News
Noble Announces Launch Of FoKus Apollo ANC Headphones
The new model features the world’s first dynamic/planar hybrid driver arrangement, offers 80 hours of playtime, and has a removable boom mic.
Leading in-ear monitor specialist Noble has stepped into the highly competitive world of wireless over-ear headphones after announcing a new model, the FoKus Apollo.
The premium device is not just a first for Noble but also the world’s only headphone to use a dynamic driver and planar magnetic hybrid speaker arrangement. According to the press release, the unique setup offers audio quality like “no other wireless headphone that has come before, utilizing the accuracy and top-end clarity of planar with the power and body achieved by dynamic drivers”.
Premium Features & Build Quality
The FoKus Apollo features a premium anodized aluminum frame, along with an Alcantara headband and replaceable leather earpads for maximum comfort and sound isolation.
As well as a unique speaker setup, the headphones also feature an integrated ADI chip combined with 3 microphones on each side for noise cancellation of up to -35db. Support for LDAC and aptX HD codecs means that the FoKus Apollo also delivers the best possible wireless audio fidelity.
Users will enjoy up to 80 hours of playtime (or 60 hours with noise cancellation active) while the accompanying FoKus app offers personalized EQ adjustments.
Also Read: Yango Group Unveils Yasmina AI-Enhanced Smart Speakers For UAE
Finally, Noble has bundled a removable boom mic with the FoKus Apollo to turn the headphones into a high-end communication device, along with a 3.5mm audio cable to enable gamers, streamers, and podcasters to benefit from their premium sound.
Specifications
- Driver Configuration: 1 x 40mm Dynamic Driver, 1 x 14.5mm Planar Magnetic Driver
- Communication Format: Bluetooth 5.3
- Frequency Response: 10-40kHz
- Codecs Supported: LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, SBC, AAC
- Continuous Playback: ANC ON: 60 hours. ANC OFF: 80 hours
- Charging Time: <3 hours
- Battery Capacity: 1000mAh
- Accessories Included: EVA carrying case, 3.5mm auxiliary cable, USB-C cable, two-prong airline adapter, 1/4″ adapter, detachable boom mic.
The Noble FoKus Apollo will be available from September 3rd, priced at $649 / £599 / €699.
News
Paymob Extends Series B Funding To $72M Amid Continued Growth
The financial services provider has secured an extra $22 million after strong performance in its core market of Egypt.
Leading financial services provider Paymob has secured an additional $22 million in a funding extension, bringing its Series B total to $72 million.
The funding was spearheaded by EBRD Venture Capital, with support from Endeavor Catalyst. Existing backers such as PayPal Ventures, BII, FMO, A15, Nclude, and Helios Digital Ventures also participated, reaffirming their confidence in Paymob’s business model and potential in the regional fintech industry.
This extension comes on the back of Paymob’s strong performance in its core market of Egypt, where it has experienced 6x revenue growth since the initial Series B in Q2 2022. With the Series B extension and continued profitability in Egypt, Paymob is well-positioned to further its expansion strategy across the MENA region.
Islam Shawky, Co-founder and CEO of Paymob, commented: “We are very excited by our strong prospects in Egypt – where we hold a market-leading position – and the significant traction experienced in the UAE since launching operations there. This funding will help Paymob fully capitalize on the momentum in our established markets, as we accelerate our GCC roll-out. We remain committed to creating cutting-edge infrastructure enabling SMEs across the region to thrive in the digital economy and are proud of our continued impact”.
Also Read: Zoho Expands Qatar Operations & Releases New Survey Data
The expansion into GCC markets has been driven by Paymob’s initial Series B funding of $50 million, raised in 2022 and led by Kora Capital, PayPal Ventures, and Clay Point. The investment fueled Paymob’s growth, allowing it to launch its mobile app in 2023 and grow its merchant base by 3.5 times, now serving nearly 350,000 merchants across MENA.
Paymob has also expanded its payment acceptance suite to offer 50 payment methods through its gateway, POS terminals, and the Paymob app, providing the region’s most comprehensive fintech solution. The company recently introduced embedded checkout services for Shopify and WooCommerce, further demonstrating its commitment to empowering small and medium businesses across the region.