News

NEOM Unveils Zardun, A High-End Ecotourism Retreat

The project aims to further improve the ever-growing Saudi ecotourism market with an upscale sanctuary resort.

Published

11 months ago

January 25, 2024

Nour Nasir

NEOM

According to recent data from Savills, the global ecotourism sector is projected to experience an annual growth rate of 15% from 2021 to 2027. In alignment with that upward trend, NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious $500 billion urban development, has disclosed plans to build an upscale sanctuary resort.

The lavish retreat, known as Zardun, will be built on a four-square-kilometer site, offering breathtaking vistas of the Gulf of Aqaba. NEOM officials have also confirmed that Zardun will boast no fewer than three deluxe boutique hotels.

Zardun will be populated by indigenous flora and fauna from the mountains to the shores and provide educational programs and on-site initiatives dedicated to the preservation, conservation, and rejuvenation of nature.

Also Read: Dubai Plans To Deploy Driverless Pods And Green Rail Buses

The site will be meticulously crafted to “blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings” as a further commitment to sustainable tourism. Additionally, Zardun will incorporate a 360-degree observation platform, affording guests unparalleled panoramas. Ecotourism pursuits available to visitors will include hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, stargazing, meditation, yoga, and more.

News

Samsung Smart Glasses Teased For January, Software Reveal Imminent

According to Korean sources, the new wearable will launch alongside the Galaxy S25, with the accompanying software platform unveiled this December.

Published

2 days ago

December 4, 2024

Nour Nasir

samsung smart glasses teased for january software reveal imminent

Samsung appears poised to introduce its highly anticipated smart glasses in January 2025, alongside the launch of the Galaxy S25. According to sources in Korea, the company will first reveal the accompanying software platform later this month.

As per a report from Yonhap News, Samsung’s unveiling strategy for the smart glasses echoes its approach with the Galaxy Ring earlier this year. The January showcase won’t constitute a full product launch but will likely feature teaser visuals at the Galaxy S25 event. A more detailed rollout could follow in subsequent months.

Just in: Samsung is set to unveil a prototype of its augmented reality (AR) glasses, currently in development, during the Galaxy S25 Unpacked event early next year, likely in the form of videos or images.

Additionally, prior to revealing the prototype, Samsung plans to introduce…

— Jukanlosreve (@Jukanlosreve) December 3, 2024

The Galaxy Ring, for example, debuted in January via a short presentation during Samsung’s Unpacked event. The full product unveiling came later at MWC in February, and the final release followed in July. Samsung seems to be adopting a similar phased approach with its smart glasses, which are expected to hit the market in the third quarter of 2025.

A Collaborative Software Effort

Samsung’s partnership with Google has played a key role in developing the smart glasses’ software. This collaboration was first announced in February 2023, with the device set to run on an Android-based platform. In July, the companies reiterated their plans to deliver an extended reality (XR) platform by the end of the year. The software specifics for the XR device are expected to be unveiled before the end of December.

Reports suggest that the smart glasses will resemble Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in functionality. They won’t include a display but will weigh approximately 50 grams, emphasizing a lightweight, user-friendly design.

Feature Set And Compatibility

The glasses are rumored to integrate Google’s Gemini technology, alongside features like gesture recognition and potential payment capabilities. Samsung aims to create a seamless user experience by integrating the glasses with its broader Galaxy ecosystem, starting with the Galaxy S25, slated for release on January 22.