Essential Luxury Gadgets That Will Transform Your Lifestyle
Discover two amazing gadgets designed to enrich your life– superb speakers that produce the purest sound quality, and a new zoom lens offering to elevate photographic standards a notch higher.
Superb Speakers: New speakers elevate listening experience
KEF has introduced a new lineup of speakers to enrich the Q series with a further range of sound products that promises to elevate the listening experience a notch higher. This award-winning Q series, which has garnered such fine reviews, now features an innovative new technology in this latest generation which can eliminate 99% of high-frequency distortion, resulting in pure, natural sound. Known as Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT™), this technology should raise the bar in terms of acoustic output, producing high-fidelity sound for consumers in their own home operating a stereo or multi-channel home theatre system via the lineup of eight speakers. The 3-way Q Concerto Meta, for example, is the first three-way bookshelf speaker in the series and aims to make high-fidelity sound more accessible to more people.
The system is designed for many types of entertainment, such as films and all forms of music, and has a comprehensive range of features to provide listeners with that all-important immersive audio experience. For instance, there is an enhanced crossover design with a fine-tuned signal path for pristine, clean sound. The system features a three-way design for enhanced clarity and detail, and has a hybrid aluminium cone LF driver perfect for a deep and powerful bass. The speakers are available in satin black, satin white and walnut finishes. Priced at HK$9,980.
Zoom Away: New zoom lens enhances photos
Leica has just released a third zoom lens with an aperture of 2.8, the new Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 f/2.8 ASPH. This means there is now a trinity of zoom lenses for the SL-System with this latest addition complementing the Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14–24 f/2.8 ASPH and the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH alternatives. This powerful series now means it is possible to photograph and film with a continuous aperture over the entire focal length range from 14 mm ultra wide-angle to 200 mm telephoto. Concurrently, the famous brand in the world of photography, which has accrued more than 150 years of know-how in the manufacturing of optical instruments, is also releasing another extender for the telephoto Varios with L-Mount. The Extender L 2.0x extends the new SL-Lens to a focal length of up to 400 mm.
For focusing it is possible to choose the automatic (Autofocus) or manual mode on the camera. The zoom lens comes with a classic telephoto zoom focal length, and is blessed with a high aperture ratio over the entire zoom range, meaning it is suitable for portrait shots and all forms of sports and nature photography. It has an electronically controlled aperture setting on the camera, although half or third values can also be set. Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70–200 f/2.8 ASPH HKS$25,800. Leica Extender L 2.0x HK$$7,600.
Top-Tier Gadgets That Will Revolutionise Your Lifestyle
Here are two amazing gadgets – a turntable that eliminates practically all unwanted noise to produce a pure quality of sound, and a vacuum product that will make cleaning a delight.
Thorens New Reference is a turntable which promises to eliminate virtually all unwanted noise produced by distortions and external vibrations. Of course, all turntables utilise the power generated by mechanical vibrations of the stylus to produce electrical signals which are then transformed into sound. However, it is the other, unwanted vibrations which cause the problems and interfere with the sound quality. These can be generated from a host of sources: people simply walking around a room, vibrations of the building, interference from the sound waves generated by the music or the internal dynamics of the turntable.
This unique technology with its active isolation system utilises piezoelectric acceleration sensors which perform with very high sensitivity and incorporates an all-liner electronic control circuit, ultimately leading to all-important control forces that are both low noise and distortion-free. This system promises a performance that is around 100 times better than with an air spring at critical frequencies around the resonance. This exceptional performance – producing a very pure quality of sound – is helped by the design of the product itself which considers gravitational forces. A chassis made of highly damped materials and contact-less actuators also help isolate unwanted vibrations. Marketed by Richcoln Company Limited – priced at HK$1,980.000.
Vacuum Magic: New products facilitate better cleaning
Miele has released two new domestic appliances to mark the 125th anniversary of the renowned German manufacturer.
The first is the Duoflex HX1, which complements its existing and longstanding range of cordless vacuum cleaners. The Duoflex HX1 cleaner series has been designed to make the cleaning experience as enjoyable and user-friendly as possible. The need for flexibility has also been given prime consideration – a Speedlock system is easy to take apart and reassemble, facilitating the smooth transition between handheld and extension modes during the cleaning process. The product has also gone through an extensive testing procedure to vouch for its durability – a key requirement for any cleaning device. For instance, some models come equipped with a wall bracket which makes the device easy to store and this has been extensively tested for stability. The product also boasts a filter system that tests indicate retains 99.99% of dust. The power of the HX1 series supports a running time of 55 minutes, and the product comes with a range of accessories to facilitate access to every nook and cranny. The Duoflex Toal Care option can extend the range of accessories even further.
The other new product is a limited addition Triflex HX2, sporting a stylish cashmere grey body colour. Prices from HK$4,288 to HK$9,588.
Amazing Luxury Gadgets That Will Change Your Lifestyle
Discover two gadgets that offer enhanced features– a new D-Lux 8 Leica camera with its compact form and image-enhancing qualities, plus a superb refrigeration system that preserves food for longer.
Snap Happy: New Leica comes more compact
Just off the blocks this month, Leica introduces a new D-Lux model to its range of digital compact cameras. The new D-Lux 8 model is the latest iteration to the D-Lux family, a brand of camera that falls in the top-quality segment and which was first introduced way back in 2003. As part of the launch, the brand also unveils a range of accessories to facilitate the user experience a notch further.
The new device comes in a more compact and accessible form but maintains the traditional and unique design aesthetics of the brand. The redesign has been tailored to simplify the controls and as well as the user interface which continues to be modelled on the Leica Q-Cameras. The camera takes pictures in both the DNG and JPG formats, which marks a first in the D-Lux range of cameras, and can be easily connected to the Leica FOTOS App. An on-camera flash is included in the scope of the delivery for a camera which includes a 4/3” CMOS sensor 21 MP/17 MP (total/effective) and the fast Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9–34 f/1.7–2.8 ASPH. lens (35mm camera equivalent to 24-75mm).
As well as offering a range of features designed to enhance the image quality of the camera, the new model comes with a plethora of accessories which will be introduced concurrently. These include an automatic lens cap, an aluminium soft release button, an equipment bag, and a crossbody bag and hip bag. Priced at HK$14,500.
Freeze Control: Refrigeration system improves user experience
The Sub-Zero Class Series Refrigeration has been updated with a range of new features aimed at increasing the performance of the refrigerator and wine storage units. The goal is to keep food and wine fresher for much longer than previous models were able. To do this, the updated refrigeration system has about eight new features that ultimately are designed to elevate the user experience.
A Split Climate™ Intelligent Cooling System uses a variable-speed compressor and dual fans to make sure the refrigerator temperature stays within 1 degree of the set point. Regarding the lighting of the refrigerator, Clearsight™ LED Lighting means that its interior is fully illuminated from almost every angle inside the device, significantly reducing shadows. Furthermore, a Night Mode (Lighting) facility will reduce interior brightness when necessary. For ease of use, a Touch Control Panel can facilitate far better access to customizable settings from lighting to humidity. In terms of design aesthetics, the interior comes with stainless steel accents to match the design of the exterior.
A Flip-up Dairy Compartment allows taller items to be stored on the shelf below. An air purification system cleans the air every 20 minutes. The new updated range of models comes in a variety of width and configurations, the largest capacity being a 48-inch French Door refrigerator. From HK$161,000.
Must-Have Gadgets That Will Elevate Your Lifestyle
Showcasing two gadgets that promise to elevate the sound quality to a new level of sophistication – a floorstanding speaker system supporting all major audio formats and a versatile music system.
Play It Again
Music system reaches new heights
The dCS Lina music system promises to bring an enhanced performance in musical playback quality, an assertion based on three decades of experience in developing and perfecting advanced digital audio players. These years of accumulated know-how have encompassed putting out onto the market some of the most advanced electronic products in the music sector, adored by music lovers and top-notch studios alike. The company has always based their philosophy on creating innovative products that meet the criteria of transparently boosting the level of performance.
Lina is the latest offering in their catalogue of music systems and reaches new ground in the quality of sound output. This is a supremely versatile system that exudes sophistication, resulting in a quality of sound that is richly detailed and deeply musical. The full Lina experience can be enjoyed with a Network Streaming DAC, Class AB Headphone Amplifier and Grade 1 Master Clock. These can be obtained together or as separates.
The product was designed and hand-assembled in the UK, and engineered for musicality, performance and reliability. It was also designed to perform to the same high standard either in a two-channel system or through headphones.
The product is available at Hifi Gallery. From HK$123,000.
Wireless Wonder
Speakers evenly project glorious sound
British industrial designer Michael Young along with a team from KEF have created the LS60 Wireless, a floorstanding all-in-one speaker system that plays all major music services and supports all major audio formats. Wireless both from the source and between the speakers, the innovative technology in the design is responsible for the amazingly powerful and vibrant sound emanating from the speaker system. No one in a room will feel left out, as the crystal-clear sound is evenly projected throughout and sounds akin to the original recording, performing just as impressively across all musical genres. Lovers of jazz, classical music, rock, disco and pop will all find the tunes and melodies have most likely never sounded so good with this system’s pristine sound quality.
This coherent, immersive sound experience is created using Single Apparent Source technology, ably supported by the 12th Generation Uni-Q driver with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT™) and revolutionary Uni-Core bass drivers, cutting-edge technology that contributes to the system’s superb acoustic accuracy. LS60 Wireless offers comprehensive connectivity including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI eARC, optical, coaxial, RCA and works with Apple Airplay and Google Chromecast. The product is available in three finishes and is available at KEF Music Gallery. From HK$41,880.
Essential Luxury Gadgets That Will Transform Your Lifestyle
Supreme Speaker
Speakers exuding crystal clear sound
Bang & Olufsen’s latest speaker system has raised the bar again in the quality of its sound with its latest offering – Beolab 8. It offers some incredible features and comes with a unique versatility that is sure to make it attractive to people who value premium sound systems. There are three speakers crafted into one – a surround sound powerhouse, a standalone device, and a stirring stereo experience, all from the same speaker. It can play anywhere, table, floor and wall, has high-resolution wireless streaming built-in, maps a room for peak playback, and promises groundbreaking room-shaking sound.
The performance of the speakers has been improved in a variety of ways: the speaker’s beam width control offers the ability to narrow down with the precision audio to maximise the sweet spot for listeners, or alternatively, users can go wide and diffuse sound throughout the room; Beolab 8 room compensation feature can base the sound on the environment of the room to make for crystal-clear sound quality; it can adapt to its own front-cover configuration through internal sensors to fine-tune the sound for optimal performance; ultra-wideband technology will even be able to direct acoustic sweet spot based on a user’s phone location. Beolab 8 can be connected to other devices and new products in B&O’s premium range. Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast and BeoLink Multiroom technologies are integrated. Price from HK$41,720.
Top Bot
Friend who is always there
This superb homebot could become your next best friend as it travels through your house – or the home of a loved one – looking after your every need and other family members. Using Auto Navigation and AI Face Recognition technology the EBO X can travel anywhere in the house and detect all sorts of situations that warrant attention. If an elderly family member has fallen the homebot can detect this duringauto-cruising, or perhaps a baby is crying for help, the EBO X will detect this and send a message via an App to call you for immediate attention. Indeed, if anyone is calling for help this bot will notify you through an App. The bot can even seek out a loved one using facial recognition and remind them to take medication at the prescribed time. Another function which is sure to be of great interest is the ability of the bot to ward off people from restricted areas and send an alert if someone enters this space. Ultimately, with its 4k stabilised camera with night vision, it can help secure your home against intruders. It comes with a premium speaker with Harman AudioEFX and can assist in providing a two- way conversation with family members. It can be assigned specific tasks, even act as a companion for your pet or take photos and videos. The bot has Alexa Built-in and V-Slam navigation, and control of the bot is either via voice commands, through an App or by touching the silver zones on its sides. Costs from US$999.
The Must-Have Luxury Gadgets That Will Revolutionize Your Life
In a time when gadgets have become an indispensable part of our daily lives, staying up-to-date with the newest and most exciting releases is a thrilling experience. So, here are some of the most innovative and transformative luxury gadgets.
Audi Electric Mountain Bike Powered by Fantic
The German automobile manufacturer Audi holds a famed reputation for its high-end and smoothly functioning vehicles. One of its newest releases, an electric bike in collaboration with Fantic, is worth all the hype associated with the luxury motor brand. The Audi Electric Mountain Bike Powered by Fantic takes design inspiration from the Dakar Rally-winning Audi RS Q e-Tron which can be driven effortlessly even in the most challenging terrains.
Similarly, this enduro bike is engineered with motors that make it easy for cyclists to ride comfortably both uphill and downhill, thanks to its 180mm suspension mechanism that allows for a pleasant ride. It has a rotational force of 90Nm and a power output that equals 250 watts which is powered by the inbuilt 36-volt lithium-ion Fantic battery pack. Even without putting in any effort, this e-bike can go up to a speed of 25 km/h. When it comes to stopping the bike, regardless of what speed it is being driven, the brakes can be applied precisely with zero struggle due to its INCAS 2.0 braking system.
Its frame, which is complete with a digital screen for keeping track of speed and battery power, is made using an alloy of carbon and aluminium that makes the bicycle light in weight, allowing for flexible electromobility in all instances. Available in three different sizes, this Fantic-powered Audi e-bike is about HK$76,000.
Miele DGC 7860 HC Pro
Compact with its design and multi-functional with its uses, the Miele DGC 7860 HC Pro is an ergonomic kitchen essential that any person who enjoys cooking would appreciate. The combination steam oven is equipped with functions such as rapid heat up which allows for the food to be heated up within a limited time; mix-and-match for preparing different dishes simultaneously with the help of its inbuilt networking feature Miele@home which gives clear instructions on the foods that can be cooked at the same time; and more functions that make the multi-purpose product extremely efficient.
Further raising its bar, the product is embedded with a HydroClean feature that makes the maintenance of the device quite straightforward. It self-cleans the entire oven thoroughly not even leaving the stubbornest of food stains. The Miele DGC 7860 HC Pro manages to do so by combining water with its very own bio-degradable liquid cleaner that was particularly made for cleaning the interiors of the machine.
This concisely built technology-forward oven, which takes up less kitchen space while boasting a multitude of uses, is complete with movement sensors, eco-friendly heating and steaming, and power-saving options that make it sustainable. Priced at HK$98,000, it is available in the Miele Experience Centre and the brand’s online platform.
Bang & Olufsen’s Beosystem 72-23: Nordic Dawn
Catering to people who enjoy both analogue and digital music formats is Bang & Olufsen’s Beosystem 72-23: Nordic Dawn, a music system that perfectly encapsulates the timelessness of music. With only a hundred made, it is engineered to output refined sound that even the most ardent audiophile will appreciate.
This limited-edition audio system, which is a new addition to Bang & Olufsen’s Recreated Classics Program, has modernised the iconic Beogram 4000C turntable that revolutionised the world of vinyl and has combined it with two Beolab 28 stereo speakers whose reputation is for delivering high-quality acoustics. Accompanying them is the Beoremote which is integrated with movement sensors.
In addition to the above devices which are all connected through the wireless technologies – Beosound Core and Beolab Transmitter, the Beosystem 72-23 comes with a Birch wood turntable furniture with an inbuilt connectivity hub for effortlessly setting up the audio system, a wireless charging station for the Beoremote and storage space.
In terms of design, B&O has kept it simple yet striking by opting for shades that reminisce the colours of Scandinavian sunrise. Available at select Bang & Olufsen stores in Hong Kong for HK$550,000.
DJI Inspire 3 all-in-one 8K camera drone
Our eyes are often regarded as the best camera because no camera can capture a scene as vividly as human eyes. But an equally fantastic gadget is the DJI Inspire 3 all-in-one 8K camera drone, which is even better in some ways because it allows you to record and review your recordings.
DJI has opted for a compact design that brings all the parts of the drone camera – the FPV camera, visual sensors, positioning antennas and storage card slot – into a single airframe, thus not only keeping the design simple but also taking aerodynamics into consideration so that the flight is less resistant to air. This low resistance allows the drone to reach a maximum flight speed of 10m/s and a maximum duration of 28 minutes.
Its GPS system uses Real-Time Kinematics technology with centimetre-level accuracy, ensuring that the drone can be flown more precisely. The DJI Inspire 3 offers different flight modes, among which one is the repeatable routes which allow you to take the same route repeatedly until you get the shot of your liking.
For the camera, DJI has improvised its Zenmuse X9-8K to include the newly developed image processing CineCore 3.0 which allows videos to be captured in 8K resolution. It is also integrated with the Spotlight Pro feature that enables the camera to recognise its subjects more efficiently. Available at DJI’s online store for HK$88,299.
Transform or Die: Now a chatter of fact not science fiction, AI is changing the human experience
Prophesies of doom and media hullabaloo surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) have hit the headlines for years – but this time it seems different. It is who and how many are creating the noise.
A Goldman Sachs report in March sounded the alarm bells, warning that AI could replace the equivalent of 300 million jobs. Soon after, the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, got in on the act – along with 1,800 technology researchers and executives – calling for a six-month pause in the development of AI systems such as OpenAI’s GPT-4 (the latest version of the groundbreaking tech that powers ChatGPT). They warned that powerful digital minds were being created “that no-one – not even their creators – can understand, predict or reliably control”.
More recently, even more dire warnings have been sounded, with experts such as the heads of OpenAI and Google DeepMind postulating that AI could lead to the extinction of humanity. AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio also called for urgent action to protect the public.
Accessible & disruptive
The launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT has been transformational. While chatbots have been around for some years, and have been considered for a whole range of industrial uses from logistics to medicine, this latest computer chatterbox has astounded commentators with its language ability. Aside from its conversational aplomb, it has shown its versatility with capabilities for writing music, debugging computer programs and completing high-level academic examinations.
Sean McMinn is the Director of the Center for Education Innovation at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), where he manages a special teaching and learning development fund specific to AI called the Education and Generative AI (EDGE-AI) projects fund. He believes ChatGPT’s accessibility is the key game-changer.
“This is about accessibility and ease of use,” he says. “AI tools have been developing for a number of years, but they have never been too widely accessible. The user interface of ChatGPT [though] is extremely basic and anyone with a device and internet connection can interact with the Chatbot with ease. Because of this, and the perceived usefulness of the output it generates, it is not surprising that it has gained such attention worldwide. Add to that, the [AI] tools are more powerful than they were just a year ago.”
McMinn believes it is largely irrelevant that most people do not understand the technology that ChatGPT is built on, namely Large Language Models (LLMs). By far the most important consideration is that it is a very disruptive technology.
Academia alarm The academic community has been particularly perturbed by the latest developments in AI. ChatGPT (GPT stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer) can write introductions to scientific articles, high-level computational mathematics and even college courses. The University of Hong Kong was initially so concerned that it implemented a blanket ban on its use; they have since softened their stance, greenlighting ChatGPT for staff (but not student) use until guidelines are introduced. Hong Kong Baptist University is also developing guidelines. One of McMinn’s main roles at HKUST is to explore technology-enhanced teaching and learning (TETL) methods and advise university management and faculty on strategies for implementing such initiatives. “While a lot is still unknown and speculative, many people believe that AI has the potential to enhance or transform how we teach and assess,” he says.
Following the ongoing speculation and uncertainty about the impact of generative AI on the education sector and workplace, he readily understands why some institutions may choose a cautious approach. The overriding issue concerns integrity. “How do we know what students submit is their own work? Do we have valid evidence that they are learning? Are the assessment tools teachers are using able to distinguish AI output and student outcomes?”
He believes the uncertainty surrounding the issue could have some positives – spurring into action institutions which have been slow to revamp how and what they teach and forcing a review of what knowledge and skills students need in today’s fast-changing world.
McMinn does voice concerns that banning the use of generative AI tools may be doing our students a disservice, and he advocates a shift of energy towards preparing students for an AIdriven world. “These tools are not going away; in fact, we will probably see faster advancement in the next few years,” he says. “We should be preparing students for the future of work where AI tools will be commonplace in the workforce.”
Workplace worries
Speculation has been rampant about which jobs will be affected or lost as a result of recent developments. The Goldman Sachs report said AI could assume about a quarter of the work now done by humans. Accountants, lawyers, doctors, journalists, data managers and professionals in other sectors are all thought to be at risk from an AI surge, and there has been speculation that Hollywood film studios might consider replacing writers with generative artificial intelligence.
“Many professions that rely on creativity will be disrupted, but I am not certain they will disappear completely. In some ways, AI tools have the affordance for new forms of creativity. I think there will still be a need for writers – just in a different form perhaps,” says McMinn.
He does believe ChatGPT has limited the need for brainstorming and drafting. “Now, we can generate ideas and drafts, and spend more time on editing. So, knowing that process will change, we can start to focus on higher-order tasks that require more analytical thinking.”
There are various tools available in Hong Kong to assist with writing and brainstorming ideas – Poe.com, Bing Chat, and Google Bard via a VPN. But he warns: “Always check the content these tools generate. LLMs hallucinate and there is a lot of inherent bias that could be harmful to users.”
Google is slowly integrating its AI into its search engine, much the same way Microsoft integrated Bing into theirs. “I think users will just interact differently with Google and Microsoft’s Bing search,” he says.
Some professionals may need to think about upskilling or reskilling, and acquiring expertise relevant to their career that AI cannot master. McMinn is confident jobs that do not exist now will emerge in the AI-driven near future. “AI still lacks contextual awareness or metacognitive tasks. Humans will still be important for critical and relative thinking, as well as problem-solving for tasks that are contextual,” he says.
Ethical issues
There are undoubtedly complex issues surrounding the widespread dissemination of AI. A US lawyer recently admitted to using AI for case research. Part of McMinn’s role at the university is to highlight the ethical implications of such technology and ensure stakeholders are aware of the implications.
One concern is information bias. The New Scientist recently highlighted the implications of how ChatGPT and GPT-4 are more familiar with books that appear online. “Always be cognisant that these tools are inherently biased,” says McMinn. “Much of the bias is inherited by the data sets used to train the AI tools, but also the content policies developed by the companies. Most of these biases are unintentional, but they are there.”
Since misinformation spread at a rapid rate will have societal implications, institutions and companies need to develop clear AI policies and guidelines for their stakeholders. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak recently said AI may make scams harder to spot.
“I do also worry that these tools may reinforce echo chambers, especially with all the talk of personalising experiences with AI,” says McMinn. “We also need to be mindful that bad actors will use these tools to scam people.”
Being human
Educator Svetlana Chigaeva-Heddad has been exploring the capabilities and limitations of ChatGPT and other Gen AI technology. “I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to think through the process of engaging with these tools and reflecting on what our engagement with these tools means for us as humans and for our agency in the future,” she says.
Pointing out the connection between language and thought, she adds: “Given that generative AI tools are based on human language, is it really impossible to imagine that there may be artificial general intelligence which will be able to think like humans and perform tasks at the highest levels that we currently assume to be unique to humans?”
Revolutionise Your Skincare Routine With These Non-Invasive Facial Treatments That Actually Work
Everyone longs for youthful and radiant skin and if that is possible without having to go under the knife, it is a win-win. Look no further than the world of non-invasive facial treatments. With advancements in technology, there is now an array of cutting-edge procedures that can transform your complexion without the need for surgery.
From laser facial treatments that stimulate collagen production to HIFU treatments that provide a non-surgical facelift, and the revolutionary Ultherapy that tightens and lifts sagging skin – we have covered the different non-surgical facial treatments you can get done in Hong Kong.
Laser Facials
Laser facial treatments have gained immense popularity among skincare enthusiasts and for good reasons. These cutting-edge treatments use light-based technology to address a wide range of skin concerns. During the procedure, a laser device that emits a precise wavelength of light is projected on the skin to stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate the skin’s appearance. These advanced laser facial treatments can help resolve several skin concerns by diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, tightening the skin, evening out skin tone, and reducing the appearance of acne scars.
Laser Facial in Hong Kong
Hollywood Light Laser Facial at Weirdo Beauty for HK$5500 (HK$888 for the first treatment until August 31, 2023).
Ultra Duo Laser facial at Skin Laundry for HK$3500
EMFace Treatment
Photo Credits: S-Thetics
When it comes to non-invasive facial treatments, EMFace is a game changer as it allows individuals undergoing the session to achieve a comparatively sculpted and toned face. The whole procedure typically takes 20 minutes and during this time a device emitting RF (Radio Frequency) and HIFES (High-Intensity Facial Electromagnetic Stimulation) is attached to your face. With the RF rays helping to multiply collagen production and HIFES improving the facial tissues, this non-needle treatment is highly-favoured for offering double the benefits.
EMFace in Hong Kong
EMFace at High Society Skin Clinic for HK$12,000 (HK$8800 for first treatment)
EMFace at Phiderma Aesthetic Clinic for HK$48,000 for four sessions
HIFU Facial Treatment
Perfect for rejuvenating and revitalising the skin is the HIFU facial treatment. HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) facial treatments have received praise for being the ultimate non-surgical facelift, and it’s not hard to see why. This state-of-the-art procedure employs the power of ultrasound energy that helps to lift, tighten, and rejuvenate the skin. As the energy penetrates deep into the skin’s layers, it stimulates collagen production, resulting in a firmer and more youthful complexion. That is why HIFU is often opted for by people who are concerned about their skin sagging, wrinkles and fine lines. Besides, the treatment needs no downtime or recovery period, thus making this non-invasive treatment a go-to option for those seeking natural-looking and long-lasting results.
HIFU Facial Treatment in Hong Kong
Ultimate Lift HIFU Treatment at EstheClinic for HK$3490 per session (HK$8900 for three sessions)
HIFU V-Shape Face and Neck at the Clinic for HK$12,000 (HK$5,500 for the first session)
Ultherapy
Ultherapy is another non-surgical skin-tightening procedure that has revolutionised the cosmetology field by offering a safe and effective way to lift and tighten sagging skin. This innovative treatment uses ultrasound energy to stimulate the production of collagen deep within the skin, resulting in a toned and sculpted facial feature. Ultherapy targets the underlying layers of skin without causing damage to the surface. As a result, this stimulates a natural healing response, promoting the growth of fresh collagen over time. While Ultherapy is quite similar to HIFU, it uses micro-focused ultrasound rays instead of the high-intensity focused rays used in HIFU.
Ultherapy in Hong Kong
Face Rejuvenation With Ultherapy & Oligio at HEAL Aesthetic for HK$43,800
Face Utherapy at Rin Aesthetics Center for HK$25,000
Plant Parenthood Made Simple: Apps for Keeping Your Plants Healthy
Plants not only drastically elevate the aesthetics of your interior decoration, but they also come with many other advantages such as better air quality and reduced stress levels, anxiety and fatigue. If you decide to do some home gardening and grow some herbs or flowering plants, our selection of plant apps will help you to take care of your greeneries even if it is your first time doing it.
Blossom
Catered to both experienced gardeners and newbies, Blossom holds a Webby award for being one of the best apps for taking care of plants. It is programmed to help you through every step of growing your plant. It includes features such as setting reminders for watering your plants based on the size of the pot and the weather and identifying any disease your plant may have and providing tips to nurse them. However, if you will need more assistance, the app even has botanical experts who are online day and night to assist you.
For those curious minds who would like to learn more about their plants or the ones growing in their neighbourhood, Blossom knows about 12 thousand plant species so all you need to do is click some pictures and the app will use its artificial intelligence technology to tell you everything you will need to know about the plant.
Herbs, shrubs, succulents, flowers or whichever type of plant you own or would like to learn about, you can undoubtedly rely on this app called Plantin which literally has a database consisting of information about more than 16 thousand plants. With such wide data, this app can effortlessly aid with taking care of both healthy plants and dying ones which will need extra care and attention.
Plantin’s main goal is to make gardening more fun and for this, the app is built in a manner that makes plant parenting easy for everyone. All you need to do is scan your plant and the app will let you know the ideal environmental conditions required for it to grow well. It focuses on factors like sunlight, humidity, temperature and more. Simultaneously, plant parents can also communicate with other botanical enthusiasts to share their gardening journey.
Gardenia is an app that is most suited for house plants like herbs and vegetables you would typically grow on your terrace or balcony. Once you let the app know which plant you own in your garden, it will give you tailored information on the right portion of water, the proper fertilisers and pesticides and even the perfect placement for your potted plants so that it is exposed to the correct amount of sunlight.
Whether you have one plant or more, the app has an inbuilt tracker which allows you to set alarms in order to care for them individually. In addition to all this, Gardenia also pays attention to the daily weather and other environmental conditions of your surroundings so that the guidance provided by the app is more tailored and accurate.
With an aim to get the younger generations interested in gardening, PlantSnap is an app that has collaborated with Snapchat so that you can record and share your gardening journey with your friends using cool snaps. On top of that, PantSnap has one of the largest collections of plants in its database with the app being able to recognise more than 600 thousand plants while also translating the details into nearly 40 languages thus making the app user-friendly for more people.
However, PlantSnap is limited to only helping with the identification and cannot actually help you with taking care of the plants. But, given that the app can apparently identify 90 per cent of the species around the world, this could be a go-to source if the other apps don’t have information about your plant in them.
Brewing Your Perfect Coffee – The 5 Basic Types of Coffee Makers You Should Know
Most people like to start their day with a cold or hot cup of coffee as it gives a certain level of energy spike helping you work or study without feeling a bit drowsy. Whether you like yours to be sweet or bitter, finding the right coffee maker that suits your taste buds and lifestyle will allow you to sip on a cup that is just perfect for you. Here are the five basic types of coffee makers you should know.
A French press coffee maker, which is also known as a cafetière, has a plunge and filter as its primary parts. When used for brewing, it is filled with coffee beans and water which is then pressed manually using the plunger allowing the coffee to drip through the mesh filter. Though operating this type of coffee maker is much more hands-on, the result is always a strong and flavourful cup of coffee due to the natural aromatic oils from the coffee beans and minute coffee grounds that pass through the filter. Moreover, a cafetière gives you full control of the process thus allowing you to brew a perfect cup that suits your taste.
Aeropress Coffee Maker
This brewing device is quite similar to a French press, as it also uses the immersion method (soaking coffee powder in hot water before pressing them down with a plunger). However, an Aeropress coffee maker uses a thin filter paper instead of a metal mesh thus letting zero coffee grounds and oils pass through. It is perfect for people who like a cleaner-tasting coffee that is less bitter. Besides, its compact size, typically weighing about 200 grams, makes it travel-friendly.
Automatic Drip Coffee Maker
If you are looking for something less manual, then you may want to opt for the automatic drip. In this brewer, the coffee beans are soaked in water and the machine starts heating the two ingredients thus absorbing the essence from the cafe beans so that they can automatically drip through the filter paper. Given that this type of coffee maker can even brew more than 10 cups, it is practical for preparing coffee for large groups or caffeine addicts who usually consume more quantities.
While the aforementioned automatic drip coffee maker is super convenient to use, many coffee aficionados who are strongly particular about the taste will prefer the pour-over ones. This is simply, because, in the later version in which you get to pour the water through the funnel, you get all the control in the preparation process, unlike the automatic one which is preset. Also, the coffee from the automatic drip can taste a bit sour because water can be heated only up to a certain temperature but with a pour-over coffee maker, you boil the water in advance in a separate kettle allowing you to opt for your desired heat or coldness, which will have an impact on the taste of your drink.
Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Perfect for preparing a cold cup during summer, cold brew coffee makers will take you nearly 20 hours to prepare the decoction but it is totally worth it. Coffee powder is placed in room temperature water for the powder to steep in it for a while and the resulting beverage is strained into a carafe. The decoction from these coffee makers boasts such strong flavours because when the coffee grounds soak in water for such a long time, the drip will have all the aromatic oils and flavours from the cafe powder.
