Accessories
ASUS Republic of Gamers Leads The Rise of Gamers at CES 2022

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the latest gaming devices and gear at the FPS-themed For Those Who Dare: The Rise of Gamers virtual launch event during CES 2022. ROG unveiled multiple first-mover product premiers, several powerhouse gaming laptops with the newest chips, new peripherals to maximize gaming experiences, an updated ROG Citadel XV with an expanded map and new story, and several new ROG bags.
This extensive lineup of gaming innovations includes the ROG Zephyrus Duo 16, ROG Zephyrus G14, ROG Strix SCAR and ROG Strix G gaming laptops; the ROG Flow Z13 gaming tablet; the ROG Fusion II 500 and 300 gaming headsets; the ROG Strix Flare II Animate and Strix Flare II gaming keyboards; the ROG Chakram X gaming mouse; the ROG Swift 360Hz PG27AQN, ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ, and PG48UQ gaming monitors; the ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 gaming router; and multiple ROG Archer bags.
With this year’s comprehensive gaming lineup, ROG is continuing to drive future trends while leaving nobody behind. Embodying this approach, several first-mover products are raising the bar. In the connectivity realm, ASUS has been widely recognized as the best router brand, a legacy that continues with ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000, the world’s first quad-band AXE16000 WiFi 6E gaming router.
For gaming-grade visuals, ROG created the world’s first 360 Hz gaming monitor two years ago and continues to lead the pack this year with ROG Swift 360Hz PG27AQN — the world’s first-ever 360 Hz display with 1440p resolution. In addition, understanding all the advantages of OLED displays, ROG developed the world’s first 42-inch and 48-inch OLED gaming monitors with Micro-texture coating, ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ, and PG48UQ.
The manifesto for 2022 ROG gaming laptops is to push the limits of performance with leading innovations that empower gamers. Each laptop is equipped with Windows 11, brand-new CPUs from AMD or Intel the latest GPUs from AMD or NVIDIA, and all-new ROG innovations — including a MUX Switch for optimizing discrete GPU performance, the exclusive ROG Intelligent Cooling thermal design, and Liquid Metal Conductonaut Extreme on flagship models.
In true ROG fashion, the launch event took the entire experience to a new level with a refreshed version of ROG Citadel XV, developed in collaboration with Aim Lab and specially created for CES 2022. This year’s edition pushes the envelope for FPS gaming with an entirely new storyline, new characters, enhanced graphics, and new mini-games. It also features an impressive map 18 times bigger than the previous version, special Easter eggs, and much more to explore. Taking place in a rebel armory filled with next-gen ROG armaments, attendees can discover all the new innovations and gear from CES 2022 in the virtual medium that they know and love.
Aim Lab is the training platform of choice for over 20 million gamers around the globe, designed using performance data to help all players get better at the games they love. Beginning with this year’s ROG Citadel collaboration, the partnership between ROG and Aim Lab will include the co-creation of additional gaming products, hardware and software integrations, and the synchronization of in-game interactive lighting ecosystems, among other potential areas of innovation, all allowing gaming communities to improve and get better together.
ROG Fusion II 500 and 300 gaming headsets
The ROG Fusion II 500 gaming headset provides users with unmatched gaming audio with its high-resolution ESS 9280 with Quad DAC™ technology. It offers immersive virtual 7.1 surround sound and 50 mm ASUS Essence drivers for thumping bass and true-to-life sound. In-game communication gets a boost, too, thanks to industry-leading AI Beamforming Microphones with AI Noise Cancelation. The Fusion II 500 features Game Chat volume control, allowing gamers to prioritize in-game audio or chat to communicate clearly with teammates in the heat of battle.
It includes a 3.5 mm connector, as well as USB-C and USB Type-A connectors for compatibility with PCs, Macs, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and mobile devices. The Fusion II 300 is identical to the Fusion II 500, minus the 3.5 mm connector and Game Chat volume control. The comfortable and lightweight Fusion II series headsets include ergonomic ear cushions for a perfect fit. Both offerings provide exciting customization options with multi-color RGB lighting with over 16.8-million colors available for a unique look.
ROG Strix Flare II Animate and Strix Flare II gaming keyboards
The ROG Strix Flare Animate II gaming keyboard is the first keyboard to feature the AniMe Matrix™ LED display, and it allows users to express themselves with customizable images and animations for a unique look. This stylish keyboard offers users metal media keys and volume controls at its top-left corner, plus an ergonomic detachable wrist rest with a built-in light diffuser.
The Strix Flare Animate II delivers an almost instantaneous response with its 8000 Hz polling rate providing a 0.125 ms response time – up to 8X faster than the competition. It is equipped with swappable ROG NX Mechanical Switches for all keys to allow users to change and install their preferred switch type for a customized feel. The durable ROG PBT Doubleshot Keycaps have a mid-height profile and shorter stems to reduce key wobble and feature translucent ROG script to enable RGB lighting to brightly shine through. The ROG Switch Stabilizer mechanism reduces friction to ensure smooth keystrokes and helps to stabilize longer keys.
There is also built-in sound-dampening foam to reduce pinging for better typing acoustics. Lastly, the Strix Flare Animate II includes a USB pass-through port for a convenient connection to other devices. The Strix Flare II gaming keyboard is similar to the Strix Flare Animate II but does not feature the AniMe Matrix LED display, swappable switches, and light diffuser for the wrist rest. It has a color-customizable ROG logo and is equipped with ROG NX Mechanical Switches with ROG PBT Doubleshot Keycaps.
ROG Chakram X gaming mouse
The Chakram X wireless gaming mouse is the first to feature ROG AimPoint — a ROG-developed optical sensor that delivers a new level of speed and accuracy with up to 36,000 dpi and a true 8000 Hz polling rate. The AimPoint sensor offers unmatched precision with a CPI deviation of less than 1% — well below the 3% industry average. The sensor sensitivity level can be adjusted via the DPI button on the underside of the mouse, or while in play with DPI-on-the-Scroll. The Chakram X features tri-mode connectivity via wired USB, low-latency 2.4 GHz RF and Bluetooth.
The Chakram X has a new concave joystick design that provides a more comfortable grip and is easier to reach than its predecessor. It gives the user gamepad-like levels of control: the joystick can be programmed and used in analog or digital mode, along with four buttons to mirror the A, B, X, and Y buttons. The left and right mouse buttons on top feature a pivoted mechanism to ensure rapid response with a tactile feel. The updated Push-Fit Switch Socket II design is now hot-swapped compatible with both 3-pin mechanical and 5-pin optical switches to allow gamers to customize click force and extend the lifespan of the mouse.
The screw-less magnetic top cover and buttons provide easy access to the switches, customizable logo, and wireless RF receiver bay. The Chakram has 100% PTFE mouse feet and includes the ROG Paracord for smooth, unrestricted movement, even while charging. For added convenience, the rechargeable battery can be topped up via USB or wireless Qi.
ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ and PG48UQ gaming monitors
The ROG Swift OLED display range includes the Swift OLED PG42UQ – the world’s first 42-inch OLED gaming monitor with Micro-texture coating, and the larger 48-inch Swift OLED PG48UQ for users looking for a more immersive experience. Both displays showcase 4K visuals at 120 Hz and make full use of OLED technology features such as 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 0.1 ms response time, plus true 10-bit color and 98% DCI-P3 color coverage. These displays are also factory pre-calibrated to Delta E < 2 color accuracy.
Unlike other OLED displays, ROG Swift OLED series monitors feature the new anti-glare Micro-texture coating on the panel surface to reduce glare, allowing viewers to see more precise onscreen colors. These displays also boast a unique thermal solution with a custom heatsink and internal airflow layout designed to optimize heat exchange. These keep operating temperatures below 50˚ C (up to 16% lower than competitor models) and still reach a peak brightness of 900 nits.
The Swift OLED displays include HDMI 2.1 FRL to offer gamers full 48 Gbps bandwidth to support native 4K 120 Hz visuals without chroma subsampling. Console gamers can also take advantage of variable-refresh-rate technology and auto-low-latency mode for super-smooth, lag-free gaming visuals. In addition, the Swift OLED displays have an array of connectivity features including two HDMI 2.1 and two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB hub.
ROG Swift 360Hz PG27AQN NVIDIA esports monitor
The ROG Swift 360Hz PG27AQN NVIDIA G-SYNC esports monitor with NVIDIA Reflex technology features the world’s first 1440p, 360 Hz display for a no-compromise, crystal-clear, ultra-responsive competitive gaming experience. It features Ultra-fast IPS technology, giving it an extremely fast response time for an LCD monitor. This technology leverages a new kind of liquid crystal that offers higher birefringence and lower viscosity, enabling the shutter to switch faster and reflect light from the backlight. The liquid crystal molecules have also been arranged for greater efficiency, ultimately boosting responsiveness and speed.
Conventional displays have a single-layer voltage driver to switch the liquid crystals from the upper-left to the bottom-right corner of the display. The ROG Swift PG27AQN uses a dual-layer voltage driver, enabling the liquid crystals to switch from the upper-left and bottom-right corners simultaneously for a smoother, more consistent image. The PG27AQN is an NVIDIA G-SYNC display that offers super-smooth visuals and faster response with variable overdrive, making it perfect for competitive play. It also includes the NVIDIA Reflex Analyzer to measure end-to-end system latency when paired with an NVIDIA Reflex mouse.
ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 gaming router
The ROG Rapture GT-AXE16000 is the world’s first quad-band WiFi 6E gaming router. ASUS engineers have unlocked the full potential of four bands — 2.4 GHz, two 5 GHz bands, and 6 GHz — with 160 MHz channels in the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands to deliver the fastest speeds possible. It features a flagship next-gen Broadcom WiFi chipset and CPU to improve maximum network throughput by 18% for lightning-fast, accelerated data transfers, and an optimized gaming experience. With ASUS RF technology and other exclusive ASUS technologies, RangeBoost Plus leverages multiple upgraded ASUS features that improve WiFi signal range and overall coverage by up to 38%.
The Rapture GT-AXE16000 offers numerous connections including dual 10 Gbps ports, a 2.5 Gbps WAN port, and four 1 Gbps LAN ports. The quad-band capabilities of the Rapture GT-AXE16000 also provide users with more choice when connecting to an AiMesh system.
For users with WiFi 6E devices, one of the 5 GHz bands can be used as a dedicated backhaul to the central router, so the other three bands are free for device connections. Additionally, the 6 GHz band can be used as a backhaul when used with another WiFi 6E router to provide cleaner and faster transmission between two routers for an optimized mesh experience.

Accessories
Yango Group Launches Yasmina Lite Smart Speaker

Yango Group has launched Yasmina Lite, the latest addition to its line of smart speakers. Available in three bright colours — pink, purple, and green — Yasmina Lite is the smallest device in the range to date. The new speaker is equipped with the powerful AI assistant Yasmina that engages in intelligent, human-like conversations in both Arabic and English.
Designed with families in mind, Yasmina now features whisper mode — if a person whispers to Yasmina, the assistant whispers back. This mode is perfect for quiet moments, like planning the next day while other family members are asleep. Simply whisper, “Yasmina, what’s the weather tomorrow?” and the assistant will respond in a hushed tone.
Yasmina also offers access to a wide range of educational and entertainment content. Parents can use it to play podcasts and audio stories from Shamandar for their children. The AI assistant also streams music from Yango Play and can identify up to four family members by voice, adapting to their preferences. It remembers their likes and dislikes and suggests songs they might enjoy based on their tastes.
Yasmina excels at breaking down complex ideas and making them accessible to anyone.
Whether it’s scientific principles or cultural practices, the AI assistant explains concepts in ways that resonate with people of all ages. From answering questions like “How do bees make honey?” to helping with math using a built-in calculator, Yasmina is always ready to chat and explain. Available in three colours, the Yasmina Lite smart speaker also comes with playful stickers, so that families can customize the speaker to match their tastes.
“The Yasmina Lite smart speaker is indeed the brightest and most playful smart speaker we’ve ever created — small in size but big in personality,” said Rami Abu Arja, Senior Innovation Marketing Manager at Yasmina, Yango Group Middle East. “Featuring a powerful AI assistant capable of human-like interactions and a vibrant design, this new addition to the range is the perfect choice for those young at heart. It’s not just a speaker — it’s an everyday companion that brings joy, knowledge, and entertainment to your home.”
To fully enjoy everything, the Yasmina Lite smart speaker has to offer, including music streaming and recommendations, users need to activate a subscription to Yango Play. The Yasmina Lite smart speaker is now available for purchase through various outlets across the UAE, including Eros, Jumbo, Sharaf, and Virgin Mega Store. Customers can also find the Yasmina Lite smart speaker online on Amazon and Noon. It is currently priced at AED 199.
Accessories
Apple’s Beats Unveils Powerbeats Pro 2 with Heart-Rate Monitoring

Apple Inc.’s Beats division has unveiled the long-awaited Powerbeats Pro 2, which features noise cancellation, a heart-rate monitor, and a revamped design aimed at athletes. This new model incorporates capabilities seen in Apple’s AirPods, such as transparency mode for better external noise awareness and the H2 chip for enhanced sound quality. Additionally, it offers improved spatial audio for a 3D listening experience and comes with a smaller, wireless charging case.
The heart-rate monitor is a notable first for Apple-designed earbuds, expanding the company’s health-related features, and utilizes technology found in the Apple Watch. Despite a slow holiday season for Apple’s wearables business—with sales in the division falling nearly 2% to about $11.8 billion—the introduction of these new earbuds is anticipated to drive interest and sales.
Priced at $250, the same as the previous model, the new Powerbeats Pro 2 will be available in black, orange, purple, and a color called quicksand. This price point matches the AirPods Pro 2, although the Powerbeats may be more appealing to athletes due to their secure ear hooks.
Apple Vice President Oliver Schusser, who oversees Beats as well as the company’s sports, TV+, and music initiatives, hailed the new Powerbeats as “the most impressive product in Beats’ history.” Acquired by Apple in 2014 for $3 billion, Beats remains the company’s largest acquisition to date.
The heart-rate monitor will be compatible with fitness apps like Peloton, Nike Run Club, Ladder, and Slopes, with data integration into the Apple Health app. The earbuds will also be compatible with Android devices. Apple is reportedly working on AirPods with heart-rate monitoring, though they are still many months away from release.
In terms of battery life, the Powerbeats Pro 2 holds an advantage over AirPods, with 10 hours of usage on their own and 45 hours with the charging case, compared to six hours for AirPods alone and up to 30 hours with the case. However, AirPods continue to offer unique features, such as a new hearing aid functionality.
Accessories
OWC Launches OWC Dock Ejector 2.0

Other World Computing (OWC) has announced the general availability launch of the OWC Dock Ejector 2.0, the ultimate solution for efficiently and safely ejecting all connected devices, including SoftRAID and AppleRAID volumes. This updated version works with all docks, including non-OWC docks and hubs, expanding compatibility and drive protection to all Mac and PC users.
The newly enhanced OWC Dock Ejector takes the tedium and risk out of un-docking devices individually. By ensuring all data has been written before any disk is unmounted, you can safely eject your dock without worrying about losing or fragmenting files.
New in OWC Dock Ejector 2.0:
- Streamlined install process (new for Mac) – OWC is the first to ship software that enables high-power Thunderbolt dock ports without requiring reduced macOS security settings. OWC Dock Ejector 2.0 eliminates the need for Recovery Mode and simplifies the process compared to competing docks, which require users to boot into Recovery Mode, lower Mac security settings, reboot multiple times, and install system extensions. With OWC Dock Ejector 2.0, simply install the software, approve the system extension, and you’re done!
- Enhanced Volume Mounting (new for Mac) – OWC Dock Ejector 2.0 simplifies volume management like never before. If you unmount a volume, you can easily remount it without the hassle of unplugging cables or using Apple’s Disk Utility application.
“OWC Dock Ejector 2.0 is all about making your life on the go easier while keeping your data secure,” said Larry O’Connor, CEO and Founder, Other World Computing (OWC). “With features like safe drive ejection, seamless connection management, and timesaving simplicity, it empowers everyone – whether you’re a creative professional, IT administrator, or tech enthusiast – to work more efficiently and securely, without ever compromising your macOS security settings. Never worry when you need to disconnect and go – we’ve got you!”
OWC Dock Ejector 2.0 Features and Benefits:
- Data Security – Avoid data corruption by safely ejecting all connected drives with a single click.
- Easy Connection Management – Optimized for seamless disconnection of storage devices and peripherals.
- Security First – No need to compromise your macOS security settings.
- Timesaving – Skip the tedious recovery mode process required by other docks.
- User-Friendly – Designed for simplicity without sacrificing functionality.
OWC Dock Ejector 2.0 is now available for free.
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