Gadgets
Apple Intros iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini
Apple has introduced iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini, featuring a beautiful design with sleek flat edges in five gorgeous new colors. Both models feature major innovations, including the most advanced dual-camera system ever on iPhone — with a new Wide camera with bigger pixels and sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) offering improvements in low-light photos and videos, a new way to personalize the camera with Photographic Styles, and Cinematic mode, which brings a new dimension to video storytelling.
iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini also boast super-fast performance and power efficiency with A15 Bionic, longer battery life, a brighter Super Retina XDR display that brings content to life, incredible durability with the Ceramic Shield front cover, double the entry-level storage at 128GB, an industry-leading IP68 rating for water resistance, and an advanced 5G experience.
iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini will be available in pink, blue, midnight, starlight, and (PRODUCT)RED, with pre-orders beginning Friday, September 17, and availability beginning Friday, September 24. iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini have been redesigned on the inside and out, and come in five gorgeous colors featuring a durable flat-edge design and an elegant aluminum frame.
The 6.1-inch and 5.4-inch displays feature Ceramic Shield on the front, exclusive to iPhone and tougher than any smartphone glass. Both models have an industry-leading IP68 rating for water resistance, and are designed to protect against spills from common liquids.
A redesigned rear camera layout with diagonally arranged lenses enables the advanced dual-camera system, and a redesigned TrueDepth camera system is smaller while still packing in the same breakthrough technologies, including Face ID, the most secure facial authentication in a smartphone, but offering more display area.
Major battery life improvements come to both iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini, made possible by A15 Bionic, more efficient components, a larger battery, and power optimizations from a deep integration of hardware and software. iPhone 13 delivers incredible all-day battery life, offering up to two and a half more hours in a day than iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 mini provides up to an hour and a half more in a day than iPhone 12 mini.
iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini represent a massive leap in camera design with advancements in hardware and computational photography that deliver stunning photos and videos. The new Wide camera, with 1.7 µm pixels, comes with the biggest sensor ever in an iPhone dual-camera system and is capable of gathering 47 percent more light for less noise and brighter results.
Sensor-shift OIS — a technology introduced in iPhone 12 Pro Max and not found in any other smartphone — also comes to the Wide camera, even in the more compact iPhone 13 mini. It stabilizes the sensor instead of the lens so shots are more steady, while the custom-designed Ultra Wide camera with a new sensor captures images with more detail in the dark areas of photos and videos with less noise.
Following extensive study of cinematography and the powerful use of rack focus, Cinematic mode on iPhone records videos of people, pets, and objects with a beautiful depth effect with automatic focus changes, so anyone can capture cinema-style moments, even if they aren’t a professional filmmaker.
For creative control, the focus can be changed during and after capture, and users can also adjust the level of bokeh in the Photos app and iMovie for iOS, and coming soon to iMovie for macOS and Final Cut Pro, making the iPhone 13 lineup the only devices able to edit the depth-of-field effect in video even after recording.
Enabled by A15 Bionic and advanced machine learning algorithms, Cinematic mode records in Dolby Vision HDR. Both models also offer HDR video recording with Dolby Vision — from capture to editing and sharing — now supported for 4K up to 60 fps on all cameras.
iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini will be available in pink, blue, midnight, starlight, and (PRODUCT)RED in a new entry-level capacity of 128GB for double the storage, as well as 256GB and 512GB capacities. Customers can get iPhone 13 for AED 3,399 before trade-in, and iPhone 13 mini for AED 2,999 before trade-in from apple.com/ae/store, in the Apple Store app, and at Apple Store locations.
Gadgets
udoq Launches Multi Devices Universal Charging Station in the UAE
udoq, a universal charging station for smartphones, tablets, music players, and e-readers, is now available in the UAE. Developed, designed, and patented by German product design company Marwin, udoq is available in UAE via its e-commerce platform in three versions.
It promises to bring order into a family’s mobile devices, charging cables, and power supplies needs. The minimalist design and patented technology charging stations are designed to charge, display, and operate all mobile devices simultaneously.
The unique udoq models are customisable, allowing users to personalize their device charging experience and enabling efficient charging and synching of multiple devices while eliminating the need for many chargers. The sleek product design also keeps cables hidden and ensures users have a more organized and presentable charging solution.
“Our designers and engineers with a wide range of specializations form a creative and efficient team that strives to introduce innovations addressing a wide variety of timeless classics. The UAE is a vibrant market for mobile devices and accessories with high usage levels. We understand the pulse of the market and its need for state-of-the-art products and our charging stations are a perfect fit. We are excited to be in the UAE and look forward to building a strong business in the region,” said Marcus Kuchler, Managing Director, Marwin Product Development.
The UAE will currently see the introduction of multi-charging stations for Apple and Android devices. The Charging Stations will come with Magsafe, Lightning and USB-C for any iPhone, iPad, Airpods and Android devices. udoq devices are expandable to all other brands and are extremely stable and sustainable. The launch range includes the udoq 250 Charging Station Premium S, udoq 400 Charging Station Premium M, and udoq 550 Charging Station Premium L.
Devasish Auddy, Director, LeoTroniks, the exclusive distributor for udoq in the Middle East region, commented, “The uniquely positioned product that has a strong backing of German design, functionality, engineering and simplicity was the core reason for choosing to partner with udoq for the launch in the Middle East. We are confident that the customization opportunities in phase 2 and the lifestyle offerings it delivers will help us tap into the household as well as large institutional markets and are well prepared to address these business sectors.”
As a plug-and-play product, udoq 250 Charging Station Premium S available in silver, black and gold is priced at AED 799, udoq 400 Charging Station Premium M at AED 899 is available in silver, black and gold while the udoq 550 Charging Station Premium L priced at AED 999 is available in silver. The products are made of 4mm solid aluminum, milled and anodized, and are fitted with silicone protective ribs. Each device weighs 0.9 kg, 1.83 kg, and 2.66 kg and is 25x9x14 cm, 40x9x14 cm, and 55x10x14 cm in size, respectively.
Audio Devices
Sony Inzone H5 WH-G500 Review: A Deep Dive for Discerning Gamers
Sony has entered into the competitive gaming headsets industry by launching the new Inzone H5 WH-G500. This headset promises an immersive audio experience, long-lasting comfort, and clear communication – all crucial aspects for the dedicated gamer. But how well does it deliver on these promises?
View this post on Instagram
Let’s deep dive into the promises H5 brings along to understand its functionalities and strengths.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The H5 arrives in a sleek, PlayStation-inspired package. Inside, you’ll find the headset itself, a boom microphone, a 2.4 GHz wireless USB dongle with a PC/PS5 toggle switch, a short USB-C charging cable, a 3.5mm audio cable, and a user manual.
The design leans towards minimalism, with a matte black plastic build and white accents adorning the earcups and headband. While not the most visually striking, the materials feel sturdy and lightweight at 260 gms.
Comfort and Fit
The H5 prioritises comfort for extended gaming sessions. The plush earcups are crafted from soft, breathable nylon fabric that conforms well to the ears. The headband padding is generous, and the clamping force is gentle, ensuring minimal pressure on your head. However, individuals with larger heads might find the earcups slightly snug.
Technical Specifications and Connectivity
The H5 uses a 2.4 GHz wireless connection for low latency and a stable connection. The included dongle offers a convenient plug-and-play experience for both PC and PS5. You also get Bluetooth connectivity. A 3.5mm jack is also available for wired connectivity to other devices if needed.
Battery life is impressive, boasting a maximum of 28 hours on a single charge, on paper. In real-world tests, we were able to clock a bit longer than 24-hour battery life, which is great. This translates to a day’s worth of worry-free gaming before needing to reach for the cable.
Audio Performance
The H5’s core feature is its 360 Spatial Sound technology. This software-driven solution aims to recreate a surround sound experience, allowing you to pinpoint the direction and distance of in-game sounds. While effective for enhancing immersion, there is a slight lack of detail and a somewhat “hollow” sound compared to traditional stereo setups.
The bass response leans towards the neutral side, which might not be ideal for those seeking a punchier sound profile. However, the H5 comes with the “Inzone Hub” software, offering an equaliser with several presets and the ability to create custom profiles. This allows for some level of sound personalisation depending on your preference.
Microphone
The boom microphone features noise cancellation technology to filter out background noise and ensure clear voice communication. During our tests, the microphone performed brilliantly by eliminating most background noise.
There is a dedicated volume rocker, which allows you to easily access controls located on the left earcup for quick adjustments during gameplay. The left earcup also includes the 3.5mm audio jack and the USB-C port. The right earcup includes the Game and Chat buttons. The microphone automatically mutes when flipped upwards, offering a convenient way to mute yourself.
The H5 seems tailor-made for PC and PS5 gamers seeking a comfortable headset with a strong emphasis on in-game spatial audio. Its lightweight design and long battery life cater to marathon gaming sessions.
Verdict
The Sony Inzone H5 WH-G500 offers a compelling package for a specific audience. Its focus on comfort, long battery life, and 360 Spatial Sound makes it suitable for dedicated gamers seeking an immersive audio experience during extended gaming sessions. Its compatibility with both PC and PlayStation makes it a versatile choice for gamers across platforms.
Price: AED 549
Sony Inzone H5 WH-G500 AED 549
Summary
The H5’s core feature is its 360 Spatial Sound technology. This software-driven solution aims to recreate a surround sound experience, allowing you to pinpoint the direction and distance of in-game sounds.
User Review
( votes)Artificial Intelligence
Vision Rx Lab Intros Nova AI Lenses in the UAE
Vision Rx Lab has announced the launch of its Nova AI progressive lenses, powered by cutting-edge optical technology and advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) under its flagship Nova eyewear. The new range aims to transform the visual experience, setting new benchmarks in clarity, comfort, and adaptability.
Designed for discerning consumers, the new Nova AI-powered lenses represent a paradigm shift in vision care – offering innovative eye-responsive progressive lenses to guarantee a precise and trustworthy solution. Powered by AI capabilities, it incorporates the analysis and interpretation of Ocular Dynamics to provide relevant data on the distinctive manner each person sees. With such detailed data backed with ‘Metamorph technology’, the lenses produced offer unfettered natural vision and are tailored to an individualised visual experience.
Featuring groundbreaking technology such as the Binocular Balancing System and Maxi View Technology, Nova AI offers better clearer and wider vision. Its Digital Profile technology provides superior visual comfort when using digital devices, while its Slim-tech design provides excellent aesthetics and lightness, catering to one’s style quotient. In addition to the Nova AI lenses, Vision Rx Lab has also introduced Nova Color for customizable colour management, Nova Pilot for aviation enthusiasts, Nova Golf for optimal performance on the golf course, and Nova Myosafe for early myopia management.
Pammi Jamalpuria, Head of Marketing, Vision Rx Lab said, “Nova AI lenses embody the pinnacle of technological innovation in eyewear. At Vision Rx Lab, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of excellence, and our new Nova series exemplifies our dedication to redefining vision care. By harnessing the power of AI, we are revolutionising the industry and providing consumers with a truly personalised eyewear experience.”