Beats by Dre Tapped LeBron James and Apple Announced a “Scary Fast” Event in This Week’s Tech Roundup

This week, the tech industry found out that Apple may be delivering that new Mac this mont after all, following the announcement of a livestreamed event. Motorola also made waves in the hardware space with its new smartphone that can be worn like a slap bracelet.

Beats linked up with LeBron James and Erling Haaland to shoot a campaign for tis Studio Pro and Studio Buds headphones. And in the app space, Instagram is testing out a new feed exclusive to verified users.

Below, Hypebeast has rounded up the top tech stories of the week so you can stay up to date on trends in the industry.

Motorola’s Adaptive Smartphone Can Be Worn Like a Slap Bracelet

Motorola

At this year’s Lenovo Tech World, Motorola demoed its malleable smartphone, a device so flexible that it can worn as a bracelet. Thanks to its FHD+ pOLED display, the phone can show graphics even when the display is rolled.

When laid flat, it acts as a normal Android with a screen measuring 6.9 inches (175 mm). Rolled even just slightly, such as in its wrapped stand mode, the display’s AI automatically downsizes to a more compact 4.6 inches (117 mm). Motorola most likely won’t be selling the phone anytime soon, though it’s an innovative example of bendable tech.

Instagram is Exploring a Verified Users Feed

Instagram

Instagram is experimenting with a feed that will only show content from verified accounts. The company is currently running a beta test. Users can find out if they’re included in the beta by tapping on the “Instagram” logo in the top left corner of the app. Along with the “Following” and “Favorites” tabs, users will see a new “Meta Verified” option.

“We’re exploring this as a new control for people and a way for businesses and creators to get discovered,” CEO Adam Mosseri said. Similar to X, Instagram is now charging users who want to obtain verification, pricing the service at $11.99 USD on the web or $14.99 USD in-app.

Apple Announced a “Scary Fast” Event Following October iMac Rumors

Costfoto/Nurphoto/Getty Images

Apple has been rumored to be releasing a new piece of hardware in October, something that thus far, has only produced a new edition of the Apple Pencil. As the month draws to a close, however, Apple has a livestreamed event dubbed “Scary Fast.”

Set for October 30, the invite for the event features an Apple logo that then morphs into the Mac finder icon, pointing to the Mac being the focus of the event. All eyes will be on Apple next week, as fans await word of the M3 silicon chip edition.

Beats by Dre Enlisted Erling Haaland and LeBron James for New “The King & The Viking” Campaign

Beats

LeBron James and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland are fronting a new campaign for Beats by Dre, the “The King & The Viking.” The Studio Pro and Studio Buds campaign was centered on the pressures to perform as an athlete but also the support and stability that family provides. LeBron’s wife, Savannah James, and Haaland’s son Alfie also appear in the film.

“It’s a pretty special thing to see how this partnership has grown with our family over the years,” James said. It’s a blessing for me to share the stage with them, and with a brand that’s been part of our lives since we started this journey. Family means everything to me!”