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.

Published

2 years ago

September 2, 2024

Joanna Melki

Noble

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

NEOPAY Wants To Follow Merchants Across Channels And Borders

A controlling 65% stake in noon payments would give NEOPAY access to marketplace sellers, online merchants and the payment flows they generate.

Published

1 day ago

October 5, 2026

Nour Nasir

neopay wants to follow merchants across channels and borders

It’s been a long time since checkouts were single defined places. A merchant might take payments at a physical register, on its own website and through an online marketplace, sometimes in more than one country. NEOPAY wants to follow those transactions wherever they happen.

The UAE payments company has entered into an agreement to acquire a 65% controlling stake in noon payments. NEOPAY already runs the acquiring infrastructure that lets merchants accept card payments, along with omnichannel acceptance and a merchant services platform. This new deal would add noon payments’ embedded payments platform, e-commerce gateway and merchant network across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. That would considerably expand both NEOPAY’s digital commerce capabilities and its regional reach.

For merchants, the attraction is a single provider for online and in-store payments, plus faster settlements, data and analytics, and value-added financial services.

“Payments should be simple, reliable, and built for the markets they serve,” said Faraz Khalid, CEO of noon. His counterpart at NEOPAY, Vibhor Mundhada, added: “We have built a strong payments business in the UAE, and our ambition is now to take that capability across the region”. The acquisition, Mundhada added, would “expand our footprint into Saudi Arabia and Egypt” while reinforcing NEOPAY’s position at home.

Also Read: In Kuwait, Your Surgeon Might Be Operating From Another Country

NEOPAY is also keen to point out potential payment volume increases. The company says noon payments’ integrations with marketplace sellers and online merchants create high transaction density in some of the region’s fastest-growing digital commerce segments. It also believes control of the business would give it access to those merchant relationships and payment flows, and speed up the rollout of alternative payment methods and installment options.

The combined roadmap targets faster merchant onboarding, better payment performance, tighter fraud controls and embedded financial services. The deal could also strengthen cross-border payments and settlement along key regional commerce corridors.