Gadgets
Yango Launches Yasmina Max Smart Speaker
Yango Group has announced the launch of its flagship smart speaker, Yasmina Max. Equipped with the human-like AI assistant Yasmina, this speaker delivers exceptional sound quality along with an interactive LED screen. Yasmina Max allows you to fully appreciate music, featuring a three-way sound system and five distinct drivers for bass, midrange, and treble, along with a passive radiator, all powered by 65 watts of impressive audio performance. Yasmina Max’s high-quality microphones make it easy to interact with it, even in a noisy room.
Users can transform their entire home into an interconnected audio space by placing Yasmina Max alongside other Yasmina smart speakers, such as Yasmina Mini and Yasmina Midi, in every room. With Multiroom Mode, you can enjoy seamless, synchronised music playback throughout your living spaces. To activate the multiroom mode, simply link the speakers to one account, connect them to the same Wi-Fi network, and say, “Yasmina, play music everywhere.”
Yasmina Max has an LED screen that adjusts its brightness based on the room’s lighting. When the speaker is turned off, the screen displays the time, and when music is playing, it shows a dynamic visual representation of the audio. It also uses the screen to supplement answers with animations. For example, the AI assistant can show the weather forecast or express an emotion when you ask, “Yasmina, how are you?”
Powered by a cutting-edge GPT model, YangoGPT, Yasmina is more than just a smart assistant. It engages in human-like conversations in both Khaleeji Arabic and English. The assistant simplifies daily tasks by providing help with decision-making, generating new ideas, and clarifying complex concepts. Simply ask, “Yasmina, how many grams of beans do I need for 2 cups of Arabic coffee?” or “Yasmina, how can I plan a surprise party for my best friend?”
“Apart from its superior technological characteristics, Yasmina Max offers a sophisticated design. Available in three colours — green, beige, and black — it is crafted to complement any interior, making it the perfect addition to any GCC home,” said Rami Abu Arja, Senior Innovation Marketing Manager at Yasmina, Yango Middle East. To fully enjoy everything Yasmina Max has to offer, including music streaming and recommendations, users need to activate a subscription to Yango Play.
Yango Play is an AI-powered entertainment super app that offers an extensive library of movies, series, TV channels, mini-games, music, and more. With an active subscription, Yasmina suggests songs, plays music that suits the user’s mood and recognises family members, adapting its recommendations to match each person’s preferences. Yasmina Max is now available for purchase through various outlets across the UAE, with an exclusive one-month partnership with the retail outlet Virgin Megastore. Customers can also find Yasmina Max online on Noon, and, for the first time, Amazon. The smart speaker is currently priced at AED 1199.
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.