< Previous40 edge_ june 2023 3 ways telcos can be innovative and sustainable I n one way or another, most people across the globe are ‘addicted’ to online connections and experiences. Whether instantly streaming a movie or downloading a file to a laptop – the slightest delay in connectivity causes frustration. As a result, consumers seek a network provider who offers the most innovative products and services, while at an affordable price. However, the public is also becoming more environmentally conscious and some will avoid brands that don’t have strong green credentials. This leaves the telco industry at an inflection point. Telcos need to continue to innovate to satisfy ‘the connected consumer’. However, they also need to be mindful of the considerable energy consumption they are responsible for, and the knock-on effects to the bottom line this causes as energy prices skyrocket around the world. The consumption conundrum I believe that service providers can continue to innovate while creating a greener, better telco industry. Currently, the telco industry is one of the world’s largest energy consumers, which, according to the Future of Commerce, accounts for four percent of global consumption. This enormous power draw dramatically increases the industry’s carbon footprint. With rising energy prices, telco networks cannot afford to continue at this pace. Fortunately, this isn’t a problem the industry is taking lying down. Telco energy use is reducing as we speak. In fact, three of Europe’s biggest telco operators, BT, Orange, and Telefonica, consumed less energy throughout 2021 than they did in 2016. Action is being taken. Within telecommunications, the actual networks themselves are responsible for consuming the largest amount of energy. Most energy-saving initiatives are, therefore, focused on modernising these networks from end to end. Upgrading networks to 5G is a fantastic example of this, as it carries many energy- saving benefits while providing better experiences for consumers. I believe the overarching solution to reducing energy consumption is modernisation, prioritising operational efficiency and cost reduction —things the industry is already doing in varying degrees. Carriers can continue furthering their own sustainability efforts without compromising on the needs of ‘connected consumers’. Here are three considerations: 1. TURNING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES Carbon emissions are created from the smallest of tasks, like emailing or searching for something on the web. However, with 4.1 billion people connected to the internet, this small amount of Co2 quickly adds up. As electricity prices increase across Europe, sourcing strategic sustainable energy is a must. By Joe Baguley CTO EMEA, VMware 5G Telcos must strive to innovate to meet the demands of the ‘connected consumer,’ while ensuring to a better, greener industry opinionedge_ june 2023 41 opinion Transitioning to a renewable energy supply will reduce costs and ease reliance on energy sources that are liable to price swings influenced by global events. Once again, Orange is thinking this way and recently announced its plans to build a solar farm to increase access to renewable energy. 2. UPGRADING TO 5G NETWORKS Over the past ten years, we’ve witnessed many successful implementations of 5G for a range of telco clients like Vodafone and Telia. Upgrading to 5G networks enables telcos to provide better consumer connectivity while reducing network consumption. For example, 5G networks are software-defined, which allows for resources to be allocated efficiently, reducing energy consumption. Thanks to 3rd Generation Partnership Projects (3GPP), a group of organisations that set the standards and specifications for 5G, these networks include energy-saving features. These mechanisms reduce consumption by switching off cells or functions within a network. An example of this is ‘cell switching’, which allows 5G devices to switch cells depending on signal strength and quality. We are developing solutions, such as our RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller), to further 3GPP’s 5G features. 5G networks also use edge computing, which reduces the amount of data that needs to be communicated over long distances. However, due to 5G’s speed and efficiency, data surges spur consumption at the edge of a network. We are developing edge solutions to move closer to where these services are consumed, to make networks more efficient. Building, running, managing, and connecting via edge- native applications will be critical for telcos to overcome their challenge and deliver innovation for consumers. For example, edge computing coupled with 5G has enabled VR and AR to improve rapidly – providing the ability to render an environment in real time. This has enhanced services across industries from healthcare to education, delivering better consumer outcomes. We are also developing solutions, such as our RIC (RAN Intelligent Controller), which allows programmability of the RAN to reduce power consumption at certain times of the day to further 3GPP’s 5G features. With built-in capabilities and a range of energy saving features, upgrading to 5G is non-negotiable for telcos looking to prioritise sustainability and innovation. 3. DEPLOYING CUTTING-EDGE VIRTUALISATION Numerous brilliant minds are engineering incredible solutions that boost innovation and sustainability. We are lucky enough to have many of these minds in our engineering teams. As a result, our innovations are helping customers reduce their environmental impact while improving a range of offerings. Just think, virtualisation technology is helping reduce impact on operations while boosting productivity. For telcos, virtualisation can be most effective when reproducing a physical network, allowing applications to run virtually, facilitating increased efficiency, reduced operating costs, faster workloads, greater application performance, and higher server availability. If not already, telcos must integrate virtualisation technology into their stack to increase sustainability and productivity. A positive sustainable outlook Modernising networks from end to end to keep pace with today’s consumer, while prioritising sustainability, is a challenge best met head-on. Once telcos turn towards one, or all the steps mentioned above, the industry’s sustainability outlook will quickly turn positive, and other sectors will follow suit. The telco industry is doing an amazing job transforming its operations to create a better, greener industry. Despite skyrocketing energy prices and speculations of a recession, we aren’t seeing our telco customers cut investments into ingenuity and sustainability. Instead, we are witnessing a shift in the rationale for investments, where innovation and sustainability are now the top priority. Our vision is to enable telcos to build a more sustainable, equitable, and secure digital future for all. 5G Telcos are prioritising sustainability efforts while enhancing consumer connectivity “Telcos need to continue to innovate to satisfy ‘the connected consumer’”42 edge_ june 2023 opinion Embracing cloud-driven smart governance C loud computing has revolutionised the IT industry over the past decade, enabling businesses to outsource many of their IT functions to remote servers, reduce operational costs, improve efficiencies, and enhance flexibility. While the private sector has been quick to adopt cloud-based solutions, the public sector has been slower in its uptake. However, this trend is slowly changing as more and more governments and public institutions in the EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) region are embracing cloud services to drive innovation, streamline operations, and achieve cost-savings. Traditional on-premise IT systems are expensive to acquire, install, and maintain, and require significant IT personnel resources to operate effectively. In contrast, managed cloud services eliminate the need for large capital investments in IT infrastructure and reduce operational costs by providing a pay- per-use model. According to a survey conducted by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) in 2020, cost savings were cited as the most significant driver for cloud adoption among public sector organisations in the EU. For example, in EMEA our public sector customers are showing their need to accelerate their cloud adoption, differentiating their cloud deployments between public cloud and sovereign cloud, depending on the sensitivity of the information and services managed. Cloud services offer several advantages, such as scalability, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use, making them an increasingly popular choice for businesses and individuals looking to leverage technology to achieve their goals. Improving agility and responsiveness Managed cloud services can help public sector institutions to improve their agility and By Michele Cito Director Partner Sales Regional, Red Hat Cloud computing has transformed the IT industry, however, the public sector continues to lag behind in adopting solutions CLOUDedge_ june 2023 43 opinion responsiveness to changing business environments. Cloud-based solutions offer enhanced flexibility, scalability, and availability, enabling organisations to rapidly adapt to changing business environments without worrying about the constraints imposed by traditional IT infrastructure. For instance, the Covid-19 pandemic has encouraged many public sector organisations to rapidly adapt to remote work environments, which would have been almost impossible without the use of cloud-based applications. Another significant benefit of cloud adoption is improved data security and compliance. Cloud providers invest heavily in cybersecurity and data protection, providing organisations with robust security measures and reliable backup solutions. Additionally, cloud services can help public sector organisations comply with data privacy and regulatory requirements such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which mandates strict privacy and data protection measures for EU citizens. Despite the many advantages of cloud adoption, public sector organisations in EMEA face specific challenges when transitioning to the cloud. One of the biggest obstacles is the complex regulatory environment, which often differs across regions and countries. Moreover, many public sector organisations face resistance from IT personnel who are hesitant to embrace new technologies and processes; this challenge can be overcome by investing in staff training and development programmes. In addition, digital sovereignty is a growing concern as companies and governments are increasingly relying on cloud providers to store and process their data. The issue arises from the fact that cloud providers, often located in other countries, have access to sensitive data and can be subject to the laws and regulations of their own jurisdictions. To address this issue, there is a need to establish policies and regulations that promote digital sovereignty, such as data localisation requirements and the development of domestic cloud services, while also ensuring that international data flows are not unduly restricted. In conclusion, the public sector adoption of cloud computing services in EMEA is picking up pace, driven by cost savings, increased agility, and data protection benefits. Although challenges remain, public sector institutions that proactively embrace cloud technologies can gain significant benefits in terms of operational efficiencies, cost savings, and improved security. With the right strategies and investments, the public sector can deliver more responsive and cost-effective services to citizens, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Challenge Digital sovereignty remain a top concern for governments Advantages Cloud enables organisations to innovate and streamline operations “One of the biggest obstacles is the complex regulatory environment, which often differs across regions and countries”44 edge_ june 2023 gadgeteatch HUAWEI: P60 Pro Huawei P60 Pro is a product that caters to photography enthusiasts. The phone comes with an Ultra Lighting XMAGE Camera system. With the 48MP Ultra Lighting Telephoto Camera, users can zoom in on far-away objects in low light and take well-lit pictures with vivid colours and excellent details. Combined with the HUAWEI XD Fusion Texture Engine, this high level of light input allows the camera to capture exceptional detail across various lighting conditions. The phone also boasts highly durable Kunlun Glass, designed to withstand the rigours of daily use. This glass has undergone a high-temperature nanocrystal growth process, giving it ten times better drop resistance. The Kunlun Glass, along with the IP68 water resistance, ensures the longevity of the phone, making it as durable as it is stylish. Available across the GCC Price starts at AED 3,999edge_ june 2023 45 OPPO’s new foldable phone, the Find N2 Flip, will be among the first smartphones to receive the new Google Android 14 Beta 1 update. Developers and early adopters can get their hands on the developer’s version of ColorOS, which is built around the first beta of Android 14, to experiment with new features and APIs. Android 14 offers intuitive system user interfaces, such as the new mid-display back arrow and an improved system share sheet. The system also allows apps to limit the visibility of specified views only to accessibility services, which strengthens users’ privacy. The flip phone boasts one of the largest cover screens of its kind with the most invisible crease, New Generation Flexion Hinge and a day-long battery life with SUPERVOOC flash charging. Available globally Price starts at AED 3,999 pters can get their hands on the hich is built around the ment with new features em user interfaces, such w and an improved o allows apps to ws only OPPO: Find N2 Flip NEBULA: Capsule 3 Anker Innovations launched the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser Portable Projector in the UAE. The Capsule 3, powered by Dolby Digital Speaker, offers Hi-Fi 360° Cinematic Sound and Laser-Bright 300 ANSI Lumens in a portable package. At the heart of the Capsule 3 is its powerful laser engine, which offers 1080p Laser HD Clarity and delivers a brightness of 300 ANSI Lumens. The projector is compact and portable. It is 90 percent smaller and lighter than similar projectors, weighing only 950 grams. Additionally, users may play videos for up to 2.5 hours on a single charge with its built- in 52W battery. Available in the UAE Price starts at AED 3,999 gadget watch46 edge_ june 2023 SONY: SRS-XV800 The SRS-XV800 is a speaker built to party with loud and clear sound. This speaker provides a powerful and room-filling sound. The SRS-XV800 features Omni-directional Party Sound that carries powerful sound to every corner of the room. Five tweeters deliver clear sound to both the front and rear of the speaker. Plus, it’s all backed up with punchy bass you can feel, with its dual X-Balanced Speaker Units. Sony’s X-Balanced Speaker unit features an almost rectangular diaphragm that not only maximises the area of the speaker diaphragm but also increases sound pressure for deeper and punchier bass, less distortion and greater vocal clarity for a richer, clearer and more rewarding listening experience. Available from 29 May in the UAE and 12 June in other GCC countries GOOGLE: Pixel Fold Google confirmed the launch of its first foldable smartphone, the Pixel Fold, with a teaser clip, confirming the designs consistent with the images circulating over the past few months. The secondary screen of ‘Pixel Fold’ is expected to be 5.80 inches when folded, while the primary screen could be as large as 7.60 inches. However, the primary display’s bezels appear to be quite thick. Reports suggest that the Pixel Fold will be powered by the Google Tensor G2 processor. It is also expected to have a durable hinge, reportedly “the most durable hinge on a foldable.” Available for pre-orders in the US Price starts at $1,700 gadget watchedge_ june 2023 47 ACER: ebii Available in EMEA from September Price starts at $1,999 The Acer ebii is an AI-driven single-motor e-bike that utilises an intelligent vehicle control box that houses everything you need for an enjoyable and effortless ride. ebiiAssist automatically adapts to route conditions, pedalling power and rider preferences for a smoother journey. Its long-lasting battery, smart safety features, and minimalistic lightweight design enable users to navigate through the city streets in style and comfort with ease, while leaving a smaller carbon footprint. The wheel set at the motor position has a strong single-sided fork design and a highly-efficient 250/350W motor with 48V CAN bus and 40 Nm torque performance, enabling assisted riding of up to 25 kilometres per hour, and can be configured as a front, centre, or rear hub according to the rider’s needs. The bike’s AI-powered ebiiAssist function adapts to the rider’s pedalling power, riding conditions, and preferred level of assistance, while intelligently adapting over time for a more personalised experience. During rides, the controller leverages its AI technology to automatically adjust motor output to provide effortless riding based on users’ pedalling and route environment. gadget watch48 edge_ june 2023 review Acer Swift Edge 16: Sleek with a powerful punch W hen you unbox the Acer Swift Edge 16, the first thing you’ll immediately notice is its lightweight design. At 2.58 pounds, the Acer Swift Edge is as light as 16-inch laptops get. The device has a design that is both functional and stylish. Its rectangular body is adorned with a discreet silver Acer logo on the lid, giving it a clean and minimalist look. The back of the lid is seamless, with no contrasting panels or additional lights. When you open it up, the thin bezel adds to its stylish look, and the backlit keyboard and moderately sized trackpad make it easy to use. The Acer Swift Edge 16’s display is among the We take a closer look at the Acer Swift Edge 16, a slim and stylish laptop that offers strong productivity performance By Adelle Geronimo LAPTOPedge_ june 2023 49 review standout features of this laptop. It boasts an HDR OLED screen with a 16:10 resolution that’s not too far off from 4K, and a brightness output of 500 nits. It hits the DCI-P3 colour gamut, and is generally nice to look at. It also comes with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 and TÜV Rheinland Eyesafe display certifications, ensuring a comfortable and extended viewing experience. The screen hinge, however, doesn’t allow the laptop to lay flat. If you’re someone who works in different lighting conditions, the display is bright enough to be easily used. Also, it’s not a touchscreen, so it won’t get coated in fingerprints. Performance and battery life The Acer Swift Edge packs a powerful punch with its AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processors, which offer seamless and responsive performance that meets all your business needs and go-to applications. It comes with a 54W battery that is touted to last for more than 10 hours. However, during our testing, we found that it could only sustain a typical day of use, with a mix of apps, for about seven hours before needing a recharge. Connectivity and security In terms of connectivity, the device comes equipped with Wi-Fi 6E for high-speed wireless connections and file sharing, and a smooth 4K streaming experience. It also has a variety of ports on the outside edges, including two USB 4 Type-C ports, each of which can also connect to a monitor and charge the machine. There’s also a full-size HDMI 2.1 port capable of 10K output, although we had some trouble getting a signal on our test machine. Two additional USB 3 ports provide plenty of opportunity to connect to a docking station if you’re working at a desk. Unfortunately, there’s no Ethernet socket, so you’ll need a dock to use this feature. The laptop also has a tiny webcam located at the top edge of the screen that boasts a 1080p resolution and utilises advanced noise-reduction technology in both the sensor and microphone. As for security, while the Acer Swift Edge doesn’t support Windows Hello for face- recognition unlocking its power button integrates a fingerprint reader. Final thoughts Overall, the Acer Swift Edge 16 is an impressively lightweight and slim device that delivers strong productivity performance, satisfactory battery life, and an outstanding visual experience. Next >