Bang & Olufsen introduces the Beolab 8, a speaker characterized by its elegance and compact design. The Beolab 8 is known for its versatility, capable of standing out on its own or seamlessly fitting into any setup. It performs admirably regardless of its placement, whether as the centrepiece of a home sound system or as a solitary point of sound.

This speaker can function as part of a system, contributing to an immersive home cinema experience when paired with the latest high-end Bang & Olufsen speakers or even heritage speakers dating back to 1984. For those seeking a high-fidelity music experience, stereo pairing two Beolab 8 speakers creates a powerful and precise stereo sound.

In addition to its role in a system, the Beolab 8 can also be used as a stand-alone speaker. Despite its compact size, it delivers impressive depth and intense bass, enhancing the overall audio experience. “Our goal is to create powerful and immersive listening experiences for our customers. Beolab 8 provides exactly this. It is a scalable speaker that is all about flexibility, performance, and innovation,” says Michael Henriksson, Vice President of Product Marketing at Bang & Olufsen.

“Drawing inspiration from the high-end Beolab range, our aim for Beolab 8 was to distil the acoustic essence of these impressive speakers into a compact offering that maintains the directivity and sound beam control for optimal sound reproduction in any environment. Bringing immersive experiences for every moment,” he added.

Beolab 8 boasts a design that exudes beauty from every perspective, regardless of its placement. The seamless one-piece aluminium body represents a fusion of a sphere and cylinder, forming a solid shape that reflects the impeccable craftsmanship of Bang & Olufsen’s renowned Factory 5. Available with either Danish-manufactured wooden lamellas or a fabric front, Beolab 8 adheres to the distinctive design language seen in other Bang & Olufsen products, such as Beolab and Beosound lines, including Beosound Theatre, Beolab 28, and Beolab 50.

Between the outer aluminium shell and the inner core, the interplay of light and shadow contributes to a visually lightweight appearance. Aligned with Scandinavian design principles, where form complements function, the speaker’s shape serves both as an aesthetic object and an enhancer of its acoustic capabilities. The glass interface atop the speaker forms a seamless curve that guides the user’s finger effortlessly across the surface.

Featuring four slender and sculptural stand options, each crafted with Bang & Olufsen’s expertise in aluminium manufacturing, the table stand creates a floating illusion, while the discreet ceiling bracket and floor stand are polished to perfection. Tuned by Bang & Olufsen tonmeisters, the three-driver setup of Beolab 8, including a 16mm tweeter, 3” midrange, and a 5.25” woofer, ensures an exceptional audio experience. Building on the heritage of the iconic Beolab 17 speaker, the tonmeisters carefully selected drivers that maintain the same performance and sound quality, allowing listeners to enjoy the renowned Beolab speaker sound.

Embedded with Bang & Olufsen’s Mozart platform, Beolab 8, as a standalone device, effortlessly connects through WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. Equipped with Powerlink, which is both wireless and wired and integrated into the speaker, Beolab 8 functions as a true system speaker, establishing a connection with Bang & Olufsen TVs and sound systems spanning over 30 years.

Designed for enduring appeal, Beolab 8 incorporates quality materials that age gracefully, offer continuous customization options, and allow for easy upgrades over time. Its long-term serviceability and replaceable streaming module ensure adaptability to the latest technology standards. The speaker is crafted in accordance with Cradle-to-Cradle principles, a design philosophy focused on proactively creating products for a circular future. Beolab 8 is currently in the process of obtaining Cradle-to-Cradle certification.

Samsung Gulf Electronics has announced its new Galaxy Tab A9 series in the UAE. Available in two sizes, the series combines immersive video and audio with hyper-fast connectivity — supporting everyday entertainment and productivity needs in a portable package. The Galaxy Tab A9 and Galaxy Tab A9+ exemplify the Galaxy-connected ecosystem, offering a continuous experience across multiple devices, as well as innovative ways for users and their loved ones to safely navigate the digital realm.

Fadi Abu Shamat, Head of Mobile eXperience Division, at Samsung Gulf Electronics, said, “We are thrilled to introduce the Galaxy Tab A9 Series, which delivers Samsung Galaxy’s cutting-edge tablet experiences at a great value. With immersive entertainment, seamless connectivity and enhanced productivity, the Galaxy Tab A9 and A9+ have something for everyone. Our engineers have combined stunning displays, powerful performance, and innovative features to transform the Galaxy Tab A9 series into the ultimate companion for your everyday needs.”

As a part of the launch offer, consumers across the UAE can avail of a free Smart Book Cover upon the purchase of Galaxy Tab A9+. The offer will be valid on Samsung.com as well as Samsung stores and retailers. The Galaxy Tab A9 and A9+ offer the largest screens of any Galaxy A series tablet yet, with 8.7 and 11-inch displays, respectively, that immerse users in their favourite movies, shows, or games.

Galaxy Tab A9+ users can get lost in cinematic experiences, thanks to a 90Hz refresh rate — for lag-free gaming or scrolling — and enjoy immersive sound with Quad speakers, powered by Dolby Atmos. With hyper-fast 5G connectivity, there’s no need to worry about interrupted streaming when you’re on the go. Galaxy Tab A9 features Dual speakers and LTE connectivity. Both tablets feature sleek, unibody designs with a soft textured back cover, making them easy to handle.

Galaxy Tab A9 and A9+ provide exceptional performance and speed that empower users to accomplish more. With the largest memory and storage available on a Galaxy Tab A series, there is plenty of room to store and save documents, sources of inspiration and more. Engineered to enhance productivity and the ability to learn, the Galaxy Tab A9+ brings PC-level multitasking to the tablet with Samsung DeX and the multi-active window allows up to three split screens to maximize the ability to do more at once. Galaxy Tab A series users can now record their screen with Screen Recorder, so it’s easy to refer back to information or inspiration later.

The Galaxy Tab A series enables seamless connectivity across Samsung Galaxy devices, so users can easily move content between mobile, tablet and TV monitors. Quick Share simplifies file sharing without requiring device pairing, so users can send their favourite content between devices. The new Galaxy Tab A series also ensures that data is safe and secured by Samsung Knox, Samsung’s award-winning, multi-layered security platform.

The Security & Privacy Dashboard empowers users to easily see and control what happens to their data. With Private Share, content is encrypted before it’s shared. The sender can set access permissions, expiration dates and more to have extra peace of mind when sending sensitive information. With Secure Wi-Fi, users can take their Galaxy Tab A9 or A9+ on the go without worrying about risky shared internet networks. Internet traffic is encrypted and tracking apps are blocked so browsing is private and secure.

Tablets have become an essential source of entertainment and learning for children, and Samsung Kids helps children safely navigate the digital realm. With a simple set-up process, parents and caregivers can monitor and control children’s digital activities, access settings, create child profiles, set playtime and monitor the content that children are consuming. Plus, Samsung Galaxy’s ‘Edutainment’ provides fun and engaging content on-device.

The Galaxy Tab A9 series is available on Samsung.com, Samsung brand stores and major retailers in the UAE. The series comes in five refined and modern colours, the Galaxy Tab A9 is available in Navy, Graphite, and Silver, while the Galaxy Tab A9+ is available in Dark Blue and Gray.

Huawei has long been a prominent player in the tech industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation. The Huawei MatePad 11-inch PaperMatte Edition, with its unique features and design, seeks to redefine the tablet experience. Packed with a host of capabilities, this device aims to cater to both productivity enthusiasts and creative professionals alike. In this review, we dive into the various aspects of the MatePad 11-inch PaperMatte Edition to understand how it stands out in the competitive tablet market.

Design and Build Quality
The MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition boasts a sleek and premium design that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Expanding upon the foundation laid by the initial Huawei MatePad 11-inch 2023, the PaperMatte edition introduces various features centred around the PaperMatte Display. This innovation aims to deliver users an unparalleled reading and writing experience that closely mirrors the feel of traditional paper.

It comes packed with features such as eye protection, a paper-like writing sensation, and seamless touch controls. The PaperMatte Edition, thus goes beyond conventional tablet functionalities. Furthermore, it enhances and refines notetaking capabilities, providing users with a more enriched and optimized experience when capturing and organizing their thoughts.

The device features a metal unibody construction, giving it a solid and durable feel. The slim profile and narrow bezels contribute to a modern and immersive visual experience, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The PaperMatte Edition measures just 7.2mm in thickness and weighs just 480 grams.

What sets this device apart is the inclusion of the PaperMatte display technology. The display emulates the feel of traditional paper, providing a matte finish that minimises reflections and reduces eye strain. This is a game-changer for users who prefer the tactile experience of pen and paper, as the MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition bridges the gap between digital and analogue.

Display
The 11.5-inch LCD IPS display on the MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition is a standout feature. The 2200-by-1440 pixels resolution ensures crisp and vibrant visuals, making it a pleasure to consume multimedia content or work on creative projects. The PaperMatte technology not only enhances the writing experience but also contributes to an anti-glare surface, making it suitable for outdoor use.

Moreover, the device supports a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth and responsive touch interactions. This high refresh rate is particularly beneficial for tasks such as drawing or note-taking, where precision is essential. The display quality, combined with the innovative PaperMatte technology, positions the MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition as a versatile tool for both content consumption and creation.

Performance
Under the hood, the MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor, ensuring robust performance across various applications. The octa-core processor, coupled with the Adreno 650 GPU, handles multitasking and graphics-intensive tasks with ease. Whether you’re editing high-resolution photos, working on complex documents, or enjoying graphically demanding games, the MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition delivers a smooth and lag-free experience.

The device also comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. The inclusion of Huawei’s HarmonyOS 3.1.0 built on top of Android 12, adds an extra layer of optimisation, ensuring seamless integration between the hardware and software components. The overall performance of the MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition positions it as a capable and reliable device for both professional and personal use.

Stylus Support and Writing Experience
One of the standout features of the MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition is its support for the M-Pencil 2.0 stylus. The Huawei M-Pencil seamlessly merges a transparent tip design, platinum-coated nib, and cutting-edge technology to deliver a natural and precise writing and drawing experience. The refined hexagon-shaped design ensures a more comfortable grip, while the anti-fingerprint finish maintains a clean and polished surface.

This stylus offers 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing a natural and precise writing and drawing experience. The PaperMatte display technology further enhances the feel of writing on paper, making it a compelling option for artists, designers, and note-taking enthusiasts.

The stylus attaches magnetically to the side of the tablet, ensuring it’s always within reach and ready for use. The latency is impressively low, making the writing experience virtually indistinguishable from using traditional pen and paper. Whether you’re sketching, annotating documents, or jotting down ideas, the MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition, combined with the M-Pencil 2.0, excels in providing a seamless and intuitive stylus experience.

Software and Productivity
The MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition runs on Huawei’s HarmonyOS 3.1.0, offering a unique and feature-rich interface. The operating system is optimised for multitasking, allowing users to effortlessly switch between applications and windows. The Multi-Window feature is particularly useful for productivity, enabling users to run two apps side by side, enhancing multitasking capabilities.

Huawei has also invested in developing a robust ecosystem of apps that take advantage of the tablet’s capabilities. The Huawei AppGallery provides a diverse range of applications, and the Petal Search feature helps users discover and download apps from various sources.

Battery Life
The MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition is equipped with a sizable 7250mAh battery, ensuring extended usage without frequent recharging. The efficiency of HarmonyOS, coupled with the power management features of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor, contributes to an impressive battery life. Whether you’re engaged in productivity tasks or leisure activities, the MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition keeps up with your demands throughout the day.

The tablet also supports 10V/2.25A fast charging – so if you find yourself low on battery backup, you can quickly recharge the device and get back to whatever you were doing, in no time. During our review, we got a battery life of around 11 hours on a single charge, which is brilliant.

Camera
While tablets are not primarily known for their camera capabilities, the MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition includes a competent camera system. The rear camera setup features a 13MP main sensor that offers an aperture of f/1.8 and supports Auto Focus. It captures decent photos, is suitable for basic photography needs, and supports multiple capturing modes such as Time-Lapse, Stickers, Watermark, Documents, Panorama, Multi-Cam, Audio Control, Timer, and Burst Shooting.

The front-facing camera, with an 8MP sensor, offers an aperture of f/2.0. It also ensures clear and crisp video calls. The capable camera system on the MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition adds versatility to the device, allowing users to capture moments on the go, as seen below:

Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition covers all the essentials. It supports Wi-Fi 6 for fast and reliable wireless connections, and the inclusion of a USB-C port ensures compatibility with a wide range of accessories.

Verdict
The Huawei MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition is a testament to Huawei’s commitment to innovation and user experience. The combination of a stunning display with PaperMatte technology, powerful performance, stylus support, and an intuitive software experience makes it a compelling option in the tablet market.

Whether you’re a creative professional seeking a versatile tool for digital art or a student looking for a device to enhance productivity, the MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition caters to a diverse range of users. While the app ecosystem may not be as extensive as some competitors, Huawei’s efforts to improve and expand it, coupled with the unique features of the tablet, make it a worthy contender in the ever-evolving tablet landscape.

Inside the box, you get the tablet, a charger, an M-Pencil (2nd Generation), a Type-C cable, and a quick start guide. The MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition is more than just a tablet; it’s a canvas for creativity and a reliable companion for everyday tasks. The Huawei MatePad 11 PaperMatte Edition thus walks away with the Gadget Voize Editors’ Choice award!

Price: AED 1399 onwards