News
Samsung Unveils Multi-Functional AI Household Companion Robot
The innovative device is called Ballie, and can serve as a versatile pet feeder, projector, and smart home controller.
After seeing Samsung’s demonstration video of its AI robot, Ballie, viewers might initially feel perplexed by the concept rather than persuaded to buy. At first glance, the compact, yellow robot, resembling a yoga ball looks pretty cute. However, some viewers may start to feel uneasy after seeing it chase after household pets. Nonetheless, its capabilities to carry out pet feeding, serve as a portable projector, and take on smart home control duties suggest it could be a valuable addition to households, should it ever materialize in stores.
Samsung Electronics debuted the prototype of the robot back at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where it appeared as a small, tennis ball-sized device accompanying the company’s CEO, H.S. Kim. Back then, its interactions were limited to emitting pleasant chimes in response to certain commands. However, a newly upgraded version of the robot was recently showcased in a pre-CES 2024 video presentation.
The video showcased Ballie’s versatile projection capabilities, from entertaining pets with tailored videos to projecting video calls on various surfaces and assisting in fitness routines by displaying workout videos. Samsung has explained that Ballie has the ability to autonomously adjust projections based on distance and lighting conditions, touting it as the first projector capable of discerning human posture and facial orientations to optimize projection angles.
Also Read: UAE’s Yahsat Introduces Smartphone-To-Satellite Connectivity
Beyond its projection prowess, the video spotlighted Ballie’s role as a smart home assistant, managing household appliances such as lighting, air purifiers, and pet feeders while relaying user updates via text message. Its ability to follow users throughout the home gives the assistant droid and R2-D2-like quality, albeit without the iconic dome head and chirping soundtrack.
Despite the captivating presentation, Samsung has yet to offer information regarding Ballie’s availability and pricing. Unlike its live debut at CES 2020, the Korean tech giant opted for a video demonstration this time around.
News
AltoVolo Opens Orders For Limited Edition Sigma eVTOLs
Early buyers can now reserve build slots for AltoVolo’s 500-mile hybrid aircraft through a new online configurator.
AltoVolo has started taking pre-orders for its first electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, the Sigma, moving the startup closer to commercial rollout. Customers can now secure a build slot with a £860 deposit and customize every detail online — from paintwork to seatbelt stitching. It’s the first configurator of its kind for a civilian eVTOL, mirroring how luxury car brands let clients tailor performance models before production.
The Sigma runs on a hybrid-electric tilting jet system built for long range and low noise. It can travel up to 500 miles at a 220-mph cruise, and is over 80% quieter than a helicopter. The three-seater weighs just 980kg and can maintain stable flight even if one jet fails. Safety systems include triple-redundant controls, thrust-vectoring stability and a ballistic parachute.
“We will be delivering an ultra-refined hybrid electric aircraft,” said founder and CEO Will Wood. “We believe there are thousands of customers for this type of cutting-edge technology”.
The first 100 units will come with exclusive materials and finishes. AltoVolo is also setting up a global service and maintenance network, with early planning for overhaul schedules already underway. The company’s focus on ownership experience echoes its ambition to anchor itself alongside established aviation brands rather than pure tech ventures.
To help new owners train, the company has built a full-scale simulator that replicates the Sigma cockpit in carbon fiber and leather. Pilots can log time toward a license using the system, aligned with the new US MOSAIC rules that ease certification for powered-lift aircraft. Certification work in Europe and the UK continues in parallel, signaling growing international alignment around light sport and eVTOL regulation.
Also Read: Snapchat Opens Qatar Office To Deepen Gulf Presence
Noise inside the cabin has become another design focus. Engineers are refining internal vibration levels and developing a responsive soundscape that shifts with each jet’s power load — part feedback, part theatre.
Urban air mobility projects across the Gulf and elsewhere are pushing regulators and manufacturers to meet in the middle. Dubai, Riyadh and Doha have each outlined plans for air taxi corridors this decade. AltoVolo’s hybrid Sigma, sitting between electric promise and aviation realism, looks built for that middle ground.
AltoVolo Opens Orders For Limited Edition Sigma eVTOLs
RØDE Unveils Wireless Micro Camera Kit For Hybrid Shooters
Snapchat Opens Qatar Office To Deepen Gulf Presence
Whish Money Gains Canadian Licenses In Global Expansion Push
Be Cautious Of Malicious Apps Even On Trusted App Stores
RobyCam Stadium To Debut In MENA Under New Broadcast Deal
OpenAI Rolls Out ChatGPT Atlas Browser On macOS
Google And Samsung Unveil $1,800 Galaxy XR Headset
Lucid Motors Launches Gravity Grand Touring In The UAE
