Tech Desk 
Jan 05, 2025
An undated image showing various gadgets. — iStock
This week in the world of gadgets, several major tech companies made headlines with new announcements and updates. Apple continued to build hype for its upcoming iPhone release, with rumours swirling about new camera features and improved battery life.
Let's dive into the top gadgets news of the week and explore what's new and what's next. Gadinsider has compiled a lineup for you.
Huawei slashes up to $411 on mobile phones
Huawei has dropped the rates of even its flagship devices by up to 3,000 yuan ($411) over the weekend. Citing a post shared on December 29 (Sunday) from the company's official Weibo social media account, Reuters outlined that the price dip was announced on one of China's leading e-commerce platforms.
Meta to fix bug bricking Quest 2, 3, and 3S headsets
Meta has acknowledged the recent software update problem that left numerous Meta Quest 2, Quest 3, and Quest 3S headsets unusable.
The company has reassured affected users that it is actively working to resolve the issue. According to Meta's official statements on its help centre and community forum, a recent software update caused some Quest headsets to fail to start up correctly.
LG UltraGear GX9 series: 5K2K OLED monitor to be launched in CES 2025
LG revealed its new monitor series, LG UltraGear GX9, on Monday. The company’s latest gaming monitor lineup consists of three models and will be launched at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, which will take place on January 7 in Las Vegas.
Magic Mouse 3 likely to launch in 2026
Apple is reportedly planning to launch a redesigned version of its popular Magic Mouse, expected to be called the Magic Mouse 3, in 2026.
This follows the recent update to Apple’s trio of Mac accessories—Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse—to USB-C versions.
Vivo to introduce mixed reality headset in 2025
Vivo is set to enter the mixed reality (MR) market with the launch of a new headset next year, poised to compete with Apple Vision Pro.
At an event, the company announced that the mixed reality headset will be likely showcased as a prototype in September or October 2025, with features that promise to surpass those present in Apple Vision Pro.
Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro launched in India
Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro has been officially unveiled in India, following its global release at an event in Barcelona in September. The device features a 1.43-inch AMOLED screen, an IP69K rating for dust and water resistance, and a claimed battery life of up to 14 days, alongside several other significant features.
Xiaomi 20,000mAh power bank launched in China
Xiaomi has officially unveiled the latest 20,000mAh, 22.5W power bank in China, sporting a host of significant features. The device, combining perfection and innovation, brings premium options for mid-range power banks.
Xiaomi 20,000mAh power bank is available at 129 yuan (approx. $18). It is offered in several stunning colours: Light grey and dark grey.
OnePlus Watch 3 to offer new health features: Rumours
OnePlus is rumoured to offer new health features in its smartwatch, OnePlus Watch 3. Evidence of the features was reportedly spotted on the latest version of the OHealth app.
The upcoming OnePlus Watch 3 is likely to be introduced during the global unveiling of the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R.
Huawei to launch AI-powered smartwatch in 2025
With the start of 2025, Huawei has hit rumours of releasing a new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered smartwatch this year. The company promised to roll out “beyond imagination” products in 2025.
On Weibo, a tipster @SmartPikachu indicated that Huawei will release a dynamic AI smartwatch this year. However, the tipster didn’t mention other details or key specs of the device, while the highlight of this wearable will likely be AI capabilities.
Samsung to launch next-gen monitors at CES 2025
Samsung has confirmed the launch of its latest Odyssey OLED G8, Odyssey 3D, and other innovative monitors on Thursday at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, starting on January 7 in Las Vegas.
The series will include five advanced models: the 2025 Smart Monitor M9, Odyssey OLED G8, Odyssey OLED G6, Odyssey 3D, and Viewfinity S8.
These monitors are packed with top-tier features, such as artificial intelligence (AI)-powered enhancements and more, promising a vivid and seamless streaming experience for users.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 likely to launch on January 21
Nvidia’s highly anticipated GeForce RTX 5080, the most robust card in its latest series, is expected to release on January 21. Its timing aligns with the company’s presence at CES, where CEO Jensen Huang will deliver the inauguration speech on January 6.
Asus, Samsung, MSI reveal world’s first 27-inch 4K OLED 240Hz monitors
The wait for 27-inch 4K OLED 240Hz gaming monitors comes to an end as Samsung, Asus, and MSI have simultaneously announced their next-generation QD-OLED gaming monitors. This technology brings the key properties of 4K OLED 240Hz panels to a smaller 27-inch size, shifting from the traditional 32-inch format.
The new gaming computers utilise Samsung Display's fourth-generation QD-OLED panel, which, according to Asus, offers a longer lifespan compared to previous-gen OLEDs.
Apple adds critical warning label to AirTags
Apple has added a new critical warning label to its coin-sized Bluetooth tracking device, AirTags. This development comes after the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notified the tech giant on January 2, 2025, of lacking warning labels on AirTags, citing a violation of Reese's Law.
Apple also recommends its users avoid attaching such devices to children's toys and belongings to ensure their safety.
MSI 2025 monitor lineup release date ahead of CES 2025
Micro-Star International (MSI) has revealed various new monitors with OLED and mini-LED screens and up to 600Hz refresh rates to be launched in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025.
All of the offerings come sported with artificial intelligence (AI) features, such as AI Navigator, which can analyse gaming setups to deliver maximum performance.
Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 and Dimensity 9500 to rival Apple M4 chip
Qualcomm’s rumoured flagship next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset and MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 are expected to outdo Apple’s M4 chip in single-core performance.
This potential leap is attributed to the integration attributed to the incorporation of ARM’s Scalable Matrix Extension (SME) and the utilisation of TSMC’s advanced 3nm "N3P" production process.
Samsung and Google partner to redefine 3D audio with Eclipsa format
Samsung and Google are poised to set a new benchmark in the audio industry with the introduction of Eclipsa Audio. This latest format will enable 3D audio experiences on selected YouTube videos, anticipated to roll out by the end of the year.
Support for Eclipsa Audio will be available across Samsung’s 2025 lineup of TVs and soundbars, offering users an immersive audio experience.
TCL launches Thunderbird U6 27-inch 4K QD-MiniLED monitor in China
TCL’s subsidiary Ffalcon has introduced its latest QD-MiniLED office monitor, the Thunderbird U6, in the Chinese market.
The monitor is priced at 1,499 yuan ($204) and is now available for purchase on JD.com. Here’s a look at its key specifications.
In the coming week, we can expect even more news and announcements from the tech world. With major conferences and product launches on the horizon, it's shaping up to be an exciting time for gadget fans.
