Gadgets
Vivo Shows Off APEX 2020 Concept Smartphone

Vivo has unveiled the third generation of its APEX concept smartphone – APEX 2020. Known for iconic innovation, APEX 2020 builds on the success of its previous generations to feature more cutting-edge technologies, while also showcases Vivo’s continuing pursuit of head-turning aesthetics.
This flagship product displays a major breakthrough in visual effects that are based on Vivo’s deep consumer and smartphone industry insight. APEX 2020 is truly a revolutionary manifestation of Vivo’s exploration of future smartphone design.

APEX 2020 has a 120° FullView Edgeless Display that removes side edges and bezels from the front view. With the In-Display Camera and Vivo Wireless Super FlashCharge 60W, APEX 2020 has a Super Unibody Design with no openings. vivo also successfully embeds a gimbal-like structure into APEX 2020’s main camera, which is equipped with a 5x-7.5x Continuous Optical Zoom. This feature showcases Vivo’s latest achievements and future plans to offer extraordinary visual effects and enhanced future photography.

Harry Hong, General Manager of Product, Vivo said, “APEX is never a mere ‘concept’ or a glimpse of ‘imagination’. It’s a creation that goes beyond any previous experience brought by mobile technology. Through APEX 2020, we are proud to see Vivo’s vision come to life as a technology company that continues to push the boundaries of mobile technology and explores what lies beyond the ordinary. It also showcases our ambition to achieve our aspirations step-by-step. vivo will continue to put APEX’s innovative technologies into practice, allowing more consumers to be empowered by such technology.”

The APEX 2020 has carried on Vivo’s exploration and pursuit of a truly FullView Display and Super Unibody design. It is wrapped in a 6.45-inch curved display that bends at an angle of up to 120° on both sides. This helps remove side edges and bezels from the front view and results in an ultra-bezel-less display.

For both aesthetic and practical considerations, physical buttons are replaced by a virtual pressure-sensing button. APEX 2020 is another perfect fusion of visual effect, natural touch, and human-device interaction. The In-Display Camera of APEX 2020 unleashes the new possibility of a non-mechanical front camera. The “invisible” front camera presents a Super Unibody design with no openings and expands the internal space.
Through innovation in screen pixel layout and circuit design, APEX 2020 has successfully increased the light transmittance of the screen right above the front camera to 6 times of the other part of the screen and effectively reduces optical interference, diffraction, and stray flashes through a series of algorithm optimizations to increase the photography quality. The final image quality is also enhanced through a series of algorithm optimizations. The 16MP front camera features a 4-in-1 super-pixel photosensitive chip, realizing the innovation of capturing clear images with the In-Display Camera.
PEX 2020 comes with Continuous Optical Zoom, becoming the world’s first smartphone equipped with high-magnification continuous zoom. It can achieve continuous optical zoom under high magnifications between 5x-7.5x and produce images in high resolution and quality rather than filling focal lengths through digital magnification. It enables users to preserve the clarity of all moments by effectively enhancing every detail.
APEX 2020 is equipped with a “4-group lens combination” with two groups fixed and two groups movable, which achieves high-magnification continuous zoom and real-time focus at one time. With the support of a periscope structure, the entire module is only 6.2 mm thick, therefore, making it possible for this professional-grade lens to be incorporated into the APEX’s ultra-thin body. To further enhance the image quality, Vivo has incorporated a leading multi-frame algorithm so that scenery from afar can also be easily captured.
With the arrival of 5G, creating smartphone video content becomes an even bigger priority. In order to fulfill users’ demand to record daily life anywhere, anytime, Vivo successfully embeds a gimbal-like structure into APEX 2020’s main camera after a long-term technical development and multiple experiments. It achieves optical stabilization in the front-back and left-right inclined directions with enhanced performance. Lab tests demonstrate that compared to the traditional OIS system, its stabilization angle is 200% extended. In addition, image integrity is preserved to a greater extent.
This feature greatly reduces the blurring caused by a shaky hand. Users can also enjoy videography with smoothness. There is no need to bring other equipment as this handset is readily available for you to capture all those wonderful moments. Stable handheld shooting can also effectively extend the exposure time so that APEX 2020 also has a stronger capacity for night photography.
The APEX 2020 features the revolutionary Vivo Wireless Super FlashCharge 60W, which recharges a handset with a 2000mAh battery in only 20 minutes, offering a faster charging experience than conventional wired flash charging. Other than that, APEX 2020 is also equipped with innovations such as the 3rd Generation Screen SoundCasting Technology, Instant Photobomb Removal, and Voice Tracking Auto-Focus. APEX 2020 brings all-rounded user experience and endless surprises to the smartphone industry and global users.

Gadgets
Toshiba Canvio Flex: A Multi-Device Hard Drive for Storing and Sharing Special Memories

On 14 February we celebrate Valentine’s Day and Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH proposes to surprise your partner with a practical and stylish gift: the Canvio Flex, a multi-device hard drive for storing and sharing special memories. Coinciding with the release of 2025, this portable external storage drive in 2.5-inch form factor has a new design and comes in a simple and elegant silver finish, making it a functional and beautiful gift.
Flexibility and compatibility are the distinguishing features of the Canvio Flex. Even if you and your partner use different devices (Android or iOS smartphones, Mac, PC or different tablets) – with the Canvio Flex you can use just one hard drive to save and share your special moments. The drive can connect directly to these different devices via the included USB Type-C or Type-A cable without reformatting.
This also makes the Canvio Flex a long-term companion because even if you change your devices, the Canvio Flex will continue to connect to any of them. Especially the direct connectivity to your smartphone and the ability to make backups make the Canvio Flex quite handy, as many photos and videos are nowadays taken with your mobile phone, as shown in this video.
Instead of expanding the capacity of your cloud storage service, you can take the Canvio Flex with you for quick and easy backups directly from your smartphone, desktop, laptop or tablet, wherever you are, without an internet connection, so you’ll always have all your special memories – whether they’re text files, music, photos or videos – safe and secure for quick and easy sharing. With its plug-and-play philosophy and USB3.2 Gen 1 interface, the Canvio Flex offers fast data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps.
More information on the Canvio Flex can be accessed by visiting: https://www.toshiba-storage.com/products/canvio-flex/
– Partner Content
Gadgets
HONOR Intros PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR

HONOR announced the launch of their latest ultra-premium flagship smartphone in the UAE. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR marks the third collaboration between the global technology brand HONOR and the exclusive lifestyle brand Porsche Design. The new device merges premium sports car inspired design with state-of-the-art technology, again showcasing a powerful collaboration meticulously crafting a groundbreaking product. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR represents a leap forward in AI-enabled smartphone technology, seamlessly integrating AI into the user experience by enhancing imaging, display, performance, and system interactions, creating a personalized smart platform that adapts and improves with use. The official unveiling took place at LEAP 2025 (Riyadh, KSA), where HONOR made a remarkable impact under the theme “LEAP into HONOR AI World” by unveiling – the PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR, setting a new standard in the premium smartphone market in the GCC.
The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR seamlessly blends Porsche Design’s iconic sporty aesthetics with exceptional quality, functionality, and usability. Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the creator of the legendary sports car 911 and founder of Porsche Design once described his design approach in the following way: “As little design as possible, as much design as necessary.” Drawing from F. A. Porsche’s philosophy of simplicity and sophistication, the PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR incorporates the HONOR Magic7’s symmetrical camera module while integrating the latest sports car design, a celebration of superior dynamics and elegance. This fusion of innovation and heritage creates a unique appeal, with a powerful design highlighted by a distinctive central ridge reminiscent of sleek hood lines featured on many Porsche sports cars. This feature enhances both visual appeal and ergonomics, providing a comfortable and secure grip.
The phone incorporates Porsche’s signature design elements with a hexagonal camera module inspired by high-performance components. The aerodynamic aesthetics of the Taycan Turbo S are seamlessly integrated, and the symmetrical arrangement of four imaging units (3 cameras and 1 graphic element) resemble sports car headlights, protected by 3D glass echoing Porsche’s windshield curves. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR replicates the smooth, refined surface of a sports car, offering a sensory feast of visual and tactile delight.
The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR features the new cutting-edge MagicOS 9.0. This industry-first, personalized all-scenario AI operating system is equipped with intelligent features that are thoughtfully engineered to meet the varied needs of users, spanning from everyday smartphone operation, entertainment, communication, photo editing, and professional tasks. Introducing Magic Portal, users can conveniently access essential information and services through the upgraded circle and access capability, streamlining smartphone interactions with a simple circle and tap gesture. The MagicOS 9.0 also integrates AI-powered Real-time Transcript, AI Summary, AI Minutes and AI Format features into HONOR Notes, enhancing meeting efficiency for business users. Furthermore, it provides AI Eraser and AI Cutout for an enhanced photo-editing experience. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR now comes with the Google Gemini app pre-installed. This AI assistant from Google can help users enhance ideas, learn in new ways, write emails, plan events and more.
The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR boasts the pioneering AI HONOR Image Engine, the industry’s first on-device plus cloud large model empowered mobile imaging system. It delivers a transformative photography experience from image capture to editing. Leveraging the power of large models, the device elevates image precision across all photography needs including portraits, snapshots, or telephoto images. This device showcases a range of AI-driven photography tools, including All-scenario Harcourt Portrait, AI Enhanced Portrait, AI Super Zoom for Scenery Capture, Stage Mode, AI Motion Sensing Capture, and HD Super Burst. Users can take stunning photos through AI processing, capturing every moment with remarkable clarity and detail.
With a triple rear camera setup that includes a 50MP Super Dynamic Falcon Main Camera, a 200MP Ultra-sensitive Telephoto Camera, and a 50MP Wide Camera, the device is a perfect tool for photography enthusiasts seeking a professional-like shooting experience. Equipped with an advanced 1/1.4″ telephoto sensor and the industry’s largest f/1.88 telephoto aperture, the telephoto camera rivals the performance of professional telephoto lenses. The LiDAR Matrix Autofocus System, featuring 1200 Points LiDAR Matrix, enhances focusing accuracy, speed, and tracking range, ensuring sharp and clear shots of moving subjects. With a dual electromagnetic focus actuator, the focus capability is enhanced significantly.
The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR is equipped with the Natural Light HONOR AI Eye Comfort Display, which simulates natural light characteristics and is certified by TÜV Rheinland Full Care Display 4.0, TÜV Rheinland Circular Polarization, and TÜV Rheinland Flicker-Free, setting a new standard in user eye health protection. Providing ultimate protection to the device, the smartphone incorporates the HONOR Anti-scratch NanoCrystal Shield and is certified with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance withstanding everyday scratches and shocks. The device also supports rapid charging options with 100W Wired and 80W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge, by incorporating a 5850mAh Third-generation Silicon-carbon Battery that delivers reliable power even in low temperatures.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, Qualcomm’s most powerful mobile system-on-a-chip, the device ensures smooth gaming and multitasking with stunning graphics and efficient battery usage. The HONOR Surround Subwoofer, a stereo speaker with an integrated ultra-large sound cavity and spatial audio, offers deep bass and an immersive audio experience. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR features a unique user interface infused with elements inspired by sports cars. Enhancing the user experience, the smartphone includes a special premium phone case that provides enhanced durability. With its impressive features, the PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR is an ideal companion for everyday life, blending style, performance, and durability seamlessly.
The luxury flagship device is available in two distinct Original Porsche exterior colors: the classic Agate Grey, a sporty yet elegant hue, and the brand-new color Provence, a modern purple hue that adds a touch of flamboyance to the over-all clean and functional design. The UAE consumers can now subscribe online to be among the first to experience the all-new PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR.
Accessories
Apple’s Beats Unveils Powerbeats Pro 2 with Heart-Rate Monitoring

Apple Inc.’s Beats division has unveiled the long-awaited Powerbeats Pro 2, which features noise cancellation, a heart-rate monitor, and a revamped design aimed at athletes. This new model incorporates capabilities seen in Apple’s AirPods, such as transparency mode for better external noise awareness and the H2 chip for enhanced sound quality. Additionally, it offers improved spatial audio for a 3D listening experience and comes with a smaller, wireless charging case.
The heart-rate monitor is a notable first for Apple-designed earbuds, expanding the company’s health-related features, and utilizes technology found in the Apple Watch. Despite a slow holiday season for Apple’s wearables business—with sales in the division falling nearly 2% to about $11.8 billion—the introduction of these new earbuds is anticipated to drive interest and sales.
Priced at $250, the same as the previous model, the new Powerbeats Pro 2 will be available in black, orange, purple, and a color called quicksand. This price point matches the AirPods Pro 2, although the Powerbeats may be more appealing to athletes due to their secure ear hooks.
Apple Vice President Oliver Schusser, who oversees Beats as well as the company’s sports, TV+, and music initiatives, hailed the new Powerbeats as “the most impressive product in Beats’ history.” Acquired by Apple in 2014 for $3 billion, Beats remains the company’s largest acquisition to date.
The heart-rate monitor will be compatible with fitness apps like Peloton, Nike Run Club, Ladder, and Slopes, with data integration into the Apple Health app. The earbuds will also be compatible with Android devices. Apple is reportedly working on AirPods with heart-rate monitoring, though they are still many months away from release.
In terms of battery life, the Powerbeats Pro 2 holds an advantage over AirPods, with 10 hours of usage on their own and 45 hours with the charging case, compared to six hours for AirPods alone and up to 30 hours with the case. However, AirPods continue to offer unique features, such as a new hearing aid functionality.
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