OnePlus Open Apex Edition adds new colour option and features to the foldable

Photo: OnePlus

OnePlus hopes to capitalize on the foldable hype with the OnePlus Open Apex Edition. While the device is largely a rehash of last year's model, the striking crimson colour and minor tweaks hope to entice those looking for a fresh foldable option. With a hefty price tag of $2,599.99, OnePlus is betting on the allure of exclusive features and a premium design to justify the cost.

The standout feature of the OnePlus Apex Edition is its crimson shadow colorway, which gives the device a more luxurious feel compared to the standard model. The vegan leather back cover provides excellent grip and adds a touch of sophistication. However, the core design remains unchanged, including the display quality and the noticeable but manageable crease.

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TCL's art TV also gets a 'pro' model with better audio

Photo: TCL

Samsung's Frame TV pioneered the concept of the television as art, and now TCL is entering the competition with its new 4K QLED NXTFrame. This canvas-like TV boasts many familiar art-focused features, including a magnetic wooden frame, flush-to-wall mount, and an anti-glare "ultra matte" display. A curated art library, customizable photo galleries, and even an AI Art function round out the package.

And if you're seeking a more premium experience, the TCL has the NXTFrame Pro. It ups the ante with a Bang & Olufsen 3.1.2 soundbar and wireless subwoofer system. Both models share impressive specs, including a 144Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and Dolby Atmos audio.

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TCL's NXTFrame joins the art TV competition

Photo: TCL

Samsung's Frame TV pioneered the art-inspired television market several years ago, and now the trend is gaining momentum. TCL's newly unveiled 4K QLED NXTFrame TV is the latest entrant, offering familiar features like a magnetic wooden frame, flush-mount design, anti-glare display, and extensive art mode options.

Joining the fray are other contenders such as Hisense's CanvasTV and LG's Posé and Easel models, all aiming to blend television with home decor seamlessly. While third-party accessories like the Leon Studio Frame have emerged for existing TVs, integrated solutions remained scarce until recently.

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Apple's design leadership in flux

The original iPhone (Photo: Apple)

Apple's iconic design aesthetic, once synonymous with the visionary leadership of Jony Ive, has undergone significant upheaval in recent years. Since Ive's departure in 2019, the company has struggled to maintain a steady design helm. His handpicked successor, Evans Hankey, left in 2022, triggering a mass exodus of key design talent.

The departure of Hankey and her team left Apple with a substantial leadership void. To address this, the company initially placed the entire design team under the purview of Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams, an unusual move given his extensive responsibilities.

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