The Certified Collectibles Group (CCG), a company that authenticates and grades comic books, trading cards, coins, paper money and other collectibles, has announced its expansion into the Middle East with the opening of a new office in Dubai. This strategic move underscores CCG’s commitment to the region and its rapidly growing collectibles market.

To spearhead this exciting new chapter, CCG has appointed Arafaat Ali Khan as the Managing Director of its Middle East office. Ali Khan, a well-respected figure in the region’s pop culture and entertainment scene, is the co-founder of the Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC), and brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the local market to CCG. Khan’s involvement in the pop culture industry has had a strong influence on the entertainment and collectibles communities in the Middle East.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Arafaat to our team,” said Max Spiegel, President of Certified Collectibles Group. “His impressive expertise and passion for collectibles will be invaluable as we establish our presence in the Middle East. This expansion is a testament to our belief in the region’s potential and our commitment to providing a top-tier service to collectors and enthusiasts here.”

The new Dubai office will serve as a hub for CCG’s operations in the Middle East, offering high-quality grading services for a range of collectible items through their various services including Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) and Paper Money Guaranty (PMG), among others. This move marks the first time a leading international grading company of CCG’s calibre has set up operations in the region, reflecting the growing interest and investment in collectibles across the Middle East.

“As an avid collector myself, I am honoured to join CCG and lead the company’s efforts in the Middle East,” said Arafaat Ali Khan. “The region has a vibrant and enthusiastic collecting community, and I am excited to be part of another first at CCG by providing exceptional services and support to collectors and dealers here. This is an exciting time for the industry, and I look forward to contributing to its growth and success.”

Beaverlab has announced the launch of the new Finder TW2, designed for those who seek to observe and capture the wonders of the cosmos. With its 82mm aperture and 29x zoom capability, the TW2 brings the universe’s marvels into crystal-clear focus. This advanced telescope captures high-resolution photos and stunning 4K videos, revealing the intricate details of planets, stars, and distant galaxies like never before.

The TW2 features a built-in 5-inch touchscreen, eliminating the need for additional devices. This allows for real-time photo and video editing directly on the telescope, enhancing the user experience with intuitive controls and adjustments. The DS1 image collector, equipped with an advanced starlight CMOS sensor and AI-powered image processing, ensures exceptional image quality even in low-light conditions, capturing the beauty of the cosmos with unparalleled clarity.

“Exploring the cosmos should not be exclusive to the affluent or technically skilled. Our state-of-the-art optical telescope revolutionizes stargazing by merging superior optical precision with exceptional affordability. Engineered to be lightweight and highly intuitive, it caters equally to seasoned astronomers and beginners. This latest telescope addresses the traditional barriers of cost and complexity, offering a transformative tool that democratizes access to the night sky for all,” said Simon Fang, the Founder of Beaverlab.

The TW2’s 1/1.8-inch starlight CMOS sensor is significantly larger than its predecessor’s 1/2.8-inch sensor. This larger sensor captures more light, enhancing performance in low-light conditions and providing better image quality with less noise and more detail, even in challenging lighting conditions. The TW2’s wider dynamic range and greater colour accuracy help capture details in both bright and dark areas. Additionally, the software’s algorithm processing capability has been greatly enhanced with AI.

Key features of the TW2 include:

1. Longer Optical Focal Length: With an optical focal length of 500mm, the TW2 can capture images from greater distances.
2. Built-in Screen: The built-in screen allows for effective operation directly on the device.
3. Larger Optical Aperture: The 80mm optical aperture enhances light-gathering capability.
4. Comprehensive Accessories: The TW2 includes accessories such as a tripod and a professional outdoor bag.
5. The TW2’s DS1 image capture device is not only for personal use but is also compatible with 99% of other telescopes available on the market. The DS1 image collector can be detached and attached to another telescope with a 1.25″ eyepiece.

Main advantages of TW2:

1. High-resolution astrophotography / deep space photography: Takes high-resolution 8MP photos and 4K videos of planets, galaxies, nebulas, nature, etc.
2. DS1 image collector with its 5-inch touchscreen: Eliminates the need to lean over, change positions, or capture through small eyepieces.
3. Observe the cosmos through a large, high-resolution screen.
4. Advanced image processing: Equipped with a starlight CMOS sensor and AI for significantly better image quality, especially in low light. Features include enhanced dynamic range, higher resolution, low read noise, high signal-to-noise ratio, and low power consumption.
5. Professional ISP image processing chip: Processes raw image data to produce high-quality images improved by AI algorithms.

AI Features:

• CCM (Color Correction Matrix): Enhances colour accuracy for true-to-life images.
• CA (Chromatic Aberration) Correction: Minimizes colour distortion for sharp, clear visuals.
• WDR (Wide Dynamic Range): Balances lighting conditions to capture details in both bright and dark areas.
• MCTF (Motion Compensated Temporal Filter): Ensures clear and sharp images, even in motion.
• Noise Reduction: Reduces image noise for cleaner, more detailed photographs.
• Dehazing: Enhances image clarity by reducing haze and atmospheric interference.
• Longer Optical Focal Length: With a great zoom (29x optical and up to 4x digital), capture images and videos from great distances, revealing deep space objects not visible to lower-zoom telescopes.
• Real-time manual photo adjustments: The DS1 image collector enables real-time manual photo adjustments, allowing for precise control over exposure and contrast to achieve professional-quality photos. With the advanced technology of the Finder TW2, photos can be adjusted directly on the screen, eliminating the need to upload them to a computer for editing. Additionally, the companion app provides enhanced control, allowing for changes and management of the observatory from any location.
• Larger Optical Aperture: The TW2 Finder features an 82mm aperture, allowing it to absorb a significant amount of light. This capability enables clear and bright views of planets, stars, and the moon. Combined with its focal length, the TW2 offers 29x zoom capabilities, bringing the depths of outer space into sharp focus and ensuring crystal-clear images of distant celestial objects in high resolution. Additionally, the larger 80mm optical aperture allows even more light to enter, resulting in brighter images of the Moon and the ability to capture planets further in space.

Additional Features:

• Anti-shake function: Ensures stable and clear images.
• Versatile usage: This can be used for aerial photography and bird watching, thanks to its high-resolution image-capturing capabilities and impressive magnification.
• Portability The Traveling Telescope: The Beaverlab TW2 is designed to be both powerful and portable. Weighing less than 4 kilograms (8 pounds), it is easy to transport. By attaching the tripod legs, the telescope can be set up anywhere, enabling exploration of deep space from any location.

What’s in the Box:

• Astronomical Telescope and PTZ Set
• Starlight Camera DS1
• Remote Control
• 0.5x Focal Reducer
• Solar Filter
• Data Cable
• Planisphere
• Portable Bag
• Tripod
• Finderscope
• User Manual

Finder TW2 is currently available for pre-order through a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. As an early bird supporter, the unit can be secured starting at $329 (MSRP $499).

Huawei opened its first-ever HUAWEI XMAGE Global Exhibition, titled “A Heartwarming World – 12 Years of Huawei Photography” on May 8th, 2024, at Alserkal Avenue, the cultural district of Dubai, UAE, marking the largest photography exhibition in Huawei’s history. HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2024, the annual competition that celebrates Huawei’s open platform for smartphone photographic excellence, officially kicked off during the opening. Now in its eighth year, the competition aims to inspire consumers to unleash their creativity and imagination through Huawei’s leading XMAGE imaging technology.

The exhibition, themed “A Heartwarming World,” showcases nearly 300 photographs captured on Huawei smartphones. Selected from millions of submissions, these images depict moments of warmth, tranquillity, and joy from every corner of the globe, demonstrating the relatable moments of everyday life. Through powerful technology and experiences, the exhibition aims to ignite imagination, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the life, story and emotions beyond what’s captured in these images.

The exhibition highlights the rapid evolution of mobile photography over the past decade. Featuring photos taken with Huawei smartphones released over 12 years. It demonstrates Huawei’s commitment to driving innovation in mobile imaging technology. Through photography competitions, community events, and trend reports, Huawei has played a key role in promoting mobile photography culture. Recently, the HUAWEI P series, known for its cutting-edge smartphone camera technologies, has been upgraded to the HUAWEI Pura series. This evolution, along with the continued development of HUAWEI XMAGE takes smartphone photography to new heights.

The exhibition explores eight different themes: The Secrets of Mother Nature, Landscapes and Spaces, A Dialogue with Animals, The Story of Life, You and Me, The Joy of Sports, The Power of Moments, and The World of Youth.

“In an era dominated by technology and speed, it’s easy for people to be overwhelmed by external noise and stress,” noted Chen Xiaobo, exhibition curator and 9th Vice President of the China Photographers Association. “It’s reassuring to see creators worldwide capturing and conveying heartwarming moments with Huawei smartphones. These images act as bridges that resonate with souls, transmitting genuine warmth and beauty.”

The HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2024 launched officially during the exhibition’s opening ceremony. As an open platform celebrating smartphone photographic excellence, the annual competition encourages the use of unique perspectives and creativity, pushing the boundaries of mobile photography artistry. Since its beginning in 2017, users from more than 170 countries and regions have contributed nearly 4 million entries to this yearly competition.

This year’s XMAGE Awards introduces four new categories – Moments, Faces, So Far So Close, and Style, showcasing Huawei’s prowess in Snapshot, Portrait photography, telephoto and macro photography, and colour styling. Additionally, new awards such as “Best of Pura Series and “Best of Mate series” have been created to encourage exploration using Huawei’s flagship camera systems.

The competition also welcomed a new panel of esteemed judges: Chen Xiaobo (9th Vice President of the China Photographers Association), Keith Ladzinski (National Geographic Photographer and Emmy Nominated Director), James Perolls (Fashion Photographer and Director), Susi Belianska (Portrait Photographer and Visual Artist), and Li Changzhu (Huawei Consumer Business Group). This panel will select the most compelling works.

Registration for the HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2024 is now open, with entries closing on September 15, 2024, at 24:00 Beijing time (GMT+8). For more information and to enter the competition, please visit: https://consumer.huawei.com/en/campaign/xmage