Smartphones
BlackBerry to Stop Making Smartphones
BlackBerry was once an iconic brand. The company, which dominated the mobile market during the dawn of the smartphone era, has announced that it will no longer make hardware. Instead, it will focus on software, management, and security, which moves the company deeper into the enterprise.
The company has said that it will outsource its smartphone manufacturing to partners, while focusing on other areas, including software and security. The announcement, which came during its second-quarter financial report for fiscal 2017, was long anticipated by the industry. Once the gold standard at the dawn of the smartphone era, BlackBerry dominated the mobile market.
But its position slipped as Apple introduced the iPhone about 10 years ago, and Google’s Android operating system created a mass of sleek smartphones that fulfilled the needs of business, as well as consumers. In a statement released Sept. 28, BlackBerry CEO John Chen restated what he has previously, specifically that the company’s future lies in software, mobile management, and security.
He said, “Our new Mobility Solutions strategy is showing signs of momentum, including our first major device software licensing agreement with a telecom joint venture in Indonesia. Under this strategy, we are focusing on software development, including security and applications. The company plans to end all internal hardware development and will outsource that function to partners. This allows us to reduce capital requirements and enhance return on invested capital.”
While its days as a smartphone manufacturer are over, it doesn’t mean that BlackBerry will go away. In fact, for IT and the enterprise, the company is doubling down on its offerings. In its announcement Wednesday, the company highlighted two new business offerings that are geared toward the modern computing era. The first is the BlackBerry Radar, an end-to-end product for tracking internet of things (IoT) systems that recently started shipping.
The other is the BlackBerry Hub+ for Android, a software licensing program, which allows productivity and communication development on Android 6.0 devices. There have also been acquisitions to help its security portfolio, including its recent deal for UK-based security firm Encription Limited, which provides a number of different consulting services.
In addition to its traditional management software, security and software are the parts of the market that King says he believes BlackBerry can thrive in, especially since the company has close relationships with many IT departments. The company says that employees may use iPhone and Android smartphones that could potentially be controlled and secured through BlackBerry software.
Gadgets
Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Expands With S24 FE in the UAE
Samsung Gulf Electronics today announced the availability of the Galaxy S24 FE in the UAE, the latest addition to the Galaxy AI ecosystem that delivers premium mobile experiences to more users. Powered by the AI-based ProVisual Engine and Galaxy AI’s Photo Assist features, Galaxy S24 FE showcases an enhanced camera setup that empowers users to be more creative. It’s the perfect device for gaming on the go with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a long-lasting 4,700mAh battery, and a powerful Exynos 2400 series chipset. The Galaxy S24 FE offers premium Galaxy AI tools and ecosystem connectivity to enhance communication, productivity and creativity — all housed in an iconic design and protected by robust Samsung Knox security.
Fadi Abu Shamat, Senior Director and Head of Mobile eXperience Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics, said, “Our vision is to bring cutting-edge AI technology to all our users in the UAE. The introduction of Galaxy AI is revolutionizing how people in the region connect, express themselves, and boost their productivity. With the Galaxy S24 FE, we’re extending the advanced features and Galaxy AI capabilities of our flagship S24 Series to a wider audience across the UAE, ensuring more users can experience the future of mobile innovation.”
Galaxy S24 FE makes it easy for anyone to shoot stunning photos and videos. Its premium camera setup features a 50MP wide lens and 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom — both supported by optical image stabilization (OIS) — plus a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 10MP selfie camera. The camera system’s capabilities are further elevated by Samsung’s dynamic ProVisual Engine, an AI-driven camera engine that takes visual quality to incredible heights. Making its debut in the FE Series, ProVisual Engine features vastly improved technology that leverages advanced AI algorithms to deliver breathtaking detail and remarkably subtle textures:
- Nightography with AI image signal processing (ISP) to improve low-light performance, enabling beautiful night portraits
- Works with the wide camera’s 50MP Adaptive Pixel Sensor to enable optical-quality performance at zoom levels from 2x in addition to the optical 3x zoom. AI zoom also provides enhanced image quality at distances between digital zoom lengths. Object-aware engine to recognize scenes and optimize colours in Super High Dynamic Range (HDR), ensuring vibrant and lifelike photos and videos
When it is time to edit, Photo Assist features breathe life into ideas. Since its introduction with the Galaxy S24 Series devices, Galaxy AI has become invaluable for editing images and expressing creativity:
- Generative Edit reassembles the world through object moving and removal capabilities, allowing more creative freedom
- Portrait Studio reimagines selfies as cartoons, comics, watercolour paintings, or sketches to add flair to online profiles
- Edit Suggestions quickly remove pesky flaws, such as reflections, with the press of a button
- Instant Slow-mo immortalizes every second of life’s important moments in a snap
The powerful Exynos 2400 series chipset enables an uncompromised gaming experience compatible with cutting-edge features such as Ray Tracing. In a world where every bit of speed and efficiency counts, the Galaxy S24 FE utilizes several key features to stay ahead of the competition:
- A 1.1x larger vapour chamber improves cooling to maintain peak performance for longer durations
- A bigger 4,700mAh battery allows for long, worry-free gaming sessions
- A 6.7-inch adaptive Dynamic AMOLED 2X display – the largest display ever used in the FE Series – with up to 120Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and stunning viewing experience
- Vision Booster optimizes colour and contrast for clear and comfortable gaming even in sunlight
The Galaxy S24 FE incorporates the same advanced AI experience as the Galaxy S24 Series. Designed to enhance work, simplify communication, and increase connectivity, Galaxy AI on the S24 FE offers tools that unlock new possibilities:
- Circle to Search with Google satisfies curiosity with unprecedented ease by offering instant search results with just a long press of the home button and circle
- Interpreter instantly translates in-person conversations, lectures, or any other type of presentation, even when offline
- Live Translate breaks down communication barriers on phone calls and is now being extended to a selection of popular third-party apps
- Composer from Samsung Keyboard generates suggested text based on simple keywords for email and supported social media apps
- Note Assist streamlines the note-taking process and automates formatting and translation. In Samsung Notes, you can get transcription, translation, and summarizing of voice recordings directly. Texts in PDF files also can be translated and overlaid through PDF overlay translation
Every Galaxy AI-enhanced experience becomes even more useful when the Galaxy S24 FE is connected to Samsung’s expansive mobile ecosystem. It seamlessly transfers files, quickly sets up extended displays, and effortlessly executes complex creative ideas through intuitive inputs. In this hyper-connected Samsung Galaxy ecosystem, the Galaxy S24 FE enables experiences that increase productivity, creativity, and efficiency.
Building on the innovative legacy of the S Series, the Galaxy S24 FE is fortified with strong security. Samsung Knox, Galaxy’s multi-layer security platform that safeguards critical information and protects against vulnerabilities with end-to-end secure hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection.
As a continuation of the S24 Series tradition of sustainable design, the Galaxy S24 FE has been made to do more with less when it comes to the planet’s resources. It features a wide variety of recycled materials, including recycled plastics, aluminium, glass, and rare earth elements in both internal and external components. It also features seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates and comes in a packaging box made from 100% recycled paper material.
Customers who purchase the breakthrough Galaxy S24 FE will receive a complimentary bundle of value-added services from premium Gulf brands worth up to AED 598. This exclusive package includes offerings from Samsung Entertainer, Anghami, VIU Premium and Starzplay Sports, providing customers with an extensive suite of entertainment and dining options to elevate their lifestyle.
The Galaxy S24 FE is available in retail stores and online starting October 3rd. At launch, customers can enjoy double the storage — a 256GB variant for the same price as the 128GB, starting from AED 2,399. The Galaxy S24 FE is available in Blue, Graphite, Gray, and Mint colours.
Foldables
HONOR Magic V3 Reduces Eye Strain with AI Defocus Display Technology
HONOR has introduced a groundbreaking innovation in eye care technology with its AI Defocus Display. This cutting-edge feature, first seen in the HONOR Magic V3, aims to mitigate the rising prevalence of myopia, particularly among smartphone users.
Traditional methods of addressing myopia, such as wearing glasses, often offer temporary solutions but may inadvertently contribute to the progression of the condition. HONOR’s AI Defocus Display takes a different approach, inspired by defocus glasses. By simulating controlled defocus on the display, the technology helps prevent the elongation of the eye’s axial length, a key factor in myopia development.
HONOR has conducted extensive scientific tests to substantiate the effectiveness of the AI Defocus Display. According to the tests, the feature is effective at reducing transient myopia by 13 degrees on average in a 25-minute session. Testing results also showed that the thickness of the central choroid increased after completing a visual task for 24 minutes with the AI Defocus Display function enabled. These findings provide compelling evidence of the transformative potential of this cutting-edge technology in myopia control and improving overall eye health.
Additionally, the HONOR AI Defocus Display has garnered recognition and endorsement from esteemed experts from Beijing Tongren Hospital (which is affiliated with Capital Medical University), and the Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment Center (SEDPTC). These experts have thoroughly evaluated and supported the development of this innovative technology. Their expertise and endorsement serve as a strong validation that the AI Defocus Display is a cutting-edge solution that adheres to the highest standards of eye care technology.
With the AI Defocus Display, HONOR is at the forefront of the smartphone industry, offering a unique and effective solution to combat myopia and promote healthier vision. As the prevalence of myopia continues to rise, HONOR’s technology provides a promising avenue for mitigating its impact and improving the quality of life for millions of individuals.
Gadgets
OPPO Intros AI Best Face Feature for Reno12 and Reno 12 Pro via OTA Update
OPPO has launched its latest AI tool, the AI Best Face, for the Reno12 and Reno12 PRO. This addition to the Reno12 series enhances mobile photography with advanced GenAI capabilities, ensuring that every moment is captured perfectly. This new feature, which is available through an OTA (over-the-air) update, is designed specifically for face-front shooting scenarios, focusing on group photos.
The feature detects closed-eye expressions, allowing users to correct them using AIGV technology. The new AI Best Face tool for the Reno12 and Reno12 PRO recognises up to 10 faces with the front camera and 20 faces with the rear camera. Designed for both front and rear shooting modes, this feature incorporates a dedicated group photo transient UI within the camera interface, ensuring that only photos taken in this mode can be edited later.
Users can easily access the feature through the Album section, under Group Photo Editing, to utilise the AI Best Face tool. The editing process also includes a view on/off effect, allowing users to see the enhancements made, ensuring every group photo is flawless and memorable. The Reno12 and Reno12 PRO combine stylish aesthetics with powerful performance, setting a new standard in mobile technology.