News

Everything Announced At Samsung’s Unpacked 2023 Event

Samsung just held its summer Unpacked event in South Korea. Here’s what we learned about the most anticipated upcoming new releases.

Published

1 year ago

July 27, 2023

Nour Nasir

Samsung

Samsung has just concluded its second Galaxy Unpacked event of 2023. After stunning tech enthusiasts with its Galaxy S23 line, the Korean electronics powerhouse is preparing to release a raft of new devices.

Here’s what we learned from the event:

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 & Galaxy Z Fold5

samsung galaxy z flip5 and galaxy z fold5

Samsung’s 5th generation foldables are sleek and compact, with multiple customization options and powerful performance. Main screens are equipped with shock dispersion layers, and a new integrated hinge features a dual rail structure to diffuse external impacts.

The Galaxy Z Flip5 now features a 3.78x larger Flex Window, while a new Flipsuit Case provides protection with a changeable NFC card. Users can snap hands-free photos using FlexCam and edit the shots in Flex Mode. As well as an improved Nightography capability, an AI-powered image signal processing (ISP) algorithm helps to correct visual noise while enhancing details and tone.

According to Samsung, the Galaxy Z Fold5 is the “thinnest, lightest Fold yet.” The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset uses AI to enhance gaming, while an advanced cooling system dissipates heat more effectively for less lag and performance drops. Peak brightness from the 7.6-inch main screen has increased by more than 30%, meaning improved outdoor viewing, especially in bright sunlight.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

samsung galaxy tab s9

The new Galaxy Tab S9 comes in three sizes: The 14.6-inch Tab S9 Ultra, 12.4-inch Tab S9+, and the 11-inch Tab S9.

The 14.6-inch model features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while HDR10+ allows scene-by-scene, frame-by-frame tone optimization. The dynamic refresh rates of the Galaxy Tab S9 models automatically calibrate from 60 to 120Hz to balance smoothness with optimized battery life, and an Eye Comfort mode reduces strain and blocks blue light by over 70%. Audio capabilities are also enhanced by the 20% larger quad speakers with sound by AKG and Dolby Atmos.

Galaxy Watch6 & Galaxy Watch6 Classic

samsung galaxy watch6 and galaxy watch6 classic

At the Unpacked event, Samsung also introduced two new smartwatch models, the Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic. The Galaxy Watch6 comes in a 44mm Graphite and Silver case or a 40mm Graphite and Gold model. The Galaxy Watch6 Classic features a rotating bezel and is available in Black and Silver 43mm and 47mm versions. The Galaxy Watch6 now has a 30% slimmer bezel, while the Galaxy Watch6 Classic sports a 15% thinner rotating version.

Both devices offer in-depth sleep analysis and feature a Personalized Heart Rate Zone that defines five optimal running intensity levels. In addition, a new Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification feature helps wearers monitor their heart health more accurately.

Also Read: MIT’s “PhotoGuard” Protects Images From Unauthorized AI Edits

The Middle East’s Top Smartphone Brand

Samsung is currently the top smartphone vendor in the Middle East, with 3.8 million handsets shipped in Q1 2023. However, the company has plans to expand its MENA reach even further. “This year, [we are] in preparation for an even more significant increase in demand. We have ramped up manufacturing capabilities accordingly. Not just smartphones but also tablets and wearable devices, we see an incredible market opportunity to drive additional growth across these devices,” explained Fadi Abu Shamat, Spokesperson and Head of Mobile eXperience Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics.

News

Mamo Completes $3.4M Funding Round To Enhance Fintech Services

The startup will use the influx of cash to expand into Saudi Arabia and across the wider GCC while improving its product offering.

Published

2 days ago

July 25, 2024

Nour Nasir

Mamo

UAE-based fintech Mamo has announced the completion of a $3.4 million funding round that will help the startup extend its market presence and improve its product offering. Investors included 4DX Ventures, the Dubai Future District Fund and Cyfr Capital.

Mamo’s platform offers “payment collection, corporate cards and expense management” to help small and medium-sized businesses consolidate and streamline their operations. With the latest influx of capital, Mamo will further develop its comprehensive suite of services and begin testing its product lines in Saudi Arabia, further extending its footprint across the GCC.

Imad Gharazeddine, co-founder and CEO of Mamo, stated: “We’ve been in the market for a while now and are incredibly proud of what our team has achieved. The holistic and expansive nature of our product offering has helped us continue to grow sustainably. This additional funding will allow us to reach our medium-term goals even faster. The support from new and existing investors is a testament to our strong expertise and the ability to deliver on our customer promise”.

Daniel Marlo, General Partner of lead investor 4DX Ventures, added: “We have immense trust in Imad’s vision, leadership and Mamo’s innovative approach to provide a user-friendly and comprehensive financial solution for SMEs that makes financial management more accessible and efficient. We are proud to partner with them and support their mission”.

Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East

Amer Fatayer, Managing Director of Dubai Future District Fund’s investment team, also commented: “Mamo’s localized product lines serve as an infrastructure for SME payments and spend management in UAE, a segment that is underserved by the country’s current banking infrastructure. The team has taken a product-first approach to consolidating SMEs’ financial journeys and building a fintech solution deeply embedded in a business’s core operations”.

To date, Mamo has raised around $13 million in investment funding and now boasts a team of 30 people. The company’s intuitive financial services platform has allowed over 1,000 businesses to consolidate their financial operations and significantly reduce payment fees.