Launch

Amazon has announced its Echo Buds (2nd gen). The company claims to have addressed multiple issues customers had with their predecessors: they are now rated for better audio quality, active noise cancellation and fit in the ear. They are not available for purchase yet, though, but can be ordered in May 2021.

Sony has introduced two new Xperia premium phones — the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III. Both phones sport largely similar specifications including the Snapdragon 888 5G SoC with the main differences being with respect to the display, storage options, wireless charging, and a 3D ToF camera. The highlight of this launch is the introduction of a variable telephoto lens that offers a focal length between 70 mm and 105 mm.

AMD has released its Ryzen 5000G and Ryzen 5000GE-series of desktop processors with integrated graphics. There are currently three SKUs in each series, with the Ryzen 7 5700G being the top-end model. AMD claims the new OEM-only Cezanne Zen 3 desktop APUs have “the world’s fastest graphics in a desktop processor” with the presence of up to a Radeon Vega 8 iGPU.

Acer is now offering select configurations of its refreshed Nitro 5 lineup in India. The Nitro 5 will be available in both Intel and AMD flavors. The Intel SKUs feature a Core i5-11300H with GTX 1650 graphics while the AMD variants are powered by a Ryzen 5 5600H with a choice of either the RTX 3060 or the GTX 1650. Unfortunately, the higher spec options in the global variants are not yet available for the Indian market.

Mobvoi has announced the TicWatch GTH, a new affordable smartwatch. Unlike many other examples of this OEM's wearables, however, it has a square face with rounded edges. It is also its first device to be capable of measuring the user's temperature.

The 2021 Inspiron 13 / 14 / 15 Intel laptops feature the Core i5-11300H and i7-11370H CPU options, up to 16 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, Intel Optane Memory H20 modules (only for the 13-inch model), up to 2 TB of NVMe SSD storage, Nvidia's MX450 dGPUs and up to 2x Thunderbolt 4 connectors.

The new Inspiron 14 7415 convertibles come equipped with the Ryzen 5 5500U or Ryzen 7 5700U Lucienne Zen 2 APUs, 1080p 360-degree touchscreens, up to 16 GB of DDR4-3200 RAM and up to 2 TB of NVMe SSD storage + and SD card reader. Unfortunately, there is no discrete graphics option like on the Intel variants.

Dell's fist 16-inch Inspiron laptop is designed for content creators and includes a stunning 3K 16:10 display, i7 Tiger Lake-H processors, RTX 3060 dGPU, up to 32 GB of DDR4-3200 RAM, up to 2 TB NVMe SSD storage and a Thunderbolt 4 connector.

Huawei has launched new smart screens. They are also the inaugural models of a new series by the OEM, and are also the first with speaker arrays tuned by the high-end audio group Devialet. The devices run HarmonyOS out of the box and have 4K LCD panels with a TUV Rheinland low-blue-light certifications.

HMD Global has introduced the Nokia X10 and Nokia X20 5G phones based on the Snapdragon 480 5G platform. The Nokia X10 and X20 feature mostly identical specifications but differ with respect to the RAM, primary camera, and the front camera. HMD Global is also focusing on sustainability and has promised three years of OS and security updates.

Lenovo's second gaming smartphone, the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2, is finally official. Some of its key specs include a 6.9-inch 144Hz AMOLED screen, up to 18GB of RAM, a pop-up selfie camera and a massive 5,500mAh battery. Prices start at EUR 799 for the base variant, which will be up for grabs in May.

Nokia has added two new devices to its vast collection of low-cost smartphones. Both the Nokia G10 and G20 are entry-level smartphones and are priced accordingly. The former will retail at EUR 139, and the latter at EUR 189.

Dell has launched four new gaming monitors to complement its Ryzen-powered line of gaming laptops. There four SKUs in total with screen sizes ranging between 24 and 34 inches. The monitors will be available for purchase towards the end of May 2021.

The V13 is a new Realme phone launched on the Chinese market today. Admittedly, its processor - the MediaTek Dimensity 700 - has been seen before. It is joined by a 90Hz display and a 5000mAh battery in its latest vehicle, which, as rumor has it, might launch in other regions as the Realme 8 5G soon.

The ubiquitous chip-design IP-holder Arm perceives the future as one in which processing demands will trend strongly towards AI and data-security needs while moving away from general computing. The company aims to meet it with its latest v9 architecture, packed with advanced support for pursuits such as machine learning (ML) and digital-signal processing (DSP).

The Realme GT Neo has launched as the world's first Dimensity 1200-powered phone. This new MediaTek flagship processor has debuted in a chassis with many potential advantages, including an FHD+ AMOLED screen with an up-to-date refresh rate, Wi-Fi 6 and UFS 3.1 storage. It starts at about US$275 for a 6GB RAM version, although a 12GB option is also available for a good price.

The 2021 Ultra 17 models from XMG pack up to an i9-11900K 8-core / 16-thread CPU, which can be coupled with up to 128 GB of DDR4-3200 RAM and 32 TB NVMe SSD storage. Users can choose among max TGP versions for the RTX 3060 / 3070 / 3080 mobile dGPUs that take full advantage of 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes. Screen options include 300 Hz FHD and 60 Hz 4K IPS panels and among the ports we find 2x Thunderbolt 4 connectors plus an HDMI 2.1 video output.

ZTE has launched its new S30 series of Android phones today (March 30, 2021). Its flagship is the Snapdragon 768G-powered Pro variant, which debuts with a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display that boasts HDR10+ support, 800 nits of brightness and a high-end 144Hz refresh rate. It is joined by the S30 and S30E, which also come with 5G processors.

Xiaomi's bumper launch of today (March 29, 2021) mainly focused on its new Mi 11-series Android phones. However, it also introduced a number of new products that could be used alongside them, one of which is the new Mi AX9000 router. Its new, gamer-geared design gives it 12 antennae in total, and integrates a top-end Qualcomm chipset for tri-band Wi-Fi 6 speeds and specs.

Xiaomi has unveiled a new generation of its wireless charging stand, with a ground-breaking top speed of 80 watts. This new accessory has also been designed to better blend into a user's home through its new design. As if that wasn't enough, the OEM has also cheekily debuted an AirPower-esque, multi-device wireless charging mat.

Xiaomi has confirmed that the Mi 11 Pro will ship with a new Samsung ISOCELL GN2 sensor for a main camera. It will also do so in very slim and 2021 retail packaging, as it lacks a charger as standard. Then again, the OEM will offer deals on its new, cutting-edge power accessories to the 11 Pro's Chinese audience.

Xiaomi has launched a new(-ish) variant of the Mi 11 series at its major international product event of today (March 29, 2021). It has a premium 6.67-inch FHD+ E4 AMOLED display, a 108MP main camera and the Snapdragon 888 processor. Then again, it also packs a 33W charging rate, which matches its mid-range starting price.

The full specs and price tags for both the Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra have been leaked just a few hours before they are officially launched. The Mi 11 Pro apparently starts at 4,999 yuan (US$763) while the Mi 11 Ultra has a base model for 5,599 yuan (US$854). International fans will be looking at paying over US$1,000 for the Ultra phones.

Amazfit has finally launched the Pro version of its T-Rex outdoors-style smartwatch. Accordingly, it comes loaded with somewhat extreme resistance to heat and cold, not to mention 10ATM water-resistance. It is also now available on platforms that include Amazon for US$179.99.

Xiaomi has now confirmed that the Mi Band 6, which will be known as the Mi Smart Band 6 for the international market, will be launched on March 29. The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 fitness tracker has been teased in an official promo image that reveals the display type that was once expected for the popular Mi Band 5 predecessor.

The worldwide availability of the innovative "gimbal-cam" Vivo X60 smartphone series looks more certain than ever with its debut in the Indian market. This time, the Snapdragon 870-powered X60 and X60 Pro are accompanied by their true flagship sibling, the Pro Plus. It will be available to order from April 2021 for a price of just under US$1000.

Razer has launched a new retractable stainless steel staw, complete with a carrying case and a cleaner. It is packaged as the Razer Reusable Straw and costs US$20 on Razer's official website. The company says that straw is s part of its "go green with Razer" initiative.

Samsung has announced that sales of the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition (or FE) in the Indian market are about to begin. Then again, those wondering why as the OEM has already done so may be interested to know that it means the Snapdragon 865-powered version this time. It will be available from March 30, 2021, although consumers are advised to register their interest in the device now.

iQOO's latest phone is the Z3, and has launched with the Snapdragon 768G chipset that, despite its mid-range power, is not often seen in new products. Its new vehicle has a 6.58-inch FHD display that, while it has a 120Hz refresh rate, is also LCD. It starts at just ~US$260 for a 6GB RAM SKU.

Realme has made its first ever 108MP camera phone official as of March 24, 2021. The high-end sensor is joined by specs that are not nearly so new to the brand in the 8 Pro, however. Its Snapdragon 720G SoC is joined by up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, and is kept on with a 4,500mAh battery with slower charging compared to the 7 Pro.

OnePlus has officially announced its premium lineup of smartphones this year — the OnePlus 9 and the OnePlus 9 Pro. With the 9 and 9 Pro, OnePlus is now firmly in flagship territory. The company hyped its Hasselblad partnership quite a bit, but early reviews indicate there's much more work to be done before it can fully compete with the likes of the iPhone 12 Pro Max or the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.

OnePlus launched the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro hours ago. Completing the OnePlus 9 series, however, is the OnePlus 9R, a performance-oriented, bang-for-buck device exclusive to the Indian market.

Lenovo has introduced two laptops aimed at the education market — the 14e Gen 2 Chromebook and the 14w Gen 2 running Windows 10 for Education. Both the 14e Gen 2 and the 14w Gen 2 feature largely identical specs, including MIL-810H compliance for durability, but differ with respect to the APU and storage options.

Lenovo introduces its third-gen 11.6-inch Windows machines for education as devices robust and versatile enough for any kind of learning situation the student might encounter. The 500w and 300w convertibles come in casings with the durability-focused designs schools might prefer to see, as does the 100w clamshell. The series incorporates the AMD 3015e platform, although there is the option of a Pentium chipset in the 500w.

Lenovo announced three new Chromebooks for the education market today. The Lenovo 100e Chromebook Gen 3 and 300e Chromebook Gen 3 both run on AMD's latest CPU for Chromebooks, while the 500e Chromebook Gen 3 is powered by a Jasper Lake Celeron N5100 or Pentium N6000 from Intel.

A new size rumor about the potential Xiaomi Mi Pad 5 has once again demonstrated the Chinese OEM’s fondness for Apple products. It also seems that the iPad Pro mimic might be available sooner than expected, but it’s unlikely the Mi Pad 5 will get the sort of price tag that Xiaomi originally became noted for.

Vivo's 2021 flagships have been unleashed as the X60 and X60 Pro 5G for the Malaysian market. As rumored, the phones are based on the Snapdragon 870 SoC in this country, and not the Exynos processor they have in China. The X60 Pro is graced with a main shooter with the OEM's Gimbal Stabilization 2.0, although both variants have Zeiss branding.

Samsung has launched its new S8, S7 and S6 monitors for businesses. Depending on the model, you get a 4K/1440p HDR10 screen that covers 99% of the sRGB gamut, up to five USB Type-A ports, a USB Type C port that can charge devices at 90W, an RJ-45 Ethernet jack, and more. They are expected to go on sale sometime in April 2021.

HP has introduced the 930 Creator Wireless Mouse today aimed at content creators working on multiple platforms. The 930 Creator Wireless offers seven programmable buttons that can be customized via the HP Accessory Center. The mouse can connect up to three devices at once via dongle or Bluetooth and can offer a 12-week long battery life when fully charged.

HP has upgraded its Envy 17 offering with Intel Tiger Lake and NVIDIA GeForce MX450 options. The 2021 HP Envy 17 also offers a 19% larger touchpad and is lighter than the previous generation weighing at 2.5 kg. Buyers can configure the Envy 17 with up to 32 GB RAM, 1 TB PCIe NVMe SSD, and a 4K color-calibrated OLED panel.

HP, today, introduced upgrades to its Envy x360 15 lineup. The 2021 HP Envy x360 now comes in AMD Ryzen 5000-U Lucienne and Intel 11th gen Core i5/Core i7 Tiger Lake offerings. The new Envy x360 models offer a few chassis design changes and also come with the option of a 4K OLED panel with 100% DCI-P3 coverage.

Xiaomi has started promoting an upcoming “Mega Launch” event that will take place at 19:30 GMT +8 on Monday March 29. The Chinese OEM has left it to fans to guess what will be unveiled, with the Xiaomi Mi Band 6, Mi 11 Pro, and Mi 11 Ultra already leading the speculation. It appears this will be a global product launch.

SoftBank has announced that it has set up a new 5G service in Japan. It is based on mmWave technology as opposed to sub-6GHz, which, according to its owner, brings the potential for higher speeds at reduced costs for carriers. The new system is made using Qualcomm hardware, and will support phones with the same OEM's SoCs.

Sony has unveiled its new PS5 VR controllers that feature a completely new design and some exciting features such as finger detection, adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and more. Its price and availability will be revealed later.

The rubber-reinforced chassis promises to withstand drops of over two feet without being overwhelming thick or heavy for classroom environments. HDMI, USB-C, and even RJ-45 come standard.

The Redmi Smart TV X50, X55 and X65 have been unleashed onto the Indian market. Their 4K LED panels are enhanced with MEMC, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision. The series also features dual 15W speakers, and will start at INR 32,999 (~US$455) on their March 26, 2021 release.

Today (March 16, 2021), MSI has confirmed that its esports-focused lines of desktops have been refreshed with Tiger Lake CPUs. Accordingly, the next-gen Aegis, Codex R, Infinite RS and Trident rigs will have 11th-gen platforms, with the PCIe Gen 4 support that entails in most cases, as well as RTX 3000-series cards, including the 3050.

Intel has unveiled the 11th generation Rocket Lake-S family today with a focus on improved IPC, better overclocking and AI. The Rocket Lake-S lineup is based on the Cypress Cove architecture and is comprised of a total of 19 SKUs led by the Core i9-11900K. While the Core i9, Core i7, and Core i5 families form the 11th gen lineup, Intel has segregated the Core i3 and Pentium processors to a Refreshed 10th generation based on Comet Lake.

RedMagic has confirmed that its latest 6 and 6 Pro Android gaming flagship phones are to be released globally, bringing their new 165Hz AMOLED displays and Snapdragon 888 processors with them. However, it seems that the 6 Pro may not pack the ultra-fast 120W charging system it had when launched in China.

AMD has now made its 2021 line of Ryzen PRO mobile processors official. The OEM claims they build on the considerable leap in productivity-focused performance made by their 4000-series predecessors. This includes gains of up to 65% over the Intel Core i7-1185G7 in certain benchmarks, as well as reduced app-opening latency and improved performance in some MS Office tasks.