Apple Inc.’s Beats division has unveiled the long-awaited Powerbeats Pro 2, which features noise cancellation, a heart-rate monitor, and a revamped design aimed at athletes. This new model incorporates capabilities seen in Apple’s AirPods, such as transparency mode for better external noise awareness and the H2 chip for enhanced sound quality. Additionally, it offers improved spatial audio for a 3D listening experience and comes with a smaller, wireless charging case.

The heart-rate monitor is a notable first for Apple-designed earbuds, expanding the company’s health-related features, and utilizes technology found in the Apple Watch. Despite a slow holiday season for Apple’s wearables business—with sales in the division falling nearly 2% to about $11.8 billion—the introduction of these new earbuds is anticipated to drive interest and sales.

Priced at $250, the same as the previous model, the new Powerbeats Pro 2 will be available in black, orange, purple, and a color called quicksand. This price point matches the AirPods Pro 2, although the Powerbeats may be more appealing to athletes due to their secure ear hooks.

Apple Vice President Oliver Schusser, who oversees Beats as well as the company’s sports, TV+, and music initiatives, hailed the new Powerbeats as “the most impressive product in Beats’ history.” Acquired by Apple in 2014 for $3 billion, Beats remains the company’s largest acquisition to date.

The heart-rate monitor will be compatible with fitness apps like Peloton, Nike Run Club, Ladder, and Slopes, with data integration into the Apple Health app. The earbuds will also be compatible with Android devices. Apple is reportedly working on AirPods with heart-rate monitoring, though they are still many months away from release.

In terms of battery life, the Powerbeats Pro 2 holds an advantage over AirPods, with 10 hours of usage on their own and 45 hours with the charging case, compared to six hours for AirPods alone and up to 30 hours with the case. However, AirPods continue to offer unique features, such as a new hearing aid functionality.

Huawei Consumer Business Group (CBG) unveiled several highly anticipated products that usher in a new era of flagship foldable excellence, as part of the “Unfold the Classic” HUAWEI Flagship Product Launch held in Dubai on December 12. Among these products is the new foldable smartphone, HUAWEI Mate X6, which sets a new standard for foldable smartphones and further solidifies Huawei’s leadership in the market. The HUAWEI Mate X6 is expected to redefine the foldable experience with its innovative design, durability, advanced features, and exceptional user experience.

In addition to the Mate X6, Huawei introduced an impressive lineup of new devices, including the HUAWEI nova 13 series, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, HUAWEI FreeClip in Rose Gold, and the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5. This suite of products represents a new era of flagship innovation, showcasing Huawei’s commitment to continuous advancement and delivering flagship experiences for consumers across the MEA region.

HUAWEI Mate X6 is a foldable smartphone that’s extremely thin, light, and durable. It comes with the 2nd Generation Kunlun Glass, which protects the exterior screen, while a carbon fibre inner screen plate adds strength to the interior display. The phone features an advanced multi-dimensional hinge and a robust aviation-grade aluminium middle frame. The Kunlun Glass offers 25 times better drop resistance.

The HUAWEI Mate X6’s camera system is one of its standout features, designed to capture true-to-life colours. The 50MP Ultra Aperture Camera is equipped with a ten-size adjustable physical aperture, ranging from F1.0 to F4.0, allowing users to precisely control depth of field and light intake. The camera also incorporates the Ultra Chroma technology, which uses 1.50 million spectral channels to boost colour accuracy by 120%. Equipped with an OLED exterior and a large internal OLED display, the Mate X6 supports a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate.

Richard Yu, Chairman of Huawei Consumer Business Group, called the HUAWEI Mate X6 “A breakthrough technology from the inside out, bringing consumers a truly innovative foldable screen experience.” The HUAWEI Mate X6 will be available in UAE for preorder starting from December 12, 2024, for AED 7199 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as certified retailers. It will be available in three colours: Nebula Gray, Nebula Red, and Black. Preorder customers will benefit from add-ons worth AED 2698.

HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4

The HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, the first-ever HUAWEI SOUND earbuds, set new benchmarks for wireless audio. Featuring an Ultra-Hearing Dual Driver system, these earbuds deliver a rich and dynamic listening experience across a wide frequency spectrum, from booming bass to sparkling treble. Designed for exceptional clarity during calls, the FreeBuds Pro 4 features advanced AI noise cancellation and a high-sensitivity bone-conducting microphone. The earbuds can intelligently distinguish between human voices and environmental noise, isolating your voice while filtering out distractions. Whether you’re at a concert or walking through a busy street, your calls remain uninterrupted, with crystal-clear sound.

HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4 will be available in UAE from January 9, 2025, at a price of AED 749 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as select retailers.

HUAWEI nova 13 Series

HUAWEI nova 13 Series, introduces the new Dynamic Plaid Texture Design, multi-focal portrait capabilities, and AI-driven innovations, ushering in a fresh wave of trends. Embodying the creative spirit of the younger generation, the series debuts in the striking new Loden Green colourway, alongside classic Black and White options.

The HUAWEI nova 13 Series redefines front-camera photography with its 60 MP Ultra-Wide Front Camera and innovative features like the AI Best Expression. The ultra-wide angle allows users to effortlessly capture group selfies with everyone in the frame and showcase breathtaking scenery without the need for a selfie stick. The AI Best Expression feature ensures every group photo is flawless by selecting the best expressions from burst shots. The 5X Selfie Zoom expands the creative possibilities enabling close-up portraits, and delivering detailed and cinematic-quality selfies. With the new 100 W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo, the HUAWEI nova 13 Series can charge to 50% in just 10 minutes.

HUAWEI nova 13 Series will be available in UAE before the end of January 2024 at a starting price of AED 1699 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as select retailers.

HUAWEI MatePad 11.5

The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 features an eye-soothing PaperMatte Display and productivity-boosting upgrades, including an enhanced HUAWEI Notes app. Designed with students and light-duty office workers in mind, this versatile tablet empowers users to embrace a paperless experience while enhancing efficiency, whether at school, home, or on the go.

The HUAWEI MatePad 11.3 will be available in UAE next month for AED 1299 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as certified retailers. It will be available in stunning Isle Blue and sleek Space Gray.

HUAWEI FreeClip: Now in Rose Gold

The HUAWEI FreeClip combines cutting-edge audio technology with sleek, fashion-forward aesthetics. Now available in a captivating Rose Gold finish, the latest iteration of the HUAWEI FreeClip introduces a soft pink hue with subtle golden undertones, exuding a sense of romance and understated elegance. Alongside its stylish appeal, the FreeClip incorporates new features like the Dynamic Bass Algorithm, Head Motion Controls, and Drop Reminders. The Drop Reminders feature provides a gentle alert in the remaining earbud if one slips out during use, accompanied by a notification on your phone.

HUAWEI FreeClip in Rose Gold will be available in UAE starting today at a price of AED 699 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as select retailers. Preorder customers will get AED 100 off.

Nothing’s Ear (Open) earbuds are a bold departure from traditional audio devices. These open-ear headphones offer a unique listening experience that balances sound quality with environmental awareness.

 

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Design
Nothing’s Ear (Open) earbuds are a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovative design. Housed in a transparent casing, these earbuds offer a futuristic aesthetic that’s both stylish and functional. The transparent design provides a glimpse into the inner workings, setting them apart from other earbuds on the market.

Here’s what Rysha Media’s Zack Zorro and Alison Osborne had to say about the new Nothing Ear  (Open):

Both the earbuds and their charging case are IP54-rated, making them resistant to dust and water splashes. This durability ensures they can withstand sweat and so on from workouts and outdoor activities. The pill-shaped charging case, with its clear top and smooth edges, complements the earbuds’ modern design.

Comfort and Fit
The Nothing Ear (Open) earbuds prioritise comfort. Their open-ear design allows ambient sounds to enter while you enjoy your music, making them ideal for outdoor activities where situational awareness is key. Weighing a mere 8.1 grams each, these lightweight earbuds are comfortable for extended use. The over-ear hook design ensures a secure fit, even during intense workouts, making them perfect for runners, cyclists, and other active individuals.

Audio Quality
The Nothing Ear (Open) earbuds are equipped with several advanced features that enhance their audio performance and user experience. This includes the new stepped driver – a driver design that positions the sound closer to your ear, resulting in a more direct and clear audio experience. The earbuds are also packed with a custom-shaped diaphragm, which reduces distortion and deepens low-frequency sound, providing a richer and more detailed listening experience.

The titanium-coated diaphragm further enhances high-frequency response, ensuring crisp and clear treble notes. The Nothing Ear (Open) earbuds thus deliver impressive audio quality for an open-ear design. They offer a well-balanced sound profile with clear mids and highs. While the bass response may not match that of traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones, the overall audio experience is enjoyable.

To further enhance the listening experience, the earbuds come with advanced EQ features that allow you to fine-tune the sound to your preference. This customisation feature enables you to tailor the audio profile to suit various music genres.

Connectivity and Features
The Nothing Ear (Open) earbuds offer Bluetooth connectivity for a stable and reliable connection to your devices. They also support multi-point connectivity, allowing you to seamlessly switch between two devices.

While the charging case supports USB-C charging, it lacks wireless charging, which might be a minor inconvenience for some users. However, the case provides ample battery life to keep your earbuds powered throughout the day.

Battery Life
The Nothing Ear (Open) earbuds offer impressive battery life, a crucial factor for any wireless earbuds. They provide up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case extending the total battery life to 24 hours. This ensures you can enjoy your music throughout the day without worrying about battery drain.

Overall Experience
The Nothing Ear (Open) earbuds offer a seamless user experience. Controls are intuitive, relying on pinch gestures: a single pinch plays or pauses audio, a double pinch skips to the next track, and a triple pinch goes back. Volume can be adjusted by pinching and holding either earbud. The Nothing X app provides additional customisation options and firmware updates. The user-friendly app allows you to personalise settings to your liking, enhancing the overall experience.

Verdict
The Nothing Ear (Open) earbuds are a refreshing take on audio technology. They offer a unique listening experience that blends sound quality with environmental awareness. While they may not be the best choice for those who prioritise deep bass, they excel in providing a clear and balanced sound. If you’re looking for a pair of earbuds that let you enjoy your music without isolating yourself from the world, the Ear (Open) is worth considering.

Price: AED 549