UK-based Nothing Technology has unveiled its latest smartphone – and it looks familiar.
The Nothing (2) smartphone is the company's second mobile device and is the latest determined to challenge top-tier mobiles, famously described as “flagship killers”, particularly those from market leaders Apple and Samsung Electronics.
Nothing Technology started in 2020. Its founder, Carl Pei, is the co-founder of one of the most popular devices to be given the flagship killer tag – the OnePlus.
The company's most notable investors include Steve Huffman, co-founder and chief executive of Reddit, Twitch co-founder Kevin Lin and Tony Fadell, who played a major role in developing Apple's iPod.
The latest version of the device comes almost exactly a year after the original Nothing (1) smartphone was released, also with a good amount of fanfare.
Nothing aims to deliver “top-notch features while encouraging a more intentional smartphone usage through hardware and software design innovation”, Mr Pei, who is also the company's chief executive, said on Wednesday.
Why the comparison with the iPhone?
Simple enough: the Nothing (2) phone bears a striking similarity to the latest iPhones, as both have flat edges and curved corners.
It also has a 17cm screen, at par with the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro Max, and also supports an always-on display, similar to the iPhone 14 Pro models.
However, there is one distinguishing feature: the Nothing (2) has a see-through rear, which lets you see the screws and how its internal components are linked up.
What's with all the lights?
The back of the phone also has flashing LEDs – glyphs, as the smartphone maker calls it – which light up to signal various actions including when there are incoming notifications, when the alarm sounds, when a video is being recorded or even when tracking a ride or delivery services.
The ability to customise how those lights flash is also an improvement over its predecessor.
What are Nothing (2)'s specs?
The Nothing (2) is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, which is the same chip found in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 and Flip4, and other big-time sounding devices, including a bunch of “ultra” devices, including the OnePlus 10T Ultra, Motorola Edge 30 Ultra and Xiaomi 12s Ultra, as well as the Realme GT 2 Pro Master Edition.
It is not the latest – the Gen 2 version is the present version – but it is powerful enough.
Its storage/RAM options come in 128GB/8GB, 256GB/12GB and 512GB/12GB, while colour options are white and dark grey.
Meanwhile, it has a dual-lens camera system, with both coming with 50 mega-pixel sensors.
The company promises that it will be able to process images 4,000 times – using advanced algorithms – more than the original Nothing phone, for “incredible levels of accuracy”.
Its video supports 4K resolution. The single-lens front camera uses a 32MP sensor.
In short, the device has a spec sheet ready to give its target competition a good run for its money – at least on paper.
How much does it cost?
Nothing has priced its latest smartphone at $599, rising to $699 and $799 with the storage/RAM options, which seemingly looks like a good deal given its specs.
For comparison, the entry-level iPhone 14 will set you back at $799. Also, the iPhone 13 or iPhone 12 devices, which are still available on Apple's website, start at $599. The Samsung Galaxy S23 also starts at $799.
When will it be available?
The Nothing (2) was revealed on Tuesday, and is already available in the US. Launch dates for different countries vary but the phone will be available for purchase in the next few days, according to the company.
In the GCC, pre-orders will run from July 16 to July 20. A “Launch Edition” will be available on July 15 in select locations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The device will hit the stores starting July 21.
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The specs: 2018 Nissan Altima
Price, base / as tested: Dh78,000 / Dh97,650
Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder
Power: 182hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 244Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Continuously variable tranmission
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The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
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Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
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Saadiyaat beach
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Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
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BABYLON
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
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How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
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Marital status: Separated with two young daughters
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2. Schedule a time to use social media instead of consistently throughout the day. I recommend setting aside certain times of the day or week when you upload pictures or share information.
3. Take a mental snapshot rather than a photo on your phone. Instead of sharing it with your social world, try to absorb the moment, connect with your feeling, experience the moment with all five of your senses. You will have a memory of that moment more vividly and for far longer than if you take a picture of it.
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While you're here
Indoor Cricket World Cup Dubai 2017
Venue Insportz, Dubai; Admission Free
Day 1 fixtures (Saturday)
Men 1.45pm, Malaysia v Australia (Court 1); Singapore v India (Court 2); UAE v New Zealand (Court 3); South Africa v Sri Lanka (Court 4)
Women Noon, New Zealand v South Africa (Court 3); England v UAE (Court 4); 5.15pm, Australia v UAE (Court 3); England v New Zealand (Court 4)
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The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
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'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
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Torque: 859Nm
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• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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The specs
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Torque: 850Nm
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• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
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• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
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Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
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Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
