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Review of the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Earbuds in the UAE

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Sony launched the very popular WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Earbuds two years ago, and the company has now followed up with an upgrade that includes a key highlight. The Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Earbuds were launched a week ago and as soon as Sony executives mentioned the new earbuds were now 25% smaller than the predecessor, there was a huge sigh of relief.

Video: Sony Launches the new WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds in the UAE

Don’t mistake me, the WF-1000XM4 were an awesome pair of truly wireless earbuds. However, the XM4 was a tad too bulky for true comfort. Now, in a flash, the XM5 has swooped in and conquered this crucial enhancement for providing a better fit. And that’s not all – the XM5 boasts an upgrade in sound quality, noise cancellation, and call clarity. In addition, the WF-1000XM5 is also Sony’s most expensive earbuds yet, coming in at a price point of AED 1299.

The WF-1000XM5 aren’t just smaller, they’re also 20% lighter and incredibly streamlined. This sleek transformation applies to both the earbuds and the wireless charging case, now sporting a more pocket-friendly rounded shape. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, yet it’s hard not to appreciate the XM5’s elegant design. The days of the XM4’s chunky, somewhat odd-shaped build and gold accents are behind us.

The XM5 has emerged as a testament to sophistication – compact, polished, and graceful. The golden microphone port still remains, however, it now seamlessly blends into the earbud’s body, resembling more of an exquisite inlay rather than a mere functional element. In fact, these earbuds could easily grace a black-tie affair without seeming out of place.

Inside the eco-friendly paper packaging, you’ll uncover a treasure trove of Sony WF-1000XM5 goodies. There’s the star of the show – the earbuds themselves, snugly nestled inside the trusty charging case. Upon opening the package further, you’ll find a handy USB charging cable, a trio of spare polyurethane foam ear tips in different sizes, and a thoughtful set of instructions. However, this time Sony goes the extra mile by including an ace up their sleeve – a set of extra-small ear tips. This little addition comes to the rescue of those with daintier ear canals, guaranteeing a snug and perfect fit for all.

The exterior of each earbud has undergone a modern makeover, featuring a glossy plastic material that gives off a premium aura. This sleek surface meets contemporary standards both in appearance and tactile feel. However, a contrasting touch reveals the outer shell designated for touch controls and housing the outer microphone setup; this area boasts a finely textured matte finish. Remarkably, these touch controls work seamlessly.

The WF-1000XM5 has also added a new driver, which Sony calls Dynamic Driver X. This new driver measures 8.4mm, and it surpasses its predecessor’s 6.4mm unit by a leap. This enhanced size translates to less movement for the larger driver, a feature Sony claims aids in minimising mechanical noise. To further refine the audio output, Sony has used two different materials for different frequencies – one optimised for the highs and the other tailored for the lows.Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Earbuds

Shrinking down by a solid 15% in comparison to its older sibling, the charging case has undergone a sleek makeover. It now rocks a dedicated pairing button at the back, and upfront, there’s a discreet LED indicator winking at you. The charging case also supports both USB-C charging and Qi wireless charging. And don’t think twice about juice – it’s got enough to fuel your earbuds through a trio of charge cycles.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 may not be ready to swim with fishes, but they’re not afraid of a little rain. With an IPX4 water resistance rating, these earbuds are your buddies for casual drizzles during your outdoor escapades or those intense sweat sessions at the gym.

Sony has truly upped the ante in touch control finesse with the WF-1000XM5. In past iterations, you were limited to a single set of functions per earbud. But this time around, the possibilities have expanded, presenting a whole array of actions at your fingertips.

And, once you pop an earbud out of your ear, the music will pause on both earbuds, and when you put the earbuds back into the ear, the music playback resumes. In addition, if you press and hold the left earbud control, you will be able to enter into the transparency mode, which lets you listen to the world around you.

To unlock the earbuds’ full functionality, you will need to download the Sony Headphones Connect App. Beyond updates, it’s your hub for custom EQ, Ambient Sound tweaks, and touch sensor customization, compatible with Android and iOS. The app is also needed for Sony 360 Reality Audio, Speak-to-Chat, and DSEE Extreme, their proprietary algorithm that enriches lower-quality audio.

Sony has also taken a technological leap with the XM5. They’ve transitioned from the single V1 processor (used in the XM4) to a dual processor arrangement: the new V2 Integrated Processor alongside the latest HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN2e, dedicated to noise cancellation. This combined force, coupled with the XM5’s six microphones and revamped drivers, elevates ANC performance across most frequencies.

In my experience, this holds true. While the XM4 excelled in ANC, the XM5 takes it up a notch, which is particularly noticeable in specific scenarios, such as low-frequency noise. Another improvement is the XM5’s ability in tackling wind noise while in ANC mode. Wind often hampers ANC’s effectiveness, and the XM5 proved to be undisturbed by wind noise.

When it comes to call quality, the WF-1000XM5 shine by skillfully obscuring any background noises that typically divert attention from your voice. From traffic hum to construction clatter and even strong gusts of wind, these earbuds erase them all to a point where the other side of the call remains blissfully oblivious to any trace of these sounds.

Sony has consistently delivered brilliant sound quality, and the XM5 continue this legacy with brilliance. Their sound signature presents a subtle yet discernible enhancement over the XM4’s performance. Renowned for its strong bass response, Sony doesn’t disappoint – it’s rich, melodic, and now finds a better equilibrium alongside other frequencies.

Across diverse genres spanning hard rock to jazz, these earbuds meticulously preserve individual elements, ensuring clarity in vocals as well. As for Bluetooth 5.3 connections, the WF-1000XM5 stand firm, offering an average range for wireless earbuds – approximately 25 feet indoors and up to 45 feet outdoors with no obstructions.

When it comes to noise-cancelling earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM5 stands tall as one of the finest options available today. However, this quality comes at a cost. With a price tag of AED 1299, these earbuds might not be the first pick for those on a budget. However, if your preferences lean towards exceptional active noise cancellation, top-tier sound quality, and comprehensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 undoubtedly justifies its premium pricing.

Price: AED 1299

Photography by Ryan Chris

Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Earbuds AED 1299
  • Final Rating
4

Summary

The XM5 have emerged as a testament to sophistication – compact, polished, and graceful. The golden microphone port still remains, however, it now seamlessly blends into the earbud’s body, resembling more of an exquisite inlay rather than a mere functional element. In fact, these earbuds could easily grace a black-tie affair without seeming out of place.

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Accessories

CORSAIR to Collab with Call of Duty

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CORSAIR has begun to release the first products in its multi-year, full cross-brand collaboration with the critically acclaimed Call of Duty franchise. This powerful new integration sees two of the world’s best-known gaming brands come together for the first time with the collaboration extending across multiple product categories at CORSAIR including Drop, Elgato, ORIGIN PC and SCUF Gaming.

“We are thrilled to be teaming up with Activision and have our world-class brands come together as CORSAIR is set to deliver premium performance for Call of Duty players across all platforms whether it’s playing Black Ops 6, capturing amazing content or streaming with friends,” said Thi La, President and COO at CORSAIR.

“Our goal has always been to fuel the Call of Duty fandom with best-in-class products built for today’s gamers and we couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with CORSAIR for the launch of Black Ops 6. The suite of officially licensed products will help elevate gaming stations everywhere in true Call of Duty Black Ops style,” said Brooke Carpenter, Senior Director, Global Consumer Products at Activision.

In addition to top-tier controllers from SCUF Gaming, CORSAIR headsets and keyboards and streaming equipment from Elgato, this collaboration will see the introduction of several high-end gaming PCs including the ORIGIN PC EON16-X laptop, ORIGIN PC NEURON gaming PC, and the CORSAIR VENGEANCE Gaming PC line. These high-performance gaming machines are designed for the ultimate gaming experience, featuring cutting-edge hardware, custom Black Ops 6-themed aesthetics, and superior build quality. With powerful processors, advanced graphics, and lightning-fast storage, Call of Duty fans will enjoy seamless gameplay and stunning visuals.

Beginning with the launch of the highly-anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, featured products launching today and throughout this holiday include:

CORSAIR

  1. HS80 RGB WIRELESS CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: A premium wireless gaming headset that delivers incredibly detailed sound through custom-tuned 50mm neodymium audio drivers with immersive Dolby Atmos. It features hyper-fast SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS and a broadcast-grade omnidirectional microphone that captures your voice with outstanding clarity.
  2. K65 PLUS WIRELESS CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Stand out from the crowd with superior skill and distinctive design.
  3. The CORSAIR K65 PLUS WIRELESS is a 75% gaming keyboard that maxes out on performance and personality. Step up your Switch game with pre-lubricated CORSAIR MLX Red V2 linear switches that make each keystroke silky smooth and responsive.
  4. M75 WIRELESS CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Sculpted by victory. Made for the spotlight. The M75 WIRELESS sports an expertly designed ambidextrous mouse shape and ultra-fast connectivity via SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS and Bluetooth.
  5. MM300 2XL CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: a high endurance cloth mouse mat for high-DPI gaming mice. Reinforced stitched edges guard against surface peeling, while the textile-weaved surface gives superior control for lethal in-game accuracy.
  6. VENGEANCE SERIES CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Step up your game with a CORSAIR VENGEANCE gaming pc, built with a full range of award-winning CORSAIR components, and powered by the latest cutting-edge processors and graphics.

SCUF Gaming

  1. REFLEX CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Stay unstoppable with ergonomically designed remappable paddles, adaptive triggers, and onboard profiles that allow you to quickly switch from one game to another with SCUF Reflex for PlayStation 5.
  2. INSTINCT PRO CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Engineered for better performance and responsiveness, SCUF Instinct Pro for Xbox Series X|S provides four remappable paddles, interchangeable thumbsticks, and instant triggers that switch from regular to a mouse-like click at the flip of a switch.
  3. ENVISION PRO CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Designed to deliver the best experience for controller PC gamers. SCUF Envision is equipped with 11 additional remappable inputs, ultra-fast wired/wireless connectivity, advanced software for macros and endless customization options.
  4. UNIVERSAL CONTROLLER PROTECTION CASE CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: This case has an impact-resistant exterior and a soft, padded interior to protect your controller from dents and scratches, even while travelling. It works to protect any Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PS4, or Xbox One controller.

Elgato

  1. STREAM DECK MK.2 CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Features 15 customizable LCD keys to control apps and platforms. Hit the store for app plugins, icons, tracks plus effects, and keep your setup fresh with interchangeable faceplates.
  2. WAVE:3 USB MICROPHONE CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: A premium microphone and digital mixing solution that fuses plug-and-play convenience with broadcast-grade circuitry.
  3. WAVE MIC ARM LP CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: A studio-grade boom arm for your premium microphone, Wave Mic Arm LP sits below the shoulder line for an unobstructed view.

Drop

ARTISAN KEYCAP CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: A 1u artisan keycap featuring a jet-black acrylic keycap with a bite jutting out to meet your fingertips.

ORIGIN PC

  1. ORIGIN PC NEURON CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: A gaming powerhouse engineered for intense action and precision. Equipped with cutting-edge hardware including powerful graphics cards, fast processors, and more. With fully customizable options and up to 8TB of storage, you’ll have the space and speed to dominate every game. Encased in a sleek design, the NEURON brings unparalleled power and style to your gaming setup.
  2. ORIGIN PC EON16-X CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Experience unparalleled performance and immersive gameplay in a sleek, custom design. Fully customizable, add on a plethora of storage and high-quality DDR5 memory with components by CORSAIR.

Specific products are available now or open for pre-order. Additional categories, launch dates, and more details on this groundbreaking collaboration will be announced over time.

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Accessories

Anker Launches iPower Collection for the iPhone 16 Series

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Anker has launched the iPower collection featuring an extensive range of products for the latest iPhone 16 series. With the new iPhone models offering unparalleled innovation and performance, Anker’s suite of accessories and charging solutions complements these features to ensure seamless usage in the dynamic, fast-paced lifestyles of regional customers.

“We are thrilled to offer solutions that perfectly align with the latest iPhone 16 series,” said Faisal Shah, General Manager of Anker Innovations, Middle East, Africa and South Asia. “In our region, where users are constantly on the move and rely on their devices for work and entertainment, our products provide exceptional protection, performance, and convenience to ensure their iPhones are always performing at their peak.”

MagGo Clear Case for iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
Anker has just introduced the MagGo Clear Case, specifically designed for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, taking full advantage of the smartphone’s enhanced MagSafe technology. This newly launched case features 12N magnets, providing a 40% stronger magnetic hold than typical cases, ensuring secure attachment for users constantly on the move.

The case includes advanced anti-yellowing technology, preserving its pristine look over time. The MagGo Clear Case is ideal for those who want premium protection and seamless wireless charging while maintaining a sleek, stylish appearance.

Easy Fit Screen Protector Kit
The iPhone 16 boasts an impressive Super Retina XDR display, delivering stunning clarity, vibrant colors, and superior brightness. Whether watching videos, engaging in gaming, or working remotely, this screen is essential to the user experience, especially in countries like the UAE, where mobile content consumption is on the rise.

Anker’s Easy Fit Screen Protector Kit ensures the safety of this display without compromising its quality. Made with high-alumina silicon glass, the protector maintains 91% light transmittance, allowing for crisp, clear visuals while offering shatterproof protection. It shields the screen from scratches, dirt, and accidental drops, providing essential protection for busy professionals or content creators in the region.

3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stations
Anker’s iPhone 16-ready Qi2-compatible MagGo wireless charging stations offer fast and reliable charging. As the iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max come equipped with MagSafe, these three charging stations allow users to make the most of this technology, ensuring seamless, high-speed wireless charging with precise magnetic alignment for efficient energy transfer.

The first is a 3-in-1 Foldable charging station is perfect for iPhone 16 users who want to keep all their devices—iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch—charged together. Its foldable design makes it ideal for users who value both portability and space efficiency.

The second flat 3-in-1 charging station brings an elevated experience with its sleek, space-saving design, catering to users of the iPhone 16 series who need an elegant, clutter-free solution to keep their devices powered while offering the same fast 15W charging capability.

The third-standing 3-in-1 charging station is tailored for those seeking a more compact setup, blending in seamlessly with any environment. This model is an excellent option for iPhone 16 users looking for minimalism without compromising functionality or power.

The iPhone 16 series, with its enhanced MagSafe technology, pairs perfectly with the Anker MagGo 10,000mAh Power Bank, offering quick wireless charging for those constantly on the move. With fast wireless charging capabilities, users of the iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and Pro Max can keep their devices powered throughout the day without worry.

This power bank’s 10,000mAh capacity ensures long-lasting power, making it a vital accessory for iPhone 16 users who travel or engage in work or entertainment on the go. Its sleek design complements the premium look and feel of the iPhone 16 series.

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max support fast charging, allowing users to charge their devices up to 50% in just 30 minutes. This feature is crucial for users in the UAE and Saudi Arabia who demand long-lasting battery life to power through their workdays and personal activities without interruption.

The Anker 511 Charger (Nano 3) is the ideal solution, delivering high-speed charging in a compact form. Compatible with USB-C and MagSafe charging, this charger ensures users can quickly recharge their iPhones at home, in the office, or on the go. Its sleek design and portability make it the perfect accessory for those who value both functionality and convenience.

Anker’s iPower collection is designed to empower iPhone 16 users with a seamless blend of innovation, convenience, and protection. Whether you’re looking for fast-charging solutions, premium accessories like the MagGo Clear Case or Easy Fit Screen Protector Kit, or versatile 3-in-1 charging stations, Anker ensures that your devices are always powered and protected.

While most of these products are now available in the UAE, the MagGo Case and Easy Fit Screen Protector Kit will be available starting 20th September 2024.

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Accessories

Cooler Master Unveils the Shark X

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Cooler Master has announced the Shark X, a groundbreaking pre-built PC that redefines the boundaries between performance, design, and art. The Shark X delivers an exceptional computing experience while standing as a bold statement piece inspired by the ocean’s mightiest and most efficient predator. “The Shark X is not just a high-performance PC—it’s a masterpiece that brings art and technology together, reflecting Cooler Master’s commitment to innovative design and engineering,” said Jimmy Sha, CEO of Cooler Master.

Standing three feet tall (1 meter), the Shark X is crafted using advanced manufacturing techniques, seamlessly blending organic forms with technological precision. Drawing inspiration from custom mods in Cooler Master’s Case Mod World Series 2019, its distinctive design offers raw power and striking visual impact. More than just a computer, the Shark X is an art piece that transforms any space it occupies.

Beneath its striking exterior, the Shark X houses a mini-ITX framework allowing for full upgradability. The internal structure, visible through strategic openings in the chassis, adds to its mystique. The Shark X defies conventional market categories, appealing to a diverse audience. It captivates design enthusiasts, satisfies tech-savvy professionals and gamers, and intrigues individuals seeking exclusive products. Its artistic presence makes the Shark X a versatile masterpiece of technology and design.

The Cooler Master Shark X is now available at Cooler Master’s official online store in North America and select retailers worldwide.

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