UAE-based tech holding group Astra Tech has officially launched its ‘Send Now, Pay Later’ (SNPL) feature within its Botim Ultra App. This new service allows users to instantly send up to AED 5,000 to over 200 countries with the option to repay over six months. Designed to address urgent financial needs and improve remittance accessibility, particularly for UAE expatriates who may have limited access to traditional credit, SNPL offers a secure, deferred payment method for international transfers directly within the Botim app.

“The introduction of the ‘Send Now, Pay Later’ feature on Botim marks a significant step in our mission to enhance financial inclusion in the UAE,” said H.E. Dr Tariq bin Hendi, CEO and Board Member of Astra Tech and Botim. “By offering a secure, flexible remittance solution, we are meeting the real financial needs of the expatriate community, empowering them to support their families. This innovation aligns with the UAE’s broader commitment to foster financial inclusion and literacy, positioning the nation as a global leader in inclusive growth and sustainable development.”

The introduction of SNPL coincides with significant growth projections for the UAE’s digital remittance market, expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2030. Botim’s new feature is poised to play a crucial role in this evolution, solidifying its position as a key driver of accessible, tech-driven financial solutions in line with the UAE’s broader digital economy goals.

While the concept was initially announced in 2024, the official rollout is now supported by a Finance Company License granted by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) to Astra Tech’s Quantix subsidiary. This launch reflects strong user demand and Astra Tech’s ongoing commitment to delivering embedded financial services that cater to evolving consumer needs.

The SNPL feature was officially unveiled at the Dubai Fintech Summit 2025, further highlighting Astra Tech’s role in shaping the future of integrated fintech offerings in the region. This latest addition marks a significant step in Botim’s ambition to evolve beyond a messaging platform into a comprehensive ultra-app. By introducing features like SNPL, Botim is actively promoting financial empowerment by expanding access to flexible and embedded remittance options for previously underserved users.

UK based premium office and gaming chair specialist, Boulies, has launched its EP300 ergonomic chair that combines functionality, comfort and durability to provide optimal support and a great sitting experience for users. The perfect addition for any workspace, it can be tailored to individual needs thanks to its variety of adjustable features The Boulies EP300 is available on the Boulies UK website for an RRP of £289.99, currently discounted to £254.99, in black with a choice of mesh or padded mesh. On the Boulies US website, it is listed at an RRP of $369.99, with a current price of $299.99.

Engineered for a tailored seating experience, the Boulies EP300 features a Multi Tilt Mechanism to help users get a comfortable and ergonomic sitting posture with a 360° swivel. Built for durability and adjustments, the tilt mechanism provides long-lasting support whilst adapting to unique needs. The backrest can be easily adjusted to lean forwards or backwards (recline 90°-109°), offering the ideal balance between focus and relaxation and able to switch between work and play – covering a full day and evening. Furthermore, Boulies engineers the backrest to perfectly align with the spine’s natural curve to help reduce strain on the back during long hours of sitting.

In addition, the mechanism features a seat depth adjustment to accommodate individuals of different sizes, leading to a customised and ergonomic experience, no matter the height. By allowing users to adjust the seat’s depth, this helps to maintain proper thigh support and posture, reducing strain. The wide-sized seat cushion is suitable for individuals of various weights and is soft yet supportive, relieving pressure on the tailbone. It also has adjustable backrest height with 3-levels to ensure ultimate comfort. For even more personalisation, the fully adjustable headrest can move in height, angle, and depth, offering personalised neck or head support for every user, further reducing strain and providing support and comfort.

Featuring an adjustable seat angle and rocking function, the EP300 adapts to seating needs and preferences. Whether preferring to lean back and relax or maintain an upright posture for focused work, it is flexible and able to provide a dynamic sitting experience that supports both productivity and relaxation. In addition, the adjustable armrests can be moved up, down and at angles to fit exact requirements. The arm top pad supports the elbows in softness, providing sublime support for the elbows. The armrest is also detachable for those who prefer an unencumbered sit, offering freedom in the experience.

The EP300 has two backrest material options for customised comfort. The mesh backrest provides maximum breathability and is designed to enhance airflow, keeping users cool and comfortable. The padded mesh backrest gives a perfect blend of softness and breathability. Using Boulies’ specialised sewing technique, this design provides extra comfort while maintaining airflow, giving a support yet plush seating experience.

Equipped with a premium gas lift mechanism that provides a stable and heavy-duty support system, the component is meticulously engineered to offer seamless height adjustment and withstand the demands of long-term use. The PU casters are made to be durable yet wooden floor friendly and the heavy-duty wheel base is engineered with premium plastic to provide extreme stability and strength.

SanDisk has announced the launch of its new WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD, harnessing the cutting-edge PCIe Gen 5.0 technology. This internal solid-state drive promises to deliver lightning-fast speeds of up to 14,900 MB/s and will be available in massive capacities reaching up to 8TB[ii], catering to the demanding needs of high-performance gaming, content creation, and artificial intelligence (AI) workloads.

Recognizing the increasing demands placed on PCs by evolving gaming graphics, high-resolution 4K and 8K content, and burgeoning AI applications, SanDisk has engineered the WD_BLACK SN8100 to maximize system performance. The new SSD is specifically designed for hardcore PC gamers seeking the ultimate combination of speed and reliability for peak gaming experiences, as well as professionals requiring top-tier PC storage for intensive workflows and AI-driven tasks.

Beyond its blistering speeds, the WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe PCIe Gen 5.0 SSD boasts significant power efficiency, operating at over 100% more efficiently than SanDisk’s previous generation of high-performance PCIe Gen 4.0 SSDs. As an industry frontrunner in PCIe Gen 5.0 power efficiency, the WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD incorporates advanced SanDisk BiCS8 TLC 3D CBA NAND technology. This innovative technology underpins both the drive’s exceptional performance and reliability, all while maintaining a low-power profile and optimized thermal performance. This design philosophy simplifies system integration without the necessity for costly and complex cooling solutions.

Key features of the WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD include:

1. Enhanced Gaming and Workflow Experience: Leveraging the speed of PCIe Gen 5.0×4 NVMe M.2 SSD technology for unparalleled responsiveness.
2. Blistering Sequential Speeds: Achieving read speeds of up to 14,900MB/s, write speeds of up to 14,000MB/s, and over 2,300,000 IOPS of random performance (on 2TB – 4TB models), representing a doubling of read speeds compared to SanDisk’s PCIe Gen 4.0 drives.
3. Superior Power Efficiency: Operating at over 100% more power efficient than SanDisk’s PCIe Gen 4.0 drives, with an average operating power of 7W or under, ensuring optimal drive performance.
4. High Endurance: Offering up to 2,400TBW (on the 4TB model), allowing users to tackle the most demanding tasks, including gaming, video editing, and AI workloads, with confidence.
5. Ample Capacity: Providing substantial storage to accommodate the latest large-scale games and projects, with room for AI application models, extensive datasets, and expanding game libraries.

In addition to the standard WD BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD, SanDisk will also offer an optional version featuring an integrated heatsink. This WD BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD with Heatsink incorporates a new, low profile passive cooling design constructed from anodized aluminum, requiring no additional power or noisy fans. Furthermore, it includes customizable RGB LED lighting for users seeking to personalize their system aesthetics.

The WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe with Heatsink will be available this fall in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. The 8TB WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD and the WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD with Heatsink are anticipated to arrive in the Middle East this summer.