Apps
Etisalat and Noor Bank Offer Mobile Digital Payment Service

Etisalat and Noor Bank have announced the launch of eWallet, a new digital payment service aimed at empowering UAE customers with safe, convenient, and flexible payment solutions using a mobile device. The eWallet service is offered by a fintech company ‘Digital Financial Services’ — a joint venture establishment between Etisalat and Noor Bank, regulated and licensed as a Retail Payment Service Provider by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates.
Etisalat and Noor Bank have brought their key strengths in technology, banking, marketing, distribution networks, and superior digital experience to launch this new service, which is safe, convenient, flexible and easy to use. The partnership is in line with the UAE Vision 2021 of creating smart knowledge economies that will enable a shift to a cashless economy.
Eng. Saleh Abdullah Al Abdooli, CEO, Etisalat Group, said: “Capitalising on the current digital wave, Etisalat has transitioned to an integrated ICT solutions provider by digitising consumer needs across our markets. This is in line with the transformation of the telecoms industry, which has enabled consumers to adopt increasingly tech-savvy lifestyles, businesses to change the way they operate and deliver value, and governments to offer ever-smarter solutions on the route towards smart governments and cities. Our powerful digitally inspired vision ‘To Drive the Digital Future to empower societies’ has opened the doors of innovation by facilitating multiple modes of digital interaction that are customer centric and improve the overall experience.”
“Mobile banking today has the potential to be a game-changer, rapidly gaining ground across the globe and opening up a new dimension for daily transactions undertaken by consumers. This new digital mobile service will usher in a new era of digital payments in the country, changing the very definition of service for both the telecom and banking sector. This was made possible due to the continuous investments by Etisalat’s and Noor Bank’s infrastructure to enable a conducive ecosystem that is compliant, robust and flexible to provide a cashless future to all our customers.”
John Iossifidis, CEO of Noor Bank, said: “Noor Bank is committed to championing a robust digital payments landscape in the UAE. The launch of the eWallet solution, in partnership with Etisalat, is well aligned to our strategy of innovation and digital transformation. This first-of-its-kind partnership aims to develop a comprehensive eco-system in the digital wallets space regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE.”
He added: “At Noor Bank, we pride ourselves on adopting collaborative business models that deliver greater value for our customers. We are pleased to partner with Etisalat to accelerate the use of fast, secure and convenient cashless payments across the nation through the eWallet.”
eWallet will register customers – from individual users to business entities – who can share money through individual to individual transfers, merchant purchases, bill payments and salary payments, among many more services to be rolled out in due course.
Using a smartphone app, customers can easily manage their account, know their balance, and transfer money. Android users can download the eWallet app by visiting the Google Play Store while the iOS version can be downloaded from the App Store.
In addition to the digital registration, cash in and cash out, customers can perform all these activities physically by visiting Etisalat and Noor Bank branches. More services will be added through our preferred partners’ network to facilitate these activities in the future, to provide customers with nationwide coverage.

Apps
Apple Invites App Simplifies Gathering for Special Occasions

Apple today introduced Apple Invites, a new app for iPhone that helps users create custom invitations to gather friends and family for any occasion. With Apple Invites, users can create and easily share invitations, RSVP, contribute to Shared Albums, and engage with Apple Music playlists. Starting today, users can download Apple Invites from the App Store, or access it on the web through icloud.com/ae/invites. iCloud+ subscribers can create invitations, and anyone can RSVP, regardless of whether they have an Apple Account or Apple device.
“With Apple Invites, an event comes to life from the moment the invitation is created, and users can share lasting memories even after they get together,” said Brent Chiu-Watson, Apple’s senior director of Worldwide Product Marketing for Apps and iCloud. “Apple Invites brings together capabilities our users already know and love across iPhone, iCloud, and Apple Music, making it easy to plan special events.”
To get started with Apple Invites, users can choose an image from their photo library or the app’s gallery of backgrounds — a curated collection of images representing different occasions and event themes. Integrations with Maps and Weather give guests directions to the event and the forecast for that day.
Additionally, participants can easily contribute photos and videos to a dedicated Shared Album within each invite to help preserve memories and relive the event. Collaborative playlists allow Apple Music subscribers to create a curated event soundtrack that guests can access right from Apple Invites.
With Apple Intelligence, creating unique event invitations is easy. Users can tap into the built-in Image Playground experience to produce original images using concepts, descriptions, and people from their photo library. When composing invitations, users can use Writing Tools to help find just the right turn of phrase to meet the moment.
Hosts get full control of their invite experience: They can easily view and manage their events, share invitations with a link, review RSVPs, and choose the details they want included in the preview, like the event background or a home address. Guests can view and respond to an invitation using the new iPhone app or on the web without needing an iCloud+ subscription or an Apple Account. Attendees control how their details show up to others, and have the ability to leave or report an event at any time.
In addition to event creation in Apple Invites, iCloud+ subscribers have access to many more premium features:
- Expanded storage allows users to keep large libraries of original, high-resolution photos, videos, and files safe in iCloud, and easily accessible across all of their devices and the web.
- Private Relay keeps browsing in Safari entirely private from network providers, websites, and even Apple.
- Hide My Email generates unique, random email addresses whenever needed.
- HomeKit Secure Video allows users to capture and review home security footage in an end-to-end encrypted format.
- Custom email domains enable users to personalize their iCloud email addresses.
- Family Sharing allows users to share their iCloud+ subscription with up to five people at no extra cost.
Apple Invites is available today as a free download from the App Store for all iPhone models running iOS 18 or later.
Apps
Elgato Launches Wave Link 2.0

Elgato has unveiled Wave Link 2.0, the next-generation evolution of its acclaimed audio management software, packed with groundbreaking features and significant quality-of-life upgrades. Designed to address the challenges content creators, streamers, and digital professionals face, Wave Link 2.0 introduces tools like Voice Focus and One-Click Audio Routing, setting a new standard for audio control and customisation.
One of the standout features of Wave Link 2.0 is Voice Focus, a cutting-edge vocal enhancement tool developed in collaboration with ai|coustics. Leveraging advanced machine learning technology, Voice Focus eliminates unwanted background noise, room reverb, and echo while isolating the user’s voice for crystal-clear audio. This tool is a game-changer for creators working in less-than-ideal acoustic environments, delivering professional-grade sound quality in seconds—without the need for complex audio configurations. Whether streaming, podcasting, or participating in virtual meetings, Voice Focus ensures users sound polished and professional, even in spaces with poor acoustics. It’s an ideal solution for those who lack the time or expertise to fine-tune audio settings manually.
Wave Link 2.0 also introduces One-Click Audio Routing, a feature that revolutionises how users manage multiple audio channels. With just a single click, users can assign apps to specific channels, streamlining setup while maintaining flexibility. Additional enhancements like App Grouping, Input Channel Renaming, and Channel Hiding further improve organisation and usability, allowing creators to focus on their content rather than troubleshooting their audio setup.
These updates make Wave Link 2.0 an intuitive and efficient tool for managing complex audio workflows, ensuring a seamless experience for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Wave Link 2.0 doesn’t stop at routing and vocal enhancements—it also offers a suite of professional-grade audio effects. Built-in tools like Compressor, De-Esser, Equaliser, and ReverbFX enable precise audio tuning, while support for third-party VST2, VST3, and AU plugins opens up endless possibilities for sonic customisation.
For creators seeking ready-made solutions, the Elgato Marketplace provides a growing library of digital assets, including presets and tools from top creators like EposVox and Harris Heller. Once effects are applied, the built-in Sound Check tool allows users to preview their settings and make final adjustments, ensuring their audio is polished before going live.
As part of the Elgato ecosystem, Wave Link 2.0 integrates seamlessly with Stream Deck, taking audio control to the next level. Users can export their Wave Link settings to Stream Deck with a single click, transforming the device into a hardware mixer-like interface. This integration eliminates the need to navigate software during critical moments, allowing creators to stay focused on their content and audience.
With its innovative features and user-centric design, Wave Link 2.0 redefines what’s possible in audio management. From Voice Focus’s studio-quality vocal enhancements to One-Click Audio Routing’s streamlined setup, Elgato continues to empower creators and professionals with tools that elevate their craft. Wave Link 2.0 is now available, offering a transformative audio experience for anyone looking to achieve exceptional sound quality with ease. Whether you’re a streamer, podcaster, or digital professional, Wave Link 2.0 is poised to become an essential part of your creative toolkit.
Apps
Meta AI Officially Launches in the MENA Region

Meta has announced the expansion of its AI assistant, Meta AI, to the Middle East and North Africa, empowering users in the region with a tool to learn, create and connect to the things and people they care about most. The feature is gradually rolling out across the region, with full accessibility already available in key markets including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, and Iraq.
Conveniently located across Meta’s family of apps – Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger – Meta AI is easily accessible through its blue circle icon within Meta’s apps and requires no prior registration. It can also be used in group chats by simply typing ‘@Meta AI,’ making it ideal for quick research, brainstorming, and planning with friends. For instance, users planning a spring trip with their families and seeking ideas for island destinations within a maximum six-hour flight from the UAE can simply mention @Meta AI in the group chat, and it will provide a tailored list of suggestions in real time for the group to discuss.
Meta AI is built with state-of-the-art Llama 3.2, Meta’s largest and most capable open-source large language model, and has the capabilities to generate text and create and animate images directly within Meta apps. Users can explore Meta AI’s image-generation Imagine feature by simply typing “Imagine” followed by a detailed description of the image they want to create. For example, typing “Imagine a tiger wearing a vest drinking tea at a café” prompts Meta AI to generate the image in real-time, with the option to animate it. The expansion also introduces support for Arabic, making Meta AI accessible to even more people across the region.
“Meta AI is one of the world’s leading AI assistants already on your phone, in your pocket for free. Combining accessibility with cutting-edge technology, it serves as a gateway to a smarter, more connected life for millions of users in the MENA region. We believe that having a reliable assistant will be one of the defining benefits of this generation of AI. With Meta AI on track to become the most used AI assistant in the world by the end of the year, we’re excited to bring its transformative potential to communities across the region,” says Fares Akkad, Regional Director for Middle East and Africa at Meta.
To celebrate the arrival of Meta AI in the Middle East and North Africa, Meta is launching “Elevating Every Moment”—a content series designed to help users unlock the full potential of Meta AI. Through helpful tips, practical use cases, and deep dives, the series will feature collaborations with regional creators on Instagram. Additionally, Meta will roll out an educational series on its official Meta Arabia page, offering guidance on crafting effective prompts to assist with everyday tasks, whether professional or personal.
“We’re seeing people use Meta AI to dive deep into projects that spark their interest, get help with how-to tasks, and use the assistant for guidance on things like art projects, home decor, outfit inspiration, and more. Image generation has been especially popular and I’m excited to see how people in our region will find new, creative ways to make the most of what AI can offer,” said Akkad.
Meta AI is designed to be intuitive, offering a wealth of opportunities to enhance daily life. Following this gradual rollout, users in the region can look forward to more visionary and advanced multimodal features on the horizon. These include simultaneous dubbing for Reels content, real-life image editing, and the “Imagine Me” feature, which generates personalized portraits that can be edited in real-time. Additionally, Meta AI will soon integrate advanced tools to help users craft captions for their posts, making creativity and connection easier than ever.
Meta AI claims it is on track to become the world’s most-used AI assistant by the end of the year, with nearly 700 million active monthly users and availability in 42 countries and 13 languages.
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