At a Glance
- Kia unveiled the EV2 city EV at the Brussels Motor Show, targeting a $32,000 price point for 2026
- The 13-foot compact SUV packs a 61-kWh battery delivering 280 miles of range and 30-minute 10-80% charging
- Fujifilm’s $410 Mini Evo Cinema instant camera prints 15-second video clips via QR codes, shipping early February
- Ricoh’s monochrome GR IV costs $2,200-$700 more than the color version-shipping mid-February
Why it matters: Budget-friendly EVs and hybrid instant-video cameras signal tech brands doubling down on accessible innovation.
Kia’s Brussels Motor Show reveal anchors a week of consumer-tech launches that span instant cameras, monochrome photography, music-production software, and luxury chronographs. Each product keeps prices within reach while adding fresh features.
Kia Shrinks Its SUV Line to City Size
The EV2 compresses the boxy, adventure-ready look of Kia’s flagship EV9 into a 13-foot runabout. Despite the stubby footprint, the entry-level electric vehicle still carries a 61-kWh battery good for nearly 280 miles of range.
Performance specs reflect urban priorities:
- 144 hp output
- 0-60 mph in 8.6 s
- Top speed capped at 99 mph
A 400-volt e-GMP architecture enables 10-80% DC charging in 30 minutes. Inside, buyers get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, triple-screen infotainment, USB-C plus household outlets, and up to 403 liters of cargo room. Four- or five-seat layouts will be offered when sales start in 2026.
Fujifilm Adds Moving Pictures to Instant Prints
Fujifilm unveiled two Instax devices: the Mini Link+ smartphone printer and the Mini Evo Cinema hybrid camera. The Link+ keeps the add-text, add-frame tricks of its predecessor but adopts a boxy, external-drive aesthetic.
The Mini Evo Cinema, styled after 1970s Super 8 cine cameras, records 15-second clips. Users can then print a still Instax photo that carries a QR code; scanning the code plays the clip. An “Eras Dial” mimics film looks from the 1930s through 2020.
- Shoots 15-second video
- QR code embedded on print
- 1930s black-and-white mode among decade presets
- $410 price; preorder live now
- Ships early February 2026
Ricoh Bets Big on Black-and-White Sensor
Ricoh’s new Monochrome GR IV shares its lens and body with the color GR IV but swaps in a 26-MP sensor with no color filter array. The brand claims better tonal range, lower shadow noise, and improved high-ISO performance versus converting color files in post.
An optional built-in red filter boosts contrast for monochrome purists. Leica is the only other manufacturer marketing dedicated black-and-white cameras.
- 26-MP monochrome sensor
- Same lens and chassis as color GR IV
- Optional red filter for contrast
- $2,200 list-$700 premium over color model
- Preorders open; ships mid-February
Fender Rebrands PreSonus Studio One
Fender, which bought PreSonus in 2021, is retiring the Studio One nameplate. The DAW becomes Fender Studio Pro and gains native amp and pedal models. A new timeline view aids navigation when tracking overdubs.
Mobile users can start ideas in the free Fender Studio app, then move projects to Studio Pro for deeper editing. Fender now owns the only major recording platform maintained by an instrument manufacturer.
Omega Speedmaster Goes Reverse-Panda
Omega debuted two reverse-panda Speedmaster Professional models: an 18-karat yellow-gold edition at $49,300 and a steel version at $10,400. Both keep the caliber 3861 movement (15,000-gauss magnetic resistance, 50-hour reserve) but add ceramic bezels and dual-layer dials that set sub-dials deeper into the face.
The steel model pushes the everyday Moonwatch past the $10,000 barrier for the first time, positioning Omega closer to Rolex Daytona territory.
Key Takeaways
- Kia’s $32,000 EV2 brings 280-mile range to the city-car class
- Fujifilm’s Mini Evo Cinema merges instant prints with 15-second video clips
- Ricoh charges $700 extra for a dedicated monochrome sensor in the GR IV
- Fender unifies its ecosystem by rebranding PreSonus Studio One as Fender Studio Pro
- Omega’s reverse-panda Speedmasters lift the steel Moonwatch above $10,000
