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LENOVO DAZZLES WITH THE VIBE SERIES

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Updated : September 24, 2014 05:25  pm,Dubai
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img23The Octa-core VIBE X2 is the world’s first layered smartphone while the 64-bit powered VIBE Z2 gives brilliant photos and an extra-bright HD screen on a 3000mAh battery; the flagship Vibe Z2 Pro comes with 2K screen resolution, 4K video capturing and epic 4000mAh battery

Lenovo has announced the latest additions to its VIBE line of premium smartphones in the region – the VIBE X2 and VIBE Z2. Lenovo also showcased the flagship VIBE Z2 Pro, the feature-rich and powerful VIBE model released worldwide in August.
The new phones are big on innovation, building on Lenovo’s recent legacy of innovation and industry firsts. One of these novelties is wireless sharing, says Oliver Ebel, Vice President and General Manager, Lenovo MEA.  One phone will act as an access point and router all on its own without an internet connection if one wishes to share data between two phones.  For example if someone acquires a new phone they can clone the old one wirelessly just by giving the command, explains Oliver.
The thin and light VIBE X2 incorporates a sleek unique design, advanced performance and a range of innovative click-on accessories. As the world’s first layered smartphone, the VIBE X2 features a signature, gradient three layer design, available in a selection of three bold colors – white, red and gold– to suit individual styles. The VIBE X2 is powered by the new MediaTEK MT6595 4G LTE True8Core processor, which delivers superior performance combined with power-saving features that help boost battery life.
The Lenovo VIBE X2 packs two advanced cameras – the 5MP wide-angle front camera, featuring auto-shutter gesture controls which allow you to capture selfies by blinking your eyes or waving your hand and the 13MP auto-focus, rear-facing camera with a back-illuminated sensor and LED flash.
The VIBE Z2 on the other hand is Lenovo’s first 64-bit powered smartphone, which means it will be able to take advantage of Google’s future versions of Android that supports high-performance 64-bit computing. The Vibe Z2 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 64-bit Quad Core 1.2GHz processor and is backed by a 3000mAh battery for all day battery life. Saving large amounts of data is simple with 32 GB of internal storage, and 4G LTE data speeds offer faster downloads and streaming while on the go. The VIBE Z2 also provides dual SIM support, which allows the phone to support two carrier plans, great for combining work and play in one device or for frequent travelers.
Exhibiting a large 6-inch screen with 2K resolution, the Dual-SIM VIBE Z2Pro offers consumers an immersive multimedia experience. An advanced 16MP rear camera with image stabilization effortlessly captures brilliant photos and 4K videos rivaling high-end compact cameras. At just 7.7mm thin with a unique metallic brushed-weave design, the VIBE Z2 Pro promises stellar performance, in style, with the blazingly fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor.
Powering the VIBE Z2 Pro is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 801, a high-end quad-core processor which provides the best of both worlds in terms of sheer speed and multitasking. Operating at up to 2.5GHz, Snapdragon 801 processor can load and run apps quicker than other chips and users can count on its quad-core architecture and 3GB of onboard memory for a seamless multitasking experience.
To ensure uninterrupted usages, a high-capacity 4000mAh battery is incorporated into the VIBE Z2 Pro in addition to the advanced energy-saving features of the Snapdragon 801 processor.
The camera in the new Vibe phones has also been creatively upgraded with new gesture controls. Now it’s possible to set commands for camera operations with the blink of an eye or verbal cues to take selfies. This, Oliver explains, eliminates the problem of shaking when pushing the physical button when taking a photograph.
A lot of the modification though is in the software as well as the User Interface. “For example on the home screen of the Vibe X2 now, you have the most important apps that you use. This is because the system is learning and so the more times you use an app, represented as bubbles, the bigger the bubble is. So it’s easier for users to find the applications they use easily,” Oliver says. “And now with the updated user interface, you can have the apps that you want to use even in the lock-screen mode,” he adds.
It has been quite the learning curve for Lenovo in the region, Oliver says. “We began selling phones in then UAE just one year ago, and now we have six phones in our portfolio that cover various price points in the market. Our aim is to launch many more phones and really cover all the major price points in the market.”
Lenovo has also released a range of innovative VIBE Xtensions for the X2 including an easy-to-attach battery and a custom-made JBL speaker that automatically connects with no cables. The ultra-thin (5.1mm) X2 Battery does double duty by protecting the phone while also extending its battery life by nearly up to 75 percent, while the VIBE X2 JBL Speaker serves to amplify the phone’s sound and comes with a convenient stand for hands-free use and built-in mic for group conference calls.
The major concern for a lot of mobile users has been phones running out of power. “Like the Vibe Z Pro which is really a power machine that you use heavily, you need to have a decent battery that you can have a full day of usage of heavy work on it. The 4000 mAh battery in the Z Pro ensures that,” Oliver said.
“We attempt to provide one of the best specs/price mix in the market; for the X2, AED 1499 is a very competitive price for a very feature-rich phone with a matching striking design. Our aim is to bring innovation at an affordable price,” Oliver said.
In the next year, Lenovo hopes to launch phones in all the major markets in the Middle East and African region. “We launched in the UAE and Saudi last year then this year we have launched Lenovo phones in Nigeria, Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. Next year, I would like us to play in all the major markets and be among the top three players in those countries,” Oliver said.
Being an ICT vertically integrated brand augurs well for Lenovo’s smartphone business, Oliver contends. “We are not just driving innovation in phones. You can see what we have done with tablets, like in KSA where we are the number one in tablets with 25% market share. We are also driving innovation with such devices as Yoga tablets and convertibles. Innovations is what we stand for and users are assured that whatever device they buy from us, Lenovo will have innovation built-in available at a very reasonable price point,” Oliver adds.
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Financial

SemanticPay: Pioneering Seamless AI Transactions for the Agent Economy

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SemanticPay

A cutting-edge AI startup emerges from stealth, announcing the launch of SemanticPay, a groundbreaking solution designed to power the emerging AI agent economy. SemanticPay is set to become the essential infrastructure that enables AI-powered agents to seamlessly transact and create value in the digital world. Developed by a team of AI, FinTech, and Web3 experts, SemanticPay will establish the monetization layer necessary to support autonomous AI agents, positioning itself as the first mover in this transformative space.

The rapid evolution of AI, decreasing compute costs and breakthroughs in AI models like DeepSeek R-1 are democratizing access to powerful AI leading to the proliferation of autonomous “AI agents” – intelligent systems capable of executing complex tasks, optimizing workflows, and unlocking new revenue streams. However, the current internet infrastructure, designed for human interactions, presents significant challenges for AI agents to transact seamlessly. “The internet was built by humans for humans, not agents,” says one of the co-founders of SemanticPay. Challenges arise such as compatibility issues with human-centric systems, regulatory uncertainty that slows adoption rate, restrictive firewalls that misidentify agents as bots, and outdated monetization models not suited for microtransactions.

This is where SemanticPay steps in – building the “Visa for AI” – a comprehensive platform that addresses these challenges and empowers AI agents to become full participants in the digital economy. SemanticPay builds a robust transaction infrastructure that allows AI agents to securely interact, access services, and engage in economic activity. By developing a specialized infrastructure, they will eliminate these constraints and unlock new opportunities for an AI-powered economy.

Key Features of SemanticPay Include:

  • Access: SemanticPay’s Agentic API layer ensures that AI agents can access web services and data sources seamlessly, unlocking new opportunities for interaction and information retrieval.
  • Identity: Traditional internet structures often categorize AI agents as bots, blocking their ability to perform legitimate tasks. Through Agent ID and “Know Your Agent” (KYA) protocols, SemanticPay establishes a secure, compliant framework for transactions, building trust and ensuring regulatory adherence.
  • Payment: The platform will offer optimized payment rails, supporting fiat currencies, stablecoins, and cryptocurrencies for high-frequency, low-value transactions crucial to the AI agent economy.
  • Empowerment: Value-added services such as data analytics, decision-making tools, and access to specialized AI models will enhance the capabilities of AI agents, driving efficiency and growth.

Rooted in the GCC, SemanticPay aims to scale globally, with its team currently having a presence in APAC and Europe. They are building the foundation for a new AI-powered economy that bridges the gap between web operators and AI agent builders – paving the way for a future where these intelligent agents play a vital role in our digital world, driving innovation and creating value for all stakeholders.

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Financial

Hasnae Taleb and Jeff Ransdell to Drive Innovation in UAE with a $45 Million to Support UAE Startups

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Mintiply & Fuel Venture

Jeff Ransdell, Managing Director and Founding Partner of Fuel Venture Capital, and Hasnae Taleb, Managing Partner of Mintiply Capital, are making waves in the UAE investment landscape by introducing a $300 million vintage fund. This ambitious initiative dedicates $45 million specifically to fuel the growth of startups within the GCC region. The fund is strategically structured to offer regional investors a rare opportunity to capture exponential returns by backing high-growth ventures before they reach public markets.

The collaboration between Mintiply Capital and Fuel Venture Capital takes the form of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), leveraging both firms’ unmatched expertise in capital markets and venture investments. With decades of collective experience, Ransdell and Taleb are uniquely positioned to guide companies through the critical phases of growth, scaling, and eventual public listings. Their shared vision is built on the understanding that private market investments in pre-IPO companies have the potential to generate immediate returns of up to 200% from day one, presenting a transformative proposition for investors across the UAE and broader GCC region.

The vintage fund provides access to an elite portfolio of high-potential startups backed by Fuel Venture Capital. Notable names include:

            •           Betr – A disruptive sports betting platform co-founded by Jake Paul, integrating real-time engagement with microbetting.

            •           Curve – A fintech innovator providing a single card that aggregates all financial accounts into one seamless experience.

            •           CookUnity – A chef-to-consumer platform redefining meal delivery with curated, gourmet-quality meals.

            •           Novopayment – A fintech infrastructure company driving digital payments innovation across the Americas.

            •           Aexlab – A pioneer in virtual reality gaming and social engagement technologies.

These companies are not just building market-leading products; they are poised to reshape industries and create outsized investment returns when they enter the public markets.

Jeff Ransdell and Hasnae Taleb believe in creating pathways for local investors to participate in the most promising global opportunities. This vintage fund provides GCC-based investors exclusive pre-market access to disruptive businesses that would otherwise remain out of reach until a much later stage.

Jeff Ransdell, founder of Fuel Venture Capital, brings a remarkable career spanning decades in public markets. As a former Managing Director at Merrill Lynch, he led a team responsible for managing a staggering $130 billion in assets for some of the world’s most influential investors. His deep understanding of capital markets, asset management, and scaling high-growth companies provides him with a unique ability to identify and nurture disruptive startups poised for exponential success.

Hasnae Taleb shattered barriers as the youngest equity trader on Wall Street and the first Arab African woman to achieve such recognition in global capital markets. Known for her sharp analytical mind and fearless decision-making, Taleb earned the nickname “Shewolf of Nasdaq” for her unparalleled ability and navigate high-stakes trading scenarios with precision. Now, as Managing Partner of Mintiply Capital, she leverages her expertise in trading, equity markets, and entrepreneurship to build ecosystems that empower innovators and investors alike.

“Both Jeff and I understand what it takes to list companies and the immense value creation that occurs before a company goes public,” said Hasnae Taleb. “We are bringing this opportunity to investors in the region to give them access to exceptional returns and a strategic advantage over traditional investment avenues.”

Jeff Ransdell added, “The GCC market is evolving rapidly, and there’s a growing appetite for sophisticated investment vehicles. This fund delivers exactly that — it empowers investors to support transformative businesses while capturing the kind of returns typically reserved for institutional players.”

The introduction of this vintage fund and the strategic partnership between Mintiply Capital and Fuel Venture Capital reflect a shared commitment to enhancing the financial ecosystem in the UAE and KSA. By supporting visionary entrepreneurs and scaling innovative businesses, the duo aims to foster sustainable economic growth and establish the region as a hub for entrepreneurial excellence and venture capital success.

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SEE Holding and Arabian Gulf Steel Industries Forge Partnership to Advance Sustainable Construction Practices

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SEE Holding & AGSI

SEE Holding, the parent company behind The Sustainable City brand, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Arabian Gulf Steel Industries (AGSI), marking a significant step towards advancing sustainable construction practices in the region. The partnership will prioritize the integration of low carbon steel in future projects, reinforcing SEE Holding’s commitment to selecting sustainable materials to achieve its net zero ambitions. Additionally, both entities will explore opportunities to promote circular economy practices, focusing on recycling and repurposing steel products to minimize waste and environmental impact.

The MoU signing ceremony was held at SEE Institute, SEE Holding’s knowledge partner and the region’s first operational net zero emissions building, underscoring a shared commitment to environmental responsibility.

Faris Saeed, Chairman & CEO of SEE Holding, stated: “Achieving net zero emissions requires a holistic commitment to reducing both embodied and operational emissions across every facet of the built environment. Our partnership with Arabian Gulf Steel Industries reaffirms our dedication to selecting materials that align with our net zero strategy while driving innovation in sustainable cities and communities. Through this collaboration, we aim to inspire transformative change in net zero construction practices across the region, redefining how sustainable infrastructure and cities are designed and built.” The collaboration extends beyond material selection, focusing on research and development (R&D) to innovate and refine techniques that enhance the adoption of low carbon steel in construction processes. Both parties will work together to develop new methodologies that optimize energy efficiency and reduce embodied emissions in building projects.

Asam Hussain, the AGSI’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The partnership with SEE Holding represents a significant step forward by driving sustainable transformation in construction practices in the UAE. Our collaboration will ensure that we structurally embed demand for low-carbon materials to seize the opportunity of accelerating decarbonization of the hard-to-abate sector. Together, we are advancing environmental sustainability and driving positive economic and social impact.”

AGSI is the World’s first Carbon Neutral Steel Plant and Low Carbon Steel Manufacturing Facility based in the UAE. The company is pioneering low carbon products play a critical role in decarbonizing not only the steel industry but also the built environment. By incorporating 100% recycled low carbon steel SEE Holding aims to significantly reduce embodied emissions while maintaining the highest standards of durability and strength required for modern construction. AGSI’s state-of-the-art facilities are designed to minimize waste and energy consumption, aligning seamlessly with SEE Holding’s ethos of responsible urban development.

AGSI has also signed the Memorandum of Understanding with SEE Institute with a shared vision of advancing knowledge. Both companies will work together to introduce training programs targeted at architects, engineers, and construction professionals to raise awareness of low carbon steel benefits and foster its adoption across the sector. The partnership will also prioritize performance monitoring, implementing robust reporting mechanisms to track environmental impact, measure emission reductions, and enhance project transparency.

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