Telia Lithuania announces bestselling laptops
LITHUANIA 15:19

Telia Lithuania announces bestselling laptops

Telia Lithuania announced a list of the bestselling laptops in its shops in 2025. The list includes the Apple MacBook Air 13.6, MSI Thin 15.6/ i5 16 GB/512 GB / RTX 3050, Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15.6 / Ryzen 5 / 8 GB/512 GB, MSI Vector AI 16 / Ultra 7/16 GB/1 TB / RTX 5070 Ti and Lenovo LOQ 15.6 / i5 / 24 GB / 1 TB / RTX 4060.

Asus teams up with Xreal for ROG gaming glasses
GLOBAL 08:48

Asus teams up with Xreal for ROG gaming glasses

Asus has teamed up with smart glasses market Xreal to release its own augmented reality glasses under the ROG – Republic of Gamers brand. The ROG Xreal R1 glasses come with a dock to connect to a PC or games console and can also connect over USB to devices like the ROG Ally handheld in order to project a larger display. With a refresh rate up to 240 Hz and micro-OLED FHD display, they draw on Xreal's expertise in connected glasses to deliver a new high-performance gaming experience.

Ugandan ICT ministry seeks to boost local government digital communication with the public
UGANDA 08:47

Ugandan ICT ministry seeks to boost local government digital communication with the public

Uganda's ICT ministry has handed laptops to 176 district communication officers to enhance government information dissemination and strengthen strategic communication at the local administrative level. Aminah Zawedd, permanent secretary in the ICT ministry, said that for many years, communication officers have operated under significant constraints, relying largely on traditional communication methods such as press statements and newspaper articles, despite the rapid shift to digital platforms. She said tha

UK pushes ahead with mobile, Wi-Fi sharing in upper 6 GHz band
UNITED KINGDOM 08:13

UK pushes ahead with mobile, Wi-Fi sharing in upper 6 GHz band

The UK is moving ahead with plans to allow mobile and Wi-Fi services to share the upper 6 GHz band. Regulator Ofcom has issued a detailed proposal on how sharing the spectrum between Wi-Fi and mobile services would work, and said it expects to allow low-power Wi-Fi applications in the frequency range before the end of this year. The proposal is open for public comment until 20 March.

Viu launches short-form vertical video offering on mobile app
ASIA 06:22

Viu launches short-form vertical video offering on mobile app

Viu, the video streaming service operated by PCCW, has launched a new short-form video section called Viu Shorts, expanding its content catalogue with vertically formatted micro-dramas designed for mobile viewing. Viu Shorts is available within the Viu mobile app and features episodic content typically running between one and three minutes per episode. The new section sits alongside Viu's existing long-form television series and films and is aimed at viewers seeking shorter viewing sessions on mobile device

Wi-Fi industry prepares for greater SP 6 GHz adoption, Wi-Fi 8 launch in 2026
GLOBAL 7 JAN

Wi-Fi industry prepares for greater SP 6 GHz adoption, Wi-Fi 8 launch in 2026

The Wireless Broadband Association has shared its expected trends for the Wi-Fi industry in 2026 and beyond in its annual industry report. Among things to watch out for is accelerated Wi-Fi 7 adoption, tapping strong consumer and enterprise demand for 6 GHz-capable networks and building on existing market momentum from 2025. Citing ABI Research, the association says 2025 shipments of Wi-Fi 7-capable access points are estimated at 66.5 million units, more then doubling 2024's volume of 26.3 million units. Th

MTS Belarus starts collection of unused devices for recycling
BELARUS 7 JAN

MTS Belarus starts collection of unused devices for recycling

MTS Belarus started a programme to collect unused devices in its shops. Special boxes for handsets, tablets and small household appliances have been placed in 14 service centres of the operator in Minsk, regional centres, as well as Baranovichi, Borisov, Orsha and Polotsk. The project is planned to expand, with all the collected devices recycled.

Netgear commences pre-orders for 5G M7 portable hotspot
GLOBAL 7 JAN

Netgear commences pre-orders for 5G M7 portable hotspot

Netgear has started taking pre-orders for a portable 5G hotspot with built-in eSIM marketplace connectivity. Announced in late 2025, the Nighthawk 5G M7 has a list price of USD 499.99. This puts Netgear's product at the quality end of the market, targeting power users such as international and business travellers, catered to through software-based access to eSIM data plans in over 140 countries.

Wi-Fi Alliance aims to lure IoT interest with new 20 MHz Wi-Fi 7 certification
GLOBAL 7 JAN

Wi-Fi Alliance aims to lure IoT interest with new 20 MHz Wi-Fi 7 certification

The Wi-Fi Alliance announced it is expanding its certification programme for Wi-Fi 7 devices, introducing a stream tailored to 20 MHz channel applications used by IoT and smart home devices. The move reflects the fact that a lot of IoT operates purely in narrow spectrum slices. While new iterations of Wi-Fi leverage wider channels to drive performance gains, the Wi-Fi Alliance recognises that its Certified programme has tended to side-line IoT makers that would benefit from other technical advances.

Infinix presents AI Glasses at CES
GLOBAL 7 JAN

Infinix presents AI Glasses at CES

Infinix has announced the presentation of its Infinix AI Glasses at CES in Las Vegas. The range comprises a standard and Pro model. These are Infinix's first ever AI wearables and should reach the market in 2026, with pricing and availability varying by region. The new spectacles are run by a purpose‑built, dual‑chip architecture, featuring a 6nm main System on Chip (SoC) processor and dedicated imaging chip for extended battery life and effective thermal control.

TP-Link adds connectivity AI assistant Aireal to Tapo, Deco ranges
GLOBAL 7 JAN

TP-Link adds connectivity AI assistant Aireal to Tapo, Deco ranges

TP-Link Systems announced at CES the immediate launch of a connectivity-focused AI assistant, Aireal, that streamlines smart home and Wi-Fi outcomes for customers using its Tapo home devices and Deco mesh Wi-Fi system. Consumers can interact Aireal using voice commands to troubleshoot network and device issues, and should receive near-immediate responses that explain technical hurdles in simplified terms while outlining actions to remedy the situation. Aireal will also empower contextualised smart home even

Amazon expands Ring range with smart sensors, app store; to bring Sidewalk network to more countries
UNITED STATES 7 JAN

Amazon expands Ring range with smart sensors, app store; to bring Sidewalk network to more countries

Amazon.com is expanding its range of Ring smart cameras with new features, smart home sensors, enterprise devices and more services. A Ring app store is launching in the US to allow third-party developers to bring their apps to Ring cameras and doorbells, and the Sidewalk local wireless network bringing together Ring devices is rolling out in more countries. 

CHILE 7 JAN

GTD first to launch Wi Fi 7 in Chile with Amazon's Eero router

Chilean telecommunications firm GTD has become the first local operator to introduce Wi-Fi 7 in the country via the incorporation of Amazon's Eero 7 routers into its portfolio. The new wireless standard is designed to deliver faster speeds, lower latency and improved performance in homes with multiple connected devices, said GTD.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 7 JAN

Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold sells out within minutes in third sales round

Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Z Trifold sold out within one to two minutes during its third sales round in South Korea, both online and in stores, according to Hankyung, citing the company and industry sources. Sales began at 10:00am on 6 January through Samsung.com and major retail locations, including Samsung Gangnam. Customers queued outside the Gangnam store ahead of opening, while online availability ended rapidly, with the purchase button disabled after about a minute.

JAPAN 7 JAN

Rakuten Mobile to offer Nothing Phone (3a) Lite exclusively in Japan

Rakuten Mobile has announced that it will become the only mobile operator in Japan to offer the Nothing Phone (3a) Lite, with reservations opening on 7 January and commercial availability from 15 January. The 5G smartphone, manufactured by UK-based company Nothing, will be sold through Rakuten Mobile's online channels and retail stores at a listed price of JPY 32,890, including tax. Rakuten Mobile will also offer an exclusive red colour variant, which will not be available through other domestic carriers.

JAPAN 7 JAN

Google names Xreal lead Android XR hardware partner

Google and Japanese augmented reality device maker Xreal have agreed to extend their strategic partnership for multiple years, with Xreal appointed as the lead hardware partner for the Android XR ecosystem. Under the expanded agreement, Xreal's long-term hardware roadmap will be more closely aligned with the Android XR platform, including future devices based on Project Aura, which is scheduled for release in 2026.

GLOBAL 6 JAN

TCL Mini-LED TVs among first to get new Gemini smart assistant features

Google announced that select smart TVs from TCL's 2026 product slate will be the first with built-in GenAI features powered by its Gemini assistant, which is also expected to launch in other Google TV products in the coming months. New Gemini features include Google Photos search and access to the Nano Banana and Veo language models for photo edits and media creation. Natural language instructions can be used to configure the Google TV platform, for example to adjust screen brightness or sharpen audio clari

GLOBAL 6 JAN

Meta postpones international distribution of Ray-Ban Display amid heavy US demand

Meta said it is delaying the expansion of its Ray-Ban Display to the UK, France, Italy and Canada, which had been scheduled for early 2026, citing unprecedented demand and limited inventory. It said waiting lists for the AI spectacles now extend well into 2026 and it will focus on fulfilling US orders while it re-evaluates its approach to international availability.

GLOBAL 6 JAN

Vidaa updates smart TV platform with V brand, adds Xbox cloud ganming

Microsoft is expanding its Xbox cloud gaming service to more makes of smart TV. In 2026, the Xbox app will be available on select Hisense and V homeOS-powered smart TVs, under an agreement with Vidaa. As a result Xbox Game Pass subscribers will be able to stream games directly on the TV, via Xbox Cloud Gaming.  

GLOBAL 6 JAN

TCL introduces 5G mobile hotspot and mesh Wi-Fi 7 router in CES showcase

TCL's presentation at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas has detailed two upcoming wireless networking launches, namely a mobile Wi-Fi personal hotspot and an in-home Wi-Fi 7 mesh router. The TCL 5G Mobile WiFi P50 delivers full-spectrum 5G access in mmWave and sub-6 GHz bands, reaching speeds of up to 3.97 Gbps for wireless internet connectivity. End devices are onboarded through tri-band Wi-Fi radios capable of 5.8 Gbps theoretical peak throughput, ensuring the full benefits of 5G service pr

GLOBAL 6 JAN

TCL unveils Nxtpaper 70 Pro handset

TCL has officially introduced the Nxtpaper 70 Pro smartphone, the latest handset in its fourth-generation Nxtpaper line-up. Nxtpaper 70 Pro will go on sale in February across European markets, North America, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. The entry-level model with 256 GB of ROM and bundled accessories has a EUR 339 list price, while 512 GB of on-board storage costs EUR 389. TCL will also market add-on peripherals for the device, including a stand case bundled with its T-Pen stylus product.

GLOBAL 6 JAN

MediaTek unveils Wi-Fi 8 chips for release later this year

MediaTek introduced the Filogic 8000 family of Wi-Fi 8 chips at CES. The new range is designed to deliver "ultra-high" reliability across broadband gateways and enterprise access points as well as client devices like smartphones, laptops, TVs, streaming devices and tablets. The first chips will cater to premium and flagship devices with Wi-Fi 8, with shipments to customers expected to start later this year. 

GLOBAL 6 JAN

Qualcomm extends laptop line with Snapdragon X2 Plus

Snapdragon is expanding its range of laptop chips with the new Snapdragon X2 Plus. Designed for Windows 11 devices running Copilot and other AI applications, the chip will be available in devices from leading OEMs later in the first half of 2026. Aimed at professionals, creators or even everyday users, these PCs will feature long battery life, fast performance and fluid multitasking in thin, portable designs. 

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF 6 JAN

LG Uplus launches AI-enabled children's smartphone

LG Uplus has launched a new children's smartphone that uses AI to detect harmful images and text, expanding its portfolio of child-focused mobile devices. The U+ Kids Phone Munna Edition 2 is the operator's ninth smartphone designed specifically for pre-school and primary school-aged children. The device is based on Samsung Electronics' Galaxy A17 LTE model and incorporates LG Uplus's proprietary character "Munna" across its user interface. It is priced at KRW 369,500 including VAT and is available in blue

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Background

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22 DEC 2025 00:25

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