分类： technology

In a stark warning about the growing threat of deepfake technology, UAE officials have highlighted the potential dangers of manipulated videos, which are becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from reality. Speaking at Gitex Global 2025, Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, emphasized the global scale of this challenge. He shared an anecdote about a dinner conversation where attendees debated whether to adopt a cat after watching a deepfake video of a cat fending off a bear. Al Olama warned that such deceptive content could influence critical decisions, from voting in elections to sharing sensitive information. Meanwhile, Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, cautioned residents and investors against trusting social media videos falsely depicting him endorsing specific investments. He clarified that such videos are deepfakes and urged the public to remain vigilant. Both ministers stressed the need for global collaboration to address the issue, including the implementation of watermarks to identify deepfake content. Al Olama also highlighted the importance of upskilling the public and fostering a global dialogue to combat the misuse of AI technology.

After nearly two decades of speculation, Microsoft has finally unveiled its handheld gaming console, the ROG Xbox Ally, marking a significant entry into the portable gaming market. Designed to compete with industry giants like Nintendo and PlayStation, the device promises a unique blend of Xbox and PC gaming experiences. Priced at £499 for the base model and £799 for the more advanced ROG Xbox Ally X, the console is not just a gaming device but a portable Windows PC, offering compatibility with a vast library of PC games alongside Xbox’s Game Pass subscription service. The device’s dual functionality allows users to play both Xbox and PC games, though it comes with the inherent challenges of PC gaming, such as compatibility issues and the need for manual adjustments. The ROG Xbox Ally features a comfortable controller design, a decent LCD display, and solid performance for most modern games. However, its reliance on Windows 11 introduces some drawbacks, including mandatory updates and a lack of the polished user experience typically expected from premium gaming devices. While the console excels in offering Game Pass on-the-go and access to a massive game library, its high price and late market entry raise questions about its ability to stand out in an already crowded handheld gaming space. As Microsoft targets tech-savvy gamers, the ROG Xbox Ally’s success will depend on whether its unique features can justify its cost and compete with established rivals like the Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is poised to lead the next decade with a generation of digital-first natives, according to Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. Speaking at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meetings of the Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity, Al Olama emphasized the transformative potential of this tech-savvy generation in addressing global challenges such as climate change and social inequality. He urged global leaders to adopt bold, forward-thinking strategies, rejecting the tendency to dwell on past limitations. Al Olama highlighted the UAE’s own journey, from a modest vision in 1991 to its current leadership in AI and blockchain innovation. He underscored the importance of audacious visions, citing the UAE’s success in creating a blockchain network that mobilized 20 gigawatts of power globally in just 12 years. Addressing concerns about AI, Al Olama provided data-driven optimism, noting that AI-generated content has plateaued at 52% online, countering fears of an AI takeover. He concluded by sharing a powerful lesson from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: ‘If you don’t have a vision, you will be part of someone else’s vision.’ The UAE’s commitment to innovation and its digital-first approach positions it as a global leader in shaping the future.

In a groundbreaking leap for wearable technology, Dubai-based deep tech startup XPANCEO is pioneering the development of the world’s first invisible, AI-powered smart contact lens. This innovative device seamlessly integrates augmented reality (AR), biosensing, and human vision into a single interface, potentially revolutionizing how we interact with technology. Recently, XPANCEO secured a staggering $250 million in Series A funding, valuing the company at $1.35 billion — the largest such round in the UAE and Mena region and among the top three globally in AR/VR and wearables. Roman Axelrod, XPANCEO’s founder, envisions this technology as more than a mere advancement; it’s a paradigm shift in human-tech interaction. Unlike smartphones or wearables, which often disrupt our engagement with the world, smart contact lenses merge directly with our senses, offering a seamless and intuitive experience. Over the next decade, XPANCEO aims to transition these lenses from lab prototypes to practical tools, with initial applications in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and mobility. The company’s minimalist approach sets it apart from tech giants like Apple and Meta, focusing on consolidating devices rather than adding to them. XPANCEO has already developed 20 working prototypes, featuring integrated microbatteries, biosensors, and AR displays. By 2026, the company plans to merge these components into a unified lens, paving the way for pre-clinical and human trials. With a strong emphasis on privacy, security, and ethics, XPANCEO is committed to ensuring its lenses meet the highest medical and regulatory standards. The company will showcase its vision at GITEX GLOBAL 2025 in Dubai, offering a glimpse into the future of personal technology.