Latest news with #Asus


Zawya
8 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
AI is all about doing more with less and opens the door to new possibilities
In 2025 and the second half of this decade, artificial intelligence (AI) will become a defining measure of South African businesses' success. Today, the technology touches every corner of the modern enterprise, from sales and marketing to administration and finance. According to a survey conducted by Ipsos for Google, AI usage is up in South Africa compared to 2024, with excitement about its potential now outweighing concern. Over half of the surveyed South Africans report they've used generative AI (GenAI) in the last year. Author: Werner Joubert, commercial SYS director (South Africa & SADC) at Asus This level of adoption reflects the impact of AI not only in large multinational enterprises, but also in small-to-medium businesses, fledgling entrepreneurs and lone professionals who see the technology's potential at any scale. Technology vendors have responded to this by creating an ecosystem of systems and solutions that help businesses leverage AI to unlock new value. With the right strategic implementation, enterprises can turn potential into performance. AI at any scale for any business So, how is AI all about doing more with less? At its core, AI is an exercise in automation. It eliminates the need for employees and professionals to carry out manual, repetitive and time-consuming tasks. Some of the most common AI uses in the enterprise today, regardless of the size or scale, include: - Schedule optimisation: Companies can use AI tools to optimise scheduling by consolidating factors such as employee availability, skills, preferences and customer traffic. For example, a business like a coffee shop can determine who and how many employees they need available to meet demand levels throughout the day. - Customer service: Chatbots and other conversational AI tools can provide business customers with additional support and serve as a dedicated portal for addressing queries. - Finance: GenAI platforms, backed by large language models (LLMs) that specialise in accounting, cash flow and taxes, can help employees process transactions and invoices more quickly, while also reducing the potential for data entry errors. - Personalisation and content creation: Every business has the potential to be unique. Using GenAI tools to create tailor-made content and promotional material, businesses can put their stamp on the landscape while offering high levels of customisation based on customer preferences, behaviours and market trends. From there, the potential applications of AI expand to cover all enterprise functions, across every industry vertical, from education to healthcare. As a business driver, AI has proven to be incredibly versatile and scalable, with businesses integrating it into their organisations in whatever way, shape or form they see fit. They're able to do that with the help of state-of-the-art hardware and digital resources that make AI accessible like never before. The right kind of tech? For many businesses in South Africa, AI adoption does not involve investing large sums of money in training their own models or running expansive cloud computing environments. Not every enterprise requires the same level of digital infrastructure to run and evolve. For many, the value of AI lies in simple integrations and the use of cutting-edge products that are readily available. We see this with the likes of Gemini and Midjourney, but the AI revolution has also given rise to innovative platforms and services that blend seamlessly and are work with existing enterprise hardware. One such example is Copilot, an AI-powered chat service from Microsoft that generates content and automates tasks, while also supporting users of other Microsoft technologies such as Windows, Microsoft 365 and GitHub. It is accessible via web browsers on multiple operating systems, including Windows and macOS, and is also integrated into tools like Windows and Microsoft 365. It offers general AI assistant capabilities that can help enterprise users significantly improve and enhance their workflows. Through services such as Copilot, technology vendors have begun to refine their value offerings and provide customers with solutions that are designed, built and optimised for AI in the enterprise. Laptops are now available with dedicated AI chips and OEM platforms and applications that further empower businesses and professionals. This is AI made accessible, and it has the power to transform enterprises of all shapes and sizes. AI is how we do more with less. It's also how we do more with what we have. By evaluating the value proposition of AI features and understanding the gains they offer, enterprises can not only make their organisations more intelligent, but also help employees and professionals get the most out of their hardware, adopt the latest practices and take their ideas and businesses into the future.


India Today
10 hours ago
- India Today
Nothing drops the light act with Phone 3, invites you to enter the glyph matrix now
Mark your calendars — Nothing's highly anticipated Phone 3 is officially launching on July 1. And if that wasn't enough to get tech fans talking, Carl Pei's company has been busy stirring up even more excitement with new teasers and tidbits about its next flagship handset. In the run-up to the unveiling, Nothing has already confirmed the Phone 3 will be powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset and will come with a serious commitment to software support, promising five years of Android updates and seven years of security patches. But the latest teaser reveals something even more eye-catching: a whole new glyph is dropping its familiar Glyph Interface this time around. Instead, the Phone 3 will feature a so-called 'Glyph Matrix' at the top right of its rear panel — a dot-matrix style LED array that looks surprisingly similar to the playful mini-LED systems you'd usually find on gaming phones like Asus's ROG series. Nothing posted a video on X, teasing this refreshed interface, which will add a new visual language to the device. With this setup, the Phone 3 is expected to display more intricate animations for notifications, incoming calls, battery status and time. Whether you receive a message or need a subtle visual cue to remind you to charge up, the dot-matrix LEDs will likely offer an even greater range of customisable effects. Elsewhere, other design specifics remain under wraps for However, these teasers all point to a handset that will look and feel noticeably different from its predecessors. The transition to a pixel-style light grid hints at Nothing's interest in making the back of its phones more interactive, allowing for clever visual prompts that go beyond the existing Phone 3: What to expectBeneath this flashy exterior, the Nothing Phone 3 is expected to come equipped with some serious hardware. Thanks to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, this device is tipped to excel at multitasking, gaming and power-hungry apps alike, perfect for everyday use as well as more intense tasks. The camera setup is rumoured to feature a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilisation for crisp and stable photos, and there's also talk of a periscope-style telephoto lens for better zoom performance. Paired with a hefty 5,000mAh-plus battery, the Phone 3 looks built to last a full day or more between the screen? Leaks suggest a generously sized 6.77-inch AMOLED display, promising vivid colours and deep contrasts that will make streaming and scrolling a the Nothing Phone 3 is likely to land at around 800 or approximately Rs 90,000, placing it firmly in premium flagship territory. Given its eye-catching design, strong specs and long-term software promises, Nothing clearly hopes this will be one of this year's most sought-after phones.

The Hindu
12 hours ago
- The Hindu
Asus TUF Gaming F16 Review: Delivers impressive gaming and productivity performance
Taking up its versatility one step ahead, Asus has launched the TUF Gaming F16, a machine designed to strike a balance between rugged performance and long-lasting value. The TUF series has built a reputation for delivering power-packed features at a relatively affordable price point, and the latest 2025 model aims to carry on the same legacy. With a 2.5K 165 Hz display, up to an Intel Core i7 14650HX CPU, NVIDIA RTX 5070 GPU, and a tank-like design, the F16 aims to cater to competitive gamers and power users alike. But does it hit the right notes across the board? After spending quality time testing it across performance, portability, and practicality, here's the full breakdown. Design & Build The TUF Gaming F16 sticks to the tried-and-tested design language that the series is known for — bold, industrial, and built like a tank. This year's model continues to emphasise durability, with MIL-STD-810H certification, meaning it can handle drops, shocks, vibrations, humidity, and extreme temperatures. The CNC-machined aluminium lid adds a dash of polish, but don't expect the sleek aesthetics of its Zephyrus cousin. Instead, what you get is a workhorse that looks and feels prepared for everyday abuse — and then some. The chassis is wide and large, reflective of its 16-inch form factor. With a thickness ranging from 1.79 to 2.72 cm and weighing 2.2kg, it's not the most portable laptop around. Add in the 280 W charging adapter, and carrying the full package becomes a workout. It doesn't comfortably fit into every regular backpack, so you'll need extra room — and likely some extra shoulder strength. That said, the 180-degree hinge does offer great flexibility for various work and gaming scenarios, and the rear exhaust design frees up the sides for ports. Connectivity is well-covered here. You get 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 2.1 and G-SYNC, 1x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, an HDMI 2.1 port, RJ45 LAN, 3.5mm combo audio jack, and Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.3. All of this is laid out logically across the chassis, ensuring ease of access without clutter. Asus has also integrated TAS antenna tech for better long-range wireless signal — a smart addition for users who game or work far from the router. (For top technology news of the day, subscribe to our tech newsletter Today's Cache) Display One of the most compelling features of the TUF Gaming F16 is its 16-inch, 2.5K (2560x1600) WQXGA display with a 165 Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. It hits 100% sRGB coverage and supports NVIDIA G-SYNC, ensuring a tear-free, colour-accurate, and visually smooth experience, especially vital in fast-paced FPS or racing games. With a 16:10 aspect ratio and 400 nits of brightness, the screen feels immersive whether you're fragging in Apex Legends or working on a high-resolution timeline in a creative suite. The inclusion of a MUX Switch with Advanced Optimus gives you the flexibility to dynamically shift between integrated and discrete graphics for the right blend of battery life and performance. Keyboard & Touchpad Asus continues to emphasize tactile control with a full-sized RGB backlit keyboard featuring a dedicated numpad and 1.7mm travel distance. It's well-spaced and responsive, making it suitable for both extended typing sessions and high-action gaming marathons. Asus claims a lifespan of 20 million key presses, and during our time with it, keystrokes felt consistent, sturdy, and crisp — a strong plus at this price point. The touchpad is extra-large and highly responsive, with 165 Hz polling for fluid navigation. It's ideal for general use, from scrolling documents to quick multi-finger gestures. That said, during intense gaming sessions, the generous size may lead to a few accidental brushes, but nothing that derails the overall experience. Performance The TUF Gaming F16 can be specced with up to an Intel Core i7-14650HX, featuring 16 cores and 24 threads, which makes it more than capable of handling CPU-heavy tasks like rendering, compiling, or streaming. Paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU with 8 GB GDDR7 VRAM, this setup delivers solid AAA gaming performance and smooth creative workflows. The RTX 5070 uses NVIDIA's Blackwell architecture, unlocking cutting-edge technologies like DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, Reflex 2, and RTX Neural Shaders. These advancements aren't just marketing terms — they genuinely boost frame rates, minimize latency, and elevate visual fidelity, future-proofing the F16 for the upcoming wave of graphically demanding titles. Memory and storage also keep pace with modern demands. With up to 32 GB DDR5 5600MHz RAM and 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, multitasking is effortless, and game or app load times are lightning fast. Plus, both RAM and storage are fully user-upgradeable, allowing for easy longevity boosts down the line. Windows & Smart Features The TUF Gaming F16 ships with Windows 11, and Asus complements this with smart features built into Armoury Crate — the command center for performance tuning, fan control, and lighting customisation. Modes like Silent, Performance, Turbo, and Manual cater to various usage scenarios. Turbo mode, for instance, maxes out fan speeds and power limits for the best possible frame rates. Scenario Profiles let you automate these modes based on your apps. For example, you can set Valorant to launch in Turbo mode with RGB lighting enabled, while Office apps can stick to Silent mode with muted colours and lower fan noise. GameVisual further enhances display performance based on the genre you're playing, like bumping contrast in FPS titles for better enemy visibility. Speakers The dual-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support offers decent sound clarity, but the downward-firing placement feels like a missed opportunity. While good for casual listening or video calls, volume and bass depth are underwhelming, especially for a laptop designed for immersive gaming. External speakers or headphones are strongly recommended for the full experience. Camera Up front, you get a 1080p webcam with support for Windows Hello facial recognition — a convenient addition for quick, secure logins. The video quality is sharp enough for Zoom calls or streaming with good lighting, and built-in AI noise-cancellation ensures your audio stays clean during virtual interactions. Battery Equipped with a 90 Wh battery, the TUF Gaming F16 offers around 8 hours of light to moderate use on a single charge — a strong showing for a machine packing this much firepower. This makes it a viable option for students or professionals on the go, as long as they're not running heavy apps throughout the day. Fast charging is supported, and thanks to USB-C Power Delivery, you can top up with a smaller charger when portability is essential — helpful for quick desk swaps or traveling without the full 280W brick. It's not an all-day battery beast, but it strikes a respectable balance between performance and endurance. Verdict So, does the Asus TUF Gaming F16 live up to its promise of blending power and practicality? In most aspects — yes. It delivers impressive gaming and productivity performance, a stellar high-refresh display, a durable build, and thoughtful features like upgradeable hardware, smart software tuning, and advanced connectivity. That said, it does come with trade-offs: its bulky form factor, underwhelming speaker setup, and large power adapter might challenge those prioritising portability. But for anyone looking for a rugged, well-priced gaming laptop that doesn't skimp on horsepower, the TUF Gaming F16 earns its stripes — and then some. Asus TUF Gaming F16 starts at ₹1,44,990.


Mint
a day ago
- Mint
Is OnePlus working on a gaming smartphone with shoulder triggers? Here's what the report suggests
After confirming the launch date for its upcoming Nord 5 and Nord CE 5 smartphones in India, OnePlus may have another device in the works, this time aimed squarely at mobile gamers. According to recent industry chatter, the Chinese tech giant is experimenting with a dedicated gaming smartphone, though it is unlikely to be released outside its domestic market. Tipster Yogesh Brar, known for his reliable insights into the smartphone industry, revealed in a post on social media platform X that OnePlus is developing a 'sub-series' of phones focused on gaming. He added that the project remains in the experimental phase, suggesting it may still be undergoing internal research and development. Early information hints that the rumoured handset could include high-end hardware, such as a flagship-grade processor, a substantial battery, and physical shoulder triggers, features tailored to enhance gaming performance. These triggers are expected to offer improved responsiveness and tactile feedback, features commonly found in dedicated gaming phones. However, Brar noted that a global release for this potential gaming device appears uncertain. 'The possibility of a global launch is dicey,' he said, implying the product might stay exclusive to the Chinese market should it make it to production. If launched, the new gaming-focused device from OnePlus could join a competitive field currently led by brands like Asus and Nubia. Asus's ROG Phone 9 series and Nubia's Red Magic 10 Pro range are among the top choices for gamers seeking performance-oriented smartphones. While the tech giant has not confirmed any plans for such a device, the move would mark its first foray into the gaming phone segment. The company's existing smartphone lineup, including the recently unveiled OnePlus 13s featuring a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, already caters to power users—but a dedicated gaming sub-brand could take that appeal even further.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Microsoft's Next Xbox Will Run on AMD; Won't Be Tied to One Store
Microsoft (MSFT, Financials) is rethinking the game console again. The company confirmed Tuesday that its next-gen Xbox will feature a custom AMD (AMD, Financials) chip and run on Windows; but this time, it won't be locked to just one device or store. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Sign with MSFT. Xbox chief Sarah Bond said the company is working closely with AMD under a multi-year deal to build silicon for consoles, handhelds and cloud devices; all tied together by Windows. The goal: a gaming experience that works across platforms not one locked inside a walled garden. Microsoft's recent Xbox Ally handhelds with Asus hinted at this direction; they run a full-screen Xbox interface on top of Windows and let users access stores like Steam. The same approach is now being baked into Xbox's core hardware strategy. Backwards compatibility remains part of the plan; Bond said existing Xbox libraries will carry over to the new generation. But don't expect all older games to run on every device handhelds like the Ally may still miss some titles without a PC version. No launch date was announced; but the message is clear Microsoft wants to build an Xbox ecosystem that feels less like a console and more like a service. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.