Gadgets
ASUS Launches TUF Dash F15 in the UAE
ASUS today announced the new TUF Dash F15 gaming laptop, a super slim 15-inch device that represents a more portable, lightweight, and inclusive direction for the TUF Gaming series. Engineered to empower more gamers with the ability to game, work, and stay productive anywhere, it uses latest-gen processors; 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11370H CPU and GeForce RTX 3070 GPU.
Its powerful core experience is rounded out with high-end features not typically seen at accessible price points, such as a tournament-level gaming panel with up to a 144Hz refresh rate, a versatile Thunderbolt 4 port, and Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation technology. Gamers can be productive longer on the go thanks to an expansive battery that nets up to 16.6 hours of video playback and Type-C charging that extends battery life from a variety of adapters and power packs. The TUF Dash F15 fits all of these features in a chassis that is stylish without sacrificing the TUF Gaming series’ signature military-grade durability.
The all-new TUF Dash F15 is lighter and thinner than standard TUF Gaming laptops, at only 19.9 mm thin and 2kg, while still meeting MIL-STD-810H military standards. It has been rigorously tested to survive everything from extreme environments and ambient vibration to accidental knocks and bumps, making it a device that’s reliable to take on the road.
Because it represents such a new direction for TUF Gaming, the Dash F15 was designed with a streamlined new look and feel. The Eclipse Gray color scheme is professional and understated, accentuated by bolt blue backlighting on the keyboard. The refreshed TUF logo boasts a modern look that evokes the strength of the series, while the thin lettering across the lid underscores the slim new design direction.
Users can do more than game with up to the latest 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11370H processor. The CPU clocks up to an astounding 4.8 GHz, nearly matching the frequency of the fastest desktop processors, but in a much smaller power envelope – up to 35W of sustained power when the GPU is active and 64W when the CPU is on its own – enabling amazing performance in a thin chassis. It also features four lanes of CPU-attached PCI Gen 4 for high bandwidth to connect the latest discrete graphics. The Dash F15 is the fastest 11th Gen Intel Core-powered laptops available to date, accelerating everything from gaming and streaming to intensive tasks like compiling code.
Intel shares the ROG vision of powerful ultraslim gaming laptops that let users work and play in more places. The TUF Dash is a result of close collaboration with fine-tuned performance that allows the processor reaches its full potential and also sustain high speed while gaming. Room for 16 GB of DDR4-3200 memory means there’s enough RAM for productive multitasking and content creation. Everything loads at warp speed thanks to a PCI Express SSD that makes systems feel more responsive. 512GB of space holds a massive collection of games, while an additional SSD slot makes it easy to add terabytes of extra capacity for massive multimedia files and more.
The Dash F15 features an easy-upgrade design that puts the SO-DIMM slot and both M.2 slots just behind the bottom panel, held in place with standard Philips screws. A special pop-open screw pushes the bottom corner away from the chassis so it’s easy to get under the hood fast. The surrounding hooks holding the edges together are smaller and stronger than conventional counterparts, making it easy to lift off the panel without scuffing the body or special tools.
Graphics power is assured with up to a GeForce RTX 3070 GPU clocked up to 1390 MHz at 80W with ROG Boost, allowing it to pump out massive frame rates in the latest blockbuster games and popular esports titles alike. Built on NVIDIA’s latest Ampere architecture, this all-new GPU blends traditional CUDA processing cores with 2nd generation RT and 3rd generation Tensor cores to accelerate ray tracing and artificial intelligence. This combination of cores enables realistic in-game lighting and effects, and it also speeds up other computationally intensive work like AI deep learning.
A powerful GPU puts triple-digit FPS within reach in popular games, but a fast display is essential to get the full effect. A gaming panel with 144 Hz display that still offers competitive gaming speed, more than doubling the refresh rate of conventional laptop displays. Its panel maintains colors and contrast across wide viewing angles, so you can sit off to the side while playing games or streaming videos with friends.
Adaptive-Sync support across all display options enables ultra-smooth gameplay by synchronizing the refresh rate with the GPU’s frame rate, reducing lag, minimizing stuttering, and eliminating visual tearing. The display is framed by 6.2 mm super-narrow bezels that minimize distractions from the action. The slim border shrinks the footprint of the chassis, too, making the laptop more compact.
Working anywhere is more flexible with ample battery life. Up to 16.6 hours of continuous video playback time means gamers can stream or take care of other tasks without tethering themselves to an outlet. When a full recharge is needed, new fast-charging technology takes the battery from 0% to 50% in under 30 minutes. Battery life can be extended even further with Type-C charging support that can top off a charge from compatible adapters and power packs.
Type-C adapters up to 100W are supported, meaning users can travel lighter and save the standard AC adapter for gaming or other intensive tasks that need full performance. The Type-C port works with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4, so it connects to the latest generation of premium devices.
Thunderbolt 4 lets users plug in a docking station to drive a desktop setup or hook up an external GPU to boost gaming performance and overall graphics power on demand. The Dash F15 is also equipped with a wide variety of additional ports keep users flexible for any situation.
Three USB 3.2 Type-A ports make room for vital peripherals like a gamepad, mouse, and external storage. HDMI 2.0b can be connected to a wide range of displays at resolutions up to 4K. The Type-C port also doubles as a DisplayPort 1.4 output, making it simple to connect a secondary display. Getting online is easy with ultrafast WiFi 6 (802.11ax). It’s hard to beat the convenience of wireless networking, but wired connections have lower latency for serious multiplayer gaming, so Gigabit Ethernet is also included.
Advanced cooling enables the TUF Dash F15 to fit top tier processors in a super slim form factor. A substantial heat spreader and five copper heat pipes distribute thermal energy from the CPU, GPU, VRAM, and VRM into four heatsinks, each lined with thin fins that maximize surface area for heat dissipation and minimize resistance to airflow.
Dual fans channel air through four outlets that expel heat faster and with less noise than typical ultraslim designs. The n-Blade fans are specially sculpted to move more air. They’re made from a special liquid crystal polymer that makes enough space to fit 83 blades per fan and still ensure that each blade is strong enough to hold up at high RPMs. Such a high blade density means each fan can draw and push more air per rotation, cooling components faster. With 0dB Technology, the fans switch off completely when CPU and GPU temperatures drop below 50°C in the Silent operating mode. This makes cooling truly silent under light workloads.
The self-cleaning cooling module maintains long-term stability and performance by preventing build-up on critical components like fan blades and heatsink fins. Updated anti-dust tunnels are shorter to create more space for airflow around the fan, while still redirecting particles away from crucial hardware. Users can take fine-tuned control of the Dash F15 with Scenario Profiles, which can be set to switch seamlessly between three operating modes that mix different cooling and performance profiles.
Turbo mode delivers maximum performance and fan speeds for intensive tasks, while Performance mode optimizes speed and acoustics for the best gaming experience. Silent mode reduces power and noise for lighter loads like web surfing and video streaming. Scenario Profiles can be set to trigger automatically when you launch specific apps and games, and they can also change additional system settings, like the display profile and behavior of the Windows key.
The TUF Dash F15 is topped off with a range of premium features that enhance its everyday user experience for gaming, entertainment, and more. Voice chat is crystal clear thanks to new Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation technology. This advanced technology removes a broad range of unwanted background noise from both input and output audio, meaning that both the user’s voice and incoming communications are fuzz-free. It supports any input device, and noise cancelation settings can be applied and adjusted for specific apps, so unwanted sounds can be filtered out of voice chat software without adversely affecting game audio or music apps. Best of all, this technology runs on the CPU, allowing the GPU to focus all its resources on maximizing gaming performance.
A new, quiet keyboard design keeps inputs under 30dB. Commands can be input freely and discreetly no matter where users want to play. Its desktop-style design is optimized for gaming, with four dedicated hotkeys allow for quick access to essential features like volume, mic mute, and Armoury Crate. Function keys are separated in the usual groups to make shortcuts more intuitive, while arrow keys are offset for effortless navigation. The stealthy keyboard switches have a 1.7mm travel distance that makes typing more comfortable.
Entertainment experiences are more immersive with DTS:X Ultra technology that brings 7.1-channel virtual surround sound to stereo headsets or speakers. Users can choose between built-in presets for games, movies, and sports or try customizing their tuning with the embedded equalizer.
ASUS TUF Dash F15 will be available from January 27, 2021 in Dubai exclusively from EMax. Price is AED 6299.
Gadgets
Sony Intros ECM-L1 Lavalier Microphone with 3.5mm Plug-in Power
Sony Middle East and Africa has announced the ECM-L1, a lavalier microphone that supports 3.5 mm plug-in power, a product of Sony’s time-tested audio technology. This unit was developed based on the ECM-77 series, which has been highly regarded for many years by professionals, including broadcasting studios and production companies. ECM-L1 achieves high-quality sound pickup performance ensuring every word and nuance is captured with precision, as well as high reliability for extended use periods, all cultivated through Sony’s experience in professional audio technology.
In addition, it supports plug-in power and can be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of devices equipped with a 3.5 mm microphone input terminal making it extremely versatile. Thanks to its pin microphone design, it can be worn discretely around the speaker’s collar or shirt for a professional appearance on camera whilst still picking up sound clearly, making it ideal for interviews, documentaries, drama shoots, vlogging and live streams.
In recent years, with the increase in the number of creators producing video content, there has been a growing appetite to improve sound quality. By expanding its microphone line-up, Sony continues to support high-quality audio recording in a variety of situations. The ECM-L1 was developed based on the ECM-77 series, which has been used for many years by broadcasting stations and other organisations.
The capsule’s fixed electrode plate is made of a rigid ceramic. Its superior vibration properties deliver excellent sound quality with good rise time and high resolution. In addition, the microphone capsule is covered with a machined brass exterior to suppress unnecessary external resonance, enabling clear, crisp sound pickup. In addition, the high-purity OFC (oxygen-free copper) cable reduces audio transmission loss without compromising high sound quality.
A durable brass housing protects the microphone so that it holds up against wear and tear, even under rough usage at shooting sites. In addition, the 2.2 mm diameter cable is resistant to breakage and a locking ring is used at the connection point with the recording device to prevent the connector from accidentally coming loose. Two types of windscreens are included to reduce wind and pop noise: metal and faux fur. For a more discreet aesthetic, you can select the metal option, or depending on the shooting scenario, the additional wind noise reduction of the faux fur option is available.
The ECM-L1 lavalier microphone has plug-in power, where power is supplied from the connected device. It can be connected to a wide range of devices equipped with a 3.5 mm microphone input terminal, such as cameras, smartphones, wireless microphones, IC recorders, and computers, enabling high-quality audio recording to suit the many types of use cases. The ECM-L1 will be available in the Middle East and Africa from October 2024.
Components
CORSAIR RMx Series Power Supplies Get ATX 3.1 Upgrade, ATX 12V-2×6 Connector
CORSAIR has announced an update to its award-winning low-noise RMx series of power supplies with ATX 3.1 compliance, a native ATX 12V-2×6 connector, a manual fan speed control knob, and other improvements. Boasting Gold-certified efficiency (up to 91%) and an A+ noise rating from Cybenetics, the new RMx series includes fully modular, ultra-flexible embossed cables that simplify cable routing even in the most challenging of PC builds. Cooled by a 140mm Fluid-Dynamic Bearing fan with a magnetic dome structure and a manual fan override knob, the RMx series remains one of the quietest and most reliable power supplies available.
“We’re pleased to launch the new RMx Series with an entirely new electrical design that includes a six-layer PCB for better thermal and electrical performance, an upgraded fan, and full ATX 3.1 compliance,” said Jon Gerow, Director of Power Supply Research and Development at CORSAIR. “We’re also happy to announce it achieved the Cybenetics Gold rating for efficiency and the A+ rating for audible noise.” Each RMx power supply features 100% Japanese electrolytic capacitors and delivers its rated power output at a 50°C ambient temperature, ensuring reliable power and longevity even under high-stress conditions.
Available in 750W, 850W, and 1000W models, every RMx Series PSU is fully ATX 3.1 compliant and includes a native 12V-2×6 connector to support both current and future high-end GPUs. The 140mm FDB fan is PWM-controlled and features a half-dome structure that reduces surface friction, resulting in less noise and an improved lifespan. The specially calculated fan curve ensures fanless operation at low loads and minimal noise as power ramps up. Users who wish to override this can do so quickly and easily using the included knob on the rear of the unit.
The RMx Series features fully modular, embossed cables that are sleek and ultra-flexible, capable of making tight bends when connecting to nearly any device within a case, allowing for easy concealment. The 12v-2×6 cable includes low-profile combs for a clean look that compliments your GPU rather than obscuring it. The RMx PSU enclosure is all-new, featuring a stamped, low-restriction fan grill and an improved connector layout with clearer labelling. For users who want a splash of colour, the RMx Series is compatible with CORSAIR Premium Individually Sleeved Type 4 PSU cables and our ARGB PSU cable strips, sold separately.
RMx Series power supplies measure 150mm x 86mm x 160mm and include a wide variety of cables and connectors that vary based on the model purchased.
Gadgets
Sharaf DG Launches Copilot+ PCs in Dubai
Sharaf DG has launched a new category of Windows PCs – Copilot+ PCs, in Dubai. Microsoft together with MNA partners such as Asus, HP and Lenovo unveiled the Copilot+ PCs. “These devices are set to revolutionize both work and creativity with their unparalleled performance and innovative AI capabilities,” said Karin Belbelian, Director of Category Management – Consumer Sales Organization at Microsoft. “Equipped with advanced NPU silicon, Copilot+ PCs significantly enhance productivity, creativity, and security, making them the most powerful AI PCs available.”
Karin highlighted the collaboration with Asus, HP, Lenovo, and Microsoft Surface, which brings a diverse range of devices tailored to meet users’ unique needs and elevate their computing experience. “The Copilot+ PC is designed for productivity-focused users who require premium, lightweight hardware with long battery life. It helps save time and enables more efficient work.”
“Sharaf DG is leading the Copilot+ PCs market, designed to set new benchmarks with the largest range of Copilot+ PCs,” said Nilesh Khalkho, CEO, Sharaf DG. Ifham Khalid, Sales Lead, Devices and Creativity – Middle East and Africa at Microsoft, said, “People in UAE are quick to adopt any new technology that is introduced globally. We are excited to see how consumers in the UAE will use Copilot+ PCs and their advanced AI capabilities to increase productivity and creativity in their daily lives. We are collaborating with Sharaf DG to showcase the capabilities of Copilot + PCs inside their stores, including our flagship experiences at Dubai Mall and City Centre Deira. Discover a wide selection of Copilot+ PCs and benefit from the expertise of our trained specialists at Sharaf DG, ready to showcase the full potential of these remarkable devices”.
Key Features of Copilot+ PCs:
- A New AI Era: Copilot+ PCs are the fastest and most intelligent Windows PCs ever created. Featuring advanced Neural Processing Units (NPUs) capable of performing over 40 trillion operations per second, these PCs set a new benchmark for speed and efficiency.
- The Neural Processing Unit (NPU) is a third processor in the computer designed to process large amounts of data in parallel, performing trillions of operations per second. It excels at providing lightning-fast, high-bandwidth AI in real time and frees your CPU and GPU up for other tasks
- NPUs are built for intensive workloads that otherwise would deplete CPU and GPU performance. This uniquely enables us to offload our next-gen AI features to the NPU without sacrificing the overall performance, battery life, or thermals of the device.
- NPU performance is measured by TOPS or trillions of operations per second. Copilot+ PCs have 40+ TOPs, making them the most powerful NPUs on the market with remarkable efficiency in handling AI tasks. This is particularly crucial for a notebook PC running on battery.
AI-Driven Features: The exclusive Windows 11 on Copilot+ PCs includes:
- Cocreator: An AI tool that allows users to sketch and create images using text prompts directly in Paint.
- Image Creator: Generate customized images and apply artistic styles to existing photos using AI-powered edits.
- Live Captions: Instantly translate any video or audio content from 44 languages into English.
- Windows Studio Effects: Enhance your video calls with creative filters, portrait lighting, eye contact features, portrait blur, and voice focus.