分类： technology

Deode, a global technology manufacturer with production facilities in Spain, China, and Mexico, is set to introduce its innovative ‘Free for Life’ smartphones in the UAE under the brand de.free. This initiative aims to redefine digital connectivity by offering lifetime access to calls, internet, and apps without the need for SIM cards, top-ups, or contracts. The company plans to integrate local telecom connectivity into its proprietary hardware, ensuring seamless user experience.

Led by Filipe Camejo, CEO of Deode Global, the executive team will participate in the igKnightED’25 event this November as the Innovation Partner. They will engage with investors, regulators, distributors, and telecom operators to discuss partnerships and secure regulatory approvals. Deode’s disruptive ODM+ business model combines in-house manufacturing with software innovation, offering integrated products that merge hardware, connectivity, and digital ecosystems.

The de.free devices will come preloaded with social media apps, mobile wallets, and remittance solutions, catering to the UAE’s large working-class and expatriate population. Retail prices are expected to range between €125–€250, targeting mass affordability while maintaining premium build quality and user experience.

Daniel Poveda, chairman of Deode Global, stated, ‘Our goal is to eliminate financial and structural barriers to communication. The UAE represents an ideal hub for innovation — a nation that embraces technology and inclusion. By partnering with local telecoms, fintechs, and retail networks, we aim to deliver sustainable, accessible connectivity to millions.’

Deode, valued at €337 million, operates across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, offering a comprehensive range of consumer technology products, including tablets, kids’ smart tables, and AI-powered devices.

China has taken decisive action against the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating misleading marketing content. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced on Friday that it has penalized a series of online accounts that utilized AI to impersonate public figures in livestreams and short videos. These accounts were found to be engaged in false promotion and online infringement, significantly harming the online ecosystem and generating negative impacts. The CAC has also urged online platforms to intensify their efforts in combating such activities, resulting in the punishment of over 11,000 impersonation accounts to date. The regulator emphasized its commitment to holding platforms accountable and maintaining a stringent enforcement stance against AI-enabled impersonation in livestream sales. A recent incident involving an AI-generated deepfake of Chinese actress Wen Zhengrong, used by unscrupulous merchants to impersonate her in livestream sales, sparked widespread online discussion. The deepfake was so convincing that it appeared as though Wen was simultaneously hosting multiple livestreams, promoting different products while wearing different outfits. The CAC’s actions underscore China’s proactive approach to regulating the ethical use of AI and protecting the integrity of online content.

China has marked a significant advancement in aerospace technology with the successful flight test of its first domestically developed, ultra-lightweight miniature turbojet engine, primarily manufactured using 3D printing. The Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) announced the milestone on Thursday, revealing that the engine powered a target drone for a 30-minute flight, reaching an altitude of 6,000 meters and a speed of Mach 0.75. The engine demonstrated stable and reliable performance throughout the test. This achievement follows an earlier captive-carry flight test conducted in July 2025, further validating the engine’s capabilities in higher altitudes and complex environments. The engine, which falls within the 160-kilogram thrust class, utilizes multi-disciplinary topology optimization and 3D printing technologies to achieve its lightweight and high-performance design. Over 75% of the engine’s weight consists of 3D-printed rotating parts, significantly reducing the number of components, lowering weight, and simplifying maintenance. This breakthrough paves the way for future developments targeting higher altitudes and greater speeds, while also accelerating China’s progress in independent research and manufacturing of aviation propulsion systems.

In a significant leap for defence technology, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to develop AI-powered autonomous drones. The partnership involves American high-tech arms developer Anduril Industries and Abu Dhabi’s EDGE Group, marking a pivotal moment in the UAE’s quest to enhance its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and integrate cutting-edge artificial intelligence into aerial warfare systems. The joint venture will focus on designing and producing a new generation of combat-ready drones, named Omen, at a state-of-the-art 50,000-square-foot research and development centre in Abu Dhabi. The UAE is set to acquire the first 50 units, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering home-grown advanced defence technologies. The Omen drone, characterized by its sleek and lightweight design, combines the vertical take-off capabilities of a helicopter with the range and speed of an airplane, making it ideal for deployment in diverse terrains, including maritime patrols, border security, and disaster relief. Shane Arnott, Anduril’s senior vice-president, emphasized that the project aims to disrupt traditional maritime patrol and special mission aircraft systems. Under the agreement, EDGE gains access to Anduril’s Lattice AI operating system, an advanced software platform enabling real-time coordination of multiple autonomous aircraft through a 3D command-and-control network. This AI-driven architecture is expected to provide militaries with unparalleled situational awareness and coordination, potentially revolutionizing air combat strategies. The Omen project is the first of several systems anticipated to emerge from this partnership, with EDGE investing nearly $200 million and Anduril committing $850 million in prior technology development. Production is slated to begin by 2028, with prototypes set for testing in the UAE next year. This collaboration builds on the US-UAE defence partnership announced during President Donald Trump’s visit to Abu Dhabi in May, which aims to promote joint capability development between the two allies. Since the launch of EDGE in 2019, the UAE has been steadily advancing its defence industry, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and boosting exports of advanced military technology. For Anduril, founded by tech entrepreneur Palmer Luckey, this venture reflects growing confidence in the UAE’s defence ecosystem. For Abu Dhabi, it solidifies its position as a regional innovation hub for next-generation autonomous systems, where artificial intelligence and air power converge to shape the future of warfare.

The tech world is abuzz with mixed reactions from UAE influencers following Apple’s unveiling of the iPhone Pocket, a unique 3D-knitted accessory designed in collaboration with fashion icon Issey Miyake. Scheduled for release on Friday, the product has sparked a range of opinions, from admiration for its boldness to amusement over its unconventional design. Priced between Dh550 and Dh845, the iPhone Pocket is designed to accommodate any iPhone and other pocketable items, offering both long and short strap options. However, Apple has confirmed that the product will not be available in the UAE, leaving local tech enthusiasts curious about its potential future launch. Prominent UAE-based tech influencer Emkwan praised the product as a trendsetter, highlighting Apple’s move into lifestyle accessories. Meanwhile, tech geek Aaron Jon acknowledged the product’s practicality despite its initial strangeness, noting its alignment with modern demands for hands-free convenience. Tech blogger Saurabh Kishu speculated that Apple is testing the waters with limited releases, suggesting that the UAE’s appetite for premium and fashion-tech items could drive future demand. Online, the product has been met with both amusement and skepticism, with some users comparing it to a “cut-up sock” while others appreciated its nod to Apple’s history. Emkwan also emphasized the significance of the Issey Miyake collaboration, recalling Steve Jobs’ fondness for the designer. Aaron Jon predicted that the iPhone Pocket could pave the way for similar innovations, as the demand for convenience continues to shape tech trends.