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…

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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.

The post Samsung Smart Glasses Teased For January, Software Reveal Imminent appeared first on Tech Magazine.

A significant chunk — 43% of the budget — will be directed toward building digital infrastructure under the E-Government Program. According to the ministry, “to date, some 60% of the estimated 2,400 government services have been digitized,” and this number is expected to grow sharply by 2025 as the government ramps up its efforts.

Despite the promising plans, Jordan faces some tough challenges: Budget constraints have previously slowed progress, and the country continues to grapple with a shortage of skilled professionals in key emerging technologies. On top of that, many citizens have been slow to adopt e-services and digital payment systems, which has further hindered the push for a modern, tech-enabled public sector.

Also Read: The Most AI-Proof Career Opportunities In The Middle East

To overcome these hurdles, the ministry emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond just implementing new technologies. Social and cultural factors also play a significant role in determining how well people embrace digital tools. Bridging these divides will be essential to ensure that digital government systems are not only implemented but widely used.

For Jordan to achieve its lofty goals, collaboration across government departments will be required, along with a strong focus on addressing societal barriers. However, with the right strategy in place, the massive investment could pave the way for a more efficient and inclusive digital future.

The post Jordan’s $45M Push To Boost E-Government & Digital Economy appeared first on Tech Magazine.

Attendees witnessed successful satellite-based two-way messaging and SOS alerts sent using commercial Android smartphones and a combination of Viasat’s robust L-band satellite network and the Bullitt over-the-top messaging app. Signals were transmitted using the company’s L-band spacecraft positioned over the Indian Ocean, while the infrastructure for 3GPP NTN services was deployed by Viasat’s partner Skylo.

Sandeep Moorthy, Viasat’s Chief Technical Officer, emphasized the significance of the demonstration, explaining, “By expanding our direct-to-device innovation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we’re showcasing the potential for D2D services in the fast-growing Gulf and Asia-Pacific region. D2D could help reduce barriers to connectivity in regions where terrestrial services are spotty and unavailable to help transform industries and supply chains, enable new opportunities, and to become more efficient, sustainable and safer. We’d like to thank the CST for their support in carrying out this exciting demonstration”.

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D2D technology allows devices like smartphones, vehicles, and industrial equipment to connect seamlessly to both satellite and terrestrial networks. Unlike traditional satellite setups, D2D eliminates the need for extra hardware, thanks to emerging global standards that are gaining traction among satellite operators, mobile network providers, and tech manufacturers.

What makes this approach particularly promising is that Viasat uses a licensed, dedicated satellite spectrum to deliver its D2D services. This avoids any interference with existing terrestrial networks, allowing smooth integration with mobile network operators in the future.

The demonstration clearly showed the potential of D2D technology to bridge connectivity gaps in remote regions while opening up opportunities for innovation, improved safety, sustainability, and efficiency.

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Scheduled for launch in January 2025, Quintes Protocol is being hailed as a disruptive force in the cryptocurrency space. Its innovative framework offers a perpetually appreciating asset with projected annual value growth of 18-30%. The technology is expected to bring new stability and reliability to an industry often criticized for its volatility.

“This is more than a milestone for Quintes Protocol – it’s an affirmation that exceptional and continued value can be created in the crypto field,” explained Al Kharashi. “Backed by intensive research, verifications, and the knowledge of renowned token engineers and researchers from leading blockchain companies, Quintes has just one destination: to pioneer the future of DeFi with unmatched growth, blazing the way for an exciting new world of cryptocurrency value”.

The Quintes Protocol aims to outperform traditional investment classes like S&P 500 stocks, gold, and high-yield bonds, as well as major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. By offering predictable growth and mitigating the risks typically associated with crypto investments, it is poised to attract a wide range of investors.

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Speaking on the inspiration behind Quintes, Al Kharashi said, “We’ve seen the potential for cryptocurrencies to achieve great returns for investors, but that growth is fickle. Growth bubbles occur, burst suddenly and unexpectedly, and the value is often lost. That is what inspired the creation of Quintes and the concept of perpetual growth, based on predictable collateral value appreciation”.

The foundation of the Quintes Protocol is the result of intensive research by Kitabq Research Lab. The development team includes elite engineers and scientists with backgrounds at ConsenSys, Binance, and Algorand, as well as financial giants such as Morgan Stanley. Together, they’ve raised over $600 million and boast a track record of successful projects across Web2 and Web3.

The post Saudi Innovator Secures Patent For Revolutionary Crypto Asset appeared first on Tech Magazine.

UAE’s Gen Alpha: Online Shopping And Gaming Enthusiasts

In the UAE, Generation Alpha is particularly adept at navigating today’s digital-first economy. The research reveals their heavy reliance on social platforms for shopping, with younger buyers gravitating toward social commerce. While 54% of millennials tend to stick to direct-to-consumer websites, 51% of Gen Z prefer shopping directly through social media.

The gaming sector is another area where the UAE’s young consumers are taking the lead. Children in the UAE spend 47% of their allowances on e-gaming, far surpassing the 28% spent by their peers in the UK, US, and China.

High-Value Purchases On The Rise

Parents’ spending on high-end items is soaring too. The report notes a 46% surge in luxury goods purchases and notable increases in home appliance and travel purchases. This trend signals a rebound in consumer confidence, particularly in recently hard-hit areas like tourism.

Interestingly, UAE kids are not just passive beneficiaries of parental spending. The study reveals that 75% of 8-year-olds and 92% of 15-year-olds in the UAE make purchases independently, often through digital platforms.

Buy Now, Pay Later Gains Traction

The research uncovers a surprising trend: a growing number of UAE children over 13 opt for “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) services. While still a small percentage (11%), this points to how younger generations are embracing alternative payment methods early on.

Global Insights: Social Commerce And Digital Influence

Globally, Generation Alpha influences about 27% of household spending, with digital purchases accounting for nearly a third of that figure. Parents increasingly buy digital products, such as educational tools and streaming services, with 47% prioritizing online learning resources.

Social media remains a dominant force in shopping habits. Across all regions, children use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to discover deals, with preferences varying slightly between countries. In the US, 57% of young shoppers rely on social media, compared to 41% in the UAE.

Physical stores, meanwhile, are becoming less popular. Just 35% of Gen Z worldwide shop in brick-and-mortar stores regularly, further underlining the shift to digital channels.

A Blueprint For Future Commerce

“Generation Alpha is playing a major role in the digital economy,” says Rory O’Neill, Chief Marketing Officer at Checkout.com. “Businesses must pay close attention to evolving customer preferences to stay competitive in this rapidly changing market”.

The post Study Shows Gen Alpha’s Growing Impact On The Digital Economy appeared first on Tech Magazine.

Spotify says the feature should be useful for “picking up a paused podcast, finding last week’s earworm, or finally playing that saved album or audiobook”. The new section replaces the “Listening History” tab and works for both free and Premium subscribers.

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To access the new feature, simply open the sidebar and navigate to Recents. All of your history is listed in chronological order, with filters to help narrow down the search. It’s also possible to find the new page by scrolling through the home feed. iOS and Android have both been updated with the new feature, but it could take a while before the changes roll out to the entire global user base.

The post New Spotify “Recents” Feature Offers 90-Day Listening History appeared first on Tech Magazine.

The location-sharing feature is switched off by default and can be enabled for up to one hour, making it extremely useful for concerts or crowded events. Only people in your private (one-to-one or group) DMs can see location data, and they can’t forward the information to anyone outside of the chat.

Another new feature, Nicknames, allows you to add custom aliases for yourself and friends inside DMs. Instagram says the feature is ideal to “share an inside joke with a nickname, or simplify lengthy usernames so your friends are easier to recognize”.

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Nicknames only appear in DMs, and can’t be seen elsewhere on Instagram. Users can pick or swap nicknames and choose which friends have permission to change theirs. To create a new alias, simply tap on a chat name at the top of a conversation and select “Nicknames”.

Finally, Instagram has also added 17 new sticker packs containing 300+ individual stickers. The new additions can be added to DMs and favorites can be set for easy repeat use.

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The spectacle involved 1,000 drones working in perfect harmony to project AC Milan’s iconic imagery against the city’s night sky. Highlights included the UAVs synchronizing to form the club’s iconic crest, the signature red and black jersey, and a special emblem marking its 125th year. The intricate performance demanded meticulous planning, not just in terms of choreography, but also in dealing with the necessary permits and logistics.

“Our goal was to spotlight AC Milan’s legacy through a stunning visual narrative,” explained Mohamed Munjed Abdulla, Director of Sales at Cyberdrone. “We celebrated the club’s history, its Dubai milestone, and the universal love for football. The show also enhanced AC Milan’s regional presence, growing its fanbase through a cutting-edge, memorable experience. Drone shows are unparalleled in leaving lasting impressions, making them perfect for driving partnerships and growth”.

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Greta Nardeschi, AC Milan’s Regional Director for MENA, echoed the sentiment, adding: “Collaborating with Cyberdrone for this 1,000-drone performance allowed us to connect with our fans in innovative ways. It gave us a unique opportunity to surprise and inspire audiences while elevating our Club’s visibility and that of our partners. Cyberdrone truly helped us take AC Milan to new heights”.

This groundbreaking drone display sets a new benchmark for the Middle East’s sports sector, which already contributes around $2.4 billion annually to Dubai’s GDP alone. Sporting events also generate $1.76 billion in revenues across the region, while the MENA’s entertainment sector, valued at $41.13 billion, is growing at 9.41% annually, driven by rapid technological advancements.

The post 1,000 Drones Light The Dubai Sky For AC Milan Celebration appeared first on Tech Magazine.

Kicking off the proceedings, His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), remarked: “Over the next 12 months, we won’t just witness change — it will be a series of era-defining moments. The future is evolving faster than we, or even our ancestors, could have ever envisioned. […] We are entering an era where every industry must embrace future design and transformation — or risk being left behind”.

Empowering Future Generations & Strengthening Local Communities

In a panel titled “From Deep Space to Deep Ocean – A Journey of Exploration and Discovery,” Sara Sabry, the first Arab and African female astronaut, urged governments to create more opportunities for young people in their home countries. Addressing the issue of brain drain during her session at the forum, she emphasized the necessity of building robust local ecosystems.

The panel then delved into how exploration fosters optimism, strengthens resilience, and addresses critical global issues like climate change and biodiversity conservation. The discussion spotlighted the Arab world’s potential to lead the field in space, oceanic, and Earth sciences.

Technological Innovations In Exploration

Prof. Oussama Khatib, an expert in deep-sea robotics and leader of the OceanOneK project, discussed how robotics are aiding underwater exploration.

“Technology today allows us to touch, operate, and intervene at 1,000 meters underwater. This is a gamechanger for how we interact with our planet,” he said, pointing out how recent advancements could inspire Arab inventors and developers across the region.

National Geographic Explorer Suaad Al Harthi also added to the discussion by explaining how cutting-edge technologies are helping conservation: “Technology like satellite telemetry enables us to monitor ecosystems we can’t physically access, allowing us to conserve biodiversity and tackle climate challenges more effectively,” she explained.

Redefining Time

A fireside chat entitled, “Concepts of Time: How Do They Shape Our Future?” drew plenty of interest, with experimental philosopher Jonathan Keats leading the discussion.

Keats, creator of the Millennium Camera project, which captures a single image over a thousand years, emphasized the value of speculative long-term thinking: “If we only think about today’s problems using today’s tools, we reinforce those problems. What we desperately need is an outside perspective — history can provide that, but so can the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Anne Beate Hovind, Chair of the Future Library Trust, also joined the conversation, “I love practical utopias — dreams within reach. These are visions we can create tomorrow. Young people often have a different understanding of time; they’re impatient for change. We need to show them that their actions today can shape the long-term future,” she said, encouraging collaboration across generations to build sustainable solutions.

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Honoring The Sci-Fi Visionaries Of Tomorrow

Finally, the event also celebrated winners of the DFF’s inaugural sci-fi writing competition, “Echoes of Tomorrow.” Mohammad Abu Hawash took first prize with “The Interstellar Haj,” exploring the theme of transforming humanity. Second place went to Zainab BH for “The Lifeline,” and Killian MacDonald claimed third with “The Last Selkie.” The top ten stories will be published on the Dubai Future Forum website, showcasing some of the diverse and thought-provoking visions of humanity’s future.

The post Dubai Future Forum 2024 Welcomes An Era Of Transformative Change appeared first on Tech Magazine.

Between July and September 2024, identity-focused attacks (most notably those targeting credential theft), surged, representing 25% of Cisco’s incident response cases. These types of intrusions have become increasingly prevalent due to the accessibility of simple-to-use hacking tools.

Meanwhile, ransomware attacks continued to dominate the threat landscape, constituting approximately 40% of cases. The quarter saw the emergence of several new ransomware variants such as RansomHub, DragonForce and RCRU64, in addition to recurring threats like BlackByte and Cerber.

Education, financial services and the manufacturing industry faced the brunt of these attacks, collectively accounting for over 30% of reported breaches. This pattern mirrors trends identified in earlier quarters of 2024, suggesting hackers are consistently and deliberately targeting these industries.

Salman Faqeeh, Managing Director of Cisco Saudi Arabia, stated: “The rise in identity-based attacks and persistent ransomware threats reflect the evolving cyber landscape. At Cisco, our priority is equipping customers with advanced security solutions to bolster their digital resilience.” He added, “Black Hat MEA is an ideal forum to share threat insights and unveil our innovations that mitigate identity-based attacks, prevent breaches, and close exploit gaps”.

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At Black Hat MEA 2024, Cisco will serve as a Strategic Sponsor under the theme “Innovating a New Era of Security,” showcasing its latest advancements in cybersecurity. A particular focus will be on securing AI-powered data centers and distributed environments, ensuring robust protection across all devices and applications.

Splunk, a cybersecurity company which is now part of Cisco, will also exhibit its own cutting-edge solutions, including next-generation Security Operations Centres (SOC) and tools for Operational Technology (OT) environments. Finally, Lothar Renner, Managing Director of Cisco Security, EMEA, is set to deliver a keynote titled “Redefining Security in the Age of AI,” spotlighting Cisco’s forward-looking approach to security in the evolving threat landscape.

Attendees at Black Hat MEA 2024 can visit Cisco at booth H1-T20 at the Riyadh Exhibition & Conference Centre between November 26-28.

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