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Exclusive Nothing Phone (2) Launch Edition Announced
The limited edition version of the hotly anticipated smartphone will drop before the first handsets ship on July 17.
On July 11, UK-based smartphone developer, Nothing launched its hotly anticipated flagship device, the “Phone (2)” with devices set to hit the market around July 17 (depending upon the region).
However, if you’re quick, it might be possible to grab an exclusive limited edition version of the handset, known as the Nothing Launch Edition, which drops in Dubai a few days before, on Saturday, July 15.
The Nothing Launch Edition bundle — priced at Dh2,799 — will contain the phone itself, plus a set of Nothing Ear (Stick) headphones, a case and a 45W charger. In addition, Nothing will also bundle in a canvas bag, hat, t-shirt and stickers with the limited edition smartphone.
To grab the early-bird version of this sort-after device, you’ll need to queue outside Sharaf DG in the Dubai Mall before 5pm. At that time, @NothingArabia will select 10 lucky winners.
In the rest of the GCC countries, pre-orders for the Nothing Phone (2) will be open between July 16 and July 20, with devices hitting stores from July 21.
Here are some of the standout features of the new handset:
Glyph Interface
The array of LEDs on the back of the Phone (2) can now be used for more functions than on the Phone (1). Brightness can be adjusted automatically, with glyphs showing a visual countdown timer, charge status and even activity progress in third-party apps.
Nothing OS 2.0
Nothing’s latest operating system is a welcome bloat and clutter-free version of Android, with a monochrome layout and plenty of customization options to make your Nothing Phone (2) truly unique.
Performance Upgrades
Phone (2) boasts a powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset with a decently sized 4700 mAh battery that can be charged to 50% in under 20 minutes. Meanwhile, the 6.7-inch edge-to-edge OLED display can refresh at variable rates, allowing for decent battery life without sacrificing quality.
Camera Specs
Nothing has chosen a pair of 50 MP rear cameras for the Phone (2), paired with an upgraded Sony IMX890 sensor that can film at 4K 60fps. An Action Mode allows for silky-smooth filming, while Motion Capture 2.0 allows precise focus on moving subjects.
News
Checkout.com Set To Launch Card Issuing In The UAE
The payment service provider’s expansion is a first-of-its-kind investment and could reshape digital transactions across the region.
Checkout.com is laying the groundwork to become the first global payments platform to introduce card issuing in the United Arab Emirates — a move that could reshape how businesses in the region manage financial transactions.
The company plans to roll out its domestic card issuance offering in the UAE by 2026, subject to regulatory approval. The launch would give businesses the tools to issue both physical and virtual branded cards. This, in turn, opens up new ways to reward customers, streamline expense processes, and handle B2B payouts efficiently.
Checkout.com’s CEO and Founder, Guillaume Pousaz, revealed the plans during Thrive Abu Dhabi, the firm’s debut conference in the Emirates. Joined on stage by Remo Giovanni Abbondandolo, General Manager for MENA, Pousaz presented to an audience of over 150 partners and merchants at Saadiyat Island. Also in attendance was H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications.
Abbondandolo highlighted the strategic importance of the announcement: “As a global business, we focus on bringing products to markets that our customers want and need. Today’s announcement is proof of our commitment to the MENA region and its rising influence in the digital economy. The appetite for innovation here is real, and we’re proud to be building the infrastructure that powers it”.
One early adopter of Checkout.com’s UAE acquiring services is Headout, a travel experiences marketplace, which recently named the payment provider as its main partner in Europe. The company has already begun card issuing there and is keen to expand that offering into MENA once approval is granted.
The expansion of services in the UAE and beyond builds on Checkout.com’s track record in the region. It was the first global payments firm to secure a Retail Payment Services license from the UAE’s Central Bank and was instrumental in rolling out Mada and Apple Pay in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Also Read: Protecting Your WhatsApp Account From Hackers: Kaspersky Expert Tips
The firm has also been rolling out new products: One of the latest is Flow Remember Me, currently in beta testing. It allows shoppers to store their card information once and access it across Checkout.com’s entire network, potentially cutting checkout times by up to 70%.
Earlier this year, Checkout.com also introduced Visa Direct’s Push-to-Card solution in the UAE, enabling both domestic and international payouts. Its collaboration with Mastercard has grown as well, making it easier for businesses to send funds directly to third-party cards securely and quickly.
With regional tech ambitions on the rise — spurred by initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s 2031 Agenda — Checkout.com sees its role as one of a key enabler. “Our mission is to help ambitious businesses navigate the complexity of payments, so they can move faster, go further, and make the most of every opportunity,” said Abbondandolo. “In MENA, performance is personal. It’s local. It’s built on trust. And when payments perform, businesses thrive”.
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