Tech News
AI INNOVATION IN HEARING CARE MUST ACCELERATE AS 2.5 BILLION COULD FACE HEARING LOSS BY 2050
With nearly 2.5 billion people projected to have some degree of hearing loss by 2050 as per World Health Organization, Starkey MEA is calling for faster adoption of AI-enabled hearing innovation that delivers practical, measurable improvement for patients in real-world environments.
AI is reshaping what hearing aids are expected to do. The category is moving beyond basic amplification toward systems that can interpret complex soundscapes, prioritise speech, and personalise output moment by moment—especially in noise, multi-speaker settings, and fast-changing environments. Starkey says this shift demands on-device intelligence that is fast, power-efficient, and clinically meaningful, rather than “AI” that lives mainly in marketing language.
“Talking about AI is easy. Delivering AI that makes hearing clearer when life is noisy, and that does it reliably all day, is the real standard,” said Giscard Bechara, Regional Director, Middle East & Africa, Starkey MEA. “With the scale of hearing loss projected globally, innovation can’t crawl. In MEA, our focus is to bring on-device intelligence that adapts in real time to the person and the environment—because that is what patients actually feel. We will also be introducing a new AI-driven hearing solution in the region soon, and we look forward to sharing what this next step means for hearing professionals and the communities they serve across the Middle East and Africa.”
As part of a wider drive to promote hearing health awareness across the Middle East, Starkey MEA has highlighted how AI-led hearing technology can be engineered to mirror the way the brain processes sound. In regional communications around its latest platform direction, Starkey has stated that its AI-based processing can make up to 80 million personalised adjustments per hour, with the intent of helping wearers stay comfortable and connected across different listening situations.
Starkey’s progress in AI processing has been built over multiple technology generations. In earlier platform disclosures, the company described its Neuro Processor architecture as delivering six times more transistors, ten times more memory, and up to four times faster processing than the prior generation—advances designed to support higher-speed analysis and optimisation without compromising everyday usability.
Starkey had introduced Edge AI featuring the G2 Neuro Processor, which the company describes as incorporating a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with deep neural network (DNN) processing capabilities, and as being engineered for strong performance while maintaining “industry-leading battery life.” Starkey also claims the G2 includes the “industry’s only NPU fully integrated into the chip.”
In parallel, Starkey continues to frame hearing technology as a platform that can support aspects of health and safety, alongside hearing performance. The company has announced hearing aids with built-in balance assessment and has linked this to fall-risk screening frameworks, including referencing the CDC’s STEADI initiative, as well as ongoing work validating balance assessment approaches with external research partners.
Starkey MEA continues to work with hearing care professionals across the region to support patient awareness, strengthen hearing health conversations, and accelerate access to next-generation AI-enabled hearing solutions as they become available in-market.
Tech News
VERTIV INTRODUCES NEW MODULAR LIQUID COOLING INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTION TO SUPPORT HIGH-DENSITY COMPUTE REQUIREMENTS IN NORTH AMERICA AND EMEA
Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global leader in critical digital infrastructure, today announced new configurations of the Vertiv™ MegaMod™ HDX, a prefabricated power and liquid cooling infrastructure solution engineered for high-density computing environments, including artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) deployments. The new configurations give operators flexibility to support rapidly increasing power and cooling requirements while optimizing space and deployment speed. The models are available globally.
Vertiv MegaMod HDX integrates direct-to-chip liquid cooling with air-cooled architectures to meet the intense thermal demands of AI workloads, supporting pod-style AI environments and advanced GPU clusters. The new compact solution has a standard module height and a maximum of 13 racks and power capacity up to 1.25 MW; the combo solution has an extended-height design with a maximum of 144 racks, supporting power capacities up to 10 MW. Both can support rack densities from 50 kW up to more than 100 kW per rack. The hybrid cooling architectures integrate direct-to-chip liquid cooling with air cooling for efficient, high-density thermal management, while the prefabricated modular designs enable accelerated deployment and allow customers to scale their data centers as demand grows.
“Today’s AI workloads demand cooling solutions that go beyond traditional approaches. With the Vertiv MegaMod HDX available in both compact and combo solution configurations, organizations can match their facility requirements while supporting high-density, liquid-cooled environments at scale. Our designs deliver what data centers need most—reliable performance, operational efficiency, and the ability to scale their AI infrastructure with confidence,” said Viktor Petik, senior vice president, infrastructure solutions at Vertiv.
The Vertiv MegaMod HDX models feature innovative hybrid cooling architecture, combining direct-to-chip liquid cooling with adaptable air systems in a fully integrated, prefabricated pod. The solutions feature distributed redundant power architecture enabling continuous operation even if one module goes offline. Additionally, the buffer-tank thermal backup system allows GPU clusters to maintain stable operations during maintenance or load transitions. This factory-integrated design enables repeatable precision in deployment while providing cost certainty for planning and scaling AI infrastructure.
This prefabricated design, combined with factory integrated and fully tested components and Vertiv’s global service network, provide dependable end-to-end support.
Vertiv’s extensive portfolio of power, thermal, and IT management solutions supports a wide range of data center architectures, enabling customers to meet rising density demands with scalable, high-performance infrastructure. Both configurations draw on this broader portfolio, including the Vertiv™ Liebert® APM2 uninterruptible power supply (UPS), Vertiv™ CoolChip CDU cooling distribution unit, Vertiv™ PowerBar busway system, and Vertiv™ Unify infrastructure monitoring.
Vertiv also offers IT rack infrastructure designed to seamlessly accommodate and support IT systems, including Vertiv™ racks and Vertiv™ OCP- compliant racks, Vertiv™ CoolLoop RDHx rear door heat exchanger, Vertiv™ CoolChip in-rack CDU, Vertiv™ rack power distribution units, Vertiv™ PowerDirect in-rack DC power system, and Vertiv™ CoolChip Fluid Network Rack Manifolds.
Tech News
HOLCIM UAE JOINS IRENA’S ALLIANCE FOR INDUSTRY DECARBONIZATION (AFID)
Holcim has joined the Alliance for Industry Decarbonization (AFID) under the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), reinforcing its commitment to play an active role in shaping the future of low-carbon construction in the UAE and beyond.
Formalized during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in January 2026, the membership marks a strategic milestone in Holcim UAE’s evolution from operational decarbonization to sector-wide leadership. Through AFID, Holcim is partnering with a government-led alliance, bringing its established expertise and operational leadership in sustainable building materials and solutions to policy and industry dialogues shaping the future of industrial activity in the UAE.
AFID brings together governments, international organizations, and leading industrial players to accelerate the implementation of technologies and practices across hard-to-abate sectors. Holcim’s participation reflects a deliberate focus on collaboration with policymakers and industry peers, ensuring that regulatory frameworks, investment signals, and technology pathways are informed by real-world industrial experience.
“Industry decarbonization requires practical action at scale, supported by the right policy direction. Joining AFID allows Holcim to engage at that intersection, bringing perspective shaped by practical experience to conversations that matter for the UAE’s low-carbon future,” said Ali Said, CEO of Holcim UAE and Oman.
AFID’s work spans priority areas such as Renewables, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage, Circularity, Green Hydrogen, Human Capital, and Climate-aligned Finance. These focus areas closely align with Holcim’s long-term strategy where sustainability underpins how the business operates, invests, and works with partners across its value chain.
By joining AFID, Holcim reinforces its positioning as a partner focused on contributing to the broader systems and collaborations that will define the future of sustainable construction in the United Arab Emirates and the wider region.
Tech News
BELKIN ELEVATES EVERYDAY DEVICE PROTECTION WITH A NEW LINEUP OF SCREEN PROTECTORS AND A WEAR & TEAR PROGRAM
a leading consumer electronics brand for over 40 years, today announces a new class of screen protection solutions, a strategic partnership, and an all-new wear-and-tear program; advancing its commitment to keeping devices protected and consumers confident. The launch includes seven new screen protectors, a customisation partnership with ScreenSkinz, and a screen protection replacement program designed to give users lasting peace of mind and ensure the products they love stay safe, secure, and in the best shape.
Meet the ScreenForce Titan Lineup: The Ultimate in Full-Screen Protection
Titan SmartShield
Titan SmartShield serves as the premium rigid protector in the lineup, delivering aerospace-grade impact resistance and up to 18x the strength of traditional glass*. Engineered with a 9H surface hardness and rated for up to 6.5 ft / 2 m of drop protection**, Titan SmartShield offers exceptional durability without compromising clarity. An advanced anti-reflective coating preserves vivid colour and brightness in any lighting environment, while the anti-dust adhesive helps push away particles during installation for a flawless finish. The glass is manufactured with up to 60% recycled materials and is fully compatible with fingerprint sensors. A privacy version will also be available. Titan SmartShield launches in February 2026.
Titan LiquidGuard
Titan LiquidGuard is an innovative liquid screen protector that uses Nano-Titan Technology+, a proprietary fusion of a water-based German SiO₂, Graphene, and Nano-Titan Technology, to reinforce device displays at the molecular level, delivering 9H scratch protection without adding bulk. The oleophobic coating creates a smooth, smudge-resistant surface that maintains the device’s original look and touch sensitivity. Applied in minutes and backed by up to a $300 screen repair guarantee, Titan LiquidGuard offers a discreet, no-fuss approach to everyday screen protection. Titan LiquidGuard launches in February 2026.
Titan EcoGuard
Titan EcoGuard is made using advanced polymer materials infused with Nano-Titan Technology, a proprietary structure featuring high-density nano-reinforcement that delivers up to 5.9 ft / 1.8 m of drop protection. These materials are collected from post-consumer sources and certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). Built to flex under pressure instead of cracking, Titan EcoGuard offers industry-leading 7H rated scratch and impact resistance with ultra-thin construction, while an anti-reflective coating preserves the device’s natural look and precision touch response. The flexible, shock-dispersing surface is ideal for curved screens and high-use devices.
The Titan EcoGuard Collection Includes:
Titan EcoGuard Anti-Reflective Screen Protector
- – The foundational model is designed for full-screen, anti-reflective protection while preserving vibrant colour and crystal-clear clarity – even under direct sunlight. It is made with 97% pre-consumer recycled materials. Includes anti-dust installation adhesive and a tray-based alignment system made with recycled plastics.
- Titan EcoGuard Privacy Filter Screen Protector
- – Incorporates vertical-view privacy filtration to protect sensitive information from side-angle viewing. Ideal for use in public settings, during travel, or for confidential work.
- Titan EcoGuard Red Light Screen Protector
- – Utilises a light-conversion layer that converts harmful blue light into soothing, skin- and eye-friendly red light, supporting everyday wellness for users sensitive to blue light or those who frequently use devices at night. This invisible, colourless protection delivers 2x the red-light exposure vs. industry standards**** while maintaining a natural viewing experience.
All Titan EcoGuard screen protectors arrive in 100% recyclable packaging using FSC-certified paper. Each kit includes a microfiber cloth, dust removal sheet, and eco-friendly alignment tray for precise, frustration-free application. Titan EcoGuard is compatible with ultrasonic fingerprint sensors and engineered for next-generation device displays.
If It’s Broken, Fix It. Quickly, Easily, and Hassle-Free.
Doubling down on its commitment to delivering the highest quality product experience, Belkin introduces a new Wear and Tear replacement program in addition to its established product warranty. Launching this month, consumers can easily replace screen protection products compromised by everyday use and/or life’s inevitable accidents, directly on Belkin.com. The new process is straightforward, transparent, and most importantly, hassle-free.
Products will continue to be replaced at no cost, with a flat shipping and handling fee applied.
The program will be available in Australia, Canada, Germany, the UK and the US, for now, with plans to expand to other countries in the future.
Custom Screen Protection with Screen Skinz
Belkin is partnering with Screen Skinz to bring a new level of personalisation to screen protection. Coming soon to Belkin.com, customers will have the ability to create a custom design or choose from a curated collection of pre-made options, which will be etched directly onto their screen protector. The result is protection that is uniquely customised. Utilising Screen Skinz’ patented etching technology, designs are visible only when the phone display is off. When the screen is on, the design disappears to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted viewing experience while delivering trusted durability and peace of mind.
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