EDGE | July-August 2025 3 EDITOR’S LET TER It’s easy to think of AI as something abstract; a tool for enterprises, a buzzword for boardrooms, or an invisible force running in the background. But the reality is far more personal. AI is no longer just powering businesses; it’s shaping some of the most intimate decisions we make, what to buy, how to live, even where to call home. And this issue of EDGE covers a lot on AI. This month’s cover story explores how that plays out in real estate, a sector where decisions are as much about emotion and identity as they are about numbers. We speak to Property Finder’s CTO, Himanshu Niranjani, about how AI is changing the way people search, decide, and ultimately fi nd a place to belong. The shift is clear: from mindless scrolling to meaningful suggestions, from overwhelm to clarity. But the story doesn’t stop at property. In this issue, we also meet an AI chef that’s redefi ning creativity in the kitchen, and an AI artist challenging our ideas of originality. These aren’t just experiments in novelty; they’re a glimpse into how AI is blending into the fabric of daily life, transforming not just what we do but how we express, create, and connect. Our report, The Customer Paradox, tackles another side of this transformation. As AI-driven platforms become the frontlines of customer service, consumers are sending a clear but complex message: yes, we want smarter, faster service but don’t lose the human touch. The trust gap is real, and companies are racing to close it. We also take a nostalgic step back with our timeline on Apple, the defi ning moments that shaped the company’s legacy, and a feature on Apple 1, the machine that sparked a revolution. Enjoy the read. The Edge Team MUST READS THIS ISSUE... Dining with Crypto Syrve MENA’s CEO explores how crypto payments are gaining traction in the region’s restaurant sector and why regulation, and consumer expectations will shape what comes next. PAGE 23 The Customer Paradox ServiceNow’s 2025 Consumer Voice Report reveals how AI expectations, emotional intelligence, and a growing trust gap are reshaping customer experience strategies across EMEA. PAGE 28 The AI Chef Would you eat a recipe designed by artifi cial intelligence? Developed by UMAI, AI Chef Aiman cannot taste his own menu. Instead, he claims to “cook with data”. PAGE 38 Meet Ai-Da Ai-Da is the fi rst ultra-realistic humanoid AI robot artist. She can make drawings, paintings and sculptures, and one of her artworks recently sold for $1 million. PAGE 42 Edge_July2025_3_Editors letter_13651565.indd 3Edge_July2025_3_Editors letter_13651565.indd 330/06/2025 20:0930/06/2025 20:094 EDGE | July-August 2025 FEATURE A conversation with Dubai’s fi rst AI chef BIG PICTURE Apple unveils software upgrades and AI features NEWS Donald Trump unveils new smartphone cheaper than iPhone DAY IN THE LIFE Padam Kafl e on rhythm, routine and resolution LEADERSHIP The seven questions every CEO should answer COVER STORY How technology is changing the way we choose homes 38 101317 3032 Edge_July2025_4-5_CONTENTS_13651376.indd 4Edge_July2025_4-5_CONTENTS_13651376.indd 403/07/2025 15:2903/07/2025 15:29EDGE | July-August 2025 5 OPINION The missing piece in the EV puzzle FEATURE Meet Ai-Da, the fi rst humanoid robot artist REPORT Relationship between customers and AI service platforms GADGETS Oakley and Meta launch AI glasses for athletes VINTAGE TECH How a handmade circuit board sparked a new era TIMELINE The ousting that almost ended Apple and the comeback 252820 42 4850 Edge_July2025_4-5_CONTENTS_13651376.indd 5Edge_July2025_4-5_CONTENTS_13651376.indd 530/06/2025 20:0830/06/2025 20:086 EDGE | July-August 2025 PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 (0)4 444 3000 Web: www.itp.com Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, Mumbai, Riyadh & Geneva ITP MEDIA GROUP CEO: Ali Akawi Managing Director: Martin Chambers Head of Business and Technology: Thomas Shambler EDITORIAL Commercial Editor: Arya Devi +971 4 444 3175 / arya.devi@itp.com Project Editor: Heather Cichowski +971 4 444 3271 / heather.cichowski@itp.com Associate Project Editor: Beatriz Valero +971 4 444 3413 / beatriz.valero@itp.com ART Art Director: Amjad Ayche Art Editor: Tofi q Memon ADVERTISING Group Publishing Director: Natasha Pendleton +971 4 444 3248 / natasha.pendleton@itp.com Group Commercial Manager: Priyanka Pillai +971 4 444 3399 / priyanka.pillai@itp.com Client Services Manager: Cherylann DAbreo +971 4 444 3404 / cherlyann.dabreo@itp.com PHOTOGRAPHY Senior Video Editor: Liju Cheruvathur MARKETING Head of Events: Eleanor Ashton / eleanor.ashton@itp.com Events Manager: Beverly Stanforth Associate Events Manager: Vrinali Nazareth Associate Events Manager: Maria Trishina Events Executive: Ella Johnson Events Sales Executive: Jan Mokoala Events Sales Assistant: Joyce Salonga Events Administrative Assistant: Bobbie Rosario PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION Senior Production & Distribution Manager: Balasubramanian P Production Manager: Anand Sundaram Circulation Executive: Rajesh Pillai Distribution Coordinator: Avinash Pereira ITP GROUP CEO: Ali Akawi CFO: Toby Jay Spencer-Davies The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. 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An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. 6 EDGE | July-August 2025 To fl ip through previous editions of Edge magazine, visit itp.net/magazine-issue/edge PUBLISHED BY AND © 2025 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. 6 EDGE | July-August 2025 Edge_July2025_6_Flannel_13651397.indd 6Edge_July2025_6_Flannel_13651397.indd 630/06/2025 20:1130/06/2025 20:11October 14 2025 | Dubai SCAN THE CODE TO NOMINATE CELEBRATING THE VISIONARIES POWERING THE MIDDLE EAST’S DIGITAL FUTURE LAST DAY TO NOMINATE: SEPTEMBER 8 SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES natasha.pendleton@itp.com EVENT ENQUIRIES events@itp.net AD_TechLeadershipAwards2025.indd 1AD_TechLeadershipAwards2025.indd 104/07/2025 11:1104/07/2025 11:11ONLINE 8 EDGE | July-August 2025 At WWDC, Apple introduced its new unifi ed operating system across iPhone, iPad, Mac, watchOS, and more under iOS 26. Alongside a major refresh of iPadOS and the sleek new “Liquid Glass” design aesthetic, Apple previewed AI-powered Siri intelligence enhancements. Experts are calling 2025 the year useful quantum computing arrives, with real-world applications emerging from platforms like Google’s Willow and IBM’s Starling. These advancements hint at powerful new capabilities in diagnostics, logistics, but also urgent cybersecurity challenges. IBM announced its ambitious IBM Quantum Starling project, an upcoming large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer expected to be online by 2029. Promising up to 20,000× the capabilities of current quantum systems, this eff ort targets transformational advances in pharmaceuticals, materials, and chemistry. Researchers at King’s College London have developed a nano-needle diagnostic patch: a fl exible plaster embedded with millions of microscopic silicon needles that gently penetrate cells to collect molecular data. Early trials on brain tumours delivered results in just 20 minutes without damaging tissue. Apple debuts ‘Liquid Glass’ design & iOS 26 Breakthrough in quantum computing IBM unveils 2029 quantum computer “Starling” Nano-needle patch to end painful biopsies WHAT OUR READERS THINK... The foundation of actionable AIAI’s growth and threat “Only when all data is integrated can we truly unlock the full potential of AI to provide actionable insights”— Rick McConnell, CEO of DynaTrace “There’s strong ambition and signifi cant investment in AI, but progress is hindered by challenges like skills gaps and data issues”—Himanshu Shrivastava, Chief Technology Offi cer at Al-Futtaim WHAT’S TRENDING ONLINE ITP. N E T Edge_July2025_8-9_Online DPS_13640176.indd 8Edge_July2025_8-9_Online DPS_13640176.indd 830/06/2025 20:1230/06/2025 20:12ONLINE EDGE | July 2025 9 ACN’s inaugural Middle East’s Top IT Leaders list recognises infl uential CIOs and IT heads driving innovation and strategy. Selected for their impact, experience, and leadership, these 200+ tech visionaries are shaping the region’s digital future. The list is based on career achievements, company performance, and industry contributions. MIDDLE EAST’S TOP IT LEADERS DRIVING INNOVATION AND DIGITAL STRATEGY EDGE | July-August 2025 9 ONLINE Edge_July2025_8-9_Online DPS_13640176.indd 9Edge_July2025_8-9_Online DPS_13640176.indd 930/06/2025 20:1230/06/2025 20:12Next >