Singapore will host the second edition of GITEX AI Asia next week from April 9 to 10, with more than 550 enterprises, 250 investors, and 300 startups from over 110 countries expected to convene at Marina Bay Sands.

The event comes as Asia-Pacific’s AI spending is projected to hit US$ 78 billion by 2026, according to an IDC report.

Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia are also projected to account for 40% of global data center capacities by 2030. Singapore itself produces about 15% of the world’s semiconductors and recently launched a new quantum research center.

The conference underscores the region’s rapid adoption of AI across healthcare, finance, and public services. It will feature global technology leaders, investors managing US$ 350 billion in assets, and policymakers discussing Asia’s role in shaping the next era of AI and quantum innovation.

There will be a total of about 175 speakers. Among them are Japan former senator and vice minister Kotaro Tamura, and Aires Applied Quantum Technologies CEO Ken Lin They will highlight the region’s growing quantum IP base.

In addition, startups at North Star Asia, the regional edition of Expand North Star, will showcase breakthroughs. There are energy-efficient AI systems, real-time translation earbuds, and brain-computer interface rehabilitation tools.

Major firms including Ericsson and Gorilla Technology will likewise present infrastructure solutions for AI-driven urban environments.

Meanwhile, Belgium, Canada, the Philippines, and more countries will debut country pavilions. They will join mainstay participants like Australia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, the Netherlands, Pakistan, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and of course, the host Singapore.

For investors and innovators alike, GITEX AI Asia signals Asia’s inflection point as a global leader in AI and quantum technologies. It also reinforces Singapore’s role as a high-impact gateway linking the continent’s innovation ecosystems with global capital and markets.

Sony is expanding its home entertainment push with a new range of BRAVIA Theatre audio products and the BRAVIA 3 II TV. The lineup aims to make a full cinema-style experience more accessible. That’s true whether you’re starting with a soundbar or building a complete surround setup.

Soundbars designed to fill the room

Leading the audio lineup is the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 7, a compact yet powerful soundbar built with nine speaker units. It includes up-firing and side speakers. These work alongside Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping to create a wider, more immersive sound field from a single unit. Room calibration further optimizes audio based on your space. There are also optional subwoofers and rear speakers unlock deeper bass and fuller surround.

For a more accessible option, the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 5 offers a 3.1-channel setup with a wireless subwoofer. It focuses on delivering clear dialogue and strong bass, using S-Force PRO Front Surround and Vertical Surround Engine to simulate a three-dimensional listening experience.

Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, integrate with compatible BRAVIA TVs for unified control, and can be managed via the BRAVIA Connect app.

Expanding the surround experience

Sony is also introducing a set of optional speakers designed to complete the home cinema setup. The BRAVIA Theatre Sub 9 and Sub 8 deliver deep, room-filling bass, with the Sub 9 featuring dual opposing drivers to reduce distortion. Notably, the lineup now supports dual subwoofer configurations for the first time.

Meanwhile, the BRAVIA Theatre Rear 9 adds height and depth to rear channels through its up-firing speaker. This helps create a more convincing surround environment when paired with compatible soundbars.

A bigger screen to match

Alongside the audio products, Sony is rolling out the BRAVIA 3 II, a mid-tier TV available in sizes up to 100 inches. Powered by the XR Processor and XR Triluminos Pro, it aims to deliver natural colors, strong contrast, and refined detail.

The TV supports Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X, and is also positioned as a capable gaming display. It comes with 4K at 120Hz and four HDMI 2.1 ports. Sony is also introducing a new Inclusive Remote with improved button layout and a Remote Finder feature for easier accessibility.

Price and availability

In Singapore, the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 7 will be available starting May 2026. Suggested retail price is SGD 1,299. Meanwhile, the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 5 follows in June 2026 at SGD 599.

The BRAVIA Theatre Sub 9, Sub 8, and Rear 9 will arrive in July 2026, priced at SGD 1,099, SGD 799, and SGD 899, respectively.

The BRAVIA 3 II TV will be available from June 2026 in sizes ranging from 43 inches to 100 inches, with pricing starting at SGD 1,499.

POCO has announced the Singapore pricing and availability of the newly launched POCO X8 Pro Series. It includes the POCO X8 Pro Max and POCO X8 Pro.

In Singapore, the lineup will be available with early bird pricing from March 17 to April 5. They offer discounts across all configurations.

Price and availability

The POCO X8 Pro Max (12GB + 256GB) carries a recommended retail price of SGD 589. However, will be available at an early bird price of SGD 559 during the promotional period. Meanwhile, the 12GB + 512GB variant is priced at SGD 619, discounted to SGD 599 for early buyers.

For the standard model, the POCO X8 Pro (8GB + 256GB) is priced at SGD 469, with an early bird price of SGD 439. The 12GB + 512GB configuration retails for SGD 519 and will be available at SGD 489 during the launch promo.

The POCO X8 Pro Max will be available in Black, Blue, and White, while the POCO X8 Pro comes in Black, Mint Green, and White.

Performance-focused X Pro series

The POCO X8 Pro Series marks the brand’s shift from the traditional X Series to the new X Pro Series, positioning the lineup around stronger performance and improved endurance.

Leading the series is the POCO X8 Pro Max, which debuts globally with the Dimensity 9500s flagship chipset. Built on a 3nm process, the chip uses a 4+4 all-big-core CPU design with clock speeds of up to 3.73GHz.

POCO says the device can achieve an AnTuTu score of over 3 million, positioning it among the most powerful smartphones in its segment.

Meanwhile, the POCO X8 Pro is powered by the Dimensity 8500-Ultra platform, delivering improved GPU performance and better power efficiency compared to the previous generation.

Both devices also support hardware-level ray tracing and POCO’s WildBoost Optimization, which helps stabilize frame rates during demanding gameplay.

Large batteries and fast charging

Battery capacity is another highlight of the lineup.

The POCO X8 Pro Max packs an 8,500mAh battery, which the company says can deliver up to two days of battery life on a single charge.

Meanwhile, the POCO X8 Pro features a 6,500mAh silicon-carbon battery, designed to provide strong endurance while maintaining a relatively compact device size.

Both phones support 100W HyperCharge as well as 27W reverse charging, allowing them to charge other devices when needed.

Displays and cameras

The POCO X8 Pro Max features a 6.83-inch display, while the POCO X8 Pro uses a 6.59-inch panel.

Both displays can reach 3,500 nits peak brightness across 25 percent of the screen, improving visibility outdoors.

On the camera side, both devices feature a 50MP main camera and a 20MP front camera. The Pro Max uses a Light Fusion 600 sensor, while the X8 Pro uses a Sony IMX882 sensor.

Additional features include UltraSnap, Dynamic shots, and AI-powered editing tools designed to simplify image enhancement.