ASUS Republic of Gamers has partnered with Xbox to introduce the next generation of portable gaming: the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. These premium handheld devices merge console-quality performance with PC versatility in an ergonomic design, setting a new standard for gaming on the go.

The new series features a completely reimagined chassis designed for extended play sessions, with comfort-focused ergonomics inspired by Xbox controllers. The flagship Ally X model takes immersion to the next level with advanced impulse triggers that deliver precise haptic feedback, mirroring the premium console gaming experience.

Powering these devices are cutting-edge AMD processors tailored for handheld gaming. The standard Ally model features the AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor, while the high-end Ally X boasts the more powerful Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor. Both chipsets are engineered to balance performance and efficiency, enabling smooth gameplay across all genres while optimising battery life.

Running on Windows 11 with a customised Xbox interface, the devices offer the best of both worlds: seamless access to Xbox Game Pass alongside the full flexibility of a Windows PC. The optimised software environment provides quick access to games and settings, creating a console-like experience while maintaining the open ecosystem PC gamers expect.

The ROG Xbox Ally series represents a significant evolution in portable gaming technology, combining Xbox’s gaming expertise with ASUS ROG’s hardware innovation. Gamers in the UAE can look forward to the devices launching later this year, with regional pricing and availability details to be announced in the coming months.

This collaboration marks a major milestone for handheld gaming, offering players unprecedented freedom to enjoy their favorite games anywhere without compromising on performance, comfort, or game library access. The ROG Xbox Ally series demonstrates ASUS’s continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of gaming technology in the Middle East and worldwide.

Anker Innovations recently participated in Microsoft Build 2025, highlighting its successful integration of Microsoft’s advanced technology with Anker’s product innovation. This collaboration aims to significantly enhance AI capabilities across its diverse range of consumer products.

During the event, soundcore, Anker Innovations’ premium audio brand, was prominently featured, demonstrating the seamless incorporation of real-time translation and generative AI into its wireless earbuds. This initiative underscores Anker’s overarching vision to transcend traditional hardware offerings and instead deliver intelligent, software-enabled solutions to its global user base.

“We’re excited to be part of Microsoft Build and to demonstrate what’s possible when AI meets everyday tech,” stated Dongping Zhao, President of Anker Innovations. “Built on deep technical integration and shared innovation goals, we’re able to deliver smarter, more intuitive, and responsive audio products for users around the world.”

The soundcore Aerofit 2, initially launched last year, received an update in March 2025 with the addition of built-in AI translation powered by Microsoft Azure AI. This enhancement has transformed the earbuds into an invaluable tool for effortless multilingual communication. The Aerofit 2 supports two primary modes: a face-to-face translation feature, allowing users to speak in their native language and receive real-time responses directly through their earbuds; and a simultaneous interpretation mode, which continuously streams translations during extended speeches like lectures or meetings, enabling users to follow with ease. With support for 100 languages and their variants, the Aerofit 2 empowers users to bridge cultural gaps and navigate global conversations with confidence. Balancing comfort with robust multifunctionality, the Aerofit 2 was recognized with both the prestigious iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award in 2025.

Looking ahead, Anker Innovations and Microsoft are actively collaborating on the next generation of soundcore earbuds. These upcoming models are set to support generative voice AI conversations utilizing Azure’s Voice Live API, which unifies speech recognition, generative AI, and text-to-speech within a single workflow. Leveraging Anker’s strong research and development foundation, these enhanced capabilities will include soundcore’s advanced noise suppression, echo cancellation, interruption handling, and sophisticated end-of-turn detection. These features are meticulously designed not only to facilitate natural, real-time AI interactions but also to significantly bolster the brand’s product competitiveness and leadership in the smart audio market.

Anker Innovations, a global technology company established in 2011, is dedicated to inspiring possibilities through ultimate innovation. Since its inception, Anker has introduced an extensive portfolio of consumer technology products, which are now trusted by over 200 million users across more than 140 countries and regions. As the company continues its evolution, it remains at the forefront of AI-driven innovation, consistently delivering intelligent, connected experiences that are redefining the role of smart hardware in everyday life.

AMD today announced its new Ryzen Z2 Series Processors, designed to deliver an unparalleled experience for handheld PC gaming. The new series, introduced in a press deck released in June 2025, emphasizes exhilarating speed, extended battery life, and breathtaking graphics for on-the-go gaming. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Series aims to provide elite performance for handheld PC gaming, allowing users to play their favorite PC games with incredible portable performance and visual fidelity.

The flagship of the new lineup is the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor. This chip is built for ultimate performance with integrated AI capabilities , featuring 16 GPU Cores (AMD RDNA 3.5), 8 CPU Cores / 16 Threads (“Zen 5”), a configurable TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15-35W, and an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) with a peak of 50 AI TOPS (Trillions of Operations Per Second). The Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme also boasts compatibility with Copilot+PC features. The Ryzen AI is defined as the combination of a dedicated AI engine, AMD Radeon graphics engine, and Ryzen processor cores that enable AI capabilities.

Another processor in the series, the AMD Ryzen Z2 A, is optimized for long-lasting handheld PC gaming. Its specifications include 8 GPU Cores (AMD RDNA 2), 4 CPU Cores / 8 Threads (“Zen 2”), and a configurable TDP of 6-20W. The Z2 series also includes other processors to cater to different performance tiers. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme offers ultimate performance for elite handheld PC gaming, featuring 16 GPU Cores (AMD RDNA 3.5) and 8 CPU Cores / 16 Threads (“Zen 5”), with a configurable TDP of 15-35W.

The AMD Ryzen Z2 delivers high performance for handheld PC gaming, equipped with 12 GPU Cores (AMD RDNA 3) and 8 CPU Cores / 16 Threads (“Zen 4”), with a configurable TDP of 15-30W. Lastly, the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go (Lenovo Exclusive) provides performance for handheld PC gaming, with 12 GPU Cores (AMD RDNA 2) and 4 CPU Cores / 8 Threads (“Zen 3+”), with a configurable TDP of 15-30W. Memory speeds across the Z2 Series range from LPDDR5-6400 up to LPDDR5X-8000 (up to).

Several handheld PC gaming devices are already slated to feature the new AMD Ryzen Z2 Series processors, including the ROG Ally X, MSI Claw A8, and Lenovo Legion Go S.