The activation ceremony for the EWC China Tour and China-Saudi Esports Festival has taken place in Beijing. The event was jointly initiated by the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) and Tencent Esports, the EWCF’s China Strategy Partner. The ceremony was held within the framework of the “China-Saudi Arabia Year of Culture” and marked the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Saudi Arabia. Attendees included government officials from the China Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Beijing Municipal Government, and the Saudi Tourism Authority, as well as leaders from EWCF, the Saudi Esports Federation, and the China esports ecosystem.

Teri Zhang, Director of Tencent Esports, presented highlights of EWC 2025 to the Chinese audience and announced three key initiatives. First, Tencent Esports, in collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority, will create all-in-one EWC tourism packages that include EWC tickets, flight and accommodation offers, and city experiences for Chinese esports fans. Second, Tencent Esports is launching the EWC China Tour Plan, which involves over 100 viewing parties in more than 40 Chinese cities over the next seven weeks. Third, Tencent Esports will host a “China Themed Week” as part of the EWC Festival from July 24 to August 3.

Teri Zhang commented, “Today’s activation marks our continuous collaboration with EWCF. We want esports to be a bond to break down cultural barriers, allowing the young generation to connect through shared passions. This vibrant cultural language will strengthen tourism interactions and build a high-quality China-Saudi exchange platform.”

Turki AlShehri, Director of Special Projects at the Esports World Cup Foundation, stated, “Partnership with Tencent is a cultural bridge. The Strategic partnership between EWCF and Tencent reflects our shared belief in the power of gaming to connect people, cultures, and communities. China is a key part of our vision, since the Chinese market is driving the success of the Esports World Cup. We look forward to deeper collaboration in esports, culture, and tourism.”

A dedicated booth from the Saudi Tourism Authority at the event offered attendees information on Saudi cultural heritage and tourism, alongside EWC-themed immersive experiences. As EWCF’s China Strategy Partner, Tencent Esports plans to continue promoting EWC’s presence in China and foster industrial exchange between the two nations.

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.

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.