Today at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Samsung announced Galaxy Z Fold7, a device that brings together the best of Galaxy design, camera functionality and AI innovation in the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold series to date.

It delivers the premium performance and experience of an “Ultra” smartphone, while unlocking new levels of efficiency and productivity with a larger, more immersive display when unfolded. And with the new One UI 8 as its foundation, it seamlessly integrates intelligent, multimodal agents optimised for the foldable form factor.

“Galaxy Z Fold7 combines Galaxy AI with powerful hardware to deliver our most advanced smartphone experience yet,” said TM Roh, President and Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics.“ This next chapter of foldables brings together design and engineering, with AI built specifically for the foldable form. It gives people the ultra experience they want— powerful, immersive, intelligent, and portable all in one.”

Galaxy Z Fold7 is crafted for those who want the everyday portability and intuitive feel of a traditional smartphone, combined with the enhanced power and flexibility of a larger, unfolded display – all in one device. With its ultra thin and light design and wider cover display, Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers a seamless on- the-go experience that makes typing and browsing effortless when it is folded. At just 215 grams, Galaxy Z Fold7 is even lighter than Galaxy S25 Ultra. It is just 8.9 mm thick when folded and 4.2 mm thick when unfolded.

The device comes with 6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x cover display, a wider screen with a new 21:9 aspect ratio. When unfolded, Galaxy Z Fold7 becomes more than just a smartphone. It transforms into another device entirely and revealing an expansive screen that expands the workspace for editing, multitasking and immersive viewing – and for getting more out of Galaxy AI.

The main display on Galaxy Z Fold7 is 11% larger than the previous generation, providing even more screen real estate for content editing and multitasking across multiple apps.

The 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x main display offers ultra-rich contrast, true blacks and vibrant detail that make everything pop — from movies to tabs open while multitasking. With Vision Booster and up to 2,600 nits of peak brightness, Galaxy Z Fold7 stays brilliantly visible even in direct sunlight.Thin and light, Galaxy Z Fold7 is built to move with users, confidently.

The Armor FlexHinge is thinner and lighter, thanks to an enhanced water droplet design and newly implemented multi-rail structure that reduces visible creasing. The cover display is made with Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic, a new glass ceramic that has crystals intricately embedded within its glass matrix. This secures the screen’s durability and crack deflection capabilities and delivers protection in a remarkably thin form factor.

The main display is restructured to be thinner and lighter – yet stronger. This was achieved by implementing the Titanium plate layer. Additionally, Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) was increased to be 50% thicker, making the display tougher.

Under the hood, Galaxy Z Fold7 is powered by the best-in-class processor used in Galaxy devices. It’s uniquely customised and makes on-device AI processing tasks – like real-time language translation and Generative Edits – faster and more seamless.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy delivers performance boost of 41% in NPU, 38% in CPU, and 26% of GPU compared to the previous generation. This power fuels Galaxy Z Fold7’s ability to process more AI experiences on-device without compromise.

Galaxy Z Fold7 now brings the best of the Galaxy’s pro-grade camera experience to a foldable, combining advanced hardware with intelligent processing for consistently stunning results. Its high-resolution camera captures incredible detail, vibrant colour and rich texture, pulling users back into every moment. AI-enhanced imaging automatically optimises lighting, detail and realism, so photos and videos stay sharp and vivid, even in low light settings such as milestone dinners and late-night café scenes. Featuring the first 200MP wide-angle camera in the Galaxy Z series, it captures 4x more detail. The 10MP 100° camera on the main display expands the frame, so when users unfold their phone, it’s easy to capture group selfies, valuable moments and more of the world in a single shot.

Samsung’s next generation ProVisual Engine processes images faster, enabling every photo and video to be more crisp, vibrant and full of detail. With Night Video, intelligent motion detection now separates moving subjects from still backgrounds to reduce noicses. 10-bit HDR provides more colour depth. The result is videos with richer colour, deeper contrast and more lifelike detail, no matter the time of day.

Galaxy Z Fold7 puts a pro-grade creative studio in users’ pocket, with AI-powered tools optimised for its large display. Users can capture stunning photos and videos and then edit with ease. From cleaning up clutter in product shots to removing background noise from café recordings, studio-quality enhancements can be done in a few easy steps. The intuitive and intelligent features on the Galaxy Z Fold7 make it effortless to transform photos and videos into pro-level content, with no extra tools required.

Shots look flawless with Photo Assist, 11 which moves, erases or enlarges objects and adjusts angles and fills in backgrounds with AI-powered precision. Users can seize vibrant expressions, including pet profile with Portrait Studio and refine their photos using Galaxy’s enhanced Generative Edit. The ability to seamlessly remove distractions and fill in backgrounds has made Generative Edit a fan favourite, and now it’s even smarter. It offers proactive suggestions with the new Suggest Erases , which automatically detects passersby with the tap of a button. Side-by-Side Editing and Show Original enables real-time comparison of original images and edited versions on the large screen, making it easier to decide what to modify and what to keep.

Audio Eraser has also been upgraded to be more intelligent and convenient. There’s a new toggle in Gallery, and it now proactively detects and removes unwanted background noise like wind or traffic from video recordings.

Galaxy Z Fold7 harnesses the power of the foldable display to amplify the power and convenience of AI, delivering experiences that are instinctive, adaptive and effortlessly efficient. The new One UI 8 is context- aware and naturally responsive, optimised for Galaxy Z Fold7’s flexible format and expansive screen offering a more intuitive and immersive way to interact with AI. There’s less jumping between apps and screens and more frictionless creativity and productivity happening seamlessly in one place.

Designed as a true multimodal agent, One UI 8 seamlessly combines large-screen multitasking with intelligent tools that understand what users type, say and even see. And with an AI-powered camera and privacy built into every layer, Galaxy Z Fold7 becomes a smart and secure personal assistant, ready to help anytime, anywhere.

Launching with the all-new One UI 8 on Android 16, Galaxy Z Fold7 debuts Samsung’s latest AI- powered platform on foldables, delivering the latest Android experience straight out of the box. Gemini Live is now enhanced with multimodal AI that understands what users see, say and do, making it possible to seamlessly type or speak contextual questions and get answers without having to toggle back and forth between apps. And with screen sharing on Gemini Live or camera sharing on Gemini Live, you can simply show Gemini what users are looking at on the screen or on the camera, then ask questions to get instant insights.

With Circle to Search, gaming tips appear exactly when and where you need them. Just circle an item on screen and get instant results, tips or tactics in a floating view that ensures a smooth, uninterrupted experience.

With Galaxy AI Optimised for Large Screens, Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers experiences that maximise the benefits of the expansive foldable display to boost productivity. AI Results View displays results from AI features in a separate Split View or in a Floating View, so the user’s original content remains unobstructed and visible. Users can be more efficient with Drag & Drop AI-generated content, including images and text, directly from Multi Window. With tools like Drawing Assist or Writing Assist, it’s easier than ever to move ideas and visuals, enabling a smoother creative process.

As mobile experiences grow ever more intelligent and interconnected, Samsung is reinforcing the foundations that protect them – unveiling new protections for on-device AI, expanding cross-device threat detection and enhancing network security with quantum-resistant encryption. One UI 8 brings enhanced privacy to personalised AI experiences with the new Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP).

KEEP creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secure storage area, ensuring each app can access only its own sensitive information and nothing more. With One UI 8, Samsung is advancing Knox Matrix to deliver more proactive and user-friendly protection across the Galaxy ecosystem. Furthermore, as part of its ongoing commitment to quantum-safe security, Samsung is integrating post-quantum cryptography into Secure WiFi. This enhancement secures the key exchange process at the core of encrypted connections, helping ensure robust privacy even over public networks.

The Galaxy Z Fold7 will be available for pre-order starting  July 10, with general availability beginning July 25, 2025. The Galaxy Z Fold7 comes in Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jetblack and Mint (online exclusive) colour options.

The post Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Raises the Bar appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Today at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip7, a compact AI phone with multimodal capabilities, powered by a new FlexWindow.

Small enough to slip into a pocket, yet powerful enough to deliver the handiest assistance, it melds Galaxy AI with a now edge-to-edge FlexWindow, a flagship level camera and an ultra-compact and iconic design. From intuitive voice AI to the best selfie capabilities, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is an intelligent pocket-sized companion built for seamless interaction and everyday reliability.

“Galaxy Z Flip7 is proof that big intelligence can come in a small, pocket-sized form factor,” said TM Roh, President and Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) at Samsung Electronics. “By bringing rich multimodal AI capabilities and seamless functionality to the FlexWindow, we’ve created a device that adapts, anticipates and empowers users, unlocking a smarter, more intuitive way to engage with the world.”

Content spills elegantly from edge to edge on the Galaxy Z Flip7’s stunning FlexWindow display , which brings essentials front and centre and makes it easy to type out quick messages, check schedule at a glance and snap high-quality selfies. Galaxy Z Flip7’s brightest FlexWindow yet delivers a super-smooth refresh rate, so everything looks vivid and feels fluid – even when outside on a sunny day.

The 4.1-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow is the largest on a Galaxy Z Flip yet, with edge-to-edge usability that enables users to see and do more on the cover screen. With 2,600 nits of peak brightness and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate on both the main display and the FlexWindow, Galaxy Z Flip7 enables ultra-fluid scrolling, streaming and gaming. Plus, the FlexWindow gets an upgrade with Vision Booster, enhancing outdoor visibility so users can stay connected wherever they are.

The main display is a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, built for an ultra-smooth, immersive experience.

Galaxy Z Flip7 is crafted for portability and puts powerful performance right in the palm of the user’s hand. With its compact size and sleek silhouette, it slips effortlessly into a small pocket or purse, perfect for whatever the day brings. Whether catching calls during a coffee outing or snapping pictures at the store – no need to worry about the inevitable drops and bumps along the way. It’s also built to last and engineered to handle the rigors of daily use.

Weighing just 188 grams and measuring only 13.7mm when folded, Galaxy Z Flip7 is the slimmest Galaxy Z Flip yet. The cover and back are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.

The Armor FlexHinge is thinner than the hinge on the previous generation and features a restructured design and the robust Armor Aluminum Frame provides a tough exterior for resilience.

While the Galaxy Z Flip7 has been slimmed down and refined throughout, it now features a bigger battery and an even bigger display – all in a more compact form. With the largest battery in the Galaxy Z Flip series yet, users can stream music or listen to podcasts during long commutes, edit photos on the fly and share updates throughout the day without missing a beat.

The 4,300mAh battery 7 is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flip yet, and the Galaxy Z Flip7 is powered by the latest 3nm processor, customised for Galaxy and fit for today’s lifestyle with an even more powerful CPU, GPU and NPU than Galaxy Z Flip6.

Samsung DeX comes to a Galaxy Z Flip for the first time, enabling it to instantly transform into a handy workstation: users can flip it open, connect to a screen and instantly get PC-like tools for enhanced multitasking. Pocket-Perfect AI

With FlexWindow enhanced for greater usability and Galaxy AI 10 that is smarter and more intuitive than ever, Galaxy Z Flip7 introduces a new era of convenience and functionality, empowering users to search with their voice, get answers and take action directly on FlexWindow. Powered by the newest One UI 8 and Android 16 right out of the box, it delivers true multimodal AI experiences optimised for the Flip’s iconic design, with many tasks now able to be handled right from the cover screen.

This intuitive, one-handed experience enhances productivity and introduces even more personalisation options, making the Galaxy Z Flip7 a smart and handy companion, whether a user is traveling around the globe or simply navigating a busy day.

Galaxy Z Flip7 brings a new level of AI-powered personalisation, tailored to users’ style and routine. From curated wallpaper suggestions to emoji, color and widget customisation, the FlexWindow becomes a dynamic extension of a user’s personality. Whether prepping for travel or matching the mood, personalisation is effortless and always evolving.

Gemini Live is now available directly on the FlexWindow, enabling users to search for information with their voice and complete tasks – hands-free. It’s like having a personal assistant, right on the cover screen.

With camera sharing on Gemini Live, getting real-time help is as easy as pointing the camera. Whether packing for a trip or choosing an outfit, users can simply show Gemini what they’re looking at. Ask questions like, “Which of these outfits is better for the weather in Seoul?” Gemini will respond, just like a helpful friend would.

Galaxy Z Flip7 brings flagship-level photography and Samsung’s best selfie camera yet. With Samsung’s advanced ProVisual Engine, it intelligently optimises every scene to deliver crisp, detailed shots in any lighting, without any manual adjustments needed. From playful pet moments to zoomed-in festival shots and glowing sunset portraits, Galaxy Z Flip7 captures stunning results without a tripod or even unfolding the screen.

The dual rear camera system includes a 50MP Wide and a 12MP Ultra-Wide lens, delivering flagship-level clarity in any lighting, whether capturing scenic shots or snapping high-quality selfies directly from the cover screen.

With Enhanced Nightography, users can capture vivid photos in low-light environments through improved lighting adjustments and the removal of noise and blurred frames. 10-bit HDR provides richer colour, deeper contrast and more life-like detail in video, no matter the time of day.

Galaxy Z Flip7 takes selfies to the next level, right from the FlexWindow. Real-Time Filters now lets users preview and perfect FlexCam shots instantly. And with the new Zoom Slider, users can quickly zoom in or out with just a swipe- making it perfect for capturing a full outfit or fitting everyone into the frame for a flawless group selfie.

With Dual Preview, the photographer and the subject can see the composition live on the FlexWindow, helping users nail the perfect shot on the first go. Everyday pet moments become eye-catching shots with Portrait Studio in Photo Assist whether featuring a playful cartoon style, a quirky fisheye look or a polished, professional finish.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE brings the foldable experience to even more users.

Compact when folded and expansive when opened, Galaxy Z Flip7 FE features a 6.7-inch Main Display for an immersive viewing experience. The 50MP FlexCam enables high-quality selfies and video in Flex Mode, letting users capture content hands-free, without even opening the device. Now Brief surfaces helpful updates – including weather, daily schedules and commute alerts – on the cover screen, in a layout optimised for Galaxy Z Flip7 FE’s compact form.

Available in Black and White, it delivers a minimalist look that complements its intelligent, foldable design.

As mobile experiences grow ever more intelligent and interconnected, Samsung is reinforcing the foundations that protect them – unveiling new protections for on-device AI, expanding cross-device threat detection and enhancing network security with quantum-resistant encryption. One UI 8 brings enhanced privacy to personalised AI experiences with the new Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP). KEEP creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secure storage area, ensuring each app can access only its own sensitive information and nothing more. With One UI 8, Samsung is advancing Knox Matrix to deliver more proactive and user-friendly protection across the Galaxy ecosystem. Furthermore, as part of its ongoing commitment to quantum-safe security, Samsung is integrating post-quantum cryptography into Secure Wi-Fi.

This enhancement secures the key exchange process at the core of encrypted connections, helping ensure robust privacy even over public networks.

The Galaxy Z Flip7 will be available for pre-order starting July 10, with general availability beginning July 25, 2025 and comes in 21 Blue Shadow, Jetblack, Coral-red and Mint 22 (online exclusive) colour options.

The post Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7: A Pocket-Sized AI Powerhouse appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Samsung has just introduced Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic, establishing an iconic design identity across the entire Galaxy Watch lineup.

Building upon the foundation of the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s cushion design, this series boasts the thinnest, most comfortable Galaxy Watch ever for continuous health tracking. The Galaxy Watch8 series suits diverse lifestyles and provides advanced capabilities, setting a new standard for style and personalised health experiences.

“We are committed to empowering billions of people to live healthier lives through our innovative technology,” said TM Roh, President and Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “By combining purposeful design with advanced sensor technology and an intuitive AI-powered experience, the Galaxy Watch8 series serves as a starting point for a healthier, more connected life, making it easier than ever to take meaningful steps toward users’ well-being.”

By reimagining both form and function, the Galaxy Watch8 series delivers unmatched comfort alongside industry-leading performance, making it the ultimate companion for everyday wellness. The distinctive cushion design, which debuted with Galaxy Watch Ultra, now defines the entire Galaxy Watch lineup. To achieve the thinnest design yet, the internal structure of Galaxy Watch8 was completely reengineered and its component mounting capability has been improved by 30%, resulting in an 11% thinner design.

Combined with the Dynamic Lug system, this design moves naturally with the wrist, providing greater comfort and improved stability for a better fit and enhanced health-tracking accuracy.

Galaxy Watch8’s sleek profile is complemented by its exceptional performance. Even when you are outdoors under bright sunlight, the display is 50% brighter with a peak brightness of 3,000nits for easy visibility, and the enhanced battery ensures the watch can keep up with an active lifestyle. Moreover, the dual-frequency GPS provides more detailed and precise location results while our most powerful 3nm processor delivers faster performance and greater power efficiency.

With the groundbreaking BioActive Sensor that enables deeper and more accurate health insights, the Galaxy Watch8 series helps provide a holistic view of your health.

Sleep is a window into your overall health and each restful night allows your body and mind to recover immediately the very next day. That’s why Samsung is continuously advancing the sleep experience, offering tailored sleep coaching, helping to create an optimal sleep environment. On top of that, the Galaxy Watch8 series comes with new unique health features on the Samsung Health app that help you build healthier habits through instant, motivational insights – from sleep to nutrition and workout.

Bedtime Guidance 4 can measure your circadian rhythm to suggest the optimal time to go to bed so you wake up refreshed the next morning.

Whether you’re a novice or experienced runner, the Galaxy Watch8 series delivers personalised fitness insights to keep you motivated when you need it most. Running Coach 5 calculates your fitness level from 1 to 10 and develops a tailored training plan complete with real-time guidance and motivational insights. With the updated Together feature, which now supports running, you can gamify your fitness journey by challenging friends and family.

If high level of stress persists, High Stress Alert will immediately signal so that you can take a break to help manage your stress levels in real-time. With Mindfulness Tracker, you can record your mood and receive guidance on breathing exercises to relieve your stress – all at once on your wrist.

Plus, the AI-powered Energy Score 6 gives you a snapshot of your energy level, combining physical and mental energy metrics so you can have a healthier day, every day. Developed in close collaboration with Google, the Galaxy Watch8 series is the first smartwatch equipped with Wear OS 6 as well as Gemini 7 , Google’s AI assistant, as pre-loaded.

Go hands-free using natural voice commands to get things done on the go with your Galaxy Watch apps like Samsung Health, Calendar, Reminder, and Clock. For example, you can ask Gemini to find a nearby cafe and text a friend to meet you there, all in one go. Or, if you’re ready to start your workout and you have a goal in mind, simply say, “Start a 30-minute run.” The watch seamlessly initiates the workout in Samsung Health.

In addition, thanks to the new One UI 8 Watch, the user interface is optimised for the size and shape of the watch face. The new Multi-Info Tiles provide easy access to health metrics, weather, events and more – all in a single, quick look. Moreover, the new Now Bar and depthless notifications ensure key activities are front and centre.

Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Watch8 Classic and the new Galaxy Watch Ultra are available for pre-order starting today, with general availability starting from July 25th, 2025.

Featuring a sleek and minimalist design, Galaxy Watch8 is designed for everyday wellness. Available in 44mm or 40mm sizes and in Graphite or Silver, it provides comfort and style for daily activities.

Meanwhile, Galaxy Watch8 Classic brings timeless sophistication to the wrist with modern features such as a rotating bezel and a quick button for added convenience. The Classic model measures 46mm and comes in Black and White. Plus, both models can be matched with a range of stylish bands designed to suit diverse lifestyles.

For those who love outdoor adventures, Galaxy Watch Ultra is the most advanced and durable Galaxy Watch model yet. Available in four titanium finishes including the new Titanium Blue, it offers the longest battery life and the most robust performance in the lineup.

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OPPO has released its latest A Series lineup, the A5 range with a new wave of smartphones built for durability, performance and outstanding everyday value.

Combining unbeatable resilience, smart features and polished design, the A5 Series makes high-performance essentials accessible to everyday users, without the premium price tag.

The expanded A5 Series includes the OPPO A5 5G and A5 4G, two feature-rich devices made for daily life. They join OPPO’s toughest smartphone to date, the A5 Pro 5G – which launched in June 2025 – in offering more choice when it comes to durable, dependable tech.

OPPO New Zealand Managing Director Morgan Halim says the A Series range is for Kiwis who need a good-value phone that works as hard as they do. “Whether someone’s on the tools, outdoors in all conditions or buying a reliable first phone for their kids, the A Series is a dependable, great-value choice that’s made to last,” says Halim. “It’s built to survive backpacks, pockets and the occasional drop – and it keeps up with your hustle, whatever your day looks like.”

The A5 5G and A5 4G are engineered to handle more than just the basics. With large, high-refresh-rate displays, splash and dust resistance and OPPO’s 300% Ultra Volume Mode, these phones are made to be heard and seen clearly – even outdoors or on noisy job sites.

With 6,000mAh batteries across both models and support for 45W SUPERVOOCTM Flash Charging, users can spend less time plugged in and more time getting things done. OPPO’s battery technology has been tested for 1,700 full charge cycles, equivalent to approximately five years of regular use, while maintaining at least 80% battery health. It’s power that lasts day after day, year after year.

And because durability should extend beyond hardware, the A5 Series is backed by OPPO’s industry-leading software support – with 5 years of operating system updates and 6 years of security updates. It’s long-term peace of mind that sets a new standard in this price bracket, especially compared to competitors who typically offer only 2 years of updates or less.

These devices are made to move at your pace. They offer practical, efficient performance for everything from messaging and music to maps and media.

The OPPO A Series is available online at OPPO’s official website and from electronic retailers.

The post Tough just got smarter – OPPO’s A5 2025 Series appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

For years, Samsung Electronics has designed its devices around what people truly need, such as better performance, sharper cameras and smarter ways to stay connected.

And, with Galaxy AI, it goes beyond what devices can do — it’s about how people interact with them.

As AI rapidly becomes the new user interface, it’s redefining our relationship with technology. No longer just a collection of apps and tools, the smartphone is evolving into a smart companion that understands user intent and responds in real time. This transformation moves us from reaction to anticipation – where, as AI becomes the UI, intent becomes instant.

The next-generation Galaxy devices are being reimagined around a new AI-powered interface, supported by breakthrough hardware built to unlock their full potential. This future is already unfolding, and the best of Galaxy AI and Samsung craftsmanship is about to be unveiled.

On July 9, Samsung Electronics will host Unpacked in Brooklyn, New York – a borough with an extraordinary spirit and a distinctive history. Brooklyn is where visionary thinking and bold ideas shape the future, so it’s only fitting that Samsung unveils the latest and greatest additions to the Galaxy portfolio in a place known for its culture, creativity, and collaboration.

The event will be streamed live on Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom, and Samsung’s YouTube channel or you can watch it here:

Stay tuned and make sure to visit news.samsung.com/global for all upcoming teasers, trailers and updates ahead of Unpacked 2025.

The post The Ultra Experience Is Ready To Unfold appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Kingston Technology announced the refreshed Kingston XS Series of External SSDs, featuring a bold new design that highlights Kingston’s commitment to performance, reliability, service and innovation.

The new look proudly features Rex, Kingston’s iconic redhead mascot, representing the company’s nearly 40-year legacy of leadership in the global tech industry. Paired with the ‘Built on Commitment’ tagline, the refreshed design reflects Kingston’s ongoing promise to deliver high-performance, dependable storage solutions.

Compact yet powerful, the XS Series, including the XS2000 and XS1000 family, delivers impressive storage performance in a sleek, pocket-sized form, tailored to meet the needs of both professionals and everyday users.

The XS2000 stands as Kingston’s professional-tier external SSD, offering speeds up to 2,000MB/s and large capacities up to 4TB. Designed for content creators, videographers, and media teams, it supports Apple’s ProRes direct video recording, enabling seamless integration with mobile devices and production workflows. It’s the ideal solution for creators who demand studio-grade performance in the palm of their hand.

Meanwhile, the XS1000 and XS1000R are Kingston’s mainstream solutions for everyday storage, file transfer and backups. With read speeds up to 1,050MB/s and capacities up to 2TB, they offer versatile, lightweight storage solutions for a wide range of users, from students and business travelers to hybrid workers, balancing performance, portability, and everyday value.

“At Kingston, our commitment goes beyond just building products, it’s about building trust.” says Kevin
Wu, Sales/Marketing and Business Development Vice President of APAC region. “The refreshed XS Series, featuring Rex and the ‘Built on Commitment’ tagline, reflects our promise to deliver reliable, innovative, and adaptable technology that evolves with our customers’ needs.”

With the XS Series, Kingston strengthens its leadership in memory and storage, blending trusted performance with modern design to empower creators, professionals, and consumers alike.

The post Kingston Refreshes XS Series External SSD appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Global smart device brand OPPO has released the Watch X2. Its latest wearable flagship product to launch, this high-performance smartwatch is created for those who expect durability, practicality and long-lasting power from their tech.

Building on the rugged sophistication of last year’s Watch X, the new Watch X2 introduces military-grade endurance with smarter health tracking and next-level battery life – all in a sleek, refined design.

The Watch X2 is packed with features typically reserved for higher-priced competitors, delivering flagship-level performance and premium materials at exceptional value.

OPPO New Zealand Country Manager Morgan Halim says the Watch X2 reflects the brand’s growing momentum in wearable technology. “Kiwis are active, health-conscious and style-savvy – and the Watch X2 was built with that in mind. It combines medical-grade health features, military-grade durability and smart features that keep you connected in one beautifully designed piece of tech. With flagship performance at an exceptional value, it’s a smartwatch that’s ready to go the distance.”

Available in Lava Black with a sporty fluorine rubber strap or Summit Blue with a classic leather band, the OPPO Watch X2 is crafted for both performance and polish.

A polished stainless-steel case, titanium alloy bezel and eco-friendly PVD coating provide durability and a premium finish. The 1.5-inch OLED display boasts ultra-bright visibility and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass, ensuring it can go wherever you do.

Certified IP68, 5ATM water-resistant and MIL-STD-810H tested, the Watch X2 stands up to everything from morning commutes to daily workouts and outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re training, travelling or tackling daily demands, the Watch X2 keeps pace. Powered by a dual-chip system – Snapdragon® W5 and BES2800BP – it delivers smooth multitasking and energy efficiency through a smart blend of Wear OS by Google real-time tasks like checking incoming messages and quick media playback.

Performance is notably faster than its predecessor, while battery life remains a standout: up to five days in Smart Mode or 16 days in Power Saver Mode, thanks to OPPO’s innovative Silicon-Carbon Battery technology. With Watch VOOC Flash Charge, just 10 minutes of charging delivers up to 24 hours of use.

This is a smartwatch that works as hard as you do.

The post Built to endure, made to move. The new OPPO Watch X2 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Logitech G announced the launch of the Logitech G522 Gaming headset, a new addition to its award-winning G5 series, designed to elevate both gameplay and personal expression.

“G522 was made for gamers who bring passion and personality to everything they do,” said Ujesh Desai, vice president and general manager of Logitech G. “Whether you’re climbing the ranks, streaming for your audience, or pulling all-night gaming sessions, the G522 ups your game with top-tier performance, features, and style.”

G522 builds on the strong foundation of the widely popular Logitech G733 headset, carrying its legacy further while introducing an exciting evolution. At first glance, the family resemblance is clear, but as you look closer, the G522 reveals a fresh, elevated design. It’s all about progression – sleeker curves, a more sophisticated silhouette, and thoughtful design choices that reflect a modern take on performance and style. The sharper edges of the G733 have been transitioned into smooth, flowing lines showcasing a refined aesthetic.

“The G522 headset is the result of meticulous craftsmanship and a relentless attention to detail, every element is intentionally designed to deliver a curated, premium experience,” said Ahmed Riaz, Head of Design at Logitech G. “It builds on a proven formula for success that’s become synonymous with our G5 Series products, combining precision engineering with a deep understanding of what today’s gamers value most.”

G5 Series gamers play a wide variety of games. As a result, the new G522 headset had to perform to the level of the most discerning core gamers and be flexible enough to work seamlessly across all genres and types of gameplay.

Designed for long sessions, G522 delivers a significant leap forward in comfort, engineered with community feedback at its core. The ear cups have been redesigned with a wider shape and an added layer of memory foam to enhance cushioning and cooling, wrapped in a new fabric that’s both softer and more durable. A reversible suspension band now rests flatter and more evenly across the head, with added ridges to increase breathability and upgraded materials for extended durability. To ensure all-day comfort for every gamer, our player fit tests included individuals who wear glasses or earrings, making the G522 a headset built for everyone.

At the heart of the headset are new synchronised PRO-G drivers that deliver Logitech G’s highest-fidelity, paired with 48 kHz/24-bit digital signal processing for unparalleled immersion and precision. Gamers can hear subtle in-game cues—like distant footsteps or weapon reloads—with crystal clarity.

Communication is critical in competitive and online play, and the G522’s 48 kHz/16-bit microphone, enhanced by BLUE VO!CE technology ensures your voice cuts through the chaos. Customise your microphone audio with real-time filters and effects, delivering a professional sound for every session.

The G522 offers tri-mode connectivity, allowing seamless switching between LIGHTSPEED wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C. It’s built for fluid transitions between platforms, PC, console, and mobile, without the lag or hassle.

G HUB software and the Logitech G mobile app allow gamers to fine-tune their audio with a 10-band EQ, personalise LIGHTSYNC RGB, adjust mic settings, and save up to three custom profiles directly to the headset.

Continuing Logitech G’s commitment to reducing environmental impact, the G522 is crafted with 27% post-consumer recycled plastic and low-carbon aluminium, aligning performance with purpose.

The Logitech G522 Gaming Headset is available now in black and white at LogitechG.com and participating retailers.

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Kingston FURY, the high-performance division of Kingston Technology has just announced its PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD.

Kingston FURY Renegade G5 for gaming and high-power users seeking maximum performance. Kingston FURY Renegade G5 allows users to unleash the full capability of their system by leveraging the latest PCIe Gen5 x 4 controller and 3D TLC NAND to reach extreme speeds up to 14,800/14,000MB/s read/write and over 2M IOPS.

Kingston FURY Renegade G5 is optimized for performance PC and workstations to eliminate storage bottlenecks and significantly reduce load times, making it the ideal drive for when you’re deep in high-intensity gaming, editing, or a data-heavy workflow.

With such incredible power, Kingston FURY Renegade G5 was engineered to ensure smooth operation for demanding applications while preserving efficiency, thanks to Silicon Motion SM2508 controller based on 6nm lithography and low-power DDR4 DRAM cache, reducing heat and energy consumption. Whether for high-end applications, content creation, or productivity, this storage solution delivers everything needed to elevate your gaming and professional experience.

“We’re eager to announce this addition to the Kingston FURY family of high-performance solutions,” said Kingston. “Between the power of Kingston FURY Renegade G5 SSD and Kingston FURY memory, high-power users and hardware enthusiasts can create their ultimate system.”

Kingston FURY Renegade G5 is available in 1024GB, 2048GB and 4096GB full capacities and is backed by a limited five-year warranty, free technical support, and legendary Kingston reliability.

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JBL’s next generation Flip 7 and Charge 6 portable bluetooth speakers have launched, with a bold new look and new audio features to deliver bigger sound, deeper bass and better performance.

Built to improve on the listener experience, both speakers feature JBL’s proprietary AI Sound Boost technology to analyse music in real-time and optimise the speaker driver without distortion.

“The Flip and Charge series have always been popular in New Zealand, thanks to their ability to pump out big sound from a compact, ultra-portable and robust speaker design. In this latest iteration, we’ve packed in even more audio technology to give listeners a best-in-class sound experience. There are also some new design and connectivity features, such as Auracast, and new options for straps and carabiners, to make it easier to share and take your tunes with you on the go,” says Michael Sherman, Senior Strategy Manager at JBL New Zealand.

Whether you’re chilling in the garden or meeting up with friends at the park, the new Flip 7 has been redesigned with an interchangeable finger loop and carabiner hook making it easier to take your music anywhere. Equipped with AI Sound Boost for powerful bass without distortion and an upgraded tweeter with a dome design, Flip 7 offers clear and crisp sounds at higher volumes, no matter the setting.

Out and about? The new IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating makes it easier to carry your tunes with you, without worrying about spills or drops. Other new features include increased battery life for up to 16 hours with Playtime Boost, the latest Bluetooth 5.4 capabilities for improved wireless connectivity, and Auracast pairing with other JBL Auracast enabled speakers.

The Charge 6, now equipped with a detachable and versatile handle strap, has evolved to make high-quality audio more accessible than ever. With the introduction of AI Sound Boost and an upgraded woofer for deeper bass, prepare to feel the beat across any room. The introduction of Auracast allows friends to sync their compatible speakers for even more sound. Keep the party going for longer with up to 28 hours of battery when using Playtime Boost. Remaining true to the name, the speaker not only electrifies the dancefloor, but comes equipped with the built-in USB-C powerbank for charging devices at a moment’s notice.

The new JBL Flip 7 and JBL Charge 6 are available now in black, blue and red.

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