Samsung Gulf Electronics has launched a limited edition of its latest smartwatch that pays tribute to the Middle East's rich legacy of contributions to astronomy, science and timekeeping.
The 47mm Galaxy Watch6 Astro Edition, which features a rotating bezel with a specially designed astronomy pattern and a watch face showing lunar and solar phases, was launched by T.M. Roh, president and head of Samsung's mobile experience business, in Dubai.
It will be available in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Qatar and Turkey.
Among those honoured by the Astro Edition are Muhammad Ibn Ibrahim Al Fazari, a mathematician and astronomer credited with building the first astrolabe in the Muslim world, and Al Battani, considered the greatest astronomer during the Islamic Golden Age.
The Watch6 series, which includes the base model and Classic, was unveiled alongside Samsung’s newest foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Flip5, at the first-ever Unpacked event held in Seoul last month.
The company did not specify the number of Astro Edition watches in stock but said it is “confident that it will sell out within the first week of its launch”, Fadi Abu Shamat, head of Samsung Gulf’s mobile experience division, told The National ahead of the launch.
“The Middle East holds a special place in Samsung's heart as a region of dynamic innovation and tech-savvy enthusiasts,” he said.
“The launch of the Astro Edition here is a testament to our commitment to providing tailored solutions that celebrate the region's rich legacy and cater to the Gulf markets' preferences and needs.”
It is also the first in a series of limited-edition collections specific to the Middle East, although Samsung Gulf did not provide a timetable for future launches nor which “innovators and pioneers” they plan to pay tribute to next.
“Samsung is dedicated to delivering region-specific offerings that enhance the user experience … and honouring Middle East pioneers while inspiring today's innovators,” Mr Abu Shamat said.
Smartwatches rose to popularity as they became an extension of smartphones and a tool to help users keep track of certain health metrics, the most advanced of which include heart rate, blood oxygen and electrocardiogram.
The market, however, continued to contract in the first quarter of 2023, posting a “slight” decrease on an annual basis, according to the latest data from Counterpoint Research.
Samsung has long been the number two smartwatch brand globally, having commanded a 9 per cent market share in the first three months of this year. However, it is now in a virtual tie with India's Fire Boltt, the Hong Kong-based research firm said.
Apple continues to enjoy a considerable lead with more than a quarter of market share, thanks to its popular Watch series.
The Galaxy Watch6 series has improved health tracking features that Samsung believes will help draw in more consumers and drive sales moving forward, underpinned by the Astro Edition.
“We believe its unique features will not only attract new customers but also intrigue existing users to explore our broader range of smartwatches as well as the wider Galaxy ecosystem,” Mr Abu Shamat said.
Samsung Gulf also announced an exclusive “Whimsical Midsummer Collection” bundle for the Galaxy Z Flip5, which features art by UAE-based Lebanese artist Nourie Flayhan.
The clamshell-type Flip5 received a significant upgrade, with its cover screen nearly doubled to 3.4in.
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Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
- It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
- Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
- Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
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The%20Killer
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Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.
Based: Riyadh
Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany
Founded: September, 2020
Number of employees: 70
Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions
Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds
Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices
Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
AT%20A%20GLANCE
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Results
Stage seven
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates, in 3:20:24
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers, at 1s
3. Pello Bilbao (ESP) Bahrain-Victorious, at 5s
General Classification
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates, in 25:38:16
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers, at 22s
3. Pello Bilbao (ESP) Bahrain-Victorious, at 48s
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
Euro 2020 qualifier
Russia v Scotland, Thursday, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
Director: Shady Ali
Cast: Boumi Fouad , Mohamed Tharout and Hisham Ismael
Rating: 3/5
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The specs: 2018 Mazda CX-5
Price, base / as tested: Dh89,000 / Dh130,000
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Power: 188hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 251Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.1L / 100km
DUBAI%20BLING%3A%20EPISODE%201
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What are NFTs?
Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.
You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”
However, while money is fungible, NFTs are not. “One Bitcoin, dollar, euro or dirham is largely indistinguishable from the next. Nothing ties a dollar bill to a particular owner, for example. Nor does it tie you to to any goods, services or assets you bought with that currency. In contrast, NFTs confer specific ownership,” Mr Das says.
This makes NFTs closer to a piece of intellectual property such as a work of art or licence, as you can claim royalties or profit by exchanging it at a higher value later, Mr Das says. “They could provide a sustainable income stream.”
This income will depend on future demand and use, which makes NFTs difficult to value. “However, there is a credible use case for many forms of intellectual property, notably art, songs, videos,” Mr Das says.
