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Tag: vision

  • Revamping Bangkok: A Sneak Peek at Pedestrian-Centric Vision for New Cycling Bridge Over Chao Phraya River

    Revamping Bangkok: A Sneak Peek at Pedestrian-Centric Vision for New Cycling Bridge Over Chao Phraya River

    Bangkok is currently evaluating proposals for a pedestrian and cycling bridge across the Chao Phraya River. This initiative is part of an effort to rejuvenate the city’s historic old town and create a fresh, urban landmark. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has recently released concept images, which include designs from an acclaimed international architecture company, MVRDV.

    Bridge Vision

    The proposed bridge aims to enhance cross-river connectivity between Phra Nakhon and Thonburi districts. At present, citizens largely depend on road bridges or limited-hour ferry services for these crossings. The bridge is intended solely for pedestrians and cyclists, filling a crucial gap in Bangkok’s transportation infrastructure.

    In addition to serving as a safe route for daily commutes, the bridge is also expected to boost cultural tourism in historic communities on both sides of the river. It provides a platform for walking, relaxing and appreciating river views, reflecting Bangkok’s “walkable city” principles. These principles emphasize an improved quality of life, reduced reliance on cars, and the promotion of environmentally sustainable modes of transport.

    Project Status

    Officials have indicated that the project is currently in the study and preliminary design phase, with an environmental impact assessment being prepared. Any actual construction is yet to be approved and will be subject to review and budget sanctions by the Bangkok Metropolitan Council.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the purpose of the proposed bridge?
    The bridge aims to enhance cross-river connectivity and boost cultural tourism. It is intended solely for pedestrians and cyclists, filling a gap in Bangkok’s transportation infrastructure.

    What principles is the bridge project based on?
    The bridge project reflects Bangkok’s “walkable city” principles which emphasize an improved quality of life, reduced reliance on cars, and the promotion of environmentally sustainable modes of transport.

    What is the current status of the bridge project?
    The bridge project is currently in the study and preliminary design phase. Any construction is yet to be approved and will be subject to review and budget sanctions by the Bangkok Metropolitan Council.

  • UBS Tech Shake-up: Outgoing CTO Paves Way for Incoming COO’s AI-Driven Vision

    UBS Tech Shake-up: Outgoing CTO Paves Way for Incoming COO’s AI-Driven Vision

    UBS Group has announced changes in its executive oversight, particularly in regard to technological advancements and operations. This comes as the company enters a significant phase in executing its operational and technological strategies. To spearhead this pivotal phase, UBS has moved its Group Technology department under the direct supervision of the soon-to-be Group Chief Operating Officer.

    Mike Dargan, the current Group Chief Operations and Technology Officer, is stepping down from his position at the end of December 2025. His departure has set into motion an immediate reshuffling of roles at the top echelons of the company’s operating and technology sections, as stated in a recent press release.

    Restructuring the Leadership

    As of 1st January 2026, the Group Technology department will be reporting to Beatriz Martin, who will be assuming the position of Group Chief Operating Officer. This move is designed to consolidate daily operational accountability with technological governance.

    In the meantime, Chris Gelvin will serve as the interim Head of Group Technology, while also retaining his current role as Chief Operating Officer of Group Technology. This arrangement will ensure continuity as UBS works on finalizing its long-term leadership structure.

    The expanded portfolio of the Group COO is expected to facilitate seamless end-to-end operations, prioritize technological and artificial intelligence initiatives, and aid in completing the remaining technology integration process.

    Emphasizing Growth, Resilience, and Digitization

    Sergio Ermotti, the Group CEO, has praised Dargan’s valuable contributions in positioning technology as a key driver for business growth and resilience. He particularly highlighted Dargan’s role in steering the company’s strategic shift towards AI and digitization.

    The changes to UBS’s Group Executive Board are contingent on regulatory approval. However, the revised reporting lines and interim arrangements have been designed to ensure consistent execution throughout the transition period.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the purpose of the recent changes in UBS’s executive oversight?
    The changes are intended to consolidate daily operational accountability with technological governance as the company enters a critical phase of executing its operational and technological strategies.

    Who will be assuming the role of Group Chief Operating Officer in UBS?
    Beatriz Martin will be assuming the role of Group Chief Operating Officer at UBS starting from 1st January 2026.

    What is the role of technology in UBS’s business strategy?
    Technology is seen as a key driver for business growth and resilience at UBS. The company is strategically shifting towards artificial intelligence and digitization.

  • DHL Invests €130M in Boosting Saudi Logistics with New Hub: A Strategic Leap towards Vision 2030

    DHL Invests €130M in Boosting Saudi Logistics with New Hub: A Strategic Leap towards Vision 2030

    DHL Supply Chain, the world’s leading contract logistics provider, has announced an investment of approximately €130 million (560 million SAR) towards the establishment of a regional logistics and distribution hub in Riyadh, located in Saudi Arabia’s Special Integrated Logistics Zone (SILZ). This strategic investment reaffirms the company’s commitment to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its goal of becoming a global logistics powerhouse. This facility is part of DHL’s larger investment strategy in Saudi Arabia.

    Features of the New Facility

    The new distribution hub will be built on a 78,000 sqm land plot, with a 53,000 sqm facility, under a lease agreement for a 26-year term. This multi-user warehouse will service various sectors, such as technology, retail and consumer, automotive, energy, and e-commerce, offering customised solutions for each industry. Construction is set to commence in the first quarter of 2026, with completion projected for the second quarter of 2027. This new warehouse is a component of the €500 million investment announced by DHL Group for the Middle East extending to 2030.

    Hendrik Venter, CEO of DHL Supply Chain, commented on the growth potential of the region, saying, “The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing logistics regions globally, and Saudi Arabia sits at the centre of this transformation… Our new multiuser facility at SILZ will not only accelerate supply chain resilience and connectivity but also enable global businesses to migrate their distribution centres to the Kingdom…”

    Strategic Location and Benefits

    Situated just eight kilometres from King Khalid International Airport and connected via a bonded corridor, the new hub will offer unrivalled proximity to global air routes. This advantageous location will ensure faster lead times and seamless access to and from the Middle East’s largest consumer market—facilitating efficient inbound flows into the Kingdom and supporting the burgeoning outbound export trade.

    Mostapha Mokdad, DHL Supply Chain KSA’s Managing Director, stressed the alignment of this initiative with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, saying, “…our lighthouse site at SILZ is a testimony of supporting our global customers to actively serve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the largest market in the region…”

    Significant Milestone and Future Opportunities

    The agreement represents a significant step in DHL Supply Chain’s long-term expansion strategy in the Kingdom and mirrors the strong alignment between the company’s growth ambitions and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives. The new facility is anticipated to generate new employment opportunities, contributing to local workforce development in line with Vision 2030.

    The collaboration between the two parties will continue through the construction and development phases. Operations at the new hub are expected to enhance regional connectivity and unlock significant long-term economic value.

    Questions & Answers

    When is the construction of the new DHL facility expected to begin?
    Construction is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2026.

    What is the primary purpose of the new DHL facility in SILZ?
    The facility will serve as a regional logistics and distribution hub catering to various sectors, including technology, retail, automotive, energy, and e-commerce.

    How will the new DHL facility contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?
    The facility aligns with the Vision 2030 objectives by creating new employment opportunities and aiding in the development of the local workforce. It also supports the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global logistics hub.

  • Revolutionizing Global Commerce: Ant Group’s Vision for AI-Driven Financial Tools for SMEs

    Revolutionizing Global Commerce: Ant Group’s Vision for AI-Driven Financial Tools for SMEs

    Eric Jing, Chairman of Ant Group, recently presented his vision for propelling small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the next level of productivity at the Singapore FinTech Festival. He posited that artificial intelligence (AI)-driven financial tools and tokenised transactions would fundamentally transform how SMEs function and compete on a global scale.

    AI-Driven Transformation for SMEs

    Jing highlighted Ant Group’s dedication to equipping SMEs with AI-driven payment and operational tools. He believes the tools will position companies to reap the rewards of an upcoming global productivity boom. Jing expressed his belief that frontier technology can significantly foster inclusion and support SMEs.

    Singapore: A Global Hub for Growth

    Ant International, which became autonomous in 2024, has its headquarters in Singapore. It collaborates with over 1,400 institutional partners and its global payment and digitalisation network caters to 150 million businesses. The network also links QR-based wallets reaching more than 1.8 billion consumer accounts worldwide.

    Expectations for AI-Driven Finance

    Jing forecasts an increase in personalised AI financial advisors for consumers and an accelerated shift toward agentic commerce for businesses. He predicts the latter will be driven by autonomous systems capable of managing comprehensive payment and operational tasks. Jing believes that AI agents could be instrumental in helping SMEs that struggle with the complexities of the global trade environment.

    AI Tools Enhancing Efficiency for SMEs

    Antom, the merchant services division of Ant International, is already leveraging AI with Antom Copilot. This tool streamlines payment integration, onboarding, risk settings, and chargeback management. According to Ant International, Copilot reduces integration time by over 90%, improves winning rates for chargebacks by three percentage points, and cuts resolution time by 46%.

    Antom also recently launched EPOS360, an integrated application that combines POS systems, payments, banking, lending, and growth support into one platform. This tool is designed to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) expand more efficiently. Jing depicted these AI agents as virtual Chief Operating Officers (COOs) and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) that serve as planners and implementers for SMEs.

    Emergence of Multi-Agent Systems

    Jing stressed that autonomous multi-agent systems capable of executing complex transactions are not just theoretical but are already becoming a reality. He maintained that these systems will form the backbone of the next phase of global digital commerce, especially for SMEs operating internationally.

    Jing underscored the importance of tokenisation of money as a key facilitator of real-time global transactions, especially for companies engaged in international trade. He also emphasised the importance of policy guidance from regulators.

    Trials in Tokenised Money

    In the context of Project Guardian, Ant International has taken part in pilot programmes involving tokenised money and cross-border transactions. These trials have illustrated how blockchain-based payments can provide real-time transparency and credibility to SMEs operating globally.

    Through the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) PathFin.ai initiative, Ant International is also sharing its expertise on AI implementation. Jing highlighted the company’s Falcon Time-Series Transformer, an 8.5-billion-parameter model for FX and liquidity forecasting, which has contributed to significant improvement in cash-flow prediction accuracy and reduced hedging costs for businesses.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Ant Group’s vision for SMEs?
    Ant Group aims to equip SMEs with AI-driven financial tools and other operational aids to boost their productivity and global competitiveness.

    How is Ant International leveraging AI for SMEs?
    Ant International uses AI through tools like Antom Copilot and EPOS360 to streamline payment integration, onboarding, risk settings, and chargeback management, making these processes more efficient for SMEs.

    What are the benefits of tokenised money for SMEs?
    Tokenised money can facilitate real-time global transactions, providing transparency and credibility for SMEs that operate internationally. Through blockchain-based payments, SMEs can gain a competitive edge in the global market.

  • Mercedes-benz Unveils Vision Iconic Concept: A Blend Of Classic Elegance And Cutting-edge Technology

    Mercedes-benz Unveils Vision Iconic Concept: A Blend Of Classic Elegance And Cutting-edge Technology

    Unveiling the Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic Concept: A Fusion of Retro Design and Modern Technology

    Mercedes-Benz has recently revealed its Vision Iconic Concept, a luxurious spectacle of automotive engineering, at its design house located in Shanghai, China. The brand asserts that the new concept vehicle draws heavily from the golden age of car design, specifically the 1930s. The Vision Iconic Concept is said to encapsulate the quintessence of what makes a Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

    Inspiration and Innovation

    The Concept maintains design elements reminiscent of classic cars, yet also incorporates a range of advanced technological features. The vehicle’s visually striking design includes an upright radiator grille similar to the one found on the 1956 300Sc model. This grille, however, is accentuated with radiant, illuminated elements. The car’s sloping roofline and elongated bonnet might bring to mind the Mercedes 300 SL. The iconic Mercedes logo adorns the front of the vehicle, while the illuminated star motif on the headlights adds a contemporary, luxurious touch.

    Blending Classic and Modern Interior Design

    The interior decor upholds the design of Mercedes’ vintage cars, but with a fresh twist. New elements have been introduced to enhance modern aesthetics and practicality. The Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic Concept boasts a unique, floating glass dashboard centerpiece aptly named the ‘Zeppelin’. This feature combines analogue components with digital displays, creating a seamless blend of past and future. A continuous bench seat and an elegantly designed rear section recall memories of the legendary 300 SL. The car’s 4-spoke steering wheel, complete with a Mercedes logo encased in a glass sphere, adds to the luxurious feel of the vehicle.

    Advanced Features

    Beyond its visual appeal, the Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic Concept is packed with an array of advanced features. It includes steer-by-wire technology, providing quicker maneuvering and precise control. Other notable features in the prototype include Level 2 Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). Mercedes-Benz is also contemplating the development of Level 4 autonomous driving for the vehicle.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the design inspiration behind the Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic Concept?
    The design of the Vision Iconic Concept is primarily inspired by the golden era of automotive design in the 1930s. It incorporates elements from classic Mercedes-Benz models like the 1956 300Sc and the Mercedes 300 SL.

    What unique interior features does the Vision Iconic Concept have?
    The car’s interior features a unique floating glass dashboard centerpiece called the ‘Zeppelin’. The design also includes a continuous bench seat and an elegantly designed rear reminiscent of the legendary 300 SL.

    What advanced features does the Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic Concept offer?
    The vehicle is equipped with advanced features such as steer-by-wire technology and Level 2 Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). Mercedes-Benz is also considering the development of Level 4 autonomous driving for the vehicle.

  • Apple Vision Pro 2: Familiar Design, Powerful Chip, But Reduced Features – Analysts Predict Market Challenges

    Apple Vision Pro 2: Familiar Design, Powerful Chip, But Reduced Features – Analysts Predict Market Challenges

    The much-awaited Apple Vision Pro 2 has recently made an appearance through FCC filings, potentially dampening the enthusiasm of many Apple enthusiasts. The disclosure confirms Apple’s plans for a second iteration of their mixed-reality headset but also hints that the device might bear a striking resemblance to its earlier version.

    Conservative Alterations, Recognizable Aesthetics

    The FCC documents reveal that Apple has kept the design of the Vision Pro 2 largely in line with the original model. Initial reports suggest that the company may even maintain the substantial $3,499 price point, a price that previously set the first Vision Pro significantly above most of its rivals.

    Under-the-Hood Enhancements

    The most significant development appears to be in the internal workings of the device: the Vision Pro 2 is anticipated to house Apple’s M4 chip, constructed on a 2-nanometer process. This advancement should result in swifter functionality and improved efficiency, but these enhancements might not be sufficient to compensate for the absence of other novel features.

    Potential Reductions in Features

    In a surprising turn of events, Apple might decide to scale back on certain components, including the EyeSight display – the external screen that digitally displays the user’s eyes to onlookers. While removing such features could reduce costs, it also risks making the already high-priced device less attractive.

    Upcoming Market Hurdles

    Given the limited availability of mixed-reality content and the competitively priced Meta Quest 3 offering a much more affordable entry point, Apple’s latest headset could face considerable challenges. Analysts believe the Vision Pro 2 might serve more as an interim product, allowing Apple to maintain its presence in the XR space until it is prepared to launch genuine AR smart glasses targeted at the mainstream market.

    Questions & Answers

    What changes can be expected in Apple’s Vision Pro 2?
    The Vision Pro 2 is expected to feature Apple’s M4 chip promising faster performance and better efficiency. However, the device might maintain a design and price tag similar to its predecessor.

    What features might Apple reduce in the Vision Pro 2?
    Apple might decide to scale back on certain elements, like the EyeSight display, which digitally projects the wearer’s eyes for bystanders, as a cost-saving measure.

    What are the market challenges for the Vision Pro 2?
    The limited availability of mixed-reality content and the competitively priced rivals like Meta Quest 3 could pose considerable challenges for Apple’s latest headset.

  • Apple To Revolutionize Mixed Reality With Next-gen Vision Pro 2: New Chip, Enhanced Performance

    Apple To Revolutionize Mixed Reality With Next-gen Vision Pro 2: New Chip, Enhanced Performance

    Apple’s Vision Pro, rather than relying solely on one chip for power, utilizes both the M2 and the R1 chips. In a recent development, reports suggest that Apple plans to incorporate the R2 chip in the next iteration of its premium Mixed Reality (MR) headset, adding a new feature to the device’s already impressive specifications.

    Delayed Announcement

    The successor to the Vision Pro was initially anticipated to be unveiled this month, along with the iPhone 17 series. To the disappointment of many MR aficionados, this did not occur, as the event was exclusively dedicated to the launch of the newly redesigned phones. Many speculate that the delay in the headset’s announcement is due to the incorporation of the R2 chip, pushing the launch to next year.

    Towards A More Capable Headset

    The new R2 chip is said to be created using TSMC’s 2 nm process, a significant advancement from the R1 chip. Combined with the M4 processor — speculated to be part of the new headset — the Vision Pro 2 promises to deliver significantly enhanced performance. The R-series chips are designed to work in sync with the M-series processor, managing the input from the headset’s numerous sensors and cameras. This functionality made the Vision Pro a feature-packed device, a contributing factor to its steep price tag of $3,499.

    The 2 nm R2 chip is expected to process these inputs even quicker, thereby enabling the new Vision Pro to support more complex applications. However, this improvement might not be noticeable for an average user. The general performance will be significantly improved, but not necessarily in a discernible manner.

    Staying Relevant in the XR Industry

    The new Vision Pro headset is primarily intended to ensure Apple’s relevance in the Extended Reality (XR) industry. The key ambition for the company is the development of AR smart glasses, with the aim to outpace Meta in the market. Recently, the new Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses were unveiled. While these glasses don’t offer true AR, they mark the company’s entry into the AR market, reminding Apple to reiterate its commitment to XR devices.

    Questions & Answers

    What significant changes are expected in the successor to the Apple Vision Pro?
    The successor is expected to incorporate the R2 chip, which is a significant enhancement from the R1 chip used in the current model.

    What is the speculated release date for the successor to the Vision Pro?
    The release is projected to be delayed till next year, due to the proposed incorporation of the new R2 chip.

    Why is Apple developing the new Vision Pro headset?
    The new Vision Pro headset is primarily a measure to maintain Apple’s presence and relevance in the rapidly growing Extended Reality (XR) industry.

  • Iphone 17 Air: Apple’s Technological Experiment Or The Gateway To Slimmer Future?

    Iphone 17 Air: Apple’s Technological Experiment Or The Gateway To Slimmer Future?

    The upcoming Tuesday holds significant excitement for technology enthusiasts and Apple aficionados as the tech giant is all set to disclose its latest iPhone models. While iPhone 17 Air seems to be the anticipated highlight of the event, a stark comparison is emerging between this new ultra-slim iPhone and the initial version of MacBook Air released back in 2008.

    The Comparison

    The first MacBook Air, launched over a decade ago, was a pricey offering with subpar power and average battery life. It was an odd addition to Apple’s lineup, positioned between the more affordable yet potent MacBook and the superior MacBook Pro. A similar narrative is being speculated for the iPhone 17 Air, which is likely to be noticeably slimmer but could compromise on crucial elements such as battery life and camera quality, particularly the availability of a single rear camera in a market dominated by dual or triple camera setups.

    The New ‘Air’ Model

    The new “Air” variant is anticipated to be positioned between the standard iPhone 17, which will offer superior battery life and additional cameras, and the iPhone 17 Pro, which is expected to outshine in all meaningful aspects. While thinness is touted as the unique selling proposition, it doesn’t hold the same appeal as it once did when laptops were noticeably bulky. Current smartphones are far from being cumbersome, and as evidenced by the underwhelming sales of Samsung’s comparably slim S25 Edge, consumers are not overly keen on sacrificing power for a slimmer form.

    Outlook

    Similar to the first MacBook Air, the iPhone 17 Air is unlikely to become an instant success, but rather a technological experiment for Apple. As a tech preview, it will be a platform to test new engineering designs, battery technologies, and manufacturing processes that could later percolate through the entire lineup. This device is predicted to set the course for a slimmer future for all iPhones and may also lay the foundation for a foldable device. Despite its visionary glimpse into the future, the iPhone 17 Air may not deliver the best return on investment, with better value expected from the iPhone 17 or the iPhone 17 Pro.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the expected position of the iPhone 17 Air in Apple’s lineup?
    The iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to be positioned between the standard iPhone 17 and the superior iPhone 17 Pro.

    What compromises are expected with the iPhone 17 Air?
    The iPhone 17 Air is suspected to compromise on crucial aspects such as battery life and camera performance, in favor of a slimmer form.

    What could be the primary purpose of the iPhone 17 Air in Apple’s lineup?
    The iPhone 17 Air will likely serve as a technology preview, allowing Apple to test new engineering designs, battery technologies, and manufacturing processes.

  • Skoda Vision IN Concept Teased In New Video

    Skoda Vision IN Concept Teased In New Video

    Skoda India has rolled out a new video teasing its upcoming Vision IN concept SUV. Slated to make its global debut at the upcoming Auto Expo 2020, the new Vison IN concept is built on the new MQB-A0 IN platform and will preview the company upcoming SUV that is set to be based on the localized version of the MQB architecture. The video teaser gives us a glimpse of the new butterfly grille featuring the signature vertical slats outlined in crystal, which is illuminated along with the Skoda logo on the hood. The video also gives us a clean look at the new split LED headlamps which come with the lettering “Vision IN” etched on them.

    Based on the exterior sketches which were revealed earlier, the concept SUV will also come with a clamshell-style bonnet with sculpted lines, alone with a muscular front bumper with beefy claddings and large air intakes. The video and the older sketches both confirm that the SUV will come with a set of roof rails, side and wheel arch claddings and larger alloy wheels. While we do not get to see the rear section of the concept here, the sketch reveals a pair of wraparound LED taillights with the 3D effect, and aluminum diffuser extended to the rear bumper. The SUV also gets a horizontal light strips connecting the reflectors on the tailgate and the bold Skoda lettering that is placed in the center.

    The teaser video also highlights some of the features of the cabin, which will also make heavy use of crystalline elements. For instance, the gear selector button in the center console, under the virtual cockpit, and a decorative crystal piece positioned on the dashboard. The seat covers come with contrast stitching, and the multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel features the knurl wheels in line with Skoda’s new operating concept. We also get a glimpse of an illuminated SOS button, which indicates, the car could get connected car technology.

    Developed specifically for the Indian market, the new MQB-A0 IN is part of Skoda’s India 2.0 project, and the platform will underpin subcompact models from Skoda and Volkswagen, including the localized version of the Kamiq and the T-Cross. We will get more details about the concept and the company’s upcoming models on February 5, at the Auto Expo 2020.

  • The Motorola One Vision Will be Announced Soon

    The Motorola One Vision Will be Announced Soon

    Motorola has released a total of three Android One smartphones since 2017 – the Motorola One, One Power, and Moto X4 – but soon this list could expand with the launch of the Motorola One Vision.According to one Twitter user with a seemingly solid track record, the Motorola One Vision will make its official debut at an event held in São Paulo, Brazil on May 15th. To further back up his claim, an official-looking invite to the event was provided.

    Brazil isn’t typically the first place manufacturers head to for device announcements, but for Motorola it’s nothing out of the ordinary. Since mid-2014, the Chicago-based brand has been the second-largest smartphone vendor in Brazil behind Samsung. Most of this success is down to the budget Moto G and Moto E lineups, but from the look of things Motorola now wants to increase its sales in the mid-range segment.

    As specified by recent leaks, the Motorola One Vision should arrive equipped with a large 6.2-inch display that boasts a tall 21:9 aspect ratio and a small cut out in the top corner. It’s unclear at the moment what kind of selfie camera the latter will house, but rumor has it the smartphone will come equipped with a 48-megapixel sensor on the rear that’ll be paired with a dedicated depth sensor.

    On the internal side of things, the One Vision looks set to be Motorola’s first smartphone with a Samsung processor in side. Specifically, the Exynos 9610 that was recently used inside the Galaxy A50 was rumored. Performance-wise, this should be on par with the Snapdragon 660.

    Also to be expected is stock Android 9 Pie and a decent 3,500mAh battery. Additionally, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage are expected, although variants with 4GB of RAM and either 64GB or 128GB are said to be on the way too.

    Lastly, regarding the pricing and availability, the Motorola One Vision will apparently be sold in both Blue and Gold and could potentially be sold in the US in addition to Europe, Latin America, and China. The smartphone’s pricing currently remains a mystery, but this device could potentially replace the original Motorola One which means a $399 price tag seems likely.

  • Vision Direct to open it’s first flagship store

    Vision Direct to open it’s first flagship store

    Vision Direct is pulling a Warby Parker. The local online glasses business on Thursday announced plans to open its first bricks-and-mortar store in Melbourne on 1 May.

    The 90-square-metre space on Bourke Street will be a one-stop-shop, offering access to designer eyewear at online prices, eye testing and examinations, as well as a showroom featuring visual and interactive displays.

    “The Vision Direct Optical Centre is a first of its kind for physical brand experience,” Vision Direct CEO and co-founder David Menning said.

    “The world-first centre will not only offer visual and interactive displays to deliver a more holistic, seamless and stress-free shopping experience, but also offer the best professional optometry advice, latest products, style trends and innovation,” he added.

    To launch the flagship store, the online retailer partnered with Melbourne-based Chester Eyeware, a family-run business known for offering free eye tests and luxury, quality frames.

    “Chester Eyewear share key values with Vision Direct when it comes to community support and expanding into online and offline channels, this was a perfect match,” Menning said, referring to Vision Direct’s buy-one-give-one initiative, which gives a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair purchased.

    The world’s largest range of designer glasses online

    Vision Direct’s offline move comes 10 years after Menning and co-founders Doron Kalinko and Tony Zhuang started the business as an online-only retail outlet in 2008.

    By sourcing products from factories in Italy and having in-house optometrists create new prescription lenses to order, they were able to offer low prices on designer glasses brands.

    And by making delivery and returns quick, easy and transparent, they were able to convince customers to buy glasses online without trying them on first.

    Over the years, Vision Direct has continued to go from strength to strength, offering extras like a free 24-month warranty against manufacturers’ defects on sunglasses and glasses and a free three-month warranty on all contact lenses, as well as 3D virtual try-on tools to make it even easier for customers to pick out the right pair of frames online.

    Today, the site claims to have the largest range of designer eyeware online in the world, with more than 80,000 products on offer.