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.

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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
3. 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.
4. 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:

1. Cocreator: An AI tool that allows users to sketch and create images using text prompts directly in Paint.
2. Image Creator: Generate customized images and apply artistic styles to existing photos using AI-powered edits.
3. Live Captions: Instantly translate any video or audio content from 44 languages into English.
4. Windows Studio Effects: Enhance your video calls with creative filters, portrait lighting, eye contact features, portrait blur, and voice focus.