GA321QK P and Nitro GA341CUR W0 Google TV smart monitors, and the Acer Nitro PG271K, a 4K portable monitor with a kickstand.
Expanding into the wearables market, Acer unveiled the Acer FreeSense ring, designed for 24/7 biometric tracking and “AI-driven wellness insights.” The company also announced the Acer AI Transbuds, capable of real-time, two-way voice translation for 15 major languages, even when used by only one person.
Acer is also entering the e-mobility sector, showcasing new e-scooters and e-bikes for urban commuting and outdoor use. The lineup includes the Acer eScooter Series 4 Select, Series 5 Select, Predator ES Storm, and Predator ES Thunder, all equipped with 400W to 500W motors, adaptive braking, and suspension systems. The Acer eMobility App will allow riders to track performance and manage security settings. The Predator eRanger, a fat-tire e-bike previously shown at the 2025 Taipei Cycle Show, was also on display.
Acer has not yet released pricing details for its wearables or e-mobility devices.
Gadgets
Nothing Phone 3: Leaks Hint at Flagship Qualcomm Processor

After releasing two mid-range phones earlier this year, Nothing is now gearing up to launch a flagship model. The company’s CEO, Carl Pei, has already confirmed that the Nothing Phone 3 will launch in Q3 this year, costing around $1,000. However, Nothing has remained tight-lipped about other details. That changes today, as we finally have some information about the highly anticipated device.
According to a new leak, the Nothing Phone 3 is codenamed “Metroid” and has the model number A024. These details have previously been spotted in certification listings of an upcoming Nothing device in the GSM database and the Bureau of Indian Standards. Additionally, the leak (via Smartprix) suggests that the device could feature a flagship Snapdragon chipset, likely the Snapdragon 8 Elite, given Nothing’s ongoing partnership with Qualcomm.
Sources familiar with Nothing’s plans have reportedly said that the Nothing Phone 3 will sport a flagship-grade triple camera system, consisting of a large primary sensor and a better periscope zoom lens than the one on the Phone 3a Pro. The flagship device is also rumoured to pack a substantial battery, possibly larger than the 5,000mAh battery offered on other Nothing and CMF phones.
Based on the launch timeline Carl Pei shared last month, the Nothing Phone 3 is expected to hit the shelves sometime this July. However, even though the phone will likely hit the shelves after the stable Android 16 release, it’s expected to run Nothing OS 3.2 based on Android 15 at launch.
Reports suggest Nothing could offer the device at a cheaper price in the Indian market. Although Carl Pei has already confirmed that the Phone 3 will cost around $1,000, the device may be priced under $650 in India. The lower price could make the phone an instant hit in the region, especially since it’s expected to offer top-tier hardware.
Audio Devices
Dual Driver Audio and Noise-free Clear Calls, HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 are Mid-range Earbuds with Premium Chops

Huawei is making a bold new statement with the FreeBuds 6. These open-fit earbuds promise a rich tapestry of notes and immersive bass with an open-fit design, all made possible thanks to an innovative dual-driver system. But what strikes the notes is not just the sound itself. The striking new design and the incredibly impressive call clarity launches these new earbuds to the top spot in the market.
Being the first open-fit earbuds to incorporate a dual-driver unit is no small accomplishment. Huawei has evidently grappled with the conundrum of fitting a sophisticated dual-driver architecture into a compact, lightweight form factor. The payoff is a remarkable, earbuds that are notably smaller than many conventional in-ear earbuds but sound unreal.
Their approach has been meticulous. It stacks high and low frequency dual-magnetic high-sensitivity driver units in a small space. The acoustic system is designed to work independently for a pure, distortion-free sound quality. Bolstering the low-end frequencies is a dedicated booming bass system powered by an 11mm dual-magnetic driver unit augmented by the new Bass Turbo 2.0 technology. The UHF planar diaphragm driver has a wider high-frequency range and can reach 48 kHz. Each unit operates in tandem, each focusing on its optimal frequency band to deliver a cohesive and high-definition acoustic experience.
Beyond music, Huawei has placed a strong emphasis on call quality, especially in challenging environments. The FreeBuds 6 introduce a Voice Pick-up Unit bone conduction microphone. This works to deliver highly accurate voice recognition, isolating your speech even amidst a cacophony. This allows for crystal-clear audio calling even with wind speeds up to 8m/s. So, whether you’re on a blustery commute, cycling through the city, or navigating a bustling airport terminal, both you and the person on the other end will be able to have clear communication without unwelcome interruptions. Adding a touch of convenient innovation, the FreeBuds 6 also support head movement interaction, allowing users to answer or reject calls by simply nodding or shaking their head.
One of the inherent trade-offs with open-fit earbuds is often a lack of noise isolation compared to their sealed in-ear counterparts. However, the FreeBuds 6 are capable of reducing external noise interference in everyday settings like offices, cafes, parks, and squares. This allows users to immerse themselves in music or focus fully on their calls, while balancing between situational awareness and focused listening.
The design of the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 is both fashionable and functional, featuring a curved water droplet shape. This smooth, streamlined design is engineered for an ergonomic fit across a wide range of ear shapes. The stem’s thickness gradient ensures both smoothness and comfort, while the handle maintains the graceful droplet shape, making them unique and recognisable. Compared to previous editions, each FreeBuds 6 earbud stem is reportedly 9% lighter and 12% smaller, making them feel feather-light on the ears and suitable for all-day use.
Battery life is a crucial factor for any wireless earbuds. The HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 boast a superb all-day power capacity, offering up to a whopping 36 hours of music playback with the charging case. For those in a hurry, a quick 5-minute charge is said to provide 2.5 hours of music playback, easily enough to cover an intercity commute.
The FreeBuds 6 present a compelling package, particularly for those who prioritise comfort and call quality without wanting to be completely sealed off from their surroundings. The FreeBuds 6 provide a good middle ground for users who want to stay aware of their environment while still enjoying audio immersion.
– Partner Content
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