Features

SETTING THE PACE

Published

10 years ago

June 11, 2015

admin

Updated : February 25, 2015 00:10 am,
By Editor

LG, Huawei and Sony are some of the biggest names in global technology, with the kind of market strength many rivals can only dream of. Now this expertise is helping them as they grow their smartphone markets

How to capture the hearts and minds of the region’s lucrative smartphone consumer base is at the heart of many an R&D strategies and investments. The resources and legacy of some of the biggest names in ICT keeps them in good stead as competition heats up.

Whether with design or technology, differentiation is key to standing out from the rest of the crowded pack. Brands are wont to trumpet their USP whatever it is with an eye on a discerning consumer base.

D.Y. Kim, President of LG Electronics Gulf FZE attributes this to a more selective customer today. “End-users today are research driven when it comes to purchasing a smartphone,” says Kim, adding, “This means the only way to stand out is through product differentiation, which we excel at due to our innovative designs. You will find that with the majority of our designs, we create a device that is instinctive and feels like a natural extension of the body.”

Kim also contends that making a loyal customer out of a buyer is a much more engaging affair. “We believe the consumer buying decision making is not necessarily at one point in time. From a marketing perspective, we see that as a journey with different touch points. So at the point a consumer gets exposed to our technology, we should be able to start delighting him through what we convey to him.”

“Later on at the point where he is looking to change his phone, we should be able to communicate differently. It is not the just the moment of purchase when the product needs to be heavily promoted at the point of sale. Our communication needs to be equally distributed across the customer’s journey so that the consumer is properly informed to make a conscious decision,” Kim adds.

With smartphones available to cater for every imaginable demographic, brand affinity, features or price are the top consideration for different categories of consumers.

LG’s Kim notes that the company’s typical end-user has evolved over the last few years. “We have noted a trend in the U.A.E. among the 20 years and above consumer, that shows that end-users are less price sensitive in purchasing a smartphone when all the specifications they require are met and the smartphone has the latest possible features. So for us, specifications are definitely more important,” Kim explains. The UAE especially has a particularly tech-savvy smartphone user community, who know what they want and are willing to spend for it.

“Additionally our tie ups with local operators have allowed U.A.E. end-users to get the best of both worlds with easy monthly payment plans for LG phones,” Kim explains.

On its part, Huawei’s strategy in the region is to offer a variety of smart devices at varying price points making it affordable for anyone to have a feature-packed smartphone, says Ashraf Fawakherji, VP of Huawei Device Middle East. This has helped Huawei increase its brand recognition in the region, which rose from 52% in 2013 to 65% in 2014, Ashraf adds.

Although crowded with newcomers, the smartphone market has shown to be particularly partial to established and household names in the technology industry. Sony is a case in point.

Spyros Gousetis, Director Marketing, Customer Unit, MEA Sony acknowledges that the Brand competes in the high end tier and the mid-end tier markets. The reason behind this strategy being the technological legacy the brand can call upon to drive its mobile agenda.

“We have pioneering technologies when it comes to displays from our Bravia line of televisions, digital imaging, audio technologies including noise cancellation, waterproof feature and gaming etc which are the differentiators in our phones. The high end is where we would like to compete and we are good at this. Entry level segment phones do not necessarily need to include these features,” Spyros says.

Huawei’s core expertise has been developed by over 25 years working with the leading Telecoms operators around the world providing next-generation networking technology. “Through our work as a telecom network provider we have developed a strong understanding of both operator and consumer requirements. This has always put us in a strong position compete in the consumer sector supplying various components for consumer electronics,” Ashraf said.

In 2011, Ashraf explains, Huawei decided to brand all its consumer products and approach the consumer directly launching the first Huawei devices. “Our regional consumer strategy is to focus on the customer experience, providing advanced and innovative technologies at affordable prices. This has been working well for us so far and we look forward to continued successes as we move through 2015,” Ashraf adds.

Everyone acknowledges that the modern smartphone customer is much more tech-savvy and more likely to explore options that offer better specs, all other factors being equal.

Sony’s Spyros concurs. “We have seen consumer awareness and preferences rising steadily and significantly. Camera, battery life & technology, waterproof design are all features the consumers today look for. A lot of consumers are also aware of specs including processor speeds. Our market research of what consumers want corroborates with our sales results. Across all markets, we are also seeing clear preferences for the craftsmanship of our phones,” says Spyros.

For LG, Kim says the company invests significantly in research to really understand the end-users. “Through our ‘learning from you’ ethos, we capture, review, understand and implement consumer feedback which ensures that we create products that truly meet consumers’ needs and lifestyle,” Kim explains.

For instance, unlike other smartphone brands that have invested in fingerprint technology, LG G3 features a Knock Code which allows users to gain instant and secure access to their homescreen by tapping a 2-8 point customized pattern anywhere on the display using just one hand. LG realized, Kim says, biometric technology is susceptible to environmental variables and does not offer the high levels of security that consumers demand.

With the growing demand for a phone-and-camera combination device LG also developed the OIS+ camera that is designed to quickly and easily capture images as they occur, not necessarily when users want them to occur, the company says. “The camera is powered by a Laser Auto Focus that measures the difference between the camera and the subject-even in low light- with a laser beam and cutting down on the time it takes to focus,” Kim explains.

Huawei’s Ashraf agrees that consumers are certainly becoming more tech savvy and buying trends show that features such as distinctive design, the type of glass used for the screen or the types of processors used for example, are beginning to play a bigger role in the decision making process.

“One of the most interested trends that we have seen develop amongst Middle Eastern consumers is that they want faster devices with bigger screens, allowing them to view HD content and conduct their daily tasks with ease,” Ashraf says.

Huawei, Ashraf adds, views itself as a company at the forefront of technology innovation. One of the ways to remain customer centric is developing in-depth research into what Huawei’s customers want so that the company can develop relevant devices that deliver what they need in line with market trends. “We recognized that people wanted bigger screens so we launched the Ascend Mate 2, with a 6.1 inch screen as well as Huawei’s latest quad-core MediaPad 10 FHD, which boasts a 10.1-inch high definition IPS display,” he adds.

Huawei recently unveiled a new range of flagship 4G LTE-enabled devices. These include the world’s slimmest 7-inch phablet titled the Huawei MediaPad X1, Huawei’s first wearable ‘talk and track’ companion titled the Huawei TalkBand B1, a fresh 8-inch entertainment tablet dubbed the Huawei MediaPad M1, a new addition to the brand’s booming 4G smartphone line-up—the Huawei Ascend G6—as well as the world’s first LTE Cat6 Mobile Wi-Fi device.

The Android scene has been particularly competitive over the last couple of years with major brands all experiencing marked growth as the once dominant Samsung continues to fray.

Spyros says: “We have been experiencing growth in the region over the past three-four years in the double digits. The Z series particularly has seen a lot of consumer traction. We have seen routinely the ‘Z’ series benchmarked favourably against the flagship series of our competitors,”

Spyros explains that Sony is now among the top two or three across the six focus markets in the region from across Turkey, GCC and South Africa. “Customer awareness is high as is the preference for our designs, which in turn reflects favourably on the sales,” Spyros adds.

Huawei continues to grow with worldwide sales revenue for its Consumer business group increasing 30% year-on-year to USD 12.2billion, crossing the ten billion mark for the first time. Shipments grew 7.8% to a total of 138 million devices in 2014, including 75 million smartphones, representing a year-on-year increase of 45%.

“Our focus on premium mid- to high-end products has resulted in significant achievements in a number of areas including product R&D, brand awareness, channel development and growth in market share which further consolidated Huawei’s number three position in the global smartphone market,” Ashraf said. The increase in shipment followed the regional launches of Huawei’s flagship products such as the P7 and Mate 7 smartphones.

The global influence of Huawei has continued to grow, and Huawei has become the first mainland Chinese company to successfully enter Interbrand’s Top 100 Global Brands of 2014 list. Huawei is also one of the fastest growing smartphone device brands in the Middle East.

The networks in the region, typically on top of the technology developments, drive a lot of smartphone trends in the region.

Ashraf observes that the extended availability of high speed mobile broadband connectivity teamed with the region’s growing demand for innovative handheld technological devices has created significant opportunities for smartphone vendors in the Middle East.

“Last year, experts estimated that smartphones now account for nearly two out of every five phones in the Middle East,” Ashraf says, adding “We anticipate that globally many mature markets will see less of an increase year-on-year, while in emerging markets like the Middle East will see volumes continue to increase at a rapid pace”.

As the next generation 4G networks become more accessible in the region, more consumers are migrating from feature phones to smartphones. This development has created the perfect environment for technology vendors, such as Huawei, looking to market high quality and feature packed affordable smartphones, Ashraf contends.

One of the most important global markets for smartphones, the Middle East is a key testing ground of the changes in market dynamics in the Android space. The Android market is now more open providing more players with space to innovate and compete. The region’s tech savvy population can only benefit.

Features

Redefining Real Estate: The Rise of Wellness-Centric Spaces

Published

2 months ago

March 14, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

By Mark Phoenix – CEO of Sankari

The way we think about real estate is evolving, and at the heart of this change is a renewed focus on wellness. As we become more aware of the profound impact our living environments have on our health and well-being, it’s clear that real estate must go beyond aesthetics and luxury—it must support a lifestyle of vitality and longevity. To me, true luxury is no longer defined solely by opulence but by spaces that promote health, balance, and connection.

The demand for wellness-oriented spaces is growing rapidly, and real estate developers must rise to meet it. Today’s buyers are looking for more than just high-end finishes and exclusive locations—they want environments that enhance their well-being. Integrating wellness features such as fitness centers, yoga studios, meditation areas, and holistic health services is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. These spaces don’t just add value to a property; they create communities that create physical health, mental clarity, and social engagement.

Wellness-centric design is about more than just adding amenities—it’s about creating environments that encourage movement, relaxation, and human connection. By prioritizing well-being in real estate, developers can offer residents a lifestyle that aligns with modern values and aspirations. These spaces cultivate a sense of belonging, allowing people to come together in ways that enrich their lives beyond the walls of their homes.

Beyond individual benefits, wellness-focused communities have a lasting impact on society. As more people seek out homes that support their health, the real estate industry has an opportunity to lead this cultural shift. Developments that incorporate sustainable materials, biophilic design, and eco-friendly building practices not only benefit residents but also contribute to a healthier planet.

In the ultra-luxury segment, this focus on wellness is especially meaningful. The most sought-after properties are no longer just about extravagance—they are about creating a sanctuary where people can rejuvenate both physically and mentally. True luxury lies in thoughtful, health-driven design that enhances everyday life in meaningful ways.

Designing for wellness also means partnering with visionary architects and designers who understand the importance of both form and function. In regions with challenging climates, for example, innovative solutions can help reduce environmental impact while enhancing comfort and efficiency. Securing sustainability certifications like LEED further reinforces a commitment to responsible development and aligns with the global movement toward eco-conscious living.

For me, integrating wellness into real estate is more than just a trend—it’s a deeply personal mission and a strategic imperative. The places we live should do more than just shelter us; they should actively contribute to our health and happiness. By embedding wellness into the very foundation of luxury real estate, we’re not just shaping beautiful spaces—we’re shaping better lives.

Features

We are bringing tradition to every table in just five minutes

Published

2 months ago

February 20, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Exclusive Interview with Ashvin Subramanyam, CEO International Business, Orkla India

In this exclusive interview, Ashvin Subramanyam, CEO of International Business at Orkla India, shares insights on the brand’s participation at Gulfood 2025 and its mission to blend tradition with innovation in the Middle East. With the launch of Eastern’s 5-Minute Breakfast range and a refreshed Arabic spice portfolio, Orkla IMEA is redefining convenience without compromising on authenticity.

What can we expect from Orkla IMEA’s presence at Gulfood 2025, and how significant is this event for your brand’s growth in the region?

At Gulfood 2025, Orkla IMEA, subsidiary of Orkla India, is set to make a strong impact by unveiling the Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range, designed to bring the authentic flavors of Kerala to the fast-growing ready-to-cook market in the Middle East. In addition, visitors can expect a refreshed Arabic spice portfolio, reflecting Orkla India’s continued commitment to catering to the diverse culinary preferences of the region.

Gulfood is a key platform for us as it enables us to showcase our latest innovations to a global audience, including retailers, distributors, and food industry leaders. The Middle East is a strategic market for our expansion. By blending tradition with convenience, our goal through this event is to become a household name across diverse communities in the region, reinforcing our commitment to quality, authenticity, and innovation in packaged foods.

How does Gulfood help Orkla IMEA connect with new markets, consumers, and industry partners, particularly in the Middle East?

Gulfood serves as a vital gateway for Orkla India to connect with new markets, consumers, and industry partners through its subsidiary Orkla IMEA in the Middle East. As one of the world’s largest food and beverage trade exhibitions, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with key stakeholders, including retailers, distributors, and hospitality businesses, facilitating strategic partnerships and market expansion.

For Orkla India, this event is instrumental in understanding regional consumer trends, preferences, and evolving dietary habits, particularly in the fast-growing packaged food sector. The launch of the Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range and refreshed Arabic spice portfolio at Gulfood allows us to showcase our innovation in convenience-driven yet authentic culinary solutions.

By participating in Gulfood, we strengthen our brand presence, foster collaborations with regional partners, and position ourselves as a trusted name in ethnic and mainstream food categories. It’s a key milestone in our vision to become a household name in the Middle East.

Eastern is set to unveil its preservative-free quick South Indian 5-Minute Breakfast range. What was the inspiration behind this concept?

The Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range was inspired by the growing need for convenient, time-saving meal solutions that do not compromise on authentic taste and quality. South Indian breakfasts, particularly Kerala’s traditional dishes, are deeply rooted in culture, requiring significant time and effort to prepare. However, with modern lifestyles becoming increasingly fast-paced, many consumers struggle to recreate these meals from scratch.

Recognizing this shift, Eastern set out to bridge the gap between tradition and convenience by crafting a range that retains the authentic flavours and textures of Kerala’s most-loved breakfasts while eliminating the long preparation time. The preservative-free formula ensures that consumers enjoy fresh, wholesome meals made from high-quality ingredients in just three easy steps, ready in five minutes.

With this innovation, Eastern empowers busy professionals, young families, and expatriates to stay connected to their culinary heritage without compromising on their schedules, making traditional breakfast accessible anytime, anywhere in just 5 minutes.

Can you give us an insight into the development process behind this 5-Minute Breakfast range, especially in maintaining authentic South Indian flavors without preservatives?

The development process for our 5-Minute Breakfast range began with a deep understanding of our consumers’ evolving lifestyles and their desire for authentic Kerala-style breakfasts that eliminate a lengthy preparation process. We identified a unique need-gap: while traditional dishes like Puttu, Appam, and Idiyappam are much-loved, the time and effort they require can be challenging in today’s fast-paced world.

Our journey involved benchmarking these dishes to the traditional methods used by homemakers, capturing the essence of how an amma would prepare them at home. This set the standard for the flavor profiles we aimed to achieve. The challenge was to replicate the authentic taste and texture while ensuring our products were preservative-free.

Our R&D team worked tirelessly, conducting extensive trials to balance authenticity and convenience. Through our innovation center we crafted recipes that retain the goodness of traditional Kerala breakfasts while being ready in just five minutes. With this range, Eastern redefines breakfast convenience, allowing families to savor the true flavors of Kerala in a fraction of time.

With over one million Keralites in the UAE, how does Eastern plan to cater to both the traditional tastes of this community and the broader multicultural audience?

With almost two million Keralites in the UAE, Eastern understands the deep emotional and cultural connection this community has with its traditional cuisine. The Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range is designed to preserve the authentic flavours of Kerala while offering a convenient solution for modern lifestyles. By using high-quality ingredients and a preservative-free formula, the range ensures that the taste and texture remain true to tradition, making it an ideal choice for Malayalees longing for home-cooked meals.

While there are other instant and ready-to-eat options in the market, Eastern’s range stands out by offering dishes like Puttu and Palappam, which traditionally require culinary expertise and time-consuming preparation. These dishes are not widely available in the quick- convenience food category.

At the same time, Eastern is expanding its reach to a broader multicultural audience by showcasing South Indian cuisine as a flavourful, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare option for all. The simplicity of the 3 Easy Steps preparation makes these dishes accessible to non-South Indian consumers who are eager to explore new flavours. Through strategic retail partnerships, digital outreach and and aggressive in-store sampling, Eastern aims to introduce and establish South Indian breakfast as a preferred choice for consumers in this region.

What’s one thing about Orkla IMEA that people might not know but should?

While Orkla IMEA was incorporated recently, we have been in the region for over 25 years now, through our brand Eastern.

Features

2025 Hospitality Tech Trends

Published

3 months ago

February 12, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

By Prince Thampi, Founder and CEO, Hudini

As we approach 2025, the hospitality industry is poised for transformational growth, driven by evolving traveller preferences and advancements in technology. The future of hospitality promises enhanced convenience, personalisation and sustainability, with a significant focus on creating memorable experiences for guests. Let’s dive into five key trends that will shape the hospitality tech landscape in 2025 and beyond.

The Continued Rise of Frictionless Technology

The increased demand for frictionless experiences is set to dominate the industry, with more and more travellers preferring hotels that offer touch-free check-in, check-out, and room access via mobile apps. This trend reflects a broader shift towards easy interactions powered by seamless digital integration. Mobile apps have been an essential tool for a few years now, enabling guests to manage their stays, order room service, and access hotel information effortlessly. With the introduction of Gen AI, those apps have become more powerful than ever and are now able to provide highly personalised recommendations and speak in different languages.

Hotels embracing this trend will gain a competitive edge, as tech-savvy travellers prioritise convenience and efficiency during their stay. According to a recent survey by Deloitte, around 72% of travellers are more likely to choose a hotel that offers mobile check-in and check-out services over those that don’t.

Hyper Personalised Guest Experiences

In 2025, personalisation will continue to be at the core of hospitality services but will finally be taken to the next level thanks to Gen AI. Guests expect hotels to anticipate their needs and offer tailored experiences, from customised room settings to personalised dining recommendations. Apps powered by AI are now able to predict guest needs based on a wealth of data, ingested from the hotel systems or fed externally.

Leveraging guest data and insights, hotels can create unique offerings that cater to individual preferences. This level of personalisation not only enhances guest satisfaction but also fosters loyalty and repeat bookings. According to Oracle’s findings, biometrics and AI are set to play pivotal roles, with 62% of guests valuing automated recognition for personalised interactions. Biometrics will experience a breakthrough into mainstream hospitality in 2025. Facial recognition technology has matured significantly and is ready to be weaved into the guest experience. It will enable better security and guest recognition while protecting their privacy at the same time.

AI-Enabled Customer Service

Artificial intelligence is revolutionising every aspect of the hospitality industry, but will be by itself a new way of providing customer service. Chatbots and virtual assistants are becoming standard tools for handling common queries, offering instant support, and streamlining operations at any time and in any language.

AI-driven solutions not only enhance efficiency but also provide guests with 24/7 assistance, ensuring a smoother and more satisfying experience. By integrating AI technologies, hotels can free up staff to focus on delivering exceptional in-person service.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

Sustainability is no longer optional, it’s a necessity often enforced by regulation. Travellers are increasingly favouring hotels that adopt eco-friendly practices, such as using locally sourced food, implementing energy-efficient operations, and reducing waste.

By prioritising sustainability, hotels not only meet guest expectations but also contribute positively to the environment. This commitment to green initiatives enhances brand reputation and attracts environmentally conscious travellers. A recent survey by Booking.com found that 83% of global respondents believe more sustainable travel is vital, with 49% believing there aren’t enough sustainable travel options and 53% saying they get annoyed when a hotel prevents them from being sustainable.

Smart use of technology is key in the sustainability journey of hotels. Technology can accurately measure the reduction in carbon footprint, it will help reduce energy and adopt renewable energy sources, and will enable the effective management of food waste. Many hospitality apps allow guests to apply green energy settings to a room, some will even exchange your energy savings to loyalty points.

The return of ‘real’

With Gen Z – the first generation grown up with everything digital – becoming the next large group to travel, the craving for ‘real’ experiences is bigger than it ever was. Hotels focusing on truly unique and hyper local experiences; a great meal, cultural outing, or wellness treatment will win the hearts of this generation.

Fortunately hotel apps, AI, automation of processes, sustainability tech and the removal of cumbersome processes like checking-in and studying paper manuals will free up hotel staff to allow them to do what they do best: providing unforgettable, personalised and sustainable experiences.