Creator Tools
Review: ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED (UX8402)
ASUS has improved its Zenbook industrial design as it has gone through a redesign of sorts. According to ASUS, the new internal layout redesign now allows the ASUS Active Aerodynamic System Ultra (AAS Ultra) hinge, which not only lifts the ScreenPad Plus to an ergonomic viewing angle but also enhances the thermal performance.
As you open the laptop’s lid, the secondary display will rise to 12 degrees for a better view while also opening a massive intake for 38% higher airflow than a laptop without the AAS Ultra design.
And once you do open the lid, you come face to face with the main 14.5-inch OLED HDR touchscreen which offers an aspect ratio of 16:10. The display also offers a resolution of 2880-by-1800 pixels and a refresh rate of 120 Hz on an OLED display. You also get an extremely fast response time of 0.2ms.
The main display also supports a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, up to 550 nits of peak brightness, and 0.0005 nits of deep black brightness. This means content creators can enjoy a brighter and more detailed viewing experience.
Besides an ultrawide colour gamut of 100% DCI-P3 and HDR content support, the display is also certified for VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 and is PANTONE Validated, assuring accurate colour and high dynamic contrast reproduction. In addition, the OLED panel emits 70% less harmful blue light than LCD panels and it has been certified by TÜV Rhineland to ensure that the device adheres to high safety and quality standards.
The 2022 ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED also comes packed with an improved ScreenPad Plus. The new ScreenPad Plus is a 12.7-inch secondary touchscreen with an AAS Ultra hinge that lifts the display by up to 12 degrees for a comfortable touch operation and viewing experience. It also reduces the visual separation between ScreenPad Plus and the main display of the laptop.
What’s more, the new ScreenPad Plus also supports up to 500 nits of brightness and the same 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut as the main display. This means content creators can benefit from a seamless cross-screen operation, enhancing their creative workflow even further. The new ScreenPad Plus also comes with a new anti-glare etching finish to reduce light reflections.
The new ScreenPad Plus on the ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED is powered by the new ScreenXpert 3 software. This software makes cross-screen multitasking and creative workflows even more efficient.
You can boost your productivity with the built-in apps, and take full advantage of every feature with the intuitive and powerful Control Panel app. The ScreenPad Plus features a brand-new Control Center UI, which is now a lot snappier.
You can adjust the location of the Control Center and snap it to the right, left, or bottom, according to preference. A new Control Center button makes it possible to minimise the taskbar into a floating button and enables an auto-hide function that hides the taskbar entirely. Buttons on the new Control Center taskbar can also be added or moved to allow for customisation.
Even though the ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED is a thin and light laptop, it packs in a powerful 12th-generation Intel Core i7 H-series processor. For graphics, you get NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050Ti Graphics. In addition, you also get up to 16GB of LPDDR5-4800 MHz memory and up to 1TB of PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD storage.
In terms of performance, the ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED is truly a masterpiece. It has been built for content creators of today – the ScreenPad Plus is an added advantage and its ecosystem of applications through the ScreenXpert 3 software is just mind-blowing.
The ScreenPad Plus also comes with a range of ASUS utilities including Handwriting, which allows you to input text by simply writing it by hand. Then, there’s Quick Key which allows you to create your own hotkeys, while Number Key allows you to input numbers using the ScreenPad Plus. You also get Control Panel which offers adaptive functionality with Adobe apps such as Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and so on.
So, when you open any of these apps, the Control Panel app opens a corresponding panel suited to each software set, enabling commonly used functions such as zoom, brightness, and contrast via sliders, buttons, and dials. You can then fully customise the functions and icon positioning for each of the app-specific decks. The Control Panel will automatically launch the deck assigned to each of the supported apps.
In terms of I/O ports, the ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED offers plenty. This includes two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, one USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A port, one standard HDMI 2.1 port, one SD Express 7.0 card reader, and one 3.5 mm audio combo jack. Wireless connectivity options include Dual-band WiFi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2.
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED is a great laptop for creators out there. It comes with a very useful second screen in the form of ScreenPad Plus along with its own ecosystem of apps. It also offers a stunning OLED display and very strong internals that can take up any creative job. The ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED thus comes across as highly recommended.
Price: AED 7999 onwards
ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED (UX8402) AED 7999 onwards
Summary
The new ScreenPad Plus on the ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED is powered by the new ScreenXpert 3 software. This software makes cross-screen multitasking and creative workflows even more efficient. You can boost your productivity with the built-in apps, and take full advantage of every feature with the intuitive and powerful Control Panel app. The ScreenPad Plus features a brand-new Control Center UI, which is now a lot snappier.
User Review
( votes)Creator Tools
CORSAIR Launches New K65 PLUS WIRELESS Keyboard and M75 WIRELESS Gaming Mouse Colorways for Mac
CORSAIR has announced that the K65 PLUS WIRELESS keyboard and the M75 WIRELESS mouse will be available in exclusive Glacier Blue and Frost colours for the Mac. Whether playing games on a desktop or a laptop, users will enjoy unrivalled design, quality, and performance. Both products are available now at Apple Store Online. The Frost variant is also available at U.S. Apple Store locations, with Glacier Blue coming soon.
“We are thrilled to bring Corsair high-performance input devices in exclusive and fun new colours to Mac users,” said Thi La, President and COO of CORSAIR. “Purpose-built for gaming and productivity on Mac, everyone from students, creators, businesses and more are going to love them. The K65 PLUS WIRELESS Keyboard and the M75 WIRELESS Mouse truly are the perfect blend of Apple aesthetics and performance.”
The K65 PLUS WIRELESS provides an incredible typing and acoustic experience. The CORSAIR K65 PLUS WIRELESS is a 75% gaming keyboard with pre-lubricated CORSAIR MLX Red v2 linear switches that make each keystroke silky smooth and responsive. Integrated sound dampening tempers annoying clacks and pings, so you can enjoy subtle, pleasant acoustics as you play and type. Optional iCUE software brings custom lighting and key assignments to macOS.
Easily connect to MacOS and iPadOS via ultra-fast 2.4GHz wireless or Bluetooth, and power through your playing sessions for longer than ever – up to 266 hours on a single charge. Originally launched in February 2024, the award-winning K65 PLUS WIRELESS has been updated specifically to meet the needs of Mac gamers.
The M75 WIRELESS gaming mouse sports an expertly designed ambidextrous shape, enabling right- and left-handed players to take on the best competition with confidence and style. Weighing just 89g, the M75 WIRELESS is light and fast for the quickest mouse movements, and connects via near-zero lag SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS or Bluetooth. The mouse’s 26K DPI CORSAIR MARKSMAN optical sensor tracks movements with extreme precision and shots register instantly on optical switches, guaranteed for 100 million clicks. Light up the leaderboard with uniquely styled two-zone RGB, customizable in CORSAIR iCUE software.
Creator Tools
OWC Intros 240GB Capacity Atlas Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type A Memory Cards
Other World Computing (OWC) has announced the general availability launch of the latest addition to its OWC Atlas Pro family of memory cards – the 240GB OWC Atlas Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type A Card. Based on popular demand, this new capacity option combines the rocket-fast speeds users expect from OWC with a more accessible price point, making it the ideal choice for Sony users who require professional-grade performance without the need for maximum capacity.
OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type A Atlas Pro cards are perfect for pro filmmakers and extreme action photographers who want to dramatically speed up their offloads while retaining full compatibility with existing devices. Users experience double the speeds of CFexpress 2.0 cards with 1850MB/s read speeds through OWC Atlas USB4 CFexpress 4.0 card reader while providing 1700MB/s write speed for current and future cameras that can take advantage of such performances. OWC’s Atlas CFexpress 4.0 Type A cards are VPG200 certified, ensuring they work seamlessly with all existing Sony camera modes.
Like the 480GB to 960GB cards, the new 240GB capacity cards are:
- Lightning Fast – Up to 1700MB/s write and 1850MB/s read speeds for the most advanced use cases of professional content creators, including fast burst RAW image sequences and high bitrate video recording up to 8K
- Dependable – Delivers 400MB/s minimum sustained write speed
- Compatible – Designed for use in Sony Alpha and FX cameras, including a9 III, a1, a7SIII, a7IV, a7rV, FX3, FX6, FR7, and FX30, as well as CFexpress Type A memory card readers and reader slot-equipped devices
- Supportive – VPG200 certified to work with all Sony camera modes and enable the highest allowable settings in Sony Alpha, FX, and FR7 cameras
- Compliant – Fully compliant with CFexpress Type A 4.0 specification and meets Type A 2.0 specifications
- Versatile – Includes Type A to Type B adapter to obtain maximum speed when paired with an OWC Atlas USB4 CFexpress 4.0 Card Reader
- Tough – Impact, bend, shock, ESD, UV ray, and X-ray resistant
“At OWC, we’re committed to making cutting-edge technology accessible to everyone,” said Larry O’Connor, Founder and CEO of Other World Computing (OWC). “Our new 240GB Atlas CFexpress Type A card offers Sony users who don’t need the highest capacity, a cost-effective option without compromising quality or performance. We want everyone to benefit from the latest and greatest technologies and be able to future-proof their media solutions with confidence.”
O’Connor added, “While Atlas CFexpress Type A cards also come in the immensely popular 480GB and 960GB capacities, the 240GB capacity cards are available for $199.99, underscoring OWC’s goal to deliver options for virtually every use case and budget.” The 480GB and 960GB cards are priced at $319.99 and $519.99 respectively. The 240GB capacity Atlas CFexpress Type A cards are now generally available for $199.99.
Creator Tools
Sennheiser Intros Profile Wireless Two-Channel 2.4 GHz Wireless Microphone System
In content creation, being prepared and adaptable is crucial, as is having a reliable wireless audio system that ensures easy and quick sound capture without compromising on quality. For creators and videographers, Sennheiser has launched Profile Wireless, a two-channel, 2.4 GHz wireless microphone system. This system connects to mobile phones, cameras, or computers, and can serve as a clip-on mic, handheld mic, or table-top microphone, depending on your needs.
“We cannot imagine content creation today without compact 2.4 GHz mic systems, and I am proud that Sennheiser is adding an all-in-one microphone system to its portfolio that truly makes a difference for creators and videographers,” says Hendrik Millauer, Product Manager, Broadcast and Film, at Sennheiser. “We’ve outfitted Profile Wireless with many exciting features that will help users to capture audio more reliably, longer, and more flexibly than was possible before.”
Unzip the case to reveal a rugged, multifunctional charging bar, the heart of the Profile Wireless system. This versatile device not only stores and charges the key components but also doubles as a handheld or desktop microphone. The charging bar securely holds a two-channel mini-receiver with an OLED touch display, two pre-paired clip-on microphones, a 3.5 mm jack coiled cable for camera use, a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, magnetic clips, adaptors, and windshields, ensuring you’re always prepared for any recording scenario.
“It was important to us that Profile Wireless can master a diverse set of recording requirements while being as compact and portable as possible,” says Callie Blake, Category Marketing Manager, Creators. “The range of use cases for Profile Wireless is impressive.” The included adaptors allow the receiver to connect to your preferred filming device, while a dedicated headphone output enables you to monitor the audio. The compact mini-mics can be easily clipped onto clothing or secured with the provided magnetic mounts, offering flexibility in various recording situations.
“While the clip-on mics ensure signature Sennheiser audio quality and are quite unobtrusive, there may still be instances where a creator or videographer would like to work with separate lavalier mics, so there’s a lockable 3.5 mm TRS jack for connecting external mics,” adds Blake. When using a mobile phone for video recording, the Profile Wireless receiver can be connected via the included Lightning or mini-USB adapter. A built-in gyro-sensor ensures the receiver’s display automatically rotates 180 degrees, maintaining optimal visibility.
When using a mobile phone for video capture, the Profile Wireless receiver connects via the included Lightning or mini-USB adaptor. The receiver display, equipped with a gyro-sensor, automatically rotates by 180° for clear readability. In scenarios where a handheld microphone is ideal, such as reporter-style pieces or interviews requiring more control, simply insert a clip-on mic into the charging bar, attach the provided large foam windshield, and you’ve got a ready-to-go reporter’s microphone.
All Profile Wireless components are equipped with mounting threads for standard creator accessories like table stands. This allows the system to be conveniently used as a desktop mic. To ensure reliable audio capture, Profile Wireless incorporates several innovative features. Each clip-on microphone boasts 16 GB of internal memory for backup recording. The Backup Recording Mode automatically activates internal recording if the wireless signal weakens. Additionally, the Safety Channel Mode outputs and records backup audio at a lower volume to prevent clipping.
“The clip-on microphone has 24-bit recording capability, and records simultaneously at two different audio levels”, notes Blake. “This not only reduces the risk of clipped audio but also maximises the usable dynamic range of the capsule.” The Profile Wireless system offers an impressive range of up to 245 meters line-of-sight and up to 150 meters when obstacles are present, ensuring reliable wireless transmission in various environments.
“Right from the start of product development, we involved seasoned videographers and content creators to see what they wished for from a compact wireless audio system, and how existing products could be improved upon,” shares Millauer. “So we’ve come up with a few exciting usability features that make Profile Wireless a gem among 2.4 GHz systems. Profile Wireless is the first and at present only compact 2.4 GHz wireless system that has a handheld option integrated, and this option gives you a real 15+ hours of runtime, while with other sets, you cannot use the mics when the system is being recharged. Usability features like the auto-rotating receiver display, the fact that no app is required, and the diverse mounting options – only Sennheiser has thread mounts on the components – make for smooth workflows in content creation. And while there may be lighter clip-on mics on the market, they do not have an internal recording or a connector for an external lav mic.”
Profile Wireless is available for pre-order starting October 30th, with shipments expected to begin in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025. The system retails for AED 1,199, inclusive of VAT.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated on 2/11/2024 at 11:29 am, with more details addressing clarity.
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