The top team from Alpha Destination Management will be attending the World Travel Market in London, led by the company’s CEO Mr. Ghassan Aridi from 5th to 7th November 2018. He will be accompanied by Mr. Samir Hamadeh, General Manager, and Ms. Zeina Al Sayegh, Product Manager – UK Market, for Alpha.
Elaborating on the significance of WTM London, Mr. Hamadeh, said, “Western European countries led by the UK and Germany rank among leading markets into our destination. Demand for overseas holidays for the region from these countries continues to be strong. At the same time outbound tourism for the UAE from developing markets in central and eastern Europe is forecast to grow. At Alpha we are well placed to capitalise on these growth opportunities being a well-established brand among the top tour operators in the UK and the rest of the continent. Commanding 40% market share from the UK, Alpha enjoys a pivotal position in the tourism sector
Giving details of the existing and upcoming business deals lined up at the show, Mr. Hamadeh, revealed, “WTM, where we have been exhibiting for the last 21 years, offers us the perfect platform to connect and conduct business with our valuable partners. Last year we signed some very significant contracts during the exhibition with leading companies such as Destinology, Hayes & Jarvis, Travelopia Group, If Only, and Winged Boots. This year, we will be formalising a major agreement with ‘On the Beach’, the 5th largest Tour Operator in the UK, operating 1.5 million British tourists into the Mediterranean region every year, and Dubai will be their first long haul destination. Their expectation in three years is to be among the top three tour operators to the UAE from the UK.
Mr. Hamadeh further added, “In addition to this we are scheduled to sign a major commitment deal during the fair, adding an additional 50,000 room nights in the next 3 years into one of the UAE’s northern emirates. This is a commitment towards the destination by one of the leading tour operators in the UK. Further details will be announced during the fair.”
Dubai is among the top four most visited cities in the world and the best performer in the MENA region. With Expo 2020 on the horizon, the GCC represents high growth potential for the travel industry worldwide. Mr. Hamadeh stated, “Dubai’s tourism offerings have evolved in response to market demand, increasing the emirate’s attractiveness among target visitor segments across key guest markets and UK is among the top three source countries for Dubai. The various visa initiatives have further fuelled growth by not only easing access into the city, but also introducing our amazing destination to new source markets around the globe”.
Speaking about the expectations of tourists from the UK, Mr. Hamadeh, added, “Travellers from the UK are looking for greater value and unique experiences. The more the destination creates attractions and tailors its product to cater to UK tourists, the better conversion it can expect. Dubai is moving away from being a city you must visit, to a city you must experience. Our approach to UK has to be different than other markets and key to that is coming up with new ideas to grow stop over business. In order to support Dubai’s goal to attract 20 million visitors annually by 2020 and maintain a stable momentum of growth, there is need for new packages and offers with added-value to entice transit passengers to stay for least one night rather than simply pass by. At Alpha we are also focusing on promoting Dubai’s strong calendar of events to excite more travellers to come over”.
WTM London is the leading global event for the travel industry, registering more than 50,000 participants in 2017, including 10,500 buyers conducting business worth over US$4.02 billion. Organisers are predicting a record year for 2018, boosted by a strong contingent of exhibitors from the Middle East region. WTM London will add seven regionally-focused Inspiration Zones to the show this year – UK & Ireland, Europe & Mediterranean, Middle East & North Africa, Asia, International and Africa – to make the event more focused on specific destinations.
VISIT Alpha Destination Management on the Dubai Stand ME300, South Hall Booth#15bhttps://london.wtm.com/en/Exhibitors/5059172/Alpha-Tours
#AlphaTours #AlphaToursDubai #AlphaDMC #AlphaToursAe #Dubai #VisitDubai #Dxb #MyDubai #ilovedubai #travelgram #DubaiTourism #Travel #Tours #WTM
About Alpha Destination Management
Founded in 1996, by Mr. Ghassan Aridi and his partners, Alpha Destination Management is the leading destination management company and a pioneer in the tourism sector in the Arabian Gulf. Over the last two decades, the company has established itself as one of the most credible and reputed brands not only in the Gulf region but also in the international tourism industry. Controlling a significant market share of the lucrative tourism sector in the GCC, Alpha Destination Management is a market leader in the region with the largest annual turnover and wide network of international partners offering the highest levels of service and innovative and exciting experiences. Our extensive global and local knowledge and network, outstanding expertise and sound reputation is the key to success for us and all our partners.
For more information about Alpha Destination Management visit http://www.alphatoursdubai.comOr call +971 4 701 9111For media contact:
Hina Bakht
Managing Director
EVOPS Marketing & PR
Mob: 00971 50 6975146
Tel: 00971 4 566 7355
Hina.bakht@evops-pr.comwww.evops-pr.com
If You Don’t Believe in Yourself, No One Else Will
Says Dubai Based Media Personality Sheron Nanayakkara in an Exclusive Interview with Economist Dubai.
Sheron , tell us about Yourself.
A simple girl from Sri Lanka with big dreams, aren’t we all? I moved to Dubai in 2011 with high hopes and crazy life experiences and Dubai didn’t disappoint me. My experience has always been on TV and Radio and this is something I’m passionate about. Joined Radio as a trainer presenter straight out of School and TV followed a couple of years after. Moving to Dubai was a leap of faith, and before I knew it, I was working in Real Estate as a Leasing Manager. I thoroughly enjoyed it but I always knew I had more in store for me.
You were born on?
23rd Aug
Your Zodiac Sign?
I am a Taurus
How easy it is for a Sri Lankan national like you to mix with diverse cultures and grow in UAE?
I grew up in Sri Lanka and was educated in English, I have never felt like the language was a barrier at all and I absolutely love meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures. That in itself is an experience.
If you’re looking for a place where you can meet the whole world, it’s Dubai.
Your favorite food in UAE? and Restaurant?
I’m an Island girl so I do love my seafood. A restaurant that I don’t fail to visit at least once a month is Sea World on Sheikh Zayed Road. Their grilled garlic and butter Sea Bass is out of this world.
Are you a Reader more or a web surfer?
Definitely a Web Surfer. Although I just finished reading a book about Alcatraz , I’m always on my phone, reading one thing or another.
How did Radio in Dubai happen in your life?
Radio in Dubai was a dream come true for me. I’m at my happiest behind the mic, and even though I loved my job in Real Estate, I always felt like something was missing. I was over the moon to get that phone call from Heart FM 107.1 saying they’d want me to join their team. And now I one of the Hosts of the breakfast show with two other presenters.
Do you love modelling?
I got into modeling at the age of 20, but didn’t really push it through, Radio was always number one. I have just started modeling again here in Dubai, and Yes, I love it.
Tell us about your family?
We are 3 daughters in the family, my dad was in Tourism all his life and he passed on the reigns to my older sister who is a National Tour Guide. Youngest sister works for Kuwait Airways. My mom has always been the spine of the family and I always say that if I can be half the woman she is, when I’m her age, I’d have won in life.
As a traveler, where would you like to resurface again and again?
America. I did a 10 days tour to LA, Vegas, San Francisco and a drive through the coast back to LA, and it’s the best trip I’ve done so far. Can’t wait to go back and explore the rest of the country.
Any new destinations explored recently?
I did Cambodia earlier this year, visiting Angkor Wat Temple was in my bucket list, and I ticked it off. A must visit.
What can one find inside your wardrobe as far as your dressing is concerned?
You will always find a yellow top, yellow dress, yellow skirt. Always I have been told that yellow looks great on my skin tone and I love wearing the color.
Sheron , Your views on Dubai.
Dubai is a whole new world. Once you get used to the Dubai lifestyle it’s extremely hard to go back to your previous one. Dubai is a land of opportunities, since I moved here, Dubai has opened up so many doors that I didn’t even know existed. But I will also say that it’s not for everyone. Moving away from home is a tough decision as it is, and moving to a city as fast paced as Dubai is a whole another level. It’s not for the faint hearted and only for the thick skinned.
What would be your reaction if you are made a host of a TV show?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on TV and if I was given the opportunity to do it in Dubai, I would snatch it without a batting my eyelids
Which celebrity would you like to meet in Dubai over coffee?
I can name a few I would love to meet, but since its “Dubai”, I would love to have a chat with H.H Sheikh Mohammed himself. One can only dream.
If you are made the goodwill ambassador what is the first thing you will do to improve certain things in people’s lives?
I would focus my efforts on helping young women to realize their strength, their talents and pushing them to be the best version of themselves, to be strong, independent women. We don’t realize that sometimes, it’s a friendly face or it’s as simple as saying “ I believe in you” for someone good to be great. So many children are deprived of an education and amongst them, we have creators, innovators and world leaders just waiting for that right opportunity.
Do you love cars or mobikes?
I’d go with cars purely for the reason that my hair will be intact after the ride (laughs).
Are you passionate about animals?
Yes , I do love animals and birds. I did have a cat for a short period
Your message to Your audience?
I wouldn’t say this is for my audience only but anyone in general: Follow your dreams, and believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. Speak up for what you believe in, and don’t ever let anyone tell you, you’re not good enough.
As told to our Senior Correspondent Amit KakkarWrite to: amit.kakkar@economistdubai.com
Ring, a leader in neighborhood security, today announced that it has partnered with PRO TECHnology, a leading provider of exceptional innovative IT solutions in the Gulf region at GITEX 2018. This partnership will help Ring foray and expand its reach across the regional market offering residential real estate developers & homeowners Ring’s innovative home security products and solutions.
“Ring believes in keeping homes and communities safe rather than just comfortable, and we hope to change the way homeowners view security by keeping an eye on their family and property, even when they can’t. Ring re-imagined the doorbell so consumers could respond – using a smartphone – to someone at their front door from anyplace, anytime while simplifying the technology with the combination of App, Cloud and Security hardware. PRO TECHnology has been providing technology-driven business solutions in the region for over 20 years and in that time, has succeeded in garnering an unparalleled regional presence. We look forward to working with PRO TECHnology to address the home security needs by extending Ring’s reach and making our home security solutions more readily available to homeowners in the UAE,” said Mohammad Meraj Hoda, Vice President of Business Development – Middle East and Africa at Ring.
Ring has evolved as a leading brand in the home security space represented by 18,000 plus stores across North America, and Ring’s products globally have been hailed as a dependable second set of eyes and ears to deter would-be thieves from entering homes and communities. Following a pilot program with the Los Angeles Police Department in the US, within six months it was proven that Ring’s Video Doorbell which provides a live view of any doorway and includes adjustable motion sensors and night vision, was able to reduce crime in a Los Angeles neighborhood by over 55%. The goal is to bring the same convenience and security to the UAE neighbourhoods.
PRO TECHnology will act as a value added reseller for Ring’s latest suite of smart home security products such as Ring Video Doorbell 2 that helps you communicate with visitors from anywhere; Ring Video Doorbell Pro which in addition to the features of the Video Doorbell 2 has improved motion detection features; Video Doorbell Elite which requires professional installation with power over ethernet offering the most reliable connection in home security; Ring Floodlight Cam, the first motion-activated security camera with two-way audio, HD video, built-in floodlights and a siren; and the new Ring Spotlight Cam Battery, a long-lasting battery-powered powered HD camera with two-way audio and a siren; the Spotlight Cam Wired with two-way talk and a siren solution. PRO TECHnology will also focus on residential real estate projects where Ring be great value addition to home owners and communities by keeping the safer neighborhood.
“PRO TECHnology has a long history in offering sophisticated IT solutions to our clients and one of our main expertise is security and CCTV applications and we are constantly looking at introducing innovative solutions to build that portfolio. When we were introduced to the state-of-the-art Ring products and solutions, we knew we had found the best home security provider,” said Jamal H. Maraqa, Managing Director, PRO TECHnology. “The awareness and demand for smart home security devices, such as smart doorbells that keep families, neighborhoods and communities safe are growing and therefore we believe that our partnership with Ring is a perfect fit. We see exciting new possibilities in this partnership with Ring across the Gullf region and it will help PRO TECHnology to better address our customer’s needs in today’s environment of ever-increasing demand for home security solutions.”
– Ends –About Ring
Ring’s mission is to reduce crime in neighborhoods and empower consumers by creating a Ring of Security around homes and communities with its suite of smart home security products: Ring Video Doorbell 2, Ring Chime Pro, Ring Video doorbell Elite, Ring Floodlight Cam, Ring Spotlight Cam Wired and Ring Spotlight Cam Battery. With these security devices, Ring has created the neighborhood watch for the digital age and continues to keep homes around the world safe. For more information, visit www.ring.com. With Ring, you’re always home.
About PRO TECHnology
Headquartered in Dubai, PRO TECHnology continues to evolve, embrace and gain its significant reputation as a leading IT solution provider in MENA region. The company today, has unparalleled regional presence. Since its establishment in 1998, the company incessantly introduced to the region a well selected range of unique products, an array of vertical solutions, and implemented sophisticated and high-end applications.
With the efficiency of a goal-oriented team, and the continued trust of renowned vendors, partners and clients, PRO TECHnology remains to stay at the helm of IT standards and affirms its thrust tap to provide technological professionalism.
Samsung Electronics, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, today announced two new automotive solution brands — Samsung Exynos Auto and Samsung ISOCELL Auto – to bring cutting-edge application processor and image sensor technology solutions to the road.
“Samsung’s new automotive brand solutions, Exynos Auto and ISOCELL Auto, bring Samsung’s market-proven technologies to automotive applications with enhanced features and durability required by the market,” said Kenny Han, vice president of Samsung’s Device Solutions Division. “With fast telecommunication, accurate sensing and powerful processing capabilities, Samsung’s Auto-branded solutions will enable new driving experiences to next-generation smart vehicles.”
Exynos Auto Logo (top) and ISOCELL Auto Logo
Samsung’s Exynos processors have been recognized for their performance and stability since its brand launched in 2011. On top of the powerful yet efficient qualities of Exynos’ mobile versions, Exynos Auto meets industry requirements for harsher environments, allowing automotive manufacturers to develop cutting-edge applications such as infotainment, advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) and telematics.
Processors provided by Exynos Auto are sorted into three sub-categories: Exynos Auto V series for advanced in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems; Exynos Auto A series for ADAS; and Exynos Auto T series for telematics solutions.
Samsung’s ISOCELL image sensors have brought innovative imaging technologies to mobile products since 2017 and the new automotive lineup will help bring the power of sight to cars. Built on the company’s innovative pixel isolation technology, ISOCELL, the sensors provide greater visibility of the road and surroundings even in low-light environments, while enabling more precise identification of objects. This allows, for example, vehicles to perceive road conditions or potential hazards even when driving through tunnels or other high-contrast environments.
Samsung’s Exynos Auto and ISOCELL Auto products will be demonstrated at the International Suppliers Fair (IZB) in Wolfburg, Germany, from October 16 to 18 at Hall 1.
For more information please visit the below sites;
– Exynos Auto: https://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/minisite/exynos/application/automotive/
– ISOCELL Auto: https://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/image-sensor/automotive-image-sensor/
The Internet of Things (IoT) is transitioning from first proof-of-concept deployments into a new growth phase that is expected, according to industry analysts, to deploy 1 trillion devices by 2035.1 What is driving these lofty projections are the incredible business benefits that will be achieved with data-driven IoT initiatives such as edge computing, artificial intelligence (AI), predictive maintenance and autonomous systems. The more data that is collected, the more valuable the data becomes. However, this model may not be realized unless the industry can collaborate on more open and scalable methods to securely provision devices and their data to the cloud.
To answer these challenges, Intel is teaming up with Arm* to provide solutions to securely onboard2 both Intel and Arm IoT devices to any application or cloud framework.
First, let me walk you through the traditional manual onboarding process for IoT devices, which has multiple challenges. It typically takes more than 20 minutes per device and involves coordination among installation technicians, IT network/security operations and operational technology teams. The device identity and network access credentials are either painstakingly preloaded into the device at manufacturing or configured in the field from a standard image using insecure human processes. Compounding the security issues are the proliferation of cloud-specific provisioning methods without a consistent hardware-protected device identity model. For IoT to scale to a trillion devices in less than two decades, this process must be faster, safer and more flexible.
Now, the solution: Last October, Intel® Secure Device Onboard was launched as the first solution that enabled a “late binding” approach to provisioning, where customers could dynamically discover their target cloud platform for provisioning seconds after the device is powered on in the field. The collaboration with Arm aims to extend this capability from Intel devices to include the Arm devices that commonly are deployed together by customers. This strategic collaboration of two major ecosystems is designed to provide the industry with a more flexible provisioning method that can be natively enabled in devices.
So how does it work? Watch the prototype video below that shows how Intel and Arm devices can be credentialed and provisioned in seconds to join any cloud application framework.
As a result, customers should be able to choose their onboarding systems of record without being locked into a single cloud provider’s provisioning method or a single device architecture. Flexibility can be built in before the device is purchased to onboard into any cloud ecosystem. Device management systems such as Pelion*, cloud/on-premise IoT platforms and connected partner ecosystems all benefit from increased variety of devices, lower cost and faster deployment. Device suppliers can simplify manufacturing to a single SKU that can be provisioned with customer-specific credentials in the field rather than in the factory, dramatically reducing cost while decreasing time to market.
“Intel and Arm are simplifying one of IoT’s most complex and challenging barriers with regard to streamlining the manufacturing and security deployment workflows for IoT. This is an ROI win for the customer, who will be able to deploy both Intel- and Arm-based devices at a lower cost and with less friction between IT and OT, while at the same time retaining flexibility over their data and cloud partner choice until the deployment phase,” said Michela Menting, director, ABI Research.
Learn more about the solution at IoT Solution World Congress’s smart building customer case study presentation and view the joint demo that is nominated for top TestBed award. You may also attend the technical presentation at Arm TechCon that will showcase the Pelion Device Management zero-touch experience. Intel and Arm are seeking customer and ecosystem feedback on the prototypes and expect to engage pilot customers later this year. Contact iotonboarding@intel.com for more information on the pilot programs.
Intel’s collaboration with Arm allows us to progress a joint vision of “any device, any cloud” to span multiple device architectures. As we enter this accelerated growth phase for IoT, we will continue to collaborate with technology vendors to provide customers the protections they need. On behalf of the entire Intel team, I thank our industry partners and customers for their ongoing support.
Lorie Wigle is vice president of Software and Services Group and general manager of Internet of Things Security at Intel Corporation.1Trillion devices by 2035- source ARM white paper https://community.arm.com/cfs-file/__key/telligent-evolution-components-attachments/01-1996-00-00-00-01-30-09/Arm-_2D00_-The-route-to-a-trillion-devices-_2D00_-June-2017.pdf2From out-of-box to securely streaming data to an IoT PlatformIntel technologies’ features and benefits depend on system configuration and may require enabled hardware, software or service activation. Performance varies depending on system configuration. No computer system can be absolutely secure. Check with your system manufacturer or retailer or learn more at https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/internet-of-things/secure-device-onboard.html.Intel, the Intel logo, and Intel® Secure Device Onboard are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries
Adobe (Nasdaq:ADBE) today will host a financial analyst meeting with investors and financial analysts at its Adobe MAX Creativity Conference.
At today’s meeting in Los Angeles, Adobe’s executive team will discuss the company’s expanded growth opportunities and strategies across each of its major businesses. As part of its presentation, Adobe will outline numerous growth drivers and show research data that the company’s total addressable market has expanded from approximately $83 billion in 2020 to approximately $108 billion by 2021.
Adobe is reaffirming its current Q4 fiscal year 2018 revenue and earnings per share targets. The company is also providing preliminary growth targets for fiscal year 2019. These targets do not reflect Adobe’s planned acquisition of Marketo, which the company expects to close during Q4 fiscal year 2018.
“Our strategy of empowering people to create and transforming how businesses compete is leading to larger addressable market opportunities and the potential for accelerated revenue and earnings growth,” said Shantanu Narayen, president and CEO, Adobe. “Our 2019 growth targets reflect our continued momentum and market leadership.”
Adobe Provides Preliminary FY2019 Growth Targets
At today’s financial analyst meeting, Adobe is providing preliminary growth targets for its fiscal year 2019, which are summarized in the table below.
Total Adobe revenue1
Approximately 20 percent year-over-year growth
Digital Media segment revenue
Approximately 20 percent year-over-year growth
Digital Experience segment revenue
Approximately 20 percent year-over-year growth
Digital Media annualized recurring revenue (“ARR”)
Approximately $1.4 billion of net new ARR
Digital Experience subscription bookings2
Approximately 25 percent year-over-year growth
1
Revenue targets were set based on Sept. 2018 foreign exchange (“FX”) rates, which for current planning purposes are assumed to be constant during fiscal year 2019
2
Includes annualized subscription value of SaaS, managed service and term offerings under contract for Adobe Analytics Cloud, Adobe Marketing Cloud and Magento Commerce Cloud
Adobe expects to report Q4 fiscal year 2018 financial results and provide fiscal year 2019 revenue and earnings per share targets on Dec. 13, 2018. These results and targets are expected to include the impact of the acquisition of Marketo.
Adobe Reaffirms Q4 Revenue and Earnings Targets
As part of its meeting today, Adobe is affirming it is on track to achieve Q4 fiscal year 2018 revenue of $2.42 billion. The Company also stated it is on track to achieve its Q4 earnings per share targets of $1.42 on a GAAP-basis, and $1.87 on a non-GAAP basis, as well as meet other financial metrics it targeted for the quarter. These targets do not reflect the impact of Adobe’s pending acquisition of Marketo.
A reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share targets is provided later in this press release.
Adobe to Webcast Financial Analyst Meeting
Adobe will webcast its meeting with financial analysts and investors in attendance at Adobe MAX beginning at 5 p.m. Eastern Time today. People can access the webcast and slides from this event from the Adobe Investor Relations webpage at http://www.adobe.com/ADBE. The live video webcast will last approximately three hours and will be archived on Adobe’s website for approximately 45 days. There will be no phone dial-in capability.
Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including those related to business momentum and strategy, market expansion, the closing of the Marketo acquisition, revenue, earnings, annualized recurring revenue, bookings, operating cash flow, non-operating other expense, GAAP and non-GAAP tax rate, GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share and share count, all of which involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: failure to develop, acquire, market and offer products and services that meet customer requirements, failure to compete effectively, introduction of new technology, complex sales cycles, risks related to the timing of revenue recognition from our subscription offerings, fluctuations in subscription renewal rates, risks associated with cyber-attacks, potential interruptions or delays in hosted services provided by us or third parties, information security and privacy, failure to realize the anticipated benefits of past or future acquisitions, changes in accounting principles and tax regulations, uncertainty in the financial markets and economic conditions in the countries where we operate, and other various risks associated with being a multinational corporation.
For a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, please refer to Adobe’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year 2017 ended Dec. 1, 2017, and Adobe’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q issued in fiscal year 2018.
Adobe assumes no obligation to, and does not currently intend to, update these forward-looking statements.
About Adobe
Adobe is changing the world through digital experiences. For more information, visit www.adobe.com.
As part of our ongoing efforts to prevent people from misusing Facebook during elections, we’re broadening our policies against voter suppression — action that is designed to deter or prevent people from voting. These updates were designed to address new types of abuse that we’re seeing online.
We already prohibit offers to buy or sell votes as well as misrepresentations about the dates, locations, times and qualifications for casting a ballot. We have been removing this type of content since 2016. Here is an example:
Last month, we extended this policy further and are now banning misrepresentations about how to vote, such as claims that you can vote by text message, and statements about whether a vote will be counted. (e.g. “If you voted in the primary, your vote in the general election won’t count.”) We’ve also recently introduced a new reporting option on Facebook so that people can let us know if they see voting information that may be incorrect, and have set up dedicated reporting channels for state election authorities so that they can do the same.
People can now let us know if they see “incorrect voting info” on Facebook
We recognize that some posts that are reported to us may require additional review. For example, we’re unable to verify every claim about the conditions of polling places around the world (e.g. “Elementary School Flooded, Polling Location Closed”). In these cases, we will send content to our third-party fact-checkers for review. Content that is rated false will be ranked lower in News Feed, and accompanied by additional information written by our fact-checkers (what we call, Related Articles) on the same subject.
Expanding our policy is just one of the steps we’re taking to strengthen the integrity of elections around the world. We’re also getting better at detecting and removing fake accounts and increasing transparency across political and issue ads on the platform. You can read more from our CEO Mark Zuckerberg about our work on elections here.
Today, Amazon introduced the all-new reimagined Kindle Paperwhite, featuring a thinner and lighter design, sleek flush-front display, and waterproofing so you can read comfortably anywhere. It also comes with Audible so you can switch seamlessly between reading and listening to professionally narrated performances from the world’s largest selection of audiobooks. And with so much great content, the all-new Kindle Paperwhite comes with twice the storage so you can hold more large files like audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, and comics. The all-new Kindle Paperwhite still includes features customers love about Kindle like a glare-free display and battery life measured in weeks. The all-new Kindle Paperwhite is available for pre-order today for just £119.99 at www.amazon.co.uk/kindlepaperwhite and will start shipping on 7th November.
“Customers love the Kindle Paperwhite, and we’re excited to bring premium features—like a thinner and lighter flush-front design, additional storage, waterproofing, and Audible—to our most popular Kindle,” said Eric Saarnio, Head of Amazon Devices, Europe. “With the all-new Kindle Paperwhite, it’s never been easier to get lost in the author’s story no matter where you go.”
Sleek, modern design
The all-new Kindle Paperwhite features a sleek, flush-front design and a back made of soft, grippable material so it rests easily in your hand. It is the thinnest and lightest Kindle Paperwhite yet, measuring 8.18mm thick and weighing 182g—less than half the weight of many paperback books—so extended reading sessions are even more comfortable.
The six-inch, high resolution 300 ppi display features crisp, printed-quality text that reads like real paper. It also includes five LEDs and an adjustable front light for a uniform, glare-free display in any setting—even direct sunlight.
The first waterproof Kindle Paperwhite
The most popular Kindle is now waterproof so you can read in even more places. The all-new Kindle Paperwhite is designed to withstand getting splashed at the beach or dropped in the bath tub, or pool. It’s IPX8 rated to protect against immersion in up to two metres of fresh water for up to 60 minutes.
2x the storage
The all-new Kindle Paperwhite comes with twice the storage so you can keep more content on your device. Available in 8 GB, which is twice the storage as the previous generation and can hold thousands of titles, and 32 GB for storing even more content with large file sizes, like audiobooks, comics, newspapers, magazines, and more.
Plus Audible
With Bluetooth built-in, listen to your favourite Audible book and switch seamlessly between reading and listening so you never lose your place. Access the Audible store directly on the all-new Kindle Paperwhite and find your next favourite from a library of over 300,000 professionally performed audio programmes, including Audible books, original audio productions, and exclusive content. Just connect your all-new Kindle Paperwhite to a Bluetooth-enabled device, like speakers or headphones, and dive into a story.
Even more personalisation
Kindle includes a variety of ways to tailor your experience so you can read your book your way. Today, we’re introducing even more personalisation features, including:
An updated home—The new home experience makes it easier to find your next read based on your reading history, including books from Kindle Unlimited or Prime Reading. You can also view fun facts and tips so you can get the most out of your device.
Easily personalise your reading—Now save multiple reading settings, selecting the font, boldness level, and orientation settings you prefer all from the main menu and quickly switch between those settings.
Starting tomorrow, the updated home experience, as well as the ability to quickly save and access reading settings, will be delivered as a free, over-the-air update to Kindle Paperwhite Gen 6 (released in 2013) and newer devices.
The features readers love about Kindle
By design, Kindle devices are purpose-built for reading so you can lose yourself in a book. Unlike tablets and phones, a Kindle has no glare, even in bright sunlight, and won’t distract you with social media, emails, text messages, or notifications. The all-new Kindle Paperwhite includes features that have made the Kindle family the best devices for reading, enhancing the experience beyond a print book:
Whispersync and Whispersync for Voice—Saves and synchronises your last page read, bookmarks, and annotations from your Kindle eBooks and Audible books across all of your Amazon devices and Kindle apps, so you can always pick up where you left off on any device, whether you’re reading or listening.
Goodreads—Kindle is integrated with the world’s largest site for readers and book recommendations, with over 50 million members, 1.3 billion books added, and 47 million book reviews.
X-Ray—Explore the “Bones of the Book”—see all of the passages across a book that mention relevant ideas, fictional characters, historical figures, places, or topics of interest.
Word Wise—Available on many popular English language titles, Word Wise makes it easier to enjoy and quickly understand more challenging books. Short and simple definitions automatically appear above difficult words, so you can keep reading with fewer interruptions.
Family Library—With Kindle and Kindle reading apps, you can access not only your own books, but also books from the Amazon account of a spouse or partner.
Smart Lookup—Integrates a full dictionary definition with other reference information via X-Ray and Wikipedia.
World’s Best eBook Store
Kindle e-readers come with instant access to the Kindle Store, which includes:
World’s best selection—Millions of books, newspapers and magazines, including the latest best sellers, and programmes like Prime Reading and Kindle Unlimited, both of which continue to grow.
Kindle exclusives—Over one million books are exclusive to the Kindle Store.
Amazon First Reads—Early access to an editorially curated list of six new books one month before they officially publish. Every month, customers can choose one Kindle book from our editors’ picks for £0.99 and also shop print editions for £3.99 or less.
Pricing and Availability
The all-new Kindle Paperwhite is £119.99 for the 8 GB model and £149.99 for the 32 GB model. The 32 GB with free cellular connectivity is £219.99. All are available today for pre-order and will begin shipping to customers on 7th November. The all-new Kindle Paperwhite will also be available in stores and online at Argos, Dixons, John Lewis & Partners, littlewoods.com, Tesco and very.co.uk.
Customers can also purchase a cover with a thin design that snaps perfectly onto the all-new Kindle Paperwhite. The cover opens like a book, automatically waking the device when opened and putting it to sleep when closed. Choose from three materials in a variety of colours: a premium leather cover for £49.99 in rustic tan; leather covers, all £34.99 in black, merlot, red, and indigo purple; and water-safe fabric covers, all £24.99 in charcoal black, yellow, and blue. Customers can learn more at www.amazon.co.uk/kindlepaperwhite.
About Amazon
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.
First Air France KLM credit card to be offered in the United States
NEW YORK, NY – October 16, 2018 – Today, Air France-KLM and Bank of America launched the new Air France KLM World Elite Mastercardâ to reward loyal Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and SkyTeam members. It is the first and only Air France-KLM co-branded credit card available in North America.
The new card will allow customers to gain Miles and XP (Experience Points), the reward currency for Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue Loyalty Program. The launch follows a recent global update to Flying Blue, which commenced in April 2018. The enhanced program enables more flexible spending of Miles and a more simplified, personalized membership level qualification.
“We are excited to launch this new card to reward our loyal customers in the United States. The U.S. is a major market for Air France-KLM with growing demand for our flights and services from 14 American airports to Amsterdam, Paris, and beyond,” said Stephane Ormand, vice president and general manager USA at Air France-KLM. “Flyers in the U.S. have many choices. It is our priority to delight and reward our frequent fliers. Especially following the enhancements to our Flying Blue program, this card will allow us to provide customers more flexible, accessible reward tickets and provide services designed to make trips more enjoyable.”
The Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard offers the following features:
Earn three Miles for every $1 spent on purchases made directly with Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and SkyTeam member airlines.
Earn 1.5 Miles for every $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases.
Earn 25,000 bonus Miles after the cardholder makes $1,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of their account opening.
Earn 60 XP (Experience Points) upon account opening for the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard® (limited to one time per Flying Blue member). 60 XP bring new cardholders 60 percent closer to achieving Silver status.
Receive a benefit of 5,000 anniversary Miles after spending at least $50 on purchases within the card anniversary year.
Plus, receive 20 XP every year on the account anniversary and the opportunity to earn an additional 40 XP after spending at least $15k on purchases within the card anniversary year (totaling up to 60 XP).
“We’re particularly proud to offer the competitive rate of three Miles per dollar spent not only with Air France or KLM but with any of our SkyTeam partners,” said Ormand. “Thanks to our partners, this card gives our loyal customers the unique ability to get more benefits when they fly to over 1,000 destinations within the SkyTeam network.”
“This partnership will deepen the relationship we have with our Bank of America clients who choose to fly Air France-KLM,” said Michael Simpson, co-brand and affinity card executive at Bank of America. “Partnerships like this ensure we are providing loyal clients with card programs that meet their financial needs.”
“Customer experience has never been more important for travelers, and Air France KLM has always kept this top priority, delivering a streamlined customer journey from booking to take-off,” said Linda Kirkpatrick, EVP Merchants & Acceptance for Mastercard. “We are pleased to partner with them and Bank of America to deliver a cardholder value proposition that reflects this longstanding commitment, with rewards and offerings that meet and exceed their customers’ needs.”
The Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard is open for applications effective immediately. To apply or receive more information about the card, including rates, fees, costs and benefits associated with the credit card, visit go.bofa.com/AirFranceKLMcard
For more information about Flying Blue Loyalty Program, go to: https://www.flyingblue.us/en
Flying Blue: leading loyalty program
Flying Blue, the Air France-KLM group’s loyalty program, has 15 million members and 39 airline partners and more than 100 non-airline partners. The more members travel, the more their loyalty is rewarded. With Flying Blue, customers can access the many services specially designed to make their trip even more enjoyable. At www.airfrance.com and www.klm.com, members can check their account, book tickets directly or request missing Miles to be added to their account. At www.flyingblue.com, customers can access a complete presentation of the Flying Blue program, detailing the benefits of the different Explorer, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels explained through videos and tutorials. They can also check out all the ways to earn or spend Miles and the complete list of all the program’s partners’ offers in the “Flying Blue Store” section.
Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 67 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,400 retail financial centers, including more than 1,700 lending centers, more than 1,900 Merrill Edge investment centers and more than 1,300 business centers; approximately 16,100 ATMs; and award-winning digital banking with approximately 36 million active users, including 25 million mobile users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Mastercard
Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. Our global payments processing network connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MastercardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.
Mastercard Communications Contact
Sarah Ely
sarah.ely@mastercard.com
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, today witnessed how du is providing the catalyst for the UAE digital transformation at GITEX 2017. He was received by du’s Chief Commercial Officer, Fahad Al Hassawi, and Chief Operating Officer, Farid Faraidooni, and other representatives of the company’s senior management.
Under the theme of ’10 times more’, du is showcasing how it is going beyond connectivity to mirror the Dubai 10X initiative as announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to provide the catalyst for digital transformation in the UAE.
Last month, we extended this policy further and are now banning misrepresentations about how to vote, such as claims that you can vote by text message, and statements about whether a vote will be counted. (e.g. “If you voted in the primary, your vote in the general election won’t count.”) We’ve also recently introduced a new reporting option on Facebook so that people can let us know if they see voting information that may be incorrect, and have set up dedicated reporting channels for state election authorities so that they can do the same.
People can now let us know if they see “incorrect voting info” on Facebook
We recognize that some posts that are reported to us may require additional review. For example, we’re unable to verify every claim about the conditions of polling places around the world (e.g. “Elementary School Flooded, Polling Location Closed”). In these cases, we will send content to our third-party fact-checkers for review. Content that is rated false will be ranked lower in News Feed, and accompanied by additional information written by our fact-checkers (what we call, Related Articles) on the same subject.
Expanding our policy is just one of the steps we’re taking to strengthen the integrity of elections around the world. We’re also getting better at detecting and removing fake accounts and increasing transparency across political and issue ads on the platform. You can read more from our CEO Mark Zuckerberg about our work on elections here. 
