Gadgets
Garmin Launches its Fēnix 8 Series of GPS-Enabled Smartwatches

Garmin UAE, KSA and the Indian sub-continent has announced the launch of the new fēnix 8 series, its next-gen premium multisport GPS smartwatches. Designed for anyone who wants to push beyond their limits, the fēnix 8 series offers either a bright AMOLED display or a solar charging display for even greater battery life. Introducing advanced strength training features, dive capabilities, an internal speaker and mic and more, fēnix 8 series has elevated the smartwatch game to new heights. Boasting incredible battery life, it’s easy to explore more; the 51mm AMOLED model offers up to 29 days of battery life in smartwatch mode while the 51mm solar model with an always-on display offers up to 48 days.
“Having the opportunity to unveil the next generation fēnix to such a prestigious room of industry leaders was an honour and it is our pride to bring to the region the next level for smartwatches. Whether a seasoned athlete or someone looking to simply improve their well-being, the fēnix 8 series is the perfect fit,” Abdulaziz Abdulla, Group Managing Director – AMIT International Group.
“It takes something special to make this much of an impact in the sports and technology field and the fēnix 8 series is nothing short of sensational. From the AMOLED or solar display to the two-way messaging system and 40-meter dive capability all tested to U.S Military standards, this smartwatch has set a new standard,” Tim Spurling, General Manager Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and India, Fitness, Outdoor and Marine at Garmin.
Features:
- AMOLED or solar: Choose between a bright AMOLED display or an always-on display with a solar charging lens that harnesses the power of the sun even better, resulting in fēnix 8 – 51mm providing 50% more solar power than its predecessor1. Both models also feature refreshed graphics. The AMOLED option is available in three sizes – 43mm, 47mm or 51mm – while the solar charging option is available in 47mm or 51mm.
- Rugged design: All models feature leakproof metal buttons, and a new sensor guard to help protect essential sensors and have been tested to U.S. military standards for thermal, shock and water resistance. And premium materials like an optional titanium bezel and optional scratch-resistant sapphire lens are built to endure, even in the harshest of conditions.
- Built-in speaker and microphone: Make and take phone calls from the watch when paired with a compatible smartphone. Certain voice commands can be activated right from the watch—no phone connection is required.
- Built-in LED flashlight: Quickly control the flashlight’s brightness right from the display. Variable intensities, a red light and strobe mode can help provide greater awareness in dark environments—like during a training run, searching for a lost toy under the couch, reading a menu at a dimly-lit restaurant and more.
- Advanced strength training: Elevate performance with targeted, 4-6-week strength training plans to help meet personal goals, plus sport-specific workouts for athletes of all types, including trail runners, surfers, skiers and more.
- Dive capabilities: Dive in with a 40-meter dive-rated case, leakproof metal buttons and support for scuba and apnea dive activities.
- Garmin Messenger app: Communicate with family and friends via two-way text messaging right from the watch.
- Advanced mapping and navigation: View terrain contours on TopoActive maps3 and access preloaded maps for thousands of golf courses and ski resorts around the world. A new map interface allows users to easily customize map layers to get the most out of their navigation. While exploring, enter a distance on the watch and receive suggested routes to stay on track and on time with dynamic round-trip routing.
No matter the adventure, fēnix 8 series can help all types of athletes. Every morning, a training readiness score can help determine if it’s a good day to go hard or take it easy, while advanced training metrics like endurance score, hill score, VO2 max, training status and more can help gauge overall performance. During a training session, PacePro provides GPS-based pace guidance for selected courses or distances while grade-adjusted pace provides an equivalent running pace at the same effort on flat ground or when ascending. Meanwhile, ClimbPro displays real-time information on current and upcoming climbs.
To prepare for the next big race, athletes can view personalized daily suggested workouts that adapt after every run or ride, use free Garmin Coach training plans and reference the race widget for training tips, personalized daily suggested workouts and more. New activities like apnea and scuba diving join dozens of preloaded activities – including running, whitewater rafting, golfing and pickleball, plus team sports like soccer to help users stay active.
Whether working out at a gym or home, fēnix 8 series tracks activities like strength, cardio, yoga and HIIT. Users can also follow animated cardio, strength, yoga and Pilates workouts right on their watch screen. Explorers can also keep track of their adventures with insights for snowboarding, XC skiing, surfing, mountain biking and more. While out skiing, users can now track how much time they spend on different difficulties throughout the day at thousands of resorts worldwide.
Ready for any adventure, fēnix 8 series is packed with premium mapping features to help explorers stay on track. Available on fēnix 8 Sapphire models, preloaded TopoActive maps provide a multi-continent mapping from around the world. An Outdoor Maps+ subscription provides explorers with premium mapping content, like satellite imagery and enhanced topographic maps right on the watch. Meanwhile, SatIQ and multi-band GPS help provide superior positioning accuracy in challenging environments—all while optimizing battery life. Before heading out, adventurers can create or find existing courses in Garmin Connect and seamlessly sync them to their watch to get turn-by-turn directions. While out exploring, users can navigate trails with the NextFork Map Guide or the built-in altimeter, barometer and 3-axis electronic compass.
Loaded with 24/7 health monitoring features, fēnix 8 series includes wrist-based Pulse Ox5, Body Battery energy monitoring, jet lag adviser, advanced sleep monitoring, nap detection and more. Upon waking, users can receive a morning report that provides a customized look at last night’s sleep, their training outlook and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Status. While on the go, fēnix 8 series lets users: share saved locations, courses and workouts with others who have a compatible Garmin device using Garmin Share; receive smart notifications; download songs from Spotify, Deezer or Amazon Music for phone-free listening; workout with peace of mind with incident detection, assistance and LiveTrack7; breeze through checkout lines with Garmin Pay contactless payments; and more.
The pricing of the fēnix 8 series starts at AED 4283.

Gadgets
HONOR Intros PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR

HONOR announced the launch of their latest ultra-premium flagship smartphone in the UAE. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR marks the third collaboration between the global technology brand HONOR and the exclusive lifestyle brand Porsche Design. The new device merges premium sports car inspired design with state-of-the-art technology, again showcasing a powerful collaboration meticulously crafting a groundbreaking product. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR represents a leap forward in AI-enabled smartphone technology, seamlessly integrating AI into the user experience by enhancing imaging, display, performance, and system interactions, creating a personalized smart platform that adapts and improves with use. The official unveiling took place at LEAP 2025 (Riyadh, KSA), where HONOR made a remarkable impact under the theme “LEAP into HONOR AI World” by unveiling – the PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR, setting a new standard in the premium smartphone market in the GCC.
The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR seamlessly blends Porsche Design’s iconic sporty aesthetics with exceptional quality, functionality, and usability. Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the creator of the legendary sports car 911 and founder of Porsche Design once described his design approach in the following way: “As little design as possible, as much design as necessary.” Drawing from F. A. Porsche’s philosophy of simplicity and sophistication, the PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR incorporates the HONOR Magic7’s symmetrical camera module while integrating the latest sports car design, a celebration of superior dynamics and elegance. This fusion of innovation and heritage creates a unique appeal, with a powerful design highlighted by a distinctive central ridge reminiscent of sleek hood lines featured on many Porsche sports cars. This feature enhances both visual appeal and ergonomics, providing a comfortable and secure grip.
The phone incorporates Porsche’s signature design elements with a hexagonal camera module inspired by high-performance components. The aerodynamic aesthetics of the Taycan Turbo S are seamlessly integrated, and the symmetrical arrangement of four imaging units (3 cameras and 1 graphic element) resemble sports car headlights, protected by 3D glass echoing Porsche’s windshield curves. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR replicates the smooth, refined surface of a sports car, offering a sensory feast of visual and tactile delight.
The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR features the new cutting-edge MagicOS 9.0. This industry-first, personalized all-scenario AI operating system is equipped with intelligent features that are thoughtfully engineered to meet the varied needs of users, spanning from everyday smartphone operation, entertainment, communication, photo editing, and professional tasks. Introducing Magic Portal, users can conveniently access essential information and services through the upgraded circle and access capability, streamlining smartphone interactions with a simple circle and tap gesture. The MagicOS 9.0 also integrates AI-powered Real-time Transcript, AI Summary, AI Minutes and AI Format features into HONOR Notes, enhancing meeting efficiency for business users. Furthermore, it provides AI Eraser and AI Cutout for an enhanced photo-editing experience. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR now comes with the Google Gemini app pre-installed. This AI assistant from Google can help users enhance ideas, learn in new ways, write emails, plan events and more.
The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR boasts the pioneering AI HONOR Image Engine, the industry’s first on-device plus cloud large model empowered mobile imaging system. It delivers a transformative photography experience from image capture to editing. Leveraging the power of large models, the device elevates image precision across all photography needs including portraits, snapshots, or telephoto images. This device showcases a range of AI-driven photography tools, including All-scenario Harcourt Portrait, AI Enhanced Portrait, AI Super Zoom for Scenery Capture, Stage Mode, AI Motion Sensing Capture, and HD Super Burst. Users can take stunning photos through AI processing, capturing every moment with remarkable clarity and detail.
With a triple rear camera setup that includes a 50MP Super Dynamic Falcon Main Camera, a 200MP Ultra-sensitive Telephoto Camera, and a 50MP Wide Camera, the device is a perfect tool for photography enthusiasts seeking a professional-like shooting experience. Equipped with an advanced 1/1.4″ telephoto sensor and the industry’s largest f/1.88 telephoto aperture, the telephoto camera rivals the performance of professional telephoto lenses. The LiDAR Matrix Autofocus System, featuring 1200 Points LiDAR Matrix, enhances focusing accuracy, speed, and tracking range, ensuring sharp and clear shots of moving subjects. With a dual electromagnetic focus actuator, the focus capability is enhanced significantly.
The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR is equipped with the Natural Light HONOR AI Eye Comfort Display, which simulates natural light characteristics and is certified by TÜV Rheinland Full Care Display 4.0, TÜV Rheinland Circular Polarization, and TÜV Rheinland Flicker-Free, setting a new standard in user eye health protection. Providing ultimate protection to the device, the smartphone incorporates the HONOR Anti-scratch NanoCrystal Shield and is certified with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance withstanding everyday scratches and shocks. The device also supports rapid charging options with 100W Wired and 80W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge, by incorporating a 5850mAh Third-generation Silicon-carbon Battery that delivers reliable power even in low temperatures.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, Qualcomm’s most powerful mobile system-on-a-chip, the device ensures smooth gaming and multitasking with stunning graphics and efficient battery usage. The HONOR Surround Subwoofer, a stereo speaker with an integrated ultra-large sound cavity and spatial audio, offers deep bass and an immersive audio experience. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR features a unique user interface infused with elements inspired by sports cars. Enhancing the user experience, the smartphone includes a special premium phone case that provides enhanced durability. With its impressive features, the PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR is an ideal companion for everyday life, blending style, performance, and durability seamlessly.
The luxury flagship device is available in two distinct Original Porsche exterior colors: the classic Agate Grey, a sporty yet elegant hue, and the brand-new color Provence, a modern purple hue that adds a touch of flamboyance to the over-all clean and functional design. The UAE consumers can now subscribe online to be among the first to experience the all-new PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR.
Accessories
Apple’s Beats Unveils Powerbeats Pro 2 with Heart-Rate Monitoring

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.
Gadgets
Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G Review: A Powerhouse Packed with Premium Features

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series has always been a crowd-pleaser, offering flagship-level features at a mid-range price. The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G continues this legacy, delivering a compelling package that excels in design, performance, and innovation.
Design and Build Quality
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G boasts a sleek and modern design that feels premium despite its affordable price tag. The phone features a glass back with a matte finish, which not only looks elegant but also resists fingerprints. The phone also features high-strength aluminium composite frame, giving it a sturdy and premium feel.
The device is surprisingly lightweight at 190 grams and has a slim profile, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The IP68 rating ensures protection against dust and splashes, adding to its durability. The placement of buttons is ergonomic, ensuring ease of use.
Display
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G features a 6.67-inch CrystalRes AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering buttery-smooth scrolling and animations. The screen supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, which delivers vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming.
With a peak brightness of 3000 nits, the display remains visible even under direct sunlight. The in-display fingerprint scanner is fast and accurate, adding to the overall premium experience. Whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or browsing, the display is one of the standout features of this device.
Camera
The camera setup on the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is impressive for its price range. The device features a 200MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and an f/1.65 aperture, utilising 16-in-1 binning to create one large 2.24μm pixel. It has a 1/1.4” sensor size and a 7P lens. Additionally, it includes an 8MP ultra-wide camera with an f/2.2 aperture, and a 2MP macro camera with an f/2.4 aperture. The camera capabilities include dynamic shots, motion tracking focus, lightning burst, film frame, portraits, document mode, night mode, dual video, and steady video.
The primary camera captures stunning, detailed photos with accurate colours and excellent dynamic range, even in low-light conditions, thanks to Xiaomi’s advanced Night Mode. The ultra-wide-angle lens is great for capturing landscapes, while the macro lens adds versatility for close-up shots.
The device also boasts a 20MP front camera with an f/2.2 aperture, featuring a soft-light ring, AI beautify, night mode, portrait mode, palm shutter, and selfie timer. For front camera video recording, it supports 1080p at 30/60fps and 720p at 30fps. The front camera does a good job in both the photography and videography department.
Internal Specs and Performance
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra chipset, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G delivers flagship-level performance. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra is built on a 4nm manufacturing process. It features an octa-core CPU with a clock speed of up to 2.5GHz, and it is paired with a Mali-G615 MC2 GPU.
Paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, the device handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps with ease. The 5G connectivity ensures future-proofing, while the Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 support add to the device’s versatility. Gaming performance is quite food, with the device handling titles such as Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile at high settings without breaking a sweat.
AI Features
Xiaomi has integrated several AI-powered features into the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G, enhancing the user experience. These features make the device smarter and more intuitive, catering to both casual users and tech enthusiasts.
AI Erase Pro lets you easily remove unwanted clutter from your photos with just a tap, making it magically disappear. AI Image Expansion allows you to extend your image beyond its original frame seamlessly, while AI Bokeh adds a beautiful background blur to make your image subject stand out. With AI Cutout, you can identify and separate image subjects from the background, and AI Film helps you create short vlogs and videos by recommending tailored templates and soundtracks based on your chosen photos and videos.
AI Beautify enhances your photos with gender recognition and pro-level beauty features for richer and more natural effects. AI Ultra-Clear Portrait provides sharp and detailed portraits with improved face clarity. Gemini Extensions connect Gemini to other Google apps and services, while Image Generation lets you create stunning images. The Gemini Overlay offers quick access to context-aware help with what’s on your screen, enabling you to easily search and get information with just a click or circle around an image.
Battery and Charging
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is equipped with a 5110mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of heavy usage. The device supports 45W turbo charging, allowing you to quickly top up the device without any hassle.
Overall Performance
The combination of the MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra, ample RAM, and optimised Xiaomi HyperOS ensures a smooth and lag-free experience. The device handles everything from everyday tasks to intensive gaming with ease. The 120Hz display and 5G connectivity further enhance the overall performance, making it a future-ready device.
Verdict
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is a stellar offering in the mid-range segment, delivering flagship-level features at an affordable price. Its premium design, stunning display, versatile camera system, and powerful performance make it a standout choice for anyone looking for a feature-packed smartphone.
The inclusion of AI features and 5G connectivity ensures that the device remains relevant for years to come. If you’re in the market for a mid-range smartphone that punches above its weight, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is an excellent choice.
Price: AED 1200
Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G AED 1200
Summary
The camera setup on the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is impressive for its price range. The device features a 200MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and an f/1.65 aperture, utilising 16-in-1 binning to create one large 2.24μm pixel.
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