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6 Arab Musicians Triumph In TikTok MENA LIVE’s #GimmeTheMic
Aimed at discovering talented music creators, the competition has already revealed some of the most promising regional acts.
The TikTok LIVE #GimmeTheMic competition has concluded, providing a platform for rising musicians across the MENA region to share their unique sounds. The grand finale, held on September 9 at the Theatre of Digital Art and streamed live on the @TikTokLive_MENA page, featured standout performances from the finalists, all vying to represent the MENA region on the world stage.
Since debuting last year, #GimmeTheMic has evolved into more than just a competition. It has become a showcase of creativity, resonating with TikTok’s vast community. Aimed at discovering and promoting talented music creators, this initiative has already revealed some of the most promising artists in the region. The 12 finalists, chosen through in-app voting by TikTok users, are part of a new wave of talent ready to make their global mark.
The road to the final performance was marked by intense preparation and overseen by an esteemed panel of judges. Celebrity experts included Arab pop sensation Sandy, Syrian singer and actor Samo Zaen — winner of the Best Middle East Artist Award — and Moroccan artist Grini, a recipient of the MTV European Music Award.
Through dedicated coaching sessions, the judges offered insights and personal experiences from their own careers. The sessions helped the contestants not only improve their skills but also gain confidence in their abilities. As a result, the competition served as a unique learning experience for all participants.
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Reflecting on the event, Samo Zaen noted, “These performers aren’t just picking up the mic; they’re taking control. TikTok has become a space for artists to showcase their work and connect with a global audience”.
The competition’s six winners — Fathy Samir (@fathysamirrofficial), Balqees Raed (@balqees7890), Ahmed Yaser (@ahmedyassersinger), Amira Aly (@merooamira000), Jan Georg (@jaaan.official), and Amr Tarek (@amrtarek.tv) — will now represent the MENA region in the global #GimmeTheMic contest. Their success in the competition has already set the stage for a brighter future in the region’s music industry, fostering a community of creators passionate about sharing their craft with the world.
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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.
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.
Samsung Smart Glasses Teased For January, Software Reveal Imminent
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