Gadget news this week: Latest updates from Apple, Huawei, Samsung and more

Gadinsider has got you all announcements for launches of gadgets
An undated image showing various gadgets. — iStock

An undated image showing various gadgets. — iStock

The world of gadgets is always abuzz with excitement, and this week is no exception. From Apple's latest endeavours to Huawei's innovative releases, we've got the scoop on the most significant updates in the tech sphere.

As we look ahead to the coming week, there are a few major announcements and releases on the horizon. Stay connected to Gadinsider for all the latest news and updates from the world of technology.

Apple to introduce M4 Max, M4 Ultra Mac Studio this year.

Apple is expected to introduce a revamped Mac Studio later this year, featuring the robust M4 Max and M4 Ultra chips.

This upgrade will help Apple restore its Mac lineup, which has been disconnected since the Mac mini received an M4 Pro chipset. Currently, the Mac Studio features the M2 Max and M2 Ultra processors. 

Apple Watch SE 3 likely to debut with design refresh

With some anticipating spec bump and others bracing for a design change, it appears that Apple is about to retrace its history to the delight of the latter segment: a redesign is expected on the latest Apple Watch SE 3, as highlighted in a recent leak that emerged on the internet.

Citing Mark Gurman's latest PowerOn newsletter, Digital Trends noted that the upcoming iteration of the Apple Watch SE is likely to undergo a design refresh. “A fresh version of the lower-end SE model will sport a new look,” said the Bloomberg correspondent.

Apple's HomePod Mini 2 and new Apple TV: Expected launch date, features

Apple intends to launch new HomePod mini and Apple TV models this year, and it has provided a more precise timeframe. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman Apple is currently aiming to launch the new HomePod mini and Apple TV models "toward the end of the year."

Gurman indicated that the devices will be released at some point from September through November, rather than in March-April or at WWDC 2025 in June.

Honor Earbuds Open launched with AI translation, much more

Honor has launched its new pair of earbuds, the Honor Earbuds Open, sporting lightweight and featuring an ergonomic, crescent-shaped design made with food-grade silicone for comfort.

They include a nickel-titanium memory alloy C-bridge for durability and flexibility, making them suitable for extended wear and compatible with glasses. The price of Honor Earbuds Open in the Malaysian market is RM699 (around $155). The earbuds are likely to launch in other markets soon. 

GPD Win Mini 2025 gaming handheld launched

Gamepad Digital (GPD) launched its new gaming handheld, the Win Mini 2025. The handheld comes with multiple processor options, delivering exceptional gaming and multitasking performance. However, the GPD Win Mini 2025 comes with an exclusive limited-edition white variant, limited to just 240 units.

The price of GPD Win Mini 2025 is 4,800 yuan ($654), and it’s available for preorder in the Chinese and global markets, with shipping set for February 10.

New Apple TV 4K likely to launch later this year

A new Apple TV 4K model is rumoured to be in the works, with a possible release date set for 2025.

This potential upgrade would mark the first refresh since October 2022, promising significant enhancements to this popular streaming device. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s next-generation TV 4K streaming device will likely be released toward the end of this year.

Huawei Band 9 launched in India

The Huawei Band 9 has been launched in India as a successor to the Huawei Band 8, coming with a few upgrades over its predecessor. Starting January 17, Band 9 will be available for purchase via Flipkart in four colourways including black, pink, white, and yellow. 

Huawei Band 9 is available for INR 3,999 in India. With its advanced features, the Huawei Band 9 is set to compete with the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3, Redmi Watch 5 Lite, and more.

AIRLINK, SELECT technologies launch locally manufactured Xiaomi TVs in Pakistan 

Air Link Communication Limited (PSX: AIRLINK) officially announced on January 15 (Wednesday) that its subsidiary, Select Technologies (Pvt) Ltd., (SELECT), to unveil Xiaomi TVs in Pakistan at the Lahore Expo Centre, marking a significant stride in the consumer electronics industry across Pakistan.

This milestone signifies a substantial leap in manufacturing advanced technology in Pakistan while reinforcing the brand’s presence in the region.

TCL launches India’s largest 115-inch QD mini LED TV

The TCL 115" X955 Max featuring a massive 115-inch QD Mini LED display, has been launched in India. First unveiled at CES 2025, this flagship TV is equipped with cutting-edge technology, delivering exceptional picture quality and an immersive viewing experience.

The TCL 115" X955 Max is priced at INR 29,99,990 (approximately $34,746) and is available for pre-booking through Reliance Digital, Croma, Amazon, Flipkart, and other retailers.

Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC with EQ settings launched in India

Realme launched its new earphones, Realme Buds Wireless 5 ANC, on Thursday in India alongside the Realme 14 Pro series of smartphones. The neckband-style wireless headset is equipped with a 13.6mm dynamic driver unit and supports up to 50dB of hybrid noise cancellation.

The newly launched headset is compatible with the Realme Link app. The earphones will go on sale in the country later this month.

DJI Flip with AI-powered subject tracking launched

DJI launched its new all-in-one vlog camera drone, DJI Flip, on Tuesday, sporting capabilities such as automatic subject tracking powered by artificial intelligence (AI), one-tap aerial photography, 4K video recording at fps, and remote-less operation via the DJI Fly smartphone app.

DJI Flip users can take benefit of an assortment of storytelling tools which aid in video recording purposes.

Nintendo Switch 2 launch confirmed after June 2025

Nintendo Switch 2 is set to be released this year, as confirmed by the company on Thursday. According to Business Recorder, the Nintendo Switch iteration, in terms of physical aspects and functionality, will be reminiscent of its widely acclaimed predecessor.

“The reveal did not have the punch of the original Switch,” said Serkan Toto, founder of the Kantan Games consultancy.

Xiaomi TVs set to launch in Pakistan soon

After much anticipation, Xiaomi Pakistan has officially confirmed the launch of its TV series in Pakistan. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the company’s official account revealed that the Xiaomi TVs will soon be available in the country. According to the company, the Xiaomi TVs will be launched in the country in partnership with Air Link Communication Ltd. 

The TVs will be locally distributed and manufactured by SELECT's production facility, a subsidiary of Air Link in Pakistan.

AirPods Pro 2 can now be used as hearing aids in UK 

Airpods Pro 2 in the UK possess the feature allowing users to test hearing, but it does not ramp it up. Whereas, in countries including the United States, the gadget can be used to assist in hearing. The development was conveyed by lawmakers in the UK on January 16 (Thursday).

Sony PlayStation 5 new Midnight black accessories available for preorders

Sony’s new Midnight Black Collection for the PlayStation 5 is currently available for preorders ahead of the February 20 launch. These sleek black accessories were launched during the Consumers Electronic Show (CES) 2025.

The collection includes a range of products such as DualSense Edge controller, Pulse Elite headset, Pulse Explore wireless earbuds, and PlayStation Portal that can be preordered from Sony’s official website, Amazon, and other retailers.

LG unveils UltraGear G8 27-inch gaming monitor in China

LG has unveiled its latest gaming monitor, the UltraGear G8 (27G850A). The monitor is now listed in China and Japan and is expected to roll out globally soon. A 27-inch TV offers a 450-nit brightness level and holds the VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification, ensuring an enhanced streaming and gaming experience.

For smooth and intuitive performance, the monitor features Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, VESA AdaptiveSync certification, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, providing gamers with reduced screen tearing and stuttering. The price of UltraGear G8 is 5,999 yuan (around $818) in China.

What to expect from Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025?

The much-anticipated Galaxy S25 series is set to steal the spotlight, with the flagship models including S25 Ultra, S25, and S25+ variants. Users are anticipating significant upgrades in artificial intelligence (AI)-powered features, such as Google’s Gemini AI Assistant incorporated with YouTube and Samsung Notes.

Galaxy Unpacked 2025 is scheduled for 22 January at 6:00pm GMT. Users can live stream Samsung Galaxy Unpacked on Samsung.com as well as on the Samsung Community.