Gadgets
HONOR Launches the HONOR V Purse in China
HONOR today launched the HONOR V Purse in Shanghai, China. Designed to be exceptionally thin and fashionable, the out-warding foldable smartphone is just 8.6 mm when folded and 4.3mm when unfolded, setting a new record for the thinnest foldable smartphone. This is the first time that HONOR has turned a concept into a commercial product after announcing the HONOR V Purse concept phone at IFA this year. Representing the intersection of fashion and technology, the HONOR V Purse beautifully brings to life the “phone-to-purse” concept, and in doing so, defines a new category of technology, offering a new stylish option for fashion-forward consumers.
“Today’s consumers are focused on leading fashionable, digital lifestyles,” said George Zhao, CEO of HONOR. “To cater to these needs, HONOR is defining what’s next for smartphones, debuting the HONOR V Purse which seamlessly combines cutting-edge innovation with a chic design. Testament to our commitment to constantly exploring bold new form factors to keep up with the latest lifestyle trends, the HONOR V Purse will inspire a new generation of runway-worthy smart products that are unlike anything on the market today.”
In its pursuit of the slimmest and lightest foldable form factor, HONOR sets a new record for foldable smartphone thinness with the HONOR V Purse measuring just 8.6mm while folded and 4.3mm when unfurled. Weighing just 214g, the new purse phone feels as light as a bar smartphone in hand, offering users the versatility of a large folding screen without the heft of conventional foldables.
The latest breakthrough in foldable thinness is realized with the brand-new HONOR hinge. 1.2mm-thick super springs and miniature gears that have a diameter of only 1.73mm. The new hinge also adopts a new folding mechanism and features HONOR’s proprietary steel to offer incredible robustness while remaining superbly lightweight.
With the new HONOR V Purse, your smartphone seamlessly transforms into the ultimate phy-gital fashion statement, thanks to a series of customizable always-on display (AOD) designs that mimic a handbag design of your choosing, while a choice of interchangeable straps and chains that clip onto the HONOR V Purse’s hinge allow you to effortlessly wear your smartphone over your shoulder or carry it in your hand, as you would an ordinary purse. Unfolding the smartphone is an experience in and of itself, as the clasp unlocks the screen with a satisfying click, just like the buckle on your favourite clutch.
Featuring a 50MP IMX800 sensor for the main camera, the HONOR V Purse is a photo studio you can wear. The large screen can double as a fill light to help you take gorgeous portrait shots, or be folded and used as a digital viewfinder that you can see while you snap selfies with the rear cameras. A two-in-one 12MP ultra-wide and macro camera adds versatility to the powerful main camera, enabling you to capture breathtaking scenic shots and wide group shots that can easily accommodate a large party, as well as extreme close-ups that reveal details that often go unnoticed by the naked eye.
Enhanced by the HONOR Image Engine, the HONOR V Purse supports 0.6x, 0.8x, 1x and 1.3x digital zoom recreating different portrait styles. A dedicated Portrait Mode with the option to toggle between 1x and 2x zoom is also available for dedicated portrait photographers. The AI Skin Color Algorithm on HONOR V Purse intelligently enhances brightness on skin and blurs background light spots to generate bokeh effects, helping you capture studio-grade portraits anytime, anywhere.
The HONOR V Purse features a state-of-the-art 7.71-inch 2K flexible OLED display that supports a peak brightness of 1,600 nits. Combined with an anti-reflective coating that lets more light pass through to decrease reflection, the bright screen remains vibrant and legible under sunlight. Additionally, algorithmic optimizations enable the HONOR V Purse’s display to be as dim as two nits to ensure late-night reads are as relaxing for your eyes as they are for your mind.
The HONOR V Purse supports the full range of HONOR eye protection features that consumers have come to love, including 2,160Hz PWM Dimming which virtually removes harmful screen flicker, as well as Dynamic Dimming and Circadian Night Display that minimises the eye fatigue caused by prolonged smartphone usage and the impact of viewing displays late on melatonin secretion for improved sleep quality, respectively.
The HONOR V Purse also features Super Dynamic Vivid Display Technology that enhances the brightness of all objects being displayed. Through graphics processing, images, videos and non-animated UI elements are enhanced individually. The technology can be applied system-wide or to select app windows to provide greater visual fidelity, displaying content with better dynamic contrast and higher brightness.
To satisfy the higher screen durability requirements for outward folding phones, HONOR designed a multi-tier screen protection solution for the HONOR V Purse. The device is thoroughly reinforced to withstand everyday wear and tear, with the screen and clasp both tested to survive 200,000 unfolds and unclasps, as well as passing a range of shock and abrasion resistance assessments. Recognized for its reliability, the HONOR V Purse is the first outward folding phone to be accredited with both the 5-star drop resistance for the overall unit and 5-star impact resistance for screen certification from SGS, a world-leading testing, inspection and certification company.
Embedded in the HONOR V Purse, the two Silicon-carbon batteries combine to provide a total of 4,500mAh in battery capacity to keep pace with today’s ever more connected lifestyles. Integrating HONOR’s pioneering low-voltage charge-gathering technology, the Silicon-carbon cells have redesigned circuitry and a new discharge system to provide 360% more charge compared to traditional graphite-based battery systems and enable the HONOR V Purse to reliably function at low voltages. The new Silicon-carbon anodes also allow the batteries to be as slim as a name card, and with HONOR’s self-developed battery optimization solution, the HONOR V Purse can offer up to 8.7 hours of video playback or 10.6 hours of continuous article reading or 16 hours online music play with the 7.71-inch 2K display unfolded.
Ranging from new AOD designs, HONOR Notes, YOYO Suggestions, MagicRing, to new security features and beyond, the all-new MagicOS 7.2 brings a wealth of smart and multi-device connectivity features that are designed to improve the everyday user experience. Parallel Space, a safe space designed to protect your data security, takes full advantage of the foldable form factor to help you easily and securely separate sensitive work-related apps and data from your personal files and photos. You also have the option to display both your main profile and Parallel Space at once in two separate windows and interact with the two profiles simultaneously for greater convenience.
The new “it” bag of the future, the HONOR V Purse is the world’s slimmest and lightest purse phone, offering endless possibilities for style and self-expression while delivering top-notch visuals, battery life and smart experiences. Available in Gold, Blue and Black, the HONOR V Purse will be available for preorders starting from Sep 19 in China, with a starting price of 5999RMB for the 16GB +256GB model.
Gadgets
HUAWEI Launches WATCH GT 5 Series, WATCH D2, WATCH Ultimate Green, MatePad Pro 12.2-inch and MatePad 12 X
HUAWEI has launched a series of new gadgets at its Innovative Product Launch event in Barcelona, Spain. The company introduced a range of highly anticipated products, highlighting its ‘Fashion Forward’ approach to wearables. The new wearables lineup includes the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series, HUAWEI WATCH D2, and the HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate Green. Additionally, Huawei unveiled the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2-inch and HUAWEI MatePad 12 X—brand-new tablets offering advanced technologies for enhanced productivity and seamless connectivity. To provide a worry-free experience, Huawei is offering the HUAWEI Care+ Service, which can be purchased alongside the new devices.
HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2”: Brighter, Lighter, and Ready to Replace Your Laptop
Alex Huang, Chief Marketing Officer of Huawei Consumer BG, emphasised the brand’s global impact and commitment to innovation. “We aim to bring innovative products that offer consumers a unique blend of fashion and creativity,” said Alex. “By inspiring our users, Huawei strives to create a more connected and heartwarming world where technology enhances daily living and brings people closer together.”
HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series
The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series elevates smartwatch fashion with sharp, geometric designs and premium materials. Boasting IP69K certification for water and corrosion resistance, the series is built for durability. It’s available in two editions—HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro and HUAWEI WATCH GT 5—with three sizes and 12 colourways. The 46mm version features an iconic octagonal dial, a 1.43-inch AMOLED display, and durable materials like sapphire glass and titanium. The sleeker 42mm version offers a nano-ceramic build with gold accents and a 1.32-inch AMOLED screen. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series provides the sleek 41mm and a larger 46mm options. Unlike the Pros, these are constructed with durable stainless steel.
The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series introduces a major leap in health and fitness tracking with the debut of the HUAWEI TruSense System. It now leads the industry in tracking vital signs such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and respiratory rate. The new Emotional Wellbeing Assistant allows the watch to infer the user’s emotional state. The battery life remains impressive, boasting up to 14 days on the 46mm model and 7 days on the 41mm version. The watch is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.
HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series will be available in UAE on September 26thwith pre-orders starting on September 19th price from 899 AED from Huawei’s online platforms as well as certified retailers.
HUAWEI WATCH D2
The HUAWEI WATCH D2 is the successor to the HUAWEI WATCH D, which brought blood pressure monitoring to the wrist. The new watch introduces Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM), offering 24-hour blood pressure tracking throughout a full sleep-wake cycle. For individuals with hypertension, the watch helps identify their blood pressure circadian rhythms and detect abnormal nighttime blood pressure decline rates. For those without hypertension, the watch can help assess their risk.
The HUAWEI WATCH D2 also offers comprehensive health monitoring capabilities, including heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen, stress, skin temperature, ECG, vascular elasticity, pulse wave arrhythmia, and sleep apnea detection. With a single tap, users can measure nine body indicators and generate a Health Glance report to identify potential health risks. In terms of design, the HUAWEI WATCH D2 features a glossy mirror bezel and a rotating crown that exudes a premium feel.
HUAWEI WATCH D2 will be available in UAE on October 14th at AED 1599 from Huawei’s online platforms as well as certified retailers. Subscribe now and get an early bird voucher worth AED 150.
HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate Green Edition
HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate introduces the new Advanced Golf Course Features and the enhanced Expedition Mode, along with a new green edition. The new green edition brings an exclusive dual-colour nano-tech ceramic bezel, crafted through a highly complex manufacturing process. As Huawei’s ultimate luxury smartwatch, the HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate boasts a Zirconium-based liquid metal body and a high-strength sapphire glass cover, ensuring maximum durability and wear resistance. Additionally, it offers a 100-meter diving mode with audio functions.
HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate will be available in UAE on October 14th at AED 2999 from Huawei’s online platforms as well as certified retailers. Subscribe now and get an early bird voucher worth AED 300.
HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2
The new HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” features an innovative Tandem OLED PaperMatte screen capable of reaching an astounding 2000 nits of brightness. It delivers stunning HDR visuals, ensuring lifelike colours even in bright sunlight. This display incorporates cutting-edge anti-sparkle and nanoscale anti-glare etching technologies, alongside magnetron nano optical layers to reduce light interference and glare offering a paper-like viewing. The all-new HUAWEI Glide Keyboard offers integrated stylus storage and charging, with a magnetic hinge for easy mode switching. Built with anti-stain materials, it resists coffee spills, oil, and lipstick smudges.
The GoPaint app on the new tablet introduces Splatter and Fluid brushes, delivering pro-level tools for digital painting. The MatePad Pro 12.2” comes in a stunning Golden Silk rear cover that redefines artistry in gadget design. HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” will be available in UAE on October 3rd with pre-orders starting on September 26th at AED 2999 from Huawei’s online platforms as well as certified retailers.
HUAWEI MatePad 12 X
The HUAWEI MatePad 12 X is an elegant-looking tablet Available in three beautiful pastel colours—Greenery, Sakura Pink, and White. They all have a unique metallic white lustre, adding a refined aesthetic touch. Designed for young professionals, its 12-inch PaperMatte Display simulates the texture of paper using nano-level etching making it the most suitable screen for paperless creation. Paired with the HUAWEI M-Pencil, it delivers a writing experience that feels natural, improving precision by 47% compared with traditional tablets.
The HUAWEI MatePad 12 X also comes with Huawei Notes, a professional note-taking app designed by Huawei for seamless, paperless creation, making it the perfect tool for creativity and productivity. HUAWEI HUAWEI MatePad 12 X will be available in UAE on October 3rd with pre-orders starting on September 26th at AED 1699 from Huawei’s online platforms as well as certified retailers.
Artificial Intelligence
Acer Expands Copilot+ PC Line with New Swift AI and Swift Go 14 AI Laptops
Acer has launched its latest Swift laptops, powered by the new Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2). The Swift 14 AI and Swift 16 AI Copilot+ PCs offer exceptional AI performance, sleek designs, and a suite of AI-powered features. Equipped with Intel Core Ultra processors, these laptops deliver up to 48 trillion operations per second (TOPS) of NPU AI performance. This enables them to accelerate generative AI tasks and creations with ease. The laptops also feature advanced security features, including biometric security and hardware-level protection, to safeguard user data.
The Swift 14 AI and Swift 16 AI boast premium aluminium chassis and stunning OLED displays with 90 Hz refresh rates and HDR TrueBlack 500 certification. The laptops also offer exceptional battery life, thanks to efficient power management and the new Intel Core Ultra processors. Acer’s suite of AI features includes Copilot+, which provides intelligent assistance for various tasks. The laptops also feature AcerSense, which allows users to control system settings and access AI features with a single click. Additionally, Acer Assist offers AI-powered document search and troubleshooting, while Acer PurifiedView and PurifiedVoice enhance video conferencing experiences.
The Swift 14 AI and Swift 16 AI are Copilot+ PCs, offering a new era of productivity and efficiency. With Copilot, users can access AI-powered tools like Cocreator for image generation and Live Captions for real-time speech translation. The Acer Swift Go 14 AI, powered by a Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor, offers exceptional performance and long battery life. It is designed for everyday users who seek a powerful and accessible AI-powered laptop.
Acer’s new Swift laptops offer a combination of powerful AI performance, sleek designs, and innovative features. Whether you’re a creative professional, a student, or a business user, these laptops have something to offer.
Earbuds
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM5 Now Available in Smoky Pink Variant
Sony has announced a new colour addition to their 1000X noise-cancelling headphones. Released in collaboration with K-Pop girl group LE SSERAFIM, the WH-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones are now available in Smoky Pink. Both the WH-1000XM5 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds offer noise-cancelling features and great audio quality. The WF-1000XM5 currently comes in black and platinum silver, while the WH-1000XM5 comes in black, platinum silver and midnight blue.
The Smoky Pink colour is soft and sophisticated, with a powdery matte texture that boosts your style. This colour fits perfectly with LE SSERAFIM’s aesthetic and their newly unveiled partnership with Sony’s For The Music campaign.
The record-breaking K-pop giants are known for their fearless attitude, chic fashion sensibilities, and empowering songs, which have resulted in multiple entries on the Billboard Hot 100 and 200 charts. With 20M+ combined followers on social platforms and a diehard global fanbase, there’s no question that LE SSERAFIM is a mainstay in the genre and one of the most exciting acts to watch in 2024 and beyond.
LE SSERAFIM also stars in Sony’s campaign for the WH-1000XM5 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds, featuring their new song “CRAZY” from their same-titled fourth mini album, which was released on August 30th. “The connection we have with our fans is everything, and we can’t wait for them to be able to experience our music with Sony’s awesome Smoky Pink 1000X headphones and earbuds,” said LE SSERAFIM.
The Smoky Pink WH-1000XM5 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds will be available in the Middle East and Africa from October 2024.