Laptops
ASUS unveils latest AMD, Intel-powered Zenbook AI laptops
AI computing like never before
ASUS has officially announced its 2025 ASUS Zenbook series, which are powered by both AI-enabled AMD and Intel processors.
Under the latest lineup are the ASUS Zenbook DUO, ASUS Zenbook 14 (UX3405CA), and ASUS Zenbook 14 (UM3406KA). The first two are already available in the Philippines.
The revolutionary dual-screen Zenbook DUO is now available with the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 processor (Series 2).
This device features two 14-inch 16:10 120Hz OLED HDR NanoEdge touchscreens. Along with them are a detachable full-size keyboard and built-in kickstand.
Combining versatility with AI benefits, the Zenbook DUO also has a 75Wh battery and a comprehensive array of I/O ports. It is priced at PhP 139,995 (32GB+1TB).
Meanwhile, the new Zenbook 14 (UX3405CA) is the ultimate Intel Evo Edition ultraportable laptop. It has a sleek, lightweight, and sturdy all-metal design, while its battery capacity has been increased to 75Wh.
With a similar Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and Intel Arc graphics, as well as Wi-Fi 7 and 16GB RAM, the Zenbook 14 takes workflow to the next level.
In front, it has a 3K ASUS Lumina OLED 120 Hz touchscreen, coupled with super-linear speakers. There are likewise I/O ports including Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, for seamless connectivity.
The new Zenbook 14 retails for PhP 89,995 for the Intel Core Ultra 9 with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage. A lower model with Intel Core Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage is also available for PhP 77,995.
Lastly, the AMD Ryzen AI 7 350-powered Zenbook 14 (UM3406KA) comes with AMD Radeon 860M graphics and boasts of a 50 TOPS NPU for a next-level Copilot+ PC experience.
The laptop is integrated with AI engines to accelerate AI computing. ASUS AI applications are also available. This particular variant will be announced soon with pricing details to follow.
Samsung’s most advanced AI-powered PC lineup yet, the Samsung Galaxy Book6 series, will be available in the United States starting March 11.
The Samsung Galaxy Book6 Ultra, Book6 Pro, and Book6 are all powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors to deliver improved CPU, GPU, and NPU performance.
Galaxy AI features like AI Select and Intelligent Search streamline workflows, while Multi-Control and Second Screen enable seamless productivity across Galaxy devices.
Users can connect the Galaxy Book6 series to their Galaxy smartphone or tablet for multi-screen productivity. This includes accessing one’s phone storage straight from the Book6 PC.
And similar to Circle to Search on Galaxy mobile devices, the upcoming PCs have a feature wherein users can just trace whatever is on their screen and search.
In addition, the series combines ultra-thin designs with up to 30 hours of video playback.
Price, availability
Here are the pricing of the three devices under the series:
- Galaxy Book6 Ultra: Starts at US$ 2,449.99
- Galaxy Book6 Pro: Starts at US$ 1,599.99
- Galaxy Book6: Starts at US$ 1,049.99
They will be available nationwide at Samsung.com and Samsung Experience Stores beginning on March 11. Customers who reserve early will get a US$ 30 credit.
More details will be unveiled during the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25 at 10:00 A.M. PT / 1:00 A.M. ET.
Laptops
Are you ready for a more colorful MacBook?
Apple is experimenting with quirkier colorway options for the MacBook.
In recent years, Apple has relented on limiting the colors of its devices to only the more premium-looking options. Users can now pick quirkier colors for their iPhones, highlighted currently by the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro Max. Soon, the same splashes of color might make its way to the MacBook lineup.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has been testing different colorway options for its upcoming entry-level MacBook. The unannounced lineup might come in pink, light yellow, light green, and blue.
It’s a big change for MacBooks. Currently, the only “quirky” option that users can get is the MacBook Air’s Sky Blue, which honestly looks more silvery than blue. Other than that, the MacBook simply seesaws from different shades of gold, silver, and black.
To be fair, the upcoming MacBook will still have the traditional colorways of the current lineup. Additionally, it’s unclear whether Apple will ultimately include all its experimental colors into the final lineup.
Reportedly, the new lineup will cost somewhere between US$ 699 to US$ 799. Of course, the lower price tag will come at the expense of some specs. Although, it should still be good if we’re talking about an entry-level laptop.
It’s even more interesting if it’s hinting at the return of truly colorful options but for the notebook. The iMac already got a similar renaissance back in 2024, which mimics the classic computer’s colorful history.
SEE ALSO: M5 MacBook Pro review
Brands getting banned are commonplace in today’s tech landscape. These usually happen because of geopolitical reasons, especially if it’s in the United States. In Europe, brands sometimes get banned for anticompetition reasons. Today, however, a commonly used codec, HEVC, is at the center of a controversy that has led to the banning of ASUS and Acer in Germany. Even crazier, Nokia is involved.
For context, Nokia owns several patents for video codecs. One of those codecs, HEVC (or High-Efficiency Video Coding) is ubiquitous in every PC, which means that every PC maker must purchase a license to include the codec in their machines. It’s an essential these days, so it’s unusual for ASUS and Acer to miss it.
In Germany, where licensing is stricter, both companies were found guilty of infringing the patent, as reported by German outlet Hardwareluxx. As a result, ASUS and Acer must stop selling PC and laptop sales until they obtain a license from Nokia.
To be clear, this doesn’t mean that the two brands have disappeared from the country. Third-party retailers can still sell their remaining stock. However, the companies cannot import or sell any new stock, pending a conclusion to the issue.
Naturally, the easiest fix is to just buy the license. Hisense, another company that found itself in the same mire, bought a license last month. Either ASUS and Acer are running into more technical issues, or they just didn’t feel the license was worth it for a single market.
SEE ALSO: ASUS is leaving the smartphone industry
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