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Watch: Unboxing the Samsung Galaxy A7 Smartphone

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Samsung’s new Galaxy A7 smartphone features a premium metal frame and 3D glass back that draws on Samsung’s premium design heritage. With a sleek camera and home key, the device is more seamless than ever and comfortable to hold and use.

The Galaxy A7 is available in three stylish colours including Black Sky, Gold Sand and Blue Mist. Capture important memories with the enhanced front and rear 16-megapixel cameras.

Check out our unboxing of the device below:

Stay tuned for a full review.

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Gadgets

Nothing Shows Off Industry’s First Co-Created Smartphone

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Nothing today unveiled the outcomes of The Community Edition Project. The Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition is Nothing’s first co-created product, where some of its most talented followers worked directly with the Nothing Team. From hardware to wallpapers, packaging to marketing, this smartphone has been entirely shaped by the imagination of Nothing’s community.

Nothing is pioneering a new way of working that seeks to erase the barrier between company and community. The project generated significant excitement, with over 900 entries from 47 countries around the world. The Community Edition Project is Nothing’s first major pilot to cocreate hardware, software, and content with its community, marking a key step towards shaping the future of the business together.

Winners Astrid Vanhuyse & Kenta Akasaki, Andrés Mateos, Ian Henry Simmonds and Sonya Palma, collaborated closely with Nothing’s Design Studio, Creative, Brand and Marketing teams in London to further refine their winning concepts. The result of this collaboration between the Nothing team and the community is Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition, a glow-in-the-dark interpretation of the popular Phone (2a) Plus.

Stage 1 – Hardware Design
Astrid Vanhuyse & Kenta Akasaki collaborated with Nothing’s Design Director Adam Bates and CMF Designer Lucy Birley, experimenting with a variety of materials and colours to bring their “Phosphorescence” concept to life, all while preserving the device’s core Nothing identity. Using green-tinted phosphorescent material finishes, elements of the back of the phone emit a soft glow in dark environments. This feature is purely analogue, requiring no power source, and can last for hours before gradually fading until it recharges by daylight.

Stage 2 – Wallpaper Design
Building on the hardware design, Andrés Mateos used a mix of AI tools and digital design to create the “Connected Collection”. Initially tasked with developing four wallpapers, Andrés, along with Nothing’s Software Design Director Mladen M Hoyss and Software Designer Ken Giang, decided to expand the final collection to six wallpapers.

Stage 3 – Packaging Design
Ian Henry Simmonds reinterpreted Nothing’s packaging design with his “Less is More” concept – a graphically bold, yet simple super-macro crop. The final packaging includes reflective elements which glow in dark environments to complement the winning hardware design.

Stage 4 – Marketing Campaign
Sonya Palma brought all the elements together with her intimate and powerful campaign concept, “Find your light. Capture your light”. This compelling campaign echoes Nothing’s very first product launch where “pure instinct” was at the campaign’s centre. Both allude to the idea that we all have an inner power that deserves to be explored. Sonya worked with Nothing’s Creative Team to develop a suite of elevated assets, including a film campaign and digital assets that supported the launch of the product.

According to Nothing, co-creation is at the core of the company’s mission. While Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition is the Community Team’s largest project to date, Nothing says it is constantly working with community members to co-develop software and content. In 2022, Nothing also introduced the role of a Community Board Observer, an elected individual who represents the community at Nothing’s Board of Directors meetings.

The Community Edition Project phone is available across all markets and has been developed on Phone (2a) Plus. Nothing will produce just 1,000 units of Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition. In GCC only 150 pieces are available for sale in both UAE and KSA. Nothing fans can get their hands on the “Community Edition” only through the Nothing Instagram page: @nothingarabia and it will be priced at: AED1,649 in UAE and SAR1,749.

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Artificial Intelligence

HONOR Announces MagicOS 9.0 with AI Features

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HONOR has launched MagicOS 9.0 in China, the industry’s first all-scenario personalised AI operating system. This groundbreaking operating system integrates its new proprietary MagicLM line-up, while YOYO Assistant has been upgraded to a more powerful AI Agent. With the launch of the AI Agent Store, HONOR shapes a new era of intelligent experiences with the multimodal ecosystem.

“At HONOR, we have always championed a human-centric approach and user empowerment as the cornerstone of our AI innovations. From the launch of Magic Live in December 2016 to the integration of platform-level AI in MagicOS 7.0 in January 2022 and the introduction of MagicOS 8.0 to revolutionise human-device interaction, HONOR has always been at the forefront of creating human-centric AI innovations,” said George Zhao, CEO of HONOR Device Co. Ltd. “Today, as we unveil the MagicOS 9.0, which introduces the industry’s first cross-application AI Agent, we showcase HONOR’s steadfast dedication to leveraging AI for operating system enhancement and driving forward innovative intent-based interactions,”

Unlike the industry’s common practice of empowering applications or creating AI applications with large language models (LLMs), HONOR leverages LLMs to enhance its platform-level AI capabilities, aiming to provide experiences such as multi-modal natural interaction, accurate intention recognition, and closed-loop services for complex tasks. With the new MagicOS 9.0, HONOR is introducing the MagicLM line-up, a family of LLMs that aims to create transformative experiences with language, visual, audio, and multimodal interactions. Leveraging this advancement, HONOR continues to bring enhancements to the platform-level AI, propelling its evolution into an AI-driven operating system.

At the core of the new MagicLM line-up, LLMs dynamically allocate AI computing power based on the specific needs of varied user scenarios. By combining and allocating on-device and cloud resources with agility and flexibility, it strikes an optimal balance between efficiency and experience while meeting diverse user demands. Among these, the three billion parameter LLM is an on-device model that will support HONOR’s mid-range and premium product series. Compared to the previously released seven billion parameter on-device model, it has achieved an 80% reduction in power consumption, a 77% increase in loading speed, a 500% increase in word output speed, and a 1.8GB and 1.6GB reduction in ROM and RAM usage respectively, bringing a significant enhancement comparing to the industry standards. Meanwhile, the cloud models will also support the full range of products in HONOR’s portfolio.

During the launch event, HONOR announced the upgrade of YOYO from a Smart Assistant to an AI Agent. Coming with four core capabilities including natural language understanding and computer vision, user behaviour habit learning and scenario perception, intention recognition and decision-making ability, and in-app and cross-app operation, YOYO can accurately understand user needs, decompose task steps, and independently operate and retrieve various resources and third-party services on the phone, meeting user needs based on its learning of user behaviour habits and usage scenario.

For instance, if a user asks YOYO to order a hot latte with a simple command, it understands and executes the request like a real-life assistant. It can access the user’s frequently used food delivery app, identify their preferred coffee shop, place the coffee order automatically, and finally, verify payment with the user, streamlining the whole process with just a single prompt.

HONOR views the AI Agent as capable of handling tasks with just a single command, assisting users in completing tasks they want to do but are unsure of or tasks they could do but prefer not to. Currently, YOYO possesses advanced human-centric scenario understanding capabilities, enabling it to comprehend 600 types of user intents, remember 950 personal habits, and plan 270 complex tasks. With a single command, YOYO can automatically execute 900 tasks, such as ordering coffee and tea, managing app auto-renewal, permissions, notifications, converting documents, and even filling out forms.

HONOR believes that open collaboration and innovation are essential for thriving in the AI era. In contrast to a closed ecosystem for AI Agent development, HONOR is committed to building AI Agents within an open ecosystem that enables cross-third-party application operations for users. With the launch of the AI Agent store, HONOR unlocks a new era of intelligent experience powered by YOYO and the multimodal ecosystem.

In addition to the new AI Agent, HONOR is also bringing upgrades to Magic Portal and Magic Capsule. With MagicOS 9.0, Magic Portal now offers a more intuitive and seamless experience. Users can simply circle objects to access text and image comprehension without the need to activate the device, allowing for direct access to the desired service in a single step. Leveraging platform-level AI advancements in intention recognition, Magic Portal can understand contextual semantics and accurately interpret user intent, bringing more precise service recommendations to users. Meanwhile, Magic Portal can now cover ten major user scenarios and more than 100 applications, with a 255% increase in service integration than the MagicOS 8.0. The newly upgraded Magic Capsule also extends its application scenarios to cover frequently used scenarios such as flights, ride-hailing, high-speed rail, express delivery, takeaway, movie watching, gaming, system services, local life, navigation, security, and communication.

With AI seamlessly integrated throughout the platform, MagicOS 9.0 has experienced a comprehensive evolution across various areas, including smart connectivity, fluid performance, privacy and security, technological aesthetics, and creative productivity. In light of the rising risks of fraud associated with deepfake technology, MagicOS 9.0 unveils the industry’s first AI Deepfake Detection feature, significantly enhancing security and safeguarding users against potential scams. On the connectivity front, the new MagicRing offers substantial upgrades in heterogeneous networking, cross-device security collaboration, and self-organizing network capabilities.

This innovation ensures seamless service flow and allows flexible multi-device connections across various scenarios. Regarding performance, MagicOS 9.0 has undergone a comprehensive reconstruction of the Turbo X system engine, enhanced by platform-level AI. Coupled with human-centred research, this transformation provides users with a comfortable and enjoyable experience. In terms of technological aesthetics, MagicOS 9.0 introduces an innovative personalization solution — Magic Personalization. With engaging features such as Versatile Desktop, Magic Lock Screen, and Magic Style, these tools empower users to express their individuality through the capabilities of on-device AI.

In addition, tailored for both creation and office scenarios, HONOR has thoroughly integrated AI into system-level applications, unlocking efficient and convenient capabilities for image and text processing. For creators, the enhanced AI Gallery features tools such as AI Eraser, face restoration, AI image expansion, and AI style. Catering to the needs of office professionals, the upgraded HONOR AI Notes introduces AI Meetings, which automatically record minutes with speaker identification and generate professional meeting summaries with a single touch. Additionally, AI Docs assists with reading, writing, translation, and summarization, while AI Translate supports multiple interaction methods and offers real-time translation.

Leveraging platform-level AI capabilities, HONOR seamlessly integrates AI into MagicOS 9.0, offering a personalised experience that is effortless, smooth, and secure. Working closely with developers, HONOR will continue working towards the goal of creating a new intelligent world for everyone.

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Gadgets

Motorola Intros the New ThinkPhone 25

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Motorola — a Lenovo company — has announced the new ThinkPhone 25, an enterprise-ready phone for business professionals that combines Lenovo’s long-standing expertise in building trustworthy devices for businesses along with Motorola’s smartphone innovation and technology. Packed to the brim with forward-thinking security features and software that works seamlessly with Lenovo ThinkPads, this phone is designed for customers who need hardware reliability, and security without sacrificing efficiency and functionality.

ThinkPhone 25 guarantees five Android OS upgrades and Security Maintenance Releases into 2029, so customers will have access to the latest from Android and future AI innovations from Motorola. ThinkShield for Mobile, a suite of enhanced hardware and AI-based security features, is built in so sensitive business data is better protected from malware, phishing, and other cybersecurity threats. ThinkPhone 25 also features the new Moto Secure, which is powered by moto ai which works in the background to protect users’ privacy. Malware Detection and Phishing Detection automatically identify threats and warn users about suspicious websites, to help protect their sensitive data. Other security functionalities include Network protection, Wi-Fi security, Lock Screen Security, and more.

“The ThinkPhone 25 represents a significant leap forward in mobile technology for enterprise users,” said Sharay Shams, General Manager, Middle East at Motorola. “By integrating Lenovo’s expertise in enterprise hardware with Motorola’s cutting-edge mobile innovations, we’ve created a device that not only meets but exceeds the demands of today’s business professionals. With unparalleled security features, seamless connectivity, and robust durability, the ThinkPhone 25 is designed to empower users to achieve more, no matter where their work takes them. For enterprise mobility customers in the Middle East, this means having a reliable and secure device that can withstand the region’s diverse and often harsh environmental conditions, ensuring uninterrupted productivity and peace of mind.”

ThinkPhone 25 wasn’t just created to last with software alone—the sleek, elegant design merges aesthetics and function for a device that’s both eye-catching and resilient. ThinkPhone 25 is MIL-STD 810H certified, meaning it’s undergone rigorous testing against 14 procedures to meet military standards for durability. With extra tough Corning Gorilla Glass 7i and Aramid fibre that’s stronger than steel, customers don’t have to worry about drops or scratches from tossing the phone into their work bag.

All of this protection is delivered in a stunning design, with premium finishes and a Carbon Black colourway that exudes elegance. The IP68 underwater protection also means that the phone is designed to withstand dust, dirt, and sand—and submersion in up to 1.5 metres of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Whether customers are doing business in Saudi Arabia or Switzerland, ThinkPhone 25 offers much-needed peace of mind in extreme weather conditions, from -30ºC to 60°C, and 95% air humidity.

ThinkPhone 25 helps users boost productivity and make the most of the entire ecosystem of Lenovo ThinkPad business devices with Smart Connect. The seamless integration between devices enables effortless navigation between the ThinkPhone 25, a tablet, and a Windows PC using just one keyboard and mouse. Copy an image or text from your phone and paste it onto your laptop or drag it from one device and drop it on another. Smart Connect also lets customers use the phone camera as a high-res webcam, streamline notifications, and share a 5G Hotspot between devices, making ThinkPhone 25 the ultimate tool for getting work done on the go.

To top it off, the compact 6.36-inch Super HD pOLED display allows users to experience richer and more dynamic experience on video calls, presentations, and images. Forget stressing about a low battery when on a business trip or a long day at the office. The powerful battery in the ThinkPhone 25 lasts for up to 34 hours, and when it needs to recharge, the TurboPower 68W charger provides power for the day in just 11 minutes. The universally compatible USB-C charger design is compact but has the power to fully charge a laptop, letting users carry less when travelling for work or pleasure.

With a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor and 256GB of built-in storage, ThinkPhone 25 has room for all the apps and files needed for an enterprise device. The eSIM makes it easy to switch carriers when travelling abroad, and 6Ghz Wi-Fi connectivity lets users upload large files and log onto video calls without any lag. To top things off, the ThinkPhone 25 is available through a business edition support package that includes three years of warranty, Clean OS, Zero Touch Management, one year of Moto Devices Manager, one year of Software Control, and CO2 Offset Certification.

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