Gadgets
ASUS Intros ExpertBook B3 Flip (B3402)
ASUS has launched the new ExpertBook B3 Flip (B3402), a powerful and versatile convertible laptop designed for both work and learning. ExpertBook B3 Flip is built to embrace the new normal — hybrid working and learning. It’s the best companion for teachers and students and the perfect colleague for business users and pros. With its versatile and tough design, studying or working everywhere is no longer a dream.
B3 Flip is equipped with a 360° any-position hinge for total display flexibility, a world-facing camera for a new perspective, and a garaged stylus for simple, intuitive input. It includes several convenient protection features, including ASUS Antibacterial Guard and a TÜV Rheinland-certified display for everyday eye care. Moreover, the product is supported by WiFi 6 (802.11ax) for faster connections, two-way AI-powered noise-cancellation technology, and noise-reducing cameras for excellent remote learning and conferencing experiences. All the features enhance the overall experiences in hybrid working and learning.
The versatile ExpertBook B3 Flip has a 360° any-position hinge that gives it unrivaled flexibility for work or learning: it can be used in tablet mode for taking notes and studying, or in tent mode for easy revision and taking photos. Stand mode gives everyone the perfect view in meetings or presentations. When drawing, taking notes, or marking up documents, the optional garaged stylus lets users get every detail just right. The convenient built-in holder keeps the stylus to hand, reduces the risk of loss, and charges the stylus: a 15-second charge gives enough power for 45 minutes of use, so the user’s workflow will never be interrupted.
B3 Flip includes a standard user-facing webcam, along with a special 13 MP world-facing high-resolution camera located on the keyboard surround just below the display — an ideal position that allows users to capture photos and videos in tent mode and tablet mode. This unique dual-camera arrangement overcomes the limitations of single-camera devices, allowing users to capture photos and videos in any mode for any task. This in turn empowers students to explore and learn in totally new ways and permits professionals and workers to multitask more efficiently.
Built to allow safe, secure, and speedy data connections everywhere for work or learning, ExpertBook B3 Flip includes fast 4G LTE mobile data connectivity. It also offers up to the latest WiFi 6 technology that delivers ultrafast and stable speeds for online learning and super-smooth business meetings, and which is enhanced with ASUS WiFi Master technology for faster and more reliable WiFi connections at greater distances than ever before.
Life on the road is tough, so B3 Flip is designed to both meet and surpass exacting industry durability standards — including the ultra-demanding MIL-STD 810H US military standard. It’s built to survive every extreme, from freezing temperatures to the searing heat of desert storms, and from high-speed shocks to everyday bumps. B3 Flip also undergoes stringent and industry-leading in-house testing, including panel-pressure, shock, and drop tests for an assurance of serious durability. The keyboard is reinforced with an internal bracket, and it also has a water-resistant layer that can cope with liquid spillages of up to 330 cc without harm.
To keep ExpertBook B3 Flip hygienic, the keyboard, touchpad, and palm rest are all protected with ASUS Antibacterial Guard antibacterial treatment. This has been scientifically shown by the internationally recognized ISO 22196 standard to inhibit the growth of bacteria by in excess of 99% over a 24-hour period. ASUS Antibacterial Guard is also made to withstand alcohol-based cleaning products and hypochlorous acid water, so it is easy to keep the surface of B3 Flip clean and sanitary — limiting the spread of harmful bacteria.
B3 Flip’s two-sided, slim bezel, multitouch screen provides intuitive input for modern learning and working experiences. The display is also certified by TÜV Rheinland for low blue-light emissions, so users can study or work without worrying about their eyes being harmed by blue light. The powerful ExpertBook B3 Flip ensures smooth multimedia learning and makes light work of all business tasks, courtesy of its up to 11th Generation Intel Core i5 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics, which deliver quick and responsive computing with lively graphics performance.
It also features onboard memory and a SO-DIMM slot for upgrading memory up to 12 GB. To level up remote learning and professional conferencing, B3 Flip has two-way AI noise-canceling technology that employs sophisticated machine-learning techniques. The technology includes both an upstream function to filter noise around the speaker, and a downstream function to eliminate noise from the person at the other end of the conversation.
Video-conferencing and remote-learning experiences are also enhanced by the innovative 3D noise-reduction (3DNR) technology on B3 Flip’s webcam. This reduces up to 94% of the random noise that naturally affects any camera, especially in low-light situations, enhancing image quality without affecting exposure or detail levels. The ASUS ExpertBook B3 Flip is now available in the UAE and GCC. Pricing starts from AED 2,699.
Gadgets
Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1 Update Brings Galaxy AI Features to More Devices
Samsung Electronics has announced the expansion of One UI 6.1.1, which will bring the latest Galaxy AI features to more Galaxy devices through a new update. With the rollout beginning in September, the update will extend the AI features of Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 to previous models including the Galaxy S24 series, S23 series, S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S9 series. With the latest advanced features across communication, productivity and creativity, the updated OS will elevate every mobile experience for users to deliver greater intelligence and convenience.
Communicating with someone in another language is simple and easy with Galaxy AI. Interpreter offers Listening Mode which will now be available on all expanded devices, and one-way translation — whether listening to a presentation. With Chat Assist, users can easily draft emails, social media posts, and more using Composer. Users can simply input a few keywords and Galaxy AI will generate a full message based on tone and personal style for review. Suggested replies, previously only available on Galaxy Z Flip6, will now be available on Galaxy S24 series devices — offering quick replies from the wrist when connected to Galaxy Watch7 or Galaxy Watch Ultra.
The latest expansion of Galaxy AI features can transform any Galaxy device into a powerful productivity tool. Note Assist makes time-consuming meeting notes a thing of the past, enabling translation and note summaries, while the newly added transcript feature can quickly create notes based on voice recordings. For added convenience, PDF Overlay Translation can effortlessly translate and overlay text in PDF files or even translate text in images and graphs. Sketch to Image helps enhance photos by generating a selection of image options that perfectly complement the original image based on simple sketches. Also, the advanced search capabilities of Circle to Search with Google quickly generate search results and now offer step-by-step instructions for solving complex math problems, as well as a newly added Sound Search feature.
Galaxy AI is enabling everyday users to create professional-grade content, whether they’re amateur photographers or aspiring content creators. Instantly create portraits in a variety of styles such as 3D cartoon or watercolour with Portrait Studio. Plus, Instant Slow-mo users can seamlessly slow a video down while maintaining smooth image quality before quickly saving and sharing in just a few simple steps.
The software update for the Samsung Galaxy S24 series will begin rolling out in Korea on September 5, followed by North America and Europe on September 9. Software updates for additional Galaxy devices and countries will be available in the coming weeks.
Gadgets
Lenovo Intros New Yoga and IdeaPad Devices at Innovation World 2024
Lenovo announced its newest additions to its Lenovo Yoga and Lenovo IdeaPad portfolios at Lenovo Innovation World 2024, designed to enhance user productivity and creativity through the power of AI. Models include additions to the Lenovo Copilot+ PC portfolio. These new products promise to revolutionize the way consumers create, ideate, and produce, offering a seamless blend of performance and user-centric features.
The products—announced at Lenovo’s special event in Berlin—include:
- The all-new Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (15″, 9), an Intel Evon Edition Copilot+ PC1 powered by Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2), the product of a multi-year collaboration with Intel. The Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 (14”, 9), Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 (15”, 10) and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 (13”, 10), Copilot+ PCs1 powered by AMD Ryzen processors
- The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (14”, 9) and Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 (14”, 9), powered by Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processors
- Lenovo Creator Zone, a software suite that allows creators to use natural language to ideate and generate images locally with the power of AI
These products are the latest examples of Lenovo’s commitment to leading the industry in providing cutting-edge technology, exceptional user experiences, and enhanced creativity and productivity to consumers around the globe.
“At Lenovo, we are focused on our commitment to bringing Smarter Technology for All. Our announcement of Lenovo Yoga and Lenovo IdeaPad devices and solutions embodies this commitment,” said Jun Ouyang, Lenovo’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Consumer Business Segment, Intelligent Devices Group. “These new products are designed to be more personalized and empower their users by stimulating creativity, increasing productivity, and fitting in seamlessly into the increasingly dynamic, tech-centric lives that they lead.”
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (15”, 9) is expected to be available starting September 2024 starting at 1399 €. The Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 (14”, 9) is expected to be available starting September 2024 starting at 1699 €. The Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 (14”, 9) is expected to be available starting September 2024 starting at 999 €.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (14”, 9) is expected to be available starting September 2024 starting at 899 €. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 (15”, 10) is expected to be available starting October 2024 starting at 699 €. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 (13”, 10) is expected to be available starting October 2024 starting at 699 €. Lenovo Creator Zone is expected to be available starting October 2024 with support for the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i, with support for other Lenovo Yoga devices to follow.
Creator Tools
Shure Launches MV6 USB Gaming Microphone
Shure announced the launch of the new dynamic MV6 USB Gaming Microphone designed for PC gamers and streamers seeking consistent, high-quality audio at an accessible price point. With Shure’s signature look and feel, the MV6 USB Gaming Microphone is ready to use out-of-the-box and easy to operate thanks to integrated cutting-edge DSP technology including Auto Level Mode, Digital Popper Stopper and Real-time Denoiser. The new MV6 dynamic microphone, certified for OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), leverages Shure’s legacy of professional audio quality, wrapped in an iconic form factor.
Inspired by Shure’s iconic SM7 and MV7 lines, the MV6 Gaming Microphone is the ideal solution for gamers and streamers looking for their first professional microphone. Dynamic capsules excel in isolating the speaker’s voice from background sounds and room noise which are common in untreated streaming and gaming spaces. The combination of its dynamic cartridge with advanced DSP features and integration with Shure’s MOTIV Mix App ensures gamers and streamers enjoy studio-quality performance in every session without worrying about gain adjustments, plosives, or background noise. Plus, its easy access tap-to-mute button adds an extra level of control for a completely seamless experience.
“Today’s gamers and streamers want to deliver an immersive and engaging experience, and to achieve it, excellent audio is a must”. said Eduardo Valdes, Associate Vice President of Global Marketing and Product Management. “In a market that is teeming with condenser microphone options, we are introducing a dynamic microphone built with DSP controls that provides users reliable professional audio, regardless of their audio expertise, and powering them to stay hyper-focused on their game”.
Key features and benefits:
- Voice Isolation Technology: Minimizes background noise and eliminates distractions, unlike typical condenser microphones that can pick up unwanted room noise. This ensures that the user’s voice remains clear and prominent, free from interruptions.
- Auto Level Mode: Automatically adjusts the microphone’s gain based on your distance and speech volume, providing consistent audio levels up to 18’’ away from the microphone, meaning gamers and streamers will sound great regardless of where it is placed on their desk. This feature was designed to simplify professional audio and ensure optimal sound quality right out of the box, making it perfect for gamers and streamers.
- Digital Popper Stopper: A virtual pop filter that removes harsh plosive sounds digitally, ensuring clean audio capture without the need for additional hardware.
- Real-Time Denoiser: Eliminates background noise and works with the mic’s Voice Isolation Technology to deliver a cleaner, more professional sound, useful for streamers and gamers in less controlled environments.
The MV6 joins the MV7+ as one of the first microphones to receive the OBS certification in collaboration with the OBS Project. This certification guarantees that the MV6 microphone meets the criteria of functionality necessary to ensure users have a positive experience while using the microphone with OBS. “Using a mic that’s Certified for OBS gives me complete confidence that I can rely on it when using the software for my streaming each day. The OBS badge is a feature all gamers and streamers will be looking for when choosing their next mic,” said Loserfruit, Professional Streamer and Content Creator.
For gamers and streamers, the MV6 offers the best of both worlds: legendary Shure sound and effortless setup. When used with the free MOTIV Mix App users can further customize their mic, mix multiple channels of audio and stream. The new 1.2 Beta Version offers enhanced functionality, including activity presets that save time setting up each session, background noise detection with the use of Sound Check with tips to reduce ambient noise, and an improved setup flow to get started easier with the MOTIV Mix app.
The MV6 Gaming Microphone, with USB-C compatibility and MFi certification, seamlessly connects with PC and Mac, as well as select Apple and Android mobile devices, providing versatile connectivity options. The built-in 3.5mm headphone output allows real-time headphone monitoring, while a versatile 12cm desktop stand and base-mount adapter ensure flexible setup options.
Drawing inspiration from Shure’s iconic microphone lineage, the MV6 delivers durable construction and sleek design. The MV6 is available to purchase now for AED 599.