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Nokia Brings the XR20, 6310, C30 and Audio Accessories in the Region

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HMD Global has today announced three new phones and a new audio portfolio. Built to survive anything life can throw at you, the Nokia XR20 can withstand much more than you’ll ever demand of it. The Nokia C30, a hero device to the C-series, features the largest screen and battery yet. Nokia 6310 is a new member of the Originals family, a reimagined noughties classic. Today also marks the biggest Nokia accessory launch to date, with new lifestyle audio products streamlined into four distinct lines – Go, Micro, Comfort, and Clarity.

Florian Seiche, CEO, HMD Global, said, “We are tapping into consumer pain points around durability and longevity. We did a global trend report8 and found that 73% of consumers want to keep their phone for longer and would if their devices were maintained over time. At HMD, we are empowering people to avoid early device replacement and encouraging a more sustainable consumption through our longevity promises. We are delighted to announce the Nokia XR20 – a life-proof phone with our trademark sleek, Nordic design that we built for both consumers and enterprises. Today we also grow our refreshed X-series and C-series with two shining examples of what these ranges stand for. Our goal is to provide people with products they will love, trust and want to keep for longer.”

Extreme temperatures, 1.8m drops, 1h underwater, and more, the new Nokia XR20 is built for conditions far harsher than the rough and tumble of everyday life. This life-proof phone is concealed in a sleek, timeless design. So, whilst you’re probably never going to stretch your phone to the extremes of its capabilities, you can be reassured that the Nokia XR20 can endure more than you’ll ever demand of it.
Featuring one of the strongest of screens for extra peace of mind: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus – it’s amongst the toughest of glass out there.

To test its durability, Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos and female world champion freestyler Lisa Zimouche put the new Nokia XR20 through a series of tough tests. From dunking it in icy water to being kicked, flipped, and spun screen-first across a concrete gravel football pitch. Carlos even recreated his famous banana shot from the 1997 Brazil vs France match to test the device’s durability – three Nokia XR20s were positioned on a goal post for the football sensation to hit in a free kick shootout.

Roberto Carlos, Brazil World Cup winner and Real Madrid legend, said, “I’ve been asked to recreate my ’97 free kick many times over the last twenty years, but never like this before, so I had to accept the challenge. Surely a mobile phone couldn’t survive the wrath of a football. I didn’t think the Nokia XR20 could have withstood the power of my kick. I may not be professional anymore, but I know I still pack a punch, so it was an impressive result.”

Future-proof means freshness that is not just for the day you unbox your smartphone. In addition to the existing X-series longevity promises, the Nokia XR20 comes with four years of monthly security updates, and three years of OS upgrades. The Nokia XR20 has a reliable 48MP+13MP dual-camera with ZEISS Optics, OZO spatial audio, and innovative imaging solutions. The all-new SpeedWarp mode lets you capture a whole lot of adventure in a compact, exciting montage. Pushing the boundaries of the mid-range, it also comes with 5G speeds, 15W wireless charging, and superior durability that you’ll love.

Introducing two firsts to the Nokia smartphone portfolio, the new Nokia C30 is a hero of the popular C-series. It comes with the largest battery and biggest screen yet on a Nokia smartphone. The ever increasing demand for larger screens sees the current 82% of consumers who are looking for smartphones between 6” and 7” in size grow to 96% by 2025. The huge 6.82” HD+ display on the new Nokia C30 is here to supply what fans have been asking for.

Hard-working individuals and busy days ask for a battery that can keep up. On the Nokia C30, it’s been supersized to an impressive 6000 mAh, giving you enough energy to work up to three days on a single charge – so you can upskill, stream, and connect to those that matter most. Complemented by the quality feel that only a truly durable build can provide. The Nokia C30 is wrapped in a sturdy polycarbonate shell that you can trust, giving you a device that will last. The newest member of the Originals family celebrates the iconic Nokia 6310 with a fresh new take. The Nokia 6310 is a classic reimagined for today’s connected users. Bringing advanced accessibility, optimised ergonomics, and battery for weeks, it honours everything that Nokia phones stand for. And yes – it still has Snake.

With accessibility at its core, the refreshed larger push buttons and ample display make screen time more effortless and enjoyable. The new zoomed-in menus and larger font options improve readability and text messages can be listened to for ease of use. Introducing a revamped Nokia audio portfolio, the new accessories bring fans reliable sound on the go. Streamlined into four new, distinct lines – Go, Micro, Comfort, and Clarity – each range brings maximum value via unique propositions.

  • Go: ultra-high value products offering the highest quality at the lowest possible prices
  • Micro: meeting the demand for the compact form factor
  • Comfort: a result of consumers seeking optimal comfort in wearables
  • Clarity: top-of-the-range quality earbuds integrating the latest tech

Arriving hand in hand with the Nokia XR20, the new Nokia Clarity Earbuds Pro gives high-performance sound with the build quality and battery life that can keep up. The powerful combination of dual-mic environment noise cancellation (ENC), Qualcomm cVc, and active noise cancellation (ANC) captures and eliminates background noise for superb call and music clarity. Alex Lambeek, Global Head of Accessories, HMD Global: “Much like our smartphones, the excellence in Nokia accessories is a result of industry-leading testing for quality. The invaluable insight from our Nokia smartphone community combined with regional insights across the globe has allowed us to grow our ecosystem of companion products to an impressive portfolio. It’s supported by a network of strong partnerships like Binatone that allow us to provide the best for our growing fanbase. Inspired by nature and packaged in paper and soy-based ink to protect it, each new line delivers premium lifestyle experiences at accessible price points.”

Today also marks the beginning of two new partnerships with industry-leading providers. Spotify will give Nokia smartphone owners access to 70 million tracks and 2.6 million podcasts out of the box. Stephen Taylor, CMO, HMD Global, said, “We’ve always been proud to partner with the industry’s best for our fans. Today we add two more names to this extended family of leading brands that allow for the most innovative experiences for Nokia phone owners. Every partnership further enhances what we stand for and we collaborate with those we trust, so you can, too.”

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Huawei Launches Pura 80 Series of Smartphones and the MatePad 11.5

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Huawei held a product launch event in Dubai, introducing the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series smartphones and the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 tablet. The company also announced the return of its XMAGE Awards to the Grand Palais in Paris for Paris Photo 2025.

The event, themed “Fashion Next,” showcased Huawei’s latest products and highlighted its approach to technology and design.

HUAWEI Pura 80 Series
The HUAWEI Pura 80 Series, positioned as the imaging flagship of the Pura Series, was a central announcement. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro and Ultra models feature a 1-inch Ultra Lighting HDR camera. This camera is paired with the Ultra Chroma Camera, which includes pixel-level color calibration for clarity and color reproduction.

The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra also incorporates a Switchable Dual Telephoto Camera, designed to offer versatility in capturing images at various distances. The series’ design integrates elements described as “eastern and western aesthetics,” featuring hues inspired by monochrome glaze and a glazed texture finish.

HUAWEI MatePad 11.5
The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 was presented as a device for both students and professionals. It is equipped with an 11.5-inch HUAWEI FullView Display, offering 2.5K resolution. The tablet includes a PaperMatte Display with technology aimed at eye comfort. Its design features a 6.1 mm frame and a 10,100 mAh battery. The device supports the HUAWEI M-Pencil (3rd generation) with magnetic wireless charging. Software enhancements include upgraded HUAWEI Notes and the GoPaint app.

XMAGE Awards 2025
Huawei formally announced the XMAGE Awards 2025, with global submissions opened on June 11. This marks the eighth year for the photography competition, which serves as a platform for Huawei mobile users to showcase their work. The 2025 competition includes eight categories: So Far So Close, Colour & Shade, Good Night, Faces, A Heartwarming World, Experimental Lab, Storyboard, and Action. A new “XMAGE 100” competition format has been introduced, alongside an expanded judging panel. Submissions will be evaluated based on photographic technique, emotional resonance, social relevance, and artistic merit.

Huawei stated that the XMAGE Awards 2025 Ceremony and Annual Exhibition, titled “The World, You and Me,” will be held at the Grand Palais in Paris during Paris Photo 2025. Huawei Consumer Business Group (CBG) operates in over 170 countries and regions and maintains fourteen R&D centers globally. The company states its commitment to digital inclusion, sustainability, and innovation through user-centric products.

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Lenovo ThinkVision P49W-30 Monitor Review: Ultrawide Monitor for Professional Productivity

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The Lenovo ThinkVision P49w-30 is a high-end ultra-wide monitor designed for professionals needing a large, high-resolution display for demanding workflows. It boasts a 49-inch Dual QHD screen with a 32:9 aspect ratio, offering a massive workspace comparable to two 27-inch QHD monitors side-by-side. Its In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and wide viewing angles. With features like Thunderbolt 4, multiple USB ports, and KVM switch, it offers versatile connectivity and efficient multitasking.

Design
The ThinkVision P49W-30 sports a minimalist and professional design that seamlessly integrates into any modern office or home setup. The bezels are remarkably thin on three sides, contributing to an almost edge-to-edge viewing experience, which is crucial for a monitor of this size. The stand is sturdy and offers excellent ergonomic adjustments, including height, tilt, and swivel, allowing users to find their optimal viewing position. Cable management is thoughtfully integrated, helping to keep the workspace tidy. The overall aesthetic is understated yet premium, reflecting its business-oriented focus.

Build Quality
Lenovo has a strong reputation for build quality, and the P49W-30 lives up to it. The monitor feels solid and well-constructed, with no creaking or wobbling. The materials used, primarily high-quality plastics and metal for the stand, contribute to its robust feel. The adjustment mechanisms are smooth and precise, indicating durable components. This monitor is clearly built to last and withstand the rigors of daily professional use.

Features
The P49W-30 is packed with features tailored for productivity and connectivity. Key highlights include:

  1. Extensive Connectivity: It boasts a comprehensive array of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports (one upstream with 100W power delivery, one downstream with 15W), DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, multiple USB-A ports, and an Ethernet port. This makes it a true docking station replacement.
  2. KVM Switch: The integrated KVM switch is a standout feature, allowing users to control two different computers with a single keyboard and mouse connected to the monitor. This is incredibly useful for those who switch between a desktop and a laptop.
  3. Picture-by-Picture (PbP) and Picture-in-Picture (PiP): These modes enable displaying content from multiple sources simultaneously, effectively turning the single ultrawide screen into two or more virtual monitors, enhancing multitasking capabilities.
  4. Integrated Speakers: While not audiophile-grade, the built-in speakers are adequate for basic audio needs like video calls and system sounds.
  5. Webcam: An optional modular webcam can be attached, offering convenience for video conferencing.

Display Specs
The core of the P49W-30’s appeal lies in its display specifications. This 49-inch monitor features a 32:9 aspect ratio and a sharp 5120 x 1440 (DQHD) resolution, providing an expansive workspace. It utilizes an IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel, known for its wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction. For general use, it offers a 60Hz refresh rate and a 4ms (GtG) response time. The display achieves a typical brightness of 350 nits and a contrast ratio of 1000:1, covering 98% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 100% of sRGB. Additionally, it supports HDR content with DisplayHDR 400 certification.

Display Quality
The display quality of the ThinkVision P49W-30 is excellent for its intended use. The DQHD resolution on a 49-inch panel provides an incredibly sharp and detailed image, making text crisp and images vibrant. The IPS panel ensures wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction, which is crucial for creative professionals working with graphics or video. The factory calibration is generally very good, offering impressive color accuracy out of the box. Brightness is sufficient for most office environments, and the DisplayHDR 400 certification provides a slight boost to contrast for HDR content, though it’s not a true HDR experience given the limited local dimming zones. The sheer amount of horizontal space significantly boosts productivity, allowing multiple windows to be open side-by-side without feeling cramped.

Video Quality During Gaming
While the ThinkVision P49W-30 is not marketed as a gaming monitor, its performance in this area is acceptable for casual gaming. The 60Hz refresh rate means it won’t offer the buttery-smooth experience of high-refresh-rate gaming monitors. The 4ms GtG response time is decent, reducing motion blur to a tolerable level for non-competitive titles. The ultrawide aspect ratio is immersive for supported games, providing a panoramic view that can enhance the gaming experience. However, competitive gamers will find the refresh rate and response time limiting. There’s no adaptive sync technology like FreeSync or G-Sync, which can lead to screen tearing if your GPU’s frame rate isn’t perfectly synced with the monitor’s refresh rate.

Overall Setup
Setting up the ThinkVision P49W-30 is straightforward despite its large size. The stand attaches easily, and the monitor isn’t excessively heavy for one person to handle. Thanks to its extensive connectivity, connecting peripherals and multiple computers is a breeze. The KVM switch and PbP/PiP functions are intuitive to configure through the OSD (On-Screen Display) menu, which is navigated using physical buttons on the monitor. The USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 single-cable solution for power, video, and data is a significant convenience, simplifying cable management and reducing desk clutter.

Overall Performance
The overall performance of the Lenovo ThinkVision P49W-30 is outstanding for its target audience. As a productivity powerhouse, it excels in providing an expansive, high-resolution workspace that dramatically improves workflow for tasks like coding, data analysis, video editing, and graphic design. The robust connectivity, particularly the Thunderbolt 4 and KVM features, makes it an ideal central hub for multiple devices. Colour accuracy and image clarity are top-notch for professional applications. While not a dedicated gaming monitor, it handles casual gaming adequately, offering an immersive experience in compatible titles. Its stability and ergonomic adjustments further enhance the user experience.

Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkVision P49W-30 is an exceptional ultrawide monitor for professionals and power users who demand maximum screen real estate, premium build quality, and extensive connectivity. Its stunning DQHD IPS panel, comprehensive port selection, and integrated KVM switch make it a highly versatile and productive display. While its 60Hz refresh rate and lack of adaptive sync mean it’s not the ideal choice for serious gamers, it performs admirably for casual gaming and excels in every other professional application. If you’re looking for a top-tier ultrawide monitor to boost your productivity and streamline your workspace, the ThinkVision P49W-30 is a highly recommended investment.

Price: AED 10000 (approx.)

Lenovo ThinkVision P49W-30 Monitor AED 10000 (approx.)
  • Final Rating
4

Summary

The display quality of the ThinkVision P49W-30 is excellent for its intended use. The DQHD resolution on a 49-inch panel provides an incredibly sharp and detailed image, making text crisp and images vibrant.

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Sony Debuts New Shotgun Microphone and CFexpress Type A Cards

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Sony announced the release of its new ECM-778 shotgun microphone and high-speed CFexpress Type A memory cards and reader in Dubai on July 10, 2025. The ECM-778 shotgun microphone is designed for content production requiring high audio quality, such as films, dramas, and documentaries. It features a new microphone capsule, a brass acoustic tube, and a specially designed electronic circuit board for sound quality.

The microphone is compact, measuring 176 mm in length and weighing 102 g, and offers good forward directivity. It can be mounted on boom poles or attached to cameras with XLR terminals, including Sony Cinema Line and Alpha mirrorless cameras. Its design aims for clear high frequencies and stable mid-low frequencies, capturing frequencies beyond 20 kHz for expansive audio recording. The acoustic tube design suppresses sound from the sides and rear, achieving sharp forward directivity to reduce surrounding noise.

The microphone maintains consistent sound quality across various recording distances. It incorporates film capacitors and metal film resistors in the signal path for clear sound, and conductive polymer aluminum solid capacitors for stable power. The machined aluminum exterior helps suppress vibrations and electrical noise. A built-in low-cut switch reduces wind noise and vibration. Two types of windscreens (foam and fur) are included for different environments. The microphone has a robust machined aluminum exterior for durability.

Sony collaborated with film sound engineers during the development of the ECM-778. Kenichi Fujimoto, a sound engineer who won the Japan Academy Film Prize for Best Sound Recording, commented on the ECM-778, “We recording engineers forge our sonic preferences over years, recording and listening to countless projects with a vast array of microphones, starting from our days as assistants. When we step into the lead role, we choose the mic that perfectly matches our cultivated taste. Right now, this is the single best choice available. In filmmaking, the shotgun mic for dialogue is the most critical tool – it’s the axis around which everything else turns. The ‘ECM-778’ is that new axis. It strikes an exceptional balance with its length and weight, its clarity and solid core deliver a palpable sound pressure, and it provides that ‘little something’ that has always been missing in other microphones. It is, simply put, a microphone that lets you create a truly cinematic sound.”

Sony also introduced CFexpress Type A cards, the CEA-G1920T (1920 GB) and CEA-G960T (960 GB), and the MRW-G3 CFexpress Type A card reader. These products are compatible with CFexpress 4, with the cards achieving read speeds over 1800 MB/s and write speeds of 1700 MB/s, which is more than twice as fast as earlier models. The cards have capacities up to 1920 GB and adhere to the VPG 400 standard for stable video recording at 400 MB/sec.

The CFexpress Type A cards meet TOUGH specifications, offering enhanced resistance to drops, bending, dust, water (IP57), temperature, X-rays, static, and UV. The MRW-G3 card reader supports CFexpress 4 and USB 40Gbps for high-speed data transfer. It is compatible with computers, smartphones, and tablets and features a heat dissipation design.

The ECM-778 shotgun microphone will be available in the UAE starting August 2025. The new CFexpress Type A cards (CEA-G1920T and CEA-G960T) and the MRW-G3 card reader will also be available in other Middle East markets by August 2025.

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