News
Umniah Launches Solution to Protect Children Online

In cooperation with Kaspersky, Umniah has launched Kaspersky Safe Kids a product that promotes parental control to protect children on the internet. This makes Umniah the first telecommunications company in Jordan to offer this product on a monthly subscription basis.
The new product allows parents to manage their child’s screen time and application usage. The product also issues reports on the child’s public Facebook activity, including their posts and newly-added friends, in addition to sharing expert advice and suggestions from child psychologists on online topics, and allowing parents to block adult websites and content.
Furthermore, the Kaspersky Safe Kids helps track children and know their current location by using GPS trackers that let parents define a safe area for their child to stay in, and immediately alert them if they step beyond it. The app also sends an alert whenever the child’s phone is running low on battery so parents can warn them to plug-in.
During the press conference, Umniah’s Commercial Enterprise and Home Broadband Director, Mahmoud Abu Zanad, emphasized Umniah’s role in preparing children for the different life aspects related to the digital world, reaching advanced levels of digital literacy and activating digital citizenship by empowering children with the skills and traits they need in order to deal with the virtual world with all its technologies.
Abu Zannad stressed the importance of Kaspersky Safe Kids, which is provided by Umniah for the first time in the Jordanian market on a monthly subscription basis, demonstrating how this service supports parents in monitoring their children’s internet usage.
Mohamed Hashem, Regional Manager at Kaspersky, agreed with Abu Zanad’s on the importance of this product saying, “In today’s digital age, children navigate their way through the internet better than most adults. They view new technology as an opportunity to grasp new trends and even dabble in inventing their own.”
Hashem added that new social networks, online games, music, and gadgets have become a large part of children’s daily lives. Although they might feel comfortable online, that does not mean that they understand the potential dangers. This is why, and in order to prevent children from falling prey to these dangers, parents must become aware of their children’s interests, know about their latest online trends, and know exactly what might pose a risk for them.
Abu Zanad said, “Kaspersky Safe Kids, through its Time Management feature, helps parents determine daily or weekly times for their children to use the internet and social media platforms, as well as maintain their personal security and identify their physical location and whereabouts on their smartphones through GPS trackers provided by this product.”
“Despite the fact that the internet and social media platforms dominate our daily lives and the lives of our children it is essential to educate parents about the importance of finding ways to protect their children from inappropriate browsing and exposure to abusive content that is not suited for their age,” Abu Zanad said. “Umniah, a leading provider of cybersecurity and information security services, is keen to provide such products to help its customers to protect their children from exposure to the dangers of the internet, identifying these dangers and resolving them before they become actual problems,” he added.
Umniah customers who wish to subscribe to this service can install Kaspersky Safe Kids from the Google Play or App Store or by calling Umniah’s customer service center or visiting any of the company’s showrooms located throughout Jordan’s governorates. Umniah allows its customers to add this service to their monthly bill. The subscription is JD1 per month, with the first month for free for a limited period of time.
Survey statistics by Kaspersky showed that children in the Middle East region spend 39% of their time watching video and audio content by visiting websites such as YouTube or listening to music online. Another common use of the internet among children is social networking, as children reportedly spend 25% of their time on websites such as Instagram, SnapChat and TikTok. Not surprisingly, children spend 15% of their time playing online games.

Digital Cameras
Sony Launches RX1R III Full-Frame Compact Camera with 61MP Sensor and AI Capabilities

Sony today announced the highly anticipated RX1R III, the third generation of its RX1R series, a premium compact camera featuring a fixed lens. This new model boasts a 61-megapixel 35mm full-frame Exmor R CMOS image sensor, the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine, and a ZEISS Sonnar T 35mm F2 lens.
The RX1R III’s combination of the 61-megapixel full-frame Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS image sensor and the BIONZ XR image processing engine delivers high resolution and sensitivity, coupled with low noise and a wide dynamic range. The sensor surface includes an AR (Anti-Reflection) coating and omits the optical low-pass filter to achieve superior image quality. The integrated lens is optimized at the micron level, ensuring excellent image quality and high optical performance within a compact form factor.
To ensure accurate and effortless shooting, the RX1R III incorporates the latest AI processing unit, a feature valued in Sony’s top-of-the-line professional Alpha cameras. This AI unit can accurately recognize subject shape and movement, eye position, human bodies, and heads, allowing it to track subjects even when their faces are not visible, for both still images and videos. The image sensor’s capture area covers approximately 78% with up to 693 densely arranged phase-detection AF points.
Despite its fixed lens, the camera offers the versatility of three prime lenses through its Step Crop Shooting function, enabling users to switch between focal lengths equivalent to 35mm, 50mm, and 70mm via assigned buttons or dials. When shooting in RAW format, users can reselect the focal length during post-production. The lens’s macro ring allows instant switching to macro mode, enabling close-up shots as near as 20 cm with a maximum magnification of 0.26x.
For creators seeking unique and personalized visuals, the RX1R III offers twelve built-in Creative Looks. Adjustments to hue, saturation, brightness, contrast, and sharpness can be applied to both still images and videos. Notable Creative Looks include FL2 for a nostalgic expression with subdued colors, and FL3 for a more vibrant image.
Crafted from lightweight yet highly rigid magnesium alloy, the RX1R III balances aesthetics and functionality. Its design maintains excellent operability and expandability, with dials and the Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe embedded into the camera body, featuring a flat top surface. The grip design and surface texture provide a secure and comfortable hold.
The camera is equipped with an electronic viewfinder boasting an approximately 2.36 million-dot XGA OLED with high resolution and contrast, offering a magnification of approximately 0.70x. The RX1R III uses the rechargeable battery pack NP-FW50, capable of capturing up to 300 still images. It also features a USB Type-C port for rapid charging with USB Power Delivery-compatible devices or for connecting external power sources like mobile batteries for extended shooting sessions.
In alignment with Sony’s ‘Road to Zero’ initiative, the RX1R III supports the company’s vision for achieving a zero environmental footprint by 2050. Manufacturing facilities for Sony imaging products, including the RX1R III, operate on 100% renewable electricity. The camera’s packaging utilizes Sony’s proprietary environmentally friendly Original Blended Material instead of plastic. The camera system also includes comprehensive accessibility options, such as a Screen Reader function and Display Magnification, to support visually impaired users across an expanded range of menu items.
Optional accessories for the RX1R III include the TG-2 dedicated thumb grip , the LCS-RXL compact body case , and the LHP-1 lens hood. The RX1R III will be available in selected countries in the Middle East starting from September 2025.
Gadgets
Nothing Unveils Flagship Phone (3) and Headphone (1) at Dubai’s Museum of the Future

Nothing has marked a significant moment in technology and design with the official launch of its latest innovations, the Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1), at the prestigious Museum of the Future in Dubai. Nothing became one of the first smartphone brands to host an event at this architectural marvel, showcasing its dedication to pushing boundaries and reimagining the future of personal technology.
The launch event, held in collaboration with Creators HQ, brought together a diverse group of local, regional, and global media, alongside leading content creators from across the Middle East and beyond. Against the futuristic backdrop of the museum, attendees experienced firsthand how Nothing’s new products blend cutting-edge technology with bold, expressive design.
Rishi Kishor Gupta, Regional Director of Nothing MEA, emphasized the significance of the venue, stating, “Hosting our launch at the Museum of the Future is symbolic of what Nothing stands for – innovation, creativity, and a relentless drive to shape the future of technology. With Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1), we’re not just delivering devices; we’re delivering experiences that inspire individuality and empower people to connect, create, and express themselves in ways they never imagined.”
Alia Al Hammadi, Deputy Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, highlighted Dubai’s growing role as a hub for innovation, “The UAE continues to solidify its position as a global hub for innovation and creativity. Hosting the launch of Nothing’s new products in Dubai further proves the attractiveness of our environment for creators and pioneering businesses alike. It enables a new generation of content creators to produce meaningful content at the intersection of creativity and technology”. She further added, “Creators HQ is a nurturing space for innovation, driving the growth of the creator economy and offering talented influencers world-class tools and a stimulating interactive environment.”
Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, commented on the UAE’s leadership in future technologies, “The UAE has firmly established itself as a global leader in advancing future technologies and nurturing companies and talent in this space. Our infrastructure and digital capabilities uniquely position us as a key player in shaping the future of tech.” He continued, “Hosting this global product launch by Nothing at the Museum of the Future reflects the strong interest of global tech giants, startups, and entrepreneurs in being part of the UAE’s innovation ecosystem. From AI and digitization to the creator economy and new media, our country offers unparalleled opportunities across emerging sectors, especially advanced technology and communications. This reflects the UAE’s deep commitment to developing innovative solutions that accelerate progress and human prosperity.”
The event introduced attendees to the unique features of the Nothing Phone (3), Nothing’s latest flagship smartphone, and Headphone (1), its debut over-ear headphones. Both products showcase Nothing’s iconic design language, combining transparent elements, premium materials, and user-centric functionality.
The Nothing Phone (3) is designed to inspire creativity, featuring the all-new Glyph Matrix, a pro-grade camera system, and next-gen performance powered by Snapdragon® 8s Gen 4. It aims to be a device that sparks individuality and makes technology feel personal again. The Headphone (1), crafted for audiophiles and everyday listeners, delivers immersive sound engineered in collaboration with KEF, intuitive tactile controls, and a striking transparent design. Live demonstrations at the event highlighted the seamless integration of both devices into daily life and their potential to redefine user interaction with technology.
As part of the regional rollout, Nothing announced an exclusive #100Drops activation on July 17th at 7 PM at Sharaf DG, Dubai Mall. This highly anticipated event offers fans and early adopters the chance to be among the first to own the Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1). Both devices will be available in black and white variants, with open sales commencing on July 18, 2025, across key retail partners in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The Nothing Phone 3 (12GB+256GB) is priced at AED 2,999; the Nothing Phone 3 (16GB+512GB) is priced at AED 3,299, and the Nothing Headphone 1 is priced at AED 999. As part of the launch, customers purchasing the Nothing Phone 3 will receive complimentary Nothing Ear (a) with the 256GB variant and Nothing Ear with the 512GB variant. Additionally, for a limited time until August 3, 2025, customers buying the 12GB/256GB variant of the Nothing Phone (3) can avail a free upgrade to the 16GB/512GB variant and will also receive a complimentary Nothing Ear.
Gaming
Hello Kitty Island Adventure Announces Physical Editions for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5

Sunblink and Sanrio have revealed that Hello Kitty Island Adventure, the critically acclaimed cozy life sim, will soon be available in physical Standard and Gift Box Editions at major retailers across North America, Europe, and Asia. The physical Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch is set to launch on August 29, 2025, with a price of $39.99. Pre-orders for the Hello Kitty Island Adventure Standard Edition are now open.
Launching on November 7, 2025, for Nintendo Switch, the Hello Kitty Island Adventure Gift Box Edition will include the physical Deluxe Edition (featuring the base game plus over 300 unique items and rewards, including Deluxe Starter and Crafting Bundles), a printed Critter and Fish guide, a set of exclusive collectible cards, Tophat’s Memories, and a premium double-sided poster, all housed within a specially designed Collector’s Box. The Gift Box is now available for pre-order at $59.99.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure is recognized for pioneering the “cozy adventure” genre, blending relaxed activities like crafting and decorating with a vast explorable world filled with quests, platforming, and puzzle-solving. This innovative approach has earned it critical acclaim, including the Apple Arcade Game of the Year and a Webby People’s Voice award, along with nominations for Best Mobile Game at The Game Awards 2023 and Mobile Game of the Year at the 27th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards. Following its 2025 launch on Nintendo Switch and PC, the game surpassed half a million digital sales within 30 days.
In Hello Kitty Island Adventure, players are invited by Hello Kitty and friends to Big Adventures Park, where My Melody™ is opening a new gift shop. Players can express themselves as an original, Sanrio-style avatar through extensive customization options. The game allows players to cook delicious food, decorate their space with hundreds of furniture items, and deepen friendships with beloved characters by sharing gifts and completing quests. Multiplayer functionality enables players to invite friends to their island for challenges or to build vacation homes together.
Key game features include:
- Explore a Massive World – Players can meet Hello Kitty and Friends across distinct biomes, experiencing over 100 hours of adventure and engaging stories. This includes braving Kuromi’s haunted mansion in the Spooky Swamp, unearthing ancient secrets with Retsuko in fiery Mount Hothead, growing rare flowers with Wish me mell in the Merry Meadows, and discovering new treasures underwater in Rainbow Reef.
- Be Who You Want – Players can express themselves as an original, Sanrio-style avatar with a wide range of adorable character customization options, mixing and matching from dozens of faces, features, and body shapes, and collecting hundreds of clothing items.
- Craft, Create, Collect – Activities include baking recipes with Hello Kitty, brewing magic potions with Kuromi, collecting critters with Keroppi, learning to fish from Badtz-maru, and more. Players can share gifts and complete quests to deepen friendships with characters, decorate their dream space, or attract new friends with the right furniture pieces. The island also holds collectibles, such as hidden gudetama, sometimes locked behind crafty puzzles.
- Team Up in Multiplayer – Players can invite others to their island to complete multiplayer challenges to boost stamina, solve puzzles, chase high scores, or build vacation homes together. Multiplayer guests can even decorate their own Friendship Cabins on the host’s island.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure is currently available on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, Nintendo Switch Lite, PC via Steam, and Apple Arcade.
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