Author: Sam Allcock

Google’s latest artificial intelligence tool, Gemini Nano Banana, is being hailed as a breakthrough in image editing—but not everyone is celebrating. While the model has impressed technologists with its ability to outperform rivals such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Elon Musk’s Grok, it has also triggered a new wave of anxiety among artists worldwide. The clash between AI innovation and creative industries is long-standing. Yet, Nano Banana’s capabilities—such as generating base sketches, building comic panels in specific styles, and producing poses and reactions from a single illustration—have intensified the debate. Many fear that the technology will further blur the line between…

Dubai is moving rapidly toward its ambition of becoming one of the world’s leading cashless economies, with officials targeting 90% of all transactions to be digital by 2026. The drive, part of the broader Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), was formally launched under the Dubai Cashless strategy in October 2024. Authorities see the project as central to positioning Dubai as a global hub for digital finance and investment, supported by partnerships across government agencies and the private sector. Digital milestones Since its launch, Dubai has already made significant strides. In 2023, collaborations with Network International and the Dubai Digital Economy Chamber…

Chinese scientists have successfully developed glowing succulent plants that can illuminate their surroundings, marking a major step in the quest to create bioluminescent ecosystems inspired by nature. The breakthrough, described by Popular Science, draws inspiration from naturally glowing organisms such as jellyfish, mushrooms, plankton, and certain species of fish. Researchers say the new development brings the dream of living, light-emitting environments closer to reality. In 2024, biotechnology company Light Bio created a petunia nicknamed “Firefly,” which glowed faintly in green. While considered a breakthrough at the time, its light was too dim for practical use. The new Chinese project goes…

Qatar Foundation’s BilAraby initiative has launched its first open translation workshop, bringing together translators, volunteers, and language enthusiasts to expand the reach of Arabic content worldwide. Held on Saturday at Multaqa, the Education City Student Center, the event gathered 25 participants for hands-on training with AI-powered translation tools and in-depth discussions on the project’s long-term vision. The workshop also saw the selection and training of BilAraby ambassadors, who will lead and mentor volunteer teams in future translation projects. Since its inception, BilAraby has drawn nearly 400 volunteers from across the globe, with around 80 based in Qatar. Volunteers support translation,…

ARB Emirates, the leading regional brand for four-wheel-drive accessories and outdoor gear, has unveiled its latest line-up of adventure-ready products at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2025. The event, which runs from 30 August to 7 September at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), marks the company’s 16th consecutive participation and coincides with a milestone year: ARB’s 50th global anniversary and nearly 35 years of partnership with Al Masaood Group in the UAE. Taking centre stage at ARB’s stand (9-010) is the highly anticipated Earth Camper, making its Gulf debut. Designed for rugged terrains and…

Samsung Electronics has announced the launch of the Galaxy Buds3 FE, its latest addition to the wireless earbuds lineup, aimed at making premium audio features more accessible to a wider audience. The new earbuds, which will be available from 5 September, bring together Samsung’s signature design language and expanded functionality with the introduction of artificial intelligence-powered features. The Galaxy Buds3 FE combine an updated Blade design with enhanced sound, noise cancellation, and improved call quality. Samsung said the model reflects its mission to “expand audio innovation to more people” by offering a balance of advanced performance and value. Enhanced audio…

Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation has announced that it will unify the brand logo of its industrial gas business worldwide, in a move aimed at reinforcing global recognition and aligning the company’s identity across markets. The Tokyo-based group, led by President and CEO Toshihiko Hamada, said the change would be implemented in stages, meaning both the new and old logos will appear concurrently for a period of time. The decision underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening its corporate value, achieving sustainable growth, and presenting itself as a single, coherent global brand. Until now, Nippon Sanso’s industrial gas businesses have operated under…

Academy Award-winning actor Tilda Swinton has been unveiled as the face of Tom Ford’s latest fragrance, Black Orchid Reserve, in a cinematic campaign that highlights themes of rarity and transformation. Swinton, celebrated for her fearless artistry and transformative screen presence, described the collaboration as “a profound honour.” She added:“Transformation, the blurring of boundaries and the celebration of magical properties have always drawn me close; Black Orchid Reserve is precisely such an enchantment.” The campaign, launching on 1 September, was created under the direction of Tom Ford’s creative director Haider Ackermann. Shot by photographers Inez and Vinoodh, the visuals portray Swinton…

In a spectacle that blended sport, culture, and community pride, Times Square turned into a cricket pitch for the first time in history during India Day celebrations on August 16, 2025. The event, led by Cricmax Connect and the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) NY-NJ-CT-NE, marked a symbolic moment in cricket’s growing journey across the United States. The three-day India Day celebrations began on 15 August, with a ceremonial flag hoisting at the Consulate General of India in New York. Dignitaries and community leaders attended the ceremony, which also honoured U.S. national players Saiteja Mukkamalla and Jessy Singh for their…

Turkish star Kerem Bürsin is returning to the small screen with Çarpıntı, a new drama on Star TV that promises a deeply emotional storyline and a strong ensemble cast. The series, produced by OGM Pictures, is set to premiere on 7 September. Bürsin, best known internationally for his role in Sen Çal Kapımı (Love is in the Air), takes on a lead role alongside rising actress Lizge Cömert. The series also features acclaimed actors Sibel Taşçıoğlu and Deniz Çakır, adding further weight to the production. A story of survival and fate At the heart of Çarpıntı is the story of…