Accessory

Qualcomm looks like it is preparing a new Snapdragon Wear chip to coincide with the launch of Google and Samsung’s Wear OS 3. The new chip appears to carry the Snapdragon Wear 5100 branding that would make the successor to last year’s Snapdragon Wear 4100.

Apple has finally started selling the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID separately, and with an optional numeric keypad. However, the new keyboard has limited compatibility, is expensive, and only comes in one colour.

Realme MagDart is now officially this OEM's answer to similar ecosystems such as Apple's MagSafe. Accordingly, it has been revealed to include products such as an ultra-slim wireless charger for phones such as the flagship GT, as well as a magnetic wallet and power-bank. They are joined by 4 additional products, all in the series' new pale-silver livery.

The Apple Watch Series 7 release date appears to be nearing as no less than six new model references have appeared in filings for the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC). While it’s expected the Apple Watch Series 7 will get a new design and an updated processor, the inclusion of a blood-sugar sensor in an Apple Watch is still likely years away.

Realme is slated to launch its first-ever tablet soon. The latest renders depicting this device point to a gold SKU to join the plain gray option hinted at earlier. They also give a better look at what is most likely a silo for an on-board pen. This is the latest possible evidence that the Pad's touchscreen will be compatible with these accessories.

The TONE FREE DFP8Ws (or FP8s) are the latest generation of LG TWS earbuds that come with their own UV-emitting charging case for an "auto-cleaning" feature. The OEM has announced pricing and availability for these allegedly bacteria-repelling accessories in the US. They will also soon be joined there by new FP9 and FP5 variants.

Fans of high-end TWS earphones with active noise cancelling now have a new choice. Bang & Olufsen has launched the Beoplay EQ which are the first TWS earphones from the company to feature ANC coupled with its signature premium sound.

The latest versions of the Comply Foam TrueGrip Pro Tips 2.0 are made for Google's latest Pixel Buds A. Therefore, these TWS accessories now have third-party add-ons geared at improved fit and comfort, due to their memory foam-based construction. The new Comply tips are also compatible with the original Pixel Buds, and are on sale from now.

Samsung is thought to launch a new Galaxy Z Flip clamshell-style foldable phone in August 2021. Now, a new leak suggests the OEM has put more thought into cases for this device compared to those of yesteryear. The tip purports to outline these accessories' color choices, designs and newly-developed attachments in some cases.

Some details of a Xiaomi Mi Band X have leaked online, and it seems the Chinese company is looking to add something extraordinary to its hugely successful smart band lineup. The Mi Band X will apparently have a wraparound display and do without watch straps, utilizing a magnetic bracelet clasp for wearing and taking off.
Update: Xiaomi PR states the Mi Band X is a "virtual product" used in marketing training.

It's slightly pricier than other adapters of similar size, but the sleeker CNC aluminum build, LED indicators, and loud amp output make it a quality purchase.

Realme has been teasing its new MagDart line of products as a possible new competitor to Apple's MagSafe system for a short while. The OEM has now confirmed that this technology will be unveiled in full on August 3, 2021. Meanwhile, its latest posters assert that it is capable of "440%" greater speeds, although in comparison to what exactly remains unknown.

A potential Fitbit Charge 5 tracker has turned up in a single image that reveals the device has a color display. The overall design of the possible Fitbit Charge 5 is distinctly different to that of its predecessor. The tracker in this leaked image has the codename “Morgan” and is expected to at least feature NFC payment support.

Targus has announced a new accessory to connect an Android phone with USB type-C to the peripherals necessary for a desktop-like experience. The OEM has also announced that the Universal USB-C Phone Dock supports Samsung's DeX. Users could have this interface up on a potentially 4K monitor with this new product.

Kioxia has introduced new EXCERIA-line M.2 2280 SSDs for desktops or laptops. The OEM asserts that the new PRO variant is for enthusiasts, whereas the G2 is more for the mainstream, mainly as they support PCIe Gen 4 and Gen 3 respectively. The 2 new drives also feature the proprietary "BiCS" flash memory and up to 2TB capacities.

Although it does not take big steps forward in terms of design, the Oppo Watch 2 comes with solid improvements over its predecessor on the inside. With 1 GB of memory and 8 GB of internal storage, the new smartwatch sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4100 processor and is the first product to ship loaded with ColorOS Watch 2.0.

ZTE is scheduled to launch its new under-display camera phone, the Axon 30, on July 27, 2021. Now, the OEM has also just announced that 2 new pairs of TWS earbuds will join it on stage. The LiveBuds Pro sport the mics necessary for noise-reducing features, whereas the ZTE Buds might be more cost-effective.

Sony has built on the success of the ZV-1 with a new E10 variant. Unlike its predecessor in vlogging- and streaming-friendly features, it has an APS-C sensor, as well as E-mount lens compatibility this time around. However, it retains the up-to-date BIONZ X image processor, standard 3.5mm input and flip-out screen of the first-gen "creator-cam".

Following an extensive series of teasers, the Carl Pei-run start-up Nothing has formally launched its inaugural ear (1) TWS earbuds, thereby also finally revealing the peripherals' design and specs for the first time. They are to become available in an initial limited batch on July 31, 2021, followed by a larger drop in August.

Realme has just overtly teased a "newcomer": a smartphone with the simple, snappy name of Flash. Shortly afterward, GSMArena claimed to have been sent some teasers with a succinct explanation for this new moniker: it will launch with compatibility for the OEM's rumored new MagDart wireless charging system.

An industry blog asserts that display panels capable of ultra-high 480Hz refresh rates are now in the works. They will allegedly come courtesy of AU Optronics (or AUO) and LG Display, and may go into production at these companies by 2022. Therefore, monitors that can blow the fastest 1080p models of today out of the water might be on the way.

Satechi has updated its multi-purpose Mac mini USB-C hub. In addition to re-releasing it in the classic Apple silver color to match the new M1 Mac mini, the hub now also includes a built-in SSD enclosure.

The innovative biofuel cells are capable of converting sweat and the pressure from your fingertips into electric energy, which could soon be enough to power smartwatches and other wearables and sensors. In the long term, this invention could also make integrated batteries obsolete.

Realme's application to trademark the term "MagDart" led to pretty instantaneous speculation that the OEM is preparing what amounts to an Apple MagSafe clone for release in the near future. A tech blog purports to confirm this rumor outright with "exclusive" renders showing the accessories in question. They show a potentially appreciable take on the more up-to-date end of the category in question.

Qualcomm has announced that it will devote further investment and effort to its wearables business. This involves Ecosystem Accelerator Program, a new initiative to bring manufacturers, service providers, developers and vendors in order to improve innovation, collaboration and commercialization in the sector. Its provider claims that over 60 leading companies in the market have already signed up for it.

The Galaxy Z Fold3 and Flip3 are just 2 of the most keenly awaited new Samsung devices rumored to launch in the third quarter of 2021. Now, the OEM has finally chosen a date for this event. It has confirmed earlier tips that the event will live-stream from official websites on August 11, 2021.

The new tech start-up Nothing is slated to launch its inaugural product, the ear (1) TWS buds, on July 27, 2021. However, it has chosen to share some details on the peripherals' charging case ahead of this event. Not that there is much to see here, as the accessory is largely transparent.

OPPO's eponymous Watch is a high-end wearable that has options with on-device ECGs. Now, it officially has a second generation, slated to launch at the end of July 2021. It is slated to integrate the latest Snapdragon Wear 4100 SoC, which will help run a dual OS system designed to stretch screen-on time.

Sony has debuted the LSPX-S3 as the latest in its line of Glass Sound Speakers. Like its predecessors, it can blend "seamlessly" into any home's decor due to its ability to mimic a lamp with its candle-effect LEDs, visible through its transparent tweeter. This sleek wireless accessory has a recommended price of US$350.

The SIGNATURE OLED R is a first-gen rollable TV, and as such incorporates cutting-edge technology in order to come in a completely new, motor-powered form-factor. However, its novel features come at a sky-high price, as US customers who go to LG.com to order its single 65-inch SKU are about to find out.

Zepp Health has announced a new function for its popular Amazfit wearables at its 2021 Next Beat Future of Health conference, which it calls "Blood Pressure Measurement on the Wrist". It is based on an algorithm that estimates this metric using a given wearable's optical sensors.

Zepp Health, formerly Huami, has now made its replacement for its current Amazfit OS official. It is rated to be much lighter, smoother and more battery-friendly than its predecessor. Consumers might find it on next-gen wearables powered by the new Huangshan 2s SoC, slated to be enhanced in terms of graphics and power efficiency.

The incredible popularity of Apple's AirPods has apparently led to an increase in the number of counterfeit headphones that are making their way from Asia to markets around the world. The United States Customs and Border Protection Agency is not just clamping down on the import of fake headphones, it has also released an interesting statistic regarding their confiscations.

Realme has registered the term MagDart with the EU's intellectual property office (EUIPO). This name seems to mimic that of Apple's new proprietary wireless charging system. Therefore, the Android OEM could be working on similar products, or magnetic accessories of some kind at least.

New Realme Band 2 renders have turned up showing how different the fitness tracker looks in comparison to the original Realme Band wearable. The good-looking Realme Band 2 is expected to feature blood-pressure monitoring and possibly SpO2 measurement as well.

Xiaomi's sub-brand Redmi launched its Power Bank to the Indian market in February 2020. It has reportedly proven popular since, as its shipments in the country have now exceeded 1 million units. The accessory comes in 10,000mAh and 20,000mAh SKUs, and starts at ~US$11.

Razer has launched some new gaming footwear called the Sneki Snek Slippers. It is meant to keep your feet comfortable during long gaming sessions, and Razer will plant ten trees for every unit sold. They are available for sale on Razer's official website for US$49.

Mobvoi's latest product is a dedicated voice recorder pitched at a professional market. The OEM asserts that it is enhanced with "dual-mic" noise-cancelling for clarity in voice-capture during meetings. It is also equipped with a neural network for automatic transcript summary generation based on intelligently-chosen keywords.

The Watch Live is the OEM ZTE's first-gen health-focused wearable. It is an Apple Watch clone with a blood oxygen sensor, all-day heart rate tracking and an IP68 rating. Its maker has now released it to its global website for just under US$40.

The low profile mechanical keys are softer and quieter which some users may appreciate. However, a few drawbacks like the deeply recessed USB-C port or always-on LED indicator are hard to ignore.

Yamaha claims to have drawn on decades of experience with enhancing 2-channel audio at the home-theater level to develop 3D Sound Field for its new YH-L700A headphones. It focuses on adapting to the wearer's head movements to keep sound immersion constant. The OEM also claims the new wired/wireless cans' has uniquely acute active noise cancellation (ANC) thanks to advanced mic placements.

Renowned tech evangelist Robert Scoble has posted a tweet claiming that Apple’s long-awaited Apple Glass AR headset is due to make its first appearance at WWDC 2022. It will be joined by a new iPod that is said to be integral to the new AR experience.

The webcam is a bit large and heavy, but its autofocus, tilting and rotating features make it easier to position on desktops and laptops than most inexpensive alternatives.

Edifier asserts that its NeoBuds Pro are a world first, in that they are TWS earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC) and an official Hi-Res certification for sound quality and immersion. The new accessories also have an exceptionally broad frequency range and have IP54 ingress protection.

The MagSafe Battery Pack is now available to order from its maker's website. It is a new form of wireless power bank custom-made to snap onto the back of an iPhone 12-series unit using the devices' new proprietary magnetic charging system. However, this novelty and convenience comes with a typically Apple price-tag.

An engineer associated with the OEM Huawei has documented the design and creation of an electric bicycle. However, unlike the vast majority of these devices, this one is rated to propel and balance itself, thanks to a complex system of sensors and processing power, apparently modelled after similar breakthroughs in self-driving cars and satellite tech.