4 Most Opulent Christmas 2022 Tech Gifts in Hong Kong
Hong Kong/ Digital/ Gadget Reviews

Stay Gold! The Most Opulent Christmas 2022 Tech Gifts in Hong Kong

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Phantom 2 Gold Header Photo by Devialet

As Christmas creeps ever closer, The Beat Asia tech team is going for gold and gathering our recommendations for ostentatiously opulent gilded gifts.


Apple Watch Series 8
Website/Apple

Apple Watch Series 8 Gold Edition with Umber Leather Strap

From HK$5,899 | Buy from Apple HK

The Apple Watch Series 8 is a beautiful piece of wearable technology, and we think this material and colourway is the perfect Christmas gift. With its premium gold stainless steel case, sapphire crystal display, and umber leather strap — you can be sure that you'll keep it looking good long after the festive season has passed. It also has the latest fitness tracking technology, including a heart rate sensor with a built-in electrocardiogram (ECG), and a fall-detecting accelerometer. The Apple Watch Series 8 is a luxury smartwatch that offers all the features you need to stay connected and healthy.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Pink Gold
Website/Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Pink Gold

From HK$8,298 | Buy from Samsung HK

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is an ultra-portable, stylish device with a folding form factor and some of the best photo and video capabilities on the market. It has a 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED main screen with a 2640 x 1080 resolution. Dual 12MP rear cameras, 10MP in-display selfie camera, 8GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of internal storage. It also has fast wireless charging 2.0 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is a high-end flip phone with a sophisticated design and many features that make it a great choice for people who want to stay connected without sacrificing style.

Surface Laptop 4 Sandstone
Website/Microsoft

Surface Laptop 4 Sandstone

HK$8,688 | Buy from Microsoft HK

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is a great choice for anyone looking for a well-made, powerful laptop that's sure to impress your co-workers. The build quality is excellent, with an aluminium body and stunning 13.5” PixelSense™ Display driven by Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics. The keyboard is responsive and super comfortable—it's one of the best keyboards on any laptop we've ever used. The software experience on this device is also top-notch. It runs Windows 11, which means it comes with all kinds of useful features, like Windows Hello (to log in using your face). The battery life is also pretty good (up to 11.5 hours, according to Microsoft). It's not as long as some of its competitors, but it should get you through most days without a charge.

Devialet Phantom II Opera de Paris Edition
Website/Devialet

Devialet Phantom II Opera de Paris Edition

HK$17,490 | Buy from Devialet Hong Kong

The Devialet Phantom II is a serious piece of audio equipment, and it shows. It's one of the best-sounding speakers we've heard in our testing, and it's also one of the most expensive in its category. While smaller than its now-iconic Phantom I sibling, this younger child loses nothing in dynamism and drive. Even when pushed to extreme volumes, the onboard DSP keeps the treble clean, mids crispy, and bass tight. The Opéra de Paris edition elevates the design and makes it look like something you'd find in an art museum, rather than your living room. If you're on the fence, we would wholeheartedly recommend a visit to your nearest Devialet showroom (IFC and Pacific Place) for an audition.

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Hong Kong/ Digital/ Reviews

Immersive Sound on the Go: A Review of Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay H100

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Untitled design 2024 11 28 T153316 561 Photo by Courtesy of Bang & Olufsen

High-end Danish electronics brand Bang & Olufsen have unveiled their latest headphones, the Beoplay H100, which are crafted to take the luxurious legacy of the Beoplay H95 up a notch.

This new model showcases the full potential of Bang & Olufsen’s audio wearables. According to CEO Kristian Teär, “Beoplay H100 elevates what we have accomplished over the past ten decades and defines our future: an era where beautiful sound is built to last. It represents the true potential of what a Bang & Olufsen audio wearable can be.”

Build, Appearance, and Comfort

headphones back
The Beat Asia

Put simply, the first thing you notice about the Beoplay H100 headphones is they look great. The headphones come in 3 classy colors: Sunset Apricot, Infinite Black and Hourglass Sand. We loved the elegant Hourglass Sand, but their range of colors suit all personalities and complement any outfit.

The detachable headband is finely crafted in leather and wrapped in a knitted textile, a detail which takes the headphones to the next level. Its ear cushions are made from plush lambskin – giving the headphones an elegant Italian vibe.

Sound and Call Quality

Headphones
The Beat Asia

Clearly these headphones are not just intended to turn heads – with B&O, it’s all about the audio. B&O [Bang & Olufsen to be formal] have been pushing the limits of quality audio gear for nearly 100 years and are still at the forefront of the game.

The Beoplay H100 are, we think, simply the best, providing an immersive and crystal-clear audio experience that is second to none. To get technical, these headphones are optimized for Dolby Atmos an audio technology which gives a superlative immersive sound experience, whilst electro-dynamic titanium drivers work their magic on the sound waves.

This results in impressive noise cancelling features which meant this reviewer could listen to their favorite mumble rapper whilst squashed on the MTR during rush hour — and not miss a beat. We were impressed by the H100's "True Transparency" mode, which provides clear ambient sound when needed. Additionally, its "Quick Listen" feature allows users to quickly hear their surroundings by lifting an earcup or covering it with their palm.”

Like most of B&O’s products the Beoplay H100 can be controlled via the B&O app, allowing you to preset your musical preferences for the day. Feel you need to pump up the bass – no problem. It’s all done via a quick adjustment on the app.

For everyday listening, you can activate stopping and starting a track as easily as tapping the side of the ear cover, and simply twist its built-in dial forward to increase transparency or backward to increase Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). You will hear distinct sound feedback from your surroundings when you have reached the maximum transparency setting.

Battery Life

Headphones
The Beat Asia

The H100's battery life takes the cake. We have often complained that great advances in tech have not been matched by longer battery life. So we immediately fell for the Beoplay H100’s fast charging feature. A quick charge of only 5 minutes will give you an impressive 5-hour playback (when using the specified USB cable) whilst a regular one-hour battery charge gives over 30 hours of playtime.

If you are in the habit of leaving your headphones lying about, you might also appreciate low-power mode which extends standby time to 90 days when the headphones are stored outside their case.

Make sure not to forget your accompanying chic leather pouch which offers the headphones stylish protection, provides space for charging cables, and even automatically puts them on standby mode. As soon as you take them out of the pouch, the headphones switch back on. Incredibly, when your headphones are left inside the leather pouch, the battery will last more than a year in deep sleep mode.

Sustainability

Beoplay h100
Courtesy of Bang & Olufsen

B&O’s commitment to durability is also worth a mention. Headphones get bashed around quite a bit, stuffed into bags and piled on various surfaces. Usually, a slight bit of damage leads to the whole product being sent to the bin.

Happily, the Beoplay H100 has been built with a modular design, so that individual parts can be easily replaced, including the battery, headband, cushions, and even the titanium drivers. An extended 5-year warranty is also on offer, which gives a little more reassurance that this premium product has been built to last. Also, when a new feature comes out, you can update and experience it right away.

Final Thoughts

The Beoplay H100 retail at a rather hefty HK$11,998, but its innovative features combined with pleasing aesthetic put these headphones in a different league and will be topping our Santa’s List this year!

The Beoplay H100 is available today at Bang & Olufsen stores. For more information, visit Bang & Olufsen on their website, or on Facebook and Instagram.

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Hong Kong/ Digital/ Home Decors

Most Unexpected Things You Can Buy at 7-Eleven Hong Kong Online

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Instagram 7 Eleven HK Photo by Instagram/7 Eleven Hong Kong

We know 7-Eleven as the go-to spot for instant food and drinks, but beyond that lies a world of products not typically found in other convenience stores. Prepare to discover quirky appliances and home items that will bring color to your life at 7-Eleven Hong Kong. Whether you’re looking for charm, functionality, or a bit of both, the 7-Eleven online store in HK surprises you with a range of products that go beyond the expected convenience store fare.

Snoopy and Friends Pet House (HK$50)

Snoopy and Friends Pet House
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

If you’re a fan of Snoopy, consider yourself lucky! For pet lovers who appreciate style and comfort, the Snoopy and Friends Pet House at Hong Kong’s 7-Eleven offers a charming retreat for your furbaby. Featuring a white design with a red roof adorned with iconic Snoopy characters, it’s ideal for small to medium-sized dogs looking for a cozy space to call their own. Buy the product here.

Japanese Electric Pot (HK$688)

Japanese Electric Pot
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

Versatile and efficient, the Japanese Electric Pot combines steaming, boiling, roasting, and frying functions in one device. Simplify your cooking process with this multi-functional kitchen essential, perfect for culinary enthusiasts. Buy the product through this link.

Dragon Ball Z Mouse Pad (HK$149)

Dragon Ball Z Mouse Pad
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

Remember Dragon Ball Z, the iconic series that millennials grew up watching? Take a trip down memory lane by embracing your inner anime enthusiast with the Dragon Ball Z Mouse Pad. It proudly displays the iconic Dragon Ball Z logo and a print of Goku, offering a smooth surface for precise mouse movements. Get the product through this link.

Mickey Mouse Mini Refrigerator (HK$800)

Mickey Mouse Mini Refrigerator
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

Disney fans, this one’s for you! Add a touch of magic to any space with the Mickey Mouse Mini Refrigerator, available at 7-Eleven Hong Kong. Featuring a cheerful Mickey print and compact size, it’s perfect for bedrooms or solo living to keep your snacks and beverages cool in style. You may buy the product here.

STAUB Tall Round Saucepan (HK$1,999)

STAUB Tall Round Saucepan
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

Crafted with enamel porcelain and embodying French craftsmanship, the STAUB Tall Round Saucepan is a culinary staple. Ideal for simmering sauces or cooking vegetables, its durable construction ensures even heating and long-lasting performance. Buy it here.

Modern Silk Bedding Sheet (HK$999)

Modern Silk Bedding Sheet
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

Experience luxury with the Modern Silk Bedding Sheet, equipped with an advanced eight-point positioning tying rope and a quilt core locking system. This bedding ensures comfort and stability, catering to different sleeping preferences effortlessly. If you’ve been struggling to fall asleep lately, you’ll surely have a good night’s sleep with this item. Get it through this link.

Kuromi Keyboard (HK$399)

Kuromi Keyboard
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

Gamers and computer addicts, rejoice! Transform your workspace with the Kuromi Keyboard, featuring circular buttons and a super cute 3D doll. Complete with a protective film, it adds a playful charm while maintaining functionality for your typing needs. If you’re getting bored with your computer setup, this product will bring life to your home workspace or gaming station. You can buy the item on this page.

Momax Smart Eye (HK$499)

Momax Smart Eye
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

Enhance home or workspace security with the Momax Smart Eye, a monitor and CCTV device that captures moments and potential risks with precision. This product will definitely make you stay connected and informed about your surroundings for added peace of mind. Get it here.

Coca-Cola Ice Cream Maker (HK$339)

Coca-Cola Ice Cream Maker
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

Craving ice cream? Why not make one for a change? Enjoy the freedom of making homemade treats with the 400ml Coca-Cola Ice Cream Maker. Its retro design and quick operation churn out delicious ice cream or smoothies in just 15 to 20 minutes, perfect for satisfying cravings and creating refreshing treats at home. Get the product via this page.

Nintendo Switch Kirby Controller (HK$448)

Nintendo Switch Kirby Controller
Website/7 Eleven Hong Kong

Gaming meets adorable with the Nintendo Switch Kirby Controller. Styled after the well-loved character Kirby, it offers wireless convenience and ergonomic design for hours of comfortable gameplay. Powered by AA batteries, it’s a must-have for Nintendo enthusiasts. Buy it here.

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Hong Kong/ Digital/ Updates

Samsung to Unveil Galaxy AI at Galaxy Unpacked Event July 2024

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Static Official Release Horizontal 16x9 2560x1440

Samsung Electronics is set to showcase its latest advancements in mobile AI at the Galaxy Unpacked event on July 10, 2024. The highly anticipated event will introduce the Galaxy AI, integrated into the newest Galaxy Z series and the entire Galaxy ecosystem, offering users unprecedented possibilities in mobile technology.

The event will take place in Paris, a city renowned for its cultural and technological influence, and will be live-streamed at 9 PM HKT/MYT. Hong Kong viewers can watch the stream on the official Samsung Hong Kong website, while Kuala Lumpur viewers can tune in via Samsung Malaysia’s official platforms, including their website and Instagram.

Samsung Malaysia is also offering incentives for early registrants. By registering interest before July 9, 2024, participants can receive up to RM500 in Samsung e-vouchers for pre-orders and stand a chance to win daily mystery gifts worth up to RM27,000.

For more information and updates, visit the Samsung Newsroom.

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Hong Kong/ Digital/ Apps

Leica Unveils a Mobile App Where You Can Take Professional Photos

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Leica LUX Photo by Provided by/Leica Camera AG

Take professional and artistic photos with your iPhone through the Leica Camera AG’s latest appLeica LUX.” This app brings the iconic Leica Look to iPhones, enabling users to immerse themselves in a different world of Leica aesthetics.

The app offers the “Leica Lenses,” where you can take pictures with a selection of classic Leica lenses like the Summilux-M 28 mm f/1.4 ASPH and the Noctilux-M 50 mm f/1.2 ASPH. It also has a top-notch image-processing engine that allows you to produce pictures with the signature look of their lenses.

Leica LUX Lenses
Provided by/Leica Camera AG

With different color gradations and film presets compared to the native iPhone camera, you can enhance the image depth and character. And just like professional cameras, Leica LUX features automatic and manual modes where you can control the aperture, exposure, and shutter speeds – no need to bring heavy equipment, with your phone, you can take artistic photos whenever and wherever.

Leica LUX Settings
Provided by/Leica Camera AG

The app offers a “Freemium” model, the free version of the Leica LUX. With the free version, you can access the Automatic and Aperture modes, along with six lenses. For those who want full access to their signature looks and controls on exposure, focus, and white balance, they offer the Leica LUX Pro (HK$58/month).

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Hong Kong/ Digital/ Updates

Work More Efficiently as Samsung Galaxy AI Now Supports Cantonese

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Work More Efficiently as Samsung Galaxy AI Now Supports Cantonese Photo by Website/Samsung

After its successful launch in January this year, Samsung continues to expand its innovative Samsung Galaxy AI by including more languages and dialects in its latest update. The tech giant has announced the inclusion of three new languages and three new dialects on top of its already existing 13 languages.

Samsung Galaxy AI Cantonese Language Pack Download
Photo by Samsung Hong Kong

Samsung users can now access the new languages and dialects through language pack downloads, which include Arabic, Indonesian, and Russian, and dialects including Australian English, Canadian French, and Cantonese, which Hong Kong users are looking forward to.

Changing the game of mobile AI, Samsung unlocks new possibilities with the new Galaxy AI, including real-time voice and text translation for call assist, interpreter, and chat assist, as well as context-aware suggestions.

It is also equipped to make AI-generated summaries with pre-formatted templates and cover pages, as well as transcribe, summarise, and translate voice recordings in the available language pack downloads.

Starting on April 26, Galaxy S24 Series, Galaxy S23 Series, Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5, and Galaxy Tab S9 Series users can access and download the new update to optimise and innovate their working and entertainment experiences.

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Hong Kong/ Digital/ Updates

Hong Kong Approves First Bitcoin and Ether Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

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Hong Kong Approves First Bitcoin and Ether Exchange Traded Funds ET Fs

Hong Kong has taken a significant step towards embracing cryptocurrencies as mainstream investment tools by conditionally approving its first spot bitcoin and ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on Monday. This initiative follows the implementation of a regulatory framework for virtual asset service providers in the region last year.

This move positions the city to potentially become Asia's pioneer in recognizing cryptocurrencies as legitimate investment assets. Hong Kong, in competition with financial hubs like Singapore and Dubai, aims to establish itself as a leading centre for digital asset firms.

At least three offshore Chinese asset managers are set to launch virtual asset spot ETFs in the near future.

The Hong Kong units of Harvest Fund Management and Bosera Asset Management have both announced that they have received conditional approvals from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to introduce the ETFs. Additionally, OSL Digital Securities Ltd. stated that it would offer custodial services for Bitcoin and Ether products from China Asset Management and Harvest, among others.

According to Reuters, the SFC issues conditional authorization letters to ETF applications that generally meet its requirements, subject to fulfilling various conditions such as fee payments, document filings, and approval from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) for listing.

Bloomberg reported a positive market response to the news, with Bitcoin surging as much as 4.3% to approximately US$66,629, while Ether experienced a 6.1% increase to reach US$3,257. This demonstrates growing investor confidence and interest in cryptocurrencies as regulated investment options.

The conditional approval of Bitcoin and Ether ETFs in Hong Kong marks a significant milestone in the integration of cryptocurrencies into traditional financial systems, potentially opening doors for broader adoption and investment opportunities in the region.

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Hong Kong/ Digital/ Updates

CASETiFY Collabs with Doraemon for A New Adorable Collection

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CASE Ti FY x Doraemon Photo by Website/CASETiFY

Get ready for an adventure like no other as CASETiFY teams up with the beloved cartoon robot cat Doraemon in their latest collection. Launching on March 27, the Doraemon x CASETiFY Collection is a playful nod to the beloved Japanese manga and animated series.

Fans can expect a range of specialty products and collectible accessories that showcase Doraemon and his famous secret gadgets starting at HK$279. Some of the highlights of the collection are the Anywhere Door Case (HK$549), a 3D silicone case replicating the iconic motif in the series, and the Doraemon Collectible AirPods (HK$749) which comes equipped with a detachable “Hopter” and exchangeable eyes to convey Doraemon’s many expressions.

CASETiFY's custom studio is getting a Doraemon makeover, giving fans the chance to personalize their accessories with specially designed fonts – from AirPods cases and Apple watch bands to iPad covers and laptop cases. To celebrate the launch, selected CASETiFY stores will be showcasing a life-sized "Anywhere Door Phone Case" and a Doraemon statue with different secret gadgets.

Mark your calendars and get ready to shop 'til you drop on March 27! For those who can’t wait until launch, you can sign up for priority access to shop the collection on the CASETiFY website.

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