Parrot Zikmu Solo
The Parrot Zikmu Solo is not the best sounding speaker out there. But like the Zik wireless headphones we tested last year, Parrot just sprinkles so much of its tech dazzle on this beautiful speaker tower that the sound quality – as good as it is – seems secondary.
Though this is a single speaker tower, the Zikmu produces enough sound (100W) to fill a room. Central to this is the HARP (High Aspect Ratio Panel), which has two speakers that distribute sound to the left and right while a third speaker, the BMR (Balanced Modal Radiator) pushes sound forwards and backwards. A Neodymium woofer at the bottom extends the bass range to drop to 30Hz without altering the volume. You can either dock your iDevice or connect via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or NFC.
The speaker system also supports DLNA and UPnP protocols. Connect the speaker to a Wi-Fi router to access and share files stored on your computer or network drives. In addition to using it as an iPod speaker, you can also hook it up to your TV or computer.
Wait, that’s not all – an app for both smartphones and tablets allows you to adjust the speaker’s audio settings according to the size of the room. Also, did I mention it was designed Philippe Starck?
Dh3,899 at leading stores
EOS M Cameras
Canon comes to the compact system camera (CSC) party at last, with its new EOS M range. The new range doesn’t skimp on the features, despite its compact size. With an 18 MP APS-C hybrid CMOS sensor, the camera features a DIGIC 5 chip that ensures superb detail.
The camera has a high-resolution, 3.0” LCD touchscreen and comes with built-in creative filters like toy camera effect (for hipstamatic-like photos), grainy B&W or even a filter that mimics the distortion of a fisheye lens. The filters can be applied before the shot is captured, with the result previewed in Live View. HD video recording also comes as standard.
The model launches alongside two new lenses, the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM pancake and the EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM standard zoom. The good news for die-hard Canon enthusiasts is that you can still use existing EF lenses on this new compact. All you need is a Mount Adapter EF-EOS M and you are good to go.
Dh3,599 at leading stores
Sennheiser CX685 Sports Headphones
The Sennheiser and Adidas headphones collaboration goes from strength to strength, with their latest model, the CX685, delivering the usual quality, comfort and aesthetically appealing design – even if each earpiece does look a bit like a futuristic fishing hook. They’ve been developed with the help of professional athletes – so the fact that they’re sweat and water resistant, fit more snugly than Usain Bolt’s lycra running shorts and are made from highly durable material should be no surprise. They also come with a cleaning tool, storage pouch and a clip to fasten them to your vest when you’re pounding the pavement.
Dh299 at leading stores
