Laipic says its AI picture frame is a glimpse of the future. Photo: Laipic
Laipic says its AI picture frame is a glimpse of the future. Photo: Laipic
Laipic says its AI picture frame is a glimpse of the future. Photo: Laipic
Laipic says its AI picture frame is a glimpse of the future. Photo: Laipic

Five of the best technology buys of the month, from an AI frame to designer headphones


Cody Combs
  • English
  • Arabic

From an AI talking photo frame to a smart basketball hoop, here we round up some of the best technology buys of the month.

Laipic AI frame

Helping pictures come to life, Laipic’s framed screens interact with users and answer questions with the aid of artificial intelligence. The company showcased the product at Leap technology conference in Riyadh in February, catching the attention of thousands of attendees.

Laipic claims that the frames allow users to “break the constraints of time and space” and “reconnect with loved ones” in ways that were previously unimaginable. You’ll have to download and learn how to use Laipic’s app to make the most of the frame, but once you do, expect your AI picture frame to become quite the conversation piece.

From $280, frame.laipic.ai

Huupe smart basketball hoop

The Huupe is a full-size, smart basketball hoop that uses AI to track performance and play against other players around the world. Photo: Huupe
The Huupe is a full-size, smart basketball hoop that uses AI to track performance and play against other players around the world. Photo: Huupe

The timeless basketball hoop couldn’t possibly be improved upon, right? Huupe, a start-up from California, thinks otherwise. The company offers two models of its smart hoop with a backboard featuring a screen that keeps score, gives tips and allows for remote-play between players.

Using AI, it can track where you’re shooting from on the court and provide statistics accordingly.

Huupe also has professional trainers who offer interactive coaching on various aspects of the game.

From $4,995, www.huupe.com

Celine headphones

Celine's headphones are available in leather and in several colourways. Photo: Celine
Celine's headphones are available in leather and in several colourways. Photo: Celine

Celine's premium headphones are lined with natural calfskin and have lambskin ear pads for maximum comfort. There are several colours to choose from, with the headphones available in black, tan and silver, plus black and silver combinations.

The device has Bluetooth connectivity, along with built-in microphones so that you can make phone calls or video conference calls when you’re not listening to music. The headphones offer up to six hours of listening time and only require 15 minutes for a quick charge. They also feature on-board buttons, allowing for quick connectivity to devices.

$940, www.celine.com

Logitech Pebble Keys 2K380S

Logitech Pebble Keys 2 k380S. Photo: Logitech
Logitech Pebble Keys 2 k380S. Photo: Logitech

Everything old is new again, and that’s definitely the case for computer keyboards. As much as we are all used to navigating smartphone screens, sometimes you need a solid keyboard to get a point across and write at length.

That’s where the Logitech Pebble Keys 2K380S comes in. It’s colourful, compact, wireless and even sustainable as, according to Logitech, at least 45 per cent of the device is made from recycled plastic.

Despite the portability, the keyboard doesn’t sacrifice on user options. You can assign shortcuts to the keys and the brand claims it has a 24-month battery life.

$46, www.logitech.com

Saska bedside lamp

The Dawn – Multifunctional Bedside Lamp. Photo: Saska
The Dawn – Multifunctional Bedside Lamp. Photo: Saska

Featuring a mid-century modern aesthetic, Saska’s The Dawn multifunctional bedside lamp has truly 21st-century capabilities.

The circular shape and wooden trim finish make a statement, offering a rustic-yet-minimalist look. The lamp incorporates a Bluetooth speaker, syncing with your phone’s music library, while its base also wirelessly charges your device.

The digital clock in the lamp is a throwback to simpler times, but don’t underestimate its simplicity. The interface allows you to adjust lighting and speaker volume options.

$81, www.saska.ae

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWest%20Asia%20Premiership%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Tigers%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Bahrain%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20Premiership%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Jebel%20Ali%20Dragons%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Dubai%20Hurricanes%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20Division%201%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Sharks%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Harlequins%20II%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20Division%202%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Tigers%20III%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Dubai%20Sharks%20II%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDubai%20Sevens%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Tigers%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Dubai%20Hurricanes%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Essentials

The flights
Whether you trek after mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda or the Congo, the most convenient international airport is in Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. There are direct flights from Dubai a couple of days a week with RwandAir. Otherwise, an indirect route is available via Nairobi with Kenya Airways. Flydubai flies to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, via Entebbe in Uganda. Expect to pay from US$350 (Dh1,286) return, including taxes.
The tours
Superb ape-watching tours that take in all three gorilla countries mentioned above are run by Natural World Safaris. In September, the company will be operating a unique Ugandan ape safari guided by well-known primatologist Ben Garrod.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, local operator Kivu Travel can organise pretty much any kind of safari throughout the Virunga National Park and elsewhere in eastern Congo.

What is graphene?

Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.

It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.

It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.

It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.

Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.

The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.

2019 ASIA CUP POTS

Pot 1
UAE, Iran, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia

Pot 2
China, Syria, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Qatar, Thailand

Pot 3
Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Palestine, Oman, India, Vietnam

Pot 4
North Korea, Philippines, Bahrain, Jordan, Yemen, Turkmenistan

ESSENTIALS

The flights 
Emirates, Etihad and Swiss fly direct from the UAE to Zurich from Dh2,855 return, including taxes.
 

The chalet
Chalet N is currently open in winter only, between now and April 21. During the ski season, starting on December 11, a week’s rental costs from €210,000 (Dh898,431) per week for the whole property, which has 22 beds in total, across six suites, three double rooms and a children’s suite. The price includes all scheduled meals, a week’s ski pass, Wi-Fi, parking, transfers between Munich, Innsbruck or Zurich airports and one 50-minute massage per person. Private ski lessons cost from €360 (Dh1,541) per day. Halal food is available on request.

Marathon results

Men:

 1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13 

2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50 

3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25 

4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46 

5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48  

Women:

1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30 

2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01 

3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30 

4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43 

5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01  

Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Updated: April 29, 2024, 4:10 AM