Celebrate Ramadan lift - Online retailers

ECommerce in the region is expected to reach $15 billion this year

Global eCommerce providers such as Amazon do not have a presence in the Middle East,allowing local names to build strong regional franchises.

Dubai: As Gulf Arabs jetted off on their Eid holidays to mark the end of Ramadan on Friday, the region’s online retailers are celebrating a shift to shopping via mobile devices.

The retail haven of the Gulf may be lagging behind the world in digital consumer patterns, but the shopaholic region is catching up — and the lunar month when Muslims forgo food and water from dawn to dusk has been a boon for online sellers.

Ronaldo Mouchawar, chief executive of Souq.com, a market-leading shopping platform, says the proliferation of smartphones in large local markets, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, is helping push shoppers online.

Souq.com, which is doubling sales every year and has financial backing from Naspers, the South African media group, expects a 20-25 per cent increase in traffic during Ramadan as people shop for Eid gifts, including expatriates buying presents for relatives back home.

“We see a big see push online and [changing] consumer habits due to mobile,” says Mr Mouchawar.

eCommerce in the region is expected to reach $15 billion this year, only 1 per cent of retail spending across the Middle East, according to Criteo, an online marketing company.

But that is a two-thirds increase since 2012, and the region is now regarded as one of fastest-growing online markets in the world — up 30 per cent year on year, compared with a worldwide average of 17 per cent.

Studying digital consumer patterns last Ramadan, Criteo reported a 23 per cent rise in retail sales and 42 per cent increase in online travel transactions for the most important month in the Muslim calendar.

“Some merchants are up 300 per cent in the first 10 days,” says Omar Soudodi, managing director of Payfort, an online payment platform that services the region’s largest eCommerce brands.

As the holidays start at the end of the month, however, buying patterns shift from computers to phones, with mobile purchases up 29 per cent in this period, according to Criteo. In Bahrain, almost half of all eCommerce transactions are made via a mobile device.

The fasting rhythm of Ramadan also has a big impact on buying patterns.

Fatma Al Mulla, an entrepreneur who runs one of a growing number of online cottage industries set up by Gulf women, sees strong orders through the night for her range of clothing and accessories as locals become more nocturnal.

The region’s shopping lifestyle, focused on the mall, also shifts. “We like to invite people into our houses, people don’t go to the mall — it’s time for the family,” says Ms Mulla.

Ulugbek Yuldashev, managing director of Awok, an online retailer, says online shopping jumps 35 per cent between the 7pm breakfast, known as iftar, and the night-time suhoor meal, a feast intended to sustain individuals through the next day’s fast.

Demand for kitchen gadgets has prompted UAE-based Awok to stock up on blenders and rice cookers used for family-sized meals.

Ramadan, renowned for family-oriented consumption, drives subscriptions to Netflix and Icflix, a regional streaming platform. Media channels save their best dramas and comedies for the family-focused month.

Despite the rise of online in the region, cash remains king, with about 70 per cent of eCommerce purchases settled with cash on delivery, owing to latent suspicion of online transactions.

That is one of several barriers to the growth of online retail in the region, says Saygin Yalcin, an internet entrepreneur who runs Sellanycar.com.

Limited logistics capacity is another factor, forcing successful retailers to build up their own delivery capacity within individual markets.

Tough laws that threaten jail for business operators who cannot repay debts have crimped the industry’s development, says Mr Yalcin, who sold his shopping club website to Souq.com in 2012.

Global eCommerce providers such as Amazon do not have a presence in the Middle East, allowing local names to build strong regional franchises.

“Local guys were quick to set up strong local presences, whereas big international ones went for global platforms,” says Dirk Henke, Criteo’s managing director for eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “Now locals literally rule eCommerce here.”

Source: awok.co/ACPWP2
Website: www.awok.com
Post By: Ramiz Ali Khan

Ramadan car hunt: Models grabbing UAE residents' attention

Cash discounts, free insurance, extended warranties on offer

Most car dealers try to wow those looking for a new set of wheels during the holy month of Ramadan. The offers include cash discounts, free insurance, extended warranties and service packages to lure customers into changing their old cars.

This urge to change/upgrade cars is not only seen in the brand new category, but also in the used car segment.

According to Dubizzle, a classifieds website in the region, several residents surf and scout for a good deal on wheels during this time of the year.

Its data shows that during Ramadan 2014, the top three searches for used car brands were BMW, Honda and Jeep; while the top three searched car models were Ford Mustang, Mercedes C63 and Honda Civic.

Toyota tops the most listed sedan cars in the country. The findings show that Toyota came first with its Camry model at an average price of Dh32,172.24 with an average mileage of 114,192km and model of the year 2008.

The second and third places went to Honda Civic 2009 and Accord 2010. Luxury cars were among the top three most searched sedan cars in the UAE. Mercedes and Porsche took the first and second place with their AMG C63 and Panamera models, while the third place went to Toyota Camry.

Among the German models in the UAE, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class took the first place, followed by Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW came third with its 3-Series models. For the top three most searched German models in the UAE, Mercedes-Benz C63 came first, Porsche 911 4S came second, and Mercedes-Benz G63 & S63 AMG came third.

Convertible cars were also something that people looked up on the website with the most searched being the Mini Cooper convertible, Audi A4 convertible and BMW M3 convertible.
The number one searched car throughout the year was the BMW 3-Series, followed by Land Rover’s Range Rover HSE and Jeep Wrangler.
Most people who took to Dubizzle to look for used cars performed the most searches at around 1pm and then the traffic dropped until after iftar, says the classifieds site. However, search activity went up again after iftar with a drop witnessed again during the night with the lowest search volume after imsak, around 6am.
A previous research by UAE-based online retail company, Awok.com, revealed that the hours between iftar and suhour are the most popular time to shop online in the country during this month.

Source:awok.co/MWTBnF
Website: www.awok.com
Post By : Ramiz Ali Khan

Check Best 6 waterproof cameras

Whether you’re off surfing or scuba-diving this summer, don’t miss a good photo opp just because you’re submerged

If you’re off on some water-based adventures, invest in a camera that can cope with the wet stuff.  Most waterproof cameras are also categorized as adventure cameras, meaning that they’re engineered to cope with the rough and tumble of extreme sports, if that’s what you’re doing. Not only do these cameras take snaps when submerged in water, many of them are also kitted out with extra features like being freeze proof, dust proof, crush proof and shock and drop-proof.

As with all cameras, waterproof  camera or not, resolution will play a big factor in determining the quality of your images. If your main priority is photography, settle for no less than 14 megapixels to ensure high-clarity shots. If you’re going to be recording video, a camera with 1080px recording quality is a must-have.

The depth to which the camera is waterproof will determine the type of activity it is suitable for. A camera that can withstand 40m of depth is ideal for deep sea diving, whereas a camera with 10m of underwater depth would be better suited for snorkeling or shallow scuba diving.

We’ve looked at rugged compact, action camera and compact system camera options. Each has undergone some serious scrutiny; tested in and out of water, dropped from heights and trialled in different lighting conditions to see whether or not it makes the cut. Here’s our edit.

Fujifilm Finepix

Fujifilm Finepix XP80 With an image resolution of 16.4-megapixels, this is a small but mighty compact camera. It’s lightweight but captures pristine images to depths of ten meters. We found this took good images both in and out of water (though it performs best in decent light) and the easy-to-master point and shoot function makes it ideal for beginners. Plus, its small frame and shock and dust-proof features mean that kids can get behind the lens, too. It doesn’t have the photo customisation abilities of more expensive models, but it’s a good all-rounder.

Olympus Tough TG

Olympus-TG-4-GPS Tough is definitely the right word to describe this one. Ideal for an adventurer, it’s crushproof, shockproof and freeze-proof. But, in interests of taking great photos in water, it’s ergonomic; chunky and easy-to-grip so it shouldn’t slide out of slippery hands. It has an ultra-bright lens and built-in wifi, GPS and a clever ‘e.Compass’ allow you to share your images on the go as well as keep track of your altitude and water-depth (it’s waterproof up to 15m), while you shoot stunning 16-megapixel images.

Nikon 1 AW

Nikon 1 AW1 Unlike the smaller cameras on the list, this one is a compact system camera with interchangeable lenses. This means it's bulkier than its compact competitors but it’s ideal for those who aren’t willing to compromise on picture quality. The 14.2-megapixel camera can go down to 15m, it has a pop-up flash and advanced adjustment options like the ‘Live Image Control’ function that means you can see how different effects – background softening and motion control, for example– will affect the final image. This is one for those who want to up their photography game. 

Buy now

Ricoh WG-5

Ricoh WG-5 In its update of the much-lauded WG-4, Ricoh has created a camera that addresses all the underwater needs you didn’t even know you had. The optional underwater mode eliminates the bluish tone that can wash-out underwater photographs and its unique flash feature takes two consecutive images, one with and one without, allowing you to choose and keep the best one after the moment has been captured. It can go as deep at 14m and resist temperatures down to -10C, and captures images with a crystal-clear 16-megapixel lens. It’s not as grippy as some of the tough cameras we tried but the unusual shape allows for large, well-spaced controls that are easy to operate when submerged. 

GoPro HERO4 Silver

GoPro HERO4 If you want to capture your surroundings in near-cinematic definition video, then this one is for you. This teeny gadget packs a lot of punch and is our recommendation for all the thrill-seekers out there – it captures film in 4K resolution (aka “Ultra High Definition”), is waterproof up to a whopping 40m and lets you keep your hands free to get right into the midst of the action with a range of additional accessories like mounts and straps.

Canon PowerShot D30

Canon PowerShot D30 This is an upgrade of Canon’s D20; you can use this one to depths of 25 meters, so it is ideal if you’re off on a diving adventure. With a 12.1 megapixel sensor, the images you get are decent, if not quite the quality of some of the of the higher-resolution machines. It has built-in GPS and HD video recording and is easy-to-use underwater. We’d just like to see an upgrade that includes wifi connectivity.

Verdict:

The GoPro HERO4 is hands-down the best option for capturing outstandingly high-quality video on the go, however if still images are your main format of choice then  the Nikon 1 AW1 reigns supreme. Its advanced photography options and interchangeable lenses means it will give you top-notch underwater snaps. If you can't stretch to that, and want something compact, we'd go for Ricoh's good all-rounder.

Check latest cameras & Accessories

Source:awok.co/WFvOFl

Website: www.awok.com

Post By: Ramiz Ali Khan

Boeing says :Your gadget batteries endanger planes

Brit pilots agree: Get gizmos' batts out of holds

Boeing has decided that lithium-ion batteries, the engine-room of the tech gadget boom, are too dangerous to haul around in bulk on cargo planes.

The company has warned operators of its aircraft not to carry bulk shipments of batteries until logistics companies design better transport packaging and shipping procedures.

America's Federal Aviation Authority agrees, and over the weekend reiterated a warning first given in March that bulk battery shipments posed a potential risk to airliners.

If a battery develops a short circuit, the FAA explained, the build-up of hydrogen and other gases as surrounding batteries are also heated can defeat a plane's halon fire suppression system.

In May, the FAA gave this presentation to an airline fire protection meeting in Germany, explaining tests both on individual batteries and a bulk shipment.



FAA Battery Fire Test
Halon can't handle it: the FAA's battery fire test
It concluded that the total failure energy of Li-ion batteries is almost twice as much electrochemical energy as they can deliver.

A number of airlines were ahead of Boeing's announcement, with the Wall Street Journal listing Delta, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and Air France as no longer carrying bulk shipments in the cargo holds of passenger flights.

While the FAA can warn operators of the dangers of Li-ion batteries, a law passed in 2012 means it can't regulate battery transport unless international regulators act first.

A week ago, the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) issued a separate statement calling for all passengers' Li-ion-powered gadgets to be carried as cabin luggage.

BALPA also wants regulators to specifically ban the batteries being carried in cargo holds

Source:awok.co/eq13m4
Website: www.awok.com
Post By: Ramiz Ali Khan

You need to try this summer this Jewellery trends

Many of us have our favourite piece of jewellery; it could be a necklace given to us by a grandparent, a pair of earrings we bought for a special occasion and our engagement and wedding rings that we (should) wear every day.

However, like clothing, jewellery trends change every season and if you haven’t yet dived into the world of accessorising it might be time. Consider these jewellery trends to try out this summer and give your outfits a revamp:

Daydreamer

Look out for dream catcher inspired pieces, with crystals and feathers stealing the show for summer that would work perfect at festivals and with the current 70s trend that we’re enjoying on the high street. Check out Blue Vanilla’s 70s collection to pair your hippie chic-style jewellery with – along with that fun, printed bum bag (there’s no shame in using one) to keep all your bits and pieces safe in.

Under the sea

Marine life is also having its moment in the limelight, as Valentino showcased delicate shell and coral jewellery pieces at its spring/summer shows. If you’re looking for a statement piece to enhance your outfit (that doesn’t have a Valentino price tag) take a look at KT Ferris Creations’ handmade, intricate jewellery, featuring barnacles, shells and coral. Designed in America, KT imagines then creates every piece herself and then handcrafts them using crystal and various metals. This trend is perfect for those summer days spent at the beach or nights out with a cocktail in hand, at an outside bar.

Faux piercings

Always wanted your nose or helix pierced but never had the nerve to go through with it? Well, you’re in luck because a big trend for summer 2015 is faux piercings, which clip on and can be easily removed. While you might not want to go for the Rodarte look, which featured multiple faux piercings on the models’ eyebrows, you could opt for a fake nose ring that opens and closes to clip on your nostril – and horrify your mum when you go round for a roast on Sunday.

Wear your heart on your sleeve

Chanel’s slogan jewellery at the recent spring/summer shows featured bold statements such as “make fashion not war” and “ladies first” and is an easy trend to pick up for the coming summer months. Retailers such as ASOS and other high street stores are stocking similar designs with which to adorn your wrists. Tatty Devine is also a brand synonymous with quirky slogan and name jewellery, and you can even customise what’s written on yours.

When it comes to mixing up your jewellery this summer be sure to choose pieces that are well made, comfortable to wear (ideally you want to forget you even have any jewellery on until people compliment you on it) and that make you happy whenever you put them on.

Source: awok.co/PdVjqr

Website: www.awok.com

Check Latest Jewellery

Post: Ramiz Ali Khan

NEW PATENT APPLE’S HINTS AT A FUTURE OF WATER PROOF IPHONES, IPADS AND APPLE WATCHES

With bend tests a distant memory, maybe it’s time to think about bringing back dunk tests. Apple has filed a patent titled “Methods for shielding electronic components from moisture,” which hints at a possible future of waterproofed Apple devices – iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches and maybe more.

“Many electronic devices are susceptible to water damage because they are not fully sealed and include various openings for charging, connecting peripherals, and inputting and outputting audio,” according to the patent filed by Apple on March 31, 2014 and published on March 5, 2015. To combat the threat of water, the patent describes a hydrophobic (i.e., water-repelling) coating with a thickness between one and 10 microns, which would be thin enough to prevent interference with functional openings in an electronic device.

Related: 10 waterproof Android phones for those rainy days

This hydrophobic coating can be applied to a device’s printed circuit board (PCB) by a plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) process, which charges a substrate’s surface to bond the coating to the charged surface. “The plasma then settles on and adheres to the component, providing a robust, water-resistant, corrosion-resistant protective seal for the component,” according to the patent, which addresses other approaches to waterproofing electronic devices.

Last month, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the Apple Watch could be worn in the shower, which means it’s water resistant but not necessarily waterproof.


While there are a number of waterproof cases for the iPhone 6, the patent notes that if water does somehow find its way through a protective case, it’s game over for your phone.

Related: Fake ad tricks chumps into thinking iOS 7 makes iPhones waterproof

Samsung, which took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge with the water-resistant Galaxy S5 as an opportunity to mock the iPhone’s lack of water resistance, left water resistance off the list of features for its Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge phones.

Sony’s Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact phones are waterproof, and the company’s recently introduced Xperia M4 Aqua is also waterproof. However, it’s unclear if the upcoming Xperia Z4 will also be waterproof.

Source: awok.co/RV8r89
Website: www.awok.com
Post By: Ramiz Ali Khan

LG introduces Diamond Collection kitchen appliances -- sans smudges

LG introduces Diamond Collection kitchen appliances -- sans smudges
LG's new generation of kitchen appliances boasts a darker, more fingerprint-resistant shade of stainless steel.

LG Stainless steel appliances are designed to help your kitchen look its best, but start touching the things, and you'll end up with a kitchen full of smudges. LG's newest generation of appliances wants to help, with a special, smudge-resistant coating to help keep things looking pristine.
Dubbed the "Diamond Collection," the new appliances include multiple refrigerators, a microwave, a dishwasher, and both gas and electric double ovens. The coating gives the stainless steel a darker look -- along with fighting off fingerprints, LG claims that it's designed to pair perfectly with just about any decor.

The new appliances feature many of LG's existing bells and whistles. The collection's ranges and microwaves all feature "EasyClean" interiors, for instance, while the Diamond Collection dishwasher utilizes LG's "TrueSteam" feature to help eliminate the need for pre-washing. There are also Diamond Collection Door-in-Door refrigerators, a popular feature that offers quick access to in-door food storage

There's also a new four-door, "t-type" fridge in the Diamond Collection -- possibly an effort to keep up with Samsung's refrigerator catalog, where the four-door Chef Collection refrigerator ranks as the brand's most expensive. Pricing and availability for the entire Diamond Collection lineup is still to be determined -- it'll be interesting to see where that fridge lands in comparison with the Samsung model, which retails for a whopping $6,000.

There's nothing revolutionary about smudge-proof appliances, mind you. GE already sells "Slate" appliances with a dark grey, smudge-resistant finish, and high-end stainless steel Frigidaire models claim a smudge-proof exterior, as well. Still, fingerprint-averse consumers will certainly be glad to have some additional options.

Website: www.awok.com