< Previous60 edge_november 2023 GOOGLE: Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are engineered by Google and built with AI at its core for a more personal experience. These devices are all powered by Google Tensor G3. They feature elegant designs with softer silhouettes, metal finishes, and recycled materials. The Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch Actua display, 42 percent brighter than its predecessor, while the 6.7-inch Super Actua display on the Pixel 8 Pro offers exceptional HDR image quality. These devices pack impressive camera systems, including enhanced low-light capabilities, Macro Focus, and autofocus for selfies. The redesigned camera app provides users with creative control and intelligent features like Best Take and Magic Editor. Additionally, advanced AI capabilities enhance voice interactions and reduce spam calls. The phones come with seven years of software support, including security updates, OS upgrades, and regular Feature Drops, ensuring that the device is secure and constantly getting better over time.edge_november 2023 61 gadget watch The Canon RC-IP1000 is a powerhouse of a PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) controller, designed for professional broadcast environments. It offers seamless compatibility with Canon’s high-end PTZ camera models, enabling both IP and serial communication for remote camera control. It features a 7-inch multi- CANON: RC-IP1000 The Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+ are Samsung’s latest offerings, boasting a blend of features and specifications. Both tablets offer responsive and immersive viewing with 10.9-inch and 12.4-inch displays, complemented by adaptive refresh rates up to 90Hz. They excel in outdoor environments thanks to the Vision Booster feature, enhancing visibility. The devices come with an IP68 rating, ensuring enhanced durability. The Tab S9 FE+ boasts a long- lasting battery that provides up to 20 hours of video playback on a single charge, ensuring that work and play won’t keep users tethered to a power cord. Creative enthusiasts will appreciate the included Samsung S Pen, and both devices offer ample storage, with expandability up to 1TB. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE series is available in Mint, Silver, Gray, and Lavender colours, catering to various user preferences. These tablets are a promising addition for users looking to balance entertainment, productivity, and creative expression in a portable package. SAMSUNG: Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+ function touchscreen LCD, providing operators with an intuitive interface to monitor camera feeds without the need for an external monitor. The ergonomic joystick and zoom rocker guarantee precise camera control, while the arrow buttons simplify menu navigation. One standout feature is its support for HDMI Out and 12G-SDI in/out, ensuring high-quality 4K 60P video input and output. This controller can manage up to 200 cameras via IP, making it perfect for expansive broadcast setups. Advanced preset and trace control features, combined with the ability to group cameras and apply settings across multiple cameras simultaneously, give broadcasters unmatched control. With its PC-less setup and comprehensive I/O options, the Canon RC-IP1000 enables professionals to capture every moment with precision and ease, making it an invaluable asset for the world of broadcasting.62 edge_november 2023 SONY: PlayStation Access The PlayStation Access controller designed to significantly improve gaming experiences for individuals with disabilities. With dimensions of The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the first device to incorporate the Fire TV Ambient Experience, creating an immersive viewing atmosphere. Equipped with a robust 2.0 GHz quad-core processor, Amazon dubbed it as its most powerful streaming stick, ensuring lightning-fast performance and seamless streaming. It supports Wi-Fi 6E, which guarantees smoother streaming, lower latency, faster speeds, and minimal interference when paired with compatible routers. This device offers a 4K Ultra HD experience with support for Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio, elevating your visual and audio enjoyment. With a generous 16GB of storage, it doubles the capacity of its predecessor, allowing users to store numerous apps and games directly on the device, making it a remarkable addition to any entertainment setup. approximately 141 x 39 x 191 mm and a weight of around 322 grams, it strikes a balance between portability and functionality. The controller boasts four industry- standard 3.5mm expansion ports, allowing players to connect a variety of accessories, from extra buttons to specialty trigger switches. What truly sets it apart are the 19 swappable button caps, catering to different preferences and hand sizes, ensuring maximum comfort and control. The controller also features three distinct stick caps for personalised precision in gameplay. Additionally, the Access controller allows players to create up to 30 control profiles, fine-tune stick settings, and even disable buttons to prevent accidental presses. It can be used in any 360° orientation, offering unparalleled adaptability for gamers with diverse mobility needs. gadget watch AMAZON: Fire TV Stick 4K Maxedge_november 2023 63 gadget watch HUAWEI: Watch GT 4 The Huawei Watch GT 4 is available in both 46mm and 41mm sizes, it sports a stylish design with the 46mm version featuring a unique octagon-shaped watch body and the 41mm version showcasing a pendant-like design. One of its standout features is its battery life, providing up to 14 days on the 46mm model and up to 7 days on the 41mm model. The watch includes the all-new Stay Fit app, enhanced GNSS tracking, and the TruSeen 5.5+ technology, which leverages AI for precise health measurements. It can monitor changes in blood volume and alert users to irregular heartbeats with Pulse Wave Arrhythmia Analysis. Moreover, it supports over 100 sports modes, including the popular Padel, offering versatility for fitness enthusiasts. The Huawei Watch GT 4 is a remarkable blend of fashion-forward design and advanced health and fitness functionality.64 edge_november 2023 Nothing Phone 2: Elevated design with distinctive flair I n the world of smartphones, the launch of Nothing Phone 2 has emerged as a breath of fresh air. It is one of the flashiest phone (pun intended) available in the market today. This device, with its distinctive features and bold design choices, certainly is not nothing. The Nothing Phone 2 strikes a balance between elegance and durability. It boasts a sleek form factor with dimensions of 162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm, featuring Gorilla Glass on both the front and back and an aluminium frame. The multiple LED lights on the back serve as notifications and a charging progress indicator, adding a unique touch. What’s truly fascinating is the packaging - it doesn’t give any hint that it’s a phone. Resembling a slim and square diary, it’s the perfect disguise for a surprise gift. Display and performance The device sports a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with impressive specs, including 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and a 1600 nits peak brightness. The 1080 x 2412 resolution results in a pixel density of about 394 ppi, delivering crisp and vibrant visuals. Running on Android 13 with Nothing OS Discover the Phone 2, a smartphone that combines innovation and elegance By Arya Devi SMARTPHONE 2.0.2a, the Phone 2 doesn’t disappoint in terms of performance. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, it boasts an octa-core CPU configuration with Cortex-X2, Cortex-A710, and Cortex-A510 cores, providing smooth multitasking and gaming experiences. The Adreno 730 GPU ensures top-notch graphics performance. Camera quality and efficient battery The dual-camera setup on the back includes a 50 MP main lens and a 50 MP ultrawide lens. These cameras are versatile and capture excellent photos in various lighting conditions, thanks to features like PDAF, OIS, and live HDR. The 32MP front camera takes sharp and detailed selfies. Video recording capabilities are impressive, with 4K at 30/60fps and gyro-EIS support. The Phone 2 comes with a slightly bigger 4700mAh battery compared to the Phone 1’s 4500mAh battery. Phone 2 promises a full charge in just 55 minutes. The 15W wireless charging is also convenient, albeit slower, but the added 5W reverse wireless charging is a thoughtful touch. The stereo speakers deliver clear and loud sound, although the absence of a 3.5mm edge_november 2023 65 review headphone jack may disappoint some users (but it is not uncommon for mid to premium range phones like these). It supports Wi-Fi 6, NFC, and various satellite positioning systems. The in- display fingerprint sensor is quick and accurate. Updated Glyph The Glyph feature of Nothing needs no introduction. It was one of the highly talked about features in Phone 1. The bright rear panel known as the “Glyph interface” is an LED-filled array that has numerous tricks up its sleeve. The back panel of the phone will light up during calls and notifications and it can be customised to meet user needs. With the Glyph Composer available in Phone 2, you can now also make ringtones. You only need to tap each pad to start a separate light and sound sequence, making the process simple. When you’re finished, click the record button to store your ringtone. If you’re in search of a unique and feature- packed smartphone that doubles as an exceptional surprise gift, the Nothing Phone 2 is the way to go. 66 edge_november 2023 From backroom to boardroom A CIO’s role is, in many ways, defined by the parameters of the digital landscape of the era. Not too long ago, in an era where technology held a less prominent role, the IT team’s significance was likewise diminished. However, as the sands of time have shifted, so too has the role of the CIO. The onset of the pandemic acted as a catalyst, underscoring the profound impact of technology and digital transformation across nearly every facet of modern organisations. The days when a CIO’s primary responsibility was reporting to a CEO on the importance of technology and cybersecurity who then manages budgets and convinces stakeholders are fading. Today, CIOs are expected to possess a holistic understanding of the core needs of a business, which ultimately boil down to one fundamental objective: driving profits. They are now tasked with the complex dual role of budget analysis and profit generation through tech-driven solutions. “With technology becoming a major enabler for businesses, the role of the CIO is evolving from technology expert to business strategist. With increasing expectations, CIOs today are facing unprecedented challenges to improve business outcomes, transform business models, modernise technology and enhance customer experience,” states Gartner. Though the challenges faced by CIOs are multifaceted, they are expected to navigate uncharted waters with precision and foresight. Business outcomes, from revenue growth to cost-efficiency, must be continually improved. Business models are evolving rapidly, spurred on by disruptive technologies and changing consumer expectations. Modernising technology is an ongoing process, essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Finally, the customer experience, in the age of instant gratification and personalisation, must be nothing short of exceptional. In response to these challenges, the CIO has metamorphosed into a strategic leader. They are visionaries who must chart a course for the future of their organisations. This journey involves a close alignment of technology and business strategy, and it requires insightful, data-driven decisions. The end goal is always stronger performance. In a competitive environment, where technology can make or break an organisation, the CIO’s decisions have far-reaching implications. The journey of the CIO in this era of transformation is complex, and their significance is undeniable. By Arya Devi Commercial Editor, edge “Today, CIOs are expected to possess a holistic understanding of the core needs of a business: driving profits” We break down some of the insights and trends from the tech industry backlogwww.edgemiddleeast.com provocative. innovative. insightful. the voice of the digital revolution FOR ENQUIRIES Priyanka Pillai Group Commercial Manager, edge T: +971 4 444 3399 M: +971 52 576 0260 E: priyanka.pillai@itp.comNext >