News
MediaTek Helio G Series to Power Gaming Smartphone Experiences for South African Consumers
MediaTek has today reiterated its commitment towards providing new-age technology solutions to enable the roll out of future ready smartphones in the South African market. MediaTek announced the launch of its premium gaming chip, MediaTek Helio G95, along with its offerings across the spectrum, including G90T, G85, G80, G70, G35, and G25 chips. Aimed at the premium 4G gaming smartphone segment, the semiconductor company has associated with global smartphone brands such as Xiaomi, Oppo and Infinix to launch up to ten premium, feature-rich smartphones, powered by MediaTek Helio G series, in 2021.
The powerful MediaTek Helio G95, with enhanced MediaTek HyperEngine gaming technology, features multi-camera support, unrivalled connectivity, and AI Super Resolution for video streams. MediaTek Helio G95 offers gaming enthusiasts faster performance and high-end features like advanced multi-camera photography – up to four cameras with an integrated AI processing unit (APU).
The chip is also equipped with an ultra-low-power, HDR10 standard display, which can be enhanced to approach HDR10+ quality in real-time. Other features include an always-on DSP that supports dual wake-up word detection, ensuring seamless concurrence between two parallel Voice Wakeup (VoW) functions. The ultra-low-power DSP minimises power consumption of applications such as the always-on Google Assistant and supports multiple keyword triggers and virtual assistants.
“South Africa is our top Smartphone market in Africa with annual shipments expected to grow towards 15 million in contrast to some decline globally. We have been actively enabling Africa with our innovative chips with the aim of facilitating transformative technology in the region and will continue to do so,” said Rami Osman, Director for Corporate Sales and Marketing at MediaTek Middle East and Africa.
“MediaTek’s Helio G-Series is the latest generation in our Helio family of Chipsets for Smartphones that will continue our commitment to 4G connectivity and the adoption thereof. MediaTek is collaborating with OEM and Telco partners across Sub-Saharan Africa to offer mainstream and premium Gaming Smartphones with the latest technologies to consumers and promote digital inclusion across the region,” Osman added.
“Moreover, MediaTek is currently collaborating with MTN & Vodacom South Africa who have plans to accelerate the deployment of their 5G Networks. In parallel to 5G Network deployment and testing we will need to make the terminals ready by bringing our Dimensity 5G series for premium and flagship Smartphones and our T750 5G modems for a much faster mobile and fixed broadband access,” Osman said.
MediaTek has a balanced portfolio across smartphones, smart homes, and other segments. While smartphones and tablets contribute between 45-48% of revenue, 29-33% revenue comprises VAD (Voice Assistant Devices), AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things), and power management solutions. The remaining 21-26% of revenue is led by smart home and other categories, including digital TVs, DVD players, optical storage, feature phones, and STBs.
Globally, the last 12 months were significant for MediaTek, with a strong focus on 5G, gaming, Wi-Fi 6, and AIoT capabilities. MediaTek unveiled several 5G chips under the MediaTek Dimensity series, including the flagship 1200, 1100, 1000+, 1000, 820, 800, 800U and 720 chips, offering 5G connectivity to smartphone users across segments. MediaTek also launched the Helio G95, G85, G80, G70, G35, and G25 chips with HyperEngine technology to enable incredible gaming experiences.
Components
Cooler Master Announces Winners of the 2024 Case Mod World Series
Cooler Master, a leading provider of PC components, gaming peripherals, and tech lifestyle solutions, today announced the winners of the 2024 Case Mod World Series. This popular event celebrates the world’s top PC modders, whose creativity and craftsmanship embody Cooler Master’s spirit of “Make It Yours.” The competition provides a unique platform for builders to personalize, innovate, and bring their most ambitious designs to life.
The Case Mod World Series 2024 invited participants to showcase their talent in two categories: Scratch Build of the Year, which features custom-built mods created from the ground up, and Tower Mod of the Year, where competitors reimagine and elevate existing Cooler Master cases.
This year’s winning Scratch Build, “Taiwan Five Timber” by Kuan-Sheng, Wu from GsStudio, merges nature with technology. Inspired by Taiwan’s cultural heritage, Wu’s design utilizes five types of Taiwanese timber, highlighting environmental sustainability and engineering ingenuity. Runner-ups included Stefan Ulrich, whose “ED-209” build brought RoboCop’s iconic ‘80s movie character to life, and Webhallen Config’s “W-frame,” a beautiful water-cooled gaming PC.
In the Tower Mod category, Explore Modding earned top honours with “RETROFUTURE,” an artistic transformation of the Cooler Master QUBE 500 Flatpack. Second place went to Timpelay’s “STAGE,” built on the Cooler Master Masterframe 700, followed by Rúben’s futuristic creation “BOX-37”, which modified the Masterbox 5 case.
The Cooler Master judging panel, including Pedro from PCMR, praised the creativity and technical skill displayed this year. “We’ve seen some of the most impressive builds to date,” said Pedro. “These modders bring technical expertise and a deep passion for design, making it an honour to witness their work. It truly solidifies how PC building can also be an art’”.
“At Cooler Master, ‘Make It Yours’ is more than a tagline – it’s our commitment to providing a personalized product lineup that serves the diverse needs of our community,” said Jimmy Sha, CEO of Cooler Master. “The Case Mod World Series showcases the creativity and dedication of our PC-building community, and this year’s winners truly exemplify the spirit of innovation that drives us.”
The winning builds will be featured across Cooler Master’s digital platforms, showcasing their achievements and inspiring the next generation of PC builders and modders.
Earbuds
Huawei Launches a Wide Range of New Devices Including the New Mate X6 Foldable Smartphone
Huawei Consumer Business Group (CBG) unveiled several highly anticipated products that usher in a new era of flagship foldable excellence, as part of the “Unfold the Classic” HUAWEI Flagship Product Launch held in Dubai on December 12. Among these products is the new foldable smartphone, HUAWEI Mate X6, which sets a new standard for foldable smartphones and further solidifies Huawei’s leadership in the market. The HUAWEI Mate X6 is expected to redefine the foldable experience with its innovative design, durability, advanced features, and exceptional user experience.
In addition to the Mate X6, Huawei introduced an impressive lineup of new devices, including the HUAWEI nova 13 series, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, HUAWEI FreeClip in Rose Gold, and the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5. This suite of products represents a new era of flagship innovation, showcasing Huawei’s commitment to continuous advancement and delivering flagship experiences for consumers across the MEA region.
HUAWEI Mate X6 is a foldable smartphone that’s extremely thin, light, and durable. It comes with the 2nd Generation Kunlun Glass, which protects the exterior screen, while a carbon fibre inner screen plate adds strength to the interior display. The phone features an advanced multi-dimensional hinge and a robust aviation-grade aluminium middle frame. The Kunlun Glass offers 25 times better drop resistance.
The HUAWEI Mate X6’s camera system is one of its standout features, designed to capture true-to-life colours. The 50MP Ultra Aperture Camera is equipped with a ten-size adjustable physical aperture, ranging from F1.0 to F4.0, allowing users to precisely control depth of field and light intake. The camera also incorporates the Ultra Chroma technology, which uses 1.50 million spectral channels to boost colour accuracy by 120%. Equipped with an OLED exterior and a large internal OLED display, the Mate X6 supports a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate.
Richard Yu, Chairman of Huawei Consumer Business Group, called the HUAWEI Mate X6 “A breakthrough technology from the inside out, bringing consumers a truly innovative foldable screen experience.” The HUAWEI Mate X6 will be available in UAE for preorder starting from December 12, 2024, for AED 7199 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as certified retailers. It will be available in three colours: Nebula Gray, Nebula Red, and Black. Preorder customers will benefit from add-ons worth AED 2698.
HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4
The HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, the first-ever HUAWEI SOUND earbuds, set new benchmarks for wireless audio. Featuring an Ultra-Hearing Dual Driver system, these earbuds deliver a rich and dynamic listening experience across a wide frequency spectrum, from booming bass to sparkling treble. Designed for exceptional clarity during calls, the FreeBuds Pro 4 features advanced AI noise cancellation and a high-sensitivity bone-conducting microphone. The earbuds can intelligently distinguish between human voices and environmental noise, isolating your voice while filtering out distractions. Whether you’re at a concert or walking through a busy street, your calls remain uninterrupted, with crystal-clear sound.
HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4 will be available in UAE from January 9, 2025, at a price of AED 749 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as select retailers.
HUAWEI nova 13 Series
HUAWEI nova 13 Series, introduces the new Dynamic Plaid Texture Design, multi-focal portrait capabilities, and AI-driven innovations, ushering in a fresh wave of trends. Embodying the creative spirit of the younger generation, the series debuts in the striking new Loden Green colourway, alongside classic Black and White options.
The HUAWEI nova 13 Series redefines front-camera photography with its 60 MP Ultra-Wide Front Camera and innovative features like the AI Best Expression. The ultra-wide angle allows users to effortlessly capture group selfies with everyone in the frame and showcase breathtaking scenery without the need for a selfie stick. The AI Best Expression feature ensures every group photo is flawless by selecting the best expressions from burst shots. The 5X Selfie Zoom expands the creative possibilities enabling close-up portraits, and delivering detailed and cinematic-quality selfies. With the new 100 W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo, the HUAWEI nova 13 Series can charge to 50% in just 10 minutes.
HUAWEI nova 13 Series will be available in UAE before the end of January 2024 at a starting price of AED 1699 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as select retailers.
HUAWEI MatePad 11.5
The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 features an eye-soothing PaperMatte Display and productivity-boosting upgrades, including an enhanced HUAWEI Notes app. Designed with students and light-duty office workers in mind, this versatile tablet empowers users to embrace a paperless experience while enhancing efficiency, whether at school, home, or on the go.
The HUAWEI MatePad 11.3 will be available in UAE next month for AED 1299 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as certified retailers. It will be available in stunning Isle Blue and sleek Space Gray.
HUAWEI FreeClip: Now in Rose Gold
The HUAWEI FreeClip combines cutting-edge audio technology with sleek, fashion-forward aesthetics. Now available in a captivating Rose Gold finish, the latest iteration of the HUAWEI FreeClip introduces a soft pink hue with subtle golden undertones, exuding a sense of romance and understated elegance. Alongside its stylish appeal, the FreeClip incorporates new features like the Dynamic Bass Algorithm, Head Motion Controls, and Drop Reminders. The Drop Reminders feature provides a gentle alert in the remaining earbud if one slips out during use, accompanied by a notification on your phone.
HUAWEI FreeClip in Rose Gold will be available in UAE starting today at a price of AED 699 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as select retailers. Preorder customers will get AED 100 off.
Gadgets
Anker Launches New Lineup of High-Speed USB-C Chargers
Anker has announced its new line of high-speed USB-C chargers will be available exclusively today on apple.com and select Apple retail locations worldwide. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to sustainable innovation, with Anker’s new chargers incorporating 75% post-consumer recycled plastics—demonstrating a significant step towards reducing environmental impact without compromising performance.
Anker’s new chargers come in several different power capacities: 30W, 50W and 70W each designed to meet different charging needs and capable of charging a range of products such as Apple Watches, AirPods, iPads, MacBooks and more. Featuring GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology, these chargers offer faster charging speeds, reduced heat generation, and a more compact design compared to traditional silicon-based chargers. Additionally, they are built using 75% post-consumer recycled plastics in their casing and recyclable packaging, aligning with eco-conscious consumer preferences.
Equipped with a Dynamic Temperature Sensor and a Power Tuner Chip, these chargers actively monitor temperature and adjust power output to ensure the safety of connected devices. “We’re excited to partner with Apple in our mission to create high-performance, sustainable charging solutions,” said Shaun Xiong, General Manager of Charging & Member of the board of directors, Anker. “These new USB-C chargers represent our dedication to environmental responsibility without sacrificing quality or user experience.”
ANKER Charger (30W) with USB-C Cable (B2657)
- Foldable design with 1 x USB-C
- Includes a 5-foot USB-C charging cable
- Can charge an iPhone up to 50% in just 30 minutes
- Supports high-speed charging for the Apple Watch, AirPods, iPhone, iPad, MacBook Air and more
- Colour: White
- Price: AED 159
ANKER Charger (50W, 2 ports) (A2689)
- Foldable design with 2 x USB-C
- Supports high-speed charging for the Apple Watch, AirPods, iPhone, iPad, MacBook Air and more
- Colour: White
- Price: AED 199
ANKER Charger (70W, 3 ports) (A2604)
- Foldable design with 3 x USB-C
- Supports high-speed charging for the Apple Watch, AirPods, iPhone, iPad, MacBook Pro and more
- Colour: White
Price: AED 319
These new Anker chargers are available for purchase on apple.com/ae, and across the UAE in Apple Stores at Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, and Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. They are also available at select Apple retail locations worldwide.
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