18 20 tattoos and 6 piercings,
and… Mario Kart Live is here!
Nintendo pulled off a surprise last week, announcing a flurry of new Mario games to celebrate the 35th birthday of the world’s most well-known “Italian” plumber with a moustache. The biggest announcement is Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. The new Nintendo Switch game enables you to race real-life RC cars through custom tracks in your home.Continue reading “and… Mario Kart Live is here!”
Dubai Lifts Veil on Debt, Showing It Owes Less Than Thought
Dubai made a rare foray into public bond markets, revealing along the way that its debt burden is now a lot smaller than estimated by analysts only months ago. A prospectus that accompanied Dubai’s planned offering of bonds and Islamic securities on Monday showed the government’s outstanding direct debt stood at 123.5 billion dirhams ($33.6Continue reading “Dubai Lifts Veil on Debt, Showing It Owes Less Than Thought”
Finally, the first under-display camera smartphone comes from ZTE
Here’s something: ZTE’s Axon 20 5G smartphone will be the first in the world with an under-display camera, launching Sept 1. Finally, we get one in a consumer device! And yet again it’s China: China-made devices tend to be first to bring new tech features and innovations to market. It’s not necessarily because they’re farContinue reading “Finally, the first under-display camera smartphone comes from ZTE”
Instagram tweets about Reels and TikTok slaps them “harder than a father would”
Yep, in brief; Instagram tweeted this Hellooooo, Reels 🙌 Introducing a new way to create and discover short, entertaining videos on Instagram. Reels is rolling out today to more than 50 countries around the world. 🤳🤩🎥✨😂👀💯https://t.co/RfXDhYawSF pic.twitter.com/FjSGSpSGpn — Instagram (@instagram) August 5, 2020 So, TikTok – replied with this: brilliant. show stopping. totally unique. completelyContinue reading “Instagram tweets about Reels and TikTok slaps them “harder than a father would””
Samsung’s #GalaxyUnpacked: The Verdict
The biggest announcements from yesterday’s Samsung Unpacked 2020 event were not exactly under wraps if you’ve been following the leaks, news and my previous post. But Samsung came to the party with the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra, the Galaxy Tab S7 tablet series, Galaxy Watch 3, and the Galaxy Buds Live, alsoContinue reading “Samsung’s #GalaxyUnpacked: The Verdict”
Expectations, promises and assumptions ahead of the next Samsung Galaxy Unpacked: August 5
It’s official: Samsung has announced its next Galaxy Unpacked event for August 5, at 6pm UAE time, a fully virtual and streamed event, of course, which will see a different approach to Samsung’s usual stadium-like events held in Brooklyn, New York City, and Berlin before that. What to expect: The big one will be the SamsungContinue reading “Expectations, promises and assumptions ahead of the next Samsung Galaxy Unpacked: August 5”
Instagram, you are not testing your features; you are testing our patience
So, Instagram are known for testing their features, but honestly the lack of care and acknowledgement of a reason that spends tons of money in advertising in a market that has the lowest organic engagement levels pisses me off, and many others. Features that are STILL activated not in the Middle East: Instagram Music: LaunchedContinue reading “Instagram, you are not testing your features; you are testing our patience”
Samsung’s 6G research shows, brace for 2028
According to Samsung, 6G is coming by 2028. You can move on. Samsung has delivered some of the first widely published detail into 6G, in a white paper [PDF] available now. Yes, yes we’re still waiting for 5G in mid-2020, but 6G isn’t just about the next barrier of speeds: “While 5G commercialization is still in itsContinue reading “Samsung’s 6G research shows, brace for 2028”
Why the US is ‘very seriously’ looking at banning TikTok
TikTok is in the firing line, along with other Chinese social media apps, according to the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo. In a TV cable news interview, Pompeo responded to remarks questioning if the US would ban TikTok, following TikTok being banned in India, and fresh discourse in Australian politics about similarly banning theContinue reading “Why the US is ‘very seriously’ looking at banning TikTok”
The Twitter hack
Twitter’s major security breach last night was both stunning for its success and its limited rewards seen thus far. What gives? The hack: The hack went through major crypto Twitter accounts before accounts from Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Apple, Uber, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian West, Michael Bloomberg, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden, tweeted theContinue reading “The Twitter hack”
Apple Silicon, Apple everything!
Whew, Apple’s keynote from its WWDC 2020 event last week tore through about 1 hour 47 minutes of new features and information, in a pre-recorded set filmed in Apple’s campus in California. That stream worked well, easily the best presentation in this COVID-19 era. First, a bunch of the stuff that will matter most across all theContinue reading “Apple Silicon, Apple everything!”
Sega’s Game Gear Micro, only for Japan
Sega’s Game Gear Micro is new, only in Japan, and for some reason is featured prominently on many good and serious tech sites. Let me explain what it is and maybe we can figure out why that is. It has a 1.15-inch screen, and runs on 2 AAA batteries. You can buy one of four colors,Continue reading “Sega’s Game Gear Micro, only for Japan”
The best 2019 flagship Android phones that are still worth buying in 2020 in the UAE
2020 is shaping up to be a very mixed year for flagship phones, with impressive spec sheets and features coming at a major cost. Fortunately, there were loads of fantastic flagships launched last year that are still worth considering today! Here are the best 2019 flagship phones you should still consider buying in 2020 andContinue reading “The best 2019 flagship Android phones that are still worth buying in 2020 in the UAE”
“Order Food” via Instagram stickers now in the US, will that happen in MENA?
Yes, you can now order food for delivery or takeout through Instagram. The next time a restaurant posts a video of some lust-worthy food on Instagram, you may be able to have it delivered in a couple of clicks. The social media app has partnered with the ChowNow food ordering platform in the US to create anContinue reading ““Order Food” via Instagram stickers now in the US, will that happen in MENA?”
Is TikTok for pedophiles and underage children?
As a strategist, my job is to recommend platforms and new inventions to clients, one of the struggles is when you get affirmative feedback that says: “WE CAN’T BE ON TIKTOK, IT IS FOR PEDOPHILES AND UNDERAGE CHILDREN”. So, I prepared this document to explain or debunk the “myth” – If you like it, findContinue reading “Is TikTok for pedophiles and underage children?”
5 things that will change during and post COVID-19
Many people predict different things – all we have is data and our hunch to depend on. Pessimists will come and say: We’re walking back into the worst recession in centuries. Small business has been wiped out in some sectors. Consumer confidence will be at an all time low. Conspicuous spending will be hard –Continue reading “5 things that will change during and post COVID-19”
Apple App Store celebrates Ramadan and introduces the Arabic interface
Besides releasing the new iPhone SE (received it this Sunday morning) and expanding services to more countries in the MENA region; Apple just embraced Ramadan on the App Store with unique and differentiated experience during the day and at night. As the App Store officially supported the Arabic language since the release of iOS 13, this is the first Ramadan thatContinue reading “Apple App Store celebrates Ramadan and introduces the Arabic interface”
What happened to Universal Studios Dubai, Dubailand and the whole project in 2009?
Ever wondered about that structure of Six Flags and the unfinished operating Motor City? We all knew that Six Flags Dubai was officially cancelled. But what about the half-finished Motor City and the whole Dubailand project? That structure with the Dubailand sign removed and that biker flying in the air next to a space shuttle?Continue reading “What happened to Universal Studios Dubai, Dubailand and the whole project in 2009?”
TikTok logs you in from the web now, so what?
Now this is great news for community managers and marketeers as well, because now you can also upload a video direct from desktop, providing another option to upload more polished, edited content. This week, the platform has added a new login option on its website, meaning you can now access your TikTok account via your desktop PC,Continue reading “TikTok logs you in from the web now, so what?”
That McDonald’s Ad you can’t skip
Leo Burnett Moscow’s hand-washing ad has 120 million views and you’ll appreciate it. Having fun with the skippable (or unskippable) aspects of an ad is a years-old tactic in the world of video advertising, but it’s a gimmick that’s still worth pausing to appreciate when done well. McDonald’s Russia, released this: Made by Leo BurnettContinue reading “That McDonald’s Ad you can’t skip”
Are you on Facebook Gaming?
Facebook’s dedicated streaming app is here. It might be a Twitch copycat. Basicallty, they joined Amazon’s Twitch, Google’s YouTube and Microsoft’s Mixer streaming services, and it’s been rushed out two months ahead of schedule to meet pandemic demands (or, perhaps, big tech’s need to do everything). Facebook Gaming is a dedicated mobile app now launched widelyContinue reading “Are you on Facebook Gaming?”
McDonald’s Fries is The Most Wanted on TikTok During Quarantine In Egypt
Yes, that title is correct. Since this virus took over our lives, some industries that depended on social gatherings are the ones that suffer the most, including the F&B industry. Why? People are forced to stay home and governments imposed curfews. Restaurants were affected negatively by this as a lot of them had either toContinue reading “McDonald’s Fries is The Most Wanted on TikTok During Quarantine In Egypt”
iPhone SE 2020: the reviews are out and it’s a solid 8/10
Last time I said the iPhone SE 2020 was good enough for most people. I can now add easily. Now iPhone SE 2020 reviews are out, and the summary is compelling and remarkably similar across different reviews: Apple’s new small phone is a smash at AED 1699. It’s not perfect, it’s by no means better than theContinue reading “iPhone SE 2020: the reviews are out and it’s a solid 8/10”
Instagram To Roll Out A Memorial Account Feature Because Of COVID-19 Deaths
Instagram is speeding up plans for a new account memorialization feature, adding a “Remembering” banner under a username to signal that a person has died. “We’ve been working on these updates for some time, though this is one — among others — that we’ve accelerated in light of COVID-19 to help support our community duringContinue reading “Instagram To Roll Out A Memorial Account Feature Because Of COVID-19 Deaths”
Facebook adds new ‘care’ emoji reactions
As a lot of us continue to stay indoors, Facebook has become a go-to platform for many people to check in with their friends, family and neighbors during the current coronavirus pandemic. Today, to give us another way of showing support and presence in its apps, the company said it would add a new reaction for “care”Continue reading “Facebook adds new ‘care’ emoji reactions”
KitKat gets Lotus Biscoff in the UAE and the world goes… crazy!
Yes, the Biscoff craze made McDonald’s in some countries add it to McFlurry, and many restaurants to include it in milkshakes, desserts and more… Kitkat showed it some love too! The KitKat Mini Moments with Lotus Biscoff spread are just like little KitKat Chunky bars – except they have a hidden layer of delicious crunchyContinue reading “KitKat gets Lotus Biscoff in the UAE and the world goes… crazy!”
Starbucks delivers now in UAE & Kuwait
With this pandemic changing habits and enabling different businesses, a thriving need for FMCG solutions is taking place. Starbucks Middle East soft launched delivery in Kuwait last week with their preferred partners of choice, Deliveroo. Today, the service is live and running in Dubai as well, you can now enjoy your favourite coffee and drinksContinue reading “Starbucks delivers now in UAE & Kuwait”
iPhone SE 2020: Good for most, bad for the competition
Apple’s new small phone is out, the iPhone SE 2nd generation of iPhone SE 2020, featuring the latest Apple chipset in an iPhone 8 body, and a size up from the previous generation: The big news is that this iPhone SE packs a beastly chipset: the A13 Bionic, which is in the flagship iPhone 11Continue reading “iPhone SE 2020: Good for most, bad for the competition”
Facebook’s new couples app: Tuned
Yes, the app is called Tuned (it is made by Facebook’s NPE team) and it encourages couples to create an intimate social network between just each other. From the iOS-only app, they can share their mood, exchange music, and create a digital scrapbook. It’s billed as a “private space” for both people to connect. The appContinue reading “Facebook’s new couples app: Tuned”
Tips to avoid burnout and how to cope with WFH stress of social distancing
Staying away from crowds — maintaining what’s known as “social distancing” — is the right move during this coronavirus outbreak. But it also could mean that we are disconnecting from our support systems where straying from our social routines can take its toll on our mental health. Stress can be particularly tough on people like meContinue reading “Tips to avoid burnout and how to cope with WFH stress of social distancing”
Did you ditch Netflix for Quibi yet?
Quibi is out just in time for the ongoing lockdown. Quibi, short for “quick bites,” is a mobile-only short video streaming service, available for both Android and iOS platforms. Quibi has now officially launched worldwide. I had no problems downloading it and tuning in here in the UAE, and had confirmation it’s working in Kuwait too. ItContinue reading “Did you ditch Netflix for Quibi yet?”
Zoom goes boom, in more ways than one
Zoom has become the darling of the working-from-home/lockdown world but that popularity is coming at a cost. I mentioned yesterday how there’s been rapid backlash against the company and people like Basecamp founder David Heinemeier Hansson (@DHH) have jumped way further, calling the organization “fundamentally corrupt.” The tech world has long used Zoom because it hasContinue reading “Zoom goes boom, in more ways than one”
Since Disney+ is now in the UK (and many of us can access it via VPN too), here are the best 12 Simpsons episodes you can watch (again)!
So in case you were not living in a bubble, you probably know that Disney bought 20th Century Fox a couple of years ago. That acquisition included one of the biggest non-Disney animation franchises: The Simpsons. Now, Disney+ the exclusive official streaming home for Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and the other characters who liveContinue reading “Since Disney+ is now in the UK (and many of us can access it via VPN too), here are the best 12 Simpsons episodes you can watch (again)!”
YouTube cuts SD quality by default worldwide to tame bandwidth surge
YouTube has announced that videos on the site will default to standard definition (SD) quality for the next month in order to cope with demand from the bored, housebound masses. Similar measures were undertaken by the company in Europe last week, and other big consumers of bandwidth are likewise taking steps to minimize their impact.Continue reading “YouTube cuts SD quality by default worldwide to tame bandwidth surge”
YouTube & Netflix cut video quality in Europe… are we next?
Coming to you soon: lower quality everything? Reuters reports YouTube is dropping the quality of its videos in Europe, just as Netflix did overnight, after a request from EU industry chief Thierry Breton. Breton initially urged streaming platforms to cut the quality of their videos to prevent internet issues, and the reports are that heContinue reading “YouTube & Netflix cut video quality in Europe… are we next?”
With Many Countries Under Quarantine, People Turn to Livestreams and Shopping
Key insights: Traffic to Alibaba’s Taobao Live streaming platform has more than doubled. Viewers are asking livestreamers to visit restaurants to watch them eat. People are looking to stay fit at home and buying exercise equipment. As the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread, people in China are enduring what The New Yorker described as “the largest quarantine in humanContinue reading “With Many Countries Under Quarantine, People Turn to Livestreams and Shopping”
Kuwait shuts down cinemas, fears of COVID-19
As of today, cinemas in Kuwait will be shut down until further notice because of fear related to COVID-19 spreading across the country. I personally went to watch “ONWARD” here in Dubai with a friend of mine on Friday at 3pm (this is an animation on the weekend, expect chaos, should be one of theContinue reading “Kuwait shuts down cinemas, fears of COVID-19”
007’s No Time To Die, Postponed after COVID-19 fear takes over Hollywood
The film now will be released in the U.K. on November 12, 2020 with worldwide release dates to follow, including the US launch on November 25, 2020. Such a disappointment to fans, since Cinemas are the only outing we kind of have besides bars and restaurants with everything else getting cancelled from concerts, conferences andContinue reading “007’s No Time To Die, Postponed after COVID-19 fear takes over Hollywood”
Twitter introduces ‘Fleets,’ its take on Instagram stories
Twitter’s take on Instagram stories or Snapchat snaps: Fleets can’t be retweeted, don’t have “likes,” and responses show up as direct messages to the original tweeter, not in public (Daily Dot). I gotta say Fleets is a great name for a new ephemeral content form. The social media site has rolled the feature out toContinue reading “Twitter introduces ‘Fleets,’ its take on Instagram stories”
Disney & Pixar’s “Onward” Gets Banned in Kuwait, Oman, Qatar & Saudi Arabia, Censored in Russia over LGBTQ Character
Disney’s and Pixar’s Onward is sure to be a big hit for both studios, but some major character changes will be visible depending on where you watch the film. UPDATE: As of Thursday, March 5th – both Qatar & Oman banned the film as well. And UAE airs it as is. According to CinemaBlend, some RussianContinue reading “Disney & Pixar’s “Onward” Gets Banned in Kuwait, Oman, Qatar & Saudi Arabia, Censored in Russia over LGBTQ Character”
Android & The COVID-19: Big Story
COVID-19 might not be in your neighborhood yet but it’s almost certain you’ve been affected in some way. Maybe you’ve put off leisure travel. Maybe a conference you were going to was canceled. Maybe you’re starting to work from home more. Important big changes that we saw factor: Realme, a Chinese brand, told my AndroidContinue reading “Android & The COVID-19: Big Story”
Every event is getting cancelled in the UAE, but will that stop the COVID-19 virus from spreading?
Today, in a series of cancelled events. The famous Ultra Festival in Abu Dhabi was cancelled. Hopefully the MEFCC is not. Which should be the right thing. Event organisers are cancelling the events, claiming “safety & security first” – but it is bigger than this, it is sales. The events aren’t selling at all. PeopleContinue reading “Every event is getting cancelled in the UAE, but will that stop the COVID-19 virus from spreading?”
The Middle East’s first plant-based water bottle launched, so what?
It means a lot. One of the region’s favourite water brands, “Al Ain” just released their low sodium Plant Bottle variant, making it the region’s first plant-based water bottle. The difference here is that the new bottle is made from 100% plant based sources, making it environmentally friendly. So what? The newly-launched water bottle servesContinue reading “The Middle East’s first plant-based water bottle launched, so what?”
Apple might owe you $25 for the iPhone slowdown
Apple has agreed to pay up to $500 million to settle a long-running class-action lawsuit in the US that accused the company of “secretly” throttling older iPhone models. First reported by Reuters, Apple maintains it hasn’t done any legal wrongdoing in agreeing to the settlement. You can read the settlement on Scribd, thanks to MacRumors. While awaitingContinue reading “Apple might owe you $25 for the iPhone slowdown”
Reaching out to the Chinese customers in MENA through WeChat
So, just to give a quick-background: WeChat was launched in China in 2011 and is often considered to be the benchmark for mobile messaging apps. It offers users an innovative, mobile lifestyle and business hub and its ease and convenience has led to its exponential growth and driven the trend for mobile payment. A pioneerContinue reading “Reaching out to the Chinese customers in MENA through WeChat”
How much of an Award-bate is the last Burger King mouldy Whopper going for?
What “grinds my gears” about the latest Burger King mouldy Whopper ad is the following: 1) Working in the advertising industry for a competitor brand for years, enabled me to know so much about both brands and their competitors, and know their strategy, visual style and know how decorate and shoot an uncooked/inedible burger thatContinue reading “How much of an Award-bate is the last Burger King mouldy Whopper going for?”
Ever wondered about what the TikTok logo resembled?
The designer behind the TikTok’s logo wanted to create a logo that spoke to the stage that TikTok created for so many talented people; an app that combined the user experience of Snapchat stories with a user interface and usage that is similar to Instagram, so think of it as a marriage between these 2Continue reading “Ever wondered about what the TikTok logo resembled?”
How-To Survive A Deadly Global Virus: Visual Guide With A Style & Twist
“How-To Survive A Deadly Global Virus” is a project by Max Siedentopf, a Namibian-German visual artist, and inspired by masks found on social media during the Corona Virus outbreak where people shared photos of alternative solutions to the conventional air mask. Since the virus is currently spreading globally, the series offers handy solutions how youContinue reading “How-To Survive A Deadly Global Virus: Visual Guide With A Style & Twist”
Technology and life…
We’re now living in a world where robots help us keep the floor clean, where we can find out almost anything we want with a few swipes of your fingertips on a screen, and where life on Mars is a topic of conversation. But the biggest change, in my opinion, is with its improvements ofContinue reading “Technology and life…”
Apple jumps on web trends
In a rare move from the brand, Apple has intercepted the product images on its homepage to feature cameos from gaming characters, including some from the Apple Arcade service jumping on the Microinteractions & Minigames trend of web-designs of 2019. Taking a step further and adding a touch of humour and playfulness, find mini-games are aContinue reading “Apple jumps on web trends”
Every name’s a story #whatsyourstory
Love this new campaign by Starbucks about welcoming everyone, in a world where everything is trying to divide human beings. The new Starbucks ad follows a trans boy as he starts going by his new name. The ad aired on television in the U.K. and online, and it’s part of a partnership with the U.K.Continue reading “Every name’s a story #whatsyourstory”
New emojis are coming, but are the blobs staying?
Last week, the internet exploded with news about Unicode Emoji 13.0 adding 62 different emoji to our lives. It includes such selections as bubble tea, people holding babies, and my personal favorite, the Arabic “Wait habibi, I’ll show you” hand sign. This is great news. I, for one, am a hardcore emoji user, frequenting selections likeContinue reading “New emojis are coming, but are the blobs staying?”
Your house parties in Dubai, spot on!
Absolut Gulf just launched a new service in Dubai that turns your house party into a proper one. Absolut in the House is a party-starting service to make your house party the talk of the town! How does it work? You order 4 bottles of Absolut (you can do that from here) and then headContinue reading “Your house parties in Dubai, spot on!”
My Top 5 Trend Predictions of 2020
I haven’t done this in a while, so in a summary – here are my top 5 predictions for this year in the advertising and marketing world. #1: Growth Cannibalism Since agencies opened in this part of the world, they have been singular in their aim: to financially grow – and the faster the better. So,Continue reading “My Top 5 Trend Predictions of 2020”
Is the Coronavirus linked to Corona beer?
Google search trends illustrate that we’re surrounded by very, very confused people when it comes to the rapidly spreading illness.It’s disappointing that this needs to be written, but the only thing that Corona beer and nCoV have in common is the origin of their names. In Latin, corōna meant ‘crown,’ and modern languages continue toContinue reading “Is the Coronavirus linked to Corona beer?”
Being in the game
The rejection messages, meets, texts, calls and emails are part of the game. No boxer likes getting punched, but he knows it’s going to happen. It hurts, but he doesn’t give up. He takes the hit, gets back up and moves on with the fight, giving it his all until he finally succeeds. Rejection meansContinue reading “Being in the game”
Movie Review: Jojo Rabbit (2019)
So, I was thrilled when I saw the trailer, and I can pleasantly tell you – I wasn’t disappointed, at all. Jojo Rabbit is witty, full of sarcasm that is extremely conscious, never offensive and always brilliant. Pack up all your political correctness before you jump into this. I have personally enjoyed, laughed and criedContinue reading “Movie Review: Jojo Rabbit (2019)”
The hassle of planning a week getaway
I was always one of those who enjoyed a weekend away from stress, workload and the buzz – but when I started applying my job to my life, being a strategist and all, I found out that – it is a really sh*t task to do. Just think of all the preparation and planning thatContinue reading “The hassle of planning a week getaway”
I must do this now…
Well, I used to blog back in 2003, then I stopped in 2013 and here I go trying again. I have been building websites since Geocities ever existed back in 1994, creating content since Facebook Groups started in 2007, designing social media campaigns/apps before they went mainstream and online moderating mIRC channels for a very long time. Often referredContinue reading “I must do this now…”
Bye Mullenlowe
“All good things come to an end”. My journey at MullenLowe MENA in Dubai ends in the next 2 weeks, completing 10 months of what consisted of many experiences, like any place. I’ve met great clients, great talents and for that, I’m thankful but it’s time to go. Looking forward my next journey in 2020.
