Gear News of the Week: Apple’s AI wearable and phone that can run Android, Linux, and Windows

The NexPhone is a rugged device powered by a Qualcomm QCM64490 chipset with a long support roadmap (until 2036), as well as 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and a 6.58-inch, 120Hz screen refresh rate. There’s a 64-megapixel camera, wireless charging, and 5G support. Naturally, this won’t compete with the latest Samsung and iPhone devices on the hardware front, but these phones do allow you to run three different operating systems. Nex Computers believes that people who don’t want to part with their flagship phone might enjoy owning it as a secondary or backup phone for work.

It costs $549, and you can reserve it now with a refundable deposit of $199. It includes a free USB-C hub, and the company expects it to start shipping in the third quarter of 2026.

Sony cooperates with TCL in its television business

Courtesy of Best Buy

Sony TVs may soon become synonymous with TCL. Sony and the Chinese electronics giant this week announced a memorandum of understanding to establish a new strategic partnership that will give TCL a 51 percent majority stake in Sony’s home entertainment business. The deal, if approved by regulators, will include the brand for Sony’s premium Bravia TV and other home entertainment products, giving TCL control of everything from product development and design to manufacturing, sales and logistics.

It’s a stunning, if understandable, move by Sony, one of the world’s most accomplished and trusted TV innovators, as the nature of the TV business has evolved over the past decade. TCL (along with its Chinese rival Hisense) quickly moved from the market leader in the mid-range TV segment and beyond, to become a major global player in TV panel manufacturing and technology development, and the largest seller in the US market.

“The new company plans to enhance its business by leveraging the high-quality picture and audio technology that Sony has developed over the years,” Sony said in a statement to WIRED. “We view the two companies as nearly equal partners,” Sony continued, with the goal of “creating innovative products that meet the expectations of customers around the world and pursuing further business growth through operational excellence.” Barring any implementation or regulatory setbacks, the new joint venture is expected to become operational by April 2027. —Ryan Wanyata

Asus exits the phone market

Asus has been producing smartphones for two decades, but it seems that the company’s mobile history may be coming to an end. In an interview, Asus Chairman Johnny Shih said the company would pause its smartphone business, instead shifting resources to computers and AI-focused products, such as smart glasses and robots.

Shih says existing devices will continue to be supported, but there are no mobile launches planned for 2026. Calling it a “temporary” pause allows Asus to get back into the business in the future, but considering how its ZenFone and ROG gaming smartphones have never had successful sales numbers, this could be a permanent move, much like LG’s exit in 2021.