Ready, Get Set, Develop: Telenor Pakistan partners with Epiphany to launch Developers’ Game Jam

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Telenor Pakistan’s corporate accelerator program, Velocity, has launched the Developers’ Game Jam: GameBird Edition, a month long hackathon for young developers in collaboration with Epiphany – a consulting firm that designs, develops, and executes game jams.

The game jam is open for everyone, starting from 22 August 2022. During the jam, attendees will learn game design and development skills, attend workshops and panel discussions, and have one-on-one mentor sessions with industry leaders. Some of the workshops included in the jam are on game design fundamentals, choosing an art direction, creating realistic world scenes, and UI/UX designs. The event is supported by international mentors from globally renowned game studios.

Since its launch in 2016, Telenor Velocity has equipped start-ups from different industry verticals with the tools necessary to thrive and scale, create employment, and contribute to the economy. So far, Telenor Velocity has conducted seven cohorts, with 42 graduated start-ups raking in 6.5 million dollars of investment.

Telenor Pakistan and Velocity’s main area of focus this year has been the growth of Esports. As part of that objective, the network recently launched Pakistan’s biggest Esports platform, GameBird. The platform offers online gaming tournaments with AAA-rated partners, live streaming and participation in international tournaments.

Khurram Ashfaque, Chief Operating Officer, Telenor Pakistan, commented, “The nationwide gaming community now has the unprecedented opportunity to advance their gaming goals with the Developers’ Game Jam. This event is not just for gamers but also for those who want to have create a successful career out of their passion for game design and development. The nation’s young, creative minds possess an abundant amount of skill and talent, and we at Telenor Pakistan, together with Epiphany, aim to amplify their share of innovative opportunities.”

Samar Hasan, founder and CEO of Epiphany said, “Epiphany’s Game Jams embody the spirit of showcasing unique content, new games and unseen talent. This provides a platform and an opportunity for creative young people and allows learning from and networking with gaming professionals from Pakistan and around the world. We are absolutely delighted to partner with Telenor Pakistan and Velocity for the third edition of our Game Jam, where the challenge is greater and the learning curve steeper than the previous game jams.”

The participants of Developers’ Game Jam: GameBird Edition can also look forward to impressive cash prizes, along with the opportunity to have their games published on Telenor Pakistan’s Esports platform – GameBird, and a chance to showcase their skills at various Esports conferences.

Participants can choose to register individually or as teams.

Apply here: https://bit.ly.com/devgamejamgamebird

 

CDC and CDNS signs MoU for the issuance of digital Savings Certificates

Karachi (Nut Desk) Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) and Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited (CDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for mutually collaborating to convert and issue National Savings Certificates (NSCs) in digital form to reduce physical process flows of different transactions and develop a systematic framework through which NSCs can be inducted into the Central Depository System (CDS).

While addressing the occasion, DG CDNS, Mr. Hamid Raza commented that “The initiative is in line with CDNS’s ultimate objective of the digitization of National Savings Certificates. The recent circumstances with the shift to digitization make it all the more exigent for CDNS to undergo complete digital transformation. This platform will facilitate investors of National Savings Certificates, making it easier for them to invest in and maintain their NSCs in electronic format, thereby promoting and harvesting the savings culture in Pakistan at the grass root level.”

He said the pivotal role of innovation in economic development is undeniable, with advancements in Fintech leading the change.

Innovative tech-based processes can lead to higher productivity, reduced turnaround times, lower costs and wider outreach.

At the occasion, describing the objectives of the project, CEO-CDC Mr. Badiuddin Akber said that “The core objective of establishing a Depository in Pakistan was to dematerialize all types of financial instruments in Pakistan.

Considering this as our ultimate vision, we have dematerialized almost all types of securities in Pakistan; however, National Savings Certificates are one major aspect yet to be dematerialized. As the Depository, we feel that it is our National duty to bring our processes at par with the international best practices, and it is indeed the need of the hour that a mechanism must be developed for investors to have NSCs in book-entry form.”

Through this project, CDC will facilitate Investors, with investment in a diverse array of securities, to maintain their complete portfolio of dematerialized securities in a single account at CDC. This project will eliminate the risk of theft, loss, mutilation, etc. as well as the hassle of printing, dispatching, maintenance, etc. of physical certificates by maintaining the NSCs in electronic format in the CDS.  CDC will extend the same benefits to CDNS investors as it currently provides to investors of book-entry securities in the CDS, including easy, efficient and secure transfer process for certificates, online account access and pledging facilities. At present, CDC Account can be opened through CDC offices or through digital portal of CDC from anywhere in Pakistan; however, both organizations will also work on the possibility of opening of CDC accounts through the nationwide network of CDNS offices in order to make it more convenient for investors to open CDC Account and hold National Savings certificates in digital form. 

The event was also attended and addressed by Chairman CDC – Mr. Moin Fudda. The event was also attended by the senior management of CDC and CDNS.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Huawei announced its business results for the first half of 2022 today. Overall performance was in line with forecast.

In 2022 H1, Huawei generated $45 billion in revenue, with a net profit margin of 5.0% . The Carrier BG contributed $21.3 billion, the Enterprise BG $8.1 billion, and the Device BG $15.1 billion.

“While our device business was heavily impacted, our ICT infrastructure business maintained steady growth,” said Ken Hu, Huawei’s Rotating Chairman. “Moving forward, we will harness trends in digitalization and decarbonization to keep creating value for our customers and partners, and secure quality development.”

Pakistan (Nut Desk) realme’s Fan Meet up started with an informative factory visit and ended with thrilling rounds of bowling Behind every successful business there is an army of loyal fans lending their support for its endeavors. For realme, the strong presence of its fans has always been felt in every step of the journey to grow to the heights that the smartphone brand has reached now. realme aims to maintain a certain level of transparency with its community of fans.

Having them be aware of how realme operates, what goes into the making of realme devices, as well as realme’s core values is highly important in developing the tech democratizer’s relationship with its fan community. For this reason, realme decided to pull back the curtain on Wednesday, 10th August 2022 during its 828 Fan Fest celebrations and took a group of select fans to their assembly plant on the outskirts of the city of Lahore. This inside look was followed by an exciting hi-tea and bowling session at the bowling alley, Uptown LA. This Fan Meet up presented a wonderful opportunity for realme fans to mingle with each other and get to know the people in the community as well as familiarize themselves with the faces behind their favorite technology brand.

Fans gathered at realme Headquarters in Lahore at noon on Wednesday after which they were loaded into buses provided by realme to take them to the assembly plant. While on the bus, realme fans and employees took part in various, engaging ice breaker activities to set the mood for the remainder of the day and dispel any inhibitions that fans may have about socializing freely.

Once they arrived at the assembly plant, they were taken inside to get a breakdown about how realme devices are made. The functionality of the plant was explained while the fans were taken through the production process of realme phones from start to finish. Fans even got to witness the testing machinery in action as they marveled at the durability of realme phones during the drop test, scratch test, and more. After exploring the factory to their heart’s content, the fan community was loaded into buses again to be taken to the final venue of the realme Fan Meet up – Uptown LA. The venue was decked out in realme décor to welcome the fan community with grandeur.

Once at the venue, the community was greeted by the Country Director of realme, Syed Mashood Hassan, who delivered an inspiring welcome speech thanking the fans for their unwavering support during both smooth times and turbulent times and emphasizing the fan-centric approach of realme’s operations. A cake cutting ceremony was held with the participation of realme fans and employees to share the celebration. The floor was then opened for the community to hit the bowling lanes and roll out a new high score.

A hi-tea buffet was also provided for fans to indulge in as they enjoyed their games. Each attendee of the realme Fan Meet up also left the event with their own personal goodie bag of giveaways. While this may have been the first realme Fan Meet up of its kind, it certainly won’t be the last. As a brand, realme prioritizes getting to know its consumers so that it can cater to their interests as best as possible. However, it is equally as important that realme’s fans get to know the company on a deeper level to better understand the efforts they are making for them in the market as well as to acquaint them with the human faces behind the brand.

Events such as these are essential touch points to deepen pre-existing bonds between a brand and its fans. Stay tuned for more exciting updates regarding realme Fan Fest activities throughout the month of August.

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) If you still haven’t bought the all-new TECNO Camon 19 Neo, then here is your chance. Do not miss out on some of the best camera features available in the market for only PKR 37,999.

With the highly praised global launch of the Camon 19 series, the brand launched Camon 19 Neo in Pakistan last month. The phone comes with some of the industries leading features such as Softlight Selfies, Bright Night Portraits, a powerful battery, and much more.

Camon 19 Neo supports a 32MP Softlight Selfie Camera and 48MP Bright Night Portrait to provide vivid pictures and videos even in low-light environments. The Geometric Edge cutting Design makes it stand out among others in the market, going well with the young stylish users.

Moreover, it includes a Helio G85 processor, 6.78” FHD+ Display, 6+128GB Storage, and a 5000mAh powerful battery with an 18W flash charger. Camon 19 Neo offers a brilliant 2k Video shooting, where users can enjoy Bokeh and other effects in still photography as well as video. But this feature is exclusively available in Camon 19 Neo.

Isn’t that amazing? Even Tech KOLs were seen praising the phone. One such Youtuber, Babloo Lahori said, “Camon 19 Neo is a futuristic Designed based Camera phone, which can be tough competition to others.” Another KOL, Talha Reviews added, “Camon 19 Neo User Can also get a Non-Stop Gaming Experience while playing PUBG with 40FPs Maintained.”

Such reviews add to the value of this phone. So, do not wait any longer! The stock is available at your nearest retailer. Hurry and get your futuristic device right now for only PKR .

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) As sporadic bursts of heavy rain and strong winds hit Karachi on Wednesday, K-Electric ensured the power supply to the city.

During the current spell, the maximum number of feeders affected due to rain were approximately 250 of more than 1900 feeders within KE’s network, the majority of which were temporarily powered down out of an abundance of caution in areas where prevalence of kundas or standing water could pose a safety hazard. These areas were also immediately restored upon receiving clearance from ground teams.

With the Met Department forecasting more rain spells in the upcoming weeks, the Spokesperson further added, “Citizens are advised to continue observing precautionary measures and continue to maintain a safe distance from all electricity infrastructure. Avoid using electrical appliances exposed to rains such as water motors as well.

Spokesperson further stated, “Our social media platforms and KE Live App are the fastest way for customers to stay connected for guidance and updates. Emergency electricity complaints creating safety hazards however, should be reported on priority using KE’s 118 call center.”

The utility company remained available 24/7 for any queries or complaints.

RBS, Top Performers of Smart Cities and Presidential award received by President Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Royal Business Solutions (RBS) real estate and builders is Pakistan’s one of the leading real estate corporation, which is providing the most excellent and efficient facilities to their clients since 2014. RBS has revolutionized the real estate sector of Pakistan with their constant efforts and hard work. Moreover, RBS has been standing out in front of the other real estate corporations for their usage of advance technology and keeping up with the international standards. In addition, RBS is also the proud Platinum Sales partner of Capital Smart City due to their excellent commitment and performance in the real estate sector. Capital Smart City, which is one of the most hyped and well-known project of Pakistan has been consecutively awarding RBS with the title of best performer of the year since 2018.

These are not the only awards which have been received by RBS. In fact, RBS has been honored with the “Best Growing Investment Company” award by the President of Pakistan. This is one of the highest and most prestigious award for the RBS group. The award ceremony for this title was held at Aiwan-e-Sadar. RBS was awarded with this title in the presence of many other real estate corporation. Additionally, multiple other honorable authorities were also present at the venue. The award ceremony was hosted very efficiently by ICCI (Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industries). In the ceremony, President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi himself presented the award to the CEO of RBS Mr. Adeel Riaz. This award has increased the moral of corporation and provided the reason to RBS for keeping their consistency of hard work in the real estate sector.

OPPO to Showcase Technology Innovations Including Ray Tracing and Heterogeneous Computing at SIGGRAPH 2022.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Global technology brand OPPO today announced that it will be participating in SIGGRAPH 2022. During the conference, OPPO will showcase its latest industry-leading innovations in areas including ray tracing, heterogeneous computing, AR, and digital humans, offering visitors hands-on experiences with these technologies.

OPPO Ray Tracing

OPPO first unveiled its plans in ray tracing technology at ODC 2021. During SIGGRAPH 2022, OPPO will announce the launch of new open-source ray tracing technology in the form of its Physray Engine 1.0, which will enable a new generation of visual experiences together with global partners. Meanwhile, the world’s first mobile, real-time ray tracing system application created by OPPO, the ColorOS Ray Tracing 3D Wallpaper, will receive an upgrade that OPPO users can download through the OPPO App Store. At meanwhile, users can experience the physics engine-powered wallpapers co-developed by OPPO and Tai Chi for the amazing effects.

OPPO will also demonstrate its latest technical progress in ray tracing with the Physray Engine 2.0. The new engine integrates more advanced ray tracing capabilities, including OPPO-exclusive ray tracing effects, a global rendering pipeline, and full path tracing. These new capabilities will also be available to all developers in the near future. At the show, OPPO will also showcase War Zone, a large action game scene based on the Physray Engine 2.0, and an animation that demonstrates the capabilities of full path tracing on mobile.

OPPO Heterogeneous Computing System

OPPO has long been investing in heterogeneous computing technology to explore heterogeneous software applications using different processing cores. OPPO’s heterogeneous computing technology is designed for performance and power optimization, helping developers better solve application performance problems and develop programs that run faster and more efficiently. At SIGGRAPH 2022, OPPO will showcase the latest gaming demos run on its heterogeneous computing system, which migrates all 2D rendering from the GPU to the DSP, reducing power consumption while optimizing system load. In terms of high-performance computing, OPPO will also introduce its self-developed lightweight and efficient inference framework and will demonstrate a video format conversion tool based on the technology.

 OPPO Digital Human

The OPPO Digital Human is OPPO’s self-developed hyper-realistic digital human technology. The technology provides a realistic and unique interactive experience thanks to its lifelike appearance and personality built on AI capabilities such as semantic recognition, feature recognition, voice synthesis, lip syncing, and dynamic expressions. The OPPO Digital Human has been designed to continually improve its intelligence through ongoing AI training, allowing it to one day undertake roles currently only performed by humans, such as customer service roles.

OPPO AR Glass 2021

First introduced at OPPO INNO Day 2020, OPPO AR Glass 2021 is the company’s second AR glasses concept product. It features a split design that is nearly 75% lighter than its predecessor, making it more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. It incorporates a unique Birdbath optical solution, which increases contrast by 53%, brightness uniformity by 98%, and pixels per degree by 40% compared with its predecessor, delivering sharper and more refined images. OPPO AR Glass 2021 offers the industry’s first end-to-end AR language translation feature powered by a range of patented computer vision technologies, supporting translations between languages including Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean.

“The quality of mobile graphics rendering is on the verge of taking off,” said Dr. Hongyu Sun, Head of the OPPO Seattle Engineering Team. “The new generation of mobile hardware and various advanced rendering technologies will bring unprecedented fidelity for mobile graphics in the next few years. OPPO is investing heavily in this territory, we’d like to share our latest progress with SIGGRAPH audiences this year. I hope you will enjoy the ray tracing, heterogeneous computing platform, path tracing, AR glass, and physical rendering demos we prepared for SIGGRAPH.”

Experience the latest OPPO innovations in mobile graphics at Booth 811, Vancouver Convention Centre at SIGGRAPH 2022 from August 8-11.

 

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Recently, Mr. Irfan Siddiqui, President Meezan Bank visited Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana and praised the dedication of Chairman Arif Habib Group, Mr. Arif Habib and his team for delivering an amazing landmark to the people of Karachi, at Naya Nazimabad.

During the visit, Mr. Arif Habib informed that they are working to transform Naya Nazimabad into a Sports City by developing International standards sports facilities at one place. “Fully developed floodlight Cricket stadium, Football Ground, Basket Ball Court, Futsal ground, Taekwondo, Archery, horse riding and paragliding are already operational”, he added.

On this occasion, President Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana, Syed Muhammad Talha said that in addition to the Gymkhana, the management of Naya Nazimabad is also constructing a state-of-the-art Hotel that would be helpful during major tournaments. This five star facility will include four multiple restaurants and banquet hall. Additional facilities like top of the line Gym, Swimming Pool, Sauna and other luxurious facilities like International standard Tennis, Table Tennis, Squash, Badminton, Snooker, Card room, Library, meeting rooms, multipurpose Hall etc will also be available at this dream project. Mr. Talha also informed that Gymkhana’s membership will be announced in 3 months’ time.

Mr. Irfan Siddique and Deputy CEO Meezan Bank Mr. Arif ul Islam also took part in the ongoing tree plantation drive. Mr. Talha informed that extensive parks and green belts set Naya Nazimabad apart from all other residential settlements in the city. “We have our own nursery & green house where thousands of plants and trees are taken care of by our dedicated horticulture staff. Recently, Naya Nazimabad initiated a plantation drive where nearly 5000 trees will be planted”, he added.

Mr. Irfan Siddiqui also visited Ali Habib Medical Center (AHMC) and admired the facilities being provided to the resident of Naya Nazimabad and the community. CMO AHMC, Dr. Lubna Masroor told that at AHMC, best possible medical assistance is being provided to every patient and all treatments are done in a professional manner according to the latest medical standards being practiced all over the world.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) TECNO is doing a fun activity for photography lovers this month. Fans can share their summer activity pictures and win exciting prizes from TECNO.

As summer brings vacation time for most people, TECNO urges you to have fun with friends and family and share your pictures using the Camon series phone. The camera phones are equipped with the best technology to accompany you while traveling, on long drives, eating out or any other fun activities with the fam. Make travelogues, best landscape, and portraits, and enjoy your time.

The activity will be live till August 15, 2022. All participants need to do the following:

1. Like the TECNO Mobile Pakistan page.
2. Use the proper hashtags #CAMONSummer #ShotOnCAMON.
3. Participants must use the CAMON Watermark to be eligible to win.
4. TECNO has the right to use all the photos.

Isn’t this a fun way to win exciting prizes? TECNO will be giving away many gifts including TECNO Power bank pack, TECNO Buds Ace 3, and temperature bottles.

So hurry and share your summer fun with TECNO Camon series to win exciting prizes!