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.
Gadgets
HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 Brings Paperless Productivity Ideal for Students and Office Professionals
The highly anticipated HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 has officially arrived in the United Arab Emirates, bringing a productivity-focused tablet with a paper-like display. The innovative PaperMatte Display reduces eye strain while delivering stunning clarity and vibrant colours. Designed for the modern workspace and university life, the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 is perfect for jotting down notes, collaborating on projects, or enjoying media.
Enhanced with the upgraded HUAWEI Notes app and features to streamline workflows, the MatePad 11.5 is set to become the go-to device for those seeking greater efficiency in their daily tasks. The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 is now available at Huawei’s official online platforms and select retail stores at AED 1299 with gifts worth AED 707 including Band 8, digital pen and keyboard. The MatePAd 11.5 comes in Isle Blue and Space Gray colour options.
The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 features an 11.5-inch HUAWEI FullView Display with a 2200 x 1440 resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate, transforming paperless tasks, learning, and reading into a smooth, vivid viewing experience. With Nanoscale Anti-Glare Etching Technology, the PaperMatte Display minimises reflections, providing a softer, more comfortable experience even during prolonged use. It has received the TÜV Rheinland Reflection-Free and Paper-Like Display Certificates, as well as the SGS Low Visual Fatigue Certificate, which guarantees reduced ambient light reflection, consistent contrast, and a paper-like texture, making it easier on the eyes.
The Colour eBook Mode further enhances the experience by utilising Huawei’s proprietary colour-mapping algorithm to balance brightness, hue, and colour temperature. It faithfully reproduces the vibrant colours and rich textures of physical books, like graphic novels and magazines, and brings images to life. Compatible with the HUAWEI M-Pencil Package (3rd generation), the PaperMatte Display offers the perfect balance of friction and subtle vibration giving you more control while writing and drawing. It even creates a pleasant rustle closely replicating the authentic pen-on-paper experience.
The new Multi-Note feature allows you to open multiple notes simultaneously, enabling seamless switching between them and the One-Touch Split-Screen feature allows you to view and compare them side by side. Note Replay offers an efficient new way to take notes by utilising advanced audio processing technology to sync audio in real-time as you write. Clicking on the handwritten note will instantly synchronise the audio, ensuring smooth and quick access to the relevant content. Sharing notes with colleagues and friends is now easier than ever using the HiNote format. Recipients can effortlessly edit these shared notes allowing you to adapt a paperless workflow and make collaboration easier.
The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 delivers desktop-like productivity with access to native desktop applications and features like Floating Multi-Window and advanced window management. The Multi-Screen Collaboration feature even lets you use the tablet as a second screen or easily transfer files between your tablet and phone.
The HUAWEI Smart Keyboard, designed in two modes for easy creation, lets you further enhance your productivity while on the go. In Laptop Form, it’s perfect for office use, providing a convenient and comfortable setup for creating proposals efficiently. In Split Form, the two-piece design features a detachable keyboard and a sturdy panel bracket that securely holds the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 in place. With strong structural back support, this design allows users to type comfortably in various positions, even on their lap.
In Laptop Form, the HUAWEI Smart Keyboard offers a convenient and comfortable setup, ideal for efficient office use. In Split Form, the two-piece design features a detachable keyboard and a sturdy case that securely supports the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 in place, allowing users to type comfortably on their lap.
CES
CES 2025: HP Shows Off AI Innovations to Boost Productivity and Revolutionise Gaming with One Click
At CES 2025, HP showcased its latest AI-driven PCs, designed to enhance productivity and collaboration. HP’s EliteBooks and EliteBook Ultra G1i boast advanced AI features like a built-in recording studio, AI-enhanced collaboration, and top-notch security with Wolf Security.
For leaders on the move, the HP EliteBook X G1i and X Flip G1i offer robust performance and versatile design. They feature Intel Core Ultra processors and advanced thermal designs for multitasking and adaptability.
HP’s new commercial AI PCs, including the ZBook Ultra G1a and Z2 Mini G1a, provide exceptional performance for workstation-class professionals. These devices integrate AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO processors and scalable memory for demanding workflows.
Lastly, HP introduced its Thunderbolt 4 G6 Docks, enhancing connectivity and management for modern workspaces.
HP also impressed CES 2025 attendees with its latest OMEN and HyperX gaming solutions, emphasizing powerful, personalized, and AI-enhanced experiences. Among the highlights is the OMEN AI Beta, a groundbreaking software that optimizes gaming performance with a single click. Launched with support for Counter-Strike 2, OMEN AI will expand its game library soon.
The OMEN MAX 16 Laptop caters to gamers seeking top-tier performance. With Intel Core Ultra 9 or AMD Ryzen AI 9 processors, up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM, and NVIDIA Blackwell GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs, it promises smooth and responsive gameplay. Enhanced thermal management, sleek design, and customizable RGB features make it a standout choice.
The OMEN 32x Smart Gaming Monitor, HP’s first Google TV-enabled gaming monitor, offers a 4K UHD 144Hz display, seamless device switching, and the ability to stream directly from the display.
HyperX’s new Pulsefire Saga series introduces shape modularity, offering up to 16 combinations for a customized gaming experience. The Saga Pro model features dual wireless connectivity and Instant Pair with OMEN laptops.
CES
ASUS ROG Intros New Gaming Innovations at CES 2025
ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) unveiled a stunning lineup of cutting-edge gaming technology at CES 2025, designed to elevate gaming hardware performance to new heights. The event showcased various groundbreaking products including high-performance graphics cards, innovative gaming laptops, and AI-enhanced routers.
ROG Astral Series
The ROG Astral GeForce RTX 50 Series debuted with the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080, alongside the liquid-cooled Astral LC GeForce RTX 5090. These cards feature a revolutionary four-fan design, improving cooling efficiency by up to 20%. This innovation ensures peak performance during intense gaming sessions, setting a new standard for stability and power.
ROG Strix and Zephyrus Series
The 2025 ROG Strix SCAR 16/18 and G16/G18 laptops were highlighted, equipped with the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 processor 275HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU for unparalleled power. The ultrathin Zephyrus G14 and G16 models offered exceptional gaming capabilities in a lightweight, CNC-milled aluminium chassis.
ROG Flow Z13
The ROG Flow Z13, powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with Radeon 8060S Graphics, presented a unique blend of power and portability. Its 2.5K ROG Nebula 180Hz touchscreen display and robust aluminium unibody chassis redefined portable gaming devices.
G700 Series
The G700 series of tower gaming desktops offer advanced cooling solutions and the latest CPU and GPU technology. With customizable RGB lighting and robust connectivity options, they provided a visually cohesive and high-performance gaming environment.
ROG NUC (2025)
The compact ROG NUC (2025) mini PC, with up to Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 265H and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, challenged traditional perceptions of gaming desktops. Its sleek design, efficient thermal management, and powerful performance made it ideal for space-limited gamers.
ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM
The ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM, the world’s first 27-inch 4K gaming monitor with a QD-OLED panel, offered a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time. This monitor provided fast visuals without sacrificing colour accuracy or contrast, thanks to its OLED Anti-Flicker 2.0 and advanced Neo Proximity Sensor.
ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI
The ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI router, the world’s first Wi-Fi 7 AI gaming router, featured a built-in NPU to optimize network performance through AI enhancements, ensuring seamless gameplay in bandwidth-intensive environments.