XRAI Glass, a maker of augmented reality glasses that translate speech to closed-caption text for hearing-impaired users, has chosen Saudi Arabia as the entry point for its expansion into the Middle East.
The Arab world's biggest economy is “at the forefront of technology and is investing in it”, co-founder Mitchell Feldman told The National in an interview at the Leap technology exhibition in Riyadh this week.
The London-based company is seeking to work with the right manufacturers in the kingdom, he said.
“The reason why we chose to first look at Saudi Arabia is because the country seems to be a great early adopter of technology in the Middle East,” Mr Feldman said.
“It is also at the forefront of helping companies and people. In this industry, it’s a caring community, so it’s a natural habit for XRAI Glass to start its journey into the Middle East here.”
Other Middle East countries are on XRAI's radar, especially the UAE, and the company is “certainly considering” building a research and development centre in the region, he said.
“What is highly appealing to us is looking at teaming with an academic entity, such as an established university in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to help us look further at the academic research.”
Smart glasses are a growing niche as manufacturers continue to add new functions and use cases in a number of industries, resulting in stiff competition in the market.
The segment has also received a boost due to the growing popularity of the metaverse.
The first major attempt to take these devices mainstream came with the launch of Google Glass in 2013, which struggled with a number of problems, including utility, design and a hefty $1,500 price tag.
In September 2021, Meta Platforms, then known as Facebook, introduced its Stories smart glasses in collaboration with eyewear maker Ray-Ban. Chief executive Mark Zuckerberg hinted at more projects last year.
Major technology companies such as Microsoft, Amazon and Snapchat, with its Spectacles, are also producing smart glasses.
Apple and Samsung, the world's two biggest smartphone manufacturers, have also long been rumoured to be working on their own versions.
Apple, in particular, is reportedly on track to release a $3,000 mixed reality headset later this year.
The global smart glass market is projected to hit $8.2 billion by 2027, from an estimated $5 billion in 2022, at a compound annual growth rate of 10.4 per cent, data from research company Markets and Markets shows.
“The accessibility market is our biggest focus. We want to empower people with hearing impairments and those with neurodivergent issues,” Mr Feldman said.
What is highly appealing to us is looking at teaming with an academic entity, such as an established university in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to help us look further at the academic research
Mitchell Feldman,
co-founder of XRAI Glass
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health has put a special focus on those with hearing impairments, particularly with the “We Are With You” initiative, and explicitly forbids any form of discrimination, according to its website.
There are more than 229,000 people who are hearing-impaired in Saudi Arabia, who are “greatly ignored, particularly at public departments and places due to lack of interpreters”, the General Authority for Statistics said in a recent report.
The capabilities of smart glasses have significantly improved over time, Mr Feldman said.
XRAI Glass has also adopted advanced privacy and security measures by using Web3 architecture, which is decentralised, he said.
Web3 is the emerging new concept of the World Wide Web, with blockchain, decentralisation, openness and greater user utility among its core components.
“This means all content and data lives with the user. Nothing is stored on the cloud, it is all user owned,” Mr Feldman said.
“Many companies are now looking towards Web3 architecture over traditional web, as users control their data.”
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
The five pillars of Islam
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo
Power: 374hp at 5,500-6,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm from 1,900-5,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.5L/100km
Price: from Dh285,000
On sale: from January 2022
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Sarfira
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
Rating: 2/5
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
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What's in the deal?
Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024
India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.
India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.
Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments
India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
The Beach Bum
Director: Harmony Korine
Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Isla Fisher, Snoop Dogg
Two stars
Various Artists
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.8-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C200rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%20from%201%2C800-5%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh111%2C195%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
Price, base / as tested Dh97,600
Engine 1,745cc Milwaukee-Eight v-twin engine
Transmission Six-speed gearbox
Power 78hp @ 5,250rpm
Torque 145Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 5.0L / 100km (estimate)
