Williams team principal James Vowles has explained the context behind the team missing the private test at Barcelona’s Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya, admitting it was a consequence of chasing maximum performance and pushing the organisation's operating limits.

Speaking before the reveal of the 2026 livery, the former Mercedes strategist linked the delay to how late the teams are pushing to release key designs. With the 2026 regulations creating a steep and early development curve, the temptation to commit to a chassis, wings, floor, and bodywork as late as possible to capture gains is strong. 

Commit too early, and you could arrive at the first race with an out-of-date design, but if you commit too late, then you increase the risk of manufacturing lead times biting you. This is what happened to Williams.

“We stopped development of the 2025 car very early but also what you want to make sure you're doing is you want to make sure you're pushing your decisions on when you release chassis, front wing, rear wing, floor, bodywork as late as possible to catch all of the development goodness.”

He added: “So if you print a car, if you treat it that way, you say ‘OK, we're going to print the car’ in April last year. We, of course, would have a car, but it would be very slow compared to the capability of it, and you'd be behind in the upgrade race.

"The second is we have to test ourselves as a business. Championship level is not just being able to develop the car either aerodynamically or vehicularly. It's also pushing the boundaries of how long it takes you to get an idea produced into a real working car, and so we have to continually move that forward as a result of it.

"We were testing ourselves as a business. So both you keep the performance goodness, but also we have to start pushing ourselves more and more to get towards championship level."

But the team failed to hit its target of attending Barcelona. 

Williams FW48

"I would much prefer to have been in Barcelona. I'm going to pre-empt all that. That was the goal. That was what we were intending to do. We did not achieve it.”

While Vowles argues that despite missing testing, his team has mitigated the impact of this through alternative prep work in the shape of VVT mileage, simulator work from Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon and feedback from Mercedes, its power unit supplier, which recorded over 500 laps across its drivers. 

“We are fortunate to the fact that Mercedes has sufficient runners that there's quite a bit of information coming back on both the gearbox and the power unit that enables us to get ahead when we come to Bahrain, means that I do not believe with six days of testing we'll be on the back foot.”

There is, however, experience that cannot be replicated.

"What's missing is there's a lot of knowledge for the drivers to inherently perfect what's going on on track. What's missing is a correlation for where our aerodynamics really are and a correlation for where our vehicle dynamics really are. So track data is the only way of establishing that.
 
"So there is a loss but with six days of testing, with our driver-in-loop simulator that we invested in - state-of-the-art and up and running in the last year – we are able to mitigate a lot of those."

He ended: "Right now no one knows, and I really do mean no one, what the pecking order is."

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Acemagic has launched the Retro X3 mini PC, a compact desktop powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 H 255. It retains the Nintendo Famicom-inspired retro design of the earlier Retro X5 while adopting a more affordable configuration, and is now available on JD.com priced at 1,899 yuan ($273).

Acemagic Retro X3 Specifications

The Retro X3 comes in a compact square body measuring 128.2 x 128.2 x 44 mm and weighing 406 grams. It features a red, black, and grey color scheme with a sandblasted metal finish, a red toggle-style power button on the front, and a tool-free side panel that makes memory and storage upgrades quick and hassle-free.

Inside, the Retro X3 is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 processor built on the 4nm Zen 4 architecture. It offers 8 cores and 16 threads with a maximum boost clock of 4.9GHz and includes 16MB of L3 cache. The chip integrates Radeon 780M graphics based on the RDNA 3 architecture with 12 compute units and a GPU frequency of up to 2.6 GHz.

The system supports up to 128GB of DDR5-5600 memory through two SO-DIMM slots. For storage, it includes two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots using PCIe 4.0 x4, with a maximum capacity of 4TB. The device does not support SATA SSDs.

For connectivity, the mini PC includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and a 2.5GbE Ethernet port. It supports up to three external displays via HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.0, and a USB4 Type-C port that also supports 40 Gbps data transfer.

The front panel includes two USB-A 10Gbps ports, a USB4 port, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. The rear offers four USB-A 5Gbps ports, a 2.5GbE LAN port, HDMI, DisplayPort, a DC power input, and a Kensington lock slot.

The system ships with Windows 11 Pro. It uses the brand’s latest Cooling System 3.0, which combines a large fan, dual copper heat pipes, and three-sided airflow to maintain stable thermals during extended workloads.

In related news, Minix has recently introduced the Neo Z95, a pocket-sized mini PC that is smaller than most smartphones, while Gmktec has launched the NucBox K13 featuring an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor, 115 TOPS of AI performance, and USB4 connectivity.

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Ffalcon, a sub-brand under TCL, has launched the Thunderbird Q7A Pro gaming monitor in China. The new 27-inch display is listed on JD.com with a retail price of 2,299 yuan ($330) and an introductory launch price of 1,999 yuan ($288).

Thunderbird Q7A Pro Specifications

The Q7A Pro uses a 27-inch Fast IPS panel from CSOT with a 2560 x 1440 resolution and a 320Hz refresh rate, targeting competitive and esports gaming. It relies on a QD-Mini LED backlight with 1,196 local dimming zones to boost contrast and limit haloing, while peak brightness reaches 1,200 nits with VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification.

The display supports quantum dot color enhancement, covering 99% of both the DCI-P3 and sRGB color spaces. Ffalcon rates its color accuracy at ΔE < 2, and the panel supports 10-bit color through 8-bit + FRC processing.

The panel delivers a 1ms GTG response time, offers multiple overdrive modes for motion tuning, includes an MPRT-Plus mode for clearer fast scenes, and supports FreeSync Premium and G-Sync Compatible to reduce tearing and stutter.

For connectivity, the monitor includes two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4 port, all supporting full 2K 320Hz bandwidth. It also includes a headphone jack and offers picture-in-picture (PIP) and picture-by-picture (PBP) modes for multitasking with multiple input sources.

The monitor features a hexagonal base with an ergonomic stand offering 125 mm height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and pivot, supports VESA 100 x 100 mounting, uses full-range DC dimming with a low blue light mode, draws 65W of power, and comes with a three-year replacement warranty.

In related news, BenQ has recently introduced the MA270UP and MA320UP 4K IPS monitors with USB-C support for Mac users in India, while ViewSonic has unveiled 4K Android 16 interactive classroom displays at Bett 2026.

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Adrian Newey, now leading the Aston Martin Formula 1 team into 2026 as team principal, has commented on the use of AI in how the outfit operates. This comes after the Silverstone squad showed off its impressive-looking AMR26 in the private Barcelona testing last week.

With the 2026 regulations demanding plenty from the teams with changes to aerodynamics, chassis and power unit, development through machine learning and similar techniques will be used by all teams. These techniques are especially important now due to the lack of real-world running before the season start, and will continue to be as the cars develop quickly over the first year.

In fact, Lance Stroll's first day of testing amounted to only a "handful" of laps being completed. Two-time champion Fernando Alonso banked 61 laps across the Friday. More testing will come later this month in Bahrain from 11 February.

This use of AI doesn't come in the form of ChatGPT or any other consumer chatbots. It instead comes in the shape of complex and specialist packages - something that has been used for years before anything like this was released to the consumer market. 

"Machine learning has been around for a long time," Newey said in the team's Undercutinterview. "It's been superseded, if you like, as a buzzword by AI – everyone knows what AI is now. In truth, the AI that most people are using day to day is mainly just internet search-based and it’s pattern recognition."

He continues, explaining the team's usage: "What we are using machine learning, or AI, for is much more specific tasks and therefore how we use that AI is incredibly tailored.

Lance Stroll, Aston Martin

"We're typically not using anything off the internet because we are too specialised for that, but there are instances of using pattern recognition to help with relatively simple tasks and even race strategy through simulation and game theory."

He added: "There are more advanced applications... which I'd rather not talk about at the moment. 

"The thing about things like compute power, data processing, artificial intelligence, is it's all advancing so rapidly. What's new now will be pretty much out of date in 12 months.

"It's obviously incredibly exciting for us, and it's up to us to work with our partners to keep up with that because the opportunities it creates are absolutely immense. It's almost as if we have to keep reopening our minds to what's available, not on a daily basis, but certainly on a six-month basis, to take the most advantage as things evolve."

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OpenAI rolled out a standalone app for its AI coding assistant, Codex, opening a new chapter in how developers work with autonomous software agents. The app is available on Apple computers, and for a limited time, Codex access is open […]

The post OpenAI launches standalone Codex app for Mac, expands AI coding agents to free ChatGPT users first appeared on Tech Startups.

Oppo has officially launched two new budget-friendly smartphones in its home market of China, the Oppo A6i+ and Oppo A6v. Both of these are affordable smartphones with extra-large batteries that promise extended endurance in daily use. So here are all the details.

Oppo A6i+ and Oppo A6v Specifications

Both models sport a large 6.75-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,125 nits of peak brightness for great outdoor readability and DC dimming. Under the hood, the duo are equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC. The Oppo A6v couples this with up to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. Meanwhile, the Oppo A6i+ tops out with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. A massive 7,000mAh battery pack powers the Oppo A6v, while the Oppo A6i+ has a smaller 6,500mAh cell.

Out of the box, both devices run on the Android 15 OS based ColorOS 15 custom skin. These new Oppo A6 series models feature a 50MP main camera on the back, with the front housing a 5MP selfie shooter on the A6i+ and an 8MP camera on the A6v. Other notable features include 45W wired fast charging, IP69 rating on the A6i+ and IP64 rating on the A6v for water and dust resistance, glove and wet touch, side mounted fingerprint scanner, and various AI powered tools.

Pricing and Availability

As of right now, pre-orders for these budget phones are live in China, with official sales kicking off on 6th February 2026. Both models are available in multiple colors options, namely Glacier White and Chestnut Brown for the A6i+ and Glacier Blue, Titanium Purple and Wilderness Green for the A6v. So here are the pricing details:

Oppo A6i+

• 8GB + 256GB- 1,499 Yuan (roughly 216 US Dollars)
• 12GB + 256GB- 1,599 Yuan (roughly 230 US Dollars)
• 12GB + 512GB- 1,799 Yuan (roughly 259 US Dollars)

Oppo A6v

• 8GB + 256GB – 1,199 Yuan (roughly 172 US Dollars)

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Casio has officially launched a fresh collection of G-Shock watches that blend metal bezels with bold red displays for a standout look and rugged everyday utility. The four new models, including the GM-110YRA-8JF, GM-2100YRA-8JF, GM-5600YRA-8JF, and GM-6900YRA-8JF, have officially launched in Japan.

Four New Metal G-Shocks with Bright Red Displays

All four models bring Casio’s hallmark shock resistance and practical features together with a distinctive visual twist that’s sure to catch eyes on the wrist. Across the lineup, Casio uses stainless steel bezels paired with resin cases and soft-touch silicone bands, giving these watches durability for outdoor use without sacrificing style. Each of these also brings 20-bar water resistance, mineral glass protection, white LED backlighting, auto calendars, alarms, timers, and much more.

The G-Shock GM-110YRA-8JF is an analog-digital hybrid on the more premium end of the series and is based on Casio’s popular 110 series. It offers a bold red dial, stainless steel bezel, and a classic yet rugged G-Shock body. Based on the CasiOak series, the GM-2100YRA-8JF is a slimmer entry in the iconic 100 lineup that also gets the red dial mixed with metallic accents. These two models are listed for purchase in Japan for 40,150 Yen (roughly 260 US Dollars)

On the other hand, the GM-5600YRA-8JF is another classic Casio square digital G-Shock design with a similar design element, while the GM-6900YRA-8JF has one of the larger form factors with the same vibrant red display in a rounder body. Casio has released these two watches for 37,400 Yen (roughly 242 US Dollars. This release also arrives a day after the watchmaker announced a new Casio Oceanus with a sapphire bezel and Bluetooth solar movement.

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If you’ve ever wished for a full-fledged computer smaller than your smartphone, the new Minix Neo Z95 mini PC might be exactly that. Minix has launched this ultra-compact system designed for everyday desktop tasks. We’ve already seen tiny computers before, but the new Minix Neo Z95 can literally fit in your pocket.

Pocket Friendly Minix Neo Z95 Mini PC Specs

Measuring roughly 88 x 88 x 43mm, the Neo Z95 is small enough to hold in one hand yet packs a surprisingly capable configuration inside. Under the hood, it is equipped with Intel’s N95 processor, a quad-core Alder Lake-N chip that reaches up to around 3.4GHz. This CPU isn’t the most capable, but it has enough horsepower for smooth productivity, web browsing, office work, and video streaming. It isn’t aimed at heavy gaming or demanding creative workloads. Instead, it provides reliable performance for daily use cases.

Paired with the CPU is 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB PCIe 3.0 SSD, offering generous memory and storage for a mini PC of this size. The SSD can be upgraded for even larger storage down the line, though the RAM is soldered on board. Despite its tiny form factor, the Neo Z95 doesn’t skimp on ports, offering three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two HDMI outputs and one DisplayPort, allowing the system to support triple-display setups. You also get two Gigabit LAN ports and a 3.5mm audio jack.

This mini PC runs Windows out of the box, making it ready for familiar desktop apps, streaming services, and office tools. Its active cooling keeps temperatures in check during prolonged usage, while the pocket-friendly size and VESA-mount compatibility make it easy to tuck behind a monitor or TV. Pricing hasn’t been officially confirmed by Minix yet, but most Intel N95 powered mini PCs are in the budget segment.

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Blue Zephyr Cruises has officially launched a new luxury small‑ship cruise operation in the Greek Isles with the 114‑passenger Blue Zephyr, offering travellers intimate eight‑day and 13‑day itineraries departing from Athens starting in 2026. The Greek‑American owned company, leveraging deep maritime and hospitality experience, aims to appeal to travellers seeking personalized, culture‑rich voyages exploring both iconic and hidden destinations across the Aegean Sea.

In a major development for boutique cruise travel, Blue Zephyr Cruises has entered the Mediterranean market with its first small‑ship operation, centred on bespoke journeys around the Greek Isles from Athens. With just 57 cabins accommodating 114 guests, the newly launched Blue Zephyr blends personalized service, cultural immersion and exclusive access to hidden coves and boutique ports — experiences larger vessels cannot match.

Company leaders say the product is crafted for discerning travellers who value privacy, slow travel, time ashore and authentic local engagement, rather than the crowded itineraries typical of mainstream cruise lines. The Blue Zephyr — originally built in 1991 and fully renovated in 2025 — is scheduled to operate eight‑day and 13‑day Aegean itineraries departing from Athens beginning in 2026, marking a strategic expansion of Greece’s intimate cruise offerings.

For travellers, this launch represents more than a new ship: it signals a fresh luxury option for Mediterranean exploration that combines comfort with cultural discovery, gastronomy and authentic island experiences. At the same time, the boutique nature of the operation comes with its distinct travel considerations.

A DEEPER LOOK — BLUE ZEPHYR’S CRUISE OFFERINGS

• Vessel & Capacity: The Blue Zephyr carries just 114 passengers in 57 cabins, interacting closely with a dedicated crew.
• Renovation & Character: Fully renovated in 2025, the ship blends classic maritime charm with modern interiors and luxury amenities.
• Departure Hub: All cruises begin in Athens, Greece, a prime gateway for Mediterranean travel.
• Itineraries: Eight‑day journeys start at €3,050 per person, while the 13‑day Grand Aegean Journey begins at €5,550 per person — offering multiple island stops with local cultural themes.
• Target Audience: The cruise line targets travellers seeking personalized service, fewer crowds, time to explore each destination deeply, and a refined boutique travel experience.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR TRAVELLERS — ADVANTAGES

Intimate, Customized Cruise Experience

Unlike large cruise ships with thousands of passengers, boutique vessels like the Blue Zephyr offer personalized service, tranquil onboard environments and tailored experiences ashore. This appeals to travellers seeking calm, luxury and more meaningful cultural interaction.

Access to Hidden Gems

Smaller vessels can dock in boutique ports and secluded coves unreachable by mega‑ships, offering travellers a chance to explore authentic Greek island life — from quiet beaches to local tavernas and less‑visited towns.

Cultural Immersion & Slow Travel

Itineraries emphasize deep cultural discovery rather than rushed multi‑stop tourism. Guests can spend more time ashore in each destination, enjoy regional Greek cuisine, meet local guides and take part in curated experiences emphasizing heritage and hospitality.

Luxury Onboard Comfort

Renovated cabins, attentive service and gourmet dining are hallmarks of the Blue Zephyr experience — a step above standard cruising for passengers who prioritize comfort and refinement.

Flexible Seasonal Expansion Opportunities

Although 2026 focuses on the Greek Isles, the company is exploring niche winter destinations that align with its boutique ethos, potentially opening year‑round options for travelers.

DISADVANTAGES & TRAVELLER CONCERNS

Higher Fares Than Mass Market Cruises

Luxury small‑ship cruises typically cost more than mainstream larger ship alternatives. The Blue Zephyr eight‑ and 13‑day itineraries start at premium price points, meaning travellers must be prepared for a higher budget range in exchange for boutique experiences.

Limited Capacity & Early Booking Needs

With only 114 passengers per voyage, cabins can fill quickly — especially for sought‑after sailing dates. Travellers may need to book well in advance to secure preferred itineraries and staterooms.

Focus on Seasonal Mediterranean Only Initially

While expansion is planned, 2026 itineraries focus primarily on the Greek Isles. Those seeking varied global cruise experiences may find the initial offerings narrow compared to larger lines with year‑round, multi‑region routes.

Less Amenity Variety Than Larger Ships

Boutique ships trade scale for intimacy; services like casinos, water parks or large entertainment venues common on big ships are absent, which may not suit all travellers’ preferences.

TRAVEL INDUSTRY CONTEXT

The launch of Blue Zephyr Cruises’ small ship operation reflects a broader trend toward boutique, experience‑driven cruising that caters to travelers prioritizing culture, comfort and deeper engagement with destinations rather than packed schedules and large crowds. Smaller ship cruising continues to grow in popularity worldwide, with travelers valuing unique itineraries and destinations larger fleets cannot access.

In regions like the Greek Isles, where geography favors smaller harbours and intimate coastal experiences, boutique cruising opens up exploration opportunities beyond mass tourism hotspots, contributing positively to local economies and sustainable tourism development.

CONCLUSION — TRAVELLER IMPACT SUMMARY

The inaugural cruises of Blue Zephyr Cruises signal an exciting addition to Mediterranean travel options for 2026 — particularly for travelers who crave personalized service, cultural immersion, and boutique luxury at sea. With eight‑day and 13‑day Aegean journeys departing from Athens, the Blue Zephyr carve out a niche in small‑ship cruising that emphasizes quiet exploration, authentic experiences and time ashore, enriching how travelers experience the Greek Isles.

While premium pricing and limited seasonal routes may not suit every holidaymaker, this launch offers a compelling choice for those seeking meaningful journeys that combine maritime elegance with cultural discovery. As cruising trends continue to evolve, small ships like the Blue Zephyr are expanding the possibilities for boutique travel around historic and scenic destinations like Greece.

In October 2023, Kempinski Group, the oldest independent luxury hospitality company in Europe, has announced its first-ever branded residential development in the United States, the Kempinski Residences Miami Design District. This project signifies a luxury hospitality trend with growing branded residential developments. Additionally, it shows the shift in the company’s hospitality expertise, which is extending into permanent living.

DaGrosa Capital Development Partners is responsible for this Miami-based project, which most influential design and lifestyle districts. Miami is quickly becoming a strong global center for high-end hospitality, travel, and lifestyle real estate. This project also shows growing confidence in Miami.

Branded Residences Drive the Next Phase of Hospitality Growth

The launch reflects a broader industry shift where branded residences have become a key engine of hospitality growth. Luxury hotel groups are increasingly leveraging their brands, operational know-how, and service standards to meet rising demand from high-net-worth individuals seeking hotel-level services in private residential settings.

For Kempinski, the Miami project allows the brand to deepen customer relationships beyond traditional hotel stays, creating recurring engagement and long-term brand loyalty. This model supports sustainable hospitality growth by diversifying revenue streams while maintaining premium positioning.

Miami Design District Strengthens Destination-Led Hospitality Expansion

Located at 3801 and 3883 Biscayne Boulevard, at the gateway to the Miami Design District, the development benefits from a neighbourhood known for architecture, art, fashion, and culinary innovation. This strategic positioning enhances Miami’s appeal as a live–stay–invest destination, where hospitality, tourism, and real estate intersect.

High-end residential developments anchored by global hotel brands contribute to destination competitiveness by attracting international owners who often double as long-stay visitors. This pattern strengthens local hospitality ecosystems, supporting restaurants, retail, cultural venues, and travel services year-round.

Expanding Luxury Inventory Through Hospitality Expertise

Kempinski Residences Miami Design District will comprise 132 private residences across two 20-storey towers, alongside six townhomes and 17 guest suites exclusively for residents. Residences will feature two- to four-bedroom layouts, with interior spaces ranging from approximately 2,100 to 3,100 square feet and total living areas of up to 3,700 square feet.

Generous terraces with views of Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami reinforce the resort-style living experience increasingly sought by global buyers. This scale and configuration reflect how hospitality-led developments are reshaping luxury residential supply in major travel cities.

Design Partnerships Elevate Hospitality-Led Development

The project’s design is led by Arquitectonica, with interiors by Rockwell Group and landscape architecture by Enea, reflecting the Miami Design District’s emphasis on design excellence and urban integration. High-calibre design is a core component of hospitality growth, as visually distinctive environments enhance brand perception and long-term asset value.

Luxury travellers and residents increasingly view architecture and interiors as integral to the overall hospitality experience, blurring the line between hotel stays and residential living.

Hospitality-Managed Living Redefines Luxury Residential Experience

Daily operations and management will be overseen by Kempinski Group, ensuring a hospitality-forward residential lifestyle rooted in global service standards. Drawing on experience across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Kempinski will deliver concierge services, lifestyle management, and curated experiences that mirror five-star hotel operations.

This approach reflects a growing hospitality growth trend where hotel brands extend their expertise into residential environments, creating seamless service ecosystems that support both owners and guests.

Amenity-Led Hospitality Supports Wellness and Lifestyle Growth

Amenities will be distributed across both towers and connected by an elevated third-floor amenity bridge, creating a cohesive hospitality environment. Wellness facilities include a fitness centre, spa and recovery zones, lap pool, cold plunge, infrared and steam saunas, and outdoor training spaces, aligning with the global rise of wellness-driven hospitality.

Social and lifestyle amenities feature a restaurant with terrace seating, dining salons, wine and game lounges, a screening room, and immersive offerings such as golf and Formula 1 simulators. Family-oriented spaces, landscaped areas, and electric vehicle charging further reinforce the development’s lifestyle appeal. These amenity-driven environments reflect how hospitality growth increasingly depends on holistic living experiences rather than accommodation alone.

Economic Impact and Hospitality Workforce Development

Kempinski’s US debut contributes to hospitality-led economic growth by supporting construction activity, professional services, and long-term operational roles. Branded residences also create sustained demand for hospitality professionals in concierge services, wellness, maintenance, and lifestyle management.

Miami’s hospitality sector benefits from the influx of international owners and guests who generate year-round economic activity, supporting airlines, cultural institutions, restaurants, and retail.

A Strategic Milestone in Kempinski’s Global Hospitality Expansion

Kempinski Residences Miami Design District demonstrates the Group’s intent to expand its hospitality reach beyond conventional hotel assets. The development illustrates how traditional luxury brands are responding to changes in travel and lifestyle, especially where constant or semi-constant living intertwines with hospitality amenities.

Kempinski’s entry to the US market keeps the company at the leading edge of luxury hospitality, and strengthens Miami’s positioning as a premier market for high-end living, travel, investment, and adds to the global hospitality growth Miami.The Residences as brands are on a steady growth track, and as collection of serviced apartments, are a powerful driver of hospitality growth in the future.

Image Source: Kempinski

Samsung is getting ready to launch a new smartphone in India called the Galaxy F70e 5G. The phone will be launched on February 9 and it is is made for users who want good camera quality, long battery life, and 5G support at a low price.

The Galaxy F70e 5G will have a 120Hz display, which means the screen will feel smooth while scrolling and watching videos. The display can reach up to 800 nits of brightness and is expected to be an LCD screen. The phone will have a notch at the top of the screen.

For photos, the phone will come with a 50MP main camera on the back and a 2MP depth camera for portrait photos. On the front, it will have an 8MP camera for selfies and video calls.

The phone will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor. The phone supports 12 5G bands, which helps with better network coverage. It will also have a big 6000mAh battery, so users can use the phone for long hours without charging often.

Via – Fonearena

The Galaxy F70e 5G will run Android 16 with One UI 8. Samsung has promised six Android updates and six years of security updates.

The phone will have a leather-like finish on the back and will be available in Lime Green and Spotlight Blue colors. It also has an IP54 rating, which protects it from dust and water splashes.

Other features include Voice Focus for clearer calls and Samsung Knox Vault for better security. The phone will be sold on the Samsung India website and Flipkart after launch. The company has confirmed that the phone will cost under ₹15,000, which makes it a budget-friendly option.

The post Samsung Galaxy F70e will launch on February 9; specs and features revealed appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Mercedes technical director James Allison has been surprised by the reliability of the new regulation cars at the private testing in Barcelona.

The 2026 Formula 1 season marks the start of a new regulation era in the championship. Included in the major regulations overhaul are a power unit with a 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power, smaller and lighter cars, and active aerodynamics. 

To give teams more testing opportunities ahead of the season-opener in Australia from 6-8 March, private testing was held in Barcelona last week before Bahrain testing on 11-13 February and 18-20 February.

As he reflected on the testing during the live Mercedes launch event, Allison explained that he had expected the week at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya to be filled with red flags.

"I think the biggest thing that surprised us, and I'm guessing it's true also for our competitors, has been the really quite astonishing level of reliability that we've seen up and down the grid," Allison explained.

"With everything new as it is, I think it would have been reasonable to expect this first shakedown test to have been just a symphony of red flags and smoking vehicles, but that really hasn't happened.

"And in fact, for the most part, the reliability of these cars has been absolutely comparable, in some cases, better than last year's winter testing, with things that were far more mature, and which were very well understood.

"So that has definitely been a surprise to us, a welcome surprise, and I hope something that means that we can go into the new season, just concentrating on the racing, rather than trying to keep everything held together with baling wire and sticking tape."

The Barcelona shakedown was also the first opportunity that the teams had to check out the competition.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

"Well, intensely, of course," Allison said when asked how interested he was in the other teams. "Everybody spends the whole of the year or so it takes to design and build these cars, working in a vacuum, absolutely focused on what you're doing, intensely caring about putting as much performance as you possibly can into those cars.

"But knowing that up and down the land and abroad as well, there are other groups doing exactly the same, wrestling with the same challenge, and thinking about it probably differently to the way we are. And so when we do all emerge into the light, we just fall upon their designs to try to see what they may have found that we may have missed.

"And we take as many photos as we can, and then if we see something that is tricky to understand, we will put people on it until they do. If we see something that we think, 'Oh, crikey, we should have thought of that', then we'll start working on that as fast as we can.

"And just overall, we are completely shameless plagiarists, and the reason we're shameless is that we know all of our competitors are exactly the same. Part of the sport is doing what you can with the skills you have on your own. And then when you all come together, then working out what other people have done and trying to learn from them as well."

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Ayaneo has finally launched the Pocket S Mini, the compact 4:3 Android handheld designed for retro gaming enthusiasts. The device features a 4.2-inch LCD screen with a 1280×960 resolution and a true 4:3 aspect ratio, making it ideal for rendering classic games without stretching or cropping.

Ayaneo Pocket S Mini Specifications

The Pocket S Mini is powered by the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 platform, built on a 4nm process with an octa-core Kryo CPU and Adreno A32 GPU. It offers up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, backed by active cooling with a biomimetic fishbone-style vent design.

The build uses a seamless high-strength glass panel on the front and a CNC-machined all-metal frame. The handheld weighs around 305g and measures 167.1 x 77.85 x 18.5mm.

In terms of controls, the Pocket S Mini includes RGB Hall-effect joysticks, Hall-effect linear triggers, and a six-axis gyroscope. The device also features crystal-textured ABXY buttons and a D-pad with conductive rubber internals. Ayaneo allows key customization through its software ecosystem, including AyaSpace for game management, AyaHome for desktop customization, and AyaSetting for performance tuning and real-time translation.

The device packs a 6000mAh high-density battery and supports PD fast charging. For connectivity, it includes USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DP 1.4 output, a microSD card slot, Bluetooth 5.3, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a fingerprint scanner built into the power button. It ships with Android 14 out of the box.

Pricing and Availability

The Pocket S Mini is available in three colors: Ice Soul White, Obsidian Black, and Retro Power. Early bird pricing starts at $319 for the 8GB+128GB model and goes up to $479 for the 16GB+512GB Retro Power edition. Pre-orders are live on Ayaneo’s official store with an exclusive accessory bundle for early buyers.

In related news, Ayaneo has recently launched the Pocket DMG Aura Yellow Limited Edition.

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Acer has launched the Shadow Knight Neo 16 gaming laptop in China. The new model features Intel’s 14th-gen Core i7-14650HX processor and Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU. The device is priced at 8,999 yuan ($1,294) and targets upper mid-range gamers and creators.

Acer Shadow Knight Neo 16 Specifications

The laptop runs on a Core i7-14650HX processor with 16 cores and 24 threads. It reaches a maximum turbo frequency of 5.2GHz and maintains a sustained CPU power draw of up to 110W. Acer pairs this with the RTX 5060 Laptop GPU, which operates at 115W. The GPU supports DLSS 4, fifth-gen Tensor Cores, and fourth-gen RT Cores. It also delivers 572 TOPS of AI compute performance.

Acer equips the Shadow Knight Neo 16 with a dual-fan thermal system. The fans use 101 optimized blades, while large D10 and D6 heat pipes help manage heat during high-performance tasks. The system supports a combined CPU+GPU power output of up to 170W without aggressive throttling.

The laptop features a 16-inch 2.5K IPS display with a 300Hz refresh rate. It offers 100% sRGB color gamut coverage and reaches a peak brightness of 500 nits. The screen supports DC dimming to reduce flicker and eye strain during long gaming or editing sessions.

Acer includes 16GB of DDR5 memory running at 5600MT/s. The system supports dual-channel operation and allows expansion up to 64GB. For storage, it provides two M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD slots for fast read and write speeds.

The laptop supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and 2.5Gb Ethernet for fast and stable connectivity. It comes with a 250W power adapter and includes HDMI 2.1, a fully functional USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port with 100W PD, multiple USB-A ports, and a combo audio jack.

The design features a metal-finished lid and a customizable per-key RGB keyboard. It includes full-size arrow keys and ships with pre-installed control software for system monitoring and performance adjustments.

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(JD)

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Gmktec has launched the NucBox K13, its latest ultra-compact desktop PC powered by Intel’s new Core Ultra 7 256V processor. The device targets AI developers, content creators, and professionals seeking powerful performance in a space-saving design.

Gmktec NucBox K13 Specifications

The NucBox K13 features the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V chip, built on TSMC’s 3nm N3B process. It comes with 8 cores, 8 threads, and clock speeds up to 4.8GHz. The system includes a 64 TOPS Arc 140V GPU and a 47 TOPS Intel AI Boost NPU, enabling a total peak AI compute of 115 TOPS (INT8). This setup supports advanced local AI inference, making the K13 suitable for tasks such as automation workflows, creative processing, and multitasking.

Gmktec confirmed that the K13 supports native deployment of Clawdbot, a local AI agent for intelligent scripting and automation. This gives users the ability to run smart workflows without relying on cloud infrastructure.

The NucBox K13 also debuts a new compact chassis in Gmktec’s lineup. It measures 186 x 88 x 36.6 mm and weighs about 523 grams. Inside, the device uses dual copper heat pipes and a single turbine fan for thermal management, along with intelligent fan control and a dust-resistant design.

Memory is fixed at 16GB LPDDR5X running at 8533 MT/s. For storage, the device includes two PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 SSD slots with a maximum combined capacity of 16TB. Gmktec ships configurations with either a 512GB or 1TB SSD.

The K13 supports triple 4K displays via one HDMI 2.1 port and two USB4 ports. These USB4 ports also support 40Gbps data transfer, PD 3.0 100W charging, and DisplayPort 1.4 output. Other rear ports include a 5Gbps RJ45 Ethernet jack, USB 2.0, and DC-in. The front panel houses two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E (up to 2.4Gbps) and Bluetooth 5.2. The device runs Windows 11 Pro out of the box and also supports Linux and Ubuntu.

Pricing and Availability

Gmktec has priced the 512GB SSD model at $669.99 and the 1TB variant at $719.99. Both are available now through the company’s global web store.

In related news, Minisforum has unveiled the AtomMan G7 Pro gaming mini PC powered by an Intel Core i9-14900HX and an RTX 5070 GPU, while Gmktec has launched the budget-focused G3 Pro mini PC featuring an Intel Core i3-10110U, Wi-Fi 6, and 16GB of DDR4 memory.

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Another mini PC launched by GMKtec, aiming at power-efficient operation while offering a well-rounded feature set. GMKtec Debuts NucBox K13 Lunar Lake Mini PC for AI Computing and Everyday Productivity; 16 GB RAM and up to 16 TB Storage Capacity Popular mini PC maker, GMKtec, has launched its first Intel Lunar Lake-based mini PC called NucBox K13, which is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V. GMKtec already has plenty of modern CPU-based mini PC systems, bringing powerful processors from the Zen 5-based Strix Halo and even Arrow Lake family, but this one marks the first-ever Lunar Lake device […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/gmktec-launches-nucbox-k13-powered-by-core-ultra-7-256v-its-first-mini-pc-to-feautre-5-gbe-lan/

While the majority of the region’s ultra-luxury resorts focus on a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, Nammos Resort AMAALA is looking to change that with new expectations for a new paradigm of ultra-luxury resorts. Nammos is the first of many new resorts to open this season at AMAALA’s Triple Bay, and is set to open this spring. This will also be the first new resort to open under the rapidly expanding contract with ADMO Lifestyle Holdings.

During the past 20 + years, Nammos has constructed locations all across the Mediterranean and has become the Anne of Greece of the Mediterranean Region, where she brings with her a new era of luxury resorts. With all of that experience, Nammos will be providing a larger luxury experience and social interaction, which will now be primary components of luxury resorts rather than a secondary role.

A Full-Spectrum Resort Redefining Luxury Hospitality Demand

Nammos Resort AMAALA introduces a full-spectrum luxury destination designed to meet the evolving expectations of high-net-worth and experience-driven travelers. The resort will feature 110 guest rooms and suites, pool bungalows, private villas, and 20 branded residences, including the ultra-exclusive Cliff Villa, offering one of the most dramatic viewpoints across the Red Sea.

Architecturally, the resort balances absolute privacy with shared energy, ensuring that guests can retreat without disconnecting. The design pulls the entire property toward the water, capturing sunlit mornings and Red Sea sunsets—an approach that reflects how modern luxury hospitality increasingly prioritizes sense of place alongside comfort.

With a private island, multiple infinity pools, a dedicated wellness hub, and the Blu Kids Club, the resort is positioned to attract multi-generational travelers, extended stays, and branded residence owners—key growth segments within the global luxury hospitality market.

Social Wellbeing as the Next Luxury Frontier

Exclusive to the resort, Nammos Spa debuts the brand’s proprietary philosophy of “Boundless Wellbeing.” Rather than positioning wellness as solitude or escape, the spa reframes it as social readiness—a concept aligned with the brand’s high-energy identity.

Built around the mantra “Rest Up, Move Up, Fuel Up, Show Up,” every experience is designed to enhance performance, confidence, and presence. A regional-first partnership with Augustinus Bader anchors the spa’s precision-led approach, blending advanced skincare science with lifestyle-driven luxury.

This evolution reflects a broader shift in luxury hospitality growth, where wellbeing is no longer a passive amenity, but a defining pillar of destination value and guest loyalty.

Invisible Luxury and the Evolution of Service Standards

Service at Nammos Resort AMAALA is defined by the concept of “Invisible Luxury.” Every guest is assigned a dedicated Nammos Butler, operating on a single promise: nothing is requested, because everything is anticipated.

This highly personalized, intuitive service model reflects how luxury hospitality is evolving away from formality and toward effortless emotional intelligence. In a competitive global market, such service innovation is becoming a key differentiator in driving long-term brand growth and repeat visitation.

Culinary Experiences as Anchors of Luxury Tourism Growth

At the heart of the resort lies the iconic Nammos Restaurant, set on its own private island with an infinity pool, chic cabanas, and a private jetty for boat arrivals. While unmistakably Nammos in spirit, the setting introduces a new Red Sea expression of the brand’s globally recognized dining culture.

The culinary offering expands across two additional venues. Nalu brings relaxed dining rooted in Latin American flavors with Asian influences, while Ilios delivers refined Mediterranean cuisine with visiting chefs and curated pop-ups. Together, these concepts position the resort as a culinary destination, reinforcing the role of food and lifestyle experiences in luxury hospitality growth.

Integrating with AMAALA’s Regenerative Luxury Vision

Beyond the resort, guests connect seamlessly with AMAALA’s wider ecosystem of regenerative luxury experiences, including the AMAALA Yacht Club and the Corallium Marine Life Institute. These offerings ensure the resort is not an isolated development, but part of a destination designed around nature, culture, and conservation.

Sustainability is embedded at the infrastructure level. Once fully operational, Nammos Resort AMAALA is set to operate with a zero-carbon footprint, powered entirely by 100% renewable energy. This aligns with a growing segment of luxury travelers who expect environmental responsibility to be fundamental, not optional.

Nammos as a Catalyst for Luxury Hospitality Growth

Coming to a new level in the field of luxury hospitality with the opening of Nammos Resort AMAALA demonstrates the confidence of the sector in the recovery and growth of luxury hospitality worldwide. Nammos proves to be the main creator of a model that responds to the new drivers of value in luxury travel with the integration of high energy lifestyle, social wellbeing, culinary culture, and restorative design.

For AMAALA and the growing tourism vision of Saudi Arabia, the resort further strengthens the Red Sea’s position as a premier global luxury hospitality hotspot. It will continue to give the experience driven, culture centered traveler new destinations while providing a growing list of sustainable features. Nammos Resort AMAALA offers the best of luxury hospitality that is immersive, expressive, and place bound.

Image Source: Nammos Resort