Apple Reportedly Working On A HomePod With A 7-Inch Display
Apple will give its smart speaker HomePod a complete makeover for 2025, a device that it hopes to position as capable of executing advanced tasks, among many other competitive capabilities. Updates will range from adding a touchscreen display to refreshing internal hardware; the new version of the HomePod is aimed at bringing a fresh user experience and possibly going head-to-head with rival products from Amazon and Google. Touchscreen Display for Enhanced Functionality A major highlight of the 2025 HomePod is the inclusion of a 7-inch touchscreen. This addition signals Apple’s intent to elevate its smart speaker’s usability and align it more closely with competitor products. According to a report from DigiTimes, Apple has partnered with Tianma as its exclusive supplier for the LCD display. By opting for LCD technology, Apple can cut production costs significantly. The company reportedly negotiated a deal to pay just $10 per display, which could help keep the HomePod price competitive. The touchscreen display will also open up a range of possibilities for the smart speaker, including interactive uses such as visual controls, media playback, and maybe even some casual gaming. Powerful A18 Chipset Inside It was reported that the next-generation HomePod would have an A18 chip, similar to what will be in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. The powerhouse chipset may unlock further potential for things like more resource-intensive apps or support for more complex audio and visual processing. The A18 is expected to shine in a larger form factor of the HomePod, where the device has more room for thermal management, addressing overheating complaints that sometimes arise in the iPhones. While there’s speculation about gaming compatibility, Apple is more likely to leverage the A18 in enhanced performance and integration for its ecosystem, including, of course, Apple Intelligence. AI Integration and Added Capabilities Other ways in which Apple could put investment into generative AI features might include the new HomePod. This would involve at least 8GB of RAM-a very feasible addition. This would turn the HomePod into a smart home automation center, powered by AI, offering personalized experiences unlike any other in increasingly crowded markets. Pricing and Market Competition While the report does not give explicit indications of price, affordability would be key for Apple. Competition from Google and Amazon has dominated the smart speaker market by offering products from all ends of the pricing spectrum. Apple’s opportunity to competitively price-attractive products due to declining component costs could help expand its reach and cement a position in the smart home market. Conclusion The 2025 HomePod looks like it will be a beast: the A18 chip, touchscreen, and even some AI capabilities, among other hardware changes. By placing competitive pricing at the center of its strategy, Apple hopes to take a bigger bite out of the smart speaker market and push the boundaries of what the device can do. It remains to be seen just how this next-generation HomePod will shape the future of smart home technology as details are revealed.
Take-Two CEO Says GTA 6 Will Be Extraordinary and Worth Waiting For!
As we approach 2025 the hype for GTA 6 is getting crazy. Coming next fall Rockstar’s next game is going to be a big deal. Here’s what we know so far about the highly anticipated sequel to the most successful game of all time. A Tough Act to Follow Take-Two Interactive (Rockstar’s parent company) are hoping to repeat the magic of the original. Grand Theft Auto 5 released in 2013 has sold over 200 million copies worldwide making it the second best selling game of all time behind only Minecraft. In an interview Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said “I think it’ll be extraordinary and worth waiting for” which has got fans and industry insiders excited. Surprising the Fans Zelnick said GTA 6 might have features and innovations that even the most hardcore fans wouldn’t see coming. Details are still under wraps but the implication is Rockstar are going to change the open-world game. “We definitely listen to feedback from our fans, absolutely. You need to, in our business, and you’re able to. But remember, the biggest hits are always the ones that are unexpected. Everything that we do has to be new and different, not derivative. So, by definition when people are commenting on something that is in the market, that means they’re looking at something that was done before. Our teams are focused on what’s new that you haven’t even thought about, like, you thought you were anticipating this thing, but this is way bigger and way better and more exciting and more beautiful than you could have possibly thought of.” Talking about the success of GTA 5 and GTA Online Zelnick said the team underestimated how long the game would last. The massive popularity of GTA Online (which is still getting updates including a recent holiday expansion) wasn’t part of the original plan. GTA Online One of the most interesting things to come out of the interview was the unplanned evolution of GTA Online. Originally the game wasn’t even supposed to have a virtual currency. But over time GTA Online became a key part of the franchise with its robust multiplayer and steady stream of content updates. “I don’t think any of us did. I think that we saw it as a really interesting add-on to the title. We actually originally had not planned to have virtual currency in the game, so it wasn’t going to be an economic driver. It was relatively late in the day when we decided to pursue virtual currency because it was so long ago – we’re looking back to 2013. And it wasn’t an immediate success. You may recall it was pretty buggy at first. We had some trouble coming out of the gate because it was all new, and we were innovating; we were doing it all in real-time. It was like building a plane while you’re taking off and then flying. It is an incredible, durable success and it continues to to perform many, many years later. It’s astonishing and no, I don’t think any of us expected that, but we also didn’t expect to sell 205 million units. We never expected that. That was way outside of the realm of anything we contemplated.” This has clearly had an impact on the development of GTA 6 which will have a next level online experience. Whether that means more immersive multiplayer, dynamic world building or something entirely new we’ll have to wait and see. GTA 6 Coming Soon Coming fall 2025 GTA 6 will be big again. Rockstar have a history of pushing the boundaries of storytelling, gameplay and world design and fans can’t wait to see how that will translate to the new game. As the release gets closer the speculation about the game’s features, story and online parts will only get more and more crazy. If Zelnick’s comments are anything to go by GTA 6 could be even more than we can imagine.
OnePlus Watch 3 to Feature Functional Rotating Crown and ECG Support
A New Era for OnePlus Wearables OnePlus has been winning the hearts of gadget lovers with each of its devices, and the OnePlus Watch 2 was no exception, especially regarding its unparalleled battery life. However, one feature in that watch-the rotating crown-felt a bit useless by the fans. The latest leaks promise that OnePlus has listened to its community and will bring major improvements with the OnePlus Watch 3, making it a real candidate to conquer the smartwatch market in 2025. Improved Rotating Crown with Functionality The OnePlus Watch 2 had a rotating crown, but it was largely an element of confusion since it didn’t have any real functionality. OnePlus Watch 3 improves that with a crown that doesn’t just rotate but “offers a more intuitive way to navigate the UI” by enhancing the user interaction, complementing the touchscreen experience. This update comes as a result of feedback from fans and will add to the smartwatches a button-like, clicky mechanism similar to those on the Apple Watch and upcoming Pixel Watch 3. The news is an exclusive leak from Smartprix, revealing that OnePlus never stops seeking to please the users. Battery and Performance Upgrades One of the strong suits of OnePlus has always been battery life, and with the OnePlus Watch 3, it appears that they are pushing that even further. Though exact battery capacity wasn’t confirmed, leaks mention a “500mAh+” battery, implying an upgrade from the OnePlus Watch 2’s 500mAh, possibly up to 648mAh. This, combined with unchanged but still robust specs like the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset, 2GB RAM, and 32GB storage, suggests that the Watch 3 will continue OnePlus’s tradition of top-tier performance in smartwatches. Health and Connectivity Features It is also getting an upgrade in health monitoring with the introduction of ECG functionality in select markets, addressing the increasing demand for health-centric features on smartwatches. However, due to various regulatory restrictions, this feature might not be universally available. The leak further hints at LTE connectivity, which could make the OnePlus Watch 3 a fully independent device, though this feature might be region-specific, mirroring trends seen with other China-developed watches. Design and Launch Details Aesthetically, the OnePlus Watch 3 is expected to come in at least two color options, one of which might echo the “Radiant Steel” finish of its predecessor. The design includes smaller bezels, enhancing the visual appeal and screen real estate. The smartwatch is slated for a global rollout in the first quarter of 2025, giving OnePlus enthusiasts something to look forward to at the start of the year. Conclusion The OnePlus Watch 3 is shaping up to be quite an impressive entry within the smartwatch segment as it will fix some critical areas of complaint and the biggest user requests. With its increased battery life, a working rotating crown, and maybe some health and connectivity features, the OnePlus Watch 3 has all the ingredients to raise the bar on what users will expect from their wearables in 2025. If these leaks are anything to go by, OnePlus is certainly on a track to iterate and expand its smartwatch offerings to appeal to tech enthusiasts and health-conscious users alike. Image: Smartprix Via Android Police
OneXPlayer G1 By One-Netbook To Be Powered By AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
One-Book which has a reputation with mini-PCs, handheld game consoles, and external GPUs has now teased its new gaming handheld; the OneXPlayer G1. This handheld console gaming laptop hybrid features all those things in one small form factor. OneXPlayer G1 Teased The OneXPlayer G1 was teased on YouTube recently, and other details have come up through ITHome, which provided a better look at how it looks and feels like. It is powered by the AMD Strix Point Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, which is based on the Zen 5 architecture. Configured with 12 cores/24 threads, the processor promises to deliver state-of-the-art performance. Interestingly, the same processor powers the OneXFly F1 Pro console, too, and shows how serious One-Netbook is about handheld gaming performance. Innovative Design and Display OneXPlayer G1 comes out with a hybrid design that could be used both as a handheld game console and as a compact laptop. This 8.8-inch display is an IPS one and has a 2.5K resolution, hence supporting a refresh rate up to 144 Hz. Smooth visual performance for gaming and office work is ensured with it. Equipped with an RDNA 3.5-based Radeon 890M GPU, the machine easily runs modern games at medium or high settings. In performance benchmarks, the G1 scored an impressive 4159 points in Time Spy graphics tests, outperforming the GTX 1650 by about 16% – a testament to just how well the console will handle gaming. Multi-Faceted Features OneXPlayer G1 combines a game controller and a compact keyboard, featuring a detachable Bluetooth dual-mode keyboard that quickly toggles between a game setup and a full-size keyboard layout. The machine also features joysticks, face buttons, and a D-Pad, adding RGB backlighting to personalise it. Besides that, the controller of the G1 can be completely hidden and turn into a mini-laptop. That is why it’s an excellent choice both for gamers and productivity users. Connectivity and Build For connectivity, the OneXPlayer G1 features one OCuLink port and one USB4 port with several other peripheral options – making it good for any number of uses. And with a weight of just about 900 grams or so, it is more substantial than most traditional handheld gaming consoles. This also makes sense, given it is a dual-function game console and has powerful insides. Pricing and Availability While One-Netbook has not revealed the price or release date of the OneXPlayer G1, it is expected to be priced similarly to the OneXFly F1 Pro. This means the G1 could cost around $1500, reflecting its premium features and cutting-edge technology. Conclusion The OneXPlayer G1 is shaping up to be a revolutionary device in the gaming handheld market, packing in a hybrid design, powerful hardware, and several versatile features for an unrivaled gaming and productivity experience. Obviously, gamers and tech enthusiasts alike will be very interested to finally see how this device works in real life upon its official launch. Images: ITHome
Realme 14 Pro+ Announced With A Cold-Sensitive Color-Changing Back Panel
Realme has announced its much-anticipated Realme 14 Pro series, which includes the Realme 14 Pro and Realme 14 Pro+. The series will be launched in January 2025 with the most advanced technology and premium design. Here is a detailed overview of what makes the Realme 14 Pro+ special. Innovative Design with Color-Changing Technology Realme has partnered with the acclaimed Nordic industrial design studio, Valeur Designers, in creating the design for the Realme 14 Pro series. Apart from anything else, this line features industry-first cold-sensitive color-changing technology. Driven by the advanced thermochromic pigments on its rear panel, it shifts between pearl white and intense blue at temperatures below 16°C before reverting with rising temperature. The back panel has a distinctive look, thanks to the 30-step “fusion fiber” process, which makes each Pearl White unit unique. With its thickness of just 8mm, the Realme 14 Pro+ offers an innovative and sleek design while being lightweight. Fabulous Display and Build Quality The Realme 14 Pro+ has a quad-curved AMOLED display with a 93% screen-to-body ratio, thanks to ultra-slim 1.6mm bezels. The display supports 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, thus promising sharpness and smoothness. Durability is another feature, since the device will come with an IP69 rating and TUV Rheinland certification for resistance to water and dust. Advanced Camera System: Ocean Oculus Design Realme has introduced the “Ocean Oculus” triple camera module, home to a high-end photography system. The module also carries a 50MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a Sony LYT-600 or IMX82 periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. For low-light photography, the Realme 14 Pro+ introduces the industry-first “Magic Glow” triple flash system, featuring three dual-color temperature LEDs for natural and vibrant portrait shots. Selfie lovers can expect a 32-megapixel front camera for crisp and detailed photos. Powerful Performance and Fast Charging At the heart of the Realme 14 Pro+ lies the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, designed to deliver exceptional performance. While details about the battery size remain undisclosed, the device supports 80W fast charging, ensuring quick power-ups. A Glimpse into the Future of Smartphones The Realme 14 Pro+, with its pioneering design, advanced camera, and powerful hardware, increases the ante in the mid-premium category of smartphones. A revolutionary color-changing back panel and quad-curved AMOLED display showcase the commitment of Realme to pushing the boundaries of smartphone design. With its official launch still to come, this Realme 14 Pro+ is going to make a difference in the market. Source: Realme
New Redesigned Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Detailed In a New Leak
The Nintendo Switch 2 could feature a redesigned dock that gives it a significant boost while operating in docked mode, the company’s highly touted next-generation console. One leaker on Reddit claims he has inside access to the console and has come up with some interesting claims regarding its dock and a few Joy-Con controllers. These claims were accompanied by images provided to The Verge, which lends some credibility to this leak after their talks with the leaker. Higher Power Rating Redesigned Dock From the leak, it would appear that functionality has been taken into consideration when designing the Nintendo Switch 2 dock. The new model reportedly has larger stand at the back to accommodate sitting horizontally without blocking possible vents. While this might seem an unnecessary design upon first consideration, it may be for preventing overheating in case the dock is knocked over accidentally. The dock is also said to have a power rating of 60W, while the console itself is rated at 45W—significantly higher than the original Nintendo Switch. This could indicate that the console might get more performance while in the dock. However, the leaker mentioned a disappointing limitation: the system may only support 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, which might not meet the expectations of players hoping for smooth gameplay at higher resolutions. Extra Details on the Console This information from NextHandheld actually corresponds with a number of the recent Nintendo Switch 2 rumors. For example, much speculation has been made within the gaming community about what’s going on inside the console and how it has been improved for better performance. The design of the dock and power ratings, though, were not among those leaks, which makes this reveal all the more surprising. Those interested in the complete breakdown of the leak, which has been summarized on the Nintendo Switch 2 subreddit. While the images and information provided give some credence to the claims, fans are warned to still remain skeptical until Nintendo makes an official announcement. Official Reveal Expected in Early 2025 Although Nintendo has not officially announced the Switch 2, there are rumors it could be announced right after the New Year. Many industry analysts and fans predict that it will sell incredibly well, further sealing Nintendo’s position in the gaming market. With great expectations for the next-generation console, many are thrilled to find out whether the Nintendo Switch 2 will be able to meet such hype. And yet, for some, a supposedly capless 4K will dampen expectations from now on. The projected success shows us probably how well Nintendo’s innovating of gaming will grasp audiences across the world, and quite well. Until Nintendo makes an official Switch 2 announcement, leaked information should be treated with skepticism. The new design for the dock and ratings for power do indeed hint at performance enhancements, but a possible 4K cap might disappoint gamers who want the most up-to-date visuals. Nonetheless, the Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated gaming systems in recent memory.
YouTube App to Get Major Refresh for Foldable Devices
Foldable smartphones have become the norm in recent years, giving users more screen to enjoy their multimedia experience. Most apps, including YouTube from Google, have not fully taken advantage of this extra screen space. Users have been frustrated by the lack of optimization, especially in landscape mode. Google is apparently doing something about this with an update that is meant to improve usability on foldables, tablets, and phones in landscape orientation. Current YouTube App Layout Issues At the moment, the layout of the landscape mode of the YouTube app leaves much to be desired. It looks cluttered and inefficient, displaying a row of subscribed channels at the top followed by the subscription feed with huge video thumbnails. Titles and video details are displayed on the right side of the thumbnails, but the design mostly fails to maximize the available screen space. This gives one a disjointed, as well as visually unpleasant, experience on even larger screens, like those found in foldables. Upcoming Changes for Landscape Orientation Developer researcher AssembleDebug, cited by Android Authority, has recently discovered changes to YouTube v19.50.36 of the app. It does seem that this new build is testing a refreshed interface that will supposedly improve its consumption on foldables and other devices in landscape orientations. Screenshots reveal that the redesign is a two-column layout. In this configuration, the left side will be for the subscribed channels, and the right side will have the subscription feed. This setup allows for full video thumbnails to be shown without white space wastage and easy navigation. Better Layout for Phones Changes aren’t only limited to foldables, though. For phones in landscape mode, YouTube is testing showing two video thumbnails side by side instead of showing just one. This helps optimize screen usage further; however, the exact implementation may depend on the size and width of the screen of the device. Testing and Future Rollout At the moment, this update is not available. YouTube sometimes does these tests with a few users first before it’s fully rolled out. So, there may already be some who have noticed this change. Google is indeed committed to making applications as user-friendly as possible. The news is not the first, considering this is Google’s move on creating high-quality designs for apps. YouTube just recently brought soft revamp upon its interface by replacing and updating the bottom navigation for a clean look. But these were not limited up until the new foldable-specific updates as it reveals what Google aims to refine among its diverse set of different gadgets. Updates for YouTube signal significant improvement to be delivered for foldable phone users as well as those preferring landscape views. Optimizing layouts to decrease unused areas means the app is in position to give users an effortless experience. With increased demand for foldable devices, it is a critical factor for apps to be improved along with other technology development. Images: Android Authority, Android Police
Leaked Samsung Galaxy S25+ and S25 Ultra Renders Surface and Are Quickly Taken Down!
Fresh Leaks of Galaxy S25+ and S25 Ultra The aftermath of yesterday’s hands-on image leaks for the Samsung Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Ultra, new renders have now surfaced. These images are from the well-known leakster Evan Blass (@evleaks), providing more information about the long-awaited devices. However, Blass’s posts on X, formerly Twitter, had several images removed due to copyright claims, which many take as indirect confirmation of the authenticity of the leaks. Design Changes: Rounded Corners for a Friendlier Feel One of the most prominent observations through the leaked renders is a slight but noticeable design difference. The Galaxy S25 Ultra seems to have relatively softer corners than its predecessor. The Galaxy S25+ (and perhaps even the standard Galaxy S25) seems to be having its corners more rounded, giving more visible distinction between the models within the Galaxy S25 line. These minor design tweaks have been part of Samsung’s approach to creating some variance among the different versions in the series. Galaxy S25 Series: The Anticipated Features Galaxy S25 series will contain four variants, breaking up from the traditional three model launch. Leaks point to Samsung launching a fourth device known as Galaxy S25 Slim, in addition to the basic Galaxy S25, S25+, and the top-tier S25 Ultra. Such an increased set will enable Samsung to have an appeal to a greater range of customers with distinct characteristics and price tags. Samsung Gears Up for a Galaxy S25 Launch Event On January 22 The Galaxy S25 series is reported to be unveiled at an event in San Jose, California, on January 22. A teaser leak indicates that date, thus increasing excitement for Samsung’s next flagship devices. Given this date, Samsung follows its pattern of launching products at the beginning of the year. Copyright Action Confirms Samsung Strategy? Evan Blass’s leaked images caused a stir when they were taken down for copyright infringement. Although Blass did not confirm the identities of the devices, his hints, coupled with Samsung’s quick response, indicate that the renders are true to the Galaxy S25 series. This reaction has only fueled the hype and speculations about the new series. Final Thoughts With an overhaul of designs, a broader line, and an official unveiling nearly imminent, the Galaxy S25 series is poised to make a big leap for the Samsung flagship. There seem to be many upgrades when it comes to these highly anticipated smartphones, but let’s see how these shape out until January 22.
Nintendo Switch 2 Bound to Dominate Next-Gen Console Market
Impressive Sales Projections for Nintendo Switch 2 The Nintendo Switch 2 is bound to revolutionize the gaming market, with projected sales between 15 and 17 million units in its first year and over 80 million units by 2028. Per DFC Intelligence, a leading video game research firm, these figures position the Switch 2 as, without question, the dominant console of the next generation. This is due to the fact that the Switch 2 hit the market early, with no formidable competition. Meanwhile, Sony and Microsoft will struggle a bit with their PlayStation 6 and Xbox Next, respectively. According to DFC, one of these two companies will fall significantly behind the other and fail to reach a notable market share. Gaming Market to Grow The video game market is about to enter an extraordinary period of growth, as suggested by DFC Intelligence in its 2024/25 market report. The world’s gaming market, that saw two years of revenue contraction, is expected to surge between 2024-when revenues amount to $72 billion-to reach $83 billion in 2028. Growth will span across all fields: PC and console hardware along with mobile gaming could collectively take the industry near the end of the decade to one-third of a trillion dollars. The player base will also be much bigger, as close to half the world’s population is likely to have been engaged in video gaming by 2027-a statement that indicates its wide, now global influence and ease of access. What Sets the Nintendo Switch 2 Apart Such success is expected for Nintendo because of the strategic advantages of the Switch 2. Being able to launch ahead of its competitors, it was able to get a hold of the market first, and with no similar competitor, this means that Nintendo can lock up a large chunk of the next-generation audience. Although Nintendo hasn’t officially revealed the Switch 2, industry chatter is already on the rise. The excitement could build this new year, as whispers are that Nintendo will let loose some details about the system at any moment. Challenges Ahead for Sony and Microsoft Meanwhile, while the Nintendo Switch 2 is likely to reign supreme, the prospects for Sony and Microsoft’s next-generation consoles are not quite as positive. Neither the PlayStation 6 nor the Xbox Next is expected to gain any serious ground on Nintendo. Lacking any momentum out of the gate, one of the two companies is expected to fall well behind, possibly trailing Nintendo by a large margin in both unit sales and overall industry influence. Hype for Nintendo’s Next Move Given the ever-growing hype for the Nintendo Switch 2, this is no surprise. Positioning by Nintendo as an innovator and early mover in the market, the Switch 2 is already well-positioned to lead this next chapter of the gaming industry. If its official reveal is not far away, then 2025 could mark the beginning of a whole new era for Nintendo fans and gamers worldwide.
Samsung Galaxy S25+ Design Leak Ahead of January 2025 Launch
As Samsung prepares for its very highly-anticipated January 2025 launch event, leaks relating to the series have started to pop up online. The latest leak gives some more detailed looks at the Galaxy S25+, and that new model seems to follow the design language of its predecessor, the Galaxy S24+, save for a few very small updates. Fresh Images Reveal Galaxy S25+ Design Some leaked images of the Galaxy S25+ have hit the internet, which show every corner of the smartphone’s front, back, and sides. The Midnight Black variant is the star of this leak, which looks sleeker and more refined. Just like its predecessor, the Galaxy S24+, the S25+ still carries slim bezels, rounded edges, and a minimalistic design. Front Design Details The front of the Galaxy S25+ looks a lot like the S24+, with rounded edges and evenly thin bezels. It appears that there are no major changes in the display area, with the bottom edge intentionally blurred to obscure sensitive details. But it’s very unlikely this indicates any design shift, like a larger chin bezel. Samsung seems to be sticking with its proven formula, including a pinhole-style front camera for a seamless viewing experience. Refined Rear Design The back of the Galaxy S25+ sports a refined design. First, notice the camera rings are a darker shade now, bordering on black, that makes for a more finished and premium appearance. This is, of course, assuming the design remains constant across most colors; the Midnight Black could be a solitary case or just one among a few other variants. Side Profile and Button Placement On the left side of the device, the Galaxy S25+ keeps a flat design like its predecessor. The volume rocker and power button remain in their usual positions, ensuring ease of use. This consistency in design reflects Samsung’s commitment to blending familiarity with refinement. Confirmed Model Number The model number of the leaked device is SM-S936U, which confirms it as the US variant of the Galaxy S25+. The leak does not tell much about the internal specifications of the phone, but it does align with previous reports that the device would feature incremental design improvements over the Galaxy S24+. Conclusion The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is looking to carry on the company’s tradition of sleek and elegant design, with a few minor updates that give it an even more visually appealing look. With its official launch only weeks away, the leaked images have heightened excitement among fans and tech enthusiasts. While the changes may not be groundbreaking, the refined details of the S25+ hint at a polished successor to the popular S24+. Source & Images