Accessories
Sennheiser Shows Off AMBEO Smart Headset at IFA GPC 2017
Reporting from Lisbon, Portugal: Sennheiser has created what it calls is the world’s first intuitive, compact and mobile binaural recording headset. First showcased at the CES 2017, the AMBEO SMART HEADSET was showcased again at the IFA Global Press Conference (GPC) 2017 here in Lisbon, Portugal. The headset has been designed to capture immersive 3D audio with mobile device simplicity.
The binaural audio recordings created with the AMBEO SMART HEADSET deliver a stunning 3D experience – placing the listener inside the soundscape and playing back the direction of sounds and natural spatial characteristics of a location. Sennheiser has once again partnered with the award-winning manufacturer of professional audio devices Apogee, an industry leader at the forefront of digital audio recording, for the creation of this breakthrough product.
The AMBEO SMART HEADSET’s incredibly detailed and realistic recording is achieved via two omni-directional microphones integrated in the ear pieces that work alongside a premium A/D converter, mic preamp and SoftLimit from Apogee. The two microphones capture the subtle differences in timing, volume and timbre that occur as sounds from different directions reach each ear. When played back on headphones, the result is a truly stunning lifelike audio experience in picture-perfect fidelity.
It places the listener in the exact, original sound field, so whether you capture a rainforest or a buzzing city, listening to the binaural recording will make you feel like you are there. “With this new headset you can use your iOS device’s camera to record, experience and relive the same balance of three dimensional sound and 180° visual perspective that we as human beings are accustomed to in our perception of the world,” explains Dr. Andreas Sennheiser, co-CEO Sennheiser. “Sound is crucial to how we understand the space around us, and the AMBEO SMART HEADSET lets you record this sense of depth, detail and realism,”
Daniel Sennheiser, the co-CEO of Sennheiser, adds, “Together the AMBEO SMART HEADSET and your mobile device can become powerful creative tools for capturing your world in an entirely new way.”
“The first time you put on headphones and hear a video made with the AMBEO SMART HEADSET you will be amazed,” says Betty Bennett, Apogee co-founder and CEO. “It adds an entirely new dimension to watching videos and memories captured on your iPhone,” she continues. “The AMBEO SMART HEADSET is truly special because it offers the best of what Sennheiser and Apogee have achieved together making products for audio recording professionals in an effortless and transformative product everyone will love.”
The AMBEO SMART HEADSET enables consumers to precisely record in 3D directly onto Apple iOS devices featuring a Lightning connector. The easy-to-use product creates immersive binaural audio that matches the high-quality video that is now available on mobile devices. It also complements the convenience and simplicity of the mobile device experience, with intuitive handling that makes the spontaneous capture of brilliant three-dimensional sound as easy as shooting a high-definition video.
Recording via the AMBEO SMART HEADSET is made simple by seamlessly complementing the standard iOs camera app, letting you record and store binaural audio along with the video. Once captured, the 3D sound files can be enjoyed through any pair of stereo headphones. To translate every dynamic detail with clarity and accuracy into digital information the AMBEO SMART HEADSET uses a premium Apogee analog to digital converter, mic preamp and SoftLimit.
Apogee’s SoftLimit is a unique technology that automatically optimizes recording levels so you do not have to worry about distortion. All of this skillfully captured sound is delivered through the Lightning port of your iOS device as pristine digital audio and back to your ears through high-quality Apogee digital to analog conversion. The headset also offers everyday versatility thanks to a built-in microphone for telephone calls and voice control. At launch the AMBEO SMART HEADSET will be available for Apple iOS devices featuring a Lightning connector. A version for Android devices is planned for release later this year.

Accessories
Belkin Launches New Gaming Chargers and Accessories

Belkin has entered the gaming accessories market. The company has launched a new product line for the Nintendo Switch 2. This collection, part of Belkin’s Future Ventures category, is its first offering for the gaming community. The new range includes charging solutions, audio products, screen protectors, and travel cases. These accessories are designed for portability and device protection.
“Gaming is a natural extension of the Belkin brand. With our legacy of creating products that empower people to ‘be ready for today’, we’re excited to bring Belkin’s trusted accessories into the world of gaming,” said Steve Malony, CEO of Belkin. “This new portfolio not only allows us to support the next generation of Nintendo Switch, but also reflects our commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. It’s an exciting step forward as we continue expanding into new categories and delivering meaningful products to meet the needs of our diverse community of users.”
Belkin’s new gaming accessories include:
- Charging Case for Nintendo Switch 2: The Belkin Charging Case for Nintendo Switch 2 combines protection and power, keeping the device charged while stored. It includes a 10K battery pack, allowing for gaming on the go. Made with premium materials, it offers protection against scratches and drops. Available in Charcoal, Sand, and Green. This is priced at AED 199.
- Travel Case for Nintendo Switch 2: The Belkin Travel Case for Nintendo Switch 2 offers both protection and a sleek style. Designed with premium materials, it provides reliable protection against scratches and daily wear and tear. Available in Charcoal, Sand, and Green. This is priced at AED 99.
- TemperedGlass Anti-Reflective Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch 2: Protect your Nintendo Switch 2 with the Belkin TemperedGlass Anti-Reflective Screen Protector. It offers durability, clarity, and reduced glare. This screen protector shields against scratches and smudges and minimizes reflections for better visibility in bright or outdoor environments. An included applicator helps ensure an aligned and bubble-free installation. This is priced at AED 79.
Accessories
HUAWEI Intros Open-Ear FreeArc Earbuds

Huawei has launched its latest audio innovation, the HUAWEI FreeArc, further solidifying its leadership in the fast-growing open-ear wearables segment. Designed for comfort and situational awareness, the FreeArc offers a secure, pressure-free fit without blocking the ear canal—catering to users who demand high-quality audio without sacrificing awareness of their surroundings.
Open-ear earbuds, which sit outside the ear rather than inside it, have surged in popularity due to their comfort and safety benefits, particularly for fitness enthusiasts, commuters, and professionals. According to Canalys, global shipments of open-ear headphones reached nearly 8 million units in Q3 2024—a staggering fourfold increase from the same period last year.
Huawei has been at the forefront of this shift. The company ranked first in global wearable shipments for the first three quarters of 2024 (IDC), backed by its extensive audio R&D network—including seven research centers, over 1,000 audio specialists, and more than 250 patents. Its first open-ear model, the HUAWEI FreeClip, has already surpassed 2 million units shipped worldwide, demonstrating strong consumer demand for innovative wearable audio solutions.
Huawei’s journey in open-ear wearables began in 2019 with its collaboration with Gentle Monster on HUAWEI Eyewear, blending fashion with cutting-edge audio technology. The FreeClip, launched later, marked Huawei’s entry into the Open Wireless Stereo (OWS) category, featuring a flexible C-bridge design for a lightweight, breathable fit.
Now, the FreeArc takes this legacy further as Huawei’s first open-ear earbuds with earhooks. Built with a nickel-titanium alloy frame, the new model enhances stability and adaptability for a wider range of ear shapes while retaining the signature C-bridge comfort. Engineered for active lifestyles, the FreeArc boasts an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance, making it ideal for workouts, travel, and daily commutes. Key enhancements include:
- High-sensitivity drivers for crisp, balanced sound
- Dual-Resonator Antenna for stronger connectivity
- Wind-resistant microphones for clearer calls in outdoor environments
With the FreeArc, Huawei continues to refine its open-ear offerings, combining ergonomic design with practical durability.
Accessories
Yango Group Launches Yasmina Lite Smart Speaker

Yango Group has launched Yasmina Lite, the latest addition to its line of smart speakers. Available in three bright colours — pink, purple, and green — Yasmina Lite is the smallest device in the range to date. The new speaker is equipped with the powerful AI assistant Yasmina that engages in intelligent, human-like conversations in both Arabic and English.
Designed with families in mind, Yasmina now features whisper mode — if a person whispers to Yasmina, the assistant whispers back. This mode is perfect for quiet moments, like planning the next day while other family members are asleep. Simply whisper, “Yasmina, what’s the weather tomorrow?” and the assistant will respond in a hushed tone.
Yasmina also offers access to a wide range of educational and entertainment content. Parents can use it to play podcasts and audio stories from Shamandar for their children. The AI assistant also streams music from Yango Play and can identify up to four family members by voice, adapting to their preferences. It remembers their likes and dislikes and suggests songs they might enjoy based on their tastes.
Yasmina excels at breaking down complex ideas and making them accessible to anyone.
Whether it’s scientific principles or cultural practices, the AI assistant explains concepts in ways that resonate with people of all ages. From answering questions like “How do bees make honey?” to helping with math using a built-in calculator, Yasmina is always ready to chat and explain. Available in three colours, the Yasmina Lite smart speaker also comes with playful stickers, so that families can customize the speaker to match their tastes.
“The Yasmina Lite smart speaker is indeed the brightest and most playful smart speaker we’ve ever created — small in size but big in personality,” said Rami Abu Arja, Senior Innovation Marketing Manager at Yasmina, Yango Group Middle East. “Featuring a powerful AI assistant capable of human-like interactions and a vibrant design, this new addition to the range is the perfect choice for those young at heart. It’s not just a speaker — it’s an everyday companion that brings joy, knowledge, and entertainment to your home.”
To fully enjoy everything, the Yasmina Lite smart speaker has to offer, including music streaming and recommendations, users need to activate a subscription to Yango Play. The Yasmina Lite smart speaker is now available for purchase through various outlets across the UAE, including Eros, Jumbo, Sharaf, and Virgin Mega Store. Customers can also find the Yasmina Lite smart speaker online on Amazon and Noon. It is currently priced at AED 199.
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