News

Yasmina Max Is Yango’s Most Advanced Smart Speaker Yet

The new audio device boasts human-like AI capabilities, exceptional sound performance, and effortless voice control.

Published

4 days ago

December 7, 2024

Nour Nasir

Yango

Tech giant Yango Group has announced its latest flagship smart speaker. According to a recent press release, the new Yasmina Max boasts human-like AI capabilities and exceptional sound performance, redefining the smart home experience.

Yasmina Max features an advanced three-way sound system with five separate drivers to handle bass, midrange and treble, supported by a passive radiator. Rated at 65 watts of power, the speaker should deliver rich, immersive sound in even the largest of rooms.

yango yasmina max smart speaker color options

Thanks to its highly sensitive microphones, Yasmina Max offers effortless voice control, even in noisy environments. For those who crave synchronized music, the new device can also be paired with other Yasmina smart speakers — like the Yasmina Mini or Midi — to enjoy seamless audio throughout the home in Multiroom Mode.

The Yasmina Max features an intelligent LED screen that adapts to ambient lighting for optimal visibility. When idle, the display shows the time. While playing music, it offers dynamic visualizations to bring tunes to life and enhance interactions with the Yasmina assistant.

Finally, at the heart of Yasmina Max is a virtual assistant powered by YangoGPT. Lifelike conversations are possible in both English and Khaleeji Arabic, making it a versatile companion for everyday tasks. Whether you need help with recipes or creative ideas for a surprise party, Yasmina has you covered.

Also Read: Best Music Streaming Services In The Middle East

Senior Innovation Marketing Manager Rami Abu Arja highlighted the Yasmina Max’s aesthetic appeal, stating, “Apart from its superior technological characteristics, Yasmina Max offers a sophisticated design. Available in three colors — green, beige, and black — it is crafted to complement any interior, making it the perfect [home] addition”.

The smart speaker is now available across the UAE, priced at AED 1,199. For a limited time, the speaker is being offered through an exclusive partnership with Virgin Megastore. It is also available online via Noon and, for the first time, Amazon.

News

OpenAI’s Sora Video AI Is Now Available Globally

The new video generation model was released yesterday, and is now available for ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers.

Published

23 hours ago

December 10, 2024

Nour Nasir

OpenAI

After months of anticipation, OpenAI’s video generation model, Sora, has officially launched for public use. Announced yesterday (Monday, December 10) the tool is accessible to ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers in the US and “most other countries” where OpenAI’s chatbot operates. For those eligible, Sora will be available for use starting later today.

The version being released, Sora Turbo, is a step up from the early preview showcased in February. OpenAI highlights its improved speed, though it still has its quirks. The company warns that the AI can struggle with “unrealistic physics” and managing intricate actions over extended durations.

When users visit the Sora landing page, they’ll find a feed of videos generated by other users. Each video includes the original prompt, giving you insights into how the footage was created. From there, you can choose to remix the content, incorporate it into your own project, or re-cut it entirely.

Currently, Sora’s video capabilities are capped at 1080p resolution and a maximum length of 20 seconds. While these limits may feel restrictive to some, they’re in place as OpenAI continues refining the model.

Every Sora video comes with a visible watermark and embedded C2PA metadata, making it easier to verify authenticity. OpenAI is taking a firm stance on safety, prohibiting the creation of criminal content and deepfakes.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

Even if you don’t have a ChatGPT subscription, you can still browse Sora’s website to view content others have created. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared during a livestream that Sora’s release in Europe and the UK might take some time due to region-specific regulatory considerations.

Plans And Pricing

ChatGPT Plus subscribers can create up to 50 videos per month at 480p resolution. Alternatively, they can produce fewer, shorter clips in 720p. The Pro plan, on the other hand, offers significantly greater flexibility, including 10 times the usage limits and the ability to generate higher-quality videos of longer durations. OpenAI has also teased that customized pricing for various user needs will roll out early next year.