News
Visual Arts Commission Unveils the Second Iteration of The Kingdom Photography Award
The Visual Arts Commission, under the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture, is thrilled to announce that registration for the highly anticipated Kingdom Photography Award is officially open. Embarking on its second edition, this award encourages photographers based in Saudi Arabia to capture their everyday lives and share their unique perspectives.
By creating a visual narrative that encapsulates the beauty and cultural essence of the Kingdom, the Kingdom Photography Award will provide a platform for emerging photographers to portray the diversity of Saudi Arabia, under the theme ‘We Tell Stories”. Photographers are encouraged to submit a series of 3–10 photographs that tell a compelling story of everyday life in Saudi Arabia.
Dina Amin, CEO of the Visual Arts Commission expressed her excitement about the competition: “We are delighted to introduce the second edition of the Kingdom Photography Award, a unique and exciting competition that is looking to unearth visual stories that speak of people’s lives in Saudi Arabia. Every photograph has a story to tell, but unlike a single picture, a photo essay can offer us possibilities to get to know characters, the textures of their lives, their interests, and their ideas. Saudi Arabia is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered and shared and through ‘We Tell Stories’, we are excited to explore the heart and soul of the Kingdom through the lens of your camera.”
The competition, available to both Saudi nationals and residents, encourages participants to capture “a day in the life,” loved ones, familiar places, or the inspiring landscapes they live in. This competition is an opportunity to realize that every facet of the Kingdom has the potential to be a masterpiece.
The Kingdom Photography Award offers participants a chance to win 20,000 SAR and gift vouchers worth 20,000 SAR per winner, as well as access to mentorship programs led by renowned professional photographers. In addition, selected entries will also be featured at an exhibition in Hayy Jameel, Jeddah, providing a platform for emerging photographers to showcase their work alongside accomplished professionals.
The judging panel, comprised of esteemed professionals, will evaluate each submission to ensure the selection of the most captivating and evocative stories. The judging panel includes Ghada AlMuhanna, Hussain AlMoosawi, Mick Moore, Mohammed AlFaraj, and Tanvi Mishra.
Registration for the competition is now open and closes on December 31, 2023. To submit your series, simply visit the official website, click on “Register Now,” and complete the form. The submission process is free, with terms and conditions detailed on the website. Winners will be announced on February 10, 2024, with the final exhibition taking place between February 10, 2024 – March 2, 2024.
The second edition of The Kingdom Photography Award promises to be an exciting journey of self-expression, discovery, and storytelling. For more information on how to submit entries, please visit: https://engage.moc.gov.sa/tkpa
Gadgets
Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1 Update Brings Galaxy AI Features to More Devices
Samsung Electronics has announced the expansion of One UI 6.1.1, which will bring the latest Galaxy AI features to more Galaxy devices through a new update. With the rollout beginning in September, the update will extend the AI features of Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 to previous models including the Galaxy S24 series, S23 series, S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S9 series. With the latest advanced features across communication, productivity and creativity, the updated OS will elevate every mobile experience for users to deliver greater intelligence and convenience.
Communicating with someone in another language is simple and easy with Galaxy AI. Interpreter offers Listening Mode which will now be available on all expanded devices, and one-way translation — whether listening to a presentation. With Chat Assist, users can easily draft emails, social media posts, and more using Composer. Users can simply input a few keywords and Galaxy AI will generate a full message based on tone and personal style for review. Suggested replies, previously only available on Galaxy Z Flip6, will now be available on Galaxy S24 series devices — offering quick replies from the wrist when connected to Galaxy Watch7 or Galaxy Watch Ultra.
The latest expansion of Galaxy AI features can transform any Galaxy device into a powerful productivity tool. Note Assist makes time-consuming meeting notes a thing of the past, enabling translation and note summaries, while the newly added transcript feature can quickly create notes based on voice recordings. For added convenience, PDF Overlay Translation can effortlessly translate and overlay text in PDF files or even translate text in images and graphs. Sketch to Image helps enhance photos by generating a selection of image options that perfectly complement the original image based on simple sketches. Also, the advanced search capabilities of Circle to Search with Google quickly generate search results and now offer step-by-step instructions for solving complex math problems, as well as a newly added Sound Search feature.
Galaxy AI is enabling everyday users to create professional-grade content, whether they’re amateur photographers or aspiring content creators. Instantly create portraits in a variety of styles such as 3D cartoon or watercolour with Portrait Studio. Plus, Instant Slow-mo users can seamlessly slow a video down while maintaining smooth image quality before quickly saving and sharing in just a few simple steps.
The software update for the Samsung Galaxy S24 series will begin rolling out in Korea on September 5, followed by North America and Europe on September 9. Software updates for additional Galaxy devices and countries will be available in the coming weeks.
Gadgets
Lenovo Intros New Yoga and IdeaPad Devices at Innovation World 2024
Lenovo announced its newest additions to its Lenovo Yoga and Lenovo IdeaPad portfolios at Lenovo Innovation World 2024, designed to enhance user productivity and creativity through the power of AI. Models include additions to the Lenovo Copilot+ PC portfolio. These new products promise to revolutionize the way consumers create, ideate, and produce, offering a seamless blend of performance and user-centric features.
The products—announced at Lenovo’s special event in Berlin—include:
- The all-new Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (15″, 9), an Intel Evon Edition Copilot+ PC1 powered by Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2), the product of a multi-year collaboration with Intel. The Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 (14”, 9), Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 (15”, 10) and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 (13”, 10), Copilot+ PCs1 powered by AMD Ryzen processors
- The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (14”, 9) and Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 (14”, 9), powered by Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processors
- Lenovo Creator Zone, a software suite that allows creators to use natural language to ideate and generate images locally with the power of AI
These products are the latest examples of Lenovo’s commitment to leading the industry in providing cutting-edge technology, exceptional user experiences, and enhanced creativity and productivity to consumers around the globe.
“At Lenovo, we are focused on our commitment to bringing Smarter Technology for All. Our announcement of Lenovo Yoga and Lenovo IdeaPad devices and solutions embodies this commitment,” said Jun Ouyang, Lenovo’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Consumer Business Segment, Intelligent Devices Group. “These new products are designed to be more personalized and empower their users by stimulating creativity, increasing productivity, and fitting in seamlessly into the increasingly dynamic, tech-centric lives that they lead.”
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (15”, 9) is expected to be available starting September 2024 starting at 1399 €. The Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 (14”, 9) is expected to be available starting September 2024 starting at 1699 €. The Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 (14”, 9) is expected to be available starting September 2024 starting at 999 €.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (14”, 9) is expected to be available starting September 2024 starting at 899 €. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 (15”, 10) is expected to be available starting October 2024 starting at 699 €. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 (13”, 10) is expected to be available starting October 2024 starting at 699 €. Lenovo Creator Zone is expected to be available starting October 2024 with support for the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i, with support for other Lenovo Yoga devices to follow.
Creator Tools
Shure Launches MV6 USB Gaming Microphone
Shure announced the launch of the new dynamic MV6 USB Gaming Microphone designed for PC gamers and streamers seeking consistent, high-quality audio at an accessible price point. With Shure’s signature look and feel, the MV6 USB Gaming Microphone is ready to use out-of-the-box and easy to operate thanks to integrated cutting-edge DSP technology including Auto Level Mode, Digital Popper Stopper and Real-time Denoiser. The new MV6 dynamic microphone, certified for OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), leverages Shure’s legacy of professional audio quality, wrapped in an iconic form factor.
Inspired by Shure’s iconic SM7 and MV7 lines, the MV6 Gaming Microphone is the ideal solution for gamers and streamers looking for their first professional microphone. Dynamic capsules excel in isolating the speaker’s voice from background sounds and room noise which are common in untreated streaming and gaming spaces. The combination of its dynamic cartridge with advanced DSP features and integration with Shure’s MOTIV Mix App ensures gamers and streamers enjoy studio-quality performance in every session without worrying about gain adjustments, plosives, or background noise. Plus, its easy access tap-to-mute button adds an extra level of control for a completely seamless experience.
“Today’s gamers and streamers want to deliver an immersive and engaging experience, and to achieve it, excellent audio is a must”. said Eduardo Valdes, Associate Vice President of Global Marketing and Product Management. “In a market that is teeming with condenser microphone options, we are introducing a dynamic microphone built with DSP controls that provides users reliable professional audio, regardless of their audio expertise, and powering them to stay hyper-focused on their game”.
Key features and benefits:
- Voice Isolation Technology: Minimizes background noise and eliminates distractions, unlike typical condenser microphones that can pick up unwanted room noise. This ensures that the user’s voice remains clear and prominent, free from interruptions.
- Auto Level Mode: Automatically adjusts the microphone’s gain based on your distance and speech volume, providing consistent audio levels up to 18’’ away from the microphone, meaning gamers and streamers will sound great regardless of where it is placed on their desk. This feature was designed to simplify professional audio and ensure optimal sound quality right out of the box, making it perfect for gamers and streamers.
- Digital Popper Stopper: A virtual pop filter that removes harsh plosive sounds digitally, ensuring clean audio capture without the need for additional hardware.
- Real-Time Denoiser: Eliminates background noise and works with the mic’s Voice Isolation Technology to deliver a cleaner, more professional sound, useful for streamers and gamers in less controlled environments.
The MV6 joins the MV7+ as one of the first microphones to receive the OBS certification in collaboration with the OBS Project. This certification guarantees that the MV6 microphone meets the criteria of functionality necessary to ensure users have a positive experience while using the microphone with OBS. “Using a mic that’s Certified for OBS gives me complete confidence that I can rely on it when using the software for my streaming each day. The OBS badge is a feature all gamers and streamers will be looking for when choosing their next mic,” said Loserfruit, Professional Streamer and Content Creator.
For gamers and streamers, the MV6 offers the best of both worlds: legendary Shure sound and effortless setup. When used with the free MOTIV Mix App users can further customize their mic, mix multiple channels of audio and stream. The new 1.2 Beta Version offers enhanced functionality, including activity presets that save time setting up each session, background noise detection with the use of Sound Check with tips to reduce ambient noise, and an improved setup flow to get started easier with the MOTIV Mix app.
The MV6 Gaming Microphone, with USB-C compatibility and MFi certification, seamlessly connects with PC and Mac, as well as select Apple and Android mobile devices, providing versatile connectivity options. The built-in 3.5mm headphone output allows real-time headphone monitoring, while a versatile 12cm desktop stand and base-mount adapter ensure flexible setup options.
Drawing inspiration from Shure’s iconic microphone lineage, the MV6 delivers durable construction and sleek design. The MV6 is available to purchase now for AED 599.