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Founder: Essa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali Chairman: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali CEO: Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali Editor: Charles Lavery Features Editor: Swati Dasgupta Research Editor: Ashish Dubash Associate Editors: Salim Al Afifi, Shruthi Nair Copy Editor: Gautam Bhargav Viswanathan Online Editor: Christopher Isaac
Of assistive technology and the virtue of charity
Chief Sales Officer: Richard Pakenham Production Manager: Shafi Shaik Graphics Editor: Antonio Farach Design Editor: Sahir K.M. Lead Designer: Geri B. Sonny Designer: Gregory Fernandez Photography: MMG Photographers On The Cover: Design by Geri B. Sonny
FROM BRAILLE TO BE MY EYES, assistive technology has come a long way. There are apps that give eyes to those who can’t see, those that give words to those who can’t speak, and still those that amplify sounds for those who can’t hear — the list is endless. And to raise awareness, Global Accessibility Awareness Day is celebrated every year in May. The day focuses on ways to make life easier for people with disabilities. Our Cover Story this week highlights how technology is lending a helping hand to those with disabilities. While it is important to teach children the value of charity throughout the year, Ramadan is the best time to implement this trait. Teach your children the need to share and that charity is not only about giving money. From sharing their Iftar meals and helping someone in their daily chores, to donating their toys and books to the needy, it’s time to educate them on the values of giving. And by the end of a meaningful day, as evening sets in, come be a part of an Iftar buffet that has a sumptuous spread. Don’t miss it! — Swati Dasgupta
For general enquiries or comments: swati@timesofoman.com
Muscat Media Group AN ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED COMPANY Post Box: 770, Postal Code: 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman EDITORIAL 24726600/24726666 Ext 214 swati@timesofoman.com ADVERTISEMENT 24726600/24726666 Ext 432 ajayraj@timesofoman.com
CIRCULATION 24726600/24726666 Ext 135/136 circulation@timesofoman.com
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 14 MARCH 22, 2018
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WHAT’S ON 26 THIS WEEK SATURDAY 02.00pm
Become a Healthy Cook
Learn all about cooking like a pro alongside culinary experts. The 8-day workshop comprises training and competition, among other things. The package starts at OMR55per person. Vantage International Muscat Al Khuwair, Bousher +968 9343 5226
THURSDAY
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09.30pm Enjoy Night Kayaking Gather your friends and paddle out into the ocean at night, with beautiful views of Muscat’s cosy line. This family-friendly event costs OMR10 per head. Call the number below for location details and meeting point. +968 9747 1484
10.00am Go for Yoga Join this wonderful 90-minute session where you’ll get to learn and practice yoga techniques dedicated to hips and shoulders. A must-try for yoga and meditation lovers. Entry costs OMR10 per individual. Yoga Shaala Al Assala Towers, Azaiba +968 9575 3154
FRIDAY 06.30pm A Family Iftar at Copper Head over to Copper restaurant in Qurum and have yourself a great Iftar buffet with your kids, as the place will also offer a playhouse, popcorn, and movies for the whole family. The Iftar is priced at OMR5.950 per person. Copper Restaurant Sayh Al Maleh, Qurum (PDO Street) +968 2456 4292
8.00am Join a Lifestyle Workshop Are you struggling to adopt a healthy lifestyle? If yes, then this workshop is not to be missed. You’ll get to learn about healthy tips and nutrition, and how to apply them to your current lifestyle. InnerChi Centre, Qurum +968 7190 6060
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08.00pm Play Football, Indoors It’s never a bad idea to escape the summer heat and play indoors. The Sports Layali Ramadan at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre is the solution. The air-conditioned football pitch is open for booking, and costs OMR50 per 90-minute session. Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, Airport Heights +968 2423 3800
08.00pm Attend a Concert Have you heard about The Celnatic Experience? Attend this event at the Indian Embassy and watch a live performance by Shruti & Sahana and Ensemble. Entry is strictly by invitation, so RSVP with the number below. Embassy of India, Muscat +968 9944 5327
ENT ERTA INMENT KINGS Cast: Deniz Gamze Ergüven , Daniel Craig, Halle Berry, Lamar Johnson
INTERROGATION Cast: Adam Copeland, Julia Benson, Erica Carroll
A South Central recluse helps a woman’s working-class mother during the 1992 civil unrest in Los Angeles
A bomb is set to go off on one of the busiest betting days of the year so a smart interrogator is called in to get answers from the prime suspect but as time begins to end, they both soon discover that there is a larger plan in store for them.
BUCKET LIST Cast: Madhuri Dixit, Renuka Shahane, Sumeet Raghvan A 40-year-old housewife takes a decision that changes her life forever.
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SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY Cast: Ron Howard, Alden Ehrenreich, Donald Glover, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrel Through a series of daring escapades, young Han Solo meets his future co-pilot Chewbacca and encounters the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian. Running at: Vox Cinemas, City Cinemas, Al Bahja Cinema
ARAVINDANTE ATHIDHIKAL (Malayalam) Cast: Vineeth Sreenivasan
Veere Di Wedding Cast: Swara Bhaskar, Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan
A young boy, found in an old temple, is raised by a lodge owner but yearns to see his mother who left him.
Ocean’s 8 Cast: Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway
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ears back blindness had shut all the doors of opportunities for us. We could not find a suitable job. That was not all. Even our day-to-day activities were affected owing to our disability, especially at the banks or other offices. We struggled even with the simple transaction procedures and bill payments,” said Ali Al Amri, a visually impaired IT expert in town, while remembering his days of difficulties when he struggled with the most common tasks that people often took for granted. From navigating the grocery stores and doing bank work, to travelling without assistance, Amri faced setbacks at every step. But today with the help of technology, Amri has learnt to see differently and live independently as well. “We used to suffer when it came to bank procedures, but now, with modern technology and the availability of these applications, we are blessed,” he said. There are millions like Amri who have been through this struggle but thanks to technology that they have not been left out. Today it is technology that is helping them to see. And to emphasise more on the need of making technology accesssible to the disabled, every year in the month of May, the world comes together to raise awareness on this. Called Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), this day is commemorated to shed light over digital matters that affect the disabled, and to get people to talk, think, learn, and develop digital access for those with various special needs. It all started in Los Angeles where a local web developer, Joe Devon, shared a blog post, which was accidentally found by Toronto-based accessibility professional Jennison Asuncion. The two joined forces and brought about awareness over the issue, which became a global celebration of knowledge. The event targets a variety of people in design, development, usability, and other relevant technology communities who might contribute to raise funds, develop new ideas, and influence new technologies. It also focuses on bringing disabled communities and developers together to learn and help one another develop software and smartphone applications. In Oman, Apple’s certified reseller MI store recently held a workshop in collaboration with Al Noor Association for the Blind, where a group of visually impaired people spoke about the importance of making technology disabled-friendly, and shared a number of innovative applications that contributed to making the lives of the visually impaired easier. At the workshop, people joined hands with the visually impaired to explore Apple’s modern smartphone technology in an interactive session that involved hands-on experience on how to use some of the popular apps for the visually impaired. Apple is one of the most celebrated brands that continues to promote GAAD. The leading brand has developed products that are visually impaired-friendly, including an Apple Watch, which counts calories for wheelchair users; Voiceover on the iPhone, which describes what’s on the device screen for visually impaired users; and HomeKit, an interesting home automation platform, among other apps. The brand has a dedicated page that showcases other applications developed by folks who are determined to the cause.
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Physiotherapy Exercises App The Physiotherapy Exercises app contains more than 1,000 images illustrating 600 exercises suitable for those with physical disabilities, spinal cord injury, or neurological conditions. Available on iOS
A P P S
matter contribute to making it happen even faster. Amri urges developers to always keep in mind the ‘disabled’ as they are part of the community, especially in developing apps that help them in day-to-day tasks such as banking and paying bills, which can be quite a hassle. Rashed Al Farsi, a representative of Al Noor Association for the Blind, agreed that technology is of great significance to the disabled, saying, “Technology is of great help to the visually impaired; it is the fundamental and main factor in creating many shortcuts for us.” He added, “These shortcuts have made our lives easier.” Companies such as Microsoft, Netflix, Google, Facebook, Uber, and other popular products and applications are all developing ways to make life easy for the visually impaired, and pushing for an alternative way to include all kinds of people, in order to celebrate the beauty of technology, together. “Technology has helped everyone, but it has helped people with special needs even more,” said Amri, adding, “It helped us find new jobs in a variety of fields.” From Braille to accessible screen readers, we have come a long way, and will continue to find new and smart ways to help people from all segments, everywhere. — salim@timesofoman.com
B E S T
Some of the popular apps for the visually impaired that work on Apple’s iOS platform include Be My Eyes, an app that allows volunteers to help the visually impaired in real-time by being their eyes and helping them remotely through a live video. It’s a great and powerful tool that aids in different situations such as identifying medicines. The app has a fast growing network of more than 35,000 visually impaired users and more than half a million volunteers who are a connection away. Another significant app is the TapTapSee, which is an app that identifies objects through photos. It works by double tapping the screen to take a photo of an object from any angle, and then hearing the app’s identification out loud. Money identifier applications are also of great importance. With the international app, LookTel, life has become easier for the disabled. And Oman has its very own alternative app that identifies the Omani rial. Modern apps and the ever-growing presence of technology grant people new ways of reading, writing, and doing pretty much anything. All these advancements in the world show that technology is central to the lives of millions who suffer from visual impairment; such events that raise awareness on the
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Voice Access Voice Access is an app by Google, and it focuses on helping those who have physical disabilities by allowing them to control their device using their voice as a button. Available on Android
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Avaz Avaz is an app developed for children who have difficulty speaking, as it allows them to use picture symbols and voice synthesis to create messages and develop their language skills. It’s a great app for kids with autism. Available on iOS and Android
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Dictate Dictate is a voice recognition app that allows you to speak and instantly see your text or email. You can update your Facebook status, Twitter, and many more. Available on iOS
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Super Hearing Aid This app allows you to plug your headphones into your smartphone and adjust the volume of sound around you. It amplifies sound and reduce background noise, among other things. Available on iOS
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A Buzoo Story This app was developed to help kids with autism improve their social and communication skills. Available on Android
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RogerVoice Caption Calls RogerVoice can help those with hearing impairments by captioning their phone conversations in real time. As a person is talking to you, text will appear on your screen so you can read along. Available on iOS and Android
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RIDBC Auslan Tutor The app allows you to learn 150 common Auslan signs with a step-bystep process which includes pictures and videos. The premium version includes over 500 signs. Available on iOS and Android
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WheelNav This app helps handicapped people find places that are easily accessible. The app feature accurate and comprehensive map, as well as voice guided GPS, and many other features. Available on iOS
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Wheel Mate Wheel Mate assists disabled individuals to locate accessible parking and bathrooms when they’re on the move. Available on iOS
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Antara Bose is a model turned fashion and beauty consultant. A popular blogger, anchor, and voice over artist, she maintains a deep connection with the local fashion industry and is passionate about discovering and celebrating aspiring talent as well as promoting animal rights. For fashion updates with a side of humour and sarcasm follow Antara on instagram @antarabose and on Facebook: Antara Bose.
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Ramadan is said to mark the beginning of a whole new season of fashion trends in the Middle East. It is time to dress modestly as well.
STORY ANTARA BOSE
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Load up on accessories Ever considered accessories as a cover-up? Probably not. But we’re here to tell you that you can give your wardrobe a Ramadan makeover simply by throwing in some crochet stoles, chiffon scarves, and embroidered shrugs. It’ll cover your arms and shoulders, give your outfit a new look and boost your style quotient. If you’re wearing a particular top add a chunky necklace or one of those over-sized pendants to cover-up.
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Flaunt long sleeves Long bell sleeves are back in fashion and they are perfect to flaunt during this time of the year. Another trend that we saw on runways recently was super-long sleeves (you know the ones that actually extend beyond your actual hand). If you feel like trying something different, this is another trend you can sport. But apart from fashion, the scorching heat is yet another really good reason to stay protected by covering up.
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Wear loose, longer tops Along with sleeves, ensure your tops are also long enough and go well beyond the hips. Steer clear of crop tops this month. It’s a good idea to layer your top above a regular slip. Loose tops are also comfortable to sport considering the rising temperature. When paired with the right accessories, they can look perfectly flattering.
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Layer up This is a good time to pull out those lightweight jackets, floor-sweeping kimonos or kaftans and even sport a chiffon abaya (if you’ve never tried one) that you can simply throw over your shoulders while wearing your everyday attire. It gives the necessary coverage and looks fashionable at the same time. If you love your skirts, wear them with opaque leggings (not see-through stockings). Mix and match items from your closet to create your own Ramadan look.
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Stay vibrant Many designers bring out an exclusive collection during this time. We’ll see a mix of pastel and bright colours, playful abstract art and even a harmonious blend of different prints. While dressing conservatively is the key, there is no restriction on patterns, embellishments, and embroideries.
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Try the headscarf … differently Because there are just so many ways you can style this. Look up some fun YouTube videos and try a different one until you find your favourite. It’s like sporting a new hairstyle every day. And the best part is it keeps your hair protected too.
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Get a few linen trousers in light colours There is nothing that’s more comfortable than a pair of linen trousers to carry you through a hot summer day. It lets your skin (and you) breathe. This is one item of clothing that will probably never go out of style.
Here are 5 quick norms you must keep in mind: • Keep your legs covered and don’t wear shorts, skirts or skimpy dresses on their own. • Avoid sleeveless attires and strappy tops. • Watch your neckline – No deep V’s or plunging necklines. • Avoid figure-hugging clothes. • Ensure your dresses have adequate lining beneath.
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AN IFTA R MEAL T
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like my Iftar rich, meaty, and served at The Courtyard. Yes, dining at the Sheraton never ceases to amaze me. Even though I have dived into their dishes far too many times, I constantly find myself returning for another exciting culinary adventure. This time around, I stopped by for Iftar at The Courtyard where a variety of Middle Eastern specialities, local favourites, and Ramadan staples were cooked and served for our indulgence. On their extensive menu, a selection of flavourful dishes such as muhamarra-marinated artichoke pasta, sautéed rosemary potatoes, and vermicelli rice were all on
offer alongside cold and hot mezze, soups and salads, thirst-quenching traditional drinks, and a wonderland of desserts. As I stepped into the place, I immersed myself in the Japanese-inspired atmosphere that excites me every time I stroll around the restaurant. I walked towards my favourite seat by the window, awaiting the call for prayer. Shortly after having a couple of dates, my dining session began. As you could imagine, my hunger was that of a caveman who hadn’t eaten in a while. So I grabbed a couple of plates and dived into almost every dish. Though a couple of dishes were ordinary, the rest of the menu was nothing but culinary excellence crafted by the chef to be truly savoured.
TO R EME MBER
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STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY SALIM AL AFIFI
After successfully demolishing the food, I went back for another round, but this time it was only for these three mains, which were the highlight of my evening at the Courtyard. The first dish was a rich, flavourful lamb mansaf, a traditional staple borrowed from the Bedouins of Jordan, made with gigantic chunks of boned lamb and rice, cooked in creamy plain yoghurt, butter, chopped onions, and a bunch of spices, and tossed with pine nuts and slivered almonds for that beautiful crunch. Saying the dish tasted out of the world would be an understatement. The tender meat layered on a bed of thick-yet-smooth, buttery rice was quite a looker, and tasted as good as it looked. The second highlight was a treat from the ocean, that hailed from the ports of Lebanon, the beloved samak harra (chilli fish), a baked hamour flavoured with a bunch of spices and a tomato-based sauce. The dish was succulent, colourful, and rich. Pair it with plain basmati rice and thank me later; it’s a match made in heaven. The final dish was another seafood favourite, an ode to the traditional Omani seafood Babalo soup made with a variety of seafood, swimming in flavorus, acidic waters that combine fresh oceanic aromas with local spices. What a palatable experience. Now, how do I like my Iftar you ask? Served at The Courtyard. — salim@timesofoman.com
The Courtyard Sheraton Oman Hotel
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RAMADAN is a fantastic time of the year to teach your kids about charity. Most of us live in a world where we lack nothing that qualifies as a necessity: Food, clothing, and shelter. The other things we surround ourselves with are comforts, if not luxuries. It is true we want our kids to have everything we did and more, but maybe we should stop for a moment and think about whether we are doing them a disservice. Sadly, I’ve come across children and teens who have an atrocious sense of entitlement and I can’t help but blame the parents for putting such ideas into their heads. So, let’s use the blessed month to take some time to introduce our children to the virtue of charity. As they say, “Charity begins at home”.
STORY FARZEEN ASHIK
Open their eyes Let your kids know what’s happening around the world. There is no need to shelter them from poverty, catastrophes, wars, etc. They must be informed and made aware of crises across the world as they get older. For younger kids, show them examples of the less fortunate and gently help them understand that the world is not an equal place and that some people need a helping hand. Kids can learn to be charitable right from the age of three to four years old, so start when they are young. Compassion comes naturally Kids are born with an innate sense of compassion. Yes, they are self-centered but they will try to console their friends or siblings if they are upset or in pain. Kids are naturally empathetic and they can sense your pain too. So, teaching them how to share with the less fortunate won’t be as hard as you think. Get rid of the “gimme” phase Teaching our children to give is a great way to get them to stop focusing on themselves and start thinking about the emotions and needs of others around them. This will also help you get them out of the “gimme” phase. They will learn that it’s not all about them all the time. Be role models Kids learn best when they watch you doing the deed. This Ramadan, as you plan your zakat, keep your kids informed too. Let them know if you are planning to donate money for the upkeep of your old mosque back home, if you are sending money to a sick relative or if you are paying for the education of your caretaker’s child. Whatever good deed you plan to do, let them know so they can be inspired to spread goodness around too. Get them excited Charity doesn’t have to be a boring affair, make it fun and interesting. If there is a walk or campaign to create awareness about diabetes, autism or cancer, get them involved too. Even if they are young, help them understand what’s going on and how you plan to contribute and explain the impact it will have. If there is a food drive at school, get them excited about it and play a part in making sure their contribution is handpicked by them from the supermarket.
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Farzeen Ashik is the author of the prizewinning novel ‘Rainbow Dorm Diaries– The Yellow Dorm’.
Make them donate Let them go through their own cupboards and shelves and come to you with what they would like to give away. Let them know it’s not okay to give away things that are in bad shape. Always help them remember that what they give away to charity should be in a good condition so it can be used by someone else with gratitude. No matter how young they are, encourage them to let go of things they no longer have use for and which can be of use to others. Get them to volunteer For older kids, volunteering can really turn things around. I remember when my daughter first visited the Autism Center, she was speechless. Besides being inspired by the teachers and caregivers, it made her realise how lucky she was. If you look around, there are plenty of opportunities for your kids to spread cheer and learn something at the same time. Encourage them to donate some of their free time to good causes.
Make this a Ramadan they won’t forget Do something different this time around and make it a Ramadan your kids won’t forget. You could organise a drive to buy toys for kids at the cancer ward at Royal Hospital or you could get the kids involved in collecting money for the cleaners at school or prepare food packs to be delivered to a labour camp. You could even ask your local charity, school or mosque if the kids can do something during their free time so they are not just giving away money but also getting involved in the act of making sure someone is being helped. The sense of fulfilment they get once they help someone is something you can gift them this Ramadan. Teaching your kids to give is the best gift you can give them as a parent. Not only does it help create empathetic individuals, it also makes your child feel empowered that he or she can make a difference in a bleak world. So, let us be inspired and mould them into the next generation of philanthropists.
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DB 11 IS HERE — THE MOST DB MODEL IN ASTON
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s the most significant Aston Martin introduction since the DB9 in 2003, the DB11 is lighter and stronger with an aluminium structure, making it the most powerful, most efficient DB model in Aston Martin’s history. Unlike any Aston Martin before it, at the heart of DB11 is a 5.2-litre twinturbocharged V12, with a top speed of 200mph and a 0-62mph time of just 3.9sec, and a new in-house designed engine with 600 horsepower and 700Nm of torque, making the DB11 the most powerful DB model ever.
Indicating a new design era for Aston Martin, DB11 provides a balance between graphics innovation and Aston Martin’s classic design. From the front, it has the signature Aston Martin grill, which makes it instantly recognisable. Its distinctive LED headlights and all the surfacing on the hood provides a remarkable design. Along the sides, the DB11 has clean lines with no protruding door handle. Its broad rear hips with the signature Aston Martin tail lights, adds to its unique form. The DB11 combines the very latest technology with the finest quality and hand craftsmanship. With a full-colour 12inch TFT LCD display, while a second, central-
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POWERFUL MARTIN’S HISTORY
ly-mounted 8inch TFT screen is dedicated to infotainment. Controlled via an intuitive rotary control, with an optional touchpad offering character recognition, multi-touch and gesture support. Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Palmer said: “We aspire to make the most beautiful cars in the world. DB11 is the absolute embodiment of what an Aston Martin should be and we have worked tirelessly to ensure that DB11 combines both exceptional design with the latest technology throughout. A brand new bonded aluminium platform, clever aerodynamics, a new characterful twin-turbo V12 and class-leading info-
tainment systems are just a few aspects which make this the sports car that will proudly spearhead Aston Martin’s second-century plan.” We were able to drive the DB11 around Muscat for a few hours, in order to truly see what it is capable of. We wanted to test how it would drive on the busy roads of Shatti Qurum, and on the long Muscat Expressway from Ruwi to Mabela. When driving the DB11, you will notice how comfortable and smooth it is, yes it may feel slightly heavy but it is firm which gives it a greater sense of agility. With regards to seat comfort, it may not be very cushiony but it is very well shaped. The
seating position is great, it provides an overall view. The technology in the DB11 is quite advanced. The instrument panel is a full virtual panel, it is really easy to read at a glance and it gives you all the important information. The sensors are all over the car and don’t make an annoyingly loud alarm that most sensors nowadays tend to make. There are multiple driver-selectable dynamic modes — GT, Sport and Sports Plus. The GT default mode is meant to be the most comfortable and honestly it is not bad at all, you do feel bumps on the road but it is not harsh additionally, steering in this mode is light. DB11 in the GT mode is definitely a car you could use every day. Switching to Sports mode will allow you to hear just how powerful the DB11 is. Taking it up another level to the Sports Plus mode and everything lightens up, and the suspension gets a bit harder. Keep in mind that driving in the GT mode on the highways can at times fool you into thinking you are driving at a normal speed but you may not, so do be careful. The boot is quite small but it would be enough for a couple. The DB11 contains a newly implement auto-park assist feature and 360-degree birds-eye view camera which help provide safe manoeuvring at slow speeds when reversing. After spending a few hours in this car, there are a few things that are our favourite points about the DB11. Firstly, the hinge for the door lifts up slightly to avoid scratching any pavements. Secondly, and most importantly, the way it drives is simply sublime, you could drive daily in the GT mode, or if you get a bit bored you could simply switch into the Sport or Sport plus modes. Basically, you could never tire out of this V12.
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Indian Social Club Kachchhi Wing organised an Open Badminton, Chess, and Carom Tournament at Indian Social Club, Darsait.
Muscat Gujarati Samaj conducted a Toastmasters Speechcraft Programme for 20 lady members of MGS, in association with Morrison Muscat Toastmasters Club.
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SUDOKU
HOW TO PLAY Fill empty cells with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each number appears once in each row, column, and area.
Level | Easy
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THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS
HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL, GOES ture Seed, and bring him in to face justice THE OLD SAYING. before his horrific acts claim more innocent What keeps people going when they lives. En route to your destination, though, find themselves pinned to the floor by the the copter you’re in crashes as cult members jackboot of their oppressors is hope, a fire attack it. One of the few members of the task that refuses to be quenched in the face of force to escape the attackers, you’re now adversity and despair. tasked with making contact with the fledgBut all fires do go out at some point. They ling resistance in Hope County, gather more cannot burn forever. Such is the case of the people to counter Seed’s maniacal ways as good folks of Hope County, you realise that the problem Montana, the setting of runs far deeper than law enTHE SHORT AND SKINNY Ubisoft’s latest action-adforcement agencies initially venture game, Far Cry 5. believed it to be. Name: Far Cry 5 Far Cry 5 was released for While Joseph Seed runs Genre: Action/RPG PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox Eden’s Gate, he’s ensured Produced by: Ubisoft One on March 27, and the that the systematic dominaWhat it’s about: In rural America, a role playing game is now tion and violence he spreads bloodthirsty cult, convinced that the available to download as well across Hope County remains world is about to end, have seized as to purchase in stores. in the family, both literal and power and cut themselves off from Like the other games in otherwise: Joseph’s elder the outside world. You’ve been sent Ubisoft’s successful Far brother Jacob trains cult in to stop the madness, but all is not Cry franchise, this too takes members up in the mounas it seems… place in a remote, isolated tains. That’s not all, though Where to buy: Ubi store, Steam, location – a ‘far cry’ from — in the recesses of their Amazon, Xbox Marketplace, civilisation. It is the far-flung mountain fortress, one of PlayStation Store nature of the fictional Hope your comrades in arms, Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, County that makes it the Deputy Pratt, is being kept Xbox One perfect breeding ground to alive, if you can call him that. IGN Rating: 8.9/10 foment radical rebellion: Pratt’s mental discipline Eden’s Gate, a doomsday cult has not just been broken, that believes that the end of but completely shattered: the world is at hand, has begun the ‘ReapJoseph’s torture won out in the end, and his ing’, under the constant supervision of its indoctrination means he can now control fanatical leader, Joseph Seed. and trigger Pratt to carry out atrocities in Convinced that the world is about to end, the name of Eden’s Gate, with the brave Seed and his minions — also known as the deputy not even aware of the horrors he is Heralds — cut Hope County off from the rest inflicting on others. of the world, and forcibly induct people into Joseph’s younger brother John conducts Eden’s Gate, a move they believe will purge the forcible initiation of new recruits. Sister them of all sin, although this is far from the Faith, another of Seed’s indoctrinations, truth. Join Eden’s Gate, and you continue to oversees the manufacture of Bliss, a hallucispread their violent ways. Refuse, and you’re nogenic gas that keeps unwilling prisoners killed without remorse. obedient to Eden’s Gate. But the resistance In the wake of Seed’s barbaric actions, will not give up the land that they and their you, the player, a junior deputy working ancestors have lived on for so long without a in US law enforcement, are sent to Hope fight, and the arrival of you and your fellow County as part of a joint operation between agents has only strengthened their resolve. the United States Marshals and the county’s It is a quality they will need in spades. In Sheriff Department. Their mission? Capaddition, of course, to hope.
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INFINITI QX30: A PREMIUM ACTIVE CROSSOVER FOR ALL PURPOSES LAUNCHED IN OMAN
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reated for a new generation of premium buyers who appreciate category-defying design inside and out, the all-new Infiniti QX30 premium active crossover was launched recently in the Sultanate at the Infiniti Oman showroom. Remaining true to the powerful and elegant design cues that guided the original QX30 concept, the car’s highly sculpted exterior, unique crossover stance and asymmetric cabin design exemplify Infiniti’s design-led approach to product development. All-new QX30 boasts of a purposeful appearance that makes a bold visual statement — and joins the Q30 as part of Infiniti’s new premium compact model line-up. In addition to its striking appearance, the QX30 offers an elevated ride height, confidence-inspiring handling, and a versa-
tile attitude, underpinned by an Intelligent All-wheel Drive system. As a result, the vehicle is able to take on urban, suburban and winding rural roads in all driving conditions. A spokesperson for Infiniti Oman said, “Further fulfilling Infiniti’s promise to expand its product line-up based on popular concept car designs, the arrival of the all-new QX30 premium active crossover comes at a moment of opportunity for the Infiniti brand. The QX30 adds another dimension to Infiniti’s premium model lineup and will play a vital role in the brand’s growth in Oman.” “We have identified a new generation of premium buyers and have positioned QX30 as a personalised premium option to suit a varied range of needs. The car is as much at home in the city as it is outside of urban environments, inspiring confidence with its
‘ready-to-go-anywhere’ attitude,” he added. As a member of the new premium family, the QX30 gives Infiniti a great platform from which to achieve its goals in key markets globally. It will be built at new manufacturing facilities in Sunderland, UK, becoming part of Infiniti’s first car production in Europe. Attracting a new type of premium car buyer Infiniti is targeting a new generation of premium buyers with the new QX30. The premium crossover segment is currently among the fastest-expanding markets globally, and Generations X and Y will represent the majority of buyers in this segment by 2020. For them, the car is an expression of ‘self’ rather than ‘status’, and they remain open to new, category-defying concepts.
Category-defying design The combination of a low-slung roof-line, elevated stance and crossover appearance creates a striking visual impact. The versatile stance endows the QX30 with a ‘go-anywhere’ attitude, ready to take on all driving conditions — without compromising the high-quality finish that buyers associate with premium rivals. Living in asymmetry and comfort with QX30 The asymmetric surfaces feature wave shapes and dynamic lines that twist apart and flow away from the driver. These give an ‘in-motion’ feel when natural light moves over the highly-sculpted lines and contrasting materials in the cabin. This ‘dissymmetry’ creates a more pleasant environment in which to spend time.
WIFI MESH TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS OMANTEL HOME BROADBAND CUSTOMERS BETTER COVERAGE ACROSS HOMES
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eflecting its commitment to provide customers with the best digital experience; Omantel, the first and leading provider of integrated telecommunications services in the Sultanate introduces WiFi Mesh technology for its Home Broadband customers, allowing them faster Internet speed and wider coverage across their homes. Commenting on the introduction of WiFi technology to Omantel’s Home Broadband services, Saleh Mahmood Al Maimani, Senior Manager Product Development at Omantel, said: “We are constantly looking for ways to enhance our customers’ lifestyles by delivering worldclass services. The WiFi Mesh technology, which operates through a home connect device, will definitely provide our customers with an enhanced digital experience, as it allows Internet speed and coverage to spread across the house reaching every room without affecting the overall experience in terms of Internet speed and Home Broadband network’s quality, unlike the classic network enhancement technologies where speed and quality are affected.”
Omantel customers can have smart homes with the WiFi Mesh technology for OMR15 upfront payment and just OMR3 easy monthly instalments for a 24-month contract, they will get a Home Connect device too. Customers also have the option of purchasing a Home Connect Pack consisting of three devices for an upfront payment of OMR35 and a monthly instalment of OMR6 for a 24-month contract. Through its wide reach in the Sultanate, Omantel provides high-speed fibre optic connectivity to thousands of residents across Oman at competitive prices, giving customers great value while making online gaming, video streaming and downloading more affordable for all segments of society. Investing in the future of the nation, Omantel connects even the most remote communities of the Sultanate to each other and the rest of the world. Omantel is the Sultanate’s first and leading integrated telecommunications services provider, enabling the digital society to flourish, allowing new ways of doing business and delivering a world of information, news and entertainment.