On CE - For Dealers, Distributors and OEMs of Consumer Electronics throughout EMEA

Apple proves the rumours right with the quiet announcement of the iPhone SE-- an entry-level iPhone model packing the A13 Bionic processor from the iPhone 11 in the 4.7-inch design of the iPhone 6.

Aimed as a replacement for the iPhone 8, the current Apple smartphone of choice for budget-conscious customers, the iPhone SE features not only the aforementioned A13 Bionic chip, but also what the company claims is the "best single-camera system ever in an iPhone." The 12MP rear-facing shooter uses the capabilities of the A13 Bionic to offer an enhanced Portrait mode and Smart HDR for natural-looking images. Customers can also record 4K 60fps video and edit images using the "powerful" editing tools found in iOS 13.

Sony insists the PlayStation 5 is still on track for a Q4 2020 release, but numbers of the machine might be limited, Bloomberg reports-- and not because of the coronavirus (aka Covid-19) pandemic is affecting production.

According to the news story, Sony plans to ship 5-6 million PS5 units by end Q1 2021, compared to the 7.5m PS4 units sold during the equivalent launch period (one involving a delayed release in Japan). However, Bloomberg says, the limited launch numbers are not due to the pandemic. Instead the main reason lies within machine itself. The PS5 is reportedly much more technically ambitious than the PS4, leading to a higher launch price and, directly, fewer early adopters.

A German ban of large events until the end of August 2020 means the cancellation of yet another trade event-- Gamescom 2020, as organisers Koelnmesse announce the event will not take place, be it in the business or entertainment areas.

Originally set to take place on 25-29 August at the Cologne Exhibition Centre, Gamescom 2020 was set to be one of the largest gaming events of the year. It attracts an audience of nearly 400000 people, far rivaling the American likes of E3 and PAX, whose attendance totals around 50000-70000. However, the scale means it falls foul of recently established German regulation on mass events, and as such cannot happen.

Accessory maker Satechi announces a USB-C addition to the official AirPods charging case-- the self-descriptive USB-C Wireless Charging Dock for AirPods, a device customers can plug directly into a MacBook, iPad Pro or any USB-C device.

Available in white, the simple charging solution just large enough to hold an AirPods case on top. It does not connect to power outlets via a plug, and instead sips power from any compatible device through a larger USB-C port. As such it makes for a compact and cable-free means to power up the wireless earbuds, although one has to keep in mind something is sticking out of their tablet or laptop.