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Nokia 8.3 5G

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, has announced its first 5G-enabled smartphone, the Nokia 8.3 5G which will be available in the UAE from mid-October starting at AED 2,099.

Coming with a powerful PureView quad-camera with ZEISS optics, the Nokia 8.3 5G lets users capture it all. The Nokia 8.3 5G will always be ready for what’s next, covering the highest number of 5G New Radio bands yet, ready for both standalone and non-standalone 5G network deployment combinations that operators around the globe are rolling out. This ensures more people can enjoy the fast, reliable connectivity of 5G for streaming and gaming wherever they are. Debuting ZEISS Cinema capture and editor and bringing low-light video recording and OZO audio recording, the Nokia 8.3 5G is the ideal smartphone for creators. Inspired by Finnish roots, the Nokia 8.3 5G comes in Polar Night – taking inspiration straight from the arctic sky.

HP LASERJET ENTERPRISE 400 SERIES

HP Inc has introduced the HP LaserJet Enterprise 400 Series, delivering an enterprise and managed-class experience in a small footprint for remote working and new office configurations.

HP’s smallest enterprise multi-function printer, the new LaserJet series provides: • HP Sure Start with automatic self-healing that protects, detects, and selfrecovers from vulnerabilities and attacks. • HP Trusted Platform Module (TPM), providing secure device identity with certificate private keys, strengthening protection of encrypted credentials and data. • Security features goes beyond just the hardware, including the cartridge, for an end-to-end secure printing system that protects your network and information.

In addition to the new devices, HP also announced a new version of HP FutureSmart firmware – enabling a consistent, secure operational system across HP’s entire enterprise printer series. Launching with the LaserJet Enterprise 400 series, FutureSmart 5 provides customers investment protection, additional security protections, and readiness for advanced cloud-based workflows.

The HP LaserJet Enterprise 400 Series – available as a single function and MFP, mono and color and in versions adapted to Managed Print Services fleets – is expected to be available worldwide starting in December. HP FutureSmart 5 is expected to be available in December.

Belkin SOUNDFORM

Belkin, the connected things division within the Belkin International and Foxconn Interconnect Technology (FIT), has introduced the SOUNDFORM True Wireless Earbuds, the newest addition to its portfolio of audio products in the UAE.

The SOUNDFORM True Wireless Earbuds provide the freedom of true wireless audio connectivity with immersive sound and a comfortable in-ear fit. With one-step Bluetooth pairing, intuitive touch controls, and sweat and splash resistance, these wireless earbuds are ideal for any situation – whether you’re on a video call, stepping out for a quick jog or enjoying a movie. The compact charging case provides an extended charge when you need it, up to 24 hours of playtime.

Key features:

• Three sizes of ear tips providing ideal fit, all-day comfort and noise isolation • One-step Bluetooth pairing and disconnecting for ease and convenience • IPX5-rated sweat- and splash-resistant for use without worry • Intuitive touch controls for a true device-free experience • Up to five hours of non-stop playtime; compact charging case provides 24 hours of listening per charge

The SOUNDFORM True Wireless Earbuds join the SOUNDFORM Elite Hi-Fi Smart Speaker + Wireless Charger and BOOST- CHARGE Wireless Charging Stand + Speaker in Belkin’s newest portfolio of audio innovations. Belkin’s SOUNDFORM audio portfolio is characterised by premium sound quality, enhanced convenience and timeless style.

The SOUNDFORM True Wireless Earbuds are now available for purchase at leading retailers and e-commerce platforms in the UAE at AED 249.

WD Purple storage

Western Digital has announced its expanded family of WD Purple storage solutions, including the industry’s highest capacity 18TB surveillance HDD for DVRs, NVRs and analytics appliances, and the 1TB WD Purple SC QD101 microSD card for AI-enabled cameras. Setting the bar for smart video applications, all WD Purple drives are optimised to help reduce frame loss and pixelation, improve overall video playback and enhance streaming for 24×7 workloads – from ingest to backup and longterm storage – as the industry broadens the use of deep learning and analytics.

The new WD Purple 18TB HDD is designed for NVRs and video analytics appliances as well as GPU-enabled devices that can deliver both real-time and post analytics applications. Offering 28 percent more capacity than the previous generation, the new 18TB drive has room to spare for storing video, reference images and metadata at the edge, to support more effective AI.

The WD Purple 1TB microSD card is designed for AIenabled cameras, surveillance cameras and edge devices, serving as primary or back-up data storage. It is based on Western Digital’s advanced 96-layer 3D NAND technology, and delivers a combination of ultra-high endurance with up to 500 P/E cycles and comes in 1TB, 512GB, 256GB, 128GB, 64GB and 32GB capacities.

The WD Purple 18TB HDD will be available in October 2020, and the WD Purple SC QD101 1TB microSD card is expected to be available in November 2020.

NEW VISTAS FOR GROWTH

SUNIL PAUL, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FINESSE, SAYS THE RECENT PEACE DEAL BETWEEN THE UAE AND ISRAEL HERALDS A NEW DAWN FOR TECH AND CYBERSECURITY LANDSCAPES.

In August this year, the United Arab Emirates and Israel have reached a landmark accord, which normalizes the trade ties between the two countries. The diplomatic breakthrough between the two nations will see stronger collaboration and cross-border investments across multiple sectors.

The UAE became the third Arab country to open diplomatic ties with the majority-

Jewish state, after Egypt and Jordan. The

Gulf nation has signed an overarching trade agreement with specific deals in aviation, logistics, healthcare, and agriculture, among others in the pipeline. Perhaps, the most important industry that will open up tremendous opportunities on both sides is technology.

The UAE and Israel both share a thirst for innovation and economic diversification through technology.

A report by Israel’s Central Bureau and Statistics and Economy Ministry highlighted that the country’s exports had hit a record of $114 billion in 2019 with the high-tech sector leading the growth. Over the years, Israeli-founded tech firms have made great strides across the business world. Data from the Israel Venture Capital Research

Center revealed that the Israeli tech sector has been a magnet for investors even during the pandemic, with VC funding rising by more than $5.25 billion in the first half of 2020.

On the flip side, with the UAE being the

Arab world’s second-largest economy and the highest GDP per capita as well as a tech-driven economic vision, investors in the Gulf nation are well-positioned to seize the vast opportunities in Israel’s tech ecosystem.

In recent years, Israeli and Emirati businesses have quietly struck up a working relationship, though the ties are indirect. Often, Israeli tech firms rely on headquarters located outside of the Middle East or through third-party resellers. With the normalization of UAE-Israel relations, these partnerships can be more open and fruitful.

The Abraham Accord could also lead to increased mutual investments and collaboration in areas such as agrotech, fintech, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and more.

Cybersecurity is another key area that both nations are planning to heavily focus on. Israeli vendors that specialize in cyber defense such as CyberArk, Cybereason, and Check Point Software Technologies have long penetrated the Gulf market, albeit by indirect means. With a wealth of tech firms staffed by ex-military hackers, Israel offers worldclass cyber defence technologies and expertise that many UAE businesses are keen to take advantage of.

A welcomed pairing

While the treaty is still in its early stages, many UAE businesses and tech funds have already expressed interest in investing and working with Israeli firms and vice versa. A newly created online platform for the UAE-Israeli Business Council has drawn in more than 2,000 members with an influx of inquiries from both sides.

Following the signing of the trade agreement, deals have also immediately started to flow. A good example is Abu Dhabi’s APEX National Investment – the company signed a commercial agreement with Israel’s TeraGroup to research COVID-19 and develop a speedy testing device. Several Israeli fintech firms have also caught the eye of UAE investors. One of them is Salaryo – a fintech start-up that provides financing for small businesses and freelancers, which raised $5.8 million in a new funding round that includes Dubai-based KEN Investments.

Most recently, UAE-based foreign exchange and digital payments firm Finablr, which owns popular remittance house UAE Exchange, has accepted a takeover offer from Israeli-owned technology and software solutions company Prism Advance Solutions.

Building bridges in the Gulf

It is also worth noting that during the same month, Bahrain – a country with a booming tech sector – became the second GCC nation to normalize relations with Israel after the UAE. This further amplifies numerous prospects that building ties with Israel bring.

More than mutually beneficial trade partnerships, the UAE-Israel deal could also pave the way for further Israeli-Arab technology cooperation throughout the Middle East and lead to new diplomatic ties. Doing so will lead to greater opportunities for tech entrepreneurs, investors, and channel partners alike.