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Nokia maker releases a global SIM card, literally ‘connecting people’

No roaming charges in 120 countries

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HMD Global unveiled a slew of Nokia-branded phones via an online-only event. As it turns out, the company is ambitious about the mobile future and it’s not just limited to hardware. They’ve also announced an HMD Connect SIM card that provides up to 1GB of data with a validity of 14 days. Obviously, the user can opt to purchase more bandwidth. How’s this different from your local telecom operator?

It will work in 120 countries without a hitch and no extra charges on top, also generally known as “roaming” cost. You can purchase the Starter Kit from their website and it’ll cost €19.95 (US$ 22). But, if you order two Starter Kits, the second one will cost just €10 (US$ 10.8).

The Starter Kit includes 1GB of data by default and you can buy more for €9.95 (US$ 10.75) for 1GB, followed by €5 (US$ 5.4) for each additional gigabyte. The company will start sending out the kits from March 30.

HMD Connect app has been released on the Play Store where you can seamlessly manage your SIM card and top-up whenever necessary. It’ll also show you how much data is left in your account.

However, the amount of data you get depends on three zones. Zone 1 countries get 1GB of data, Zone 2 countries get 500MB, while Zone 3 countries get just 250MB. HMD Global hasn’t specified the network it’ll work on — 2G, 3G, or 4G? Guess that’ll depend on their regional partners.

The SIM card will be very handy for people who travel internationally very often. Although the same won’t be happening in the foreseeable future because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Air travel has been radically shut down by most countries, so the timing of the launch isn’t in HMD Global’s favor.

HMD Global has the license to produce Nokia-branded phones worldwide and it has relied massively on Nokia’s legacy to boost sales. While there’s no doubt that its offerings are top-notch and competitive, it continues to churn the nostalgia wheel by releasing classics like the recently announced Nokia 5310.

The SIM card is literally about “connecting people”. This used to be Nokia’s iconic tagline during the golden days.

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Dreame enters smartphones with AURORA debut

Modular imaging, AI-native OS, and luxury design lead new “perception-first” push

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DREAME AURORA

Dreame has officially stepped into the smartphone space with the debut of its AURORA lineup in Silicon Valley, positioning itself beyond appliances and into next-generation intelligent devices.

Unveiled on April 29, the new AURORA brand introduces what Dreame calls three core breakthroughs: imaging, communication, and an AI-native operating system — all built around a “human-centric” approach to technology.

A new take on smartphones

At launch, Dreame showcased three key directions under the AURORA lineup.

Leading the charge is the AURORA NEX, a modular imaging flagship designed to unlock more advanced, flexible photography setups. The idea is to move beyond typical camera upgrades and give users more control over how they capture content.

Alongside it is the AURORA LUX, a luxury-focused series that leans into premium materials and craftsmanship. Dreame positions this as “heirloom-grade” tech — less gadget, more statement piece.

Completing the lineup is a new flagship range aimed at balancing performance, design, and everyday usability for high-end users.

Moving past spec wars

Dreame isn’t framing this as another specs race. Instead, it’s calling this shift a “perception revolution.”

The pitch is simple:

  • Better imaging should feel like creating, not just capturing
  • Connectivity should be stable and seamless everywhere
  • AI should be invisible but proactive, not something users have to manage

To get there, Dreame says it’s addressing familiar industry pain points — from camera hardware stacking to inconsistent signal performance and surface-level AI features.

Its solution is a full-stack approach:

  • A dedicated imaging system built with input from professional photographers
  • A “full-time signal” communication system for more stable connectivity
  • An AI-native OS designed to flip the model from users adapting to devices → devices adapting to users

From tools to partners

The bigger ambition here is clear. Dreame wants devices to evolve from passive tools into what it calls “proactive service partners.”

That means:

  • Devices anticipate needs
  • AI operates in the background
  • Hardware and software feel like a single system

It’s a familiar direction across the industry, but Dreame is betting on tighter integration and a stronger design identity to stand out.

A broader ecosystem play

The AURORA launch also signals something bigger: Dreame is expanding fast beyond its roots in home and personal care tech.

From hair tools to now smartphones, the company is building toward a full ecosystem anchored on AI and connected experiences.

Whether that vision lands will depend on execution — especially in a category as competitive as smartphones.

For now, AURORA marks Dreame’s most ambitious move yet, and a clear statement that it wants to compete not just on devices, but on how those devices fit into everyday life.

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MacBook Neo already “supply constrained” amid unexpected demand

New purchases are reportedly getting delayed.

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It’s been a crazy month for Apple fans on a budget. The debuts of the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo have brought the classic Apple experience to a wider market. Though the former is a bright spot on its own, the new MacBook Neo is currently breaking the company’s expectations as new orders are already “supply constrained.”

Last week, Tim Cook held an earnings call (via Six Colors) which includes the latest additions to Apple’s lineup. For the affordable iPhone, Cook gave a special shoutout as “the newest addition to what is already the strongest iPhone lineup we’ve ever had.” However, he was much more appreciative for the MacBook Neo’s role in the company’s notebook lineup.

Responding to a query about the new notebook, Cook says that the company “undercalled the level of enthusiasm” generated by the MacBook Neo. He also cited “tremendous enthusiasm” for the device in his main presentation.

Though he didn’t have the numbers to bolster his claims, he did give anecdotal examples of public schools switching over to Apple from Chromebooks and Windows PCs.

Finally, he says that the MacBook Neo is currently “supply constrained,” meaning new purchases will likely come with a delay before delivery.

Outside of the corporate perspective, there has been a lot of excitement for the notebook. Even if it uses the A18 Pro chip, the MacBook Neo promises a powerful notebook experience as is typical of Apple’s more traditional MacBooks. And to top it all off, it starts at only US$ 599, creating one of the most tempting offers for users who want to dip their toes into the Apple ecosystem.

SEE ALSO: MacBook Neo officially arrives at Power Mac Center

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Apple reportedly gives up on the Vision Pro

But Apple will continue to sell the current model.

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When they unveiled the Vision Pro in 2023, Apple touted the wearable as the next big thing after the iPhone. Now, almost three years removed from the launch, the Vision Pro hasn’t really taken over the coveted spot occupied by the iPhone. Apple, according to a report, is allegedly canning the short-lived wearable.

According to MacRumors, Apple has reportedly given up on making the Vision Pro a thing. The team handling the wearable has supposedly been subsumed by other teams within Apple.

If true, the wearable’s end is unfortunate but not surprising. Despite being out for years, the Vision Pro has sold only a little more than half a million units with numerous returns from customers. Most recently, Apple updated the wearable with the M5 chip, but the move hasn’t revitalized the device’s status in Apple’s lineup.

Most of the complaints about the device stem from its exorbitant price or its cumbersome battery pack. Besides costing a whopping US$ 3,499, the Vision Pro is also difficult to move around with, especially because of its total weight and a battery pack that can get in the way.

To be clear, Apple has not officially discontinued the Vision Pro yet. The company continues to sell the version with the M5 chip. Apple can also restart development in the future.

However, the meantime retirement on future development does coincide with the recent restructuring inside the company. Tim Cook recently decided to step down as CEO with John Ternus as his replacement. Canning the Vision Pro might be Ternus’ first step in redefining Apple according to his plans.

SEE ALSO: Apple Vision Pro gets M5 chip upgrade

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