Connect with us
Anglostratits

Business

OnePlus Announces Return to Metal Unibody Design with OnePlus Nord 4 with In-Depth Discussion

Published

on

OnePlus

An interview with the Head of the OnePlus Industrial Design Center and the designer of the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch and Cauldron
SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 July 2024 – Global technology company OnePlus brought back the timeless metal unibody design with the launch of the OnePlus Nord 4 on July 16 in Milan. The first and only smartphone in the 5G era to feature a metal unibody[1], the OnePlus Nord 4 debuts in three brand-new Nord tones, each offering a fusion of “no-follower” colors and innovative finishings. With the OnePlus Nord 4, OnePlus aims to deliver worry-free durability, premium appeal, and a burdenless experience that liberates users and complements their self-expression.
To celebrate the renaissance of the metal unibody smartphone, two of the industry’s most creative minds — Ryan Ruan, Head of OnePlus Industrial Design Center, and Mathieu Lehanneur, Designer of the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch and Cauldron — met for an in-depth discussion to delve into the timeless allure of metal and share the behind-the-scenes design stories of the OnePlus Nord 4.

Guilloché: A Designer’s First Impression
Taking a first look at the OnePlus Nord 4 in Mercurial Silver, Lehanneur was impressed by the stunning visual relief effect and high-end tactile feel created by the 3D nano-laser engraved matte finish. Sculpted from over 28,000 nano-laser cuts, the near-fluid profile that dances with light breaks free from the flat, two-dimensional designs of the past to render a masterpiece in motion.

“It reminds me of a super intricate and beautiful technique often used in luxury watches that we call ‘Guilloché’ in French,” said Lehanneur. “It’s not simply the case of loving the shape, or the color, or the features, but about how you can feel the design it in a more sensitive way.”

Timeless Metal and Bold New Look
In CMF (colors, materials, finishes) design, metal has long been favored for its durability, dependability, and minimalist allure. Lehanneur, a big fan of metal himself, has created a range of metal masterpieces throughout his career, including the recent Olympic torch for Paris 2024. Perfectly symmetrical in its design, the torch features a matte finish on its top half and a reflective, subtly indented lower half that emulates ripples and movements of water. Crafting such an emotive sensation from metal requires unmatched intricacy and innovation, and the application of cutting-edge processing techniques to breathe new life into this timeless material.

“OnePlus shares Mathieu’s belief that design and craftsmanship are key to redefining metal,” said Ruan. “We aim to push the boundaries of this premium material to bring our users entirely new and exhilarating experiences.”

To infuse a refreshing touch into metal and craft a unique metallic sheen and feel for the OnePlus Nord 4, OnePlus tested over a hundred different metal finishes, treatments, and color variations, ultimately resulting in three distinctive colorways: Obsidian Midnight, Mercurial Silver, and Oasis Green.

Each colorway enables users to effortlessly pick a color that resonates with them most, based simply on instinct and preference. This same burdenless ethos guided Lehanneur in designing the Olympic torch.

“I love the fact that only the designers, engineers, technicians, and makers truly understand the level of complexity behind the design,” said Lehanneur. “For me, the purpose is never to express this complexity to the public but to share a sensation of pure simplicity.”

Balance, Not Trade-off
Lehanneur believes that true validation of good design lies in the user experience — whether users can build an emotional connection with the product and feel the desire to own it. This same user-centric approach is what drives OnePlus designs too, based on the belief that while form should always follow function, good design is what ultimately defines the user experience. By balancing aesthetics and functionality, the new OnePlus Nord 4 embodies OnePlus’ Never Settle spirit, combining innovative technologies and solutions to create an all-round burdenless experience.

For instance, the optimized internal structure and U-shape antennas of the OnePlus Nord 4 enhance signal performance while mitigating the “death grip” issue that affected previous unibody metal designs. The aluminum alloy body, which is inherently cooler than other materials at room temperature and boasts high thermal conductivity, also offers superior heat dissipation. Additionally, the ingenious thermal conduction barrier design prevents heat transfer through the metal unibody to the gripping area. These features ensure reliable signal strength and consistent user comfort when gripping the phone in different positions, allaying any fears about the conventional drawbacks of metal bodied phones.

At the end of the day, however, much like Lehanneur envisioned the Olympic torch as a universally beloved symbol and memory, OnePlus’ aim is that the OnePlus Nord 4 can transcend being just a device to become a piece of art that brings meaningful experiences to more users.

Never Settle: Innovating Towards a Sustainable Future
“Metal comes from the Earth, from the planet itself, so its history is much longer than [that of] flowers,” said Lehanneur.

This timelessness and endless recyclability of metal is what inspired Lehanneur to design the Olympic torch using recycled steel. It also continues to drive his use of metal as a key medium in his future works.

Like Lehanneur, OnePlus shares this commitment to sustainability and employs a dedicated CMF team specializing in the innovative application of materials. From the bamboo back of the OnePlus One to the durable and recyclable aluminum unibody of the OnePlus Nord 4, OnePlus pioneers material innovations that marry functionality with sustainability. Looking ahead, OnePlus will continue to explore the next evolution of metal unibody designs, introducing more timeless classics to the world and even potentially placing metal once again at the forefront of innovation in smartphone design.

[1] The OnePlus Nord 4 is the only 5G smartphone to feature a metal unibody 5G in the markets in which it is sold.

Business

Century Group Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Partner, Showcasing Regional Offshore Expansion

Published

on

African Energy Chamber

The Nigerian FPSO operator will highlight its fleet capabilities, regional expansion plans and investment partnerships at African Energy Week 2026

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 10, 2026/APO Group/ –Century Group has been confirmed as an Energy Infrastructure and FPSO Partner at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 in Cape Town, reflecting its growing footprint as one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous offshore operators. The company’s participation underscores its expanding operational capacity, fleet strength and role in driving local content and infrastructure solutions across Africa.
 




 

Century Group’s operational strategy is evolving beyond traditional service provision toward asset ownership, infrastructure management and regional expansion. In October 2025, the company confirmed it is in ongoing discussions with South African partners about potential oil and gas infrastructure projects, highlighting its interest in deploying FPSO and midstream solutions into new regional markets.

This partnership highlights how African-led solutions are increasingly shaping the continent’s energy landscape

At AEW 2026, Century Group will showcase how indigenous operators can support offshore production stability, build local capacity and forge strategic investment partnerships. Its asset portfolio and regional collaborations reflect Nigeria’s evolving offshore landscape, where local operators are increasingly ensuring production continuity, reducing bottlenecks and connecting domestic output to export markets – capabilities central to discussions at AEW’s upstream and infrastructure sessions.

“At AEW 2026, Century Group will showcase not only its fleet capabilities but also its strategic vision for offshore infrastructure development,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “This partnership highlights how African-led solutions are increasingly shaping the continent’s energy landscape and how indigenous operators can bridge technical execution with regional growth opportunities.”

The company’s broader engagement in continental energy dialogues further underscores its strategic outlook. Century Group executives have advocated for deeper Africa‑Gulf partnerships, identifying Africa’s youthful demographics and growing energy demand as opportunities for joint investment and capability development in global energy markets.

These developments align with a wider shift in Nigeria’s energy ecosystem, where local capacity and policy reforms are boosting indigenous participation, enhancing competitiveness and unlocking private capital. Century Group’s trajectory – from managing FPSO/FSO infrastructure to cross-border expansion and strategic partnerships – reinforces its value as an FPSO partner for AEW and as a leader in Africa’s offshore energy sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

 




 

Continue Reading

Business

ES-KO Secures Five-Year Catering & Facilities Management Contract Renewal with TotalEnergies EP Congo

Published

on

The contract renewal has generated strong momentum, reinforcing alignment, confidence, and renewed energy as ES-KO moves forward into this next chapter alongside TotalEnergies EP Congo

POINTE-NOIRE, Congo (Republic of the), April 10, 2026/APO Group/ –In mid-March, ES-KO (www.ES-KO.com) marked an important milestone in Congo with the renewal of its catering and housekeeping contract with TotalEnergies EP Congo for an additional five years. Awarded following a full tendering process, the renewal affirms ES-KO’s competitiveness, reliability, and operational excellence.
 




 
Download Brochure: https://apo-opa.co/4spz8K0

During the on-site visit, Beatrice Falsetti, ES-KO Operations Manager, and Olivier Guigon, ES-KO Congo General Manager, met with TotalEnergies EP Congo representatives to officially launch this new phase of collaboration. Discussions focused on future priorities, including continuous operational improvement, service quality, and initiatives to further strengthen coordination across sites.

The visit also included a trip offshore to Likouf, one of TotalEnergies EP Congo’s key production sites. Located 75 km off the coast of the Republic of Congo, Likouf is a massive floating production unit (FPU), roughly the size of two football fields and weighing around 80,000 tonnes. Operating 24/7, it is a fully self-contained industrial and living environment.

Likouf is also notable for being the first fully electric FPU, designed to significantly reduce its environmental footprint. Its “all-electric” system provides the power required for operations while minimizing gas combustion, supporting more sustainable offshore production.

Operating in such a remote and high-tech environment presents unique logistical and operational challenges—from complex supply chain coordination to maintaining consistent service standards at sea. Personnel typically live on the platform for rotations of up to one month, making daily life onboard highly structured and repetitive. In this context, ES-KO’s catering and facilities management services play a key role in supporting well-being and morale, bringing comfort, variety, and moments of relief that help break the routine.

Back onshore, ES-KO management gathered at the office to share the news with in-house teams and personally congratulate them on their efforts and contribution to this achievement. The contract renewal has generated strong momentum, reinforcing alignment, confidence, and renewed energy as ES-KO moves forward into this next chapter alongside TotalEnergies EP Congo.

Earlier in February, ES-KO was awarded an HSSE Trophy by TotalEnergies EP Congo in recognition of its strong 2025 performance in health, safety, security, and environmental practices.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ES-KO.

 




 

Continue Reading

Business

Ascott expands in Nairobi with new Citadines signing, reinforcing the city’s position as a regional hub

Published

on

Ascott

The signing reinforces Ascott’s commitment to expanding in high-potential urban markets and builds on its existing footprint in Kenya, where it currently operates Somerset Westview Nairobi, with additional properties in the pipeline

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 11, 2026/APO Group/ –The Ascott Limited (www.DiscoverASR.com), the wholly owned lodging business unit of Capital and Investment (CLI), has announced the signing of Citadines Westview Nairobi, a 160-key hotel located in the capital’s established Kilimani district. The new property will complement the existing 162-key Somerset Westview Nairobi serviced apartments, forming a strategic dual-brand offering that enhances Ascott’s ability to serve both short- and extended-stay demand across a broader range of traveller segments. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2028, Citadines Westview Nairobi is designed to cater to a growing mix of both corporate and leisure travellers as well as the meeting and conferences demand.

 




  

 

Reinforcing Nairobi’s Role as a Regional Business Hub
Nairobi continues to strengthen its position as a key regional business and investment hub, supported by growing corporate activity, infrastructure development and increasing international connectivity. This is driving sustained demand for high-quality, flexible accommodation that caters to both short-term and extended stays. The signing reinforces Ascott’s commitment to expanding in high-potential urban markets and builds on its existing footprint in Kenya, where it currently operates Somerset Westview Nairobi, with additional properties in the pipeline.

Nairobi is one of Africa’s most important commercial and lifestyle hubs, with strong fundamentals supporting continued growth in hospitality demand

Part of Ascott’s Broader Africa Growth Strategy
The Nairobi signing forms part of Ascott’s broader expansion across Africa, where the company has secured 10 signings over the past year. Once fully operational, these will expand its portfolio from two properties today to 23 properties with over 2,800 units across 10 cities in eight countries by 2028. In addition to Kenya, Ascott is growing its presence in key markets including Morocco, Nigeria and Ethiopia, where two properties are slated to open in Addis Ababa’s Bole district, further strengthening its footprint in East Africa.

Vincent Miccolis, Managing Director for Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, The Ascott Limited, said:
“Nairobi is one of Africa’s most important commercial and lifestyle hubs, with strong fundamentals supporting continued growth in hospitality demand. This signing reinforces our commitment to the Kenyan market and reflects our focus on expanding in cities where we see sustained demand from both business and leisure travellers. We are honoured to further strengthen our partnership with Britam on this development, bringing together strong institutional investment and Ascott’s global operating expertise. By introducing Citadines alongside Somerset, we are able to offer a broader range of accommodation options that cater to different guest segments, while maintaining the quality and flexibility that define our brands.”

Ambrose Dabani – CEO & Principal Officer Britam Holdings PLC, said: “This investment reflects our long-term confidence in Nairobi as a key economic and commercial hub in the region. We are focused on high-quality, resilient assets that deliver sustainable value over time. Partnering with Ascott allows us to combine strong real estate fundamentals with an experienced global operator, ensuring the development is well positioned to meet evolving demand for professionally managed accommodation in the market.”

Designed for Modern Urban Living
Citadines Westview Nairobi will offer a mix of well-balanced hotel rooms, studios and one-bedroom apartments, supported by a comprehensive range of amenities including food and beverage outlets, meeting and conferencing facilities, a swimming pool, and a fully equipped gymnasium. The F&B offering will complement the Somerset Westview Nairobi’s Jabu rooftop bar and La Mascotte restaurant, contributing to a more vibrant and integrated lifestyle destination within the development. Strategically located  adjacent to Somerset Westview Nairobi in the prime Kilimani district, the property offers seamless access to Nairobi’s key business hubs and lifestyle destinations, providing guests with the flexibility and convenience for a comfortable stay, whether travelling for business or leisure, on short or extended stays.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Ascott Limited.

 

 




 

Continue Reading

Trending