[Johannesburg, South Africa – 19 October 2026] Global leading AI device ecosystem company HONOR today is announcing the official launch of the HONOR 600 Lite S. Engineered to elevate the standard of advanced mobile technology, this groundbreaking device seamlessly integrates an ultra-high-capacity 7700mAh battery, a 108MP camera, and intuitive AI functionalities into a premium, all-weather powerhouse. The HONOR 600 Lite S is strategically positioned to meet the escalating consumer demand for highly durable, intelligent smartphones that deliver uncompromising performance.

7700mAh Battery Powered up Every Day.

Addressing the critical consumer pain point of battery anxiety, the device houses a formidable 7700mAh^[1] power unit. This sophisticated battery architecture not only provides multi-day usage on a single charge but also guarantees an exceptional 6-year[2] lifespan.

Rigorously tested across extreme thermal spectrums, the integrated multi-point temperature monitoring system enables peak performance in climates ranging from freezing -30°C winters to scorching 50°C heatwaves[3]. When replenishment is necessary, the 45W HONOR SuperCharge[4] technology rapidly restores power, maximising user efficiency and minimising downtime.

Exceptional Durability with Certified Drop Protection.

The HONOR 600 Lite S has been engineered to last, promising durability and performance for six years. The 6 years of endurance is built to go further, setting a new benchmark for device longevity.

Furthermore, the smartphone is fortified with comprehensive IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings[5]. This formidable ingress protection guarantees flawless functionality against fine dust, high-pressure water jets, and complete submersion, making it an indispensable tool for demanding environments. To complement its physical durability, the inclusion of an advanced Wet-hand Touch algorithm ensures uninterrupted screen responsiveness, regardless of environmental moisture.

Intuitive AI Integration and Superior Processing

A defining innovation of the HONOR 600 Lite S is the introduction of a dedicated, tactile AI Button[6]. Designed as an independent key separate from the power button, this hardware integration provides instantaneous, frictionless access to a comprehensive suite of intelligent tools. To facilitate the capture of spontaneous moments, a double press is mapped by default to launch the Camera instantly, even from the lock screen. Beyond default settings, users have full freedom to customise gestures. Whether through a single press for immediate application launches or a sustained press for advanced capabilities, users can seamlessly access HONOR AI, AI Settings Agent, AI Photos Agent, AI Translation, and AI Creation as desired.

Operating on the fluid MagicOS 10 (based on Android 16), the software ecosystem offers seamless integration with Google Gemini[7], Magic Portal, and Circle to Search. Users can also leverage advanced AI Editing capabilities—including AI Outpainting, AI Upscale, AI Cutout, and the newly introduced AI Image to Video 2.0[8], which effortlessly transforms static photos into dynamic, cinematic clips—to elevate their digital content.

Performance is driven by the Snapdragon® 4 Gen 4 processor[9], delivering a smooth and highly responsive user experience. Coupled with HONOR’s proprietary RAM Turbo Technology, the device features 6GB of physical RAM and substantial 256GB storage capacity provides abundant space, capable of archiving over 150,000 high-resolution images.

Ultra-Clear 108MP Imaging with High-Resolution Clarity

The HONOR 600 Lite S is equipped with a 108MP main camera[10], offering users the highest resolution and most detailed images. Users can now capture and share their moments in stunning, high-definition video format, making it easier than ever to document and share life’s most memorable moments.

Colour, Price and Availability

The HONOR 600 Lite S will be offered in two sophisticated color variants: Velvet Black, and Desert Gold. Starting from R8999 or R399 x 36 months. The HONOR 600 Lite S is currently available on MTN and will be available in Vodacom, Telkom and Cell C from November.

[1] The typical battery capacity is 7700mAh, and the rated battery capacity is 7500mAh.

[2] The data comes from the HONOR Lab. The battery will have a battery capacity retention rate of more than 80% after 6 years of use according to HONOR Lab simulation of the user’s daily behaviour. The actual data will change with different scenarios, please refer to actual usage.

[3] The data comes from HONOR Labs. In an ambient temperature of -30°~50°C, the phone can standby normally and supports calls, contacts, and text messages. The actual experience may vary depending on factors such as device aging, network environment, user habits, and individual temperature changes. Please refer to the actual experience.

[4] It supports maximum 45W wired charge, 45W HONOR charger and cable are required. Actual charging speed may vary depending on environmental conditions and other factors.

[5] The phone is not professionally water resistant. It is splash-proof, water-resistant and dust-proof under normal use. It has been tested under controlled laboratory conditions and reaches the IP69K level in accordance with ISO 20653:2023 standard and reaches the IP68 and IP69 level in accordance IEC 60529 (international) standards. Splash, water, and dust resistances are not permanently effective, and the protective performance may decrease due to daily wear and tear.

[6] Some features will be upgraded via OTA. The specific implementation effect may vary depending on the usage scenario, please refer to the actual experience. Certain features, applications, and services are only available for some models, regions and languages. Please refer to the actual situation.

[7] Google, Gemini, and Quick Share are trademarks of Google LLC.

[8] AI Image to Video feature will be upgraded via OTA. The actual performance may vary depending on specific usage scenarios and environmental conditions. Availability and specific terms of service, including free trial eligibility during the initial sales period, may differ by region. After the free trial period ends, continued usage may require payment. Please contact the HONOR customer service center or your local service provider for detailed information regarding supported regions, applicable fees, and eligibility for extended access based on actual usage frequency.

[9] Qualcomm and Snapdragon are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries.

[10] 108MP is a camera pixel parameter. The actual photo pixels may vary depending on different camera modes. Please refer to the actual situation.

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Johannesburg-based BioInformatiCo takes second-place in an international AI challenge with African  technology designed to accelerate clinical trial database preparation, improve data quality and help research teams make limited funding go further.

A South African-developed artificial intelligence (AI) platform designed to help researchers prepare clinical trial databases faster has placed second in the 2026 CDISC AI Innovation Challenge, earning international recognition for African-developed technology to address a key bottleneck in clinical research worldwide.

Created by Johannesburg-based clinical data management organisation BioInformatiCo, the platform called “Leova” automates aspects of building and testing the digital databases used to collect information during trials of new medicines and vaccines. By reducing the time and manual effort required to prepare these systems, the platform aims to help research teams identify database errors and protocol inconsistencies earlier and devote more resources to the research itself.

For Shirley Collie, Founder and CEO of BioInformatiCo, the global recognition is an important milestone for the company and a demonstration of how African-developed technology can contribute to clinical research globally: “Placing second in the CDISC AI Innovation Challenge is an important endorsement of what we have built. It shows that technology developed in Africa can help tackle challenges in clinical research worldwide, while supporting the continent’s ability to generate evidence that reflects the health needs of its own populations,” says Collie.

BioInformatiCo developed Leova within its existing clinical research operations, drawing on the practical demands of building reliable databases for clinical trials. The company currently supports first-in-human to Phase 3 vaccine research for infectious diseases, including HIV, TB, Ebola and COVID-19.

The global recognition from CDISC also comes at a time when US funding cuts have disrupted health programmes and medical research in South Africa, adding pressure to an already stretched research ecosystem. HIV programmes, clinical studies and research infrastructure have especially been affected, 

while universities and research organisations face funding shortfalls and uncertainty over grants. In this environment, automating time-consuming manual work, such as building and testing a study database, can cut both hours and costs, helping limited resources go further. That is what Leova is designed to do.

“Before a new medicine or vaccine can reach patients, clinical trials must establish whether it is safe and effective. But before the first participant can enrol, researchers need reliable systems to collect and manage the study data. Building and validating these databases can take 10 to 20 weeks of specialist work, with each system tailored to the trial’s specific research protocol. Errors at this stage can compromise data quality, create costly rework and delay the trial,” adds Collie.

Built to support clinical data management capacity on the African continent, Leova brings much of this preparation into a single workflow. Using a study protocol, the platform drafts data collection forms and validation rules, builds the database and then tests it using simulated participants deliberately designed to break those rules. This allows research teams to identify weaknesses before the system is used in a live trial.

“Leova was born out of a real operational need. We understand the pressure clinical research teams face to deliver reliable data, meet demanding standards and make every Rand count. While automation cannot replace sustainable funding or specialist expertise, it can help research teams work more efficiently while maintaining the quality and reliability of clinical data,” adds Collie.

Unlike software providers that simply license a platform for customers to operate independently, BioInformatiCo combines Leova with specialist clinical data management support and human oversight. In one study, Leova reduced the testing and validation of a database from five days of specialist effort to one. It is a clear example of how the platform reduces the time and cost of validation and gets studies ready sooner, while maintaining the traceability and quality controls required in clinical research.

BioInformatiCo supports clinical trials across sub-Saharan Africa and is expanding internationally, with a US site launching soon and sponsor discussions under way in Europe and Australia. The company also plans to open a seed funding round in the coming months to support Leova’s next phase of development and commercial growth: “This is an exciting time for South African innovation. We’ve built Leova to solve a real challenge in clinical research, drawing on our experience on the ground in Africa. Now, we have an opportunity to take that expertise and technology to the world, helping research teams work more efficiently while strengthening Africa’s contribution to global health research. We’re looking forward to what comes next,” concludes Collie.

The 2026 CDISC AI Innovation Challenge was organised by the Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium (CDISC), a global non-profit organisation that develops standards for clinical research data. These standards help ensure that data can be collected, exchanged and submitted consistently, including for regulatory review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The challenge attracted 50 competitive submissions from 30 organisations and individual entrants, placing African-developed technology alongside several leading global innovators. Leova placed second among 19 entries in Use Case 1, which focused on using AI-generated synthetic data to automate software testing, demonstrating the potential for African innovation to compete on an international stage.

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We live in a world where something can go from “what’s happening?” to “everyone is doing it” overnight, and that’s how trends start and grow. It is also for this reason, that content creators need more than a smartphone. They need a creative partner that can keep pace with their ideas, their audiences and the ever-changing digital landscape.

That is why Samsung Galaxy is stepping forward as the Title Sponsor of the 2026 Content Creator Awards, taking place at Galleria Sandton on 17 October 2026. With this move, Samsung Galaxy is celebrating the creators who are shaping conversations, building communities, turning everyday moments into stories and, increasingly, turning content creation into a business.

While supporting all 20 award categories, Samsung Galaxy is directly involved in two awards: the Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year Award and the #CapturedWithGalaxy Award, celebrating both the people driving South Africa’s creator economy and the extraordinary visual storytelling made possible through Galaxy technology.

“Creators today are so much more than people who make content. They are storytellers, entrepreneurs, trendsetters and cultural commentators, and they are constantly finding new ways to turn an idea into something that resonates with an audience,” says Rae Hargreaves, Head of Marketing: Mobile eXperience at Samsung South Africa. “Our partnership with the Content Creator Awards is about celebrating that creativity while demonstrating how Galaxy technology can help creators bring their ideas to life.”

When the trend hits, Galaxy is ready

For today’s creators, content opportunities are everywhere. A varsity student can turn an ordinary day into a relatable “day in the life”. A kasi entrepreneur can document the hustle behind their business. A fashion creator can turn an outfit into an OOTD, while a savvy shopper can build an entire series around finding the best dupe. The challenge is making the content happen quickly, naturally and creatively.

As the ultimate content creator companion, the latest Galaxy foldables (Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8) are designed around this reality, bringing features that can help creators move from idea to camera-ready content without making the creative process feel like work.

And of course, that creative process is supported by AI. Galaxy’s on-device AI editing tools can help creators refine content without needing to leave their phone or rely on a collection of third-party apps. Audio Eraser removes unwanted background sounds from videos, making dialogue and key moments easier to hear, while Object Eraser removes distracting elements from images so creators can get the frame they want. Together with other intelligent editing capabilities, these tools give creators more control over the final result, whether they are polishing a quick social post, cleaning up a product shot, or turning an everyday moment into content worth sharing.

Consider some of the content trends currently dominating feeds:

–          Spend the day with me: let your life be the content – “Spend the day with me” and “a day in the life” content thrives on authenticity. From getting ready in the morning to lectures, meetings, errands, meals and late-night wind-downs, creators are turning ordinary routines into compelling stories.

With Galaxy AI, creators can spend less time wrestling with the technical side of content and more time focusing on the story they want to tell. AI-powered creative tools can help streamline the editing process, making it easier to refine content when the clock is ticking and the trend is still hot. And because inspiration doesn’t wait for the perfect studio setup, Galaxy’s intuitive camera experience lets creators capture moments as they happen.

–          Cooking content: because chopping and filming should not be a two-person job

Cooking videos are all about showing the process, from the first ingredient to the final plate. But trying to hold a phone while chopping onions is a recipe for disaster.

Enter Hands-Free Capture.

With a Galaxy foldable, creators can position their device at the right angle and record while keeping both hands available to cook, stir and demonstrate. The result is a more natural cooking video that captures the creator actually doing what they came to do.

The phone becomes less of a camera being operated and more of a creative companion simply keeping up.

–          Skincare, perfumes and GRWMs (get ready with me): get closer to the detail

Beauty content demands detail. Whether it is demonstrating a skincare routine, revealing a new fragrance or filming a GRWM, creators need a camera setup that lets them stay in the moment while keeping their audience close to the action.

FlexCam¹ on Galaxy Z Flip8 allows creators to position the phone hands-free, making it particularly useful for content where both hands are needed. Fold the device into position, place it on a surface and start creating.

For skincare creators, that means being able to wash, apply, demonstrate and talk to camera without constantly reaching for a phone. For GRWM creators, it creates the freedom to move naturally through the routine while the camera keeps rolling.

–          Influencer events: because FOMO is content

From launches and fashion events to concerts and creator gatherings, event content is all about capturing the atmosphere before the moment disappears.

This is where Nightography[1] and Zoom can help creators bring their followers closer to the action, whether they are documenting the energy of an evening event, capturing details from across a venue or creating vlog-style content on the move.

With the right Galaxy camera capabilities in hand, creators can focus on experiencing the event while still collecting the footage that turns “I was there” into “you had to be there.”

From creator to trendsetter

The creator economy is no longer simply about chasing views. It is about building an audience, developing a recognisable point of view and turning creativity into opportunity.

Samsung Galaxy’s partnership with the Content Creator Awards celebrates that evolution. The awards recognise creators across 20 categories, while Samsung’s involvement shines a spotlight on the technology that sits behind so much of what we see today.

The Samsung Galaxy Creator of the Year Award is the pinnacle of the ceremony, recognising the creator who has delivered an outstanding year of content and demonstrated creativity, consistency and cultural impact across South Africa. The winner will be determined through a combination of public SMS and online voting and deliberation by an industry judging panel.

The winner will receive R20,000 in cash, a trophy and a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 valued at R40,999.

Meanwhile, the #CapturedWithGalaxy Award opens the door to creators across every niche, celebrating extraordinary content captured on any Samsung Galaxy device. Entrants can submit their work publicly on social media using #CapturedWithGalaxy, tagging @SamsungMobileSA and @ContentCreatorAwardsSA. Entries will then go through panel shortlisting and public voting.

The winner will take home an official Content Creator Award Trophy and a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 valued at R40,999.

With the 2026 Content Creator Awards approaching, Samsung Galaxy is inviting South Africa’s creators to keep filming, experimenting, editing, posting and, most importantly, creating. Because the next trend could come from you, with Galaxy as your sidekick.

[1] Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.

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Johannesburg, South Africa – 15 October 2026 – inDrive, the global mobility and delivery services platform, has introduced new passenger features to its app in South Africa, designed to make everyday journeys more predictable, transparent and safe. The features are built around a single principle: passengers should understand what is happening with their order and get a clear response from the app to every action they take.

inDrive releases updates regularly because passenger expectations change faster than any product plan. People want to know why a price is what it is, how long they will wait for a car (ride), and who is behind the wheel (driver). This reflects inDrive’s broader approach to mobility, where transparency and informed choice are central to creating a fairer experience for both passengers and drivers. 

The company gathers these expectations through surveys, reviews and in-app behaviour, and turns them into concrete interface changes, a continuous process rather than a once-off release.

Passenger-centric app updates

The latest updates for South African inDrive passengers include:

• Colour-coded price hints: Passengers set their own fare, but now receive clear guidance:

·       Green – the price is close to the recommended fare and drivers are likely to respond quickly

·       Orange – the offer is below market expectations, and the wait will be longer. This helps riders weigh affordability against waiting time before placing an order and can decide what matters more to them at that moment.

• High-demand indicator: During peak hours, the app explains fare increases directly: ‘Demand is high right now, so the recommended fare is temporarily higher.’ Passengers see the reason behind higher fares instead of assuming the app is simply more expensive.
• Dynamic status updates: The search screen now shows how many drivers are nearby and who is viewing the request. Passengers see a live process instead of a static message, reducing cancellations caused by uncertainty.
• Smarter cancellations: If a pickup point or ride type is wrong, the app now asks for the reason at the moment of cancellation and offers instant fixes. Accidental requests are cancelled immediately (without extra steps), avoiding wasted time and duplicate orders.
• Visible driver verification: Verification badges are now prominent on driver cards and selection screens. Behind the badge is a rigorous process: document checks, facial recognition, vehicle inspections, and ongoing selfie/photo verification. Suspicious activity or duplicate accounts trigger automatic bans, giving passengers visible assurance that their driver and vehicle have been vetted.

Why the new app updates matter for South Africans

According to the most recent Research and Markets Report, South Africa’s e-hailing market is expanding rapidly, currently valued at $1.6 billion in 2026 and projected to reach $3.6 billion by 2031 (approximately R67 billion). 

The report also states that this market growth is driven by increasing urban demand, particularly in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, as well as rising smartphone penetration, the demand within app-based mobility ecosystems and the general expansion of competing platform operators. 

With increased ride-hailing usage across the country, most South African passengers cite convenience, safety and rising fuel costs among some of the key drivers behind their choice to use such services. 

Speaking on the launch, Ashif Black, Country Representative for inDrive South Africa, said: “We continuously listen to how people use our app and look for ways to remove the uncertainty they experience around price, waiting times and trust in their driver. South Africans value fairness, clarity and trust in their everyday transport.”

“These updates give passengers clear answers at every stage of the order journey, while helping drivers secure more relevant orders. In a market where affordability and safety are top priorities, we are building resilience and reliability into every ride.”

“Our passengers now have more opportunity to make the informed choices they’re after. At the same time, when passengers name realistic prices and pickup issues are fixed in a single tap, drivers receive more relevant orders and spend less time on trips that never happen,” Black explains further.

For passengers, the goal is simple: fewer unknowns and more control over the journey. From understanding how fares are set and why demand affects pricing, to seeing who is responding to a request and knowing that a driver has been verified, the latest updates put greater visibility in passengers’ hands. For inDrive, improving the passenger experience means continuing to build a platform where transparency, choice and trust are part of every ride.

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(SOUTH AFRICA, 15 October 2026) – Sony introduces the ECM-W5 wireless microphone for video creators, combining high-quality audio capture, stable wireless transmission and versatile recording features to support a more flexible production workflow across a wide range of shooting scenarios.

The system pairs two transmitters with one receiver. It transmits over a line-of-sight distance of up to 500 m^[iii] and is designed to reduce audio dropouts in congested radio-frequency environments. Through the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe™, 32bit float^[iv] audio travels digitally and directly to a compatible camera and records with video in a single file¹. Up to 64 GB of built-in memory enables 32bit float backup audio recording directly on the transmitter. Integration with compatible Sony wireless headphones enables cable-free monitoring and microphone functions². Power supply and linked power control through the MI Shoe on compatible cameras support an efficient workflow from recording through editing. The supplied USB Type-C® adapter also enables connection to smartphones and PCs^[v]. The transmitters and receiver are also sold separately, supporting configurations such as up to four-channel recording and multi-camera production.

Availability

The ECM-W5 will be available in South Africa from beginning of December 2026, with a retail price of R6,899.

For more information on the ECM-W5, please visit: https://www.sony.com/za/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras-microphones/ecm-w5

Key Features of the ECM-W5

High-quality recording that captures subtle nuances in sound

The high-performance microphones support 96 kHz High-Resolution Audio recording¹, capturing voices with clarity and detail. A 3.5 mm microphone input also supports lavalier and external microphones, including the separately sold ECM-L1, providing flexibility for different recording situations.

Stable audio transmission and recording functions that support an efficient workflow

The system supports line-of-sight transmission at distances of up to 500 m³. It provides approximately three times more stable transmission than the ECM-W3^[vi]. In congested radio-frequency environments, it is designed to reduce audio dropouts and hold a reliable connection. Low-latency transmission supports applications where real-time audio performance is important, including live streaming.

32bit float⁴ recording helps creators capture both quiet and loud sounds without the need for constant gain adjustment and suppresses the possibility of clipping^[vii]. Through the MI Shoe, 32bit float audio travels digitally and directly to a compatible camera and records with video in a single file¹, with no external recorder and no separate audio file to manage, eliminating the work of synchronizing audio afterward.

The transmitters carry 64 GB of built-in storage for backup. The storage holds up to 90 hours of audio at 32bit float/48 kHz or up to 60 hours at 24bit/96 kHz¹, retaining the source recording.

New audio recording styles through integration with Sony wireless headphones

Compatible Sony wireless headphones² enable cable-free monitoring, giving creators greater freedom to move while checking sound during recording. Compatible models² can also be used as wireless microphone inputs.

Versatile functions for comfortable shooting and recording

The system records up to four channels of audio in-camera, covering interviews, panel discussions, event production, and other multi-source needs. The supplied wireless transmitters combine with the separately sold ECM-W5T wireless transmitter, and the system also works with external microphones.

Timecode functionality helps simplify synchronization across multiple cameras and audio recordings, helping reduce manual alignment work in post-production.

Through the MI Shoe, compatible Sony cameras can provide power to the receiver and support linked power control. The supplied USB Type-C® adapter enables recording on smartphones and PCs⁵, and connecting a transmitter directly over Bluetooth® allows wireless recording. The transmitters provide up to 11 hours of operating time. A dust- and moisture-resistant design supports use in a range of environments^[viii].

Product Video and Specifications

The ECM-W5 product feature video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/N2i7_nYyTT0

For main specifications and additional product details, please visit the following product websites for the

ECM-W5: https://www.sony.com/za/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras-microphones/ecm-w5

ECM-W5R: https://www.sony.com/za/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras-microphones/ecm-w5r

ECM-W5T: https://www.sony.com/za/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras-microphones/ecm-w5t

Both the ECM-W5R and the ECM-W5T will be available in South Africa from beginning of December 2026 with the ECM-W5R going for a retail price of R3,449 and the ECM-W5T going for R1,969.

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the ECM-W5, and Sony’s other imaging products can also be found at https://www.alphauniverse-mea.com/, a site created to inform, educate, and inspire creators.

The post Sony Introduces the ECM-W5 Wireless Microphone with High-Resolution Audio Recording and Stable Connectivity appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

ProArt RTX Spark Windows PCs combine high-capacity unified memory, open agent and workflow ecosystems, and ASUS AI applications for private, customizable creation without token limits 

• Built for local agentic AI: ProArt P16 & P14 laptops and ProArt GR1X mini PC, powered by NVIDIA RTX Spark with up to 1 petaflop AI performance and up to 128GB of unified memory to build advanced local agents and complex workflows
• Revolutionary AI for agents and creativity: Purpose-built for local AI agents, with exclusive ASUS generative AI apps, token-free AI, RTX acceleration for creative workflows, and CUDA ecosystem for advanced AI development
• Accessible agent-and-app ecosystem: ASUS partners with ComfyUI, the leading open-source visual AI workflow platform, and Hermes Agent by Nous Research, so creators can build and run local AI workflows using plain language
• Complete local AI portfolio: From RTX Spark PCs to GeForce RTX 5090 systems, Ascent GX10 powered by NVIDIA DGX Spark, and ExpertCenter Pro ET900N G3 powered by NVIDIA DGX Station for professionals and enterprises
• ProArt RTX Spark Windows PCs Available This October: Global pre-orders start October 7, with availability from October 16, featuring a range of memory configurations for different AI requirements

TAIPEI, Taiwan, October 8, 2027 — ASUS today announced the global launch of the new ProArt P16 and P14 laptops, along with the compact ProArt GR1X mini PC, all powered by NVIDIA RTX Spark. Purpose-built for creators, AI developers and workflow builders, these systems boast high-capacity unified memory, a powerful NVIDIA Blackwell RTX GPU and an ultra-efficient NVIDIA Grace CPU. The NVIDIA CUDA ecosystem and an expanding ASUS-exclusive agent-and-application solution make sophisticated local AI easier to deploy, personalize and use. NVIDIA RTX Spark unites NVIDIA AI, RTX graphics, and unified memory in one slim, powerful Windows PC. Designed to run larger AI models locally—without cloud dependency—and move between creative work, development, and immersive gaming without missing a beat. Connect apps, tools, and workflows into one seamless experience. Private by default, RTX Spark brings NVIDIA’s full-stack AI platform, ready for the AI workloads of today and whatever comes next. Delivered on the familiar, trusted Windows platform.

Together, Hermes Agent and ComfyUI deliver a compelling local-first, cloud-flexible AI experience. By bringing industry-validated workflows and agent-connected creative tools to users’ own PCs, they enable generative AI creation and AI-assisted development, with the flexibility to integrate cloud services when needed.

“We built Hermes to provide intelligence you can truly own, rather than simply rent. ProArt RTX Spark PCs provide the memory capacity to run powerful models locally, enabling Hermes to drive ComfyUI and MuseTree, work with your files, and keep these workflows on your own machine,” said Dillon Rolnick, CEO of Nous Research.

“Creators want to run the best AI models on their own machines, with full control. ProArt RTX Spark PCs have the memory to run big image and video workflows locally, and ComfyUI makes those workflows easy to share, reuse and hand off to agents like Hermes,” said Yoland Yan, CEO and co-founder of Comfy.

A new class of personal Windows PCs powered by NVIDIA RTX Spark

ProArt P16, ProArt P14 and ProArt GR1X bring advanced local AI computing to slim creator laptops and a compact desktop form factor. NVIDIA RTX Spark combines an NVIDIA Blackwell RTX GPU, an NVIDIA Grace CPU, fifth-generation Tensor Cores with FP4 support and NVIDIA NVLink-C2C interconnect technology in a highly integrated, power-efficient platform.

With up to 1 petaflop of AI performance and up to 128GB of high-bandwidth unified memory, RTX Spark enables demanding workloads that can exceed the memory capacity of conventional PCs. Depending on model architecture, quantization, context length and available system memory, users can work with large local language and vision-language models, advanced image and video generation pipelines, LoRA customization, agentic workflows and complex 3D scenes directly on their ProArt PC.

Owning local AI capacity provides three fundamental advantages. First, it turns variable pay-per-use cloud spending into predictable computing capacity, allowing users to iterate, regenerate and experiment without per-token or per-generation charges. Second, it helps protect privacy and creative intellectual property by keeping prompts, source files, project data and selected models on device, with workflows that can remain available offline. Third, it gives creators and developers greater control over their tools, enabling them to select models, customize behavior, connect trusted applications and build repeatable workflows around their own needs.

Cloud services remain valuable for frontier-scale models and burst capacity. ProArt RTX Spark Windows PCs give users the flexibility to choose local, cloud or hybrid execution according to performance, privacy, security, cost and workflow requirements.

ASUS creative ecosystem for agentic AI workflows

NVIDIA RTX Spark brings NVIDIA AI and RTX graphics together to redefine Windows PCs for creators, AI developers, and gamers, all on the familiar, trusted Windows platform. RTX Spark fundamentally changes what creators and developers can achieve with a new AI computing platform. Backed by the CUDA ecosystem, it supports a rapidly expanding range of creator applications, AI models and development tools that can run locally with RTX acceleration — creating a highly capable environment for generative AI, model development and AI workflow building.

Combined with up to 128GB unified memory, RTX Spark also removes one of the biggest limitations of conventional PCs: memory capacity. Larger AI models, higher-resolution generation and more complex workflows can now run locally, opening a new class of possibilities for creators and AI developers. ASUS extends this platform advantage through the layers of its own ecosystem:

Local GenAI, built into ProArt: ASUS preloads exclusive ProArt applications that bring local AI directly into the creative workflow. MuseTree integrates two of the best local image models FLUX and WAN for token-free local generative creation, while StoryCube brings AI-powered scene recognition, media organization and intelligent asset management to Windows.

The best of local and cloud creation: ProArt combines local RTX-powered AI with leading cloud creative services, including Adobe Creative Cloud bundles, giving creators the flexibility to move between local and cloud workflows depending on performance, privacy and creative needs. On eligible ASUS laptops, an exclusive Google AI bundle further enhances hybrid AI creative experiences.

Building the agentic AI workflow ecosystem

Hermes, the personalized creative expert: Built by Nous Research, Hermes is an open-source autonomous AI partner that executes complex goals across desktop apps, terminal, and local files with persistent memory, isolated sandboxes and self-improving skills. Through the dedicated Hermes Skill, it connects with ASUS MuseTree to deliver one of the most accessible local AI image- and video-generation experiences, powered by the popular FLUX and Wan models.

Zenni Claw, the best ASUS native assistant: ASUS agent for everyday AI and productivity that provides deeper integration with ASUS applications and devices for daily tasks, content management and product control.

ComfyUI, the agent-ready workflow builder: ASUS has partnered with ComfyUI, the leading open-source platform for visual AI workflows, used by millions of creators worldwide. ComfyUI’s validated workflows and resource packs make it easy to create AI images and video on ProArt PCs, and its agent-ready design lets assistants like Hermes build and run workflows for users. Its global community keeps adding new models and tools, so ProArt users always have the latest in AI.

ProArt P16 &P14 Laptop: Agent-assisted creativity on the move

Built around the highly integrated RTX Spark architecture, ProArt P16 and P14 combine advanced AI capability with thin, lightweight CNC-machined designs. At 12.9mm and 1.77kg, ProArt P16 is the thinnest 16-inch ProArt laptop to date. ProArt P14 measures 13.9mm and weighs 1.48kg, making it the lightest ProArt laptop currently available. High-capacity batteries — up to 99Wh for P16 and 90Wh for P14 — support extended mobile creative workflows.

Both laptops feature ASUS Lumina Pro OLED displays with Delta E<1 color accuracy, up to 1,600-nit peak brightness, 120Hz variable refresh rate and anti-reflection technology. ProArt P16 supports up to a 4K display with NVIDIA G-SYNC, while ProArt P14 offers up to 3K resolution. Nano Black and Neo White finishes, comprehensive I/O and a precision haptic touchpad complete a creator-focused mobile experience.

ProArt GR1X Mini Windows PC: Always-on local agentic AI for nonstop creativity 

ProArt GR1X brings RTX Spark to a compact system designed for creators, developers and small teams that need always-available local AI capacity. Measuring 150 x 150 x 51mm, it combines high-capacity unified memory with advanced thermal engineering for sustained operation in studios, development environments and shared workspaces.

Its dual-fan cooling system, dual M.2 SSD storage, 10GbE networking, WiFi 7, Bluetooth® 5.4, and support for up to four 4K displays make GR1X a versatile local AI hub for agents, model serving, generation, and creative workflow automation. Available in silver and black, it extends the ProArt design language to a compact desktop form factor.

From personal AI PCs to enterprise AI infrastructure 

ASUS is extending agentic AI across a comprehensive portfolio of local systems including ProArt PCs powered by  RTX Spark, systems equipped with GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs, ASUS Ascent GX10, powered by NVIDIA DGX Spark, and ASUS ExpertCenter Pro ET900, powered by NVIDIA DGX Station.

Across this portfolio, ASUS brings together agentic AI, generative AI, recognition and classification technologies, partner integrations, and deployment expertise. From a single creator laptop to shared enterprise infrastructure, customers can access local AI hardware, software, and workflow solutions through one unified ASUS ecosystem.

ProArt RTX Spark Windows PC availability and pricing 

Global pre-orders for the NVIDIA RTX Spark-powered ProArt P16 and ProArt P14 begin on October 7, 2026, with the first units arriving in the U.S. on October 16, 2026. Select configurations (24GB, 32GB, 36GB, and 48GB unified memory) will be available at the ASUS eShop, BestBuy.com, and participating Best Buy stores. High-capacity configurations (64GB and 128GB) will primarily be offered through the ASUS eShop and Best Buy, with the 128GB configuration also available at Micro Center, for users seeking greater local AI capacity and deployment flexibility.

ProArt laptops will start at US$2,599.99[i] on BestBuy.com and at select Best Buy stores in the United States. Configurations, pricing, preorder timing, and retail availability may vary by product and region. The ProArt GR1X will be available later this year, mainly in advanced configurations (64GB and 128GB), through select premium retailers.

[i] MSRP shown is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and is subject to change without notice. Actual retail pricing is determined by the retailer.

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Delivering a unified infrastructure blueprint for scalable AI across compute, networking, memory and storage

• Elevating agentic AI: XA P2N-E2 powered by NVIDIA Vera CPU with flexible GPU acceleration for demanding AI execution and reinforcement learning
• End-to-end AI factory solution: Integrated compute, networking, context memory and inference technologies for scalable AI across diverse deployments
• Multi-platform flexibility: NVIDIA, Intel® and AMD platforms spanning AI, cloud and HPC with advanced cooling and high-density configurations

SAN JOSE, USA, October 12, 2026 — ASUS is expanding its AI infrastructure portfolio with the launch of the XA P2N-E2, a 2U NVIDIA MGX architecture-based server powered by NVIDIA Vera CPUs and designed for agentic AI and reinforcement learning workloads. Unveiled at OCP Global Summit 2026, this new ASUS server powered by the Vera CPU targets the execution layer of AI applications, handling workloads such as code execution, tool use, sandboxing, data processing and orchestration that extend beyond the AI model itself. The XA P2N-E2 supports up to two dual-slot NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPUs, combining high-performance CPU computing with flexible GPU acceleration in a compact 2U platform. The high single-thread CPU performance and high-bandwidth, energy-efficient memory are designed to keep AI agents responsive during demanding execution and evaluation tasks.

At OCP, ASUS also showcases a broader portfolio covering rack-scale AI systems, accelerated computing, high-speed networking, context memory, low-latency inference and high-density storage. At the rack level, XA VR721-E3, the ASUS AI POD integrates 36 NVIDIA Vera CPUs and 72 NVIDIA Rubin GPUs through the NVIDIA Vera Rubin NVL72 platform, using a fully liquid-cooled architecture for large-scale AI training, post-training and inference. For a more flexible server configuration, the XR R1I12B-M1BHFS combines NVIDIA HGX Rubin NVL8 with direct-to-chip liquid cooling for the GPU baseboard and air cooling for Intel® Xeon® 6 processors. Together, the systems reflect the ASUS approach to scaling AI infrastructure across different compute densities, cooling architectures and deployment requirements, from individual servers to large-scale AI environments.

Building full-stack AI factories with the NVIDIA Vera Rubin Platform

ASUS is expanding its NVIDIA-accelerated portfolio across system and rack architectures, enabling customers to scale compute density, cooling and deployment models according to workload requirements. AI factory performance increasingly depends on more than accelerated computing alone. High-speed networking, scalable context memory, responsive inference and data infrastructure are all critical to maintaining efficient data movement and workload performance across increasingly complex AI environments.

Extending beyond the hardware stack, the NVIDIA DSX reference design and NVIDIA Omniverse DSX Blueprint for AI Factory Digital Twins, part of NVIDIA DSX Sim, bring validated architecture and high-fidelity simulation together, enabling physically accurate digital twins to optimize AI factory design and operations before deployment.

Four NVIDIA technologies featured at the ASUS booth bring together key elements of next-generation AI infrastructure. NVIDIA HGX Rubin NVL8 provides accelerated computing, joined by NVIDIA Spectrum-X Spectrum-6 based Ethernet switching for high-speed AI networking, NVIDIA CMX Context Memory Storage Platform for scalable context memory, and NVIDIA Groq 3 LPX, the interactive AI inference accelerator for NVIDIA Vera Rubin NVL72.

Designed for the low-latency and large-context requirements of agentic systems, NVIDIA Groq 3 LPX extends NVIDIA Vera Rubin NVL72 with ultrafast token generation for highly responsive inference. Together, these systems reflect the ASUS approach to building scalable AI factories based on the NVIDIA Vera Rubin platform, combining standardized, modular infrastructure across compute, networking, context memory, inference and storage. This full-stack architecture enables customers to scale AI infrastructure from individual systems to rack-scale deployments while optimizing performance per watt and accelerating time to production.

Push beyond limits with agentic AI servers powered by Intel Xeon 6 processors

Dedicated Intel and AMD showcase areas further enhance the capabilities of ASUS platforms, enabling customers to select architectures tailored to diverse requirements across cloud computing, AI and high-performance computing. 

The Intel showcase features ASUS RS700-E12-RS4U and RS720-E12-RS12U, powered by Intel Xeon 6 processors in 1U and 2U dual-socket platforms. Their DC-MHS designs and tool-less serviceability enable modular deployment and streamlined maintenance, with flexible storage and expansion options for agentic AI, virtualization and data-intensive workloads.

Expanding architectural choice with AMD EPYC 9006 and Instinct platforms

The AMD showcase introduces the ASUS RS700A-E14B-R16U, powered by 6th Gen AMD EPYC 9006-series processors, codenamed ‘Venice’. Designed for enterprise-grade resilience, this 1U dual-socket platform combines DC-MHS architecture with PCIe® 6.0 connectivity and support for up to 16 E3.S drives, addressing compute- and data-intensive infrastructure requirements. Complementing their high-density design, ASUS Thermal Radar 3.0 provides advanced thermal monitoring and management to optimize air-cooling efficiency, helping maintain system stability and performance under demanding workloads while improving overall data center thermal management.

For accelerated AI, ASUS ESC8000A-E13P supports AMD Instinct MI350P PCIe accelerators, while XA AM3A-E13 integrates eight AMD Instinct MI355X accelerators in a 10U design.  With support for air cooling across both CPU and GPU components, XA AM3A-E13 enables high-density AI deployments without requiring dedicated chilled-water infrastructure, offering greater deployment flexibility while maintaining scalability and serviceability for demanding AI and HPC workloads.

Across OCP Global Summit 2026, ASUS brings together system and rack-scale engineering, accelerated computing, networking and storage with leading technology platforms to provide flexible infrastructure for a broad spectrum of AI, cloud and HPC workloads. This integrated portfolio enables organizations to align compute architecture, data infrastructure and deployment models with evolving performance and scalability requirements.

Visitors can experience the complete ASUS AI infrastructure portfolio at ASUS Booth #B9 during OCP Global Summit 2026.

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News Summary:

• NVIDIA introduces cuPotential, a new NVIDIA CUDA-X library developers can use to build AI agents that simulate how atoms and molecules interact, accelerating already GPU-optimized workflows by an additional 2-3x in early-access testing.
• NanoVDB, an open source library for working with 3D data, accelerates chipmaking simulation for AI-defined fabs, helping Lam Research achieve 30x faster simulation.
• NVIDIA NPP, a library for processing images on GPUs, accelerates chipmaking inspection for AI-defined fabs, helping KLA accelerate inspection.
• Applied Materials, Cadence, KLA, Lam Research, Siemens, Synopsys and other semiconductor leaders are using NVIDIA’s accelerated computing and AI stack across chip design, manufacturing and testing, helping drive faster development, better yield and greater production capacity.

NVIDIA today announced semiconductor leaders are adopting NVIDIA CUDA-X™ libraries — including the new NVIDIA cuPotential library, which developers can use to build AI agents that simulate how atoms and molecules interact — to advance AI-defined fabs.

AI-defined fabs are semiconductor factories where AI helps engineers optimize processes, solve production issues and improve production efficiency. As demand for advanced chips rises, such fabs must expand production while managing increasingly complex manufacturing processes. Engineers need new ways to model materials, analyze inspection data and test process changes in digital twins before applying them in production.

The expanded CUDA-X portfolio gives AI agents and engineering applications accelerated tools for semiconductor simulation, 3D data processing and image analysis, helping automate more engineering work across chip design and manufacturing so fabs can predict process behavior and improve yield.

“The semiconductor industry made the AI revolution possible. Now, AI is transforming how chips are built,” said Tim Costa, vice president and general manager of industrial and computational engineering at NVIDIA. “As fabs race to meet demand for advanced chips, NVIDIA CUDA-X and Omniverse libraries give AI agents accelerated simulation and inspection tools to help engineers manage complexity, improve yield and advance AI-defined fabs.”

NVIDIA cuPotential Accelerates How Researchers Model Atomic Interactions
Understanding how atoms and molecules interact is critical to modeling semiconductor materials and manufacturing processes, but these calculations can take significant amounts of time, even in software already optimized for GPUs.

NVIDIA cuPotential accelerates atomic-scale simulation with specialized GPU-accelerated functions developers can add to existing software. It helps researchers model electrical forces and other interactions across large numbers of atoms to test and refine simulations faster. Synopsys is among the early adopters using cuPotential to accelerate materials simulations.

By making these modeling capabilities available to AI agents, cuPotential helps agents run, evaluate and iterate on advanced molecular simulations. In early-access testing, the library accelerated already GPU-optimized workflows by an additional 2-3x.

Semiconductor Leaders Advance AI-Defined Fabs With NVIDIA CUDA-X
AI-defined fabs require faster ways to model chip designs, materials behavior and manufacturing processes before changes reach production. NVIDIA CUDA-X libraries — including NVIDIA cuPotential for simulating atomic interactions, NVIDIA cuEST for modeling electronic behavior and NVIDIA cuDSS for solving complex engineering simulations — accelerate these workloads to help make fabs more autonomous.

Synopsys is using cuPotential, cuEST and cuDSS to accelerate semiconductor simulations, with early QuantumATK results showing a potential 30x speedup using cuEST, and S-Device benchmarks showing a 12x speedup using cuDSS. The company’s AgentEngineer solutions interoperate with NVIDIA Nemotron™ open models and NVIDIA NeMo™ to support AI agents for chip design and verification.

Cadence is using NVIDIA accelerated computing, NVIDIA Nemotron open models and CUDA-X libraries to bring agentic AI to the design and simulation of electromechanical systems — from semiconductors to advanced packaging and printed circuit boards. Examples include Cadence AuraStack AI Super Agent optimizing advanced packages for heat and stress 8x faster using cuDSS with Cadence Celsius, and Nemotron with ChipStack AI Super Agent for semiconductor design and verification.

COMSOL is accelerating semiconductor multiphysics simulations with NVIDIA cuDSS, delivering up to 10x faster simulations to help engineers optimize equipment and processes. Its upcoming COMSOL MCP Server will use the NVIDIA Nemotron Ultra open model to enable AI-assisted modeling and design exploration.

Voltai accelerates advanced chip packaging with Voltaire, its agentic multiphysics platform for 3D-IC design and simulation. Voltaire combines AI agents with GPU-accelerated solvers powered by NVIDIA cuDSS and CUDA-X libraries, compressing complex electro-thermal-mechanical simulation workflows from months to a day.

ChipAgents uses NVIDIA AI infrastructure and NVIDIA model-training and optimization software to develop specialized AI models for chip design. The company is also working with NVIDIA to develop Build-A-Chip Bench, a new AI benchmark that evaluates agents across end-to-end workflows from specification to graphic data system. The benchmark gives the industry a comprehensive measure of progress toward fully autonomous semiconductor engineering.

NVIDIA Open Libraries Help Prepare and Optimize Manufacturing Workflows
Fabs depend on thousands of process steps that must be modeled, refined and validated before production. The NVIDIA cuLitho library accelerates calculations for printing chip patterns; NanoVDB — an open source library for working with 3D data — accelerates chipmaking simulations; and the open NVIDIA PhysicsNeMo™ framework helps train physics AI models to predict how physical systems behave.

Siemens is using cuLitho to speed up Calibre software for chip-pattern refinement and mask preparation. Its Solido team is also developing agent-driven characterization workflows with Nemotron open models and NVIDIA NeMo open libraries.

Lam Research intends to integrate NanoVDB into its advanced semiconductor process modeling platform SEMulator3D, part of the company’s Semiverse Solutions family of virtual products. The addition of NanoVDB is expected to accelerate select wafer-etch modeling by up to 30x, while using NVIDIA PhysicsNeMo has been demonstrated to assist in reducing plasma-prediction simulation time to as little as milliseconds instead of days.

Luminary is applying NVIDIA PhysicsNeMo to semiconductor package design, training physics AI models to predict temperature, pressure drop and thermal stress across package configurations — enabling engineers to explore 100x more designs in the same schedule without running a new simulation for every option.

AI-Defined Fabs Inspect and Test Chips With NVIDIA CUDA-X Libraries
AI-defined fabs need to analyze inspection images and test data quickly enough to catch defects, maintain equipment and improve yield. NVIDIA NPP, a library for processing images on GPUs, and NVIDIA RAPIDS cuDF, a library for processing large datasets on GPUs, help accelerate test and quality-control workflows.

Using NVIDIA AI and accelerated computing, imec is removing noise from scanning electron microscope images used for sub-nanometer chip measurements and using NVIDIA cuLitho to enable computationally intensive process-window optical proximity correction — achieving a 30% improvement in the lithography process window.

KLA applied insights from its highly optimized production kernels to a new NPP NCC kernel that achieved performance levels 50x faster than earlier CPU versions, comparable with KLA’s hand-tuned implementations.

Teradyne is using NVIDIA NPP and accelerated computing to accelerate image-sensor testing, and RAPIDS cuDF and CuPy for GPU calculations, to deliver approximately 85x faster probe-maintenance inference, helping identify degrading probes before they affect yield.

Advantest has integrated NVIDIA Nemotron and NVIDIA Kumo-Anomaly into ACS RTDI to enable AI-driven semiconductor production analytics. Powered by NVIDIA Grace Blackwell systems, ACS delivers real-time diagnostics and inferencing that recommend corrective actions for test cells. Advantest is also using NVIDIA NeMo Switchyard AI agents to automate model selection, streamline semiconductor test workflows and reduce response times from hours to minutes.

NVIDIA Technologies Advance Fab Operations and Automation
In an AI-defined fab, equipment data must move from instruments into AI systems fast enough to support operational decisions.

Applied Materials is using NVIDIA Omniverse™ and NVIDIA CUDA-X libraries, including cuDSS, cuEST and PhysicsNeMo, across materials discovery, process development and fab optimization — enabling up to 35x faster chamber simulations and fab digital twins that help optimize layouts and material flow.

Analog Devices Inc. is combining Synopsys physics simulation with the NVIDIA Isaac Sim™ framework and Omniverse libraries to develop high-fidelity sensing simulations and robotic benchmarks, helping engineers evaluate how sensors behave within complete robotic systems.

FANUC and Foxconn are connecting their robot models to the Mega NVIDIA Omniverse Blueprint, enabling manufacturers to simulate and validate robotic operations in factory digital twins before physical deployment.

OMRON is using NVIDIA Cosmos™ open world models and the NVIDIA Metropolis Blueprint for video search and summarization in its inspection equipment to develop agents that combine visual data, equipment documentation and manufacturing knowledge. These agents help engineers analyze printed circuit board results, investigate potential defect causes, and support troubleshooting and quality control.

Availability
NVIDIA cuPotential is available in early access. NanoVDB is available as open source within OpenVDB, and NPP is available through NVIDIA CUDA Toolkit. Lam Research’s NanoVDB-accelerated SEMulator3D capability is targeted for release by the end of this year.

Learn more by joining NVIDIA at SEMICON West.

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The New Products Advance LG’s Zero Labour Home Vision Across Indoor and Outdoor Living Spaces

News Summary

• LG Electronics and Apple announced the seven smart home accessories for the Apple Home Collection, including indoor and outdoor cameras, a video doorbell, smart lock, smart thermostat and temperature sensor. 
• The new products are co-developed by LG Electronics and Apple, and work seamlessly with Apple devices. The collaboration goes beyond device compatibility, combining LG’s deep knowledge of product and homes with Apple’s platform expertise to deliver a more intuitive and integrated smart home experience.
• These products work together seamlessly to help users with their daily routines, including monitoring and protecting their homes while away.

LG Electronics (LG) announced a range of smart home accessories co-developed with Apple for the Apple Home Collection, including indoor and outdoor cameras, and a video doorbell, smart lock, smart thermostat, and temperature sensor. The new products are designed to make the everyday home experience simpler, more reliable, and seamlessly connected and private in Apple Home.

These smart home accessories represent LG’s commitment to creating connected and adaptive experiences. They also advance the company’s ambition to simplify everyday living by reducing the need for manual intervention and enabling more intuitive interactions between customers and their environments.

“Creating a truly connected home requires products that work seamlessly together,” said Kihyun Jung, head of the Platform Business Center at the LG Home Appliance Solution Company. “By bringing LG’s expertise in home appliances and the home environment together with the Apple Home, we are creating intuitive, integrated experiences that fit naturally into customers’ daily lives.”

“Apple has always focused on making products and experiences that are seamless and intuitive, and protect our users’ privacy – and that matters more than ever in the home,” said Matthew Costello, Apple’s vice president of Hardware Engineering. “Combining our hardware and software expertise with LG’s deep understanding of the home and connected living lets us build smart home experiences that are simpler to set up, are easier to control, and work effortlessly.”

Moving beyond connectivity to co-develop products and user experiences

Moving beyond just device compatibility, Apple and LG developed these new products together from the early product planning stage, collaborating on hardware, software, and user experiences.

Each product is designed with a consistent user experience in mind to streamline setup and control. Rather than simply linking individual products through a platform, the accessories are designed to work together. Using the Home app or Siri to control a single “Good Morning” scene can simultaneously adjust the thermostat and tilt an indoor camera down while a user is getting ready.¹ And each accessory is encrypted end-to-end in Apple Home, so only users and the people they choose can access their home data. 

Introducing new indoor and outdoor cameras, a video doorbell, smart lock, thermostat, and temperature sensor

Starting in December, with select accessories coming early next year, LG and Apple are launching the full lineup in the United States and Canada, including indoor and outdoor cameras, a video doorbell, a smart lock, a thermostat, and a temperature sensor with support for Apple Home and LG ThinQ apps.¹ In the United Kingdom, indoor and outdoor cameras and a video doorbell will be available starting December.²

• Cameras: LG’s new indoor and outdoor cameras deliver clear imaging, intelligent detection and privacy-focused controls to help users monitor what matters around their homes. With up to 2.5K video resolution, low-light colour night vision, and wide-angle coverage, the cameras provide clear views during the day and at night. Using intelligence, each camera recognises people, pets, vehicles and motion, helping deliver more relevant alerts and reducing unnecessary notifications. Users can also block selected areas from view and recording, while built-in local storage provides greater control over how recorded footage is stored and reviewed.
• LG Indoor Cam Plug-In: A wide 160° field of view captures more of the room in a single frame, while a privacy tilt mechanism and physical controls provide a visible and intuitive way to control monitoring when it is not needed.
• LG Outdoor Cam Plug-In: The camera provides reliable outdoor monitoring with low light colour night vision, and 2.5K resolution, helping users maintain a clear view around the home, day and night. 
• LG Floodlight Cam: The camera adds dual adaptive floodlights that automatically illuminate the surrounding area when activity is detected, combining outdoor monitoring and lighting in one integrated home security solution.
• LG Video Doorbell Wired: LG Video Doorbell Wired brings clear visibility, more relevant alerts and everyday convenience to the front door. Its dual-camera system combines a 2.5K front camera and a Full HD bottom camera, capturing separate views of visitors, packages and key areas around the entryway for broader coverage. It can also identify people, vehicles, pets and packages and play a helpful chime through Apple HomeView, HomePod or HomePod mini. Low-light colour night vision and two-way talk also help users see and respond to activity at their door.
• LG Smart Deadbolt Lock: LG Smart Deadbolt Lock combines smart access, minimal design and everyday convenience, led by hands-free unlocking with home key on a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch and advanced Ultra-Wideband technology. The lock recognises an authorised user’s location and movement to support reliable hands-free entry. NFC tap, PIN code and a physical key provide additional ways to unlock the door, while built-in door sensing and real-time app notifications help users monitor door status and security events.
• LG Smart Thermostat and LG Temperature Sensor: LG Smart Thermostat combines energy efficiency, intuitive design to make home comfort more adaptive and efficient. Adaptive Temperature from Apple can adjust heating and cooling based on headed home, away from home, or sleeping.
  
  When paired with optional LG Temperature Sensor devices placed in other rooms, the system can monitor temperature and humidity across multiple spaces to support more consistent comfort throughout the home. Advanced sensing algorithms are designed to reduce measurement errors and detect indoor temperature changes in real time, while Matter over Thread enables low-power, responsive connectivity with fewer connection delays and offline disruptions.
  
  In the U.S., Clean Energy Guidance from Apple can help optimise energy use based on grid carbon intensity. Through supported utility-provider integrations, LG Smart Thermostat can also shift operation toward lower-cost periods.
• Privacy in Apple Home: Privacy is foundational to Apple Home. Camera footage and personal data in the Home app is stored end-to-end encrypted and never accessible to LG or Apple.

To learn more about LG and Apple’ s smart home accessories, visit LG website.

The post LG ELECTRONICS ANNOUNCES NEW SMART HOME ACCESSORIES, DESIGNED IN COLLABORATION WITH APPLE FOR THE APPLE HOME COLLECTION appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

As GQ Best Dressed marks its 20th anniversary, HONOR South Africa comes on board as headline partner with the HONOR Magic V6, bringing together premium technology, considered design and a celebration of the individuals shaping South African style and culture.

For 20 years, GQ Best Dressed has celebrated the people who understand that style is about more than what you wear. It is about individuality, confidence and the ability to make a statement without saying a word. From entertainment and sport to fashion, business and the creative industries, the platform has recognised individuals whose personal style reflects their influence and cultural relevance.

The partnership brings premium technology into a conversation traditionally associated with fashion, exploring how design, innovation and personal expression intersect in the lives of today’s tastemakers.

HONOR CEO, Fred Zhou said that “In an increasingly connected world, personal style extends beyond clothing. The devices we carry, the tools we use to work and create, and the way we move through our daily lives have become part of how we express ourselves. For a generation balancing demanding careers, creative pursuits and busy social calendars, technology is expected to deliver on both form and function. The HONOR Magic V6 reflects this shift. As HONOR South Africa’s flagship foldable smartphone, it combines a slim, considered design with features built around productivity, creativity and everyday multitasking. Its role as the hero of the GQ Best Dressed partnership puts the device at the intersection of two worlds increasingly shaped by innovation and personal expression.”

“GQ Best Dressed has always been about more than what you wear. It is about individuality, confidence and how you express yourself to the world. As we celebrate 20 years of the platform, partnering with HONOR South Africa and bringing the HONOR Magic V6 into the conversation feels like a natural fit. We are celebrating a generation that moves between fashion, business, sport and culture, and understands that personal style extends to the choices we make in every aspect of our lives. This partnership allows us to look at style through a contemporary lens while celebrating the people who continue to shape South Africa’s cultural landscape,” says Molife Kumona, Editor-in-Chief of GQ South Africa.

Launched in South Africa in August 2026, the HONOR Magic V6 measures just 9mm when folded, unfolded 4.1 mm and weighs 224g. Its foldable design allows users to move between a compact smartphone experience and a larger 7.95-inch inner display, offering additional space for working across applications, managing tasks and engaging with content.

Under the hood, the device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform and features a 6,660mAh silicon-carbon battery, alongside 80W wired and 66W wireless HONOR SuperCharge. AI-powered features enhanced by Google Gemini support smarter workflows, while its 64MP Ultra Sensing Periscope Telephoto Camera with advanced stabilisation is designed to help users capture detailed images.

Durability is equally important. The HONOR Magic V6 features HONOR’s Anti-scratch NanoCrystal Shield and Super Steel Hinge, tested for up to 500,000 folds, as well as IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance ratings.

Luxury today is increasingly defined by the experience a product delivers, not simply the name attached to it. Design, functionality and the ability to make everyday life more seamless all contribute to how people choose the products they carry.

The HONOR Magic V6 brings these considerations together through its foldable form, expanded display and AI-assisted capabilities. Its ability to work across ecosystems, including iPhone, Mac, AirPods and Apple Watch through HONOR Connect and HONOR Share, also reflects the realities of a connected lifestyle in which people often move between different devices throughout the day.

For HONOR South Africa, the partnership with GQ Best Dressed creates an opportunity to introduce these features to an audience that appreciates the relationship between aesthetics and performance. It also places the HONOR Magic V6 within a wider lifestyle conversation, one in which technology is increasingly considered alongside fashion, travel, culture and professional identity.

The HONOR Magic V6 campaign featured ambassadors including legendary screen icon, Connie Ferguson, history-making former Miss South Africa, Mia Le Roux, maverick entrepreneur and founder of Legends Barbershop Sheldon Tatchell, Bafana Bafana captain, Ronwen Williams, South Africa Cricket Captain, Temba Bavuma, South African rugby vice-captain Eben Etzebeth and 100m record holder, Akani Simbine. The campaign saw the HONOR ambassadors speak about the importance of helpful technological devices in the day-to-day execution of their professional and business lives – easily enabling them to proficiently carry out their daily tasks.

Since its inception, GQ Best Dressed has become a platform for recognising the people whose personal style resonates beyond the clothes they wear. The 20th edition is therefore not simply a celebration of longevity. It is an opportunity to reflect on how South African style has developed, the people who have influenced it and those who will define its next chapter.

The partnership between GQ Best Dressed and HONOR South Africa arrives at a time when fashion, technology and culture are increasingly interconnected. The people shaping these spaces are not defined by a single interest or pursuit. They are entrepreneurs, athletes, creatives and professionals who move between different worlds and expect the products they use to move with them.

Twenty years on, GQ Best Dressed remains a celebration of those who make style their own. With HONOR South Africa bringing the HONOR Magic V6 to the forefront, the 2026 edition connects that legacy with a new generation of premium technology and modern self-expression.

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