BURO Gadget Guide: 3 Major tech releases from October 2024

Welcome back to another instalment of the BURO Gadget Guide, where you can get to know the latest gadget drops worth adding to your arsenal. While some are still winding down from a busy September in the tech landscape, the industry is showing no signs of slowing down as we’re still being introduced to new gadgets with every passing week. Apple, for one, has been on a roll with the launches of new products and software since its September event—and that’s just scratching the tech surface. Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up three of the most notable tech releases from October 2024 and summed them up in this guide, so you can get all the essential information in one place

APPLE IPAD MINI

Hot on the heels of its iPhone 16 series launch, Apple announced its latest iPad mini just a few weeks after its big September event. This pint-sized tablet is great for students or business professionals on the move who need a portable digital companion that can fit into any bag. Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the new iPad mini is now faster, stronger, and more efficient than ever before. Hardware upgrades also include a faster six-core CPU as well as five-core GPU for improved graphics, gaming experiences, and more.

This iPad mini also comes with support for the Apple Pencil Pro, so your sketching, journaling, or note-taking doesn’t have to stop with this new device. As part of this release, Apple has also announced two new colours for the iPad mini: a pastel blue and lilac purple. On the connectivity side of things, the device comes with Wi-Fi 6E compatibility, so streaming movies, playing online games, and downloading big files will be a breeze. Read our full story on the iPad mini to find out more. 

Price: From RM2,199

Availability: The iPad mini will be available for orders soon.

Visit the official Apple website for more information. 

LEICA Q3 43

The compact full-frame Leica Q3 series welcomes a new addition with the introduction of the Leica Q3 43. While its predecessors come with a fixed focal length of 28mm, this new Leica Q3 is equipped with a 43mm fixed focal length. The main character here is the newly developed APO-Summicron 43 f/2 ASPH lens, which allows for crisp and realistic images through the camera’s high-resolution OLED viewfinder, perfect for street and portrait photography. An integrated macro mode also allows for detailed close-up shots. The Leica Q3 43 also thrives with high-speed flash photography, thanks to its leaf shutter and apochromatically corrected optical design, which also creates sharp images under any lighting condition. 

With the new APO lens, the Leica Q3 43 still performs exceptionally well even at its maximum aperture of f/2. Combined with its incredible ISO capabilities, the lens delivers stunning images, separating subjects from the background even in low light with short exposure times. As for its exterior design, a new gray leather wraps around the front of the black camera body, giving it a sleek yet timeless look. Download the Leica FOTOS app to make full use of the camera’s connectivity as well for a seamless workflow. 

Price: RM34,990

Availability: Purchase at any Leica retail store, authorised dealers, or online. 

Find more information on the official Leica website. 

NOTHING EAR (OPEN)

London-based tech brand Nothing has revealed its first-ever open wearable stereo (OWS) earbuds. With this open sound technology, users can stay aware of their surroundings, but still never having to compromise on privacy, safety, and sound quality. Its custom Sound Seal System works with the earbuds’ directional speakers to minimise sound leakage. In line with the signature look and feel of Nothing’s devices, these new earbuds are also transparent, giving you an inside look (literally) at the brand’s craftsmanship and technology that it takes pride in. The earbuds also come with a compact and lightweight charging case so you can always have them with you on the go. 

When it comes to audio quality, the Ear (Open) performs exceedingly well with its custom patent-pending diaphragm, titanium coating, ultra-light drivers, and stepped design. With all that, sounds of both low or high frequencies still remain rich and crisp. With the Nothing Ear (Open), you’ll never have to worry about discomfort even while wearing it for long periods of time. The earbuds are designed with a three-point balance system and lightweight silicone ear hooks that provide a secure yet easy fit that will adapt to your ear shape. This customised fit also means the earbuds will stay on during even the most strenuous of workouts. 

Not to mention, the earbuds are also equipped with artificial intelligence capabilities. For one, you’re promised crystal clear calls—even in noisy environments—with AI-enhanced processing. Plus, users also have access to ChatGPT through the earbuds via the Nothing X app. It can operate through eight hours of playback on a single charge and up to an impressive 30 hours with the charging case. A speedy 10-minute charge will get you two hours of listening time.

Price: RM659

Availability: Purchase on Crossover’s official online store, Nothing’s official Shopee store, or Nothing’s Lazada Flagship store. 

Find more BURO tech reads here.