Earbuds
Apple’s “Far Out” Event: New iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14, Watch Ultra, Watch Series 8, and AirPods Pro Launched
Apple has announced a wide range of devices at its launch event, including the new iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, featuring the Dynamic Island — a new design that introduces an intuitive way to experience iPhone — and the Always-On display. Powered by A16 Bionic, the fastest chip ever in a smartphone, iPhone 14 Pro introduces a new class of pro camera system, with the first-ever 48MP Main camera on iPhone featuring a quad-pixel sensor, and Photonic Engine, an enhanced image pipeline that dramatically improves low-light photos.
The new phones also feature Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection. iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will be available in four gorgeous new finishes: deep purple, silver, gold, and space black. Pre-orders begin Friday, September 9, with availability beginning Friday, September 16.
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max feature surgical-grade stainless steel and textured matte glass design in four colours. Available in 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes, both models include a new Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion that features the Always-On display for the first time ever on iPhone, enabled by a new 1Hz refresh rate and multiple power-efficient technologies.
This makes the new Lock Screen even more useful, keeping the time, widgets, and Live Activities available at a glance. The advanced display also brings the same peak HDR brightness level as Pro Display XDR, and the highest outdoor peak brightness in a smartphone: up to 2000 nits, which is twice as bright as iPhone 13 Pro.
The Dynamic Island enables new ways to interact with iPhone, featuring a design that blends the line between hardware and software, adapting in real-time to show important alerts, notifications, and activities. With the introduction of the Dynamic Island, the TrueDepth camera has been redesigned to take up less of the display area. Without impeding content on the screen, the Dynamic Island maintains an active state to allow users easier access to controls with a simple tap-and-hold. Ongoing background activities like Maps, Music, or a timer remain visible and interactive, and third-party apps in iOS 16 that provide information like sports scores and ride-sharing with Live Activities can take advantage of the Dynamic Island.
For the first time ever, the Pro lineup features a new 48MP Main camera with a quad-pixel sensor that adapts to the photo being captured and features second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization. For most photos, the quad-pixel sensor combines every four pixels into one large quad pixel equivalent to 2.44 µm, resulting in amazing low-light capture and keeping photo size at a practical 12MP.
The quad-pixel sensor also enables a 2x Telephoto option that uses the middle 12 megapixels of the sensor for full-resolution photos and 4K videos with no digital zoom. This delivers optical quality at a familiar focal length, which is great for features like Portrait mode. The quad-pixel sensor also brings benefits to pro workflows, optimizing for detail in ProRAW. And with a new machine learning model designed specifically for the quad-pixel sensor, iPhone now shoots ProRAW at 48MP with an unprecedented level of detail, enabling new creative workflows for pro users.
With a new dual-core accelerometer capable of detecting G-force measurements of up to 256Gs and a new high dynamic range gyroscope, Crash Detection on iPhone can now detect a severe car crash and automatically dial emergency services when a user is unconscious or unable to reach their iPhone. When combined with Apple Watch, Crash Detection seamlessly leverages the unique strength of both devices to get users help efficiently.
Apple today also introduced iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, featuring two sizes — 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches — in a sophisticated design with impressive camera upgrades and groundbreaking new safety capabilities. iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus take stunning photos and video with a powerful camera system featuring new Main and front TrueDepth cameras, the Ultra Wide camera for unique perspectives, and Photonic Engine — an enhanced image pipeline. Both models include the A15 Bionic chip with a 5-core GPU, which offers incredible performance and efficiency for demanding workloads, and is designed with privacy and security built-in.
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus introduce critical safety capabilities such as Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite, a first in the industry. And with amazing battery life, industry-leading durability features, and super-fast 5G, this iPhone lineup is more advanced than ever before. iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus will be available in midnight, blue, starlight, purple, and (PRODUCT)RED1 finishes. Pre-orders begin Friday, September 9, with availability for iPhone 14 beginning Friday, September 16, and availability for iPhone 14 Plus beginning Friday, October 7.
The company also announced the second generation of AirPods Pro, the most advanced AirPods ever. With the power of the new H2 chip, AirPods Pro unlocks breakthrough audio performance — including major upgrades to Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode — while also offering a unique way to experience Spatial Audio that’s even more immersive.
Now, customers can enjoy Touch control for media playback and volume adjustments directly from the stem, along with longer battery life, a brand-new charging case, and an additional ear tip size for a better fit. AirPods Pro (2nd generation) will be available to order online and in the Apple Store app starting Friday, September 9, with availability in stores beginning Friday, September 23.
Apple’s new Apple Watch Ultra, brings a new bold design and a wide range of features built for endurance, exploration, and adventure. Apple Watch Ultra introduces a 49mm titanium case and flat sapphire front crystal that reveals the biggest and brightest Apple Watch display yet. A customizable Action button offers instant access to a wide range of useful features. Apple Watch Ultra has the best battery life of any Apple Watch, reaching up to 36 hours during normal use.
Additionally, a new low-power setting, ideal for multi-day experiences, can extend battery life to reach up to 60 hours.2 The Wayfinder watch face is designed specifically for the larger Apple Watch Ultra display and includes a compass built into the dial, with space for up to eight complications. Apple Watch Ultra also brings three new bands — Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band — offering unique design features that provide a secure and comfortable fit for every adventure. Apple Watch Ultra is available to order immediately, with availability beginning Friday, September 23.
Apple also introduced the new Apple Watch Series 8 and the new Apple Watch SE, which bring groundbreaking technology and performance, and important safety innovations to the two best-selling smartwatches. Apple Watch Series 8 features the beloved design of the Apple Watch, including a large, Always-On Retina display and a strong crack-resistant front crystal. With all-day 18-hour battery life, Apple Watch Series 8 builds on best-in-class health and safety features like the ECG app and fall detection by introducing temperature-sensing capabilities, retrospective ovulation estimates, Crash Detection, and international roaming.
The new Apple Watch SE delivers the core Apple Watch experience, including Activity tracking, high and low heart rate notifications, and Emergency SOS, as well as the new Crash Detection feature and a completely redesigned back case that perfectly matches the three classic case finishes, all at a more affordable price of AED 999. Both models are powered by watchOS 9, introducing new and more customizable watch faces like Lunar and Metropolitan, an enhanced Workout app, sleep stages, a first-of-its-kind AFib History feature, and an all-new Medications app. Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE are available to order immediately, with availability beginning Friday, September 16.
Audio Devices
Sony Expands its LinkBuds Range with the LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Speaker
Sony has today added to its LinkBuds range with the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open wireless earbuds, and LinkBuds Speaker. Since the LinkBuds series first launched in 2022 with a unique ring design, its focus has been on comfort and linking the online and offline worlds. This continues within the new LinkBuds range with improvements made based on valuable customer feedback to offer a seamless always-on experience, without compromising on great sound. Comfortable, smart and designed for real life, the latest LinkBuds earbuds and speaker keep you connected to the people and entertainment you love and embody “Keep every world on”.
Designed for those with an active lifestyle, the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open feature new and light Fitting Supporters for all-day wearing comfort. The LinkBuds Open lets you experience a new kind of earbud with a newly developed open-ring design that keeps you connected to your surroundings. Plus, both models come in a range of colours to suit any style with different colour cases and supporters to tailor your look. Alongside these new earbud models, the LinkBuds Speaker is also being introduced. The LinkBuds Speaker is a seamless addition to the LinkBuds family. Auto Switch swaps playback between LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds S with the LinkBuds Speaker automatically depending on the situation for a seamless listening experience.
Sony is also continuing its collaboration with three-time GRAMMY-winning, multi-Platinum-selling, singer/songwriter Olivia Rodrigo on the LinkBuds series as part of Sony’s For The Music audio campaign. Following a successful collaboration on the LinkBuds S last year, LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open are also available in Olivia’s signature violet colourway. They have been designed in collaboration with the singer-songwriter herself and were designed with one thing in mind: her fans. Offering custom EQ settings to deliver an optimal listening experience as well as an EQ user interface selected by Olivia as well.
LinkBuds Fit
The LinkBuds Fit offer unrivalled comfort with newly developed Fitting Supporters and Earbuds Tips, seamless noise and ambient sound control and a range of colours to suit your style.
- Comfortable fit for an active lifestyle – For an even more secure and comfortable fit, even when exercising, Sony has developed new Air Fitting Supporters for LinkBuds Fit. The Fitting Supporters have a tail that is soft and hollow to reduce ear contact and therefore pressure, while the point of attachment is hooked and hard, to prevent accidental dislodging. This means in larger ears they fit nicely at the tip of the ears and in the middle for smaller ears. Combined, these encourage both comfort and security. The Soft Fitting Earbud Tips for LinkBuds Fit are included for reduced pressure and increased comfort.
- Stay connected with Ambient Sound Mode – Combined with excellent noise cancelling, Auto Ambient Sound Mode automatically adjusts ambient sound to match your surroundings so you can comfortably enjoy your music anywhere.
- Noise cancelling – LinkBuds Fit are equipped with the Integrated Processor V2, the same as in the award-winning WF-1000XM5. The chip optimises noise cancelling in real time according to your environment.
- Colours to suit your style – Available in black, white, green and Olivia Rodrigo’s violet colour, the LinkBuds Fit can suit any style. Plus, with a range of accessories including Fitting Supporters and Case Covers for LinkBuds Fit4 in a variety of style and colours, you can truly customise your earbuds to compliment any outfit.
- High quality sound – LinkBuds Fit provide exceptional audio and call clarity. Thanks for a specially designed driver unit Dynamic Driver X, also seen within noise cancelling earbuds the WF-1000XM5, the LinkBuds Fit offer richer, more details vocals. The diaphragm structure combines several different materials for the dome and the edge, achieving low distortion and clear sound quality. LinkBuds Fit also supports High-Resolution Audio Wireless and DSEE Extreme. Also, with Precise Voice Pickup Technology that optimally controls microphones on the outside and inside of the earbud, and advanced audio signal processing, conversations are ultra clear, even in noisy environments.
- Easy operation – With Auto Switch, Auto Play, Quick Access enabled features such as Amazon Music Play Now or Spotify Tap and voice control it’s even easier to access and enjoy your entertainment. Plus with Wide Area Tap, you can use double or triple taps in front of either of your ears to control your music playback so there’s no need to touch the LinkBuds Fit themselves to operate.
- Convenient, everyday use – LinkBuds Fit also features Multipoint Connection, instant play and pause, control with head gestures, built-in voice control and Speak-to-Chat. They also have a battery life of up to 21 hours of total playback and an IPX4 water resistance rating.
LinkBuds Open
Experience a new kind of earbud with the LinkBuds Open, with an open-ring design that keeps you connected to your surroundings. The new and light Fitting Supporters for LinkBuds Open provide all-day wearing comfort and are also available in a range of colours to match your style.
- Live in the moment – Featuring a newly developed ring driver, LinkBuds Open’s design lets you stay connected to your surroundings. The open ring driver unit at the centre of the diaphragm maintains audio transparency, so you can hear the world around you. You will hear when someone calls your name while you are on a call and stay connected to your friends while you listen to music. LinkBuds Open also feature Adaptive Volume Control, a smart feature that automatically optimises the volume based on where you are. You can enjoy lower volumes in quiet places and higher volumes in noisier places.
- All-day comfort – Like the LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open also feature Sony’s newly developed Fitting Supporters for a comfortable and secure fit. Plus, LinkBuds Open are built with an evolved geometric form that fits comfortably in the ear.
- Curate your look – LinkBuds Open are available in black and white as well as Olivia Rodrigo’s violet colour. You can tailor your look with customisable accessories including Fitting Supporters and Case Covers in a variety of colours and styles.
- Authentic, high-fidelity sound – LinkBuds Open offers well-balanced, high-quality audio with clear mid to high ranges, powered by Sony’s Integrated Processor V2 and a specially designed 11mm ring-shaped driver unit. A high-compliance diaphragm and powerful neodymium magnet were specifically selected to reproduce clear mid and high frequency sound. LinkBuds Open also support DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) and features precise voice pick up technology for ultra-clear, noise-free calls.
- Convenient, everyday use – LinkBuds Open are packed of intuitive features and controls such as Auto Switch, Auto Play, Quick Access, voice control and Wide Area Tap. Other features include Multipoint Connection, a long battery life of up to 22 hours of listening from your earbuds and an IPX4 water resistance rating.
New Sound Connect app
LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open are compatible with the renewed Sound Connect app. By using this app, you can personalise the earbuds by adjusting various settings such as the equalizer. The simple interface lets you dial in your ideal sound and shortcut settings and can even keep track of your recent listening history in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) healthy listening habits. When activated, Background Music Effect uses DSP to make audio sound as though it’s playing in your space, rather than feeling like it’s localised in your head – perfect for when you’re doing other tasks or want something a little less intense.
LinkBuds Speaker
Stay connected to your music all day long with smart features including Auto Switch that offer enhanced connectivity as well as excellent, well-balanced sound quality, despite its size. Talk and listen in total clarity and enjoy the freedom of mobility with a long battery life and a convenient carrying strap.
- Seamless sounds – Auto Switch swaps playback between LinkBuds earbuds and LinkBuds Speaker automatically, depending on the situation. What’s more with Quick Access you can enjoy one touch listening and Auto Play plays music according to your routine, for an even smoother experience. The clear, well- balanced sound is delivered with an X- Balanced Speaker Unit, a tweeter and passive radiators allowing for an enjoyable listening experience.
- Call quality – The LinkBuds Speaker has the best in class call quality of any Sony wireless speaker, articulating their speech for a clear conversation and using echo cancellation to ensure conversations flow smoothly.
- Your music on the move – The handy, detachable strap lets you take your LinkBuds Speaker wherever you go, whether that’s into another room or to the kitchen. Plus it’s dedicated charging cradle ensure convenient charging.
- Durable – With an IPX4 water-resistance rating, you can use it around water without worrying about splashes. And with a battery life of up to 25 hours, it can keep your music going all day long.
- Timeless design – LinkBuds Speaker is available in light grey and black to seamlessly blend into your home.
- Sound Connect App – LinkBuds Speaker is also compatible with the renewed Sound Connect app. New features such as Auto Switch, Quick Access, and Auto Play can be controlled through the Sound Connect app.
LinkBuds Fit is available from October with a suggested retail price of AED 899. LinkBuds Open is available from October with a suggested retail price of AED 899. LinkBuds Speaker is available from March 2025.
Earbuds
Nothing Intros its First Open-Ear Headphones
Nothing, the consumer technology brand known for its distinctive design aesthetic, has today introduced its latest audio innovation: the Nothing Ear Open.
These open-ear stereo (OWS) earbuds are designed to provide a more immersive listening experience while allowing users to stay connected to their surroundings.
Unlike traditional earbuds that require silicone tips to be inserted into the ear canal, the Nothing Ear Open rests just inside the ear, offering a more comfortable and less intrusive fit.
This design is particularly appealing for those who want to remain aware of their environment, such as runners, cyclists, or commuters.
The Nothing Ear Open joins a growing trend of headphones that prioritise openness over active noise cancellation.
Despite its open-ear design, the Nothing Ear Open boasts impressive battery life, delivering up to eight hours on a single charge and a total of 30 hours with the charging case.
The earbuds also feature Nothing’s latest noise-cancelling technology, Clear Voice Technology 3.0, to ensure clear calls even in noisy environments.
The Ear Open is priced at AED 549. It is available for pre-orders starting September 24th and will be available globally on October 1st.
Earbuds
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM5 Now Available in Smoky Pink Variant
Sony has announced a new colour addition to their 1000X noise-cancelling headphones. Released in collaboration with K-Pop girl group LE SSERAFIM, the WH-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones are now available in Smoky Pink. Both the WH-1000XM5 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds offer noise-cancelling features and great audio quality. The WF-1000XM5 currently comes in black and platinum silver, while the WH-1000XM5 comes in black, platinum silver and midnight blue.
The Smoky Pink colour is soft and sophisticated, with a powdery matte texture that boosts your style. This colour fits perfectly with LE SSERAFIM’s aesthetic and their newly unveiled partnership with Sony’s For The Music campaign.
The record-breaking K-pop giants are known for their fearless attitude, chic fashion sensibilities, and empowering songs, which have resulted in multiple entries on the Billboard Hot 100 and 200 charts. With 20M+ combined followers on social platforms and a diehard global fanbase, there’s no question that LE SSERAFIM is a mainstay in the genre and one of the most exciting acts to watch in 2024 and beyond.
LE SSERAFIM also stars in Sony’s campaign for the WH-1000XM5 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds, featuring their new song “CRAZY” from their same-titled fourth mini album, which was released on August 30th. “The connection we have with our fans is everything, and we can’t wait for them to be able to experience our music with Sony’s awesome Smoky Pink 1000X headphones and earbuds,” said LE SSERAFIM.
The Smoky Pink WH-1000XM5 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds will be available in the Middle East and Africa from October 2024.