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ALIGNING TECHNOLOGY WITH THE FUTURE OF CONSUMER EXPERIENCE

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a portrait of CHesham Tantawi, ASBIS

An Exclusive Interview with Hesham Tantawi, Vice President at ASBIS Middle East

Can you tell us about the Robocafé concept and how partnerships are shaping its rollout?
Robocafé is a fully integrated ecosystem we have developed to align with today’s fast-paced lifestyle, delivering premium-quality coffee and soft beverages through advanced robotic service. Most of the units are manufactured in Poland and then brought to the region, where they are designed to provide customers with a seamless and innovative experience on the go.

We are actively building partnerships across the UAE and Saudi Arabia to introduce Robocafés in malls, educational institutes, convention & exhibition centers and other public spaces. Our vision is to make Robocafé a familiar presence in every major destination across the region. This is not just a theoretical concept, in Limassol, a relatively small city, seven Robocafés are already in operation.

Partnerships are at the very core of our strategy. We are not merely seeking customers but rather long-term collaborations built on trust, transparency, and mutual value. Every partnership involves sitting together, defining roles and responsibilities, and ensuring that both sides achieve shared success.

Could you elaborate on both the upcoming partnerships for Robocafé in the region and how similar concepts have already performed in other markets?

We are in the process of finalizing several strategic agreements in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with Robocafés soon to be introduced in high-traffic locations. Our ambition is to make Robocafé a visible and integral part of daily life, seamlessly blending into people’s routines.

This confidence stems from our proven track record in other markets. For example, in Limassol, a relatively small city, seven Robocafés are already operational and thriving. Locally, we launched a successful collaboration with IKEA at Festival Mall last year, which we are continuing in the upcoming winter season. Beyond IKEA, we are actively engaging with other leading partners to further expand our footprint.

How do you approach partnerships in mature markets versus emerging markets like the GCC?
Our philosophy remains consistent: we believe in strong, mutually beneficial partnerships. Whether in a mature market or an emerging one, our focus is on creating long-term relationships rather than transactional exchanges. This means working closely with partners, defining clear responsibilities, and ensuring that each party gains substantial value. It is a philosophy that transforms business relationships into genuine growth engines.

You also mentioned upcoming travels to Nigeria. What’s the focus there?

ASBIS is proud to participate in GITEX Nigeria 2025, marking a significant milestone as this event makes its debut in the region. The insights gained from GITEX Nigeria 2025 highlight a clear shift in focus and strategic priorities for the African tech landscape. We are actively exploring emerging markets across Africa, starting with Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Ghana. While we already have strong partnerships in place, our goal is to strengthen these relationships and forge new ones. These countries represent rapidly growing economies with vibrant consumer bases, offering immense untapped potential to introduce our innovative solutions and expand our presence.

ASBIS is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, reaffirming its commitment to customers and partners across North Africa, West Africa, and Central Africa (WECA), while amplifying its footprint and influence in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Let’s turn to gaming. It has become one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide, especially in this region. How is ASBIS approaching this sector?

Gaming is one of the most dynamic and promising verticals for us. We are focusing on developing customized gaming assembly PCs and expanding our vendor portfolio with specialized manufacturers to cover the full spectrum of gaming needs. As a distributor of components such as CPUs, hard drives, cases, and accessories, ASBIS is uniquely positioned to provide nearly 90% of what a gaming store requires under one roof.

We are also witnessing exponential growth in advanced simulators, where setups can cost between $100,000 and $150,000, complete with rigs, chairs, simulation and wheels. The surge in GPU demand has enabled hyper-realistic graphics and immersive experiences that were unimaginable a few years ago.

Importantly, gaming is not limited to the luxury segment. Entry-level PCs can start at around $500, while professional gamers may invest thousands of dollars in their setups. This diversity allows the market to cater to enthusiasts across all budgets.

Of course, supply chain challenges remain, as high demand and long lead times can cause product shortages. To mitigate this, ASBIS invests heavily in inventory, ensuring timely availability and consistency across markets. This commitment has positioned us as one of the most reliable suppliers in the region’s gaming ecosystem.

How does retail fit into your strategy, and how do you support your partners in this space?
Retail plays a critical role, particularly in gaming, where customers often want hands-on product experiences before making a purchase. We have seen retailers evolve significantly, they no longer focus solely on space but are increasingly invested in actual sales performance.

Our responsibility goes beyond supplying products. We aim to help retailers move stock efficiently, because when sales rotate quickly, everyone benefits. To support this, ASBIS has developed a dedicated training department, the only distributor in the region to do so. We provide training not only to our own teams but also to merchandisers, promoters, and even our partners’ sales staff.

A single well-trained sales manager can outperform ten untrained individuals, and this principle has become a cornerstone of our retail approach. This investment in human capital is what sets us apart as a value-driven distributor.

Beyond gaming and retail, ASBIS also represents premium lifestyle brands. Could you share more about this side of the business?

We work with globally prestigious brands such as Bang & Olufsen, widely regarded as the Dior or Louis Vuitton of the audio industry. Their offerings are synonymous with exclusivity, luxury, and design excellence.

Interestingly, we see overlap between high-end lifestyle consumers and gamers. Someone who invests thousands of dollars in elite audio equipment may also be inclined to purchase a high-performance racing simulator. This creates a unique niche where lifestyle luxury and gaming innovation converge, a space ASBIS is actively cultivating.

Finally, how do you see the channel market evolving in the GCC?

The channel market has matured considerably in recent years. Following a period of consolidation, the region has now entered what I like to call the “Years of Alignment.” Companies are increasingly aligning their strategies to grow together, creating a much more stable ecosystem.

Stability always breeds growth. With this structural clarity, we anticipate the GCC market will continue to expand steadily. For ASBIS, this means being at the forefront of an ecosystem that is not only growing but also becoming more resilient and future-ready.

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Cloud waste isn’t about Visibility it’s about Timing, says Atmoz CEO

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“Cloud waste isn’t created by bad engineers. It’s created by systems that show problems too late. Once I saw that, it became clear, the solution wasn’t better reporting. It was prevention.” – Atmoz CEO Yael Shatzky

Yael Shatzky didn’t set out to build a company around cloud costs. What she noticed, after more than 25 years across enterprise technology, product marketing, and growth at organisations including Amdocs and Microsoft’s R&D ecosystem, was a pattern.

Not just rising cloud spend, but a deeper structural disconnect in how it’s managed.

If you were introducing yourself and Atmoz to someone outside tech, where would you begin?

I’d say I’m building a company that changes how people think about waste—specifically cloud and AI waste.

Imagine a house where electricity prices constantly change depending on what you use and when, but no one knows the cost. Lights stay on, AC runs all day, and while you know you’re wasting about 30%, you have no way to prevent it. The only signal you get is last month’s bill.

That’s how companies operate in the cloud today.

Atmoz changes that by bringing cost awareness into the moment decisions are made, helping teams make smarter choices without disrupting how they work. The result is simple: waste is prevented before it happens.

What is the core problem Atmoz is solving—and where has the market gone wrong?

The market has focused on visibility, dashboards and reports that explain what already happened.

But the problem isn’t visibility.
It’s timing.

By the time companies see the data, the money is already spent and systems are already in production. Even with perfect visibility, nothing changes.

Atmoz works at the moment engineers are building, engaging them with immediate, simple recommendations that don’t slow them down. That’s where prevention becomes possible.

What does ‘AI-first’ product development look like at Atmoz?

We built a data foundation that reconstructs cost signals as resources are created, before billing data exists. That’s the hard part.

On top of that, we use AI where it matters most: interaction and execution. Our AI agent takes accurate, contextual data and delivers actionable recommendations directly within developer workflows.

Because the system is grounded in precise data, the guidance isn’t just intelligent, it’s reliable and immediately usable.

What are the biggest challenges in getting engineers to trust AI-driven recommendations?

Interestingly, it’s not trust in AI, it’s the belief that prevention is even possible.

For years, companies have been told they can reduce costs, yet around 30% of cloud spend is still wasted. That’s because most tools analyse waste after it happens, they don’t stop it.

Once engineers see an issue flagged in real time, with clear context and a simple fix, the skepticism disappears. It becomes tangible.

What is one leadership mistake that fundamentally changed how you operate?

Focusing too much on the product, and not enough on marketing early on.

Great products don’t speak for themselves, especially when you’re creating a new category. Marketing isn’t something you layer on later; it shapes how the product is understood and adopted. Starting early makes a significant difference.

Where do you see the biggest inefficiencies today?

The biggest inefficiency is the disconnect between engineering decisions and their financial impact.

Every time a developer deploys infrastructure or triggers an AI workload, they’re making a financial decision, without visibility into its cost implications.

AI is amplifying this. Costs are more volatile, and traditional feedback loops can’t keep up.

Atmoz brings cost awareness into that decision point, making efficiency part of the engineering discipline, much like security became over time.

At this stage, how do you define success?

Success isn’t a single milestone, it’s a series of moments.

Signing a new customer. Launching a capability that impacts spend. Getting a call from a customer excited because they just saved $30K on something they didn’t even know was happening.

Those moments are what drive us forward.

You’re defining a new category. What does it take to change long-held assumptions?

It starts with conviction. You’re asking people to question something they’ve accepted as normal.

But conviction alone isn’t enough, proof is everything. Category change happens when someone sees it working in their own environment and has that “aha” moment.

That’s why we focus on immediate, tangible value. When waste is prevented in real time, the mindset shift follows naturally.

Resilience also matters. When you challenge established models, you will be dismissed. The key is to stay grounded in the problem and keep showing evidence.

Has the industry been solving cloud waste the wrong way? Why hasn’t it changed?

I wouldn’t say wrong, FinOps tools solved the problem they were designed for. They brought visibility and governance, which was critical.

But they were built on the assumption that cost is something you analyse after it happens.

Today, cost is created instantly, when infrastructure is provisioned or AI workloads run. But feedback still comes later. That gap is the issue.

What’s changed is the pace of engineering. With AI, decisions are faster and costs are more dynamic. What used to be inefficient is now unsustainable.

That’s why prevention isn’t just an improvement, it’s becoming essential.

How will engineering teams work differently in five years?

Cost will no longer be treated as something external, owned by finance. It will become part of the engineering feedback loop, like performance or reliability.

Atmoz brings that awareness into everyday workflows, guiding better decisions without adding friction.

Over time, this shifts behaviour. Waste isn’t something you detect and fix later, it simply doesn’t get created.

The result is not just lower cost, but faster teams, better decisions, and more room to innovate.

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Huawei MatePad Mini: A Tablet That Feels Like a Real Notebook

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Huawei’s compact tablet feels less like a gadget and more like a thoughtfully designed digital notebook, blending portability with everyday productivity.

I have been using Huawei’s MatePad 11.5 S for a while now for writing, editing, and most of my day-to-day journalistic work. It has turned out to be a surprisingly capable productivity device. So, when the MatePad Mini arrived, I was curious to see how Huawei would translate that experience into a much smaller form factor.

Reviewed By: Srijith KN, Senior Editor, Integrator

Design and Accessories

The first thing that stood out during the unboxing was not just the device, its accessories! Huawei has clearly put thought into the overall experience. The tablet ships with well-designed cases, including a transparent option and a diary-style booklet cover.

The diary cover, in particular, immediately felt right to me. It makes the tablet feel less like a gadget and more like a compact notebook you would carry every day. There is a certain familiarity to it, almost like picking up a journal rather than a device.

Huawei also continues to include a charger in the box, and this one comes with a 66W unit, a thoughtful touch at a time when many brands have moved away from bundling one altogether.

Everyday Portability

The 8.8 inch tablet immediately feels comfortable in the hand. It is extremely light and compact, measuring just 5.1 mm thick and weighing around 255 grams. That portability is noticeable right away.


In many ways, it feels closer to carrying a paperback than a traditional tablet. I currently use the Nothing Phone 3 as my daily device, and at times even that feels heavier than this. The MatePad Mini, on the other hand, almost disappears in your hands.


Huawei is also using a magnesium alloy body here, which keeps the device light without compromising on rigidity. Given how thin it is, that added structural strength feels reassuring.

A Paper Like Experience That Works


Last night, I found myself reading long articles on it for hours without feeling any strain. That is where the device really begins to make sense.


It genuinely feels like a digital paper booklet, built for reading, note-taking, writing, or quickly catching up on work while on the move. The green variant, in particular, features Huawei’s PaperMatte display, and it is easily one of the most distinctive aspects of this device.


Huawei claims the display reduces up to 99 percent of ambient light interference, and in real-world use, that translates into a noticeably glare-free experience. Even under indoor lighting, reflections are minimal, and the screen remains comfortable to look at for extended periods.


At the same time, it does not compromise on performance. With up to 1800 nits of brightness, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a wide color gamut, the display manages to balance readability with visual richness, something that is not easy to get right in smaller devices.


There is also an eBook mode that shifts the display into a black and white, paper like view, along with other settings designed to reduce eye strain during longer reading sessions. Additional options like eye comfort and sleep mode further support extended use.


Writing and Creativity


I also spent some time using the M Pencil for quick notes, and the experience feels surprisingly close to paper. Coming from the MatePad 11.5 S, Huawei continues to deliver one of the better stylus experiences in this space.


The M Pencil Pro adds more depth to the experience than expected. With different tip options and subtle haptic feedback, writing feels more tactile and intentional, rather than just tapping on glass.


Paired with the updated Huawei Notes app, the experience becomes more refined. Features like handwriting enhancement subtly improve legibility without taking away the personal feel of your writing, making it especially useful for quick notes and longer-form thinking.

Hardware and Performance


The MatePad Mini packs a 6400 mAh battery with support for fast charging, capable of going from zero to full in about an hour. On paper, it looks promising, though I will reserve judgment until I have spent more time with it.


On the hardware side, it includes a 50MP rear camera and a 32MP front camera, along with stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 7, USB-C 3.0, and a fingerprint sensor, something I wish Huawei had included on the MatePad 11.5 S as well.

Editor’s Perspective

Whenever I am seen using a Huawei device, the first question that comes up from people around me is usually about the ecosystem, particularly about Google services.

I too had similar concerns earlier, but having used Huawei devices for a while now, the experience has been smoother than expected. HarmonyOS feels clean and fluid, and tools like GBox make it possible to access most essential apps. Even for someone deeply tied to Google services, it has been more manageable than I initially thought.


What becomes clearer over time is that this is not just a smaller tablet. It sits somewhere between an eBook reader and a productivity device, built for focused, everyday use.

The MatePad Mini does not feel like Huawei shrinking a tablet. It feels like a refinement of how a compact device should actually be used. Its notebook-like form, paper-inspired display, and practical accessories make it easy to carry, pick up, and use throughout the day.

It is still early days, but the first impressions are strong. In a crowded tablet market, this feels like one of the more purposeful and interesting form-factor than the other compacts that we have seen in a while.

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Hisense doubles down on localisation, supply chains, and smart living in the Middle East

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As the Middle East accelerates its push toward becoming a digital economy, global consumer electronics brands are being forced to rethink their role beyond simply selling devices. For Hisense, that shift is already underway.

From building connected living ecosystems to strengthening regional manufacturing and R&D, the company is positioning itself not just as a technology provider, but as a long-term partner in the region’s transformation.

In this conversation, Jason Ou, President of Hisense Middle East, Africa and India, outlines how localisation, supply chain investments, and a sharper focus on consumer relevance are shaping the company’s next phase of growth in the region—and why the Middle East is emerging as more than just a consumption market.

The region is increasingly positioning itself as a hub for digital economies. How can consumer electronics brands contribute to this broader transformation beyond simply selling devices?

Consumer electronics brands today play a much bigger role than just providing devices. Our real impact comes from shaping how people live in an increasingly digital world. At Hisense, we focus on anticipating consumer shifts and building our innovation around the needs of modern, connected lifestyles. It’s not only about technology, but about how that technology integrates seamlessly into everyday life.

We see this clearly through connected living. A TV today is no longer just a screen, it becomes part of a wider ecosystem, connecting with appliances, enabling intuitive control, and helping consumers manage comfort, energy, and daily routines more efficiently. At the same time, localization is key. Through regional R&D, partnerships, and a stronger presence on the ground, we ensure our innovation is relevant to local lifestyles and market realities. Ultimately, our role is to translate innovation into meaningful, practical value, supporting the region’s digital transformation in a way that is tangible for both consumers and communities.

Technology companies often struggle between being engineering-led and market-led. How does Hisense maintain that balance internally?

For us, it is not a question of choosing between engineering-led or market-led. The strongest companies are built on both, working hand in hand. At Hisense, we combine strong engineering capabilities with a deep understanding of consumer needs and local markets. Our innovation is driven by technology, but always shaped by how people actually live, interact, and use our products. We focus on one simple principle: every innovation must translate into a better user experience. That is where engineering excellence meets real market relevance, allowing us to stay both forward-looking and grounded in consumer value.

You have led Hisense’s expansion in the Middle East through a period of rapid technological change. What leadership principles have helped you balance global innovation with local market realities in this region?

The starting point has always been staying true to Hisense’s vision and values. That gives us a clear direction, especially during periods of rapid change. The second element is people and partnerships. Building the right team on the ground, and working with the right partners, has been essential to understanding the region and executing effectively across markets.

Third is localization with discipline. While we benefit from strong global innovation, success in this region comes from adapting that innovation to local lifestyles, climate, and consumer expectations in a consistent and structured way. And finally, long-term commitment. We have approached the Middle East as a strategic growth market, continuing to invest in technology, operations, and relationships. That long-term view allows us to balance global ambition with local relevance and build sustainable growth over time.

As most global supply chains and manufacturing ecosystems for consumer electronics remain concentrated outside the Middle East, what role do you see the region playing in the future production and innovation landscape of this industry?

I believe the region will play a much bigger role over time, especially as a center for localization, strategic manufacturing, regional distribution, and application-led innovation. We are already seeing that evolve. Hisense has been strengthening its regional manufacturing footprint, including operations in Algeria and Egypt, alongside localized R&D in Dubai. Our recent export milestone from Algeria into Egypt and Tunisia shows that the region is not only a consumption market, but increasingly part of a broader industrial and supply-chain ecosystem.

Going forward, I see the Middle East and wider MENA region becoming more important in three areas: as a faster response hub for regional supply and customization; as a testing ground for technologies suited to local environmental and lifestyle conditions; and as a bridge between global innovation and emerging-market demand. The opportunity is not just to manufacture more, but to shape products and solutions that are more relevant to this part of the world.

If we fast forward ten years, what will the concept of “home entertainment” look like compared to today?

We are currently witnessing a significant wave of innovation, particularly driven by AI capabilities. I believe this will continue to evolve, becoming smarter, more intuitive, and more seamlessly integrated into everyday life. Home entertainment will not only improve in terms of quality, with better visuals, sound, and performance, but it will also become more personalized and adaptive to each user.

At the same time, we will see more robotic and automated technologies becoming part of the home, supporting everyday tasks and enhancing convenience, creating a more connected and intelligent living environment. Ultimately, the experience will shift from simply watching content to enjoying a smarter, more immersive, and fully integrated home experience.

Finally, if you had to describe the next chapter of Hisense in the Middle East in one word, what would it be and why?

Reliable. We aim to become the most reliable brand in the region, in line with our longterm vision. This means continuously strengthening our position across technology development and market penetration, while keeping consumer needs at the center of everything we do. At the same time, we will further invest in localized solutions to ensure our innovation remains relevant, practical, and impactful for the region.

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