< Previous50 edge_october 2023 I n the past, the idea of traveling the world while maintaining a successful career was a distant dream for many. The conventional 9-to-5 job confined people to their desks, tying them to a specific location, and constraining their opportunities for exploration. The rise of ‘digital nomads’ – people who earn a living working online in locations of their choosing – has become a global phenomenon that is fast shattering these boundaries. In 2022, The Global Digital Nomad Study found that there were over 35 million digital nomads globally. With the impact of COVID-19, a new era of work-life balance was introduced that for many, embraces freedom and flexibility like never before. The rise of digital nomads is an increasingly pertinent topic today. Digital nomads can positively impact local economies by stimulating entrepreneurship and investing in accommodation, food, transportation, and cultural experiences. With an economic value of over 750 billion dollars, countries all over the world are interested in attracting digital nomads, who – according to the study – have a higher monthly budget than the By Abdelilah Nejjari Managing Director – Gulf Region, Cisco Why the Middle East is a great destination for borderless talent With the increasing momentum of the digital nomad movement, the Middle East appears ready to establish itself as an attractive choice for remote-working professionals BUSINESS average income of citizens in the countries they choose to ‘nomad’ in. As the digital nomad movement continues to gain momentum, the Middle East stands poised to emerge as a compelling destination for roaming professionals. The Middle East has often been viewed as a hub for tourism, however, as the region continues to invest heavily in developing its technological landscape and creating innovative start-up ecosystems, it is increasingly becoming an attractive option for remote and nomadic workers. In some cases, an increase of digital nomads also opens the doors to a borderless talent pool, as employers can target a more diverse range of candidates. In 2020, Dubai launched a virtual working programme, providing a one-year residence visa for foreigners employed outside of the UAE. This was closely followed by the country-wide Remote Working Visa scheme introduced in March 2021, making it the first digital nomad visa in the Middle East. According to popular travel-centric websites, Dubai is among the top five cities in the Middle East for digital nomads to prosper. Furthermore, according to The Savills Executive edge_october 2023 51 opinion Nomad Index, the UAE is now ranked as the best destination for digital nomads and hybrid workers globally – when measured across categories including Internet connectivity, quality of life, climate, air connectivity (accessibility via flights), and more. Testament to the UAE’s commitment, Dubai was not the only city to feature on the international list, with Abu Dhabi coming in fourth position – noted for remote working and golden visa schemes, as well as its many free zones. Research shows that remote and hybrid working is preferred among employees and often leads to higher productivity for employers. As a result, companies are increasingly embracing the idea of a flexible work environment without compromising on efficiency. With the advancement of collaboration and video conferencing technology, for many industries, physical distance is no longer a barrier to effective communication and teamwork. However, the rise of digital nomads naturally warrants an increase in questions around security and sustainability. Business leaders must consider the security implications of enabling digital nomads, as employees become even more reliant on technology to do their jobs. More freedom needn’t mean less security. In addition to greater individual care and vigilance, there are high-quality security solutions that deliver extra layers of protection for companies leveraging remote or hybrid working to expand their operations. Such solutions will offer greater peace of mind by helping business leaders protect their organisations from the potential cyberattacks prevalent in today’s ever more complex threat landscape. In terms of sustainability, responsible tourism practices, environmental awareness, and efforts to preserve natural resources can attract socially conscious digital nomads who seek to make a positive impact wherever they go. The rise of digital nomads represents a transformative shift in the way people approach work, travel, and life. As the Middle East embraces this new era of nomadic ventures, it opens the doors to exciting opportunities and challenges. The region’s rich cultural heritage, growing tech infrastructure, and forward-thinking policies position it as a compelling destination for nomadic professionals seeking to blend work and exploration. The economic potential of digital nomads should not be ignored, as they inject resources into local economies and foster entrepreneurship in the communities they visit. However, as the digital nomad movement flourishes, it is also essential to address concerns surrounding security and social responsibility. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect people and devices, while also promoting sustainable practices will ensure that this new way of work can be harnessed positively for all stakeholders involved. With this concept in mind, the future is bright for digital nomads and the Middle East alike. Embracing this new frontier of work and travel presents boundless opportunities for growth, collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange. As the Middle East crosses into the realm of nomadic ventures, it takes a significant step towards reimagining itself as a new type of global hub that embraces the freedom and potential of the modern workforce. “As the Middle East embraces this new era of nomadic ventures, it opens the doors to exciting opportunities and challenges” Supporting digital nomads The UAE has introduced a virtual work residence visa52 edge_september 2023 APPLE: iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max Apple’s latest iPhone series has arrived, featuring the tech giant’s flagship models: the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Crafted from aerospace-grade titanium, these devices are remarkably lightweight yet robust, setting a new benchmark for Pro models. The new designs introduce contoured edges and a customisable Action button, offering users a more personalised iPhone experience. Powering the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max is the A17 Pro chip, the industry’s first 3-nanometer chip, delivering robust performance. The camera system receives a significant upgrade, boasting the equivalent of seven pro lenses, including a 48MP Main camera which support super-high-resolution photos. The devices have enhanced Focus and Depth Control, improvements in Night mode and Smart HDR, and an exclusive 5x Telephoto camera. One of the most notable updates to the iPhone lineup is the transition from the Lightning connector to USB-C, which offers speeds up to 20 times faster than USB 2, enabling powerful pro workflows. Both models are equipped with 5G, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity for various tasks. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be available in four stunning finishes: black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium.edge_september 2023 53 gadget watch LG’s UltraGear OLED gaming monitor boasts a 240Hz refresh rate and a lightning-fast 0.03ms response time, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay. Beyond its speed, the LG UltraGear OLED immerses gamers like never before. Its OLED display showcases HDR10 and DCI-P3 98.5 percent wide colour gamut, LG: UltraGearOLED The Galaxy Z Flip5 is pocket-friendly device boasts a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display that folds into a compact form factor, fitting snugly in your pocket. Under the hood, it packs a powerful Snapdragon 8-series processor, ensuring smooth performance for all your tasks. One of the standout features is the enhanced Flex Window, 3.78 times larger than its predecessor, offering numerous customisation possibilities with graphical clocks and stylish frames. The device comes with ample RAM and storage options to meet your needs, ensuring efficient multitasking and storage for your apps and media. With Widgets, users can monitor weather conditions, manage music playback, enjoy their favourite songs through the Media Controller. In addition, Galaxy Z Flip5’s Flipsuit Case provides device protection with a changeable NFC card. The Galaxy Z Flip5 also excels in photography with FlexCam, Dual Preview, and Super Steady, ensuring stunning photos and smooth videos. AI enhancements improve low-light photography, and the 10X digital zoom captures distant subjects with clarity. SAMSUNG: Galaxy Z Flip5 breathing life into every pixel, creating vibrant visuals and immersing gamers in their virtual worlds. Its 800R curvature enhances immersion, and Hexagon lighting adds to the experience. The Self-Lit OLED Pixel technology offers vivid colours and an exceptional 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio for precise visual details.54 edge_september 2023 SENNHEISER: TeamConnect Bar Sennheiser’s Team Connect Bar (TC) is built for small and mid-sized meeting rooms and collaboration spaces, making work experiences and learning easier than ever before. With options like the TeamConnect Bar S for small spaces and the TeamConnect Bar M for Sony’s Alpha 7C series comprises the Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7CR, which have a compact and lightweight design. The Alpha 7C II, with its 33.0 effective megapixels and sleek form, offers versatility for travel and street photography. Meanwhile, the Alpha 7CR packs a whopping 61.0 effective megapixels, delivering high-resolution images in a compact package. These cameras share Sony’s AI-processing unit, BIONZ XR processors, and features such as Real- time Recognition AF and 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, providing a robust foundation for both photography and videography. With support for high-quality 4K video recording, Sony’s acclaimed S-Cinetone colour science, and a range of advanced video features, the Alpha 7C series is ideal for content creators seeking compact cameras without compromising on image quality. mid-sized rooms, these solutions cater to diverse needs. They offer straightforward setup, seamless integration with various brands, user-friendly management, and top-tier video quality, all while prioritising security and sustainability. The TC Bar S features four (4) microphones and two (2) speakers, while the TC Bar M boasts six (6) microphones and four (4) speakers, ensuring excellent audio quality. They can be effortlessly integrated into room designs through multiple mounting options. The TC Bars also excel in audio performance with beamforming technology, DSP, and customisable settings via Sennheiser Control Cockpit. Moreover, these bars include a 4K Ultra HD camera with AI features like “Autoframing” and “Person Tiling” for enhanced remote participant engagement. gadget watch SONY: Alpha 7C seriesedge_september 2023 55 gadget watch LINKSYS: Velop Pro 6E Mesh The Linksys Velop Pro 6E is the latest addition to Linksys’ WiFi 6E product portfolio. WiFi 6E introduces an additional 6GHz band connection, reducing interference and enhancing speeds for all connected devices. The Linksys Velop Pro 6E, powered by the Qualcomm Immersive Home 316 Platform, extends the range and coverage of WiFi 6E, enabling users to enjoy faster and broader connectivity, accommodating more devices on their network. Each tri-band node includes a 1Gbps Ethernet LAN port for connecting wired devices to the wireless network. The latest Linksys Mobile App simplifies setup, taking less than 10 minutes, and allows for remote management with security features such as guest access and parental controls.56 edge_october 2023 review Ring Spotlight Cam Plus: Outdoor home security made easy A t a time when home security has become paramount, the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus stands out for its advanced yet user-friendly features. With its sleek design, high- definition video quality, efficient motion detection, two-way audio, exceptional night vision, and built- in spotlight, it promises to deliver peace of mind to homeowners. The Ring Spotlight Cam Plus boasts a simple and modern design that goes well with various architectural styles. Its robust, weather-resistant construction ensures durability, making it ideal for outdoor installation. Installation is straightforward, requiring no complex wiring. Users can easily mount it on a wall or flat surface using the included mounting bracket. What sets it apart is the user-friendly setup. With the help of the Ring mobile app, you can seamlessly configure the camera, connect it to your Wi-Fi network, and customise settings according to your preferences. We took the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus for a spin to explore why it’s the optimal home security camera for you HOME SECURITY Video quality and performance Video quality is a critical factor in evaluating any security camera, and the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus does not disappoint. With a high-definition 1080p resolution, the device ensures clear and detailed visuals whether it’s day or night. Its wide-angle lens offers a broad field of view, making it suitable for monitoring large outdoor areas effectively. In terms of performance, the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus operates smoothly and reliably, providing uninterrupted live streaming. Its advanced image sensors deliver accurate colour reproduction, even in challenging lighting conditions. Moreover, the camera supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology, optimising exposure in scenes with varying light levels, which results in improved image quality and enhanced visibility. Motion detection and night vision The Ring Spotlight Cam Plus is equipped with highly sensitive motion sensors that effectively edge_october 2023 57 review activated, the siren emits a loud sound to deter trespassers, providing an extra layer of security. Battery life and power options The Ring Spotlight Cam Plus Battery is powered by a rechargeable battery, offering flexibility in terms of camera placement. The battery life varies depending on factors such as camera usage, motion detection settings, and spotlight activation. With average use, the battery can last several months before requiring a recharge. However, heavy usage or frequent spotlight activations may reduce the battery life accordingly. Ring also provides alternative power options for the Spotlight Cam Plus Battery, including a solar panel accessory. This optional accessory allows the camera to harness solar energy, providing a continuous power source and eliminating the need for regular battery recharging. Smart home capability The Ring Spotlight Cam Plus Battery is seamlessly operated via the user-friendly Ring mobile app, offering a plethora of intuitive features. Users can easily access live video feeds, review recordings, adjust motion settings, and communicate through two-way audio. Sharing access with family members or associates is also straightforward, enhancing collaborative security monitoring. The camera integrates seamlessly with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free control. It also connects with other Ring devices, creating a comprehensive and interconnected security ecosystem. detect movement within its range. When motion is detected, the camera sends instant notifications to your smartphone, keeping you informed about potential activity on your property. The motion detection settings can also be easily customised through the Ring mobile app, allowing users to define specific motion zones and adjust sensitivity levels to minimise false alerts. Another notable feature of the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus is its advanced “People Only Mode,” which distinguishes human movement from other types of motion. This feature ensures that you receive notifications only when a person is detected near your property. Monitoring your property during the nighttime is crucial, and the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus uses infrared technology to capture clear video footage even in complete darkness. It has a robust night vision range, ensuring that your property is monitored 24/7, regardless of the lighting conditions. Two-way audio and siren The Ring Spotlight Cam Plus is also equipped with a high-quality two-way audio feature that allows you to communicate with individuals near the camera in real-time. Whether you’re providing instructions to delivery personnel, greeting guests, or warning potential intruders, this feature enables effective communication from anywhere using the Ring mobile app. In addition to two-way audio, the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus features a built-in siren that can be remotely triggered via the mobile app. When 58 edge_october 2023 Hotbeds of innovation G ITEX is one such trade show where discussions about what lies ahead in the following year commence even before the current year’s event draws to a close. Tech industry events, like these, are vital catalysts for the growth of markets, regions, and economies. These gatherings have a rich history of fostering innovation, collaboration, and economic development, and their continued relevance in today’s fast-paced world cannot be overstated. According to the Dubai World Trade Centre, GITEX GLOBAL 2022 generated a record- breaking AED2.6 billion ($707 million) in total economic output. Meanwhile, LEAP 2023 in Riyadh saw $9 billion worth of investments made in Saudi Arabia’s tech sector. In International trade shows, CES 2020 had an estimated $291 million economic impact, including $169 million in direct spending. This in itself proves the important role tech trade shows play. Tech industry events have been instrumental in shaping the course of technological progress. They provide a platform for companies to showcase their latest innovations and for entrepreneurs to unveil groundbreaking ideas. The significance of these events can be traced back to the Computer Fair and Exposition (COMDEX), which debuted in 1979 in Las Vegas. COMDEX revolutionised the tech industry by bringing together a diverse array of players, from hardware manufacturers to software developers, sparking a global tech revolution. One of the primary reasons why tech events are crucial is their ability to drive innovation. These gatherings serve as hotbeds for technology demonstrations, fostering an environment where businesses and startups can present their solutions to a global audience. By bringing together thought leaders, industry experts, and visionaries, tech events ignite the spark of creativity and encourage the development of the next big thing in technology. Tech industry events provide a unique opportunity for collaboration. Entrepreneurs can meet potential investors, businesses can form strategic partnerships, and professionals can network with peers from around the world. These interactions often result in collaborations that transcend geographical boundaries, spurring economic growth and global market expansion. Tech events also play a pivotal role in enhancing the international visibility of regions. Hosting an event like GITEX positions Dubai as a hub for innovation and technology, attracting investment and talent. Furthermore, these events promote cultural exchange, showcasing the host region’s culture, infrastructure, and capabilities to a global audience. Tech tradeshows are not merely gatherings of tech enthusiasts; they are the driving force behind technological progress, economic growth, and global collaboration. As we look ahead to the future, these events will continue to be instrumental in shaping the world of technology and propelling us toward ever-greater heights of innovation and development. By Arya Devi Commercial Editor, edge “Tech events ignite the spark of creativity and encourage the development of the next big thing in technology” backlogSIMPLE. POWERFUL. SECURE. » Over 300,000 customers in 190 countries from SMB to Fortune 500 ® » 96% of the Fortune 500 are customers » 50+ IT management products solarwinds.com Join us at GITEX! | Dubai 16-20 October | Stand H7-F50Next >