Accessories

Fossil’s new hybrid smartwatch has an always-on e-ink display

It’s called the Fossil Hybrid HR

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Smartphone manufacturers originally saw smartwatches as an extension of the phone instead of a beautiful time-telling accessory that you wear on your wrist. If you’re a watch-wearing person, there was absolutely no reason to buy into the tech at the time. The first few models looked hideous and had terrible battery life.

Years later, fashion brands and watchmakers like Fossil saved the day and made buying a smartwatch seem like a good idea. Along with the usual Wear OS smartwatches, the brand also introduced hybrid smartwatches a few years back. These are the typical circular mechanical watches with removable batteries that you don’t have to charge, with a few useful Bluetooth functions.

In 2019, Fossil’s new generation of hybrid smartwatches feature an always-on e-ink display. This allows the watch to display more information like your heart rate, number of steps, weather information, and notifications.

While getting more information can be a good thing, having a display also means having a built-in rechargeable battery — 55 mAh to be exact. Fossil says it takes around two weeks before it needs charging, and about an hour for a full charge. Previous generations of Fossil Q Hybrid last 6-12 months before the batteries needed replacing.

Like previous generations, you can still do functions like control your music through the buttons of the watch, and change the straps as they come in standard 18mm or 22mm sizes.

At launch there are five Fossil Hybrid HR models — those with leather straps retail for US$195 and US$215 for stainless steel.

Accessories

New AGON gaming monitor features up to 1000Hz refresh rate

New level of speed, flexibility for competitive gaming

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AGON by AOC has released the new AGON Pro AGP277QK dual-mode gaming monitor for the competitive segment.

This new offering features up to 1000Hz refresh rate at HD and 540Hz at QHD so gamers have the flexibility to prioritize either clarity or speed.

The 27-inch IPS gaming monitor comes with NVIDIA G-SYNC, synchronizing the monitor’s refresh rate with the GPU to help minimize screen tearing, stuttering, and input lag.

This is combined with 0.3ms MPRT and 1ms GtG response times for fast-moving action that is sharp and responsive, giving competitive players a clear visual advantage.

Moreover, the AGON Pro AGP277QK features VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification for enhanced contrast and more vivid, lifelike visuals.

Delta E < 1 color accuracy also provides precise color reproduction not just for gaming but even other scenarios like content creation.

For even smoother high frame-rate gameplay, MBR Sync combines motion blur reduction with variable refresh rate (VRR) technology. This helps maintain clarity during rapid movements.

The monitor also includes Low Input Lag, customizable Light FX ambient RGB lighting, Gaming Mode presets, and Shadow Control.

The display comes with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 connectivity, along with a height-adjustable stand and G-Menu support.

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Accessories

CASETiFY upgrades iPhone 18 cases, teases iPhone Duo lineup

Duo case waitlist is live.

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CASETiFY iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo

CASETiFY is launching a new collection of cases and accessories for the iPhone 18 series, updating some of its most popular designs with refined finishes, new protection features, and expanded customization options.

Impact Case

The collection is led by the Impact Case, CASETiFY’s best-selling case with more than 19 million units sold worldwide. It uses an internal EcoShock™ design and Duo-Lock by CASETiFY™ bonding for impact absorption and dispersion. The case is tested for drops of up to 8.2 feet and 4x Military Standard 810G. It also features a scratch-resistant Glaze finish, raised bezel, precision-engineered camera control button, and MagSafe and wireless charging compatibility.

The Ultra Impact Case builds on the same family with redesigned, more rounded corners and reinforced structures with internal air cells. It is tested for drops of up to 11.5 feet and 6x Military Standard 810G. It also has a slimmer profile, multiple design options, and MagSafe compatibility.

Both cases are available in Ring Stand variants. These feature a built-in metal camera ring stand that adjusts up to 150 degrees, with a screwless hinge designed for durability and stable hands-free viewing. Select models are also available with Glitter and Mirror finishes.

Ripple Case

CASETiFY is also bringing its Ripple Case to the iPhone 18 lineup. The soft-touch silicone case features rippled edges and puffed corners, with protection tested for drops of up to 6.6 feet and 3x Military Standard 810G. New colorways include Banana, Dusty Blue, Blush Pink, and Fig, alongside Black and White.

For users who want more protection, the Bounce Case offers CASETiFY’s highest level of drop protection in the collection. Its Expanded Bounce Corners, TesseLock™ design, and enhanced Duo-Lock bonding support drop protection of up to 21.3 feet and 7x Military Standard 810G.

Alloy Ripple Case

The lineup also includes the Alloy Ripple Case, which reworks the Ripple’s sculptural design in aluminum with an EcoShock™ design and Duo-Lock bonding. It is tested for drops of up to 8.2 feet and 4x Military Standard 810G. The Cloud Case uses a quilted soft-touch design with pillowy bumpers and up to 6.6 feet of drop protection.

Beyond cases, CASETiFY is expanding its accessories with the Ripple Wallet, Grip Stands, Loop Grips, Jelly Wristlets, Bow Charm Wristlets, and other charm-compatible straps. The iPhone 18 cases range from USD 50 to USD 90 , while accessories range from USD 25 to $USD 45.

The collection is available beginning September 10 through CASETiFY. The company is also preparing a case lineup for the upcoming iPhone Duo, with its waitlist already live.

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Accessories

AirPods 5 boasts better ANC and sound quality for the same price

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Right after the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max series, Apple dropped another bombshell for fans. Complementing the latest iPhone generation, the new AirPods 5 features a bunch of the most impressive improvements for the wearable.

Most importantly, the AirPods 5 will boast 50 percent better noise cancellation than the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. With Adaptive Audio, the wearable can sense your surroundings and adapt accordingly so you don’t miss the important bits happening around you.

It also features Live Translation for talking with others speaking in a different language. Plus, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume if the wearable detects that you’re talking.

For sound quality, the new wearable has a new acoustic architecture and an adaptive equalizer. It promises more detailed sound coming from the entry-level AirPods.

The new AirPods 5 will start at US$ 129. Preorders are already open, but the wearable will ship out on September 18.

Meanwhile, if you’re hankering for a bit more from your wearable, another variant, which starts at US$ 149, adds a Wireless Charging Case, on-stem swipe controls, and longer battery life. This model can reportedly last five more hours with active noise cancellation enable.

SEE ALSO: The iPhone Duo is real!

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