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Blog Posts

Honor’s Daring Step with the Magic V6 Underscores Samsung’s Missed Chances

I’ve been utilizing the smartphone for several weeks, and now I’m convening with the team at Honor to talk about its latest foldable advancements.

The previous year’s Honor Magic V5 was an exceptional improvement over the V3 in every respect, but it was ultimately eclipsed by Samsung’s impressive Galaxy Z Fold 7. Consequently, this year, Honor is taking the initiative and unveiling the Magic V6 at MWC 2026, and although the phone won’t officially debut until sometime in Q2, I have had the opportunity to test an early version of the hardware for the last few weeks.

Along with my personal impressions of Honor’s newest foldable wonder, I also had the chance to interview Hope Cao, the Senior Product Expert for the Magic V6 at Honor. A small group comprising just myself and two other journalists engaged Cao for an entire hour, posing every question we could think of regarding what sets the Magic V6 apart and how the company intends to surpass Samsung in its own arena this year.

The list is rather extensive. Honor provides superior displays compared to Samsung’s devices, a bigger capacity battery that is also slimmer and charges more quickly, enhanced camera hardware within a more compact camera island, the first foldable to offer an IP69 water and dust resistance rating, improved haptic motors, intriguing integrations with Apple products, and numerous other software enhancements.

More robust hardware

Once again, Honor is challenging the boundaries of what can be included in an ultra-slim foldable phone. The company claims the Magic V6’s white color variant is the world’s thinnest foldable ever, measuring merely 4mm when unfolded and 8.75mm when folded. For context, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is 8.75mm thick, while the recently announced Galaxy S26 Ultra is 7.9mm, making this feel just like a regular smartphone in your pocket.

The other color variants (including the gold model I possess) are slightly thicker, but I find it difficult to discern the difference with my calipers. For me, the real achievement here is that the camera island on the rear is about half the thickness of that on the Magic V5. This was accomplished while simultaneously reinforcing the structure, achieving an IP69 water and dust resistance rating, and an even sturdier hinge than before. To date, only a handful of flagship phones from OnePlus and Honor have reached this rating.

“Addressing the issue of hinges being susceptible to failure,” Cao stated, “the V6 employs 2800MPa Honor Super Steel to strengthen the mechanical core, which is nearly twice the durability of Samsung’s material.” It boasts the same 500,000 lifetime folds rating as the Galaxy Z Fold 7, yet the tougher hinge, improved water resistance, and other factors indicate this one should endure even longer over time.

Displays hold immense significance for me, but not for the same reasons as some others. While the Magic V6’s display enhancements elevate all the expected metrics (peak brightness, refresh rate, etc.), it also revolutionizes by achieving a higher PWM rate than ever and adding a new anti-reflective layer. These are also genuinely true 10-bit displays, so there’s no unpleasant temporal dithering in play, either.

“Honor continues to excel in eye comfort technology, consistently pushing the limits of technical capability,” Cao shared with me, and this is indeed true, particularly with these two new technologies enhancing everything that already makes Honor displays exceptional. If I were to choose any phone that is good for my eyesight, it would undoubtedly be this one, rather than Samsung’s. It also features full stylus support on both screens (a first for foldables), although I lack a compatible stylus to test with.

Having an anti-reflective layer means the device is easier to see in bright conditions, something I’ve praised Samsung for on the Galaxy S24 and S25, and that technology can finally be found on a folding phone. The new anti-reflective layer is also reported to be 33% more durable against drops and features a 44% reduced curvature depth for the crease on the inner screen. Furthermore, it presents properly uniform bezels on the outer screen this time, which should assist those of us with OCD.

Honor claims it employed a blend of engineering expertise and AI simulation to help reach these new standards, including extensive testing and development of even better battery technology. Honor began utilizing electric car battery technology in its smartphones a few years ago, and now the company has increased the silicon content in its batteries to 25%, up from 15% in the Magic V5, providing the global model with a 6,660mAh battery.

Cao informed me that Honor aimed “to further push the boundaries of battery capacity,” thus they “collaborated with ATL to introduce a new generation of silicon-carbon battery technology.” This not only resulted in a higher-capacity battery but also one that is even slimmer.

While that’s

Apple’s Affordable MacBook Anticipated to Provide Outstanding Value and Draw in New Users, As Per Report

As soon as tomorrow, Apple is set to reveal its much-expected affordable MacBook. It will feature an A18 Pro chip, come with a slightly reduced display size, but will still encompass all the essential Mac functionalities that users are familiar with and adore.

The primary topic of discussion has revolved around the price. Per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple considers it to be an ‘amazing deal,’ potentially persuading a significant number of Windows and Chromebook users to migrate.

### MacBook Rumor Recap

We’ve been hearing speculation about Apple’s first budget MacBook for almost a year now, so here’s a summary of what the economical MacBook will provide:

– Smaller 12.9-inch display, likely with diminished brightness and lacking True Tone support
– Aluminum body, offering several ‘fun’ color choices
– A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro series, possibly with 8GB of RAM
– Limited storage options, likely only available in 256GB and 512GB
– Much lower starting price, potentially as low as $599

Everything has sounded quite promising – and we should expect to see it tomorrow, as Apple is prepared to commence a week of announcements from Monday, March 2 through Wednesday, March 4.

### Apple Believes It’ll Be an ‘Incredible Value’

Gurman indicates that Apple internally perceives it as an “incredible value” – likely attracting many PC and Chromebook users to transition ecosystems:

> Internally, the entry-level MacBook is being characterized as an “incredible value,” with Apple anticipating that the launch will attract a significant number of switchers from Windows PCs and Chromebooks. It could even motivate iPhone users without computers to invest in their first Mac.

Gurman also notes that there may be considerable demand on launch day, with retail staff being cautioned that they might need to extend their working hours – similar to what occurs on an iPhone launch day. There will also be ‘a full table reserved for one of the new products,’ probably the new low-cost MacBook.

Only time will reveal whether this new MacBook will genuinely succeed. Personally, while I believe the new MacBook will be very attractive, I don’t see anything in the rumors that strongly indicates it will generate substantial first-day excitement among consumers – it may take time to catch on. However, Apple seems to have a different perspective, so perhaps there’s a crucial detail we haven’t yet discerned.

### Wrap Up

As a reminder, Apple is set to unveil this new affordable MacBook and additional new Apple products as early as tomorrow. The company will begin on Monday with an online announcement, followed by further announcements on Tuesday, and a concluding announcement paired with an in-person media event on Wednesday, March 4.

The exact sequence of the announcements remains unclear, but the significant rumored unveilings include the iPhone 17e, the low-cost MacBook, a new MacBook Air featuring M5, a new MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max (in the current design), along with updates for the iPad and iPad Air.

Honor’s Magic V6 is the first foldable with an IP69 rating

For the third year running, Honor has announced what it says is the world’s thinnest book-style folding phone. For the second year, it’s combined that with the biggest battery in any foldable too. This year, for its third and final trick, the company went ahead and made sure it was the first foldable with an […]

Meta won’t let ethics hinder a product launch

There’s never been a better time to add facial recognition to everything! The public at large is gradually becoming numb to our Palantirized surveillance state, and American communities are responding to the militarization of federal law enforcement with their own increasingly intricate webs of sousveillance. The Ray-Ban Meta glasses are sleek, unobtrusive wearables with front-facing […]

Making Baseball Relevant in a Fast-Changing Internet: MLB’s Approach

This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on the contemporary attention economy, follow Mia Sato. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers’ inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started “KING BASEBALL, monarch of the American sport world, is sick,” […]

Resident Evil Requiem Relies Heavily on the Series’ Past

Resident Evil turns 30 this year. The series is full of history – the new Resident Evil Requiem is technically the ninth mainline game, but there are a bunch of spinoffs, remakes, movies, and even a TV show – which can make it fun to follow for fans. But it’s also intimidating for people like […]

Reasons to Purchase a New Laptop Right Now

Counterargument), and GPUs are only becoming pricier.

If you’re using an outdated laptop that suffers from overheating problems or has difficulties with speed and contemporary tasks, postponing your purchase for a few months may not be the wisest option. Prices aren’t anticipated to stabilize until 2028, which is already a hopeful prediction. During this time, enhancements and even repairs will escalate in cost.

Laptop producers are increasing prices

Uncover 5 Google Pixel Capabilities to Improve Your Images

a premium smartphone such as the Pixel 10 — yet, if you also utilize some of the concealed capabilities in the Camera app, there’s potential to enhance your photos even more.

This might involve leveraging certain generative AI functionalities that Google created for its Pixel devices — capabilities that are available solely on the latest Pixel models, including the mid-range Pixel 10a. Additionally, users may wish to get acquainted with the Google Photos editing tools that can assist them in enhancing images after they’ve been saved, which may comprise other AI instruments that perform these editing functions. Nevertheless, Pixel users should also understand what altering images with AI entails, and how these images may be viewed by those observing their photos.

It’s not solely the software, but the hardware as well. The more recent the Pixel phone, the superior the cameras, and the more comprehensive the Camera app experience. In the following sections, we’ll showcase various concealed features that can enhance your Pixel photography. You might need one of Google’s latest models to take advantage of these features.

Decide when to activate Night Sight

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Launched with the Pixel 3, Night Sight has been enhanced over time to boost low-light photography. For instance, Google introduced Night Sight support in Panorama mode in 2024 when it released the Pixel 9.

Critically Praised Animated Series by Rick and Morty Creators Remains Underappreciated

In 2013, the universe welcomed “Rick and Morty,” presenting what is regarded as the greatest sci-fi sitcom ever. Beyond being a wildly animated series traversing through time and space, it showcased a captivating family dynamic that provided a lens to examine life’s intricacies and its accompanying issues. By 2020, the show had entered its fourth season, and the creative minds behind it took a bold step in launching another sci-fi-fueled series, “Solar Opposites.” With six seasons under its belt, it undoubtedly posed a serious challenge to its predecessor.

“Solar Opposites,” initially crafted by “Rick and Morty” co-creator Justin Roiland alongside Mike Mahan, evokes a similar essence to the regularly rebooted “Futurama” in relation to “The Simpsons.” It stands as the underdog compared to the flagship animated series, yet it offers just as many laughs and potentially even greater promise. Focused on an alien family seeking intelligent life after departing their home planet, the household leaders, Korvo (Justin Roiland, later succeeded by Dan Stevens) and Terry Opposite (Thomas Middleditch), navigate life on our little blue sphere, accompanied by their replicants, Yumyulack (Sean Giambrone) and Jesse (Mary Mack).

However, while “Rick and Morty” gained recognition through “Wubalubadubdub” and Mr. Poopbutthole, the critical reception of it compared to its extraterrestrial successor reveals a stark contrast. Indeed, if the critics’ opinions indicate anything, the Opposites achieved something that “Rick and Morty” are not quite hitting.

Critics preferred Solar Opposites over Rick and Morty

There’s no denying that “Rick and Morty” enjoys a dedicated fan base and has consistently garnered acclaim from critics throughout its seasons. Nonetheless, a glance at Rotten Tomatoes indicates that “Solar Opposites” is ahead. On the review aggregator platform, “Rick and Morty” holds a 90% score, while “Solar Opposites” has pulled ahead with a 95% rating. In fact, if it weren’t for the first and latest seasons scoring 95% and 83%, respectively, “Solar Opposites” would boast a flawless score, as seasons 2 through 5 each earned a 100% rating.

Kevin Carr praised the series for its resemblance to the cherished story of a mad scientist and his grandson, stating, “I appreciate the fact that they’re not trying to duplicate Rick & Morty.” Lex Briscuso celebrated “Solar Opposites” as “bright, bold, and, frankly, bananas in the best way.” It might be the Schlorpian family’s less inhibited nature compared to their human counterparts at the Sanchez household that gives “Solar Opposites” its advantage. Moreover, one aspect of “Solar Opposites” that “Rick and Morty” simply cannot rival is the two concurrent side narratives that unfold alongside the escapades of the Opposites family. One takes place within a “Mad Max” universe, even extending into the Opposites’ backyard, while the other channels the frenetic energy of a sugar-fueled Saturday morning cartoon, though with significantly more profanity.

SilverCops and The Wall are the standout narratives in Solar Opposites

“Solar Opposites” has impressively managed to weave two outlandish yet hilarious plotlines into narratives that pervade the whole series.

One narrative follows a group of unfortunate individuals forced to dwell within the bedroom wall of Jesse and Yumyulack after being miniaturized by the young replicants. Living as a dystopian ant colony, these prisoners confront political turmoil, civil wars, and rebellious leaders venturing beyond the wall to tackle threats from the external world. These diminutive, lost locals feature prominent voice talents, including Christina Hendricks, Andy Daly, Alfred Molina, Sterling K. Brown, and Clancy Brown. It resembles an intriguing blend of “Game of Thrones” and “A Bug’s Life,” and it’s fantastic.

There’s also the tale of the SilverCops (inspired by the 1986 animated series, “Silverhawks”), which follows the former neighbor of the Opposites, Glen (Kieran Culkin), who was launched into space and found himself joining a peacekeeping faction that was more complex than they appeared. Both narratives are just as engaging as the show’s primary focus and ones the creators are eager to delve deeper into. Mahan shared with Den Of Geek in 2025. “We have that mapped out. Like we know what the next season of ‘Solar’ would be, keeping that in mind,” he clarified. “If we ever get to create that season, it will be amazing.” Take that, Morty, and your crazy

Four Formerly Popular TV Ports That Are Now Outdated

searching for a new television, with many fans depending on external websites and vendors. Possessing an older TV also provides a close look at a range of pre-HDMI ports. 

The digital age has eliminated numerous AV connections from the past, with the majority of current TVs focusing on HDMI, USB, and digital optical for transmitting audio and video signals. Nevertheless, we believed it would be worthwhile to traverse memory lane and examine a few once-common TV ports that have become less prevalent. As the song states: Video ended the radio star, and HDMI replaced composite RCA (or something along those lines).

Composite video (commonly referred to as RCA)