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b8ta Gets Its First Store Outside US in Dubai Mall Through Chalhoub Group

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Dubai’s retail scene has taken a step towards discovery and experience with the official launch of the new retail-as-a-service b8ta store in Dubai Mall. Brought to Dubai by Chalhoub Group, the leading partner for luxury across the Middle East, b8ta bridges the gap between traditional and online retail, putting consumer experience and the desire to discover firmly at the heart of its concept.

Located in Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, the new b8ta store is the first to open outside of the United States. Founded in Palo Alto, California, in 2015, b8ta currently operates 23 flagship stores across the United States. The opening of its first international store, which will serve as a presentation center for consumer electronics and other innovative products, solidifies not only b8ta’s ambitions for further expansion across the region but Dubai’s reputation for progressive trends and forward-thinking consumers.

b8ta’s mission is to make retail accessible for all by building a new type of retail store. The business model, called retail-as-a-service, lets brands market, manage and measure offline experiences. Within the stores, brands can launch their products, learn from their customers, and build a world-class retail experience.

Speaking of the launch, b8ta’s president, Phillip Raub, said: “Dubai was the ideal location for our first international store, and Chalhoub Group is the perfect partner to work with in bringing our unique concept into the Middle East market. Retail as we know it is changing, and this is what we address through the b8ta experience. Our retail-as-a-service model benefits consumers and brands alike, creating an experience-centric environment that encourages customers to explore innovative products from around the world.”

Patrick Chalhoub, CEO of Chalhoub Group commented: “Chalhoub Group is proud to partner with b8ta and is part of a new disruptive retail model. Being consumer-centric and with our own internal culture of innovation, we wanted to bring new unforgettable experiences to our clients. b8ta caters to the changing preferences of Dubai’s consumers while appealing to their desire to be early adopters, especially when it comes to technology. By combining b8ta’s services with Chalhoub Group’s decades of expertise in the region, we are able to deliver innovative and localised experiences made for the regional consumer that we always want to delight.”

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Belkin Launches New Gaming Chargers and Accessories

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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.
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HUAWEI Intros Open-Ear FreeArc Earbuds

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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:

  1. High-sensitivity drivers for crisp, balanced sound
  2. Dual-Resonator Antenna for stronger connectivity
  3. 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.

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Yango Group Launches Yasmina Lite Smart Speaker

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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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