Cool Stuff
HP’s VR Experience Imagines Life on Mars
HP and NVIDIA have teamed up with Autodesk, Fusion, Launch Forth, Technicolor, Unreal Engine and VIVE to launch HP Mars Home Planet. This is a global project to experience, through virtual reality, what a human population of one million could look like on Mars. From buildings, vehicles, farms and clothing, this co-creation project of professional creatives from around the world explores how life could be sustained on the red planet given its climate and atmospheric challenges.
The HP Mars Home Planet project advances work initially done for Mars 2030, a virtual reality experience created by Fusion with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Now, HP and its partners are uniting engineers, architects, designers, artists and students to imagine, design and experience humanity’s future on Mars through VR.
“In 2016, we conquered the International Space Station with our HP ZBook Workstations, powered by NVIDIA Quadro graphics, and now we have our sights set on Mars,” said Gwen Coble, director, Workstations, Thin Clients, Retail Solutions and Immersive Computing, EMEA, HP Inc. “Through HP and partner technology, we are unleashing engineers, architects, designers and students to help anticipate and solve the real world problems we’ll face to inhabit Mars one day.”
The project looks beyond 2030, to a time in the future where there are families and communities living on Mars. The goal of the project is to engage creative thinkers to solve some of the challenges of urbanization on the red planet. Ultimately, through the VR experience, people here on earth will be able to experience what life on Mars might be like.
The three phases of the year-long program start with the Home Planet’s Mars Urbanization Challenge, where participants will focus on transportation and infrastructure concepts for a specific location. NASA identified Mawrth Vallis – Mars Valley in Welsh – as a potential landing site on Mars. Following the concepting phase, 3D modeling and rendering will be completed – resulting in a virtual reality experience of life on Mars.
Participants of the project will use Autodesk software to design 3D models of Martian buildings, cities, vehicles and infrastructure. With creative and technical leadership from Technicolor, creators will then use Unreal Engine to create a virtual reality simulation of what life on Mars could be like for one million people. The environment will build on Mars Valley terrain from Fusion’s “Mars 2030” game, which is based on NASA research.
HP Mars Home Planet is produced and managed by Launch Forth, a product development community made up of designers, engineers and solvers, working together to develop solutions to design and engineering challenges big and small, enabling participants to team up and collaborate to solve challenges.
The Advisory Board of HP Mars Home Planet includes Marcie Jastrow, SVP of Immersive Media and head of the Technicolor Experience Center, Ted Gagliano, president of Post Production for Twentieth Century Fox, Ted Schilowitz, futurist at Paramount Pictures, Jen Dennis, head of VR at RSA Films, and Joaquin Ruiz, dean of the College of Sciences at the University of Arizona.
HP Mars Home Planet is part of HP’s newly announced VR strategy which is focused on enabling brands to reimagine how they innovate and engage customers.

Cool Stuff
LG to Showcase Sustainable Lifestyle with LG Smart Cottage at IFA 2023

LG Electronics (LG) is set to unveil its housing solution, LG Smart Cottage, at IFA 2023. The Smart Cottage is a compact, prefabricated home incorporating LG’s cutting-edge heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and energy solutions, as well as its newest smart home appliances and services. Blending premium appliances and convenient services with a space constructed using the latest in modular housing technologies and techniques, LG Smart Cottage introduces a new paradigm in residential living.
Designed with sustainability in mind, and aligned with LG’s vision of a Better Life for All, the Smart Cottage features a two-story, studio-style layout that provides a functional, convenient living environment and maximum space efficiency. The modular home, which has a small footprint yet boasts all the appliances and facilities one could need, can be easily transported and placed in the desired location. According to research conducted by ReportLinker, the global prefabricated housing market is expected to reach an estimated $22.9 billion by 2028 with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8 percent from 2023 to 2028.
Inside, the space has a relaxed, premium feel thanks to LG’s ‘gentle, stable and refined’ design and the harmonious use of diverse materials, such as hardwood, tile and brass. To reduce environmental impact, the home’s replaceable module components have been made with low-carbon steel materials produced by POSCO, a renowned South Korean steel company.
The innovative, high-efficiency LG kitchen, living, and air solutions installed in LG Smart Cottage include the WashTower Compact, QuadWash dishwasher, various built-in kitchen appliances, a water purifier and the Therma V Monobloc air-to-water heat pump (AWHP). In addition to delivering year-round indoor comfort while using less power than a conventional heating and cooling system, LG’s energy-saving AWHP can provide a reliable supply of hot water via connection to the 200-liter-capacity Integrated Water Tank (IWT).
Moving outside, the exterior of the Smart Cottage is equipped with sustainability-focused LG technologies that can meet the daily energy needs of up to two occupants. Roof-mounted 4-kilowatt (kW) solar panels connect with the company’s Energy Storage System (ESS) to ensure the safe, reliable on-site collection and storage of solar power, generating as much as 15 kilowatts of electricity per day. Any surplus energy can be stored in the ESS for later use, or sold to the contracted electricity provider. Additionally, LG’s modular house has an electric vehicle (EV) charger built in, so homeowners won’t have to worry about fitting one themselves in order to power up their EV.
For a smart and convenient user experience, all of the appliances inside this extraordinary abode connect seamlessly with LG ThinQ. Via the ThinQ app, users can effortlessly control each appliance, manage the entire HVAC system, and monitor energy storage and consumption in real time. What’s more, LG ThinQ connects to the Smart Cottage’s security-enhancing Internet of Things (IoT) accessories, including cameras, motion sensors and smart doorbells, helping to keep occupants safe and give them peace of mind.
To help bring the Smart Cottage to life, LG partnered with GS Engineering & Construction Corp (GS E&C), a South Korean construction and civil engineering service provider. “Far more than just a prefabricated home, LG Smart Cottage is an innovative housing solution that facilitates a sustainable lifestyle through state-of-the-art ThinQ connectivity,” said Lyu Jae-cheol, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “LG aims to redefine residential living by seamlessly integrating its energy solutions, appliances and services into a space that lets people live life their way.”
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MSI Limited-Edition Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport is Now Ready to Pre-Order

MS has launched its latest limited-edition laptop, the Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport. It seamlessly combines luxurious design with extreme performance, promising a luxury gaming experience. The pre-orders of the limited edition is available at Virgin Megastore, with a starting price of AED 12,999.
Experience the legacy of luxury and speed. The latest Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport laptop boasts an exquisite Selenite Grey aesthetic design, featuring the exclusive AMG Rhombuses pattern and a chassis crafted with magnesium-aluminium alloy. This low-key co-branded design exemplifies the craftsmanship and elegance that epitomizes the synergy between Mercedes-AMG and MSI.
In addition to its aesthetic design, the limited-edition model offers extreme performance, boasting the cutting-edge 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor paired with NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 40 Series Laptop GPUs. The Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport also features a stunning 16:10 4K OLED panel, delivering exceptional contrast and vibrant colours that create an immersive and captivating gaming experience.
The Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport offers an exclusive package comprising a designed colour box, a mouse, a mouse pad, a USB drive, an elegant pouch, a collection of postcards, and a cable tie, all precisely curated to enhance the luxurious experience shared by both MSI and Mercedes-AMG.
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ASUS and BAPE Drop Vivobook S 15 OLED Limited Edition in UAE

ASUS has today unveiled the Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition, a remarkable collaboration with renowned streetwear fashion brand, A BATHING APE (BAPE). The dedicated launch event was streamed online, and this limited-edition laptop is set to captivate streetwear enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals alike. It’s the first-ever laptop bundle to feature an exclusive BAPE camo pattern.
Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition offers a truly unique and sought-after aesthetic, with never-before-seen patterns inspired by the iconic BAPE camouflage design. Available in UAE with the captivating green camo colour, the pattern adorns not only the laptop but also the accompanying accessories, which include a figurine, a mouse, a carry bag, and a set of stickers. This comprehensive bundle truly captures the essence of the distinctive BAPE style.
As well as boasting an eye-catching appearance, the Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition is also an Intel Evo-certified powerhouse, with up to a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor, delivering unrivalled speed and efficiency. With 16 GB of LPDDR5 memory and a stunning 2.8K 120 Hz OLED display, this laptop ensures a visually immersive and responsive experience. Its long-lasting 75 Wh battery empowers users to accomplish their tasks with ease, no matter where they are, while exuding a remarkable sense of style.
BAPE and ASUS both attach great importance to their communities and in the spirit of unity this unique collaboration between ASUS Vivobook and BAPE seamlessly merges fashion and technology, resulting in an extraordinary and exclusive product. “We are thrilled to announce the exceptional partnership between ASUS Vivobook and A BATHING APE — a collaboration that embodies the spirit of streetwear and pushes the boundaries of design. This marks the debut of both the first-ever BAPE laptop and the first-ever streetwear-inspired laptop to our Vivobook series,” said Galip Fu, ASUS Global Marketing Director, Consumer PC.
The limited-edition Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition bundle features a metallic lid that sports an intricate BAPE x ASUS-designed photo-light-etched linear camo pattern. There’s also a reflective logo tag, which gives the laptop a discrete and premium touch. Taking the design to another level, the laptop itself features exclusive BAPE design elements on the touchpad, the bottom of the device and the palm rest area. These distinctive touches add to the laptop’s unique limited-edition appeal, making it a standout device that truly embodies the collaboration between ASUS Vivobook and BAPE.
To give it a true ‘wow’ factor, Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition in UAE comes with an exclusive accessory bundle patterned in green camo for the Midnight Black model. This captivating camo design — specially created for this collaboration — embodies a perfect fusion of timeless aesthetics and playful charm. At its core, it features the classic BAPE ABC camo pattern, renowned for its enduring appeal and versatility. To infuse a delightful twist into the design, BAPE has introduced the beloved BABY MILO Friends characters, injecting a sense of joy and whimsy.
This design is also used for the unique carry bag co-created by ASUS Design Center and BAPE, which not only protects the laptop from accidents but also adds a touch of individuality to the device. With its 180° opening and multiple pockets, it provides convenient storage for accessories such as the mouse, power adapter, and more, ensuring that users can easily take everything they need wherever they go. Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition goes beyond just a standard laptop by offering a range of exclusive accessories and intricate design details. This collaboration between ASUS Vivobook and BAPE ensures that every aspect of the user experience is carefully crafted and infused with a touch of individuality and limited-edition charm.
Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition is also a powerhouse that’s an exceptional choice for a wide range of tasks, whether it’s working, studying, or gaming. The 2.8K 120 Hz OLED NanoEdge display takes visual immersion to new heights. With its impressive resolution and high refresh rate, users can enjoy stunning visuals with vibrant colours, sharp details, and smooth motion. Whether working on graphic-intensive projects, watching movies, or gaming, the display ensures an immersive and visually captivating experience.
Powered by up to an eight-core Intel Core i9-13900H processor, Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition delivers exceptional performance and responsiveness. With clock speeds of up to 5.4 GHz, it effortlessly handles demanding tasks, such as video editing, and heavy multitasking. The processor’s power and efficiency make it ideal for anyone who requires fast and reliable performance.
To further enhance the user experience, the laptop boasts an impressive 75 Wh battery that ensures productivity without the need for frequent charging. Whether working remotely, attending classes, or enjoying extended gaming sessions, users can rely on the Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition to keep up with their tasks and entertainment needs.
The collaboration between ASUS Vivobook and BAPE holds special significance as BAPE celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition pays tribute to the enduring legacy of both brands by combining cutting-edge technology with the iconic BAPE style. By blending fashion-forward aesthetics with powerful performance, ASUS Vivobook and BAPE are poised to amaze the world with this exclusive collaboration.
Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition is now available for pre-order in UAE exclusively from Virgin Megastore and ASUS Eshop for a price of AED 4,999.