Gear News of the Week: Honor Teases a Bizarre Robot Phone, and Kohler Debuts a Toilet Sensor

Coros has launched the Apex 4, a cutting-edge mountain sports watch designed to compete directly with Garmin. This new model features a durable titanium body and a sapphire glass top, promising enhanced GPS longevity and improved mapping capabilities. This innovation is significant as it offers outdoor enthusiasts a reliable and high-performance option, potentially reshaping the market for sports watches.

The Coros Apex 4 has emerged as a strong competitor in the smartwatch market, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts. With its impressive battery life and practical voice note feature, it offers a compelling alternative to more expensive options like Garmin. This is significant as it provides adventurers with a reliable and affordable choice, enhancing their outdoor experiences without breaking the bank.

In 2025, I put four budget TVs from Samsung, Roku, Hisense, and Amazon to the test, and the results are impressive. Each model brings something unique to the table, but one stood out as the absolute best. This review is essential for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment without breaking the bank, as it highlights the best options available for quality and affordability.

Honor has unveiled an exciting new concept smartphone called the 'Robot Phone', which features a unique pop-up camera mounted on a motorized gimbal. This innovative design not only enhances photography but also incorporates AI-powered features, making it a standout in the smartphone market. This development is significant as it showcases how technology continues to evolve, merging advanced camera capabilities with everyday devices, potentially changing how we capture and share moments.

The Coros Apex 4 is making waves in the smartwatch market, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. With its impressive battery life and unique voice note feature, it stands out as a strong competitor to Garmin, particularly given its price point. This watch not only caters to adventurers but also offers functionality that can enhance their experience, making it a noteworthy option for anyone looking for a reliable sports watch.

Honor is making waves in the smartphone market with its innovative Robot Phone, which features a mini robot designed to enhance user experience. This bold move aims to challenge industry giants like Apple and Samsung, showcasing Honor's commitment to pushing technological boundaries. The introduction of such a unique feature could redefine how we interact with our devices, making this development significant for consumers and competitors alike.

In a recent edition of the Technology newsletter, we explore the rise of data centers in fracking regions, highlighting how this trend is reshaping local economies. Additionally, we delve into an intriguing pairing of Nvidia’s chocolate with Broadcom’s peanut butter, discuss Palmer Luckey’s new banking venture, and uncover the Chinese criminals behind the spam texts that flood our inboxes. This mix of topics illustrates the intersection of technology and everyday life, making it a relevant read for anyone interested in the evolving tech landscape.

A recent study by Texas A&M highlights the alarming impact of abandoned land on rising temperatures in Houston. The research reveals that neglected properties contribute significantly to the urban heat island effect, exacerbating heat-related health risks for residents. This finding is crucial as it underscores the need for urban planning and revitalization efforts to combat climate change and improve public health in the city.

The Jona Health review highlights the benefits of a mail-order microbiome shotgun test that can help identify potential health issues. This innovative approach to health monitoring is significant as it empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards their well-being by understanding their microbiome better.

A leaked unboxing video has revealed the upcoming DJI Osmo Mobile 8 camera gimbal, showcasing improvements that suggest it will outperform its predecessors. This matters because DJI has a strong reputation for quality in the camera accessory market, and the new features could enhance the user experience for content creators and casual users alike.

Mesh networks, initially designed for battlefields and events like Burning Man, are being rethought to address their limitations in crowded environments. This technology allows devices to connect directly to each other, creating a decentralized network. However, as crowds gather, these networks can struggle to maintain connectivity, leading to disruptions. Understanding these challenges is crucial as we look to improve communication technologies in densely populated areas, especially during events or emergencies.

I recently welcomed the Blueair air purifier into my home, and I must say, it's not only the most attractive option for large rooms but also offers great value for money. This purifier stands out in both design and performance, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to improve their indoor air quality.