Gadgets
ASUS Launches the All-New ZenBook 13 OLED (UX325)
ASUS today announced ZenBook 13 OLED (UX325), “the world’s lightest laptop” with an OLED display. The compact FHD OLED NanoEdge slim-bezel display on ZenBook 13 OLED takes visuals to a new level of realism, with true-to-life PANTONE Validated colours, a wide 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, deep blacks, and an 88% screen-to-body ratio for immersive visuals.
ZenBook 13 OLED weighs just 1.14 kg and measures a mere 13.9 mm thin, but uniquely for such an ultrathin design, it offers comprehensive I/O capabilities, including full-size HDMI and USB Type-A ports in addition to Thunderbolt 4 USB-C and a microSD card reader.
The user experience is also fully updated, featuring ASUS NumberPad 2.0, up to 13 hours battery life, a new edge-to-edge keyboard design, ErgoLift hinge mechanism, and an IR camera for fast face recognition.
Powered by the latest 11th Generation Intel Core processors with next-level Intel Iris Xe graphics, ZenBook 13 OLED makes light work of multitasking, productivity, and entertainment. With up to a 1TB PCIe 3.0 x2 SSD and the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) round off the specification for superb all-round performance.
Superb performance
ZenBook 13 OLED harnesses the power of the latest 11th Generation Intel Core processors — all the way up to the Core i7 series. These processors deliver faster, smoother and more responsive performance than the previous generation. They’re teamed with powerful new next-level Intel Iris Xe graphics for silky-smooth visual performance, and up to 16 GB of high-speed RAM to help users blitz through daily tasks.
The laptop also has some of the fastest solid-state storage available, with up to 1 TB PCIe 3.0 x2 SSD that ensures fast boot times and near-instant app loading. With the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) users can enjoy wireless speeds that are up to 3X faster than WiFi 5, with 4X more network capacity and up to 75% lower latency. Wireless connections are enhanced with ASUS WiFi Smart Connect that automatically selects the best WiFi source, so the laptop connects seamlessly to the best WiFi signal and known mobile hotspots. Whether working, creating, or simply enjoying entertainment, the new ZenBook 13 OLED makes everything effortless.
Vivid visuals, perfect portability
ZenBook 13 OLED has an amazing FHD OLED HDR NanoEdge display that renders true-to-life colors at any brightness level, with deep blacks for enhanced realism. It’s PANTONE Validated for superb color accuracy and has a cinema-grade 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut. The ultrafast response time ensures blur-free movies and games, and its low blue-light levels are TÜV Rheinland-certified for better eye care. The four-sided NanoEdge design features slim bezels that create an 88% screen-to-body ratio for a more immersive viewing experience.
ZenBook 13 OLED is designed for effortless portability, weighing just 1.14 kg with a compact and elegant all-metal chassis that’s a mere 13.9 mm thin. It’s also incredibly power efficient, with up to an amazing 13 hours of battery life on a single charge, making ZenBook 13 OLED a perfect match for today’s on-the-go lifestyles.
Unrivaled I/O
ZenBook 13 OLED redefines what’s possible in an ultrathin laptop, with uncompromised I/O capabilities. It’s just 13.9 mm thin, but still includes full-size HDMI and USB Type-A ports, two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, and a microSD card reader for easy mobile data transfer.
The two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports on ZenBook 13 OLED deliver unrivaled versatility with ultrafast speeds. They support USB-C Power Delivery and provide up to 40 Gbps data-transfer speeds for high-performance peripherals. Combined with the Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports and HDMI port, ZenBook 13 OLED can support also up to four displays: three external displays plus the built-in OLED display.
ZenBook 13 OLED also supports the new ASUS USB-C Easy Charge feature, which allows it to be conveniently charged from a wide range of standard USB-C chargers. USB-C Easy Charge allows users to enjoy ultrafast charging with any USB-C Power Delivery-certified charger, such as the bundled 65-watt charger, or charge at slower rates when wall sockets are unavailable using airline chargers, portable chargers or power banks. USB-C Easy Charge takes the frustration out of long journeys or travels in locations with limited mains power.
Ergonomic design
The new edge-to-edge ergonomic keyboard design on ZenBook 13 OLED increases the size of the keyboard for a more comfortable typing experience. It also creates space for an extra set of useful function keys on the right-hand side of the keyboard. For maximum typing comfort, the precision-engineered ErgoLift hinge automatically tilts the keyboard to the optimum typing angle when the lid is opened. This action also creates space under the laptop for extra cooling airflow.
Selectable cooling-fan profiles give users the choice of Whisper mode for ultra-quiet cooling, Standard mode for balanced dynamic performance, or Performance mode for high-efficiency cooling when full performance is needed. For easy data entry, there’s the productivity-enhancing ASUS NumberPad 2.0. This is a dual-function touchpad with an integrated LED-illuminated full-size numeric keypad: simply tapping the icon on the touchpad turns NumberPad on and off.
An integrated infrared (IR) camera located on the top bezel makes password-free face login fast and easy with Windows Hello. It also works in dim lighting conditions, so accessing ZenBook 13 OLED is easier and faster than ever in any environment.
ZenBook 13 OLED features an ASUS ClearVoice Mic with AI-trained noise-canceling technology to ensure clear voice outgoing communications in online meetings or internet voice calls. They also use ASUS ClearVoice Speaker technology to filter out ambient noise from incoming audio streams.
ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED (UX325) will be available from 8th April 2021 in UAE from Virgin Megastore, Jumbo, Sharaf DG, Emax, ECity, Computronic, Gulf Micro, AL Ershad, and Amazon. The price starts from AED 3799.
Events
HONOR Hosts ‘HONOR the INNOVATION’ Event
HONOR revealed its latest flagship, the HONOR Magic V3, at the exclusive ‘HONOR the Innovation’ event. The launch of HONOR Magic V3 highlights HONOR’s unwavering commitment to innovation and the future of foldable technology, as the company continues to push boundaries and shape the tech landscape. The event followed HONOR’s announcement from the IFA 2024 site in Germany last week, where the company, in collaboration with Qualcomm and Microsoft, unveiled a trio of pioneering mobile AI solutions, spotlighting advancements in AI-driven computing and security.
View this post on Instagram
AI Agent, an on-device assistant that enhances user efficiency by automating tasks and integrating seamlessly with various apps. Additionally, HONOR introduced the world’s first on-device AI Deepfake Detection technology, which utilizes advanced algorithms to identify manipulated media and safeguard users from digital deception.
At the heart of the event in Dubai, is HONOR’s vision to redefine the mobile experience with groundbreaking features and design, making the HONOR Magic V3 a pivotal device in the company’s product lineup. From its innovative AI-integrated features, sleek and ultra-thin foldable design, and high-end camera systems, HONOR Magic V3 represents HONOR’s mission to deliver cutting-edge technology that meets the needs of modern users.
The UAE’s focus on becoming a global hub for innovation aligns with HONOR’s mission to elevate the mobile technology standard. Through events and devices like the Magic V3, HONOR aims to contribute to the UAE’s vision of a more connected, tech-driven future. The event also featured a dynamic panel discussion, “Social Coins of Innovation”. The panel spotlighted thought leaders including Mona Ataya, Founder of Mumzworld; Sudhu Arumugam, Chief Product Officer of M2; and Rishabh Singh, Vice President of Products at Astra Tech. Attendees experienced the future of mobile technology, networked with key figures in the tech industry, and gained insights from influential speakers.
As HONOR continues to make significant strides in the UAE and beyond, the successful launch of HONOR Magic V3 reaffirms the brand’s dedication to creating transformative technology. By consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, HONOR remains at the forefront of technological advancement, delivering products that are not only innovative but also practical, versatile, and designed for the future. The strong reception at the event sets the stage for HONOR Magic V3 to become a landmark device, solidifying HONOR’s role as a global leader in smart devices.
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.