The NexPhone is a rugged device powered by the Qualcomm QCM64490 chip with a reportedly long support schedule (until 2036), as well as 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, and a 6.58-inch 120Hz screen refresh rate. There’s a 64MP camera, wireless charging, and even 5G support. Of course, it won’t compete with the latest Samsungs and iPhones in terms of hardware, but these phones don’t allow you to run three different operating systems. Nex Computers believes that people who don’t want to give up their flagship phone may be elated to have it as a secondary or backup phone for work.
It costs $549 and you can reserve it now with a refundable deposit of $199. It includes a free USB-C hub, and the company expects to start shipping in the third quarter of 2026.
Sony partners with TCL for its television business
Courtesy of Best Buy
Sony TVs may soon become synonymous with TCL. This week, Sony and the Chinese electronics giant announced a memorandum of understanding to establish a up-to-date one strategic partnership this would give TCL a 51 percent majority share of Sony’s home entertainment business. The deal, if approved by regulators, would include Sony’s high-end Bravia TV brand and other home entertainment products, giving TCL control over everything from product development and design to manufacturing, sales and logistics.
This is a stunning yet understandable move by Sony, one of the most recognized and trusted TV innovators in the world, as the nature of the TV industry has evolved over the past decade. TCL (along with its Chinese rival Hisense) quickly transformed itself from a disruptor into a market leader in the mid-range TV segment and beyond, becoming a major global player in TV panel production and technology development, as well as a leading seller in the US market.
“The new company plans to expand its business by leveraging Sony’s long-established high-quality picture and sound technology,” Sony said in a statement to WIRED. “We consider both companies to be almost equal partners,” Sony continued, intending to “create innovative products that meet customer expectations around the world and enable the company to continue to grow through operational excellence.” The up-to-date joint venture, barring any implementation or regulatory setbacks, is expected to be operational by April 2027. —Ryan Waniata
Asus is withdrawing from the phone market
Asus has been producing smartphones for two decades, but it looks like the company’s centuries-long history in mobile devices may be coming to an end. In an interviewAsus CEO Jonney Shih said the company would halt its smartphone business and instead shift resources to desktop computers and artificial intelligence-based products such as astute glasses and robotics.
Shih says existing devices will continue to be supported, but no mobile launches are planned for 2026. Calling it a “temporary” pause will allow Asus to get back to business in the future, but considering the fact that its ZenFone and ROG gaming smartphones have never performed well in sales, this could be a lasting move, just like LG exit in 2021.