Tag: Europe launch

  • Leapmotor B05: Affordable Chinese EV vs VW ID.3, With a Catch

    Leapmotor B05: Affordable Chinese EV vs VW ID.3, With a Catch

    Key Takeaway

    – Aggressive pricing (€27,900) undercuts rivals like VW ID.3 with generous standard equipment
    – Strong performance specs: 215 hp, 0-100 kph in 6.7 seconds, up to 300 miles range, fast charging
    – European-tuned chassis with 50:50 weight distribution for local driving preferences
    – Major software weaknesses: confusing touchscreen, overly nervous driver-assistance systems
    – Practical trade-offs: small trunk (10.4 cu ft), no frunk, but OTA updates promised

    Leapmotor and Stellantis are launching a major push into Europe’s compact segment.

    The Chinese automaker is launching the new all-electric Leapmotor B05 hatchback at prices starting at €27,900 in Europe. Its main rival is the VW ID.3 in the traditional compact segment. For this aggressive price, the Chinese EV offers a notable amount of standard equipment. The B05 comes with a heat pump, a 12-speaker sound system, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), among other features.

    Technical specs of the Leapmotor B05 also look promising

    Leapmotor lists output for its rear-wheel-drive B05 at 160 kW (215 hp). That allows the 14.5-foot-long “Chinese electric Golf” to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 6.7 seconds. The Leapmotor B05’s chassis has been specifically tuned for the preferences of European car buyers and offers balanced 50:50 weight distribution. B05 buyers can choose between two battery sizes: 56.2 kWh for up to 249 miles of WLTP range and a larger 67.1 kWh battery. With the latter, the Leapmotor B05 is expected to manage up to 300 miles and charge from 30 to 80% in around 17 minutes.

    Despite the strong first impression, the first international media test drives in Germany’s Rheingau region revealed notable weaknesses in the details.

    While the rear-wheel drive setup’s acceleration and the ride comfort are convincing, the Chinese software causes frustration. Operation via the 14.6-inch touchscreen is confusing, and the driver-assistance systems react extremely nervously. The lane-keeping assist in particular stands out for its rigid interventions and reactivates itself after a short time, which significantly affects everyday comfort. The trunk also shrinks to a meager 10.4 cubic feet, and Leapmotor has completely omitted a practical frunk under the front hood. However, Leapmotor has already promised quick fixes via over-the-air updates.


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  • Xiaomi TV Stick HD 2nd Gen Cheaper Europe Launch

    Xiaomi TV Stick HD 2nd Gen Cheaper Europe Launch

    Key Takeaway

    – Xiaomi TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) now available for purchase in Europe via Xiaomi Poland.
    – Priced at PLN 209 (~$57), slightly cheaper than the TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) at PLN 239 (~$65).
    – Expected Eurozone price between €50 and €60.
    – Runs Google TV with 1 GB DDR4 RAM, quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU, and Mali-G31 MP2 GPU.
    – Supports 1080p/60Hz output, Dolby Audio, DTS:X, HDR10+, Bluetooth 5, and 5 GHz Wi-Fi.

    Xiaomi’s new streaming stick finally hits the market in Europe

    A few months have past since Xiaomi announced the TV Stick HD (2nd Gen). For context, the new TV Stick was listed on the company’s global website in March. While that listing indicated that Xiaomi would release the TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) globally, it did not reveal when. However, Xiaomi’s latest streaming stick is now available to purchase in Europe pending a global rollout.

    Pricing and availability on Polish website

    Specifically, the TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) can be purchased from Xiaomi’s Polish website. Hence, we suspect the device will reach other parts of Europe in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Xiaomi Poland indicates that the TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) may only be slightly cheaper than the existing TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen). At the time of writing, the former can be purchased for PLN 209 (~$57), compared to PLN 239 (~$65) for the TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen). On this basis, the TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) may reach the Eurozone for between €50 and €60.

    Technical specifications and hardware details

    To recap, the TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) runs Google TV with 1 GB of DDR4 RAM and an unnamed chipset that combines a Mali-G31 MP2 GPU with a quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU. Also, the streaming stick supports Bluetooth 5 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi but contains a Micro USB port for charging purposes. Moreover, the TV Stick HD (2nd Gen) outputs at up to 1080p and 60 Hz with Dolby Audio, DTS:X and HDR10+ support.

    • 1 GB DDR4 RAM
    • Mali-G31 MP2 GPU
    • Quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU
    • Bluetooth 5 support
    • 5 GHz Wi-Fi capability
    • Micro USB port for charging
    • 1080p at 60 Hz output
    • Dolby Audio, DTS:X, HDR10+

    Concluding thoughts on European release

    Please see our launch article and Xiaomi’s website for more details. The device is currently priced competitive with the 4K version, offering a budget friendly option for those who dont need ultra high definition. Its unclear when exactly the stick will spread to other markets outside of Poland, but signs point to a wider rollout soon enough.


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  • Casio Sauna Watch 12-Min Timer Now Available

    Casio Sauna Watch 12-Min Timer Now Available

    Key Takeaway

    – Casio’s Sadokei sauna watch (SAN-100H-1B and SAN-100H-7B) is now available in Europe for €99.990 via the Casio store for free Casio ID members.
    – Designed to withstand extreme conditions: up to 100°C heat, high humidity, and waterproof to 5 bar.
    – Key features include two analog hands (accuracy within ±15 seconds/month), a 12-minute timer, and a low moisture permeability resin case.
    – The watch runs for approximately five years on a heat-resistant BR1225A battery before needing replacement.

    Sauna Watchs Arrive in Europe

    Casio has finally released its Sadokei Sauna Watch in Europe. Revealed way back in 2024, this Japanese sauna-inspired model became available to purchase in the US earlier in 2026. Now, at the Casio store in countries like the Netherlands, France and Italy, you can buy the Sadokei SAN-100H-1B (all black) and SAN-100H-7B (black/white/orange) watches for €99.990 each. They are only available for Casio ID members, though you can easily sign up to the scheme for free on the brand’s website.

    High Heat and Humidity Resistence

    The Casio Sadokei is designed to withstand high temperatures of up to 100°C (~212°F) and high humidity levels. For example, it uses a low moisture permeability resin for the base, and is powered by a heat-resistant BR1225A battery. The model measures 40.2 x 35.4 x 12.9 mm (~1.58 x 1.39 x 0.51 inches) and comes with a coiled bracelet, also made from resin.

    Timer Feature and Water Resistancy

    Casio’s Sadokei SAN-100H-1B and SAN-100H-7B watches have two analog hands indicating the hour and minute, which should remain accurate to within 15 seconds monthly. There is a 12-minute timer feature, controlled using the ‘mode’ and ‘reset’ buttons on the top of the watch. The model is waterproof up to 5 bar and should run for around five years before the battery needs replacing.

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  • Lymow One Plus: Tracks, XXL Mowing Deck Now Available

    Lymow One Plus: Tracks, XXL Mowing Deck Now Available

    Key Takeaway

    – Two variants: 5A (up to 4,500 m²/day, €2,699) and 10A (up to 7,000 m²/day, €2,899) for large properties.
    – Tracks with 100% slope capability (45°) and up to 7,000 m² daily mowing performance.
    – Dual 40 cm mulching blades with individual 1,785 W motors for powerful cutting; cutting height 30–100 mm.
    – Terrain-adaptive floating deck plus advanced navigation: RTK positioning, VSLAM visual mapping, AI image processing, and ultrasonic obstacle detection.

    Lymow One Plus launches in Europe

    The Lymow One Plus was teased earlier this year when it went up for pre-order after its CES 2026 reveal, and today it officially lands in Europe, letting the XXL robotic lawn mower be ordered directly from the manufacturer. The launch marks a milestone for the brand as it expands its reach into new markets and showcases its latest capabilities to a broader audience.

    Two variants and pricing details

    The One Plus comes in two variants: the 5A version, designed for up to roughly 4,500 square meters of mowing per day, is priced at €2,699 recommended retail, while the 10A version is meant for up to 7,000 square meters daily and carries a price tag of €2,899. These figures reflect the mower’s focus on larger properties rather than compact urban gardens, aligning with its robust design and performance claims.

    Performance and build

    In line with its positioning, the Lymow One Plus features a tracked drive system that allegedly handles uneven terrain and slopes up to 100 percent (45 degrees). This capability, paired with reported daily mowing performance of up to 7,000 square meters, emphasizes its suitability for expansive estates rather than small lawns, indicating a premium-end tool for serious lawn care tasks.

    Blades, deck, and power

    The mower uses a mulching system with two SK5 rotary blades and a 40 cm cutting width, engineered to cut through tall and dense grass with authority. Each blade is powered by an individual motor, delivering a peak output of 1,785 W. This setup suggests a strong emphasis on cutting power and reliability under demanding grass conditions.

    Terrain adaptation and navigation

    A floating mowing deck automatically adjusts to the ground with a cutting height range from 30 to 100 mm to maintain an even cut across varying surfaces. For navigation, the One Plus employs RTK satellite positioning along with VSLAM-based visual mapping, AI-supported image processing, and ultrasonic sensors designed for obstacle detection. This combination is intended to provide precise mowing paths and better interaction with real-world environments.


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