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Honor’s MWC 2025 Keynote: From AI-Powered Smartphones to IoT Devices

A Closer Collaboration with Google and Qualcomm

At the Mobile World Congress 2025, Honor announced what it calls "Alpha Plan," an initiative to transition the smartphone brand into an AI device ecosystem company. This is accompanied by an extended software support promise, matching that of Samsung and Google, and three new IoT launches. Here’s the full rundown of the Sunday newsbreak.

Honor will invest $10 billion over the next five years for a "renewed focus on open collaboration" with Google and Qualcomm to co-create an "intelligent ecosystem," a series of devices that can seamlessly communicate and interact with each other.

New Wearables and a Tablet for the Global Market

Honor is expanding its product lineup in Europe with three new devices. Leading the charge are the Honor Earbuds Open, a pair of open-ear wireless earbuds designed with a built-in ear hook — similar in style to the recent Beats Powerbeats Pro.

The Honor Earbuds Open offer a secure fit while integrating AI-powered features such as Live Translation and an AI agent. The earbuds also include a three-microphone hybrid active noise cancellation system that should help minimize wind noise and enhance voice clarity. Battery life is rated at up to six hours on a single charge, with the case extending it to 22 hours. The Honor Earbuds Open are priced at 149 euros.

Other Key Announcements

  • Honor Magic 7 Pro and Magic 7 RSR: The first two devices to be included in the new update standard will be the Honor Magic 7 Pro and Magic 7 RSR. Unfortunately, Honor won’t offer these many updates to its latest foldable, the Magic V3, but the company has assured that upcoming Magic series phones will receive the seven years of Android OS updates.
  • AIMAGE Imaging Brand: Honor also announced a new AIMAGE imaging brand, which includes a new feature for restoring old portraits. It’ll roll out for the Magic 7 Pro later this month. AIMAGE is powered by the AI Kernel and is said to support a 1.3 billion parameter model to "generate a 50% uplift in image clarity."
  • AI Deepfake Detection: The company will soon release its AI Deepfake detection feature to its flagship smartphones. We’ll surely want to test the accuracy and reliability of it, but it’s a practical tool nonetheless during a time of digital confusion.
  • Honor Connect: Like Oppo’s O+ Connect, Honor has also announced a new way to transfer data between Android and Apple-owned platforms. For example, a new iOS app called Honor Connect will allow users to transfer data (files, images, and videos) between Honor devices and an iPhone seamlessly.

Conclusion

Honor’s focus on AI-powered devices and software is a significant step forward for the company. With its collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, Honor is set to offer a more seamless and integrated experience across its devices. The seven years of software support for its flagship smartphones is a major selling point, and the new IoT devices and wearables announced are promising additions to the Honor ecosystem.

FAQs

Q: What is Honor’s Alpha Plan?
A: Honor’s Alpha Plan is an initiative to transition the smartphone brand into an AI device ecosystem company, focusing on open collaboration with Google and Qualcomm.

Q: What is the Honor Earbuds Open?
A: The Honor Earbuds Open are a pair of open-ear wireless earbuds designed with a built-in ear hook, offering a secure fit, AI-powered features, and a three-microphone hybrid active noise cancellation system.

Q: What is the Honor Watch 5 Ultra?
A: The Honor Watch 5 Ultra is a premium smartwatch with a 1.5-inch AMOLED display, IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and 5ATM water submersion support, running Honor’s custom software.

Q: What is the Honor Pad V9?
A: The Honor Pad V9 is an 11.5-inch tablet with a 144Hz refresh rate, 1,840 x 2,800-pixel resolution, and a 10,100mAh battery, priced at 250 euros.

Trump names Bitcoin and others as part of coming ‘Crypto Strategic Reserve’

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Trump’s Cryptocurrency Plan: Bitcoin and Ether to be the Heart of the Reserve

Cryptocurrency’s Newfound Favor with the Trump Administration

In a pair of social media posts today, President Donald Trump announced that he will be creating a Crypto Strategic Reserve, with Bitcoin and Ether being the core components. This move comes as a surprise to many, given the previous skepticism towards cryptocurrencies from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under Trump’s predecessor.

A Shift in the SEC’s Stance

Under Trump’s leadership, the SEC has taken a more relaxed approach to cryptocurrencies. The agency has dropped multiple investigations and lawsuits against cryptocurrency firms, which had previously been accused of securities violations. This change in stance suggests that the government is now more open to the idea of regulating and recognizing cryptocurrencies as a legitimate form of investment.

Ripple’s XRP in the Spotlight

One of the cryptocurrencies mentioned by Trump, Ripple’s XRP, has been the subject of a 2020 SEC lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged that XRP functioned as an unregistered security, but the judge’s ruling was limited to only institutional investors. The SEC appealed the decision in October last year, and the case is still ongoing.

Conclusion

The creation of a Crypto Strategic Reserve, with Bitcoin and Ether at its core, marks a significant shift in the government’s approach to cryptocurrencies. The relaxed stance from the SEC and the inclusion of XRP in the Reserve suggest that the government is now more open to the idea of regulating and recognizing cryptocurrencies. It remains to be seen how this development will impact the cryptocurrency market and its users.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a Crypto Strategic Reserve?
    A Crypto Strategic Reserve is a new initiative by the government to create a reserve of cryptocurrencies, with the goal of stabilizing the market and promoting investment in these digital assets.
  • Why are Bitcoin and Ether included in the Reserve?
    Bitcoin and Ether are two of the most widely recognized and widely traded cryptocurrencies, making them a natural fit for the Reserve.
  • What is the current status of the SEC’s stance on cryptocurrencies?
    The SEC has taken a more relaxed approach to cryptocurrencies, dropping multiple investigations and lawsuits against cryptocurrency firms.
  • What is the current status of the Ripple’s XRP lawsuit?
    The lawsuit is ongoing, with the SEC appealing the judge’s decision in October last year.

Honor’s AI Agent Can Read and Understand Your Screen

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The Rise of Agentic Artificial Intelligence: A New Era in Tech

The Future of AI: Taking Control

Agentic artificial intelligence is the latest buzzword in the tech sphere, and for good reason. It has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology. This type of AI is capable of taking control of tasks, making decisions, and completing actions on our behalf. One company, Honor, has been at the forefront of this innovation, showcasing its capabilities with a self-reliant AI execution model.

Honor’s Approach

Honor’s approach to agentic AI is unique in that it doesn’t rely on traditional methods like accessing an app’s Application Programming Interface (API). Instead, its AI agent memorizes the process, allowing users to issue a command and have it execute the task. This is demonstrated through its ability to book a restaurant, in this case, OpenTable.

The Power of Multimodal Screen Context Recognition

Honor’s AI is capable of multimodal screen context recognition, allowing it to perform tasks autonomously. This means it can understand the semantic elements of a user interface and follow through with a multi-step process to execute a request. This is more cost-effective than traditional methods, which rely on external APIs, resulting in higher operational costs.

A New Era of Interaction

The rise of agentic AI marks a new era of interaction between humans and technology. It has the potential to transform the way we use our devices, making it easier to complete tasks and access information. As seen in the example of booking a restaurant, agentic AI can take control of complex processes, streamlining the user experience.

Conclusion

The future of technology is clear: agentic AI is here to stay. As it continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of this technology. With its potential to revolutionize the way we interact with our devices, it’s an exciting time to be a part of the tech industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is agentic artificial intelligence?
A: Agentic artificial intelligence is a type of AI that is capable of taking control of tasks, making decisions, and completing actions on our behalf.

Q: How does Honor’s AI work?
A: Honor’s AI agent memorizes the process, allowing users to issue a command and have it execute the task.

Q: What are the benefits of agentic AI?
A: Agentic AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with our devices, making it easier to complete tasks and access information.

Q: What are the limitations of agentic AI?
A: While agentic AI has the potential to transform the way we use technology, its limitations are still being explored and understood. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of this technology.

NAVER Place Optimizes SLM-Based Vertical Services with NVIDIA TensorRT-LLM

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Matching Visits with Places of Interest using an SLM Transformer Decoder

NAVER Place, a popular South Korean search engine company, offers a geo-based service that provides detailed information about millions of businesses and points of interest across Korea. Users can search, review, and book places in real-time.

Adopting NVIDIA TensorRT-LLM for Superior Inference Performance

NAVER Place uses small language models (SLMs) to improve usability and are specialized for Place, Map, and Travel. To optimize SLM inference performance, NAVER Place adopted NVIDIA TensorRT-LLM, which accelerates and optimizes inference performance for large language models (LLMs) on NVIDIA GPUs.

Modularize IO Type Conversion by Model

The team encapsulated the IO data conversion process for each model and created a common function for conversion between pb_tensor and Pydantic, making it suitable for the base Triton Python model.

Modularizing the BLS Business Logic and Enhance Testability

The NAVER team modularized the business logic and preprocessing and postprocessing code in BLS to achieve lower coupling, making the code less complex and enhancing testability and maintainability.

Summary

NAVER Place has successfully optimized LLM engines using NVIDIA TensorRT-LLM and improved the usability of NVIDIA Triton Inference Server. Through this optimization, the team maximized GPU utilization, further enhancing the overall system efficiency. The entire process has helped to optimize multiple SLM-based vertical services, making NAVER Place more user-friendly.

FAQs

Q: What is NAVER Place?
A: NAVER Place is a geo-based service that provides detailed information about millions of businesses and points of interest across Korea.

Q: What are SLMs used for?
A: SLMs are used to improve usability and are specialized for Place, Map, and Travel.

Q: What is NVIDIA TensorRT-LLM?
A: NVIDIA TensorRT-LLM accelerates and optimizes inference performance for large language models (LLMs) on NVIDIA GPUs.

Q: What is Triton Inference Server?
A: Triton Inference Server is a platform for deploying and managing neural networks.

Introducing the AI Challenger to Samsung’s Throne

Honor’s MWC 2025 Keynote: A New Era of AI-Powered Devices and Long-Term Software Support

At the Mobile World Congress 2025, Honor announced a series of new hardware, but the focus was on software, particularly AI applications that may just strike a chord with users.

A Closer Collaboration with Google and Qualcomm

With Alpha Plan, Honor will invest $10 billion over the next five years for a "renewed focus on open collaboration." The company will work closely with Google and Qualcomm to co-create an "intelligent ecosystem," a series of devices that can seamlessly communicate and interact with each other.

This collaboration will also help Honor deliver seven years of Android OS and security updates to its flagship smartphones, joining the likes of Samsung and Google in terms of software longevity.

New Wearables and a Tablet for the Global Market

Honor is expanding its product lineup in Europe with three new devices. Leading the charge are the Honor Earbuds Open, a pair of open-ear wireless earbuds designed with a built-in ear hook. They offer a secure fit while integrating AI-powered features such as Live Translation and an AI agent.

The company is also launching the Watch 5 Ultra, a premium smartwatch with a 1.5-inch AMOLED display that supports an always-on mode. It runs Honor’s custom software instead of Wear OS and is powered by a 480mAh battery, delivering up to 15 days of battery life.

Last but not least, Honor has also announced a new tablet called the Pad V9. It sports an 11.5-inch LCD with support for a 144Hz refresh rate and a sharp 1,840 x 2,800-pixel resolution.

Conclusion

Unlike previous years, Honor hasn’t announced a new smartphone at MWC. Instead, it’s focusing on AI and delivering a better software experience. Seven years of software support is promising, and it’s safe to say the Google Cloud and Qualcomm collaborations are only just getting started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Honor’s Alpha Plan?
A: Honor’s Alpha Plan is an initiative to transition the smartphone brand into an AI device ecosystem company, with a focus on open collaboration with Google and Qualcomm.

Q: What devices will receive seven years of Android OS and security updates?
A: The Honor Magic 7 Pro and Magic 7 RSR will be the first two devices to receive seven years of Android OS and security updates.

Q: What is AIMAGE?
A: AIMAGE is a new imaging brand from Honor, which includes a new feature for restoring old portraits. It will roll out for the Magic 7 Pro later this month.

Q: What is the Honor Earbuds Open?
A: The Honor Earbuds Open are a pair of open-ear wireless earbuds designed with a built-in ear hook, offering a secure fit while integrating AI-powered features such as Live Translation and an AI agent.

The TechCrunch AI Glossary

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Artificial Intelligence Glossary

AI Agent

An AI agent refers to a tool that uses AI technologies to perform a series of tasks on your behalf, such as filing expenses, booking tickets or a table at a restaurant, or even writing and maintaining code. However, the concept implies an autonomous system that may draw on multiple AI systems to carry out multi-step tasks.

Chain-of-Thought Reasoning

In an AI context, chain-of-thought reasoning for large language models means breaking down a problem into smaller, intermediate steps to improve the quality of the end result. It usually takes longer to get an answer, but the answer is more likely to be right, especially in a logic or coding context. So-called reasoning models are developed from traditional large language models and optimized for chain-of-thought thinking thanks to reinforcement learning.

Deep Learning

A subset of self-improving machine learning in which AI algorithms are designed with a multi-layered, artificial neural network (ANN) structure. This allows them to make more complex correlations compared to simpler machine learning-based systems, such as linear models or decision trees. The structure of deep learning algorithms draws inspiration from the interconnected pathways of neurons in the human brain.

Fine-Tuning

This means further training of an AI model that’s intended to optimize performance for a more specific task or area than was previously a focal point of its training — typically by feeding in new, specialized (i.e. task-oriented) data.

Large Language Model (LLM)

Large language models, or LLMs, are the AI models used by popular AI assistants, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Google’s Gemini, Meta’s AI Llama, Microsoft Copilot, or Mistral’s Le Chat. When you chat with an AI assistant, you interact with a large language model that processes your request directly or with the help of different available tools, such as web browsing or code interpreters.

Neural Network

Neural network refers to the multi-layered algorithmic structure that underpins deep learning — and, more broadly, the whole boom in generative AI tools following the emergence of large language models. Although the idea to take inspiration from the densely interconnected pathways of the human brain as a design structure for data processing algorithms dates all the way back to the 1940s, it was the much more recent rise of graphical processing hardware (GPUs) — via the video game industry — that really unlocked the power of theory.

Weights

Weights are core to AI training as they determine how much importance (or weight) is given to different features (or input variables) in the data used for training the system — thereby shaping the AI model’s output. Put another way, weights are numerical parameters that define what’s most salient in a data set for the given training task.

Conclusion

In this glossary, we’ve covered some of the most important terms related to artificial intelligence, including AI agents, chain-of-thought reasoning, deep learning, fine-tuning, large language models, neural networks, and weights. These terms are essential for understanding the rapidly evolving landscape of AI.

FAQs

Q: What is an AI agent?
A: An AI agent is a tool that uses AI technologies to perform a series of tasks on your behalf.

Q: What is chain-of-thought reasoning?
A: In an AI context, chain-of-thought reasoning means breaking down a problem into smaller, intermediate steps to improve the quality of the end result.

Q: What is deep learning?
A: Deep learning is a subset of self-improving machine learning in which AI algorithms are designed with a multi-layered, artificial neural network (ANN) structure.

Q: What is fine-tuning?
A: Fine-tuning means further training of an AI model that’s intended to optimize performance for a more specific task or area than was previously a focal point of its training.

Q: What is a large language model (LLM)?
A: Large language models, or LLMs, are the AI models used by popular AI assistants, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Google’s Gemini, Meta’s AI Llama, Microsoft Copilot, or Mistral’s Le Chat.

Q: What is a neural network?
A: Neural network refers to the multi-layered algorithmic structure that underpins deep learning — and, more broadly, the whole boom in generative AI tools following the emergence of large language models.

Q: What are weights?
A: Weights are numerical parameters that define what’s most salient in a data set for the given training task, determining how much importance (or weight) is given to different features (or input variables) in the data used for training the system.

Google Cloud Run vs Sliplane

Google Cloud Run vs Sliplane: A Comparison of Containerized Application Deployment and Management

Ease of Use

Sliplane GCR
4/5 3/5

Reliability

Sliplane GCR
4/5 5/5

Scalability

Sliplane GCR
3/5 5/5

Pricing

Sliplane GCR
4/5 2/5

Scalability on Google Cloud Run

Google Cloud Run is a serverless compute engine. This means the cloud provider takes full control of allocating compute resources for your software based on demand. Google Cloud’s serverless architecture allows it to quickly scale up automatically as needed and scale down to 0. Services that have been idle for a while will experience cold starts, meaning their response time becomes significantly higher on the first invocation. There are general development tips to reduce the impact of cold starts on Google Cloud Run.

Scalability on Sliplane

Sliplane services do not run in a serverless environment. You get access to servers that stay up and running until they get deleted again, therefore, startup times are not an issue and in general fluctuating response times are less likely to happen. On the flip side, general scalability is more limited and you might have to overprovision servers if you are dealing with inconsistent traffic.

Reliability

GCR Reliability

GCR provides an SLA. With the exception of deployments to Mexico, Cloud Run starts refunding you 10% if monthly uptime is below 99.95% (~20 minutes of downtime) and up to 50% if it goes below 95.0% (~1.5 days of downtime). Additionally, GCR provides advanced tooling for creating high-availability setups with redundancy across all components of the system.

Sliplane Reliability

Sliplane does not provide SLAs. It is built mostly on top of Hetzner infrastructure. In the past three months (Nov 24 – Jan 24), uptime was over 99.95%, and going back further, it was consistently over 99.99%. It’s safe to say that the general reliability of the service is rock-solid, although Sliplane does not offer tooling for high-availability setups >99.99%.

Pricing

GCR Pricing

GCR prices in useast1 (South Carolina) per month based on 30.42 days of runtime including free tier, prices from 03/02/2024

Storage and Network:
In useast1 (South Carolina), Google’s Cloud storage pricing starts at $0.02 per GB and gets cheaper at higher volume.

Bandwidth charges are split into two tiers: standard and premium. The premium tier is more expensive, but offers lower latency, better uptime, and comes with some free usage. We will look at the standard tier. Incoming traffic is free, outgoing traffic depends on where it’s routed to. In the US, traffic to servers outside the Google network is charged $0.085 per GB ($85 per TB) and prices decrease with higher usage.

Pricing of Sliplane

Compared to GCR, Sliplane’s pricing is simpler. You pay per server, which includes storage and traffic up to a certain limit. Beyond that, there are additional costs for extra bandwidth.

Summary

In summary, GCR and Sliplane are suited for different users and needs.

GCR is ideal for enterprises with high scalability requirements and no tight restrictions on budget. It’s also suitable for companies with spiky or highly fluctuating workloads. On the other hand, Sliplane is perfect for startups, SMBs, and solo developers who are looking for a simple and affordable solution to deploy containerized workloads.

Best AI Photo Editors to Refine Pictures and Boost Your Marketing Campaigns in 2025

The Role of AI in Modern Marketing

AI is changing marketing in ways we never thought possible. It helps brands work smarter, move faster, and reach the right people with the right message. AI makes marketing more precise, personal, and effective. From automation to deep data insights, AI is shaping the future of digital marketing.

The Shift to Data-Driven Decision-Making with AI

Marketing today is all about data. AI helps marketers process huge amounts of data in seconds. This means brands can predict what customers want before they even ask. AI-powered tools like the best AI photo editor and AI photo editing software use machine learning to optimize visuals for marketing campaigns, improving engagement and conversion rates.

  • Ai allows marketers to personalize content based on individual customer preferences.
  • With real-time data, AI helps brands make quicker, more informed marketing decisions.
  • Ai tools can segment audiences and tailor visuals to maximize campaign impact.

AI’s Ability to Personalize Customer Experiences

Personalization drives modern marketing, and AI photo editing software is making this even more precise. AI uses data from multiple sources to customize content, ads, and even visual experiences.

Platforms like the best AI photo enhancer app and AI photo editor for PC refine images while learning from previous choices.

Automating Repetitive Tasks for Higher Efficiency

One of the biggest benefits of using AI in marketing is automating repetitive tasks. AI saves time and effort by handling everything from content generation to social media management and ad placements. With AI photo editing software, marketers can quickly enhance images without manual work.

By automating these tasks, AI allows brands to focus on strategy and creativity, boosting productivity and innovation.

Scalability for Businesses of All Sizes

Scalability is crucial when it comes to choosing an AI marketing tool. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, the tool must be able to scale according to business size and need without compromising performance. AI tools that can scale help businesses grow without the need for constant upgrades or changes in systems.

  • A scalable AI tool adapts to increased workloads and expanding data inputs with ease.
  • For smaller businesses, it means having access to the same powerful tools that large enterprises use but in a way that fits their current capacity and budget.
  • For larger businesses, scalability ensures that marketing efforts are not bottlenecked by tool limitations, allowing for expansive campaign deployments without technical hitches.
  • Scalable AI tools allow businesses to adjust quickly to market changes without being limited by technology.

Final Thoughts

AI photo editors are crucial for successful marketing in 2025, transforming how brands connect with customers, personalize experiences, and optimize campaigns for maximum ROI. As these technologies continue to evolve, the opportunity for marketers to harness their power becomes even more significant. To truly leverage the potential of AI in your marketing strategies, consider partnering with LITSLINK, who can guide you in choosing and implementing the right AI tools.

FAQs

What is an AI photo editor?

It’s a tool that uses AI to fix and improve photos automatically. You can adjust colors, remove objects, or change the style without needing to do it all by hand.

How does AI help in marketing?

Ai helps marketers by analyzing data quickly, personalizing ads for each viewer, and automating routine tasks. This means better-targeted ads, saved time, and generally smarter marketing.

Can AI photo editors replace human photographers?

No, AI photo editors are here to help, not replace. They handle the repetitive editing tasks so photographers can focus on the creative aspects.

What are the benefits of using AI in digital marketing?

Using AI in digital marketing makes campaigns more efficient and effective. It leads to higher sales, a better understanding of customer needs, and more personalized marketing.

How do I pick the right AI photo editor?

Think about what you need from an editor, such as specific features and ease of use. Try out a few with free trials and see which one fits best into your workflow.

Use Alexa+ for Free

How to Get Alexa+ for Free

Amazon’s revamped virtual assistant, Alexa+, is powered by generative AI and offers more advanced features than its predecessor. While it will cost $20 monthly, there are ways to use it for free, at least for a limited time.

How to Get Alexa+ for Free

To get Alexa+, you’ll need an Echo Show 8, 10, 15, or 21. Amazon is rolling out Alexa+ to these devices first, and users with these devices will be prioritized to use the new assistant. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive an email or a device notification when the early access period begins. Follow the instructions to opt into the early access period, which will allow you to use Alexa+ on your Echo Show and other compatible devices.

How to Get Alexa+ for Free After Early Access

If you’re not eligible for the early access period, you can still get Alexa+ for free by signing up for Amazon Prime. A Prime monthly membership costs $15, and it includes a 30-day free trial. Once Alexa+ is released, you can sign up for a Prime subscription and get access to the new virtual assistant.

What to Ask Alexa+

Try asking Alexa+ questions that the classic version of Alexa can’t handle. Here are some examples:

  • Tell me when the next event on the school calendar is (after sharing a calendar with it).
  • Give me a summary of the latest news.
  • What are some creative ways to use celery in recipes for kids?
  • Find games where X team plays Y team.
  • Turn on the kitchen lights and dim the living room lights.

Is Alexa+ Worth It?

Determining whether Alexa+ is worth it depends on your individual needs. If you have more Echo Shows than Echo speakers, it could be worth it, as the new assistant will be available on these devices first. However, if you don’t have a Prime membership, it may not be worth it, especially if you plan to use it primarily to process data and answer questions.

Factors to Consider

  • If you have more Echo Shows than Echo speakers, Alexa+ could be worth it.
  • If you don’t have a Prime membership, it may not be worth it.
  • You can try Alexa+ on your Echo Show, web browser, and compatible Fire TVs and tablets.

Conclusion

Alexa+, Amazon’s revamped virtual assistant, offers more advanced features and capabilities than its predecessor. While it will cost $20 monthly, there are ways to use it for free, at least for a limited time. Consider your individual needs and factors before deciding whether Alexa+ is worth it for you.

FAQs

Q: What devices will support Alexa+?
A: Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21 will support Alexa+ initially.

Q: How much does Alexa+ cost?
A: $20 monthly.

Q: Is Alexa+ free for Prime users?
A: Yes, Alexa+ is free for Prime users.

Q: Can I try Alexa+ for free?
A: Yes, by signing up for a Prime subscription and trying it out for 30 days before paying for it.

HMD’s New Earbuds Can Top Off Your Phone’s Battery

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HMD’s New Earbuds: A Revolutionary Charge-Boosting Case

Introducing the Amped Buds

HMD has announced a new set of earbuds, aptly named the Amped Buds, which come with a case that doubles as a backup phone battery. The Qi2 charging case uses reverse wireless charging to boost your phone’s charge. With a slim design and a 1,600mAh battery, it’s a portable case that offers just enough charge to get through the end of the day. The Amped Buds are priced at €199 (about $206) and will launch in April, with no word yet on a US release.

Features and Design

The Amped Buds include active noise cancellation and environmental noise cancellation. The case is rated IPX4 for some dust resistance, and the earbuds are IP54 splash-resistant. The case measures 14mm thick, and the buds are designed with a hinge to fit straight into the case for charging. They’re spring-loaded, so there’s a satisfying pop when you put them in or take them out of the case. Remove the buds, and you’ll fold the stems forward to fit like standard earbuds.

Color Options and Charging Options

The case and buds are color-matched and come in cyan, black, and pink. The case’s Qi2 support means it will connect magnetically to Qi2 and MagSafe phones for a secure fit while charging. It can be used with magnetic phone cases, too, or with any plain wireless charging phone (it just won’t stick securely), and there’s a USB port to provide wired charging. You can also use the case to charge the earbuds themselves – more than ten times over, according to HMD, which gets you up to 95 hours of music playback time before you have to charge the case again.

Revolutionary Concept

It’s a clever concept that makes immediate sense. Plenty of us are used to charging and carrying earpods already, so there’s no new behavior to learn. You just carry your earbuds with you as usual, and if you happen to run low on battery, you have a back-up on hand, or you just have a huge battery to keep recharging your buds. Pretty slick.

Conclusion

The HMD Amped Buds offer a unique combination of convenience, style, and functionality. With their innovative case design, users can enjoy extended battery life and peace of mind. Whether you’re an audiophile or just someone who loves staying connected on-the-go, the Amped Buds are definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the Amped Buds be available in the US?
A: No word yet on a US release.

Q: How long does the case battery last?
A: The case can charge the earbuds more than ten times, according to HMD, which gets you up to 95 hours of music playback time before you have to charge the case again.

Q: Can I use the case with any phone?
A: Yes, the case is compatible with any phone that supports wireless charging, but it won’t stick securely to magnetic phone cases.

Q: How long does it take to charge the case?
A: The charging time is not specified, but it can be charged wirelessly or via USB port.