Gadgets
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Review: Blazing Speeds, Low Latency
The ROG Rapture GT-BE98 throws its hat into the ring of premium Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) quad-band routers, promising top-tier performance, extensive features, and a design that screams “gamer.” But is the GT-BE98 all flash and no frags, or does it deliver the lag-free, feature-rich experience that competitive gamers crave? Let’s find out!
Design
ROG doesn’t shy away from bold aesthetics with the GT-BE98. The router boasts a futuristic, angular design dominated by a large, aggressive vent system. Illuminated ROG logos and customisable Aura Sync RGB lighting further enhance the “gamer cave” vibe.
Functionality is woven into the form. The eight high-gain antennas are strategically positioned for optimal signal distribution. The abundance of ports caters to even the most demanding setups: one 10Gbps for WAN/LAN, one 2.5Gbps for WAN/LAN, one 10Gbps for LAN, three 2.5Gbps for LAN, one RJ45 10/100/1000Mbps for LAN, one USB 3.2 Gen1, and one USB 2.0.
Other physical buttons on the device include WPS, Reset, Power, and LED Control. Inside the box, you get the GT-BE98 quad-band gaming router, an RJ-45 cable, a power adapter, a Quick Start Guide, and a warranty card.
WiFi 7
Wi-Fi 7 takes everything you love about Wi-Fi 6/6E and cranks it up a notch. Imagine wider channels (320 MHz bandwidth) for smoother data flow and a more efficient way to transmit information (4K-QAM). Plus, Wi-Fi 7 introduces a game-changer called Multi-Link Operation. This lets your devices use multiple channels and frequencies simultaneously, boosting speed, and reliability, and reducing that dreaded lag. The result? An unmatched network experience, especially for online gaming. This means lightning-fast connections, near-instantaneous responses, and rock-solid stability.
Security
The GT-BE98 comes equipped with AiProtection Pro, a suite of security features powered by Trend Micro. This includes protection against malware, intrusion prevention, and infected device blocking. Additionally, Lifetime Free AiProtection keeps the router’s security definitions up-to-date, ensuring ongoing protection against evolving threats. Parents will appreciate the built-in parental controls that allow for filtering content and scheduling internet access for connected devices.
Performance
The heart of the GT-BE98 lies in its powerful hardware. A quad-core processor paired with ample RAM ensures smooth operation, even under heavy loads. Supporting the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, the GT-BE98 unlocks access to the coveted 6 GHz band, offering wider channels and less congestion, compared with the crowded 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This translates to potentially faster speeds, lower latency, and a more stable connection – crucial factors for online gaming.
The GT-BE9 also comes equipped with ASUS’s AiMesh technology, allowing you to create a mesh network by connecting multiple ROG routers for seamless Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. Gamers with sprawling residences or those struggling with dead zones will appreciate this functionality.
Furthermore, features such as Game Acceleration prioritise gaming traffic, ensuring that latency-sensitive online games receive the bandwidth they deserve. Similarly, the built-in VPN Fusion allows you to simultaneously run a VPN for specific traffic while maintaining a normal internet connection for other devices. This caters to gamers who might want to use a VPN for privacy while still enjoying lag-free online gameplay.
While raw specifications are impressive, the true test lies in real-world performance. During our tests, we found that the ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is built to deliver on its promises, offering a significant upgrade for gamers seeking a lag-free and ultra-responsive online experience.
Software Suite
The ASUSWRT interface provides a comprehensive suite of controls for managing the GT-BE98. Users can toggle granular settings such as network traffic prioritisation, parental controls, and guest network management. The interface is well-organised and offers helpful information for even novice users.
The Armoury Crate app acts as a central hub for managing all ROG devices. Here, you can customise RGB lighting effects across compatible ROG components, monitor system performance, and access ROG Game First V for further network traffic prioritisation.
Verdict
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 is a formidable contender in the premium Wi-Fi 7 router market. It delivers top-tier performance with blazing-fast speeds, ultra-low latency, and extensive features specifically designed to cater to the needs of serious gamers. The powerful hardware, support for Wi-Fi 7, and ASUS’s AiMesh technology create a potent combination for ensuring smooth online gameplay and a strong, reliable connection throughout your home.
Price: AED 3889
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE98 AED 3889
Summary
ROG doesn’t shy away from bold aesthetics with the GT-BE98. The router boasts a futuristic, angular design dominated by a large, aggressive vent system. Illuminated ROG logos and customisable Aura Sync RGB lighting further enhance the “gamer cave” vibe.
User Review
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Huawei to Launch Next-Generation Foldable Smartphone at Dubai Launch Event
Huawei is set to host a highly anticipated launch event in Dubai this December, where the company will unveil several innovative products that promise to redefine the tech landscape. The event marks a pivotal moment for the brand, unveiling groundbreaking products like the HUAWEI Mate X6, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, and HUAWEI nova 13 Series. The new products will set new benchmarks for design, functionality, and user experience in the mobile and audio markets.
As Huawei continues solidifying its position as a leader in the tech industry, this launch will underscore the company’s expanding influence in international markets. Huawei’s latest flagship foldable, the HUAWEI Mate X6, will be unveiled during the Dubai launch. The phone is expected to redefine the future of foldable smartphone technology. It is among the company’s most advanced foldables to date. The Mate X6 is expected to take mobile photography to new heights, building on Huawei’s legacy of pioneering smartphone cameras of the Mate Series.
Besides the Mate X6, Huawei will unveil its next-generation audio products, including the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4. These earbuds will be the first to feature HUAWEI SOUND, offering an immersive audio experience. They will also include AI-driven noise reduction technology, designed to isolate the wearer’s voice during calls while eliminating environmental noise. This feature significantly enhances call quality, particularly in noisy environments.
Consumers can also look forward to the launch of the HUAWEI nova 13 series, a new midrange smartphone that brings a unique interweaving design and an array of exciting features. The nova 13 series offers significant upgrades over its predecessors, including enhanced camera capabilities, a performance boost, and more. The new HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 will also deliver a paper-like experience, perfect for light office productivity, efficient learning, and everyday tasks.
The Dubai event, scheduled for the 12th of December, will mark the global unveiling of Huawei’s several innovative products. The MEA market is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic regions for technology, and Huawei is committed to strengthening its regional presence. By continuing to introduce groundbreaking products, Huawei is positioning itself to shape the future of mobile technology while reinforcing its role as a global tech powerhouse.
Gadgets
PS5 Anniversary Update Intros Retro Themes Celebrating Every PlayStation Generation
Sony has delighted gamers with a nostalgic surprise to celebrate PlayStation’s 30th anniversary. In addition to retro hardware that quickly sold out, Sony has released a software update that adds classic boot screens and themes for each generation of PlayStation console. Upon launching the update, users will be prompted to select their favourite generation, with options ranging from the PS1 to the PS4.
This update changes the PS5 dashboard’s menu colours and sounds to match the chosen console’s user interface. Additionally, players can explore other themes through the new “PlayStation 30th Anniversary” item in the settings menu.
However, these themes are available only for a limited time. Sony has not specified when they will be removed, but the decision to make them temporary has raised some eyebrows. While creating a perception of scarcity or avoiding clutter in the settings menu might be strategic, it could be seen as a missed opportunity to let users permanently enjoy the nostalgic themes.
This isn’t the first time Sony has indulged in retro charm. A decade ago, during PlayStation’s 20th anniversary, a free theme transformed the PS4, PS3, and Vita to reflect the PS1’s look and startup sound. As Sony celebrates three decades of gaming excellence, fans are once again treated to a trip down memory lane.
Gadgets
Apple to Retain Titanium Frame for iPhone 17 Pro Series, Says Leaker
According to a recent leak from Weibo user “Instant Digital,” next year’s iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will retain their titanium chassis, contrary to earlier reports suggesting that Apple might shift to aluminium for its 2025 lineup. The Information’s Wayne Ma had previously indicated that Apple’s flagship iPhone 17 Pro models could be the first high-end iPhones to feature an aluminium frame since the lineup’s split into Pro and non-Pro models.
Historically, high-end iPhone models used stainless steel frames until the iPhone 15 Pro introduced a titanium chassis, which was touted as a significant upgrade. However, Ma’s report suggested a return to aluminium for the entire iPhone 17 lineup. Instant Digital, however, disagrees, stating on Weibo (via machine translation), “Of course, the iPhone 17 Pro will still use titanium. Why would anyone believe it would switch to aluminium? Think about it — it’s just not possible. Looking back at recent iPhone models, Apple has consistently emphasized the premium frame materials of the Pro series as one of its key selling points, from ‘surgical-grade stainless steel’ to ‘titanium.’ If they switched to aluminium, how could they even market it?”
The Weibo leaker’s claims, however, lack verification from supply chain information, and Ma’s report details a significant design change involving an aluminium upper back with a rectangular camera bump made of aluminium instead of traditional 3D glass, while the bottom half would remain glass to support wireless charging. Apple has a history of introducing and then discontinuing breakthrough features in its iPhones. For example, the 3D Touch feature introduced with the iPhone 6s in 2015 was phased out with the iPhone 11 in 2019.
Despite Instant Digital’s mixed accuracy record with Apple rumours, the leaker has made some accurate predictions, such as the Yellow iPhone 14 launch in 2023, the frosted back glass on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, the minor refresh for the Apple Watch Series 9, and other notable features. The iPhone 17 series is expected to debut in the fall of 2025, featuring new display sizes, a rumoured ultra-thin model, and ProMotion displays across the lineup. As always, the anticipation for Apple’s latest innovations continues to build.
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