VAR Magazine

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January 2024 | Issue 253

AMD Reveals Next-Gen Desktop Processors for Extreme PC Gaming and Creator Performance

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uring CES 2024, AMD announced new products expanding its desktop portfolio, delivering premium experiences to gamers, content creators and everyday users through extraordinary performance and the power of personal AI processing. AMD

is introducing the new AMD Ryzen 8000G Series desktop processors, including the Ryzen 7 8700G, with the world’s most powerful built-in graphics. AMD is also bringing the power of a dedicated AI neural processing unit (NPU) to desktop PC processors for the

first time with the introduction of Ryzen AI to unlock more AI capabilities for consumers and improve productivity, efficiency, and advanced collaboration.

Building on the unprecedented longevity of socket AM4, AMD is introducing new Ryzen 5000 processors, offering users even more choices when it comes to building a system for productivity, gaming, or content creation. The new offerings include the new Ryzen 7 5700X3D, leveraging powerful 3D V-Cache technology to provide gamers with a massive boost in gaming performance.

“AMD continues to lead the AI hardware revolution by offering the broadest portfolio of processors with dedicated AI engines in the x86 market,” said Jack Huynh, senior vice president and general manager, Computing and Graphics Group at AMD. “Last year at CES, we introduced the first dedicated AI engine in an x86 processor for the mobile market.

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Seagate’s Mozaic 3+

Unlocks Unparalleled Areal Density for Sustainable, Mass-Capacity Storage

P

owering Seagate’s Exos product family, the Mozaic 3+ platform introduces industry-leading capacity

points, including the release of Exos 30TB+ products—set to revolutionize hyperscale cloud storage. This advancement allows companies to store more data in the same footprint, effectively doubling capacity from conventional 16TB drives.

What sets Mozaic 3+ apart is its ability to enhance storage efficiency while addressing industry challenges.

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Electronics | Mobile | Computer | Printer | Home Appliances | Accessories | Cameras

EDITORIAL

2024 VAR Begins!

W

elcome to the first edition of VAR Catalogue Magazine for 2024! We’re kicking off the year with a bang and bringing

you all the excitement inside these pages.

Get ready to explore the latest desktop processors from AMD, Seagate’s cutting-edge Mozaic 3+ hardware platform, and the in-

for them in the first issue of the VAR. Of course, what’s a phone without a charger? We’ve rounded up some cool options from Belkin, Anker, and Aukey. And Dyson has some interesting news about their air quality data collection - check out page 11 for the scoop.

novative collaborative environment developed by HID and Olea

Acer is making waves with their Carbon-Neutral Aspire

Kisosks. Then, in brief we have news about Google’s Gemini Pro

Vero 16 laptop and the latest Predator BiFrost and Nitro Series

for developers and enterprises.

Graphics Cards. Flip through pages 12 and 13 to see their gaming

But wait, there’s more! Dell’s sleek new XPS laptops with awesome AI features are stealing the spotlight. This portfolio of laptops is made of CNC machined aluminum and Gorilla Glass

innovation in action. And don’t miss checking out the all-new AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT graphics card, on page 17.

TCL wowed audiences at CES with the world’s largest QD-Mi-

3, and tone-on-tone colors. With some striking, unconventional

ni LED TV and smart connected mobile device entertainment

looks, they have some key components that amplify the laptop

solutions. And for all you travelers out there, we’ve got some

experience.

handy gadget recommendations to make your journeys even

These phones we have featured inside, from Poco, Honor, Xiaomi, and Motorola are already turning heads. Some have

more enjoyable.

As we embark on this exciting journey curating the VAR, I

entered the market by now and for some we are waiting to have

hope you’ll join us for the ride. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead -

them in our hands soon. Let’s not forget about the buzz-worthy

happy reading and happy new year!

foldables from Samsung, Huawei, and Oppo! We do have a page Vivek Sharma Founder

2 | January 2024

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PRODUCT NEWS } Continue From P-1

AMD Reveals Next-Gen Desktop Processors for Extreme PC Gaming and Creator Performance AMD RYZEN 8000G SERIES: POWERHOUSE PERFORMANCE, ULTIMATE EFFICIENCY Featuring up to eight cores and 16 threads, the AMD Ryzen 8000G Series desktop processors redefine power and efficiency for gamers and content creators alike. With lightning-fast performance and optimized energy consumption, these processors, built on AMD’s “Zen 4” architecture, offer unparalleled speed and responsiveness.

The Ryzen 7 8700G and Ryzen 5 8600G lead the pack with impressive specs and AMD Ryzen AI technology, including the first NPU on a desktop PC processor.

Offering the fastest built-in graphics in its class, the 8000G Series ensures smooth AAA 1080p gaming and exceptional visual fidelity. Plus, with features like AMD EXPO technology and Precision Boost Overdrive, users can unlock even more performance. Available to DIY customers and SI partners from January 31st, 2024, and OEM systems expected in Q2 2024.

NEW AMD RYZEN 5000 SERIES: ELEVATING LEGACY SOCKET AM4 PLATFORMS This year, we are expanding our AI leadership to desktop computing through our Ryzen 8000G Series processors. We’re excited to lead the AI PC era together with our close OEM and ecosystem partners.”

For gaming enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance, the new AMD Ryzen 5000 Series desktop processors, built on the proven “Zen 3” architecture, deliver unmatched speed and efficiency. With models like the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D, featuring AMD 3D V-Cache technology for a massive boost in gaming performance, gamers can enjoy power and productivity gains at any setting and resolution.

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Seagate’s Mozaic 3+ Unlocks Unparalleled Areal Density for Sustainable, Mass-Capacity Storage With a focus on sustainability, the platform delivers a 40% improvement in per terabyte power consumption and a 55% reduction in embodied carbon per terabyte compared to traditional drives.

4.

KEY INNOVATIONS:

Industry experts, like John Rydning from IDC Global DataSphere, recognize the critical role of areal density improvements in expanding hard drive-based mass storage, especially in data centers. Seagate’s breakthrough is poised to deliver higher capacity hard drive products for years to come.

Beyond data centers, Mozaic 3+ storage technology is set to impact various markets, including enterprise, edge, NAS, and video and imaging applications (VIA). Seagate anticipates strong demand, with data center customers expected to complete the qualification of Mozaic 3+ and move into volume production by the end of the quarter.

1.

2.

3.

Superlattice Platinum-Alloy Media: Mozaic 3+ employs a pioneering iron-platinum superlattice structure, enhancing magnetic stability for precise data writing and unprecedented bit stability.

Plasmonic Writer: A revolutionary writer, incorporating a nanophotonic laser, ensures reliable data writing on the media surface, contributing to the platform’s unique implementation of HAMR. Gen 7 Spintronic Reader: Mozaic 3+ includes one of the world’s smallest and most sensitive magnetic field reading sensors, incorporating quantum technology for efficient data reading.

4 | January 2024

12nm Integrated Controller: The platform features an in-house developed integrated controller, a systemon-a-chip, delivering up to 3 times the performance compared to prior solutions.

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PRODUCT NEWS }

HID and Olea Kiosks Empower People with Secure and Convenient Self-Service Access A

dvanced AI-Driven Facial Recognition Meets Hyper-Modular Kiosk Design to Enhance the User Check-In/Authentication Experience Across Industries HID, the worldwide leader in trusted identity solutions, and Olea Kiosks, a visionary provider of self-service kiosk solutions, today announced a new collaborative engagement that revolutionizes the user experience when it comes to access control and user authentication across a range of applications.

WHAT: Industries from healthcare, hospitality and retail to banking, government, transportation and beyond are primed to empower people with unsurpassed levels of security and user convenience when it comes to countless check-in and access scenarios.

The HID U.ARE.U Camera Identification System – featuring remarkable facial recognition technology (FRT) – can now be incorporated into the Olea HYPERMODULAR Kiosk to address the rising demand for flexible, customizable ID authentication and verification across various vertical settings.

WHY: Facial recognition technology continues to gain traction based on its unique combination of high security and user convenience.

Paired with the extremely flexible Olea kiosk, HID’s AI-powered U.ARE.U Camera Identification System is an ideal solution for applications needing to handle high throughput. HID FRT is: •

•

•

•

•

•

Fast and Accurate: On-the-spot verification authenticates and validates an individual’s identity in seconds, reducing wait time in line.

Easy to Use: One look is all that’s required to securely capture a facial image for frictionless identity verification.

Secure: Biometric traits provide irrefutable proof of identity and presence to prevent fraud.

Convenient: One’s face is now their ID card, pin and password, so there’s nothing to carry, forget, lose or have stolen.

No Human Intervention: This seamless technology requires no dedicated staff to check IDs. Contactless and Hygienic: Facial recognition offers a touchless way to authen-

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ticate individuals’ identities, minimizing exposure to health risks by reducing shared touchpoints.

Olea selected the HID U.ARE.U Camera Identification System for its many notable features, including: • Top NIST ranking for matching performance & accuracy • Ethically trained with AI to reduce matching bias • Exceptional ‘In-the-Wild’ recognition (precise capture and authentication regardless of variances in lighting, backgrounds, pose, expression, etc.)

• Extraordinary presentation attack detection (PAD) against spoofs • Stellar security & privacy with on-device (Edge) biometric processing • Easy to configure (leading to faster deployment and faster ROI) Olea developed the HYPERMODULAR kiosk in response to market demands for flexible, customizable kiosks for the security and access control space. In addition to housing HID’s leading facial recognition camera, Olea’s kiosk design can also accommodate fingerprint scanners, barcode scanners, ticket and ID document readers, RFID readers, card printers, and other HID offerings within its HYPERMODULAR footprint.

HOW: Bringing together HID facial recognition with Olea kiosks supports myriad use cases for reliable self-service check-in and authentication. Just a sampling of applications include: • Retail & Hospitality: Hotel self-checkin, self-checkout/face pay, ticketing at theme parks and VIP customer identification • Banking: ATM verification and VIP customer identification • Healthcare: Patient check-in and registration, manage personal data, scan and record insurance/ID cards, telemedicine services and payment collection • Airport and Border Crossing: Passenger self-check-in, bag tag printing and bag drop, VIP lounge access and security and immigration checkpoints

January 2024 | 5

PRODUCT NEWS }

Sennheiser’s ACCENTUM Wireless Headphone

Google Gemini Pro for Developers and Enterprises

L

ast year in December, Google announced Gemini, its largest and most capable AI model and the next step in its journey to make AI more helpful for everyone. It comes in three sizes: Ultra, Pro and Nano. Google has already started rolling out Gemini in its products: Gemini Nano is in Android, starting with Pixel 8 Pro, and a specifically tuned version of Gemini Pro is in Bard.

Gemini Pro is now available for developers and enterprises to build for their own use cases, and will be further fine-tuning it in the weeks and months ahead as they listen and learn from user feedback.

The first version of Gemini Pro is now accessible via the Gemini API and here’s more about it: • •

• •

T

he ACCENTUM Wireless, is carefully designed and offers an unmatched blend of outstanding comfort, robustness, and sound quality.

The gadget redefines the standard for headphone performance and is an advancement in the audio technology sector.

With the 4-button control on these headphones, users can easily adjust the volume, switch between tracks, and handle calls without having to pick up their phone. Additionally, customers may customise their audio experience with the ACCENTUM Wireless thanks to its customisable sound settings. These headphones offer a customised and immersive sound experience whether you’re making phone calls, watching a movie, or listening to music. The remarkable battery life of the ACCENTUM Wireless is one of its best qualities. With a staggering 50 hours of playback, these headphones are ideal for lengthy music sessions or lengthy travels.

This feature distinguishes ACCENTUM Wireless from its rivals and offers consumers a dependable and long-lasting audio solution. The headphones also feature adaptive noise cancellation and a manual anti-wind mode. The ACCENTUM Wireless produces crystal-clear, high-quality music even in turbulent or noisy settings, which makes it ideal for outdoor use or travel.

For Sennheiser, the introduction of ACCENTUM Wireless in the Middle East represents a critical turning point in their ongoing success in the worldwide audio technology industry. It is anticipated that the device will be well-received in the Middle East market given its exceptional features and competitive price point.

6 | January 2024

• •

Gemini Pro outperforms other similarly sized models on research benchmarks.

Today’s version comes with a 32K context window for text, and future versions will have a larger context window.

It’s free to use right now, within limits, and it will be competitively priced.

It comes with a range of features: function calling, embeddings, semantic retrieval and custom knowledge grounding and chat functionality.

It supports 38 languages across 180+ countries and territories worldwide.

SDKs are available for Gemini Pro to help users build apps that run anywhere. Python, Android (Kotlin), Node.js, Swift and JavaScript are all supported.

GOOGLE AI STUDIO: THE FASTEST WAY TO BUILD WITH GEMINI. Google AI Studio is a free, web-based developer tool that enables users to quickly develop prompts and then get an API key to use in app development. Users can sign into Google AI Studio with their Google account and take advantage of the free quota, which allows 60 requests per minute — 20x more than other free offerings. Users can simply click on “Get code” to transfer their work to their IDE of choice or use one of the quickstart templates available in Android Studio, Colab or Project IDX. To help Google improve product quality, when users use the free quota, the API and Google AI Studio input and output may be accessible to trained reviewers. This data is de-identified from users’ Google Accounts and API key.

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PRODUCT NEWS }

Dell’s New XPS Lineup: Futuristic Design, with Built-in AI

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ith XPS, we have a long history of taking risks, being inquisitive and asking big design questions. At CES 2022, we showcased our vision of the future with XPS 13 Plus – an elegant and modern device, designed with simplicity at the core. The design turned heads and continues to do so today, with headlines calling it elegant, stylish, stunning, beautiful, and our personal favorite— referring to the design as “the future is here.”

This bold design has forever changed the ID of the XPS brand.

Now, we are unifying the design across our XPS portfolio. We are introducing new screen sizes with the XPS 16 and XPS 14 and we’re revamping the XPS 13 Plus to XPS 13. This trio of laptops share elements that eliminate distractions and place the focus on productivity.

The new XPS designs take a minimalistic approach that elevates the brand. The portfolio is made of CNC machined aluminum and Gorilla Glass 3, and tone-on-tone colors (available in Graphite and Platinum). The striking, unconventional look has key components that amplify the laptop experience. They feature a touch function row to switch between media and function keys easily, a seamless glass touchpad with haptic feedback, and larger keycaps that provide a comfortable and smooth typing experience with every keystroke.

STYLE MEETS PERFORMANCE Each new XPS laptop features InfinityEdge panels with OLED touch options, variable refresh rates, high resolution options, stunning color, and Dolby Vision for rich detail. The new portfolio boasts an exceptional audio experience starting with a quad speaker design, support for Dolby Atmos immersive audio, and 3D stereo surround from MaxxAudio® Pro by Waves. Plus, the new intelligent FHD 1080p webcam provides crystal clear video calls.

The lineup also brings new AI-enabled features, with AI acceleration built into the device thanks to Intel Core Ultra processors and experiences brought to life by Windows 11. These experiences enhance creativity and productivity while also providing better performance and longer battery life. (If this sounds too good to be true, read more about the efficiencies created from on-device AI here.) And speaking of battery life, all XPS laptops feature ExpressCharge to recharge 80% of battery life in just 60 minutes, so you can keep your creative flow going.

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INTRODUCING THE POWERFUL XPS 16 AND XPS 14 Dell’s XPS laptops redefine performance and design, now with immersive 16- and 14-inch screens. The XPS 16 leads the pack with supercharged Intel Core Ultra processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs, delivering up to 80W of sustained performance for demanding tasks like video editing and AI software.

The XPS 14 offers the perfect balance of power and mobility, 21% lighter than the XPS 16 yet still packing a punch with optional NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs for effortless video editing and gaming. Both laptops are NVIDIA Studio-validated for top-tier creative performance.

XPS 13, THE TRENDSETTER The XPS 13 continues to lead the way with its iconic design and versatile display options, from FHD+ to 3K+ OLED touch. Weighing just 2.6lbs, it’s perfect for multitasking on the go, whether it’s for work, school, or entertainment.

AI, YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND The latest wave of PC innovation is driven by AI and generative AI (GenAI), unlocking new possibilities. The new XPS lineup, powered

by Intel Core Ultra processors, features built-in AI acceleration with a neural processing unit (NPU). This means faster performance and optimized battery life, automatically adapting to your workload, like speeding up photo editing in Adobe Lightroom.

The laptops come with Copilot in Windows 11, using AI to make everyday tasks easier and faster. A dedicated Copilot key provides quick access to your AI companion, keeping you in the flow of work.

SUSTAINABLE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM We’re committed to sustainability, using recycled and low emissions aluminum in the new XPS family. The packaging is made from 100% recycled or renewable content, helping us reach our 2030 Advancing Sustainability Goals. The XPS family is EPEAT Gold certified and meets stringent climate criteria, earning the EPEAT Climate+ Designation for industry-leading decarbonization practices.

January 2024 | 7

PRODUCT NEWS }

What Phones for – 2024?

Here are some phones that you shouldn’t miss in 2024. While some might already be on the market and others are on the horizon, these four stand out as potential top picks for the year. It’s not just about flashy features or leading the industry; it’s about longevity, affordability, and keeping up with the demands of your daily life.

THE POCO C75

T

he Poco C75 is supposed to drop around November 2024. It packs some cool features like 4G

support, 8 gigs of RAM, and either 128 or 256 gigs of storage. You’ll be peeping everything on a 6.74-inch IPS LCD display, running on Android 14. Snapping pics are covered with dual rear cameras and a 32-megapixel front shooter. Under the hood, it’s got a MediaTek Helio G99 chip, an octa-core CPU, and a hefty 5000 mAh battery that’s non-removable. And hey, it charges up quick with 33W wired charging.

HONOR MAGIC 6 PRO

C

heck out the Honor Magic 6 Pro 5G. It’s rocking Android 14 with Magic UI 7.2 on a spacious 6.8-inch AMOLED

display. Powering this beast is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+Gen 3 chipset. And you won’t be running low on battery with its hefty 5600mAh capacity. It’s got some serious memory options too, with either 12 or 16 gigs of RAM and 256 or 512 gigs of storage. Snap stunning pics with its impressive array of cameras, including a 50MP + 108MP + 50MP setup on the back and a 50MP selfie cam.

8 | January 2024

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PRODUCT NEWS }

XIAOMI 14 SERIES

G

et ready for a visual treat with the Xiaomi Series! The Xiaomi 14 and 14 Pro was

launched in China with impressive features, such as a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and extremely bright displays. For the Xiaomi 14, you can choose between the 8GB + 256GB variant and the 12GB + 256GB variant!

MOTOROLA MOTO G24

S

o, word on the street is that the Motorola Moto G34 Power

is hitting the shelves soon, or could have the streets by now.

Motorola Moto G24 comes with Android 13 and 6.5 inches IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio G88 chipset, 5000mAh battery, 4GB / 6GB RAM and 128GB storage model.

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January 2024 | 9

PRODUCT NEWS }

Plug into Cool: Discover These Charging Sockets!

Get set to leap into the next era of charging! We’ve rounded up the coolest charging gear to shake up your power game. Whether you’re juicing up your phone or laptop, our selection of cutting-edge chargers has you covered. Plus, they’re so stylish, they’ll keep your charging setup looking sharp, no matter where you are!

BELKIN’S NEW 6-IN-1 CORE GAN DOCK Belkin’s new 6-in-1 Core GaN Dock is another example of the miracle of GaN technology. At about 3 inches on each side, this pocket-sized dock provides connections for 4K HDMI and Gigabit Ethernet, as well as two USB-A and two USB-C ports, one of which provides 96W power delivery.

ANKER 735 GAN PRIME

Power up three devices simultaneously with our charger: two USB-C ports and one USB-A port ensure you can juice up your phone, notebook, and earbuds all at once. Get your devices charging faster—up to 30 minutes quicker—thanks to our PowerIQ 4.0 tech that adjusts power automatically for efficient charging. Ready for high-speed action? Our included cable is USB Power Delivery 3.1 compatible for swift charging of phones, tablets, and laptops. Plus, it’s tough as nails, with a 35,000bend lifespan. Your package includes the Anker 735 Charger (GaNPrime 65W), Anker 765 USB-C to USB-C Cable (140W Nylon, 6ft), silicone stabilizer, welcome guide, our hassle-free 24-month warranty, and friendly customer service.

10 | January 2024

THE AUKEY CAR CHARGER It’s got all the juice you need! It supports a bunch of different smartphones and gadgets with PD, QC 3.0, QC 4.0, and PPF. With one port delivering 30W, you can get your iPhone up to 50% in just 30 minutes!

Plus, you can charge two devices at once, each getting up to 24W max thanks to Dynamic Detect. It’s small and sleek, so it won’t be an eyesore in your car—it blends right into your console. The metal casing keeps things cool, so no worries about overheating. And it works in any vehicle, whether it’s a truck or a car, thanks to its support for 12~24V ports.

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NEWS

}

Dyson Air Purifiers in UAE and KSA Collect Most Dust and Pollutants in Winter Months

D

yson unveils the results of its first Global Connected Air Quality Data project. The

project analyses indoor air quality information collected by more than 2.5 million Dyson Purifiers from 2022 to 2023, landscaping air quality in real homes across the world to a high degree of granularity, breaking down pollution into gas and particle pollutants and profiling trends over days, months, seasons and the full year. The data comes from Dyson Purifiers connected to the MyDyson app; the volume of data exceeds half a trillion data points and paints a precise picture of indoor air quality in cities and countries globally, to help build understanding and awareness of indoor air pollution.

From a wealth of data, this project focuses on two types of pollutant – PM2.5, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). PM2.5 refers to particles as small as 2.5 microns in diameter, 1/25th the diameter of a typical human hair. These particles are invisible to the naked eye, can be inhaled and are an area of increasing scientific and health research. Sources include combustion, wood burners, or gas cooking and heating – pet dander, ash and dust. VOCs are gas pollutants including Benzene and Formaldehyde, which can be emitted from activities like cleaning or gas cooking as well as from products including deodorants and body sprays, candles, furniture and furnishings.

“Our connected air quality data allows us insight into the real problem of indoor air pollution in homes across the world.

This gives us a direct understanding of the challenges Dyson Purifiers face in real environments and the knowledge to engi-

underdeveloped. Dyson’s findings give us a

neer ever-better machines to tackle those

valuable insight into the real pollution levels

challenges. But the data we capture isn’t just

in homes across the world, helping us to

UAE never exceeds outdoor levels, unlike in

an engineering tool – on an individual basis,

understand the patterns of pollution daily,

some other countries where indoor pollu-

this data is shared back through the MyDy-

monthly and seasonally. The Dyson data is

tion is higher, likely due to harsh climates

son app in real-time and via monthly reports,

an incredibly powerful education tool and

necessitating more indoor heating or

to help our owners improve their air quality

the opportunities for positive impact are

cooling.

understanding.” – Matt Jennings, Engineer-

boundless – understanding the pollution

Dyson’s air purifying technology, de-

ing Director for Environmental Care.

around us is the first step to reducing our

veloped by engineers and scientists over

pollution exposure.”

three decades, ensures cleaner indoor air

Professor Hugh Montgomery, Chair of Intensive Care Medicine at University

Winter brings the highest indoor

cooking and cleaning.

Interestingly, indoor air quality in the

by capturing and destroying pollutants and

College London, and Chairperson of Dyson’s

pollution levels in the UAE and KSA, with

allergens. The data from Dyson’s Global

Scientific Advisory Board adds, “We all

October recording the peak, possibly due to

Connected Air Quality project empowers

think of air pollution as being an outdoor

residents returning from summer travels.

individuals to make informed decisions

or roadside problem. Indoor air pollution

Evening pollution surpasses daytime levels,

about their daily activities, promoting better

research is growing but continues to be

aligning with increased indoor activities like

health and environmental awareness.

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January 2024 | 11

PRODUCT NEWS }

Acer Expands Gaming Portfolio with New Predator BiFrost and Nitro Series Graphics Cards Four new graphics cards feature the latest technology, including the newly announced AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT GPUs and Acer’s advanced thermal solutions

A

cer announced the Predator BiFrost AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT OC and a trio of Nitro graphic cards powered by the latest AMD Radeon RX 7000 series GPUs, including the new AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT GPUs. The new graphics cards empower users to experience immersive gaming experiences when playing the latest AAA titles with up to 16GB memory and next-gen technologies.

Boasting 60 unified AMD RDNA 3 compute units and paired with Predator FrostBlade 3.0 fans, the Predator BiFrost AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT graphics card offers seamless performance in 1440p and 4K gameplay. The Acer Nitro AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT OC graphics card comes loaded with 16 GB of GDDR6 memory and up to 624 Gbps memory bandwidth, while the Acer Nitro AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT OC graphics card offers 12 GB of GDDR6 memory and up to 432 Gbps memory bandwidth.

To achieve smooth and fast performance, the Acer Nitro AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT OC graphics card features 16 GB of GDDR6 memory while doubling down on cooling with Nitro FrostBlade ringed fans, a dual-ball bearing system, three heat dissipation vents, and offering a reinforced copper base to efficiently absorb heat and help increase the device’s lifespan. The meticulously engineered cooling system delivers the overclocking power gamers need to push the graphics card to its limits.

Acer’s latest desktop graphics cards push the boundaries of gaming and creative workflows. Leveraging the AMD RDNA 3 architecture, players can harness the power of advanced AI technology and raytracing accelerators to enable fluid resolution and high-refresh-rate gaming in the most competitive titles. Professionals and hobbyists can also edit, visualize, and create with no restraints with support for accelerated rendering applications. In addition, the new graphics cards include the new AMD encode/decode media engine for a more dynamic range of colors and enhancements when playing or streaming and support the DirectX 12 Ultimate API to unleash immer-

PREDATOR BIFROST AMD RADEON RX 7800 XT OC GRAPHICS CARD The Predator BiFrost AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT OC graphics card integrates cutting-edge technology for unparalleled gaming performance. With the AMD RDNA 3 chiplet design and Acer’s latest advancements, expect a boost in efficiency and performance. Featuring PCIe 4.0 and dual PCIe 8-PIN connectors, coupled with a massive 16 GB GDDR6 memory and 624 Gbps bandwidth, this graphics card ensures lightning-fast processing and stunning visuals in every frame.

Crafted with precision, its robust cooling system includes triple Predator FrostBlade 3.0 fans and an efficient vapor chamber for optimal heat dispersion. Its sleek design, measuring 281.9 x 117.9 x 61.4 mm and occupying 3 slots, makes it a versatile fit for various gaming rigs.

Additionally, the Predator BiFrost Utility App allows users to monitor performance and customize settings.

sive and lifelike visuals.

12 | January 2024

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PRODUCT NEWS }

ACER NITRO AMD RADEON RX 7600 XT OC GRAPHICS CARD The Acer Nitro AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT OC graphics card offers reliable performance with 16 GB of GDDR6 memory, a game clock speed of up to 2,539 MHz, and a boost clock of 2,810 MHz. Its advanced cooling technology, including dual Nitro FrostBlade ringed fans and copper base, ensures optimal performance and durability.

With compact dimensions and vital connectivity ports, it’s the ideal choice for space-conscious gamers seeking high-quality visuals.

ACER NITRO AMD RADEON RX 7800 XT OC AND ACER NITRO AMD RADEON RX 7700 XT OC GRAPHICS CARDS The Acer Nitro AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT OC and Nitro AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT OC graphics cards offer immersive gaming experiences with redesigned AMD RDNA 3 compute units and unified ray tracing.

With game clock speeds reaching up to 2,276 MHz and 2,599 MHz boost clock for the RX 7700, and up to 2,254 MHz game clock and 2,565 MHz boost clock for the RX 7800, gamers can enjoy seamless graphics and performance.

Both cards feature dual Nitro FrostBlade ringed fans for efficient heat dispersion and come with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 ports for connectivity.

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January 2024 | 13

NEWS }

TCL Expanded Product PortFolio at CES 2024

T

CL Electronics, a leading consumer electronics brand and the world’s top two TV brand, presented its leading portfolio of innovative technologies across multiple categories at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2024), including the world’s largest QD-Mini LED TV and one of the industry’s first smart connected mobile device entertainment solutions.

entertainment solutions, which combines smartphones, tablets, smart glasses, and others. Among these, the company introduced an expanded tablet portfolio, a new line of 50 Series smartphones, and its NXTPAPER 3.0 technology, the most advanced iteration of the award-winning display technology for better visual health and an enhanced overall digital viewing experience.

INNOVATIONS TO INSPIRE GREAT HOME THEATRE EXPERIENCES

TECHNOLOGIES FOR SMARTER AND MORE CONNECTED HOME LIVING

TCL debuted its groundbreaking 115-inch QM891G QD-Mini LED TV in North America, featuring over 20,000 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of 5,000 nits.

They also introduced the latest QM7 and QM8 models with advanced backlight and processing technologies, alongside the X955 and C755 TV Series, the first to be certified for Realistic Visual Experience by TÜV Rheinland. Additionally, TCL showcased Dolby Atmos FlexConnect and the AiPQ ULTRA Processor for vibrant visuals. Their streaming service, TCL tv+, offers over 300 FAST channels and interactive features like “IDEO.” The S55H/ S45H soundbars and 27R83U/34R83Q Professional Monitor Series enhance home theater experiences with innovative technologies and certifications.

INDUSTRY-LEADING SMART CONNECTED MOBILE DEVICE ENTERTAINMENT SOLUTION At the event, TCL also unveiled one of the industry’s first smart connected mobile device

14 | January 2024

Raising the bar for greater living, TCL introduced Breathable Two-way Fresh Air in the FreshIN 2.0 Air Conditioner, which brings in oxygen-rich air from outside while expelling poor-quality indoor air. The company also showcased its first window air conditioner with Matter protocol, delivering a seamlessly integrated smart home ecosystem.

Furthermore, TCL’s latest Free Built-in Series refrigerators feature a sleek and seamless design to maximize space. Their cutting-edge molecular preservation technology ensures freshness for longer and helps prevent nutrient loss in stored food items. Lastly, the TCL Eco Care Washer & Dryer Combo makes laundry routines more convenient and eco-friendly with its two-inone design.

With a focus on sustainable living, TCL has also recently grown its portfolio of smart energy solutions. Its One-Stop Residential Smart Energy System combines PV modules, energy storage, heat pump and EV-charger – which were also featured at CES 2024.

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2024 Travel Gadgets Recommendations As travel season approaches and you’re gearing up for some much-needed escapades to break away from your daily routine, it’s essential to stay connected on the go. Whether you’re embarking on a family vacation abroad, exploring solo, or traveling for work, here are some travel tech recommendations to streamline your next ad-venture.

BOSE SOUNDLINK WATERPROOF BLUETOOTH SPEAKER Introducing this fantastic creation from Bose, the SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker! It’s a tough contender in the world of water-resistant audio gadgets, available in sleek black, crisp white, and vibrant blue.

With its sturdy design and IP67 rating, it can handle immersion and even floats effortlessly.

And let’s talk about sound – the SoundLink Flex delivers that signature Bose audio quality you know and love. It keeps the music going for up to 12 hours on a single charge, perfect for those long listening sessions. Plus, it’s got a modern USB-C port for quick charging and a handy fabric loop for easy carrying on the move.

FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 12

DJI OSMO MOBILE 6 Hey, nobody enjoys shaky vacation videos, no matter how stunning the scenery. For silkysmooth footage with professional-grade stability, grab the best gimbal for consumers. It’s user-friendly and includes a telescoping pole for wider selfies.

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Meet the Instax Mini 12 – our top choice among special cameras out there. It’s a one-button instant camera, just like its predecessor, making it super user-friendly – even for kids.

What’s new? It fea-tures a twistable lens for “close-up” shots, improving on the classic formula. Compatible with Instax Mini film and powered by replaceable AA batteries, you’ll always be ready to capture the moment!

GALINER TRAVEL REFILLABLE JET 4 FLAME TORCH WINDPROOF BUTANE CIGAR No doubt about it, this refillable butane torch lighter always delivers! Whether you’re at home or on the go, this cigar lighter is portable enough to toss in your suitcase or travel bag. So, if you need reliable firepower, be sure to grab one of these!

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Acer Debuts Carbon-Neutral Aspire Vero 16 with Latest Intel Core Ultra Processors Acer also announces the first Aspire Go laptops with multiple processor and display options, made accessible for everyday users.

sign crafted with sustainability in mind. Its Cobblestone Gray finish and tactile chassis texture contain 60% PCR material, reducing CO2 emissions during production.

Additionally, the OceanGlass touchpad is made from ocean-bound plastic, and the laptop ships in 100% recycled packaging.

With EPEAT Gold registration, the Aspire Vero 16 is a green choice for environmentally conscious users.

ENHANCED USER EXPERIENCE Featuring a 16-inch WQXGA display with thin bezels and covering 100% of the sRGB color space, the Aspire Vero 16 offers immersive visuals and ample screen real estate for work or entertainment. It supports Wi-Fi 7 compatibility, Bluetooth LE Audio, Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4 ports, and HDMI 2.1, ensuring seamless connectivity. The AcerSense app and Intel Unison 2.0 simplify battery management and device integration, enhancing the user experience.

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cer announced new additions to its Aspire laptop line, showcasing an extensive range of performance and design options to support everyday computing needs.

The Aspire Vero 16 is the latest from its Vero product line, powered by the new Intel Core Ultra processors with Intel AI Boost and Wi-Fi 7 compatibility. Acer has committed to carbon neutrality for the Aspire Vero 16, following international standards for carbon footprint calculation and carbon neutrality. Actions are taken at each stage of the device lifecycle to minimize its carbon footprint, and then, high-quality carbon credits will be applied to attain carbon neutrality. The Intel Evo Edition laptop has increased the usage of post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials on the chassis, doubling that of the 2021 model, to combine eco-innovation and premium PC experiences on the device.

The new Acer Aspire Go 15 and the Aspire Go 14 laptops aim to support home users’ and families’ day-to-day usage. The Aspire Go laptops feature up to Intel Core i3 N-Series processors, boosted memory

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capacity, full-function peripherals, and Acer PurifiedVoice technology, while the Aspire Go 14 also includes an AMD Ryzen 7000 Series processor option. For added flexibility, the new Aspire devices come with the latest AI-powered technology; an intelligent AI companion with Copilot in Windows and quick access via a dedicated Copilot key, along with Acer PurifiedVoice for clear-cut conference calls.

ASPIRE VERO 16: CARBON NEUTRAL AI PC Combining eco-conscious design with powerful performance, the Acer Aspire Vero 16 (AV16-51P) is a carbon-neutral AI PC engineered for those seeking sustainability without compromising on capabilities.

Equipped with Intel Core Ultra 7 processors featuring Intel AI Boost, this Intel Evo Edition laptop delivers premium PC experiences, increased productivity, and up to 10.5 hours of battery life on a single charge.

ECO-FRIENDLY DESIGN AND FEATURES The Aspire Vero 16 boasts an eco-chic de-

ASPIRE GO LAPTOPS: ACCESSIBLE AND USER-FRIENDLY Ideal for home, family, and student use, the Aspire Go laptops deliver value and performance in a user-friendly package. Powered

by Intel Core i3 N-Series processors or AMD Ryzen 7000 Series processors, these laptops offer responsive performance and up to 10 hours of battery life. With up to 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM and up to 1 TB M.2 PCIe Gen3 SSD, they provide ample storage space for images, videos, and files.

HIGH-RESOLUTION DISPLAYS AND ECO-FRIENDLY FEATURES The Aspire Go laptops feature narrow bezels and high-resolution displays, providing large viewing spaces and crisp visuals.

Integrated with Copilot in Windows, they offer enhanced usability and assistance to users. Acer BlueLightShield protects users’ eyes during extended viewing periods, while eco-friendly features like recyclable materials and Energy Star and EPEAT Silver registration make them sustainable choices for environmentally conscious consumers.

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AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT Graphics Card – Incredible Gaming at 1080p and Beyond!

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head of CES 2024, AMD introduced the AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT, a high-performance, feature-rich graphics card designed to power demanding games and content creation applications today and for years to come.

The AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT graphics card is an ideal upgrade solution for gamers, offering fast, smooth, and visually stunning gaming and raytracing experiences at 1080p and beyond. Additionally, featuring 16GB of high-speed GDDR6 memory it unleashes users’ creativity in next-gen AI and content creation workloads.

In addition, with support for advanced technologies including AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 3 and AMD HYPR-RX with AMD Fluid Motion Frames , users can crank up their game settings for fully immersive and highly responsive gaming at up to 1440p, delivering up to 1.9X faster gaming and raytracing performance than the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 in select titles at 1080p.

BREAKTHROUGH GAMING AND CONTENT CREATION PERFORMANCE Featuring 32 unified high-performance AMD RDNA 3 compute units, advanced AI technology, dedicated raytracing accelerators and high-capacity graphics memory, the AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT graphics card

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is optimized to render games at max settings, delivering incredible gaming experiences at 1080p and beyond.

Alternatively, for professionals and hobbyists looking to push the creative boundaries of their work, the new graphics card delivers blistering-fast content creation performance to power professional video editing, graphic design, and 3D modelling applications, bringing photorealistic worlds to life. Key features and capabilities include: • Higher FPS In Thousands of Games – Available in the next AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition™ application release, the driver-based AMD Fluid Motion Frames frame generation technology increases FPS to deliver a massive performance improvement and smooth gameplay in thousands of games .

• Performance Made Easy – AMD HYPRRX technology simplifies and manages the simultaneous interoperation of AMD Fluid Motion Frames, AMD Radeon Super Resolution (RSR), and AMD Radeon Boost technologies to achieve a performance-stacking effect. In addition, in a select number of ‘HYPR-tuned’ games, AMD HYPR-RX also automatically enables AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) and AMD RSR with one click, making it easy for users to maximize performance in supported games.

• Ultra-High-Definition Encoding – The encode/decode media engine provides the ultimate performance, unlocking new

multi-media experiences with full AV1 encode/decode support, wide color gamut and high-dynamic range enhancements.

Furthermore, AV1, AVC and HEVC rate control optimizations deliver enhanced video quality encoding and decoding.

• Improved Streaming Quality and Performance – Enables high-fidelity streaming with hardware AV1 encoding when using OBS Studio, the AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition application or other streaming applications. AMD AI and content adaptive machine learning technology has also been integrated into the AMD Media Framework to enable better looking and crisper text when streaming at low bitrates and resolutions. In addition, the AI-powered AMD Noise Suppression technology helps reduce ambient noise for superior streaming quality.

• Accelerating AI – Integrated AI accelerators are optimized for cutting-edge AI workloads. Leveraging Windows DirectML technology, the AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT graphics card powers next-generation generative AI and upscaling consumer applications.

• New Levels of Immersion – The AMD Radiance Display™ Engine provides support for next-gen DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1a-based displays for ultra-high resolutions and high refresh rates for gaming and content creation workloads.

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Are Foldables the Next Cool Thing?

HUAWEI MATE X3

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heck out the HUAWEI Mate X3— this bad boy redefines what a foldable smartphone can be! It’s the slimmest and lightest foldable out there, clocking in at just 11.08mm thick when folded and a mere 5.3mm when unfolded. And get this, it weighs a featherlight 239g! How did they do it?

With some serious tech magic—think ultra-light aluminium and carbon fibre.

Plus, that rounded, quad-curve body. Makes for the smoothest, comfiest grip ever. But wait, there’s more!

It’s not just sleek, it’s tough too, thanks to Kunlun Glass on the outside and a foldable interior screen that can take a hit. This glass tech is next level, giving you durability and peace of mind.

OPPO Find N3 Flip

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whole new level of awesomeness in imaging, design, and usability. These babies are rewriting the rules of foldable smartphones, raising the bar for what you can expect from your next device. Picture this: a premium foldable design, just 5.8mm thin and weighing only 239g in vegan leather. With sleek Sunlit Gold and Classic Black options, the OPPO Find N3 nails both style and comfort. And it’s not just about looks—the cutting-edge tech, premium design, and top-notch customer service make it a game-changer in the foldable world, delivering elegance and innovation in one sleek package.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4

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amsung keeps leveling up with its latest iterations, packing in even more features, accessories, and experiences to take folding and flipping to new heights. From the outside in, each phone is all about making a statement: the Galaxy Z Flip4 is all about self-expression, while the Galaxy Z Fold4 is your go-to for multitasking, delivering top-notch performance every time.

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