It’s April? Where has the time gone? Despite making it about 33.3% of the year, existence is still empty and hollow, but let’s not get into that right now. Instead, let’s fill in the voids and holes in your soul with the latest and upcoming tech!
There’s no hope, only cope, and what better way to cope with the latest and upcoming tech? In this round-up, we have some classic smartwatches returning, fancy phones that’ll give your friends some real FOMO, new earbuds to shut the world out and live in the confined bubble which is modern life… and more.
1. Huawei Freebuds 6
Human ears are not parametrically shaped like car parts or buildings, they’re just cartilage that just so happens to funnel sound waves. These midrange wireless earbuds with 11mm dynamic drivers and micro-flat tweeters per side are organically shaped, smooth, and quite the statement, like their predecessor. A single charge will last up to 5.5 hours, and the charging case will provide 32 hours. Of course, the buds come with smart features like head-movement gestures, real-time AI translation for 21 languages, multi-device connectivity and head-tracking spatial audio, but only with some Huawei devices.
- Pricing: RMB999 (approximately RM609)
- Availability: TBA
2. Smartwatches with PebbleOS: Core 2 Duo & Core Time 2
Remember Pebble? The simple, minimalist smartwatch that just works and has great battery life? They’re back with a few extra capabilities but with the same ethos. The Core 2 Duo (not Intel) is the budget-friendly of the two, it’s a 1.26″ black and white 144×168 e-ink display with 22mm straps, with an open source OS providing all the timekeeping functions and basic fitness & sleep tracking functions. It’s got an expected 30 days of battery life, up from the 7 days of the Pebble.
The spicier Core Time 2 is more interesting, providing a 64 colour 200×228 touch screen e-ink display, but in a metal case as opposed to polycarbonate attached to 22mm straps. In addition to the sleep and fitness tracking, it also has heart rate monitoring. Both watches have a mic and speaker, so talking to your AI Assistant should be doable.
- Pricing: Core 2 Duo USD$149 (approximately RM662), Core 2 Time USD$225 (approximately RM999)
- Availability: Pre-order at Online Store (Duo ships July 2025, Time 2 ships December 2025)
3. Huawei Pura X
From the creators of the tri-fold, brings you the 16:10 fold, truly a hinged embodiment of the term “phablet.” The passport-shaped device has a 3.5″ square OLED display that’s 980×980, while the internal OLED display is 6.3″ at 2120×1320, both capable of 1-120Hz and 2500 nits of brightness. The phone is said to have IPX8 water resistance and shrug off 2 meters of water submersion.
While the processor of the device is TBA, the configurations are said to be up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage for the “collector’s edition.” The phone also has a quad-camera featuring a 50MP f/1.6 main shooter, while the wide angle and macro cameras are 40MP f/2.2, the 4th module being a dedicated colour sensor for image processing. The unique shape comes at a cost, apparently with the battery only rated at 4,720mAh.
- Pricing: From RMB7,499 (approximately RM4,585)
- Availability: TBA
4. Google Pixel 9a
After months of waiting, we finally have the budget version of the Pixel 9, which will eventually make its way to Malaysian shores. Being the entry point into the Pixel 9 lineup does not mean it is a completely basic phone, except for the back, where the camera has no bump. Isn’t that cool? It’s the trend now.
The Pixel 9a does have to make some cuts, however, it has 8GB of RAM and comes in 128GB and 256GB, while being powered by a Tensor G4 just like the other Pixels. Substantial improvement in the a-series is the brighter 6.3-inch display at 2700 nits and the 5100mAh battery. The cameras in the phone are a 48MP f/1.7 with a claimed 8x zoom with optical and electronic stabilisation, while the wide angle is a 13MP f2/2.
- Pricing: From RM2,699
- Availability: TBA
5. UGREEN x Genshin Impact Kinich Charging Accessories
The routine charging of your various devices, but with Genshin Impact. What better character than a Suarian Hunter, steady, direct and efficient in combat. The main attraction of the series of collaboration accessories is the 20,00mAh Nexode power bank with automotive-grade Li-ion cells, which is capable of up to 130W when two ports are utilised, with the main power being capable of 100W when charging 3 devices. The design is more than skin deep, as the startup animation of the TFT Smart Display has an Ajaw pixel art sequence.
Alongside are the 65W Nexode wall charger with 2 USB-C ports and a Type-A, the nifty Magflow 3-in-1 wireless charging dock for iPhones and earbuds, and a USB-C for smartwatches. Tie it all up with the pretty C-to-C cable with a matching design. If you like administering electricity with the intricate, vibrant green splash of Yumkasaurus pattern, and Chimaera Alebriius constellation, this one’s for you, Traveller!
- Pricing: Power Bank RM299, Charger RM149, Magflow RM229, Cable RM28.90
- Availability: Shopee, Lazada, Tiktok Shop
Gan contributed to this article.
