Geek Appeal: New gadgets & apps on the block

The Tech Panda takes a look at recently launched gadgets & apps in the market.

Audiotech: A fresh & exciting line-up of True Wireless Stereo earbuds, Neckband & Powerbank

U&I launched a fresh and exciting line-up of True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, Neckband, and Powerbank, under its Classy Series. The newly introduced models include TWS-5553 (TWS), TWS-7227 (TWS), UiNB-4347 (Neckband), and UiPB-3726 (Powerbank).

Paresh Vij, Founder and Director of U&i, stated, “The Classy Series represents our relentless pursuit of innovation and our dedication to enhancing the user experience. We believe in creating technology that empowers people, whether it’s through superior sound, longer battery life, or reliable power solutions. With this new line-up of products under the Classy Series, we bring together sleek design, advanced functionality, and unmatched durability, all backed by a 1-year warranty for complete peace of mind.”

Features

• TWS-5553 (Classy Series TWS): The TWS-5553 earbuds redefine wireless audio with a perfect balance of durability and performance. Built to withstand active lifestyles, these earbuds feature IPX5 water resistance, making them ideal for workouts and outdoor use. With 40 hours of backup time, users can enjoy uninterrupted music and calls throughout the day. The Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) ensures that conversations remain crystal clear, even in noisy environments. Equipped with Type-C charging for faster power-up and 88ms low latency, the TWS-5553 is perfect for gamers and video streamers. Smart touch control allows easy operation, and it is available in 4 stylish colors to suit individual tastes.
• TWS-7227 (Classy Series TWS): The TWS-7227 takes audio performance a step further with Bluetooth 5.4 for stable and fast connectivity. Featuring quad mic technology and Hi-Res audio, it delivers rich, detailed sound for both music and calls. The earbuds offer an impressive 40 hours of backup and a staggering 400 hours of standby time, making them perfect for extended use without frequent charging. With Type-C charging, users benefit from fast recharging, while smart touch control enhances usability. The sleek design ensures a comfortable fit, making them a versatile choice for daily wear.
• UiNB-4347 (Classy Series Neckband): Designed with user comfort and performance in mind, the UiNB-4347 neckband offers Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, a 10mm driver for deep bass and clear treble, and ENC for noise-free communication. The neckband provides 25 hours of backup with an outstanding 500 hours of standby time, ideal for people on the move. Additional features include magnetic on-off functionality, extra battery support, and Type-C charging for quick power-ups. 40ms ultra-low latency makes this neckband suitable for gaming, while splash and sweat resistance ensures durability during workouts. Available in 3 elegant colors, it’s a perfect fusion of style and technology.
• UiPB-3726 (Classy Series Powerbank): Meeting the power needs of multiple devices, the UiPB-3726 powerbank delivers a robust 33W fast output and houses a 10000mAh battery, ensuring that your devices stay charged wherever you are. The powerbank features quad output options, making it possible to charge several devices simultaneously. With Type-C input and in-built Lightning + Type-C output cables, it supports a wide range of gadgets without the need for additional wires. Designed for portability, it is available in 4 vibrant colors, adding a touch of personal style to functional charging.

Wearable tech: Smart Ring Skin, a Stylish Fusion of Protection & Design

Gabit, an integrated health and wellness platform, launched the Gabit Smart Ring Skin— a durable, feather-light, silicone cover designed to protect the Gabit Smart Ring without compromising on comfort and style. Available on Gabit’s website (Price 350/-), it is an accessory to enhance and protect your Gabit Smart Ring.

Gaurav Gupta, co-founder of Gabit, expressed, “I scratched my own Gabit Smart Ring. And it hurt more than I expected. As someone who trains every day, my ring goes through everything with me— workouts, runs, lifts. So, I did what any mildly obsessed founder would do– I made Gabit Smart Ring Skin.”

Features

• This lightweight add-on is a protective layer, safeguarding Gabit Smart Ring from scratches and scuffs without disturbing its sensor accuracy and daily comfort.
• It is sweat-proof, water-proof, anti-slip, and long-lasting to keep up with your daily lifestyle and high-intensity workouts.
• It prevents metal-to-metal contact during strength training and enhances grip.
• It is available in numerous bright and neutral shades, including White, Black, Blue, Grey, Green, Aqua, and Purple.

Crypto: Crypto Payment Dashboard, Empowering Users to Build Financial Identity & Unlock Rewards

PolyFlow, the infrastructure platform driving PayFi innovation, launched its new decentralized application (DApp) and Dashboard. The platform aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and blockchain-based payments, empowering consumers and merchants to participate in the future of global finance through everyday crypto transactions.

Features

• PolyFlow’s new DApp introduces the Network State Consumer Guide, enabling users to find merchants that accept crypto and earn reward points for their crypto purchases. Merchants, in turn, benefit from real-time settlement, 24/7 fund transfers, lower transaction fees compared to traditional credit cards, and zero chargebacks.
• Consumers using PolyFlow can “Pay with Crypto” today and begin to “Earn the Future” — a system designed to reduce payment friction and return savings back to users through tokenized incentives, supporting global financial inclusion efforts similar to concepts like Universal Basic Income (UBI).
• Dashboard Access: A hub where users track PolyFlow points, view merchant networks, and engage with on-chain activities.
• Scan-to-Earn Program: Users can scan receipts (physical or digital) to upload purchase records, earning PolyFlow points in return. Every receipt fuels the growth of the PayFi network.
• On-Chain Consumer Profiles: Every transaction builds a user’s decentralized profile, giving individuals ownership over their financial identity and unlocking future benefits in lending, savings, and more.

Smartphone: Next-Gen TECNO OS has Arrived

TECNO, a global mobile brand, is set to roll out the highly anticipated HiOS 15 update—its latest Android-based custom operating system. This update is designed to make smartphones more intuitive and relevant than ever, especially for users in India.

Features

• Clean OS: Reduced pre-installed apps by 40%, ensuring a lighter and faster device.
• Cool Animations, Wallpapers & Icons: Introduced sleek new animations for smooth transitions, stylish AI-generated and dynamic wallpapers, and minimalist icons for a modern, clean interface.
• Animation Engine: Enhanced app transitions with a 15% boost in exit times for quicker navigation.
• MemFusion 3.0: Multitask like a pro — run over 25 apps without a hitch, no slowdowns.
• Enhanced Privacy with Blank Data: Implemented “Blank Data” to shield real information from apps, enhancing user privacy.
• Memory Defragmentation: The smartphone stays optimized, with improved RAM and storage efficiency for smooth operations.
• Sensory Scheduling 2.0: The system has also undergone a 25-App Stress Test, with no frame drops during multitasking, showcasing its stable performance.
• Wireless Mic Mode: Instantly turn your phone into a portable microphone by connecting it to a speaker — perfect for parties, announcements, or just stealing the spotlight.
• Ella AI: Ella speaks Hindi and will soon support Bengali, Tamil, Gujarati, and Marathi through OTA updates by the end of this year.
• AI Call Assistant: Provides real-time translations, transcriptions, and summaries of calls—including WhatsApp—for seamless communication.
• AI Auto Answer: Ensures you never miss important calls by automatically answering and providing smart summaries when you’re unavailable.
• AI Voiceprint Noise Suppression: Blocks out background noise for crystal-clear audio, focusing solely on your voice.
• AI Writing & Document Assistant: Allows effortless summarization, rewriting, expansion, or conversion of handwritten notes into editable Word or PDF files.
• AI Screen Awareness: Understands on-screen content to provide contextually smart support.
• AI Eraser 2.0 & Image Extender: Uses voice commands to edit and expand parts of an image effortlessly.
• AI Wallpaper Generator, Vogue Portraits & Artboard: Empowers creativity by turning text or sketches into personalized wallpapers.
• AI Sharpness Plus: Instantly sharpens blurry photos without requiring an internet connection, bringing images back to life.
• Smart Privacy with AI Blurring: Safeguards sensitive information by intelligently detecting and automatically obscuring private details within screenshots before sharing.

Wearable tech: The Smartwatch for Holistic Health, Wellbeing & Lifestyle Elegance

URBAN Smart Wearables, expanded its premium smartwatch line-up with the launch of the URBAN Genesis Smartwatch. Crafted to cater to users seeking a stylish yet feature rich companion for everyday use. With a robust stainless-steel build, always on AMOLED display and advanced health tracking, URBAN Genesis is all in one wearable suited for both lifestyle and fitness needs. Priced at an introductory offer of INR3,999, the smartwatch is available on the company’s official website gourban.in, Amazon, Flipkart, and all leading offline retail chains across India.

Aashish Kumbhat, Co-Founder of URBAN, said, “Genesis is our boldest & smartest smartwatch yet. This device is made to be a true companion in everyday life. Whether monitoring stress, help in meditation with dedicated breathe mode, or manage health vitals, workouts & sleep – this device has it all.

“Keeping Health & Wellness, Fitness, Productivity & Style as 4 pillars we have designed this device. What makes URBAN Genesis even more special is how effortlessly it transitions between fitness, work, and leisure – all while keeping you connected. This launch is another step in our journey of empowering users to take care of their health & wellbeing without losing the fashion sense.”

Features

• Massive 1.45” Round Dial Super AMOLED Display for bright, crisp visuals with a large butter-smooth touchscreen for effortless navigation and enhanced readability.
• Bluetooth Calling with Built-in Mic & Speaker to make and receive calls directly from your wrist without reaching for your phone.
• Full-Metal Body Design for premium, rugged metallic casing with stainless steel block strap – ideal for every-day, every-occasion wear.
• Advanced Health Suite (Quad AI Sensors for Health Monitoring) for real-time tracking of Heart Rate, SpO2, Blood Pressure, Sleep Patterns, and more.
• Dedicated Wellness Suite with Dedicated Breather Mode & Stress Monitoring: Comes with advanced Stress Monitoring and Breathe mode to keep help you keep stress under control by channeling through controlled breathing
• AI Voice Assistant Support for quick access to Google Assistant or Siri for hands-free commands and smart control.
• Multi-Sports & Activity Modes to track walking, running, cycling, skipping, and more with detailed performance data.
• IP67 Water & Dust Resistance, built to withstand splashes, sweat, and dust – suitable for workouts and daily use.
• Fast and Seamless Connectivity (Bluetooth 5.3) for smooth pairing with Android and iOS devices; fast data sync with zero lags.
• Long Battery Life, up to 7 days of usage on a single charge with optimized power management.
• Smart Notifications, get real-time alerts for calls, messages, emails, and social media directly on your watch.
• Remote Music & Camera Control to conveniently manage music playback and capture photos via smartwatch interface.

Audiotech: New Push ANC Active and Dime Evo

Skullcandy, introduced a new addition in ANC and NON-ANC products now engineered for GenNext. The newly launched earbud Push ANC Active refuses to compromise on quality and is designed specifically for adventure lovers as well as those who seek classy elegance. Dime Evo, the ultimate audio sidekick, features big sound, all the must-have features, and a unique slide-out case with a built-in clip for unparalleled portability. These products are custom-built with different features at different price points to meet users. Push ANC Active and Dime Evo are now available in India at an unprecedented, introductory price of Rs 9999 and Rs 4999 at www.amazon.in and skullcandy. in.

“We have crafted the Push ANC Active to meet the demands of those seeking reliable earbud performance in any conditions, from our famously fearless adventure-seeking fans and fitness fanatics to casual outdoor adventurers. These buds are the ultimate companions for those who dare to push boundaries,” said Amlan Bhattacharjya, Founder & CEO at Brandeyes Distributors Pvt Ltd (sole India partner for Skullcandy).

Features

Skullcandy Push ANC Active True Wireless Earbuds

• Up to 37 Hours Battery Life with ANC ON– 7 hours in the earbuds, 30 hours in the charging case
• Up to 58 Hours Battery Life with ANC OFF– 12 hours in the earbuds, 46 hours in the charging case
• Rapid Charge – A quick 10 minute charge gives you 2 hours of playtime
• Adjustable 4-Mic Active Noise Canceling – Actively monitors the surrounding environment to filter out external noise, maintaining crisp audio quality
• Adjustable Stay-Aware Mode – Make necessary audio adjustments to stay alert and hear surroundings
• IP67 Sweat and Waterproof – Worry-free durability for any adventure
• Wireless Charging – The charging case can charge wirelessly for convenient refueling
• Personal Sound – Tune your audio experience to your unique hearing ability by taking a real-time audio test to create a Personal Sound Profile for optimized audio levels
• Skullcandy App Compatibility – Enables users to dial in their audio experience, including button customization and custom equalizer levels
• Multipoint Pairing – Seamlessly pair to multiple devices at once, regardless of platform or manufacturer
• Sidetone – Counteract occlusion, allowing users to hear their own voice more naturally

Skullcandy Dime Evo True Wireless Earbuds

• Up to 36 Hours Battery Life – 8 hours in the earbuds, 28 hours in the charging case
• IPX4 Sweat and Waterproof – Worry-free durability for any adventure
• Rapid Charge – A quick 10 minute charge gives you 2 hours of playtime
• Adjustable Stay-Aware Mode – Make necessary audio adjustments to stay alert and hear surroundings
• Clear Voice Smart Mic – Experience a reduction in background noise to ensure calls are crystal clear
• Preset & Custom EQ Modes – Adjust your EQ or create your own custom EQ modes
• Customizable Button Functions – Personalize your earbuds by customizing your controls via the Skullcandy app
• Google Fast Pair – Seamlessly pair to your Android device every time you take your earbuds out of the case
• Noise Isolating Fit – Ergonomic, ovalized design provides all-day comfort and a noise- isolating fit
• Skullcandy App Compatibility – Enables users to dial in their audio experience, including button customization and custom equalizer levels
• Multipoint Pairing – Seamlessly pair to multiple devices at once, regardless of platform or manufacturer
• Sidetone – Counteract occlusion, allowing users to hear their own voice more naturally

Camera: The first GFX Series Fixed-Lens Digital Camera

FUJIFILM India proudly announces the launch of the Fujifilm GFX100RF (GFX100RF) in India. This marks the debut of the first fixed-lens digital camera in the GFX Series, featuring a powerful 102-megapixel high-speed sensor, GFX 102MP CMOS II,’ and the latest ‘X-Processor 5’ image processing engine. By thoroughly reviewing the design of both the lens and the body, it achieves a weight of approximately 735g 2, making it the lightest in the GFX Series 3 despite being a fixed-lens camera. This allows us to deliver an exceptional high-quality shooting experience to even more users.

Koji Wada, Managing Director, FUJIFILM India, shared his enthusiasm, “At FUJIFILM India, we are committed to delivering innovative products and solutions that embody our Group purpose of ‘Giving Our World More Smiles.’ By blending diverse ideas, unique capabilities, and extraordinary people, we aim to create solutions that bring joy and smiles to the world. With the launch of the GFX100RF, we are making the unmatched quality of large format photography more accessible than ever. This camera reflects Fujifilm’s relentless pursuit of innovation, delivering exceptional imaging performance in a compact, beautifully designed body.”

Features

• Achieving the lightest weight in the history of the GFX Series, the GFX100RF weighs approximately 735g.
• The GFX100RF is equipped with a 102-megapixel large format sensor ‘GFX 102MP CMOS II’ and the high-speed image processing engine ‘X-Processor 5.’ With a newly developed lens and advanced color reproduction technology, it achieves the exceptional image quality that the GFX Series is known for. The ‘GFX 102MP CMOS II’ sensor, with improved pixel structure and microlenses, offers a wide dynamic range, low-noise shooting, enhanced edge quality, and improved AF accuracy, allowing you to enjoy the extraordinarily high image quality that the GFX Series proudly delivers.
• For the first time in our digital cameras, the top plate of the camera is manufactured using precision-machined aluminum. This meticulous machining extends to the lens ring, dials, bottom plate, and other details, enhancing the feel of the metal and unifying the design. This results in a sophisticated design that highlights the presence of the camera body and dials, befitting a premium model.
• The camera features our first-ever Aspect Ratio Dial on the top rear. This allows for easy switching between nine versatile aspect ratios that we have provided for both stills and video formats since our founding. We have newly added the ‘3:4′ and ’17:6’ aspect ratios. The process of selecting the aspect ratio to match your subject or creative intent makes the large format shooting experience even more enjoyable.
• To make the digital teleconverter function, which utilizes the 102-megapixel high-resolution sensor, even more user-friendly, a Digital Teleconverter Lever is mounted on the front of the camera. This lever allows you to quickly and intuitively select the desired angle of view. Designed with a 35mm focal length (equivalent to 28mm in 35mm format), it can be switched in three fields of view to 45mm (equivalent to 36mm in 35mm format), 63mm (equivalent to 50mm in 35mm format), and 80mm (equivalent to 63mm in 35mm format), providing flexibility to accommodate various shooting scenes.
• A 3.15-inch, 2.1 million-dot, two-axis tilt LCD monitor, featuring a new user interface (UI) that optimally aligns shooting icons to match the monitor’s 3:2 aspect ratio, enhancing the immersive shooting experience.
• A new surround view function has been added, displaying areas outside the shooting frame in a semi-transparent or line format according to the aspect ratio. This function can be easily switched using a lever while looking through the viewfinder, providing an OVF-like experience even with an EVF, allowing you to be aware of what’s happening outside the frame.
• The newly designed fixed-lens 35mmF4 lens enables compact size and exceptional imaging performance. We have newly developed a dedicated 35mm F4 lens for the GFX100RF. By adopting a leaf shutter mechanism instead of a focal-plane shutter and using a fixed-lens design, we shortened the back focus. This created extra space, which we utilized to optimize the arrangement of lens and camera components, significantly reducing the overall size.
• The versatile 35mm focal length (equivalent to 28mm in 35mm format) is suitable for a wide range of scenes, including landscapes, travel, snapshots, and portraits. Its compact size enhances mobility and increases the flexibility of your shooting.
• The 10 elements in 8 groups lens configuration, which includes two aspherical lenses, reduces spherical aberration and field curvature, delivering high resolution performance. A newly developed Nano GI coating, optimized for lenses with significant curvature, suppresses light reflection even at the periphery of the lens. This ensures the exceptional resolution performance worthy of the GFX Series.
• You can shoot subjects as close as 20 cm from the lens front. Despite being a large format camera, its compact and lightweight body design allows you to get close to your subject and enjoy photography freely.
• For the first time in the GFX Series, the camera is equipped with a built-in 4-stop ND filter. This is useful for shooting with a wide aperture in bright environments or for slow shutter speed photography.