< Previoustech tips 3030303033303030333033030303000303003000303000000 eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeddddddddgdgdgdgdgdgdgdgdgedgedgedgedgedgedgedgedgedgedgeddddgdggedgedgedgedgegegegedgegdgdgegegeddggggegeddgdgeegdedgegedgeededeegeeggsssesesepsepsesepsepsepsepepssppsptetttetetemememememmmmtemmmmmemmmmmmbbbbbbebebebebeberbberbbrrr 2222202020202000020202020222200222222002202022002222022222222003333333333 ways to stay safe when downloading apps 5 SECURITY 30 edge_september 2023 How to enjoy mobile apps worry-free_september 2023 tech tips edededdededededededededgedgedgedgedgedgedgedgedgedededdedgedgedgedgedggededgedgedgeeedgedgedgdgedgedgedgedgeedggdgedgedgedggeddgdgedgggdgdggdgdgdgedgdgggdgggdgggggggggggggeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssepepeppsspsseeepseppeppsssepepeppssssessepepepsssepsepepsepeppsepseeepsepsepsepsepsepsepsepesepsepsetemtemtemtemtemtemttemememememmmmmmmmmmmemmtemememmmmtemtttememmemtemtemtememmmmmtememmmtetemtemtemmmtemmtemtmmmtetetttemmteteemmttettberberbbererbeererererrererrbbbererbeberbebbberererrbberbebeberberrrrbeerbbebrrrbbebbbrerbererbbrbbbebeerbbbbbrr 20220220220220202022022022222333333 31313111331313131 T he digital world is awash with mobile apps. Together, Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store offer over 8.9 million apps, with the majority being free. Whether it’s shopping, gaming, connecting with friends, or working on the move, there’s likely an app out there that can help with whatever you need. With just a few taps and a simple “Install” command, you can swiftly engage in activities like sharing photos, managing expenses, tracking your fitness journey, learning a new language, and more. However, while convenient, mobile devices can be susceptible to malware, which poses a significant risk to your personal data and even your business’ sensitive information. Sometimes, implementing basic precautions can deter threat actors from gaining access to sensitive data stored on your mobile devices, data that may otherwise be vulnerable to theft through malware. Here are five ways to stay safe when downloading apps edge_september 2023 3132 edge_september 2023 tech tips 1. Download apps from legitimate, trust- ed sources Today, the most prominent app stores include the Apple Store, Google Play, and Samsung Galaxy Store, offering millions of apps across a broad spectrum of categories. This diversity ensures that regardless of your preferences, you’re unlikely to face a shortage of options. However, you might come across an app of interest that’s exclusively available through an unfamiliar website or app store. While this doesn’t necessarily imply an imminent scam or security breach, it’s important to note that cybercriminals often utilise apps as a vector for distributing malware, frequently targeting third-party app stores and websites. Regrettably, some of these platforms lack robust security measures and fail to verify the safety of the apps they host. Moreover, certain malicious actors establish websites explicitly designed to disseminate malware through app downloads. Equally important to recognise is that malicious apps can infiltrate even the most reputable and trusted app stores. While these platforms strive to detect and remove suspicious apps, the time gap between an app’s release and its eventual removal can extend from days to months or even years, providing ample opportunity to infect thousands or even millions of devices. 2. Pay attention to the app permissions Many apps will request specific permissions on your device, such as access to your camera for taking photos, the gallery for media editing, or your contact list for making calls. Common permissions requested by apps include access to: • Contacts • Photo Gallery • Location • Calendar • Browsing history • Microphone • Camera • Storage • Calls While many apps legitimately require these permissions to function properly, some may misuse these access rights. For instance, a malicious app might request access to your emails or text messages, potentially extracting valuable data. Alternatively, an app may request location access and misuse it to track your movements without your awareness. Therefore, whenever an app requests any form of permission, exercise caution. Ensure that the app is trustworthy, and carefully consider whether the permissions it is asking for pose any potential risks. Permissions related to your camera, microphone, browsing history, and contacts, in particular, should be approached with caution. 3. Check out the user reviews Whether you’re buying a new pair of shoes, selecting an antivirus programme, or considering an app download, it’s essential to take a look at reviews. Fortunately, many well-known app stores provide users with the opportunity to review the applications they’ve installed, allowing them to share their experiences, whether positive or negative. These reviews serve as valuable insights that can greatly influence your decision when it comes to granting an app access to your device. Therefore, it’s crucial to make it a habit to check these reviews before proceeding with the installation.edge_september 2023 33 tech tips 5. Keep an eye on your device’s perfor- mance and behaviour If you’ve downloaded an app and notice unusual behaviour on your device, there’s a possibility you’re dealing with something malicious. Malicious apps don’t always exhibit symptoms, but when they do, these can manifest in various ways. For instance, if you observe that your device’s battery is depleting significantly faster than usual after installing a specific app, it might be an indicator that the app has introduced malware, such as spyware, which runs persistently and consumes battery life. Furthermore, a malicious app can lead to deteriorating device performance, frequent freezes, and crashes. If these issues start occurring only after you’ve downloaded a particular app, it’s plausible that the app itself is the culprit. It’s essential to note that not all battery- or performance-intensive apps are inherently malicious. Some legitimate apps, especially those that require constant background operation, may also demand substantial power resources. In a nutshell Whether you’re in search of a fresh shopping app, exploring a different social media platform, or just browsing the app store, it’s crucial to be vigilant about recognising the indicators of suspicious and malicious apps. This vigilance helps protect against data breaches, surveillance, and other potential risks. Should you encounter an app with predominantly negative reviews, it might indicate issues with its design, data management, battery usage, permissions, or other concerning aspects. These red flags should be taken seriously and could signify a potentially dubious or malicious app. In cases where the app store’s review page lacks sufficient information, you can also search for app reviews through your web browser. However, it’s important to note that even if an app boasts mainly positive reviews, this doesn’t guarantee complete safety. Some developers are adept at concealing illicit activities, and it can take considerable time for cybersecurity experts to identify any wrongdoing. 4. Take note of the download numbers Popular apps such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, boast staggering download numbers, sometimes reaching into the billions. However, not every app reaches these heights. There are many safe and valuable apps with limited downloads, often due to being new or lacking widespread recognition. Yet, this lower download count can also raise concerns. When an app hasn’t been used and reviewed by a significant user base, it’s hard to predict its behaviour once installed on your device. Therefore, if you find yourself interested in a specific app but notice that it has garnered only a few installations and reviews, it might be best to wait a few weeks and revisit it once it has gained more users and feedback.Beyond the voice S ince their inception, voice assistants have evolved from basic voice recognition systems into highly sophisticated artificial intelligence-powered companions that possess the capability to understand context and tailor responses, making them valuable tools in our daily routines. When it comes to AI-powered voice assistants, users seek a companion that effortlessly understands and communicates with them, no matter the language, dialect or accent. With its ever-expanding linguistic capabilities, Amazon’s Alexa has transformed the way we interact with technology, bridging the gap between humans and machines. The Arabic-speaking world is rich with linguistic diversity, with various dialects adding a layer of complexity to voice recognition technology. In 2021, the Arabic version of Alexa was launched in both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), ensuring an all-new Arabic experience for Arabic-speaking users. Since its debut, it has had a lot of success and become a reliable companion for customers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE within one year, providing localised experiences in smart home, entertainment, gaming, and more. The road to teaching Alexa the Arabic language The first step that the Amazon Alexa team took was deciding which forms of Arabic Alexa should speak. In an exclusive interview, Yousra Sharayri, Senior Product Manager, Amazon, delved into the challenges and triumphs of teaching Alexa the Arabic language and the impact it has in the region By Adelle Geronimo AI While the official written language in Saudi Arabia and the UAE is Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), in everyday life, Arabic speakers use dialectal forms of the language, with many vernacular variations. For users, engaging with Alexa in their native dialects would be more natural than speaking MSA. So, the Alexa AI team — including computational linguists — determined that Arabic Alexa would be able to understand requests in both MSA and Khaleeji (Gulf) dialects, mirroring the culture of the region. “The most important aspect was ensuring that all customers could enjoy and interact with Alexa in the Khaleeji dialect,” explained Sharayri. “However, the biggest challenge in achieving this was teaching Alexa a dialect that has no source of truth as there are no dialectal dictionaries to teach the Machine Learning Model.” The Arabic language itself is a vast ocean, with over 12 million words, compared to English or French, which have 600,000 or 150,000 words respectively. This meant that teaching Alexa the Arabic language required more customisation and input due to the significance of context and intent, which can vary across the region. One key to success in this undertaking was the collaborative spirit that infused every step of the process. Sharayri stressed the importance of working closely with language and culture experts, stating that they ensured “localisation was done in a culturally sensitive and appropriate manner.” 34 edge_september 2023 Interview36 edge_ september 2023 Interview This approach was crucial in ensuring that the technology respected the nuances and cultural significance embedded within the language. “As a Senior Product Manager at Amazon in Riyadh, I work closely with the engineering team to ensure that all technologies are successfully implemented with clear KPIs and data funnels so that they align with business goals. This includes collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the development of Alexa’s understanding and continue to improve Alexa’s dialectal output,” said Sharayri. “The process involved consultation with many language and culture experts, as well as the community to create technology that is integrated into the lives of our customers. It was an enormously rewarding experience to be part of its success in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.” Sharayri continued, “We achieved the final product with the help of an inclusive team that reflects the local population.” This inclusivity and diversity within the team were pivotal in capturing the subtleties of the dialects and the cultural context surrounding them. It wasn’t just about the language; it was about the culture, the people, and their way of life. Creating rich, localised experiences For Sharayri and the Amazon Alexa team, the introduction of the Arabic dialects wasn’t just a linguistic exercise; it was about creating a rich, localised experience that resonated with users in the Middle East. “Spirituality emerged as the most preferred, favoured, and widely utilised experience among customers in Saudi Arabia who interacted with Alexa,” she said. Since the voice AI tech was launched in Khaleeji Arabic in December 2021, it introduced three distinct spiritual features including recitation of the Quran, prayer reminders, and support for the Hijri calendar. Additionally, Alexa provided access to a rich collection of nuanced Arabic content, encompassing local poetry, stories, proverbs, and even customised music scores designed to preserve the authentic storytelling tradition in Arabic. “Ramadan was also the busiest month for Amazon Alexa with the average customer in both UAE and Saudi Arabia interacting with Alexa more than ten times a day, including requests to play the Quran, setting up prayer reminders and asking for Iftar and Imsak times,” said Sharayri. Data privacy and security: A priority In an age where privacy and data security are paramount, Sharayri emphasised Amazon’s commitment to safeguarding user data. She outlined measures in place to ensure users’ peace of mind. “Alexa and Echo devices are designed with multiple layers of privacy protection, including Yousra Sharayri, Senior Product Manager, Amazon ‘Alexa, Ya Hala’ Amazon Alexa understands Khaleeji Arabic dialects and Modern Standard Arabic (Fus’ha) $22.2BN The forecasted value of the global voice assistants market by 2030 Source: Vantage Market Researchedge_ september 2023 37 Interview Culture and religion Spirituality emerged as the most favoured and widely utilised experience among Alexa users in Saudi Arabia microphone and camera controls,” Sharayri said. Users have control over voice recordings and privacy settings through the Alexa app or Alexa Privacy Hub, ensuring that their data remains secure and under their control. Sharayri underscored Amazon’s transparency in using customer information responsibly to enhance products and services, all while taking rigorous steps to secure and protect their data. This unwavering commitment to privacy reassures users that their personal information is treated with the utmost care. Expanding Alexa’s linguistic horizons Looking ahead, Sharayri shared Amazon’s vision for continued improvement. “We continuously strive to improve our language model,” she said, emphasising Amazon’s goal is to bring even more useful and relevant features to customers. But it doesn’t stop at voice alone. Sharayri also emphasised that they are exploring visual components that can complement the Alexa experience that create a more natural and immersive ambient experience. The positive response from Saudi customers has propelled the Kingdom into a leading global marketplace for customers using Smart Home features via Alexa, according to Sharayri. Notably, nearly half of all Alexa users in Saudi Arabia have integrated at least one smart device with Alexa in their homes, highlighting the significant role that Alexa plays in their daily lives. “Despite this success, it is always ‘Day One at Amazon’. We are excited for what the future of voice AI will bring to the Kingdom to support Vision 2030 and our Saudi customers,” she said. “It is always ‘Day One at Amazon’. We are excited for what the future of voice AI will bring to the Kingdom to support Vision 2030 and our Saudi customers”38 edge_september 2023 Interview F rom computers and tablets to smartphones, smartwatches, and more, technology is a part of our everyday lives — there’s no getting around it. Unfortunately, our increasing reliance on electronic devices is exacting a severe toll on our environment. In fact, half of the carbon emissions attributed to the digital sector, which constitutes four percent of global emissions, stem from the manufacturing of devices like these. Additionally, this includes the depletion of rare minerals, air and water pollution, high energy demands, and the accumulation of e-waste in landfills. Nevertheless, viable avenues exist for obtaining the technology we require with greater environmental responsibility. Opting for refurbished products, while not an entirely flawless remedy, can play a substantial role in curbing their ecological consequences. Refurbished smartphones, computers, and various other devices not only permit us to maintain our accustomed technological lifestyles but also make a notable reduction in their environmental footprint. In the Middle East, Dubai-based startup Revibe, which was founded by French-Moroccan entrepreneurs, is determined to revolutionise the tech purchasing experience. We caught up with one of the company’s co-founders, Hamza Iraqui, to explore how they are meeting the growing demand for consumer electronics while prioritising sustainability. How does Revibe’s mission align with the principles of the circular economy? Our inspiration to start Revibe stemmed from recognition of an unaddressed market in the Middle (L) Hamza Iraqui and (R) Abdessamad Benzakour, co-founders of Revibe Old is the new ‘new’ How refurbished technology offers a greener path for our digital lifestyles SUSTAINABILITY By Adelle Geronimo 10% The proportion of global electronic waste stemming from smartphonesedge_september 2023 39 Interview East for refurbished electronics, especially given the success of similar models in other geographies. This ambition coalesced with our desire to have a positive environmental impact. At its core, Revibe is driven by the principles of the circular economy. We are maximising the lifecycle of electronic products, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable consumption. Instead of letting these electronics go to waste or become obsolete, we reintroduce them into the market, ensuring their full utility is realised and contributing to a more sustainable future. How does Revibe ensure that its refurbished devices meet the same quality standards as new products, and what measures are taken to guarantee customer satisfaction? We are committed to the motto that electronics don’t have to be new to be like new. This means we strictly filter and select our suppliers to onboard only those who meet our stringent quality standards. Every device sold through our platform undergoes rigorous checks. To ensure customer satisfaction, we offer a 12-month warranty and a 10-day return policy. This not only ensures that customers are getting quality products but also reinforces our commitment to their satisfaction. Building trust with consumers is crucial for the success of a refurbished electronics company. How do you establish trust with its customers, and what steps are taken to provide transparency about the refurbishment process? Trust is paramount in our business model. To build this trust, we emphasise three main pillars: quality, customer support, and price. We provide transparency about the refurbishment process by sharing detailed information on the steps taken to refurbish each device. Our positive reviews also serve as testimonials to our commitment. Furthermore, we actively communicate with our customers about our quality checks and our strict supplier selection process, ensuring they are well-informed about the product they are purchasing. Lastly, the whole process is risk free with the 12-month warranty and a 10-day return policy. As a Dubai-based team, how do you see Revibe’s role in promoting sustainable practices within the tech industry in the Middle East and North Africa region? Dubai, as the third-largest hub for refurbished electronics globally, plays a pivotal role in the regional tech industry. We believe we are at the forefront of promoting sustainability in this space. Our mission extends beyond just selling products – we aim to shift consumer behaviour towards more sustainable practices, laying the foundation for a greener future in the MENA region. Our model directly combats the e-waste problem. The consumption of refurbished electronics prevents the massive e-waste generated globally. By providing a viable alternative to purchasing new devices, we believe we play a direct role in diminishing the adverse environmental impact of e-waste. The tech industry is continuously evolving. What are your future plans for Revibe, and how do you envision the company’s role in shaping a more sustainable and eco-friendly tech market in the years to come? Our vision is to be the regional leader in the refurbished electronics space. We plan to further our growth in primary markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE and eventually expand to the broader MENA region. As the tech industry evolves, sustainability will become even more crucial. Revibe aims to lead this shift, promoting eco- friendly alternatives and ensuring that sustainability and tech innovation go hand in hand. “Our mission extends beyond just selling products – we aim to shift consumer behaviour towards more sustainable practices” Hamza Iraqui, Co-founder, Revibe A new life for tech Refurbished gadgets can help with reducing e-waste Recycling one million smartphones can recover approximately 34kg gold, 350kg silver, and 15kg palladium, reducing the need for new raw material extractionNext >