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WIRED
2 days ago
- Business
- WIRED
Gear News This Week: The Repairable Fairphone 6 Arrives and Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked Is Up Next
Plus: Dell officially replaces the XPS brand, Cambride Audio budget buds, and an HDMI buying boon. Courtesy of Cambridge Audio; Dell All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. The sixth generation of Fairphone arrived this week, featuring a modular design built to last from ethically sourced components in a climate-conscious way. It has been a couple of years since its predecessor, the Fairphone 5, and the Fairphone 6 is refreshingly smaller and lighter. It boasts a 6.3-inch OLED screen with a 120-Hz adaptive refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, and a 4,415 mAh battery that Fairphone says is good for up to two days. You also get a 50-megapixel main camera with a 13-MP ultrawide lens and a 32-MP selfie camera. Fairphone says the new device is made with more than 50 percent fair and recycled materials, including cobalt sourced through the Fair Cobalt Alliance, fair gold, silver, and tungsten, and recycled aluminum and rare earth metals. The Fairphone 6 is 100 percent e-waste neutral, made in factories powered by 100 percent renewable energy, by people paid a living wage. The Fairphone 6 is an Android phone with Google Gemini onboard, but the Fairphone Moments feature enables you to hit a physical switch for a minimalist mode with a pared-back interface and just five apps. Fairphone has always gone for a modular design to make repairs and upgrades easier, but this time, it includes a swappable accessory range with a case, card holder, lanyard, and finger loop. Despite the modular design, the Fairphone 6 has an IP55 rating. The Fairphone 6 comes with a five-year warranty, software support until 2033 (eight years is more than any other Android manufacturer promises), and a guarantee of seven major Android OS upgrades. Sadly, it's still not officially sold in the US, but you can buy one for £499 in the UK or 599 Euros on the continent. If you are interested and live in the US, there's a de-Googled version of the Fairphone 6 running e/OS, coming in August. Too bad it costs $899. — Simon Hill Dell Kills the XPS Brand XPS is finally dead. Oh, you didn't hear? Dell announced the sweeping rebrand earlier this year, but perhaps its most iconic laptop branding hasn't changed in the past six months. No new XPS models have come out, so the laptop line has been cruising along. But now, Dell's ambitious (and sometimes downright confusing) rebranding efforts have reached XPS, the beloved laptops that have been setting the standard for premium Windows laptops for many years. In place of what would've been the new Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16, the company is launching the Dell Premium 14 and Dell Premium 16. It doesn't roll off the tongue quite the same. Aside from the name, this is a modest upgrade over last year's models. The new laptops use the latest Intel chips (Core Ultra 200H series) and Nvidia's RTX 50-series graphics. Intel's new chips claim to provide better battery life—up to 27 hours on the Dell Premium 16—whereas the RTX 5050, 5060, and 5070 will improve the graphics. The Dell Premium 14 starts at $1,650, which is $50 cheaper than what it launched at last year. Meanwhile, the Dell Premium 16 will only launch with the RTX 5070 model, with other configurations to come later. While the designs remain as sleek as ever, the fact that both models start with only a 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution screen feels crazy at that price, especially when stretched out on a 16.3-inch screen. Let's not forget: The 14-inch MacBook Pro has a lower starting price and comes with a high-resolution Mini-LED screen on all models. Prices tend to fluctuate, though, and I'm happy Dell is keeping these creator-based machines with discrete graphics options around. I'll hopefully be testing them soon, but for now, let's pour one out for XPS, an iconic PC brand that's been around since the early 1990s—one of the last holdouts from a wildly different era in technology. — Luke Larsen Solos' New Smart Glasses Embrace AI Smart glasses are taking off in various forms, but Solos sees them as wearable AI devices. Both its new models, the AirGo A5 and the AirGo V2, offer access to an AI assistant. The AirGo A5 relies on audio, with built-in speakers and microphones enabling you to access SolosChat to reply to messages or pose queries. You can also use them for calls or to listen to music and podcasts. The more interesting AirGo V2 packs a 16-megapixel camera and a more advanced version 3.0 of SolosChat that combines ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and DeepSeek to identify objects, translate text, and provide the answers you need. Like the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, you can also use them to snap photos and shoot videos hands-free. To compete with the best smart glasses, the AirGo V2 will have to improve considerably on the original Solos AirGo Vision glasses, which had a very poor quality camera and were downright clunky. Solos has also released an SDK and is partnering with companies like Envision and Deutsche Telekom to develop useful AI-driven apps to make AI smart glasses more useful and appealing. The Solos AirGo A5 costs $249, with preorders starting in August. The AirGo V2 glasses will cost $299 but aren't expected to launch until the end of the year. — Simon Hill Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 Are Compact and Affordable Wireless Buds Courtesy of Cambridge Audio If you are looking for a pair of wireless noise cancelling earbuds at the more affordable end of the market, British hi-fi brand Cambridge Audio has just thrown a new contender into the mix with its Melomania A100. Following on from last year's M100 buds, the A100 offer a more compact and lightweight design, but with plenty of the brand's hi-fi heritage still built in. The A100 borrow things like the Class AB amplification from its CX and EX Series to help power the buds' 10mm Neodymium drivers, and have a seven-band adjustable EQ for tweaking sound to your taste. The buds also provide all manner of ways to get your music to them in the best possible quality, including support for LDAC and aptX Lossless and Adaptive, and Cambridge's proprietary DynamEQ looks to keep things sounding exciting, even at low volumes. There are also touch controls here, IPX5 waterproofing and Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint for connecting to two devices. As far as battery life goes, you'll get 6.5 hours of ANC playback from a single charge, and up to 28 more hours from the case—plus three hours playback from 10 minutes on charge. That's down a few hours down on last year's model, but the price reflects that. You'll be able to pick these up now in the UK and Europe for £119/€139 and they will be available in the US a bit later in 2025 in for $149. — Verity Burns Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked Gets a Date Nothing is set to debut its flagship Nothing Phone (3) early next week in London, but in the following week Samsung will take the stage in Brooklyn to take the wraps off its latest folding phones and smartwatches. This week, the company announced the official date for its second Galaxy Unpacked event of the year—July 9—with the keynote to begin at 10 am ET or 7 am Pacific. As usual, it will be livestreamed. We're expecting to see the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 folding smartphones, along with the Galaxy Watch8 series. Samsung already lets you reserve the device now, and in return, you'll get $50 in Samsung store credit and a chance to win a $5,000 credit for Samsung's store. HDMI Cables Get Clearer HDMI 2.2 isn't something that most people need to worry about right now; it's the upcoming video display standard that will likely be utilized by professionals first. Still, it's worth noting that you will be able to tell which cables are HDMI 2.2 compatible thanks to a new 'Ultra96' label on all cables. This label is designed to tell buyers that it supports the full 96 Gbps bandwidth HDMI 2.2 is capable of. First revealed at CES 2025, the new standard will be slow to roll out at home because there isn't any 96 Gbps video for anyone to stream from anything, but support for up to 16K resolution (4K is the current standard) leaves a lot of breathing room down the line. — Parker Hall
CNET
4 days ago
- Business
- CNET
What Makes a Phone Ethical? I Talked With Someone Who Builds One to Find Out
Fairphone is a David among Goliaths in the phone world. We're talking about a tiny Dutch social enterprise that shipped just over 100,000 phones in 2023, versus tech giants such as Apple and Samsung, which routinely ship hundreds of millions of phones annually. On Wednesday, Fairphone CEO Raymond van Eck unveiled the latest device, the sixth generation, in its family of phones. Intended to be known simply as the Fairphone (but in reality more likely to be referred to as the Fairphone 6), this modular phone is designed to be easily repairable and last people who buy it at least eight years. I spoke with van Eck at the Amsterdam launch event, which took a different tack for a smartphone company. Instead of foregrounding the specs and AI capabilities, Fairphone talked mostly about how this newest device has the lowest carbon footprint of any phone it has made. Company reps also talked about how the workers in its supply chain are paid a living wage bonus and protected from harmful chemicals. It's not the easy or convenient way to make a phone. But if a phone maker as diminutive as Fairphone can do it, then it does raise the question of why industry mammoths can't too. "It takes effort," van Eck tells me. "If we can do it, in my opinion, others can do it, because if you look at our scale, it's even more difficult to convince suppliers to work this way." Niche phones are having something of a moment – just last week the Trump Organization announced the T1 device, aka the Trump phone, expected later this year, with much boasting of American origins. But rather than a preoccupation with making phones in the US, which doesn't have the supply chain or manufacturing capabilities, I'd much rather see more options that present people with more ethically made, more easily repairable devices. I've been covering consumer tech and the climate crisis for many years, and not only do phones such as the Fairphone provide people with better value for the money in the long run, but they also put less stress on our rapidly warming planet. Van Eck is aware that Fairphone's slice of the market is a small one, but the company is also making an impact through its role in setting up systems that the entire tech industry can take advantage of. He cited progressive approaches focused on the use of minerals in mobile phone manufacturing like the Fair Cobalt Alliance and responsible gold credits (through which companies pay an extra $1 per every gram of gold mined in order to fund oxygen masks and other safety equipment). A fairer phone Then of course there's the Fairphone itself – a device designed to be easily repairable by anyone who owns it, regardless of skill level. It even comes with a dedicated iFixit screwdriver in the box so that you can replace the back panel. Inside is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip – a solid processor, but not the company's most sophisticated silicon. I can't help but wonder whether Fairphone is potentially shaving years off the phone's longevity by not using the most advanced chipset at the time the device is manufactured. But van Eck thinks not. "The device is perfectly equipped to fulfill the needs of the customers that are buying it," he says. The Fairphone is designed for longevity via repair and updates, not to compete with future flagship models of competitors, he adds. "Within this midrange, we're very confident that we can still deliver to the expectations of the customers in the years to come." One of the more notable (and noticeable) features of the Fairphone 6 is a lime green slider on the side of the phone. There's been something of a renaissance of physical buttons on phones over the past few years, but most phone makers install these primarily for activating a device's AI features. The Fairphone 6 comes with software support through 2033. Katie Collins/Jeffrey Hazelwood/CNET I was fascinated to see that Fairphone has gone practically in the opposite direction. The slider is customizable, but comes pre-programmed to switch the phone into "essentials" mode. This pared-back monochrome interface gives you access to just the core functions of your phone – messaging, camera, web browser and the like – to give you something more akin to a dumb phone experience. It's not that van Eck is against AI – the Android version of the Fairphone 6 will come with Google's Gemini – but he's also aware of the wider conversation around responsible phone us. "We see debates about children's smartphones. We see debates about people who are glued to their devices even having eye problems," he says. "It's actually in our mission… that we want to make tech ethical. So it's also good for us to help our users to switch off." When ethics meet scale Worthy though its ideals and practices may be, this doesn't mean Fairphone is totally above criticism. If you've followed the company's journey as closely as I have, it's impossible not to have seen an influx of negative customer experience reports over the past few months, especially complaints about wait times and lack of communication. Fairphone's growth has been both a blessing and a curse, according to van Eck, who puts the issues the company has experienced down to systems, processes and workforce that have now been resolved. "We see more interest for our devices, and that also triggered the fact that we needed to scale up," he says. "We expect that the longer waiting times that customers have experienced, that will be a thing from the past within the next few weeks." Crucially, customers interested in buying a Fairphone 6 shouldn't see a repeat of these issues. This being the sixth generation device, rebranded without a number officially attached to it, I ask van Eck whether this ultimate Fairphone is therefore the last Fairphone. It is not. "We're here to stay," he tells me. Not only will Fairphone continue developing its tech, but it will keep pushing for and holding itself to higher standards. The new device contains more recycled materials than the Fairphone 5, for example. "Of course there will be next versions to come," he says. "But for now, we're very happy with the Fairphone."
Android Authority
5 days ago
- Android Authority
Fairphone Gen 6 is here with a modular design that gives you even more freedom
Supplied by Fairphone TL;DR Fairphone has announced the Fairphone Gen 6 smartphone. The phone maintains a repairable, modular design, but now has accessories that attach to its back. The Fairphone Gen 6 has a recommended price of ~$695. Fairphone has made a name for itself over the years thanks to its repairable designs, long update policies, and sustainable approach to smartphone manufacturing. We've been expecting a new phone for a while now, and the company has finally peeled the curtain back on the Fairphone Gen 6. The Fairphone Gen 6 continues to offer a repairable design. The device features 12 replaceable parts, including the battery, screen, camera, and USB port. However, Fairphone is also taking cues from Nothing's CMF Phone line by offering accessories that attach to the back of the phone via two screws. These accessories include finger loops, card holders, and lanyards. The company didn't rule out additional accessories when we asked about future add-ons. Fairphone also told us that the 'measurements and specifics of the device' will be available for free if people want to make their own accessories. This theoretically opens the door to community creations and third-party add-ons. Another new feature this time is Fairphone Moments. This is a dedicated, lime-colored hardware switch that lets you quickly enable/disable a minimalist phone experience. Fairphone says this minimalistic phone mode restricts you to five apps, although you can customize which apps appear in this mode. Thankfully, the company told us you can easily remap this switch in the settings menu. The switch can currently be mapped to features like airplane mode or flashlight functionality. Fairphone Moments is an interesting idea, but the manufacturer confirmed to Android Authority that this feature won't come to older models. That's a shame, as it seems like something that can be accomplished with a quick settings toggle. 'The idea with the design of Moments is that it's tethered to hardware,' the company explained in a statement. 'This turns it into a holistic experience that is easy to access and is not just an 'added feature'.' Fairphone Gen 6 specs and pricing Supplied by Fairphone Otherwise, the Fairphone Gen 6 looks like a sensible follow-up to the Fairphone 5 in terms of pure specs. The phone is powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, which should be a major upgrade over the previous model's QCM6490 processor. The device also has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. And yes, you can expand storage via a microSD card slot. Fairphone also offers a 6.31-inch 120Hz OLED screen (1,116 x 2,484, LTPO, Gorilla Glass 7i) compared to the Fairphone 5's 6.46-inch 90Hz OLED panel. The Fairphone Gen 6 keeps ticking thanks to a removable, 4,415mAh battery. Fairphone says this enables 'almost' two days of usage, although it almost goes without saying that this depends on your actual usage. In terms of photography, the Fairphone Gen 6 brings fewer megapixels than the Fairphone 5. The rear cameras consist of a 50MP main shooter (LYTIA 700C) and a 13MP ultrawide camera, while a 32MP camera handles selfies and video calls. This differs substantially from the previous phone's 50MP+50MP rear camera pairing and 50MP selfie shooter, suggesting a hardware downgrade. Other notable features include an IP55 rating, a side fingerprint scanner, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 6E, and Android 15. Speaking of software, Fairphone also stands out from the pack thanks to its impressive update commitment. The company says the Fairphone Gen 6 will get 'at least' six Android upgrades and security updates until 2033. Furthermore, the device comes with a five-year warranty. In any event, the Fairphone Gen 6 costs €599 (~$695) for the sole 8GB/256GB model. That makes it €100 (~$116) cheaper than the Fairphone 5's launch price. The phone is available via Fairphone's website and retail/operator partners in Europe and the UK. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Luxury residential design & build firm, Bond Habitat, announces collaboration with Xpanel
Bond Habitat, a leader in exclusive property design & build development and refurbishment, has partnered with Xpanel Technologies, a pioneering global manufacturer of advanced structural modular panel systems. Through this collaboration, Bond Habitat has been appointed as an approved installer for all Xpanel products across the UAE, expanding its capabilities to deliver cutting-edge, sustainable, and high-quality interior and exterior solutions. Xpanel's wide range of innovative products offers a one-stop construction solution. Based on three-dimensional composite concrete structures, the system provides cost and time savings while delivering high-performance construction resistance and thermo-acoustic insulation. The products are non-toxic, has less energy consumption, and are resilient in the face of climate change – reducing carbon emissions by 14% and energy use by up to 40%. Mario Formisano, Co-founder of Bond Habitat, commented: 'Xpanel is disrupting the construction market and can be used in any method of delivery, a robust system that is solid construction but brings so many tangible benefits, including reducing time and cost while maintaining quality. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for Bond Habitat. The brand's state-of-the-art products align perfectly with our vision of delivering luxury, efficiency, and sustainability in every project. By becoming an approved installer, we are enhancing our ability to offer exceptional, customisable solutions that redefine modern living and developing exciting plans to bring the products' possibilities to life for our clients.' Xpanel's modular systems are renowned for their durability, versatility, and ease of installation, making them an ideal choice for both residential and commercial projects. With Bond Habitat's expertise in bespoke refurbishments and high-end property transformations, this collaboration will set new standards for quality and innovation in the UAE's property sector. Media Contact: Samantha@
The Verge
09-06-2025
- The Verge
Fairphone 6 leak reveals more modular design
The Fairphone 6 will launch this month with a more modular design according to leaked details obtained by WinFuture. Alongside Fairphone's usual repair-friendly build, the new device will seemingly support interchangeable accessories such as a card holder, lanyard, and ring grip. That sounds similar to the modular accessories on the CMF Phone 1 and Phone Pro 2 by Nothing, which support screw-on lanyards, wallets, and kickstands. WinFuture reports that the Fairphone 6 will also have a two-part rear cover split into upper and lower sections, allowing owners to mix and match colors along with the accessories, with black, white, and green among the launch options. Dutch site NieuweMobiel reports that the phone will launch on June 25th, and offer 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Much like previous Fairphone models, it will be user-repairable, with replacement parts available for the earpiece, speaker, USB-C port, display, battery, and three camera lenses. When it arrives, it's expected to cost €549.99 (around $625), a substantial drop from 2023's €699 ($800) Fairphone 5. That phone never launched in the US, so we'll have to hope that changes this time around.
