News

Sony Announces New Walkman W-ZX707 And NW-A306 Models

The Japanese tech giant has come a long way since its first cassette-based players of the late 1970s.

Published

2 years ago

January 18, 2023

Nour Nasir

Sony

Sony has just unveiled two new Walkman-branded music players, the NW-ZX707 and NW-A306. Both devices offer premium sound and construction and are intended to lure smartphone users into the portable music market using a blend of modern technology and nostalgic branding.

The Tokyo-based company launched its first Walkman player in 1979, and in the process revolutionized the portable music market, selling up to 400 million devices worldwide.

Updating A Legend

To meet the expectations of a new generation of users, both Walkman models are supported by Android 12 and compatible with the latest Wi-Fi standards. Android 12 allows owners to download various music-playing apps from the Google Play Store, as well as enabling YouTube and Spotify users to stream their favorite playlists.

Although many smartphone users will dismiss the idea of a dedicated music-playing device, audiophiles will appreciate details such as the distortion-reducing S-Master HX digital amp, upgraded capacitors and AI-based digital upscaling.

As more and more smartphones ditch physical buttons and headphone ports, readers will be pleased to hear that both the NW-ZX707 and the NW-A306 feature proper controls, USB ports, headphone jacks, and MicroSD slots.

As for battery life, Sony says the NW-ZX707 will last up to 25 hours, while the NW-A306 offers 36 hours of playback, depending on the file type being used.

Pricing & Availability

The Walkman NW-A306 will start from $430, while the NW-ZX707 model will weigh in at a pricey $820. Both players will initially be available in Asian and European markets, and Sony expects both models to significantly boost the company’s profits.

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

1 day 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.