59 Percent of Saudi Organizations to Increase Cloud Spend in 2019 New YouGov Report Launched at Digital Saudi 2030 Adds Two-Thirds of Saudi Organizations Accelerate Cloud Digital Transformation Khaled Alsaleh: “In Saudi Arabia, 2019 will be the year of the cloud first approach”

Posted on December 4, 2018 by مشرف

The majority of Saudi Arabia’s organizations (59 percent) plan to increase cloud spend in 2019, driving their digital transformation journeys, according to landmark new research launched by YouGov today at the Digital Saudi 2030 event.

Running on the cloud is approaching a “tipping point” over the next year, as two-thirds (66 percent) of Saudi Arabia’s organizations plan to accelerate cloud-based digital transformation journeys in 2019. Impressively, 29 percent of Saudi organizations will increase cloud spend by at least 29 percent in 2019, the survey adds.

Enabling the Kingdom’s digital transformation, global technology company SAP is seeing strong demand on its Digital Hub, the centerpiece of its 4-year SAR 285 million Saudi investment plan. The Digital Hub includes Saudi Arabia’s first live cloud data center set up by a multi-national enterprise application software company.

“In Saudi Arabia, 2019 will be the year of the ‘cloud first approach,’ with the majority of organizations investing in cloud and fueling cloud-based digital transformation,” said Khaled Alsaleh, Managing Director, SAP Saudi Arabia. “Running on public or private clouds can optimize costs, scale up services, and free up staff for core business innovation. Our Digital Hub can provide the foundation for Saudi Vision 2030, Smart Cities such as NEOM, and enterprises of all sizes and verticals.”

Cloud is a front-and-center discussion in Saudi Arabia’s boardrooms, from startups up to government agencies. Survey findings also reveal that the majority of Saudi organizations say they are “comfortable” running their IT applications in private cloud (53 percent) and public cloud (60 percent) environments.

“Saudi Arabia is a fast-growing cloud market in the Middle East, with the majority of survey respondents indicating that they will increase their cloud spend and digital transformation in 2019,” said Kerry McLaren, Director – Omnibus and Agency Sales, YouGov. “That more Saudi organizations are comfortable running their IT applications on public rather than private clouds indicates the growing knowledge about the business benefits of public cloud platforms in the Kingdom.”  

The YouGov survey covered 306 CIOs and IT decision-makers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews.

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Centro Olaya by Rotana Opens its Doors in Riyadh The latest addition to the Capital enriches the local hospitality market and meets the expectations of travelers by offering modern hospitality at affordable prices.

Posted on November 27, 2018 by مشرف

Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region with hotels across the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, recently welcomed guests to Centro Olaya by Rotana hotel in Riyadh through a new strategic partnership with Elegant Hotels Company, one of the companies under the “Eng. Abdulelah Al Khereiji Group”. The opening of the new hotel comes amidst a rise in positive reports on the local hospitality sector as well as a nationwide economic boom that continues to drive hospitality companies to expand in the Saudi market and meet the growing demand for hotel units.

During a special ceremony attended by executive representatives from Rotana and Elegant Hotels, Rotana’s Chairman, Mr. Nasser Al Nowais, expressed his pride in launching the new hotel as part of the company’s portfolio in the Saudi market. He praised the partnership with Elegant Hotels, which has longstanding expertise in the field of restaurants and hotels development and management in the Kingdom, as well as an in-depth knowledge of the local hospitality market.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains the preferred business destination in the region, and one of the most important business destinations in the world, especially with the state’s implementation of several mega development projects that will significantly support the Kingdom’s infrastructure and enrich the economic and social facets of its provinces. These projects will also pave the way for more important investment opportunities in the Hajj, Umrah, tourism, and industrial sectors, in addition to increasing the rate of direct foreign investment in the local market,” Al Nowais concluded.

rom his end, Eng. Abdulelah Al Khereiji, chairman of Elegant Hotels stated: “We are happy to open the Centro Olaya in Riyadh through this unique strategic partnership that brings us together with Rotana, one of the leading hospitality companies in the Region.”

“The opening of this modern hotel reflects the trust of investors and management companies in the Kingdom’s economy, and it will become one of the most prominent hospitality establishments contributing to the country’s current boom and cultural development. It will also help fulfill the objectives of Vision 2030 in this vital and flourishing sector.” he added.

Al Khereiji concluded: “We are taking our partnership with Rotana to a new level and we are currently working on developing Centro Corniche by Rotana, which will open in Khobar soon.”

Rotana‘s Vice Chairman, Mr. Selim El Zyr, noted: “The Kingdom is expected to witness an immense expansion of hotels and resorts, as well as an increase in the number of travellers going through its airports. This comes at a time when the Kingdom continues to carry out more economic and social reforms, including direct investments in the tourism sector. In this context, Centro Olaya Hotel is an important addition to the local hospitality sector, which requires more development and investment. This pushes us to move forward in implementing our expansion plans led by a team of experts at Rotana. We look forward to inaugurating Centro Corniche soon, which is located in one of the most attractive spots on the corniche of Khobar.”

Centro Olaya by Rotana is the sixth Rotana Hotel in the Kingdom and the third in Riyadh, it is designed to meet the needs of guests who enjoy a smart and modern lifestyle and seek an affordable hotel stay without compromising on comfort.

The new hotel is strategically located in the heart of Riyadh near major business centers, leisure attractions and shopping areas between King Fahd Road and Olaya Street. It is few steps away from Al Tahliya Street, one of the most prominent shopping and entertainment districts in the Capital. Centro Olaya includes 156 modern rooms and studios, complemented by several unique entertainment and business facilities, which include two stylish contemporary restaurants, three fully-equipped meeting rooms, a multifunction events area, and a variety of recreational amenities, including treatment services, a rooftop swimming pool and a gym.

Centro Olaya Riyadh adds a new dimension to Rotana’s trademark authenticity and it is expected to become a popular destination for business trips and family vacations, as well as a getaway for couples seeking a relaxing stay in Riyadh.

 

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Chef Ahmad Fraijeh and French dairy specialist Francois Robin spread the word on the virtues of European butter in KSA

Posted on November 22, 2018 by مشرف

A trio of leading Middle East chefs from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon have been selected by the French Dairy Board and the European Union to feature in an exclusive recipe book highlighting the many uses of European butter which will be distributed in the Middle East & Asia

Three of the Middle East’s leading chefs have been recognized by The French Dairy Board and the European Union, thanks to their flair for using the finest butters, and will now appear in an exclusive recipe book “Butter of Europe: French butter, the secret to make the difference”, to be distributed in the Middle East and Asia.

Chef Ahmad Fraijeh from Saudi Arabia, Chef Mohanad Alshamali from Dubai and Lebanese-based Chef Maroun Chedid were selected to have their creations featured in the book which not only showcases a range of recipes from leading chefs from around the world but also highlights the history of butter and top tips on how to use it.

Speaking at the workshop organized on November 3rd at Embers restaurant, Riyadh, Chef Ahmad Fraijeh, Chef & consultant at HMF Hospitality and European butter ambassador in the KSA, said:

“Butter is a key ingredient in many baked goods and recipes, using quality butter is essential to create beautiful pastries and gastronomic dishes. It can be used in many ways and will always enhance the aromas of your creations. French butter is highly qualitive, 100% natural and reliable, that’s why I prefer using it, it allows me a lot of creativity in my cooking”

During the event, Chef Ahmad made a cooking demonstration of the recipe he had created for the European butter book: Roasted rack of lamb with date butter; while Francois Robin was having a workshop on how to make your own butter and flavour it. Robin used local ingredients like zataar or pistachios to create exquisite flavoured butters that can be enjoyed on their own or in more elaborated recipes.

“We are seeing an increasing number of chefs in this region bringing new and unique tastes to the fore by being creative and adding something new to the butter being used – zaatar, truffle and date are just a few examples that have added an extra Middle Eastern flavour and another dimension to dish,” added Chef Ahmad.

The process of making butter is comprised of seven stages including collecting milk from the dairy farm; the separation of the milk and the cream; pasteurisation which involves heating the milk at 72 celsius for 15 seconds; the cream is then ripened which causes it to thicken, become more acidic and ultimately taste better; the cream is then churned which causes small clumps of butter to form; the butter is then drained and washed to remove any buttermilk; finally the butter is kneaded into a smooth even texture before being made into blocks, sticks and other types of pats.

Speaking at the event, Marie-Laure Martin – French Dairy Board representative, said “More than 95% of chefs in France and Europe say that butter is essential for cooking and baking, especially for its flavor. New uses have emerged, disrupting classic recipes and defining future trends and we are impressed by the creativity of the Middle Eastern Chefs when it comes to using European butter and associating it with their own local culture”

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Eighteen students in Saudi Arabia top the world in Cambridge exams

Posted on November 5, 2018 by مشرف

Cambridge Assessment International Education today awarded secondary school learners in Saudi Arabia from the June 2018 Cambridge examination series for their globally outstanding achievements.

A total of 194 awards are being awarded to students from Saudi Arabia for exceptional performance in Cambridge examinations.

18 students achieved the highest marks in the world in a number of Cambridge International A Level and Cambridge IGCSE subjects while the remaining students are being celebrated for ‘High Achievement’ based on outstanding performance in subjects which are not widely studied in the country, and for achieving the total highest cumulative marks across a number of subjects. These outstanding results will be recognised by universities around the world as proof of academic excellence.

18 students from Saudi Arabia schools who were among those who attained the highest cumulative marks across a number of subjects globally:

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics Sumaiya Shabih Riyadh Middle East International School (Girls)
Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics Lamia Usman New World International School
Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics Valeed Bin Hamza New World International School
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry Hamzah Naushad Siddiqui Al-Reeyada International School (Boys)
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics Abdullah Bin Joynal Bangladesh International School – Dammam
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics Hamzah Naushad Siddiqui Al-Reeyada International School (Boys)
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics Shadi Ebaa Kaddah Al-Reeyada International School (Boys)
Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics Adam Ijaz Ali Jeddah Prep and Grammar School
Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics Adeeb Mohammed H Mogharbel Jeddah Prep and Grammar School
Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics Amr Mahmoud Fawzy Mahmoud Jeddah Al-Wadi International School (Boys)
Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics Karim Ossama Ahmed Galal Elmasry Jeddah Thamer International School (Boys)
Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics Khalid Agha Mohammad Al-Kon International School  (Boys)
Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics Mohamed Azzam M Addas Jeddah Thamer International School (Boys)
Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics Youmna Hasan Tawfiq Abid Al-Kon International School (Girls)
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics Asad Irfan Ghaffar Jeddah Prep and Grammar School
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics Aya Abdelhamid Mohamed Abdelhamid Abdelrehim Al-Kon International School (Girls)
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics Halit  Talha Taskin Jeddah Thamer International School (Boys)
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics Rawan Mamdouh Hafez Dawood Ghazaly Jeddah Al-Wadi International School (Girls)

Waseem Al Hanbali, Regional Director, Middle East and North Africa, said: “Our commitment to preparing students for life starts with cultivating a passion for learning.  We are very proud to see students across Saudi Arabia embrace this passion and excel at developing a solid foundation of life skills. We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the students, their parents, teachers, and our partner schools who have all contributed to this success. A success that characterizes the students not just as any learners, but rather, as Cambridge learners who are prepared for life and can go anywhere. We wish them every success in their future.”

More schools than ever before chose to teach Cambridge International qualifications this year with exam entries continuing to rise in Saudi Arabia and around the world. .

More than 130 schools in Saudi Arabia made nearly 44,000 entries for Cambridge qualifications in 2017/18.  The most popular subjects taken for both Cambridge IGCSEs and Cambridge International AS & A Level in Saudi Arabia were Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.

This year, total entries for all Cambridge qualifications grew by eight per cent internationally. Globally, over half a million students took Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and International AS & A Level exams this year and will now be planning their next steps into further education or the world of work.

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Sony scoops up 17 honours at Red Dot Award: Product Design 2018 Sony BRAVIA® AF8 Series bags Red Dot: Best of the Best

Posted on October 8, 2018 by مشرف

Sony continues to push the boundaries of digital innovation, and has picked up 17 accolades at this year’s edition of the Red Dot Award: Product Design for its superb product design across various product categories, including wireless earphones, in-ear headphones and digital cameras, among others.

The Red Dot Award is a leading international design competition for product design, communication design and design concepts. The BRAVIA® AF8 Series was among several other products that earned the highest distinction, the Red Dot: Best of the Best Award. The awards jury highlighted the series’ simple aesthetic and integrated design that matched the sophisticated technology inside.

Fumiatsu Hirai, Managing Director, Sony Middle East and Africa: “Sony products have been recognised internationally for their innovative technology and top notch design and functionality. We are proud to be consistently recognised by the Red Dot Award over the years and this serves as a testament to our commitment to provide the best experience for our users. We thank the jurors for recognising the BRAVIA AF8 series as one of the ‘Best of the Best’, as it offers an uncompromisingly clear form paired with state-of-the-art technology for breath-taking visual and acoustic experiences.”  

The BRAVIA AF8 also impresses with its purist design and a strikingly slim profile. It features an innovative and seamless integration of audio and visual components. Packed with award-winning Acoustic Surface® Technology, the AF8 series generates sound through screen vibrations, lending the unit a minimalist, sculpted feel.

Such remarkable design gives viewers the impression that the screen is almost standing on its own, and is only supported by an ultra-slim stand. All additional elements feature on the back surface in a blocked section containing two actuators and a subwoofer, with their angles aligned with the cable cover partition in geometric unity.

“The initial development of BRAVIA AF8 was quite challenging as it wasn’t easy to create a new style while taking over the DNA of the BRAVIA A1 series. After many discussions with the development team, we achieved a convincing design with only what is truly important left. We expect the AF8 to open up a new era of BRAVIA OLED,” said Yusuke Tsujita, Studio 1, Creative Centre, Sony Corporation.

Other prize-winning products include:

Red Dot Award

Wireless Headphones WF-1000X

The WF-1000X truly wireless in-ear headphones provide no cable noise and advanced noise cancelling technology. Using a smartphone app, users can easily adapt to their environments and activities. To ensure an interference-free Bluetooth connection with a mobile device, a two-part design was realised, with a laser-treated plastic piece serving as an antenna.

Digital Still Camera DSC-RX0

The DSC-RX0 digital camera unites impressive functionality in its small body, equipped with a high performance 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor and a high-resolution Zeiss Tessar lens. The housing was milled from one solid block of metal and is water and shock-resistant so that the camera can be used in the rain, in dusty environments and even underwater. The ribbing around the housing serves as a heat sink and guarantees a safe, non-slip grip.

Wireless Headphones WI-1000X

Thanks to adaptive noise cancellation, the WI-1000X wireless in-ear headphones enable a customised music experience. In connection with a smartphone app, the user’s state of activity is registered, whether in motion or waiting quietly. Also, the extent of noise cancellation and the sound settings are adjusted automatically. The dynamic 9 mm driver and an airtight balanced armature unit provide balanced sound with rich bass, as well as a clear mid-range and sparkling treble.

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Dubai Parks and Resorts Celebrates Saudi National Day Congratulates Saudi Arabia and extends warmest greetings on this special occasion

Posted on September 24, 2018 by مشرف

Dubai Parks and Resorts, the largest theme park destination in the Middle East is celebrating Saudi National Day with a unique offer on (one-day/one-park) and (one-day/two-parks) tickets to visit any of the three iconic theme parks, MOTIONGATE™ Dubai, Bollywood Parks™ Dubai, LEGOLAND® Dubai and LEGOLAND® Water Park.

The offer which is valid until 30 September, gives Saudi Nationals and residents one free ticket for every four tickets purchased to visit one of the most exciting destinations in the Middle East. So, a family of five can enjoy the destination for the price of four and children under three can enter for free.

Each of the four unique theme parks at the destination offer exciting and fun experiences for the whole family.  MOTIONGATE™ Dubai the region’s largest Hollywood-inspired theme park featuring 27 thrilling key rides and attractions inspired by 13 of Hollywood’s most memorable live action and animated films. Guests will be immersed with a diversity of rides and attractions including five thrilling roller coasters, a drop tower, a water ride, interactive play labs, 3D motion simulators, live stage shows and more

LEGOLAND® Dubai is the ultimate theme park for children 2-12 and their families in the Middle East. The park features over 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions and 15,000 LEGO model structures made from over 60 million LEGO bricks. Visitors can enjoy six themed lands, each unique in their experience, entertainment and educational offering as well as exciting skill games and building experiences in each land.

LEGOLAND® Water Park is the only water park in the region designed specifically for kids aged 2-12 and their families. The Water Park features 20 water slides and attractions, each offering a different and fun-soaked experience, including the Build-A-Raft River where children of all ages can customise their own raft using LEGO soft bricks, before floating down a lazy river with views of the entire park.  

Bollywood Parks™ Dubai is a delightful experience for Bollywood fans who want to enjoy action, adventure, romance, comedy, music and dance. Guests can also enjoy rides and attractions based on some of Bollywood’s biggest blockbusters. It is also a first of its kind theme park showcasing the authentic Bollywood movie experience, offering visitors an opportunity to take home a bit of Bollywood through the retail, F&B and overall ambience.

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Lamborghini Jeddah reveal the all-new Lamborghini Urus

Posted on September 15, 2018 by مشرف

In the presence of senior managers from Automobili Lamborghini, Lamborghini Jeddah celebrated the arrival of Lamborghini’s new model, the Lamborghini Urus, the first Super Sport Utility Vehicle, creating a new niche in the luxury segment with this all-new car with benchmarking power, performance, driving dynamics, unparalleled design, luxury and versatility.

Mohammed Sharbatly, CEO  of Group, expressed his happiness with this official launch of one of the most prestigious brands in the world. “Once again, SAMACO Automotive emphasizes its leadership in attracting luxury brands and, thanks to the Almighty, we have recently acquired the exclusive dealership of Lamborghini in Saudi Arabia to join our pool of luxury car dealerships on the one hand and to strengthen our strategic partnership with these brands on the other hand,” he said in a speech delivered on this occasion.

“We have invested all our financial capabilities and long-term experience in the management of luxury brands to serve Lamborghini and its customers, both at the level of state-of-the-art centers in Saudi Arabia’s main regions (Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province), as well as after-sale services, maintenance and customer care centers. You will notice this attention, God willing,” he added.

“We are excited to be here in Jeddah for the first of a series of launches of our Super SUV, the Lamborghini Urus, in the Kindom of Saudi Arabia. Having recently appointed Samaco as our new partner in the Kingdom, we look forward to celebrating this milestone in Lamborghini history and this new partnership in the Middle East.” said Andrea Baldi, CEO of EMEA, Automobili Lamborghini  
The Lamborghini Urus features a 4.0 liter V8 twin-turbo engine delivering 650 hp (478 kW) at 6,000 rpm, maximum 6,800 rpm, and 850 Nm of maximum torque already at 2,250 rpm. With 162.7 hp/l the Urus claims one of the highest specific power outputs in its class and the best weight-to-power ratio at 3,38 kg/hp.
The Lamborghini Urus accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 12,8 seconds and with a top speed of 305 km/h it is the fastest SUV available.

Its low-line coupé styling and commanding road position belie the very comfortable ride, higher ground clearance, and luxurious space within together with the latest technologies. The Urus provides easy driving in the city, maximum comfort during long journeys, thrilling super sports car dynamics on the road and track, and versatile off-road abilities in a range of environments. The Lamborghini Urus has a dual personality: it is multi-dimensional. It can be specified to be as sporty or as elegant as the owner wishes, and can equally be used as a daily luxury drive or provide an exhilarating super sports experience.

The first customer deliveries of the Lamborghini Urus in the Kingdom will take place from September 2018.

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Mexican Food Festival at InterContinental Riyadh.

Posted on September 15, 2018 by مشرف

A week-long Mexican food festival called ‘Mexican Gastronomic Festival’ featuring mouth-watering cuisine amid a backdrop of special ambience created to showcase the culture of that North American Country, was inaugurated by Mexican Ambassador Alfredo Miranda at the InterContinental Riyadh Hotel today.

Addressing  a  press  conference  at  the  InterContinental  Hotel, Ambassador Miranda said that “the Mexican cuisine is central to the cultural identity of whole communities that practice and transmit it from generation to generation. In fact, in Mexican homes, kitchens are the place that link families and friends together.” “The Mexican cuisine attained status by UNESCO as Humanity’s ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage´ in 2010”. said the envoy, while thanking the InterContinental Hotel for hosting the Mexican Gastronomic Festival from September 17 to 22.

Ambassador Miranda said that “the guests will have an opportunity not only to taste the authentic Mexican cuisine but also to admire Mexican handicrafts, photos from a collection and enjoy live music from a Mexican Folkloric band, during the Festival.”

Tariq Dowidar, Area General Manager for IHG Government Hotels and  General  Manager  InterContinental  Riyadh,  and  Eduardo Perez, a prominent Mexican chef and TV show host, who has flown to Riyadh for preparing authentic cuisine, also addressed the press conference. A baggage full of authentic ingredients, including spices, has been brought to Riyadh, and will be used to prepare the whole range of Mexican dishes, salads and sauces.

Giving details of the Mexican Gastronomy Festival, Tariq Dowidar said that the festival will take place in Al Bustan Restaurant of the InterContinental Hotel in Riyadh. He said that the festival is open to our guests from 7:00 pm to 11.30 pm daily from Sep 17- 22. Guests can enjoy unlimited selection of traditional Mexican starters, main courses, side dishes and desserts, soft drinks, and selected juices & traditional flavoured water.

The InterContinental Riyadh is a luxury hotel with a nine-hole Golf course in the heart of Riyadh. Guests staying or visiting the InterContinental have the option to walk around the 40 hectares of exotic green grounds and relax in the lap of nature. The hotel, which underwent a massive renovation recently, one of the key highlight is the Palms Fitness Centre, sets a new benchmark in the fitness world. The state-of-the-art fitness centre opens 24 hours. Hotel also has 13 fully-equipped meeting and event rooms including the stunning Buraidah Hall with a capacity to accommodate more than 1,500 guests or delegates for the conference.

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Sony MEA unveils world’s first Automatic Noise Cancelling splash-proof truly wireless headphones in KSA In-ear WF-SP700N headphones feature noise cancelling technology

Posted on September 15, 2018 by مشرف

Targeting sports enthusiasts and music lovers looking for stylish products, Sony Middle East and Africa (MEA) has launched the WF-SP700N, the world’s first Automatic Noise Cancelling splash-proof truly wireless noise cancelling headphones, in KSA.  

The WF-SP700N are high quality and fully functional sports headphones, and are especially beneficial for health buffs who spend large amounts of time in high intensity cardio classes or holistic yoga sessions. These truly wireless headphones can be used by anyone who is constantly on the go and needs the freedom to move around without getting caught up in wires or cables.

Hear the sounds you want

What makes the headphones perfect for people working out is the digital noise cancelling technology and the splash-proof design. Thanks to the noise cancelling technology, users can concentrate better and focus on their training, especially in a noisy gym.

WF-SP700N

When exercising outside, users can just turn on the Ambient Sound mode to stay aware of the surrounding sounds. Meanwhile back in the gym, this Ambient Sound mode also lets users hear necessary workout-related sounds, making them the perfect gym buddy. These headphones also offer the famous Sony EXTRA BASS™ sound2 that when combined with Noise Cancelling, gives music a deeper, punchier bass edge to focus on enhancing performance.

WF-SP700N

Splash-proof, secure-fit design and portability

With an IPX4 rating, the WF-SP700N headphones are splash-proof, making it possible for people to use them in the rain, or sweat while wearing them without damaging them.

The headphones fit very securely in the ears thanks to the arc supporters design. They are available in three colours including pink, black and white, which have been picked to complement any active wear outfit, and keep up with the trend of wearing sports and leisure clothes outside of the gym.

WF-SP700N

The WF-SP700N comes with a compact, one-touch-open charging case and benefits from approximately three hours of battery life plus two additional charges from their case, offering up to nine hours total in between charges.

Convenient connectivity

The WF-SP700N also has NFC one-touch connection with the case and is compatible with the Sony | Headphones Connect app, which now features “Quick Sound Settings” so users can tailor their favourite settings of equalizer and ambient sound control with two taps of the headphones button.

Sony’s Noise Cancelling headphones become smarter with the Google Assistant

Sony’s Noise Cancelling headphones will be optimised for the Google Assistant with an update. Featuring this technology, the WF-SP700N performs like a personal Google, always ready to help by asking questions, listening to music, making calls and hearing incoming messages.

Users can ask questions and do things, making it their own personal Google, always ready to help.

The WF-SP700N is now available in KSA at a price of SAR699.

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Sony unveils new products at IFA 2018

Posted on September 15, 2018 by مشرف

At the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin, Germany, scheduled to begin from Friday, August 31, Sony Corporation is set to showcase an array of its latest products featuring cutting-edge technology.

At the Sony press conference held on Thursday, August 30, in advance of IFA’s official opening, Kenichiro Yoshida, President and CEO of Sony Corporation stressed that Sony will enhance both creator and user engagement as per its corporate direction to “getting closer to people.” He added, “Our electronics products play the vital role of connecting creators that produce stunning audio and visual contents with users who enjoy them.” He then stressed that “In addition to capturing ‘Reality’ through the pursuit of high-fidelity audio and high-definition video technologies, going forward, I believe it is equally important for Sony to also deliver ‘Real-time’ value. Real-time describes the concept of ‘this-moment-in-time’ or ‘live-ness.’” Following this, Ichiro Takagi, Senior Executive Vice President in charge of Home Entertainment & Sound Business stated that “Through the best images and sound possible, we want to fully convey the creator’s intent, and provide the ultimate audiovisual experience to users.” He then introduced Sony’s latest TV and audio products.

A video of the press conference can be streamed at the following URL:

www.sony.co.uk/electronics/ifa

Main Products Being Showcased

Home Entertainment & Sound

Sony unveiled WH-1000XM3, the newest addition to the 1000X series of wireless noise cancelling headphones. This new model boasts major improvements to its industry-leading Noise Cancellation technology*1 with the newly-developed HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 to deliver approximately four times greater performance. The newly-developed component can not only negate low-range noises from airplanes, but also further cancels mid to high-range noise such as street noise and human voices.

The inclusion of a high quality internal headphone amp for the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 realizes stunning high sound quality. Customers can comfortably immerse themselves in their music anytime, anywhere. Elsewhere in the wireless headphone category, Sony showed off the WF-SP900 truly wireless sports headphones. The water-proof*2 and dust-proof*3 WF-SP900 features an internal memory, letting customers play music from their smartphone with Bluetooth® connection or no device at all, even while swimming in the ocean.

Sony’s Signature Series represents the culmination of Sony’s most refined technologies in pursuit of sound excellence. Its array of audio products brings music to life just as the artist intended. In this category, Sony added the DMP-Z1 digital music player and the IER-Z1R in-ear stereo headphones. DMP-Z1 utilizes a high-output analog amplifier and a unique independent power system to deliver the ultimate sound. IER-Z1R boasts a frequency response of up to 100 kHz playback for an unprecedented level of immersiveness.

Sony will also introduce the IER-M9 and IER-M7 in-ear stage monitor headphones initially in the US and Asia*4 starting this autumn, which deliver the sound quality, sound isolation, and stable fit that artists seek during a live performance.

In the TV category, Sony announced the launch of the BRAVIA® MASTER Series in Europe from September, which seeks to fully convey the creators’ intent as originally envisioned. The AF9 series of 4K OLED TVs and the ZF9 series of 4K LCD TVs are equipped with the Picture Processor X1™ Ultimate that features approximately twice the real-time processing capabilities of the current high-end  models. It brings out the very best of OLED and LCD display features.

The AF9 series comes equipped with the Pixel Contrast Booster, which faithfully reproduces pictures with deep blacks and high luminance. The unique and advanced audio technology, Acoustic Surface Audio+ realizes new immersion through the addition of an actuator to the center of the screen, as well as a TV Center Speaker Mode*5 that makes the sound audible right from the center of the screen.

At the venue, Sony will also conduct a demonstration using its suite of voice assistant-compatible AV devices, which can play music, provide news or other information, and control IoT devices such as room lights.

The demo will introduce WH-1000XM3 wireless noise cancelling headphones, BRAVIA*6 with a built-in microphone that enables hands-free voice search, the EXTRA BASS™ series SRS-XB501G smart speaker with the Google Assistant built-in, the HT-ZF9 sound bar with Amazon Alexa control compatibility*7, and more. Sony’s ever more convenient and diverse array of voice assistant-compatible devices will be shown off in a host of different indoor and outdoor scenarios.

Seed Acceleration Program (SAP)

FES Watch U was born out of Sony’s Seed Acceleration Program (SAP), which creates startup projects and supports their business operations. It will be available for purchase in Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and Spain from mid-September. FES Watch U is a fashion watch that uses e-paper on the watch face and wrist strap. Users can switch between their favorite designs with only the push of a button. In order to showcase the new possibilities stemming from the combination of technology and fashion, Sony will also be displaying concept shoes (prototype), with an outsole and N logo whose design can be changed. These were developed using the 247v2 shoes from New Balance.

FES Watch U official website: http://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/fes-watch-u-collection/fes-wa1

Concept Shoes special website: https://fashion-entertainments.com/nb247/en/

AI x Robotics

At the venue, autonomous entertainment robot aibo is displayed in Europe for the first time. Since its Japan launch in January 2018, aibo has reached over 2 million units produced and shipped, and is set to launch in the United States this September. In the AI and Robotics domain, several projects are showing steady progress, and Sony will continue delivering new ideas that expand what is possible in the field of electronics by combining its imaging and audio technologies, sensors, and mechatronics with AI, robotics, mobile communications, and more.

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