Tag Archives: phones

Rumors we got right (and wrong) with the September 2024 Apple Keynote

Posted on by

Apple’s September event remains every tech nerd’s most awaited time of the year for two reasons. For starters, it’s the announcement of brand-new gear that we can get our hands on… but more importantly, it’s a validation of everything we’ve been hearing and assuming over the years. There’s never a single day when people aren’t actively trying to find out details on what Apple will do next. The company has a rock-solid reputation for keeping its products under wraps until they’re ready to launch… but sometimes things slip through the cracks. Us nerds love to speculate on these rumors, and come September, the keynote feels like judgment day – where some rumors get turned into reality, and others into rubble.

As Apple unveiled their latest slew of devices today, it’s interesting to see exactly where the rumors were right, and where we were absolutely off mark. For starters, we all expected next-gen AirPods Max headphones (given that it’s been 4 years since their first launch) as well as a Watch Ultra 3. Apple conveniently skipped those devices, only to announce minor upgrades to them (nice way of saying they’re already perfect the way they are). Meanwhile, rumors of a ‘capture’ button on the iPhone seemed as good as true with phone-makers actually displaying iPhone 16 cases at IFA 4 days before Apple’s formal launch. So without further ado, here’s a look at all the rumors over the past year, and whether they made it or not.

Rumors we got wrong:

1. Apple Watch X would see a radical redesign for the 10th anniversary

Honestly, it feels a little heartbreaking to see that Apple didn’t give the Watch a 10th-anniversary makeover the way they did with the iPhone X back in 2017. A lot of us were pinning our hopes on seeing a radical redesign (some speculated flat edges like on the iPhone), while others tried hinting at a new form factor. None of that turned out to be true, as Apple announced a nominally slimmer Watch Series 10 (measuring 9.7 mm thick) with a larger display. The design, for the most part, remains entirely the same, except that now the Watch has a re-engineered speaker system that can play audio from podcasts and music apps, allowing you to listen clearly through your watch instead of needing AirPods.

2. Apple would announce a Watch Ultra 3

It seemed natural that a Watch Ultra 3 would drop this year, considering Apple refreshed the Watch Ultra after a single year too. However, the Watch Ultra 2 only got a new color upgrade this year, with a gorgeous satin black finish. Everything about the Watch Ultra 2 remains the same on the design and hardware front, although Apple did announce a set of stunning Milanese metal straps for both the Natural as well as the Satin Black color finishes.

3. Launch of the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2

Apple launched the AirPods Pro 2 in September 2022, and the AirPods Max as early as September 2020. It felt all but natural to expect the company to give these devices their due upgrades, but it seemed like Apple had other plans. The company didn’t upgrade their highest-end earbuds and headphones but rather decided to give them a set of new protective features. The new AirPods (across the entire range) will have built-in hearing protection features that not only keep your ability to hear intact over time, but also provide tools to measure your hearing loss – something that’s usually a concern with prolonged earphone/headphone usage. Pending FDA approvals, the AirPods will have clinically validated hearing test features, as well as an over-the-counter hearing aid feature. Oh, and while the AirPods Max didn’t get an upgrade, they DID get 5 new color options, along with USB-C charging… finally.

4. Launch of an iPhone Slim

I had my doubts about this, but when Apple announced the world’s slimmest iPad clocking in at a mere 5.1 millimeters in thickness, it seemed like Apple had similar plans for the iPhone 16 series. However, none of that was true. Call it post-Bendgate-trauma or just something Apple isn’t planning on working on, but the iPhone Slim never really became a thing. I’ll be honest, if Apple DID want to make a slim iPhone, the best way to do it would be to turn it into a foldable… but it seems like we’re years away from that for now.

Rumors we got right:

1. The Apple Watch would get ZERO AI features

This felt surprisingly sad even for a rumor, but when WWDC rolled out, everyone was quick to notice that WatchOS didn’t get mentioned EVEN ONCE during the Apple Intelligence segment. I dismissed it as just a mere mistake, hoping that Apple would announce big AI features for the 10th anniversary Watch, but alas, the Watch Series 10 did NOT get any AI features. Sure, it has neural cores in its S10 SIP that uses machine learning to detect heart problems, falls, and now even sleep apnea… but ‘intelligent Siri’ won’t be coming to the Watch any time soon. Or any Apple Intelligence feature for that matter.

2. The AirPods Max would get upgraded to USB-C

It’s surprising that Apple’s ENTIRE consumer product line got upgraded to USB-C, but the AirPods Max got left behind. First announced in 2020 (when Lightning connectors were still a thing), Apple practically ignored their flagship headphones for the next 4 years (it still sold like hotcakes), and just as we were hoping for an AirPods Max 2, Apple just decided to give their existing headphone collection 5 new color variants. However, along with the new colors, the AirPods Max DID finally get upgraded to a USB-C charging protocol, which means practically every mobile device (AirPods, iPad, and iPhone) has officially ditched the Lightning connector. In fact, it’s just the Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and the Magic Keyboard that still have a Lightning port on them… but I guess the EU isn’t complaining about those.

3. The iPhone 16 series would have a Camera Control button

Arguably the biggest change to Apple’s iPhone since the Action Button, the new Camera Control button is surprisingly great. We speculated that it would just be a simple shutter button, but news later highlighted that it would have haptic control, along with a touch-slide feature. Obviously, these rumors only highlight half the truth… because it’s easy to speculate on hardware, but not on software. The Camera Control button’s features were finally announced at the keynote, highlighting how capable this new button would be. Aside from opening the camera and clicking photos, the button can zoom in/out, adjust focus, switch through presets, and do a whole bunch of exciting new things.

4. A larger iPhone 16 Pro Max with a bigger battery, bigger 6.9″ display, and thinner bezels

Apple announcing their iPhone launch in the MIDDLE of IFA 2024 in Berlin felt like a strategic move… and turns out, it was one, because even though the iPhone 16 wasn’t announced, cases for the new iPhone 16 series were on display at IFA, causing everyone to get a fair idea of what the new phones would look and feel like. Once I saw these cases on display, I obviously had to take a closer look… and upon doing so, I couldn’t help but notice how the 16 Pro Max case was significantly larger than my 15 Pro Max smartphone. Turns out, Apple DID end up making their flagship phones bigger (with the iPhone 16 Pro Max having a whopping 6.9-inch display), while making displays thinner, and cramming an even larger battery into their phones. The largest on any iPhone, as Apple personnel tend to say.

5. The iPhone 16 would get a direct bump to the A18 chip

When Apple announced that their iPad Pros would skip the M3 and go directly to M4, my jaw dropped. It seemed inconceivable that Apple would leapfrog ITSELF, but once I saw the announcement, the rumor that the iPhone 16 would get an A18 chip seemed more believable. Traditionally, the base-model iPhones get the same chip as the previous year’s Pro models… but Apple decided to be kind this year. Given how so much of the new iPhone would be centered around Apple Intelligence, it made sense to build a NEW chipset just for handling these AI tasks. The iPhone 16 series is the first phone to get Apple’s latest A18 chipset, and as Tim Cook says, is truly the first iPhone built from the ground-up for Apple Intelligence.

The post Rumors we got right (and wrong) with the September 2024 Apple Keynote first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple Unveils iPhone 16 Pro with New Camera, Video, and Audio Features Powered by A18 Pro Chip

Posted on by

Apple has introduced the iPhone 16 Pro, bringing significant updates to both its design and performance. The iPhone 16 Pro now features larger displays—6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max—making them the biggest iPhone screens yet. Despite the larger size, Apple has minimized bezels, resulting in a sleek, nearly edge-to-edge look. The adaptive 120Hz ProMotion technology provides smooth scrolling, while the always-on display functionality gives users quick access to key information.

Designer: Apple

The iPhone 16 Pro’s design is constructed using aerospace-grade titanium, offering both durability and lightness. This titanium body is available in four finishes: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium. The device also incorporates a new thermal architecture that improves sustained performance while keeping the phone cool during heavy use. The Pro models are also water and dust-resistant, ensuring longevity in various environments.

Photography: Real-Time Control and Customization

The iPhone 16 Pro empowers creativity through its 48-megapixel fusion camera, which integrates a second-generation quad-pixel sensor capable of reading data twice as fast, allowing for zero shutter lag. Whether capturing fast-moving subjects or subtle details, this new system ensures uncompromised resolution and detail. The sensor’s high-speed data transfer to the A18 Pro chip allows users to capture 48-megapixel proRAW and HEAT photos effortlessly.

A new 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera complements the fusion camera, offering high-resolution shots with autofocus. It excels in capturing wider scenes and stunning macro shots, delivering sharpness and clarity that make it indispensable for creative users. The 5x telephoto camera—with Apple’s longest focal length—provides incredible zoom capabilities from a distance, while the Tetra Prism design improves optical performance for more detailed, high-quality images.

To streamline the photography process, the iPhone 16 Pro introduces an upgraded camera control system. This interface lets users quickly switch between lenses and adjust the depth of field and exposure with a dedicated slider. Later this year, a two-stage shutter will be added, allowing users to lock focus and exposure with a light press, offering precision when reframing shots.

Advanced Photographic Styles and Real-Time Grading

Apple has enhanced the creative range of the iPhone 16 Pro with advanced photographic styles, allowing users to personalize their photos in real-time. With the A18 Pro chip, the image pipeline dynamically adjusts skin tones, colors, highlights, and shadows, enabling a wider range of aesthetic choices. Users can apply styles like black-and-white, dramatic tones, and other custom looks that go beyond basic filters and fine-tune the look with a new control path that simultaneously adjusts tone and color.

What sets these styles apart is the ability to change them after capture, allowing greater flexibility in editing. The real-time preview enabled by the A18 Pro gives users a professional-level color grading experience as they shoot, a significant upgrade for photographers looking for more creative control.

Video: Cinema-Grade Capabilities

The iPhone 16 Pro significantly advances video recording. The new 4K 120fps recording in Dolby Vision is possible thanks to the faster sensor in the 48-megapixel fusion camera and the high transfer speeds of the Apple camera interface. The image signal processor (ISP) of the A18 Pro allows for frame-by-frame cinema-quality color grading, enabling professional-quality video capture directly on the iPhone.

One of the most exciting features is the ability to shoot 4K 120 ProRes and Log video directly to an external storage device, perfect for high-end workflows that demand high frame rates and extensive color grading control. Users no longer need to commit to frame rates upfront—they can adjust playback speed after capture. Whether for slow-motion effects or cinematic storytelling, the iPhone 16 Pro offers flexible playback options, including quarter-speed, half-speed, and 1/5-speed for 24fps cinematic moments.

The camera control interface supports third-party apps like FiLMiC Pro and Grid Composer, enabling advanced features such as precise framing based on the rule of thirds and other composition tools. This further solidifies the iPhone 16 Pro as a versatile tool for video creators.

Audio: Studio-quality sound and Spatial Audio

The iPhone 16 Pro also delivers significant audio upgrades. Four studio-quality microphones provide low noise levels for true-to-life sound capture, whether recording vocals or instruments. The reduced noise floor ensures high-quality audio, which is essential for professional recordings.

A new feature is spatial audio capture during video recording, enhancing the immersive experience when paired with AirPods or viewed on Apple Vision Pro. The spatial audio capture allows dynamic editing through the new audio mix feature, which uses machine learning to separate background elements from voices. This feature includes three voice options: in-frame mix, which isolates the person’s voice on camera; studio mix, which replicates a professional recording environment by eliminating reverb; and cinematic mix, which positions the vocal track upfront with surrounding environmental sounds in the background.

For content creators, Voice Memos now offers the ability to layer tracks on top of existing recordings. This is especially useful for musicians, who can now add vocals over a guitar track or any other instrumental recording. The system automatically isolates the voice from the background audio for a clean, professional result.

A18 Pro Chip: Powering Creativity and Performance

At the core of the iPhone 16 Pro’s new capabilities is the A18 Pro chip, built with second-generation 3-nanometer technology for improved performance and efficiency. The 16-core Neural Engine is designed for tasks requiring high computational power, such as machine learning and generative AI. With a 17% increase in system memory bandwidth, the iPhone 16 Pro can handle tasks such as ray tracing in gaming, 4K video editing, and more.

The A18 Pro chip’s enhanced image signal processor (ISP) enables real-time color grading and supports the advanced photo and video capabilities of the iPhone 16 Pro, ensuring that every shot and video benefits from professional-level quality. The chip’s GPU also provides 20% faster performance, allowing for smoother gaming and more efficient graphics rendering.

iPhone 16 Pro: Is It Time to Switch or Upgrade?

For professional creators, the iPhone 16 Pro delivers the performance and tools needed to meet demanding creative standards. Powered by the A18 Pro chip, it offers advanced photographic styles, pro-level video recording, and studio-quality audio. Whether capturing intricate details in images, producing cinematic-quality videos, or recording clear, high-fidelity audio, the iPhone 16 Pro provides the precision and control necessary to achieve your creative goals. This upgrade is a powerful creative tool designed to push the boundaries of your work, supporting and enhancing your vision with every use.

The post Apple Unveils iPhone 16 Pro with New Camera, Video, and Audio Features Powered by A18 Pro Chip first appeared on Yanko Design.

GameBaby is a protective case that transforms iPhones into retro gaming handhelds

Posted on by

Video gaming is still a thriving and lucrative industry, and you don’t even need to own an expensive and heavy handheld PC to enjoy it. With Apple now allowing emulators into the App Store, there is a vast new source of titles to play, some of which aren’t exactly conducive to tapping on a flat screen. Game controllers for iPhones aren’t always the best solution, especially if it means carrying an extra accessory in your pocket. But what if you never had to remove that controller in the first place? That’s the idea behind this genius iPhone accessory that’s a GameBoy-like controller when you need it and a quirky protective case when you don’t.

Designer: Bitmo Lab

There are iPhone-compatible game controllers that attach to the smartphone but only makes sense if you hold it sideways like a Nintendo Switch. You can’t leave these permanently on the phone, of course, which means you’ll have to make sure you always bring it with you when the craving to play strikes. That could be a fleeting moment, however, that quickly evaporates while you try to strap the controller, turn it on, and pair it with the phone. Plus, the landscape orientation really only works for modern mobile games, not the ones from decades past.

GameBaby is an innovative design that solves that problem while also paying homage to some of video gaming history’s greatest hits. It’s technically a two-part case for the phone that slides onto the top and bottom of the phone. The critical difference is that you can flip the bottom half around, revealing actual working buttons in the familiar layout of many old-school handheld consoles, particularly the GameBoy which served as this accessory’s inspiration.

Since the buttons go over the lower half of the iPhone screen, it offers direct input without the lag of Bluetooth or even USB connections. It also means there are no batteries to be worried about either. It’s really simply just a layer of buttons that give you a more tactile feeling than mashing your finger against the glass. And when you’re done playing, simply slide the case off, flip it again, and go on with your regular life.

The catch to this simple yet useful design is that it really only works with emulators that play retro games made for old consoles like NES, GameBoy, and similar. It works best with the Delta emulator now available on iOS, and Bitmo Lab has custom emulator skins designed specifically to match the layout of the physical buttons. The even bigger catch, however, is that GameBaby is only available for the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max, and only in a banana yellow and white color theme.

The post GameBaby is a protective case that transforms iPhones into retro gaming handhelds first appeared on Yanko Design.

TCL’s latest phone has a 1-Week Battery Life, and a VERY interesting new Display: Hands-On at IFA 2024

Posted on by

Nobody ever bought a smartphone because of its screen. I’m not talking about foldables, but rather about the regular ‘candybar’ smartphone. The reason you choose a smartphone is for its camera system, its battery life, its processor, its charging speed, its AI features, or its OS. The screen is just one of those aspects that you take for granted… but what if I told you I saw a phone at TCL with a screen so good it’s the highlight of the entire phone? The phone in question is the TCL 50 Nxtpaper 5G phone, and what really sets this phone apart from others is how spectacular its screen is. At first glance, the screen looks like a rather simple matte display, but flip a button on the side, and it magically goes from color to monochrome, transforming into a bonafide electronic ink display that is highly responsive, but has immaculate contrast, and a battery life nearly 7x more than your regular phone. The display is really this phone’s highlight, and shows how TCL’s figured out a compromise between phones and e-ink tablets. The TCL 50 Nxtpaper is a phone when you need it, but hit that switch and you go into easy-reading tablet mode, with a nearly 7-day battery life thanks to the monochrome nature of the display.

The Nxtpaper Display: A Phone Screen That Feels Like Paper

For anyone tired of glossy screens, blinding brightness, and eye strain, TCL’s Nxtpaper technology is a welcome change. The 6.8-inch screen has a matte, anti-glare surface designed to reduce blue light and deliver a paper-like experience, ideal for reading and prolonged use without causing eye strain. Whether you’re reading e-books, scanning through long documents, or even just scrolling social media, the Nxtpaper display reduces the strain that typical LCD and OLED screens can cause.

Unlike traditional smartphone displays, Nxtpaper uses a layered design that reduces blue light by up to 61%, helping prevent eye fatigue. This isn’t just a standard “night mode” either — the display is engineered from the ground up to deliver a paper-like viewing experience that’s easy on the eyes at any time of day. The anti-glare surface also means no more squinting at your phone on a sunny day or awkwardly tilting it to avoid reflections. Text and icons are visible with immense clarity, echoing the feeling of an e-ink screen like the one you’d see on a Kindle.

Despite its paper-like qualities, the Nxtpaper display doesn’t sacrifice color or usability. It’s still a full-color display, and it handles everything from photos to videos smoothly. TCL seems to have struck a balance here, making it a perfect option for people who need their phone for more than just reading but still want that e-paper feel.

Max Paper Mode: Battery Life Like You’ve Never Seen

The Max Paper mode is where the TCL Nxtpaper 50 Pro is an energy-savings-beast. When you first hit the switch on the side, you’re offered an option between color mode, ink-paper mode (which offers a responsive e-paper experience), and Max Paper mode. In the latter mode, the phone dials back performance, display refresh rates, and power-hungry features to turn it into a near e-reader. TCL promises up to one week of battery life when this mode is activated — a remarkable feat for any smartphone.

Max Paper mode works by toning down the display and restricting background processes, essentially transforming the phone into a low-power reader. It’s the perfect solution for those times when you just want to get through a book, read articles, or browse documents without worrying about battery drain. Imagine going on a week-long trip without needing to pack your charger — Max Paper mode could make that a reality. In Ink Paper and Max Paper mode, the phone’s home screen even tells you exactly how many hours worth of battery you’ve got, and it’s honestly stunning to see a day-long smartphone suddenly transition into a device that can last over a hundred hours.

Of course, when you want to switch back to full power for gaming, videos, or multitasking, the phone is more than capable. But for users who want to extend their battery life and spend time in a more relaxed reading environment, this feature is a game-changer.

A Practical Smartphone for Everyday Use

The 50 Nxtpaper phone isn’t just about battery life and an eye-friendly screen. It’s a full-featured Android phone that covers all the basics. Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, it comes with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. It runs Android 14 and is promised to get at least two major OS updates, so it’s future-proof for the next few years.

On the camera front, the 108MP main sensor is versatile, delivering high-quality shots with ease. It’s backed by an 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro lens, which offer flexibility for various shooting scenarios, whether you’re capturing landscapes or detailed close-ups. On the front, a 32MP selfie camera ensures crisp photos and video calls.

Other features round out this package nicely, including dual stereo speakers with DTS 3D Boom Sound for immersive audio, 33W fast charging to get you back up and running quickly, and NFC support for contactless payments. Security-wise, the phone includes both a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock for fast, secure access.

Final Thoughts: A Niche, But Useful Phone

The TCL Nxtpaper 50 Pro might not be the device that makes waves for its performance or gaming chops, but it’s not trying to be. Instead, it’s aiming at a niche audience: people who care about eye health and battery life more than shiny OLED displays and top-tier processors. The Max Paper mode could be a revelation for those who find themselves drained — both figuratively and literally — by their current smartphones. Having received a bunch of awards for just how spectacular the screen is, I sincerely hope TCL manages to make this click. I honestly would love to see smartphones trying new innovations like this rather than bending and folding thrice over like that tri-fold phone that TCL’s rumored to also be working on.

The post TCL’s latest phone has a 1-Week Battery Life, and a VERY interesting new Display: Hands-On at IFA 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

ESR Releases Hot New MagSafe Chargers with next-gen CryoBoost™ Cooling Tech

Posted on by

Battery life continues to be the bane of smartphone users, and the current limits of technology mean we can only cram bigger batteries inside these slim devices. Charging technologies alleviate the pain with faster charging times, while wireless charging offers convenience and comfort free from the tangles of wires. Even Apple’s MagSafe, however, has to follow the laws of physics, generating heat that not only slows down charging but also puts your safety at risk. With its brand new Qi2 MagSafe chargers, ESR is delivering safe and fast wireless charging thanks to its next-gen CryoBoost™™ technology that ensures a stable and cool charging experience without messy cables.

Designer: ESR

CryoBoost™: The Coolest, The Fastest MagSafe Charging

Charging will always generate heat, and wireless charging even more so. Not only is this dangerous, as the volatile batteries inside our phones are very sensitive to heat, it also means slower charging times because the phone and the charger might throttle output to prevent overheating. The most common solution for wireless charger manufacturers is to cool down the charger with fans, but these also rely on natural heat transfer to lower the phone’s temperature. This results in very inefficient cooling and, in some cases, condensation that could damage the phone and the battery.

With the latest iteration of its CryoBoost™ technology, ESR promises a smarter way to keep things cool. In addition to an advanced cooling fan with heat dissipation elements, it now features a patented all-open duct design that enhances airflow while also keeping the noise under 25dB, no louder than a whisper from five feet away. By directing the airflow to the back of the phone, ESR chargers with CryoBoost™ are able to keep the phone cooler more effectively, ensuring consistent maximum charging speeds all the time.

ESR 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger with Qi2 and CryoBoost™ (HaloLock)

Almost beating Apple at its own game, this new ESR 3-in-1 charger with Qi2 and CryoBoost™ offers 15W iPhone charging that tops up an iPhone 15 Pro Max to full in just 2 hours, at least a 30-minute improvement over most Qi2 chargers. Thanks to an Apple-certified 5W fast-charging for the Apple Watch, even an Apple Watch Ultra chargers in just an hour and 40 minutes, four times faster than standard 2.5W chargers that take more than 6 hours to finish. There’s also room for AirPods on the base, keeping all your essential Apple mobile devices charging in one place. The sleek minimalist design doesn’t get in the way of your desk or bedroom motif, providing an elegant visual point of interest wherever it makes its presence seen.

ESR MagSafe Car Charger with Qi2 and CryoBoost™ (HaloLock)

Charging a phone inside a car tends to get even hotter when the phone is also being used for GPS navigation. With ESR’s new MagSafe Car Charger with Qi2 and CryoBoost™, those worries are a thing of the past. The 15W charger can fill up an iPhone 15 Pro Max in just 2 hours and 7 minutes, and that’s while using GPS even. That’s more than an hour faster than most Qi2 car chargers, and about 35 minutes faster than Qi2 car chargers that have cooling fans. What makes this ESR Car Charger even more special are the 18 extra-strong N52 magnets that won’t lose their hold on the no matter how bumpy the ride gets. Plus, air vent and dashboard mounting options offer flexibility that adjusts to your car and driving style, not the other way around.

ESR Qi2 MagSlim Kickstand Power Bank 5,000mAh

Featuring a multiple award-winning built-in kickstand design, the 5,000mAh ESR Qi2 MagSlim Kickstand Power Bank is the slimmest Qi2 charger on the market and is perfect when you’re on the go. The 15W charger can get an iPhone 15 Pro to 84% in just 2 hours and 25 minutes. With a built-in kickstand and a powerful magnetic hold of up to 1,200g, you can conveniently watch videos or chat with colleagues without having to worry about running out of battery. And at only 15.5mm thick, the ESR Qi2 MagSlim Kickstand Power Bank can easily slip into bags or even pockets, ready to charge your phone anytime you need it.

The post ESR Releases Hot New MagSafe Chargers with next-gen CryoBoost™ Cooling Tech first appeared on Yanko Design.

HMD Fusion revives the modular phone dream with Smart Outfits back covers

Posted on by

Implementing a truly modular phone might be next to impossible at this point in time, but that doesn’t mean that the idea has no merits. It also doesn’t mean we can’t have some of the flexibility and customization that the concept promises, at least in some way that is practical and, more importantly, accessible to people today. That’s the vision behind the HMD Fusion, now formally a real thing rather than just a proof of concept, giving owners the choice of how they want to live their mobile phone life and, perhaps more significantly, the tools and opportunity to make their own “Smart Outfits” to customize their experience.

Designer: HMD

You might have heard of this style of smartphone modularity before, particularly if you’ve been following Nothing’s recent escapades. The CMF Phone 1 opened the doors to customized back covers, and it didn’t take long before creative people really took that offer and ran with it to a rather amusing degree. Now the HMD Fusion is daring to dream a bit bigger with an even more open ecosystem as well as a more affordable smartphone base.

The highlight of the HMD Fusion is the Smart Outfits, which you can place on its back as a rear cover. These can range from anything like a rugged protective cover to a wireless charging coil. Because of the special pogo pins on the back of the HMD Fusion, you can actually have more interactive functionality and no longer have to worry about needing a separate power source. The Flashy Outfit, for example, offers a ring light for taking selfies, whether with the 108MP rear camera or the 50MP front cam. You can also have something like a detachable game controller that won’t have the instability and latency of Bluetooth.

HMD, however, isn’t stopping there. It’s actually providing an open source software and hardware toolkit for more seasoned veterans to make their own Smart Outfits. It could potentially open the floodgates of creative designs, though do expect some to be over-the-top and impractical but also fun and novel. There is definitely unlimited potential, only hampered by the phone’s own hardware.

Inside, the HMD Fusion is pretty much an entry-level phone, with a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 process, 6GB of RAM, and an HD+ resolution screen only. The aforementioned cameras squarely aim at the GenZ market, though, who could use the Smart Outfit system to literally dress up their phones. Fortunately, the HMD Fusion also carries a very GenZ-friendly price tag of £199/249€ (roughly $279), which means almost anyone can have access to this appetizer of a modular phone, presuming it becomes available in their region.

The post HMD Fusion revives the modular phone dream with Smart Outfits back covers first appeared on Yanko Design.

HONOR Magic V3: Thinnest Foldable Phone Showcased with AI-Powered Tablet and Laptop at IFA 2024

Posted on by

At the prestigious IFA 2024 in Berlin, HONOR captivated the tech world with the launch of three innovative products: the HONOR Magic V3 folding phone, the MagicPad 2 tablet, and the MagicBook Art 14 laptop. Each device pushes the boundaries of design and technology, setting new standards in their respective categories. Honor’s latest devices showcase an approach to innovation that feels refreshing – more than just cramming higher-specs into their devices, the company’s working on using AI to make them better (in ways that Apple and Google aren’t), while still managing to design products that are delightful to look at and use. In fact, HONOR’s latest foldable measures even thinner than the iPad Pro when opened flat (the company even issued a snarky apology to Samsung for outshining them). The MagicBook Art 14 laptop one-ups Apple too, with a camera accessory that keeps the bezel notch-free. A lot of these devices go beyond just the spec wars. We’re at a point where companies are actually doing things differently to make their gadgets stand out. Take for instance the HONOR V3 Fold’s ability to detect deepfake audio and video calls. Here’s a look at what HONOR announced today:

HONOR Magic V3: The Pinnacle of Folding Technology

HONOR’s latest foldable smartphone, the Magic V3, represents a significant leap forward in both design and functionality. Measuring an impressive 9.2mm in thickness when folded, and an astonishing 4.35mm when unfolded, the Magic V3 is the slimmest foldable phone on the market. Weighing just 226 grams, it’s also lighter than many conventional smartphones, which makes it both portable and comfortable to hold.

Under the hood, the Magic V3 is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, ensuring top-tier performance for all tasks, from gaming to multitasking. The phone features a 7.92-inch inner display with a 10:9 aspect ratio and a 6.43-inch outer display. Both screens offer remarkable brightness, with peak brightness reaching up to 1600 nits on the inner display, making it highly readable even in direct sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and responsive user experience, whether you’re scrolling through apps or watching videos.

HONOR has focused heavily on durability with this release. The phone is constructed using HONOR Aerospace Spatial Fiber, which boasts a tensile strength of 5,800 MPa—100% stronger than steel. This material, combined with a hinge mechanism that is just 2.84mm thin, ensures the Magic V3 can withstand over 500,000 folds, equating to more than 13 years of daily use. The inner screen is protected by Honor Super Amp Inner Screen technology, which significantly enhances impact resistance, while the outer screen is fortified with a Nano Crystal Shield for superior scratch and drop resistance.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Magic V3’s camera capabilities. It is the first HONOR phone to feature a periscope telephoto camera, alongside a 40MP ultra-wide camera. With the industry-first AI-enabled Harcourt portrait mode (developed alongside French photography powerhouse Studio Harcourt), users can capture studio-quality photos with ease. The AI-powered 4K camera is designed for shooting in various conditions, including while the device is hovering, thanks to its innovative folding design. HONOR’s managed to extend that AI ability to phone and video calls too, with the V3 being able to detect audio and video deepfakes, notifying you in case you’re on a fraudulent call.

HONOR MagicPad 2: Redefining the Tablet Experience

Next up is the HONOR MagicPad 2, a tablet that sets new benchmarks in display technology and versatility. The MagicPad 2 features a 12.9-inch OLED display with a 3K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, providing stunning visuals with ultra-high contrast of 1,000,000:1. The display’s 92% screen-to-body ratio, coupled with thin bezels, creates an immersive viewing experience that rivals even the most premium tablets on the market.

Weighing in at just 599 grams and only 5.8mm thick, the MagicPad 2 is incredibly portable, yet durable. The tablet’s back cover is crafted from a new lightweight fiber, reducing weight by 45% while increasing strength by 24%. This results in a device that is both easy to carry and resilient, with SGS certification for bending resistance.

The MagicPad 2 is packed with AI-powered features that enhance productivity and creativity. The tablet’s AI-defocus display technology, which was first seen in HONOR’s flagship phones, is now available on the MagicPad 2, reducing eye strain during prolonged use. Additionally, the device supports dynamic dimming, low blue light, and circadian night display, all designed to protect users’ eyes. If you marveled at the iPad Pro’s new Math Notes upgrade, the MagicPad 2 packs a similar feature, with the ability to recognize handwriting, and solve equations on the fly. Tablets might just become illegal in classrooms!

Audio is another strong suit of the MagicPad 2. With on-device AI enabling spatial audio, the tablet delivers an IMAX Enhanced sound experience, perfect for streaming movies on platforms like Disney+. On the software front, the tablet runs an AI-enabled OS, offering features like Magic Ring for seamless file transfers and Magic Capsule for efficient notification management. For students and professionals, the tablet’s AI-powered voice-to-text conversion and formula recognition features make note-taking and mathematical input more efficient than ever before.

HONOR MagicBook Art 14: A Laptop That Blends Power with Elegance

Rounding out HONOR’s IFA 2024 lineup is the MagicBook Art 14, a laptop that marries cutting-edge performance with a sleek, artistic design. With a thickness of just 1 centimeter and a weight of approximately 1 kilogram, the MagicBook Art 14 is one of the lightest and thinnest laptops available, yet it does not compromise on power or functionality.

The laptop’s 3.1K OLED touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate offers vibrant colors and sharp details, making it ideal for creative professionals. The 97% screen-to-body ratio, achieved through ultra-thin 2.2mm bezels, provides a nearly edge-to-edge display, enhancing the visual experience.

The MagicBook Art 14 is powered by the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 Processor processor, delivering exceptional performance for demanding tasks, whether it’s video editing, 3D rendering, or gaming. The laptop also features six AI-enabled speakers and a spatial audio engine, ensuring crystal-clear sound whether you’re in a video conference or watching a movie.

One of the standout features of the MagicBook Art 14 is also its innovative magnetic camera, which is detachable and easily attaches to the top of the screen when needed. This design not only enhances privacy by allowing users to store the camera away when not in use but also adds a layer of security with its strong magnetic connection and system alerts.

HONOR Watch 5: The Perfect Blend of Style and Functionality

Honor also introduced the HONOR Watch 5 at IFA 2024, a smartwatch designed for both style and functionality. Weighing just 35 grams and measuring 11mm in thickness, it’s exceptionally lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear. The watch features a 1.85-inch AMOLED color display with a resolution of 450×390 pixels and 322 PPI, offering a vivid and responsive user experience.

Powered by a silicon-carbon battery with a 480mAh capacity, the HONOR Watch 5 delivers an impressive 15-day battery life, thanks to its Turbo X Smart Power Management system. It’s equipped with essential health-tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and sleep analysis. The watch also boasts the AccuTrack positioning system, which significantly enhances GPS accuracy for more precise activity tracking.

Beyond health monitoring, the HONOR Watch 5 supports notifications for calls, messages, and apps, ensuring users stay connected. It offers multiple sports modes and 5ATM water resistance, making it suitable for various activities, including swimming. With customizable watch faces and a sleek design, the HONOR Watch 5 is both a practical tool and a stylish accessory, seamlessly integrating into daily life.

As HONOR continues to push the boundaries of innovation, the Watch 5, Magic V3, MagicPad 2, and MagicBook Art 14 exemplify the brand’s commitment to delivering devices that are not only cutting-edge but also designed with the user’s experience at the forefront. With these new releases, HONOR solidifies its position as a leader in the tech industry.

The post HONOR Magic V3: Thinnest Foldable Phone Showcased with AI-Powered Tablet and Laptop at IFA 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Honor’s Ridiculously Slim Magic V3 Folding Phone grabs a Guinness World Record by sitting on a House of Cards

Posted on by

Bryan Berg, the renowned American architect and card-stacking virtuoso, has once again pushed the boundaries of human ingenuity and set a new world record for the tallest house of cards. This extraordinary achievement, accomplished in a mere eight hours, has a tech spin to it. Sitting atop this colossal 54-level card tower is Honor’s Magic V3 foldable phone. Aside from being the world’s thinnest phone, measuring just 4.35mm when opened completely (that’s thinner than the 2024 iPad Pro), the phone clocks in at just 226 grams… that was enough for Berg to gingerly place it on top of his record-setting colossal structure – constructed without the aid of glue, wiring, or any metalwork.

The Guinness World Records adjudicator, Thomas Bradford, was on hand to witness this extraordinary feat and certify the new record. The challenge was far from straightforward, as Berg required a near-airtight environment with high humidity to ensure the cards’ cooperation throughout the building process. To achieve these conditions, seven humidifiers were set up in the room, creating a rather stuffy atmosphere for the crew tasked with capturing the momentous occasion on film.

Undeterred by the challenging environment, Berg worked tirelessly for the majority of the eight-hour period, taking only brief pauses for hydration and sustenance. His consistent pace, averaging five or six levels per hour, culminated in the placement of the HONOR Magic V3 atop the completed structure, signaling the end of his monumental endeavor… but more importantly, redefining the term ‘ultralight’ in the context of foldables and tech in general.

Berg’s latest record-breaking achievement adds to his impressive track record of card-stacking accomplishments. His previous record for the tallest playing card structure, standing at 7.86 meters, has remained unbroken since 2007. Over the years, Berg has consistently pushed the limits of his craft, repeatedly breaking and reestablishing his own world records. This attempt, in collaboration with HONOR, also sets a record just before the company takes the stage at IFA 2024 to showcase its products for the year.

The post Honor’s Ridiculously Slim Magic V3 Folding Phone grabs a Guinness World Record by sitting on a House of Cards first appeared on Yanko Design.

Smartphone touchpad concept tries to solve one of the biggest problems with big phones

Posted on by

Almost everyone wants smartphones with big screens because of how much content they can see, but those same people probably don’t like using big phones because they require both hands to use comfortably and securely. Some manufacturers have introduced “one-handed mode” features that shrink the screen to a smaller size temporarily, but not only is that actually more cumbersome, it is also less accurate because of the small area you have to hit with your large finger. We don’t have problems using computers with gigantic monitors because we have computer mice that offer precise and accurate control, even if we’re not touching the screen itself. That’s the kind of control that this concept design is trying to bring to smartphones, practically putting a miniature Apple Magic Mouse on the back of large phones.

Designer: Geontak Oh

The computer mouse is actually a very weird and unintuitive tool that has become second nature to most people by now. You are indirectly controlling the screen, moving a detached piece of hardware whose only connection to the computer is an arbitrary one. Before touch screens were a thing, it was really the only way to interact with a graphical user interface, so it’s a bit ironic that we might need something similar to do the same on touch-enabled devices like smartphones.

Poinf is a design concept that tries to solve the problem of using a large smartphone with one hand. With the way we hold our phones, the thumb is the only finger we can use to tap on the screen, which is next to impossible if the screen is too big for our stumpiest finger to reach. But what if you could use a different finger to do that? And what if that finger is always on the back of your phone anyway?

The idea is to put what is practically a small, squarish touchpad on the back of the phone, held there using MagSafe or other magnetic technology. The actual interactive part is a small quadrant of the slim device, an area that can be easily reached by your index or even middle finger. You slide your finger across the surface, pushing around the equivalent of a cursor, and use tapping gestures to “click” on user interface elements. You can easily detach Poinf when you don’t need it, so it doesn’t get in the way of “normal” smartphone use.

Poinf is definitely an intriguing solution to a very old problem, but it also brings a few issues of its own, particularly with usability. Moving a cursor by moving a finger on the back of the screen could require some mental gymnastics, severely affecting your speed and efficiency in the process. Of course, your brain can eventually adjust, like how it has come to accept the computer mouse, but it will take time and effort before that becomes second nature. Additionally, however, you also lose access to important touch gestures like pinching to zoom or quick scrolling, so you’ll have to do double work to teach yourself a new action vocabulary for this rather niche control mechanism. In the end, you might give up and just use the phone with both hands anyway.

The post Smartphone touchpad concept tries to solve one of the biggest problems with big phones first appeared on Yanko Design.

Get the Pixel 9’s “Add Me” Camera Feature on Any iPhone or Android Device: Here’s How…

Posted on by

Were you hyped when Google announced the Add Me feature for the Pixel 9 series camera? I’ll be honest, my wave of excitement died down as fast as it hit me. Truth be told, the Add Me feature is pretty impressive – it allows you to click group photos while also including yourself IN the group. The way the Pixel does this is by scanning your surroundings and the subjects in the frame, and once you click the photo, hand the phone (in the same position) to someone else and walk into the frame. The Pixel 9 will ‘add you’ to the existing photo using AI. Sounds truly remarkable, doesn’t it? Well, given how much 3D scanning and AI computation is done in advance to make this possible, this truly is a feat of technology. There’s a problem, however… You can easily achieve nearly similar results using the Panorama setting on any phone camera.

Before we break down how to do this, it’s worth noting that the way the Pixel 9’s Add Me feature and your camera’s Panorama feature work very differently. Which means there are different things to worry about, and a few potential caveats for both methods. The takeaway, however, is that you DON’T need to be excluded from your group photos. You can simply rely on an existing feature on your phone to add yourself into images… without splurging on a fancy $799-$1099 phone, or without using a whole lot of AI.

Start the panorama process, then hand the phone to someone else while you enter the panorama from the right. The small preview window should help you compose a perfectly stitched panorama that includes you!

As far as Pixel 9’s Add Me feature goes, it’s fairly state-of-the-art and does a job most people would be pretty impressed with. You’ve got the phone quite literally scanning the room, separating the subjects from the background, and then adding an extra subject in. This way, you can truly be a part of a photo even if you’re the one clicking it. Just start the clicking process, hand the camera to someone else, and go stand in the frame you composed. You can stand near people, behind them, pretend to touch their shoulder, and the AI does the rest of the work, crunching multiple data points together to seamlessly integrate you into the frame. It’s great, but it has a few cons – aside from the general stitching issues, you need to ensure the phone’s position doesn’t change too much while clicking the image. You also need a Pixel 9 (or higher) to perform this feature, which is the biggest disadvantage of them all. There is, however, the simple solution of just clicking using the panorama mode. The panorama method is ridiculously simple and works on any smartphone (Android or iOS) without any updates. Here’s how you do it.

The final result looks just as good as the ones from Pixel’s Add Me feature… except without using any AI!

Start the panorama process, but deliberately leave the part out where you plan on inserting yourself. Then, hand the phone to someone else and have them continue the panorama, but now with you in it. Hit the shutter button after the panorama’s composed and voila! You’re effectively IN the photo that you started taking! No AI, no fancy camera features, just a genius solution to a simple problem. The Panorama method works 9 times out of 10, making it a solid alternative to Pixel’s Add Me feature. However, it has a few limitations too. Again, aside from the potential stitching issues, the photos you take ALWAYS have to be landscape (because that’s how panoramas are recorded). People in the frame cannot move too much, which could affect the stitching – this means you can’t use this feature in a crowd; your background almost always has to be static. The Panorama Method also works only from left to right, which means the photographer can only be to the right of people. Not the left, and not even behind them. Personally, these limitations feel pretty small when compared to the idea of spending $799 for a new phone. I also give it a year before someone develops a camera app or filter (I’m looking at you, Snapchat) that does this exact same thing as Pixel’s ‘Add Me’. Until then, just go ahead and use the Panorama Method. I promise nobody will know the difference.

The post Get the Pixel 9’s “Add Me” Camera Feature on Any iPhone or Android Device: Here’s How… first appeared on Yanko Design.