News
Next HTC phone to combine LG second screen and Pixel camera
CES 2017 ended with no phone announcements from HTC. That’s because the Taiwanese company chose to save its next launch for January 12, which may see the HTC U Ultra and U Play on display.
With only a day left before the reveal, several leaks have already been unearthed for HTC’s first set of phones since the Bolt. While the 5.2-inch U Play with its midrange specs hasn’t gained much interest yet, the U Ultra is building up to be a head-turner.
If rumors are indeed true, the U Ultra will have a secondary screen above its 6-inch main display, similar to LG’s implementation on the V20 and V10. And just like the LG flagships, this additional display should present you with app shortcuts and basic information even when the phone is on standby.
Just as interesting is the possible inclusion of the same 12-megapixel main camera found on the HTC-made Google Pixel phones. Yes, that would be the highest-rated camera shooter in the history of DxOMark — and in the eyes of many users.
Other specs involve one of Qualcomm’s flagship processors, 4GB of memory, Android 7.0 Nougat, and exclusion of the 3.5mm headphone jack, just like on the HTC Bolt.
HTC will put all rumors to rest on January 12 at 4PM (GMT+8) or 3AM EST/12AM PST.
It is all about U. Join us live 12 Jan 2017 (3AM EST/12AM PST) #BrilliantU https://t.co/JFTzcvpGHn pic.twitter.com/OXJCT6ciGs
— HTC (@htc) January 10, 2017
[irp posts=”7609″ name=”HTC Bolt is all-metal, water-resistant, and outdated”]
Source: Venture Beat
Lifestyle
Sony releases two affordable turntables
They’re built for both first-timers and veteran vinyl listeners.
Vinyl records have been going through fits and starts throughout the years. While some years have a tepid collection of releases in the space, some feature new releases we’re very excited about. This year might be one of the latter, because Sony has just launched two new turntables that can bring the classic auditory experience for a competitive price.
First up is the PS-LX3BT. It’s a beginner-friendly turntable that values ease of use, while still prioritizing sleek designs. Right away, users can start listening with the attached audio cable and the built-in phono equalizer.
On the other hand, the PS-LX5BT is built for robustness. It has a rigid one-piece body and an aluminum tone arm. Together with the rubber mat and the circuit design, the entire turntable reduces vibrations and preserves audio quality. The high-grade cartridge delivers a wider soundstage. Finally, the gold-plated audio jack puts the premium on wired connections.
Despite the differences, both models will feature Bluetooth connectivity with aptX, aptX Adaptive, and Hi-Res Wireless Audio. They also have USB output with three-level gain control so you can digitize your library. Finally, they will support 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records.
The Sony PS-LX3BT is already available for presales. It will retail for US$ 399.99.
Meanwhile, the Sony PS-LX5BT will start its pre-sales later this spring. It will retail for US$ 499.99.
Accessories
G-DRAGON is CASETiFY’s first ever Global Brand Ambassador
Right on time with the brand’s 15th-year milestone
One of K-Pop’s most iconic soloists of all time has finally partnered up with the globally-renowned case maker.
And this isn’t like any other CASETiFY’s K-Pop Collab, this is much grander than that.
i-naugural Brand iCON
You heard that right! CASETiFY reveals their first ever Global Brand Ambassador.
Amassing 25 million Instagram followers, over 1.2 Billion YouTube views, and hitting almost 4 Million Spotify listeners, G-DRAGON has truly marked his footprint as the “King of K-Pop” — more than just being the iconic member of the global hit group BIGBANG.
His long overdue comeback (and world tour) with ‘Übermensch’ last 2025 further proves how massive the VIP (and FAM) community is.
View this post on Instagram
That said, GD’s influence isn’t limited to the music industry alone. Art and fashion have also witnessed his legendary artistry through his PEACEMINUSONE label. That pretty daisy with a fallen petal is the brand’s most iconic emblem you can see around.
The introduction of his fashion line was connected to music as well. It was introduced way back in 2013 during his ‘COUP D’ETAT’ solo promotions which was a true hit. It was totally evident in the album art’s peace symbol minus that one line.
Wesley Ng, CASETiFY’s CEO and Co-Founder (who’s also fashion-savvy), said that “welcoming G-DRAGON as the brand’s first Global iCON is a powerful statement.” This will not only amplify the reach of the already-popular case maker, it will also influence the brand’s creative direction.
After all, one’s artistic expression can be seen easily with the cases we rock out and about.
i-conic CHROMATIC
In line with this milestone also lies a new collection of cases and accessories.
The all-new CHROMATIC Collection is built around two concepts: FORMS & HUES. First, the CHROMATIC: FORMS set is headlined by the premium-made Alloy Ripple Case with an upgraded aluminum material.
Speaking of aluminum, the accompanying accessories are all metallic — from the 2-in-1 cross-body chain to custom cube charms for bespoke personalization.
Meanwhile, the CHROMATIC: HUES adds five new vibrant shades to CASETiFY’s ever-popular Ripple Collection through the Neon Ripple Case. These bold range of colors not only embody users’ creativity and self-expression, it also showcases an individual’s overall aesthetics.
While this isn’t the PEACEMINUSONE collab some of us have initially thought, crossing fingers that will be the next official CASETiFY collab in line.
Pricing and Availability
The brand new CHROMATIC COLLECTION is expected to hit shelves real soon with prices ranging between US$ 10 to US$ 85,
They will be available for purchase on CASETiFY.com and in select CASETiFY Studio retail stores around the world starting on January 26 (Monday).
Accessories
Razer fully unwraps these limited BLACKPINK Edition gaming gear
They are finally coming in your area!
Initially teased a month ago, the much-awaited BLACKPINK x Razer collab has finally been revealed for all the BLINKs to see (and purchase).
Hitting the ‘DEADLINE’
ICYMI, BLACKPINK (or K-Pop’s biggest female quartet composed of Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, and Jisoo) started their highly-anticipated ‘DEADLINE’ World Tour just last year.
With Razer’s signature dark black styling paired with BLACKPINK’s bold and iconic pink scheme, this collaboration felt like the perfect match.
Now, if you’re the type of BLINK who still has a severe sepanx (like yours truly), all these limited BLACKPINK-themed gaming gear by Razer might just be the cure.
That said, here are all the BLACKPINK Edition gaming accessories you should expect from the Singaporean-American gaming giant.
Ornata V3 Tenkeyless – BLACKPINK Edition
A low-profile RGB keyboard with clicky Mecha-Membrane switches.
DeathAdder Essential – BLACKPINK Edition
Gaming mouse with ergonic comfort and precision alongside mechanical switches and programmable buttons.
Gigantus V2 – Medium – BLACKPINK Edition
Razer’s smooth and durable mouse mat with that BLACKPINK flair
Enki X – BLACKPINK Edition
Badly-needed gaming chair for all-day comfort combined with BLACKPINK’s aesthetics — made for your marathon gaming sessions.
Pricing and Availability
Here are the SRP of the special Razer x BLACKPINK Edition gaming essentials:
- Ornata V3 Tenkeyless – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 119.99
- DeathAdder Essential – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 49.99
- Gigantus V2 – Medium – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 29.99
- Enki X – BLACKPINK Edition = US$ 499.99
These will all be released worldwide (excluding Canada and Japan) by the 2nd quarter of 2026.
Currently, Razer has set-up a pop-up store in Hong Kong. BLINKs in the area can experience all the special gaming gear with dedicated photo zones in the scene.
View this post on Instagram
This popped right in time as BLACKPINK will hold the Hong Kong stop of their ‘DEADLINE’ tour for three straight days — from January 24 (Saturday) until January 26, 2026 (Monday).
Moreover, these might just be the perfect complement to the quatro’s upcoming ‘DEADLINE’ EP by February 27, 2026.
Might as well, an advanced 10th year anniversary gift this August 2026.
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