Tech Desk 
Feb 16, 2025
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, Gadinsider has got the scoop on the most significant updates in the tech sphere.
Here's a breakdown of all the latest news and updates from the world of technology.
Civilization VII VR coming to Meta Quest this spring
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is getting a VR version, bringing the iconic strategy game to Meta Quest headsets this spring. Civilization VII VR edition will offer an exciting experience, allowing players to build and expand their empires in a unique way.
The VR edition of Civilization VII features a unique “board game-like construction” style. Players can see their civilisations projected into their physical space using the Quest’s passthrough cameras or play in a virtual museum setting with scenic backgrounds.
OnePlus Watch 3 set to launch with major upgrades
OnePlus is preparing to launch its next-generation smartwatch, the OnePlus Watch 3, on February 18. This new model, which would be an upgraded version of its predecessor, is set to bring several improvements in battery life, design, and features.
The OnePlus Watch 3 retains a circular display but introduces a rotating crown, allowing for easier navigation. The body is made of titanium, giving it a high-end look and feel.
Samsung confirms OLED MacBook Pro for 2026, MacBook Air faces further delays
Samsung has revealed that Apple’s first OLED MacBook Pro models are expected to launch in 2026. The company is currently working on sample displays and plans to start large-scale production by next year.
This timeline aligns with earlier predictions from previous display rumours that previously suggested that Apple’s OLED MacBook Pro would arrive in 2026.
Powerbeats Pro 2 wireless earbuds launched in India
Beats released its new wireless earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro 2, in India on Tuesday. The earphones are sported with active noise cancellation (ANC) including transparency modes along with features, such as personalised spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and voice Isolation support.
The case supports Qi wireless charging and has a USB Type-C port. The earphones are said to offer up to 45 hours of battery life with the case.
AOC 27-inch Q27G41XMN gaming monitor launched in China
AOC has launched the latest 27-inch Q27G41XMN gaming monitor in China, packed with cutting-edge features designed to deliver an immersive gaming experience. The display features a 2K QHD (2560×1440) Fast VA panel with a 180Hz refresh rate and a 1ms GTG response time, offering vivid and excellent visuals with minimal ghosting.
The AOC 27-inch 2K 180Hz Fast IPS gaming monitor, and CQ32G4E, come with a 31.5-inch 2K 180Hz curved gaming monitor, available at 1,599 yuan (approx $218).
Powerbeats Pro 2 debuts with heart rate monitoring
Apple launched its much-anticipated Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds. Powerbeats Pro 2 have embraced a myriad of feature upgrades as well as a few design tweaks, with the most notable property falling in the health monitoring segment: built-in heart rate monitoring.
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE drops to $160 in limited-time offer
Samsung's Fan Edition (FE) smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch FE, has long faded after its debut, but it appears to be regaining ground by being available for just $160, down from its original price of $200.
The Galaxy Watch FE offers a great mix of features, including strong performance, a stylish design, and solid battery life, making it an excellent choice for budget-friendly users.
Qualcomm launches Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 with AI, gaming, and 5G advancements
Qualcomm officially rolled out its new chip, Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, as a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering robust performance, enhanced efficiency, cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), and audio for an enhanced user experience.
It's the first chipset in the series to be built on TSMC’s 4nm node, departing from Samsung’s previous 4nm procedure.
Redmi Smart TV A Pro 2025 Energy-Saving Edition launched
Xiaomi has officially unveiled the Redmi Smart TV A Pro 2025 Energy-Saving Edition. This latest variant received a significant upgrade over its standard edition, offering improved energy efficiency and enhanced display technology for an excellent and immersive visual experience.
Redmi Smart TV A Pro 2025 features 3GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, offering an ample amount of storage for media files, and streaming content.
Noise Master Buds launched in India
Noise rolled out its new wireless earphones, Noise Master Buds, in India on Thursday. The TWS earphones are equipped with 12.4mm drivers and support LHDC audio codec. The newly launched Noise earphones support Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) up to 49dB and dual connectivity, letting users connect to two electronic devices simultaneously.
The price of Noise Master Buds in India is INR 7,999. They are currently available for pre-booking in the country via Amazon alongside the official Noise India e-store.
Huawei FreeArc earbuds to launch globally on February 18
Huawei has officially confirmed the global launch event of FreeArc earbuds on February 18. The upcoming earbuds feature the unique design and wearable resistance properties of the new hook style. Huawei FreeArc will be offered in three colour options, including Green, White, and Black.
Prowatch X with IP68 rating launched in India
Lava launched its new smartwatch, Prowatch X, in India on Saturday. The company's latest smartwatch is equipped with a 1.43-inch AMOLED screen and is housed in an aluminium alloy frame. Prowatch X features a 1.43-inch (466x466 pixels) AMOLED screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, 500nits peak brightness, 326ppi pixel density and a 30Hz refresh rate.
The price of Lava Prowatch X in India is INR 4,499 and the smartwatch will be available to preorder between February 15-18.
Apple Vision Pro likely to be integrated with Apple Intelligence by April 2025
Apple is reportedly gearing up to bring its cutting-edge Apple Intelligence features to the Apple Vision Pro headset. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the AI features will be integrated into the Vision Pro through an update that might be released as early as April 2025.
In US, Apple's Vision Pro is priced at $3,499. The update will also introduce a new app for viewing spatial content and revamped guest mode features.
