News
Amazon to Acquire Souq.com
Amazon today announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Souq.com, the leading e-commerce platform in the Middle East. Joining the Amazon family will enable Souq.com to continue growing while working with Amazon to bring even more products and offerings to customers worldwide.
“Amazon’s entry into the region reflects the visionary foresight of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who launched Dubai Internet City in 1999 and adopted the e-commerce and online business legislation of 2002,” said His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. “Furthermore, it reiterates Dubai’s position as a regional and global hub for the world’s biggest and leading organizations, fostering in its ecosystem that amalgamates the brightest minds, talent, thought leaders, entrepreneurs and investors from around the world.”
“Amazon and Souq.com share the same DNA – we’re both driven by customers, invention, and long-term thinking,” said Russ Grandinetti, Amazon Senior Vice President, International Consumer. “Souq.com pioneered e-commerce in the Middle East, creating a great shopping experience for their customers. We’re looking forward to both learning from and supporting them with Amazon technology and global resources. And together, we’ll work hard to provide the best possible service for millions of customers in the Middle East.”
“We are guided by many of the same principles as Amazon, and this acquisition is a critical next step in growing our e-commerce presence on behalf of customers across the region,” said Souq.com CEO and Co-Founder Ronaldo Mouchawar. “By becoming part of the Amazon family, we’ll be able to vastly expand our delivery capabilities and customer selection much faster, as well as continue Amazon’s great track record of empowering sellers.”
Subject to closing conditions, the acquisition is expected to close in 2017.
News
Microsoft Unveils a Sleek New Design for Windows Hello
Microsoft is significantly upgrading Windows Hello, its facial and fingerprint recognition authentication system, in Windows 11. This revamped experience, now in beta testing with Windows Insiders, features a fresh look, new icons, and improved passkey functionality.
In this episode of GV Weekly Tech Update, Rysha Media’s Zack Zorro and Alison Osborne speak about the new features of Windows Hello!
The new UI will be visible not only on the Windows 11 login screen but also when using passkeys to access websites and apps. The Windows team explains that this redesign aims to create a cleaner, more intuitive experience for secure and swift authentication. Users will be able to effortlessly switch between authentication options and select passkeys or devices.
While Microsoft currently supports passkeys in Windows 11, the existing experience, involving QR code scanning and an outdated UI, can be cumbersome. The new sign-in UI for passkeys and Microsoft account authentication will greatly enhance this process.
Microsoft has also introduced a new API for third-party password and passkey managers. This API enables developers to integrate directly with the modern Windows Hello experience, allowing Windows 11 users to authenticate with apps and websites on their PC using passkeys from a mobile device. Additionally, users can save passkeys to third-party apps or sync them to their Microsoft account.
This new Windows Hello experience is being tested in the Windows 11 beta channel (23H2) and is expected to roll out to the dev channel (24H2) soon. It’s anticipated that all Windows 11 users will have access to this updated UI in the coming months.
Artificial Intelligence
Acer Intros New Veriton NUC Series with AI Features
Acer announced the new Veriton NUC Series offering reliable performance and high efficiency. The Veriton NUC Series is adaptable to various applications, from small and medium-sized businesses to front desks, small offices, and digital signage. With its slim and compact design, the Acer Veriton NUC is smaller than a traditional desktop PC, making it especially useful in narrow workplaces where space is limited and easier to transport when needed. Thanks to the VESA mount support, it can be conveniently hidden behind a monitor, optimising the workspace.
Acer’s new Mini PC series integrates Intel Core Ultra processors, enabling AI-assisted functions to enhance productivity and creativity. Powered by advanced Intel ARC graphics with 8Xe cores, the new Veriton NUC Series is ideal for large workloads that require parallel throughput. This cutting-edge technology offers better graphic performance than traditional on-board GPUs. In addition, the new NUC supports 8K resolution displays, offering users natural and sharp original quality. With Intel AI Boost, the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in the Acer Veriton NUC Series offers innovative AI features that maximise energy efficiency, delivering exciting new user experiences with Windows Studio Effects and next-generation collaboration, streaming and creation applications.
Thanks to its wide range of ports, the Acer Veriton NUC makes multi-tasking even easier. Equipped with HDMI, Display and Type-C ports, Acer’s new NUCs support the connection of all necessary peripherals and offer a seamless user experience. The integrated full-function USB Type-C port with DisplayPort Alt mode allows Acer’s new Mini PCs to connect directly to a display or monitor, while USB 3.2 Gen 2 supports speeds of up to 10 Gbps. Additionally, the new Veriton NUC Series supports the multi-screen configuration, allowing up to three displays to be connected simultaneously. This functionality is particularly appreciated in certain sectors where comparing different images or graphs is essential, such as in the medical, financial or engineering fields.
The new Veriton NUC Series integrates the Wi-Fi 6E module that supports speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps, nearly 3 times faster than the 3.5 Gbps speed of Wi-Fi 5, improving performance and reliability. High-speed file sharing, smooth 4K streaming, ultra-responsive surfing and gaming, great work from home and remote learning experiences become a reality with Acer’s innovative new NUC series. In addition, Wi-fi 6E also supports WPA3 encryption, improving security and protection against possible hacker attacks.
Users can enjoy uninterrupted and secure connections without worrying about network traffic overload. The availability of Dual LAN ports guarantees greater stability, security, and efficiency for wired connectivity. The other LAN port can act as a backup, ensuring a stable and uninterrupted Internet connection. It can also enable the configuration of an internal and external network, increasing security and helping balance the network traffic between two ports to prevent overloading.
Cars
JETOUR’s T1 and T2 i-DM Highlighted at Jeddah International Motor Show
On October 29th, the 2024 Jeddah International Motor Show (JIMS) took place at the Superdome in Jeddah. JETOUR Auto showcased its top-tier models from both the off-road and family series. Among the highlights were the urban light off-road SUV JETOUR T1 and the super hybrid SUV JETOUR T2 i-DM, making their debut. This event underscored JETOUR’s confidence in its strategic glocalization efforts and its increasing investment in the Middle East as part of the “Travel+” strategy.
At the JETOUR booth, the T1, a new addition to the off-road series, made its international debut. As an urban lite off-road SUV, the T1 boasts a premium interior and a rugged boxy design, which earned the Red Dot Design Concept Award 2024. It comes equipped with the TOUR OS 2.0 system, ensuring advanced technology, a quiet cabin, and comfortable seating for a futuristic feel. The T1 features a 2.0TD+8AT powertrain and XWD intelligent four-wheel drive. It also supports official modifications, appealing to those seeking individuality and a high-quality lifestyle.
JETOUR’s ambition to become “The World’s Leading Brand in Hybrid Off-road Vehicles” is embodied in the T2 i-DM, which employs JETOUR’s Super Hybrid i-DM technology. This technology includes a high-efficiency hybrid engine, a hybrid transmission, and a Battery Safety System, characterized by high energy efficiency, performance, safety, and intelligence. The T2 i-DM achieves a maximum combined power of 280kW and a maximum combined torque of 610N·m, offering an exhilarating driving experience. Notably, the T2, the internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the T2 i-DM, has become the best-selling boxy SUV in Saudi Arabia since its launch in the first quarter of 2024. The introduction of the T2 i-DM is expected to further boost JETOUR’s popularity in the Saudi market.
As Ke Chuandeng, Vice President of JETOUR AUTO, said at the Jeddah Motor Show, “Since its establishment, JETOUR has already covered over 2000 sales and service networks in more than 60 countries and regions and has achieved a total of 1.4 million+ customers globally in just 74 months. JETOUR’s ‘acceleration’ has been created. In Saudi Arabia, JETOUR aims to continue this momentum of accelerated growth. To better serve customers in Saudi Arabia, JETOUR will upgrade its channels and services through the establishment of more exclusive showrooms, authorized dealerships and cooperation with FIX AUTO, creating a convenient and worry-free service experience.”
The T1, which debuted at JIMS, is set to officially launch in the Saudi market early next year. Once launched, the T1 will join forces with the T2 to form a premium product lineup, further enriching the off-road series. The rapid expansion of JETOUR’s family and off-road series, including models like the X70, X90, and DASHING, is anticipated to drive sales in the Saudi market to exceed 20,000 units next year.