Latest news with #KT
Korea Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
KT to supply 14,000 body cams, build AI system for police
KT, a major South Korean telecommunications provider, announced Wednesday that it has signed a 19.5 billion won ($14.1 million) contract with the National Police Agency to supply body cameras for police officers and build out digital public safety infrastructure. Over the next five years, KT will distribute approximately 14,000 body cameras to police officers working at precincts and patrol stations nationwide. This marks the first deployment of body cams, since they were officially designated as standard police equipment following a 2024 revision to the Police Officers Duty Act. As part of the project, KT will also develop an AI-powered Digital Evidence Management System. The system will support digital evidence collection by digitizing crime scenes, automatically identifying and anonymizing sensitive information, assisting investigations through AI analysis, and enabling wireless transmission of footage while preserving the original files. The company also won a related contract to supply smartphones and tablets to patrol vehicles, integrating them with the 112 emergency response system. The dual projects are expected to accelerate Korea's digital transformation in public safety. 'This project is a major milestone in the digital transformation of Korea's public safety system,' said Yoo Yong-kyu, head of KT's Enterprise Public Sector Division. 'KT will continue to support public security through AI-powered technology and innovation.'
GSM Arena
2 days ago
- GSM Arena
Samsung Galaxy Z series sets pre-order record in Korea, Fold tops Flip for the first time
The new Galaxy Z series from Samsung is a hit. Just as analysts predicted, it set a new record for pre-orders of foldable devices in South Korea. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 (and presumably the Z Flip7 FE) saw 1.04 million pre-orders in the week spanning July 15 to 21. That topped the previous record set by the Z 5 generation of 1.02 million pre-orders. More importantly, it beats last year's Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 pre-orders by a solid 14% (those managed 910,000 pre-orders). The Galaxy Z Fold7 saw more pre-orders than the Z Flip7 The report by ETNews contains some interesting statistics. For example, the Galaxy Z Fold7 is now the most popular model, accounting for 60% of pre-orders registered with the three major carriers: SK Telecom, KT and LG U+. The FE model is not mentioned explicitly in the report, so we don't know how the remaining 40% are divided between the two flips. For context, last year the split was 60/40 in favor of the Z Flip6. And in 2023 the gap was even wider with a 70/30 split in favor of the Z Flip5. This is the first time that the Fold has beaten the Flip. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 The demographic breakdown is quite interesting too. According to data from SK Telecom, 83% of Z Fold7 buyers were male, while the Z Flip7 skewed female with 59%. The typical buyer of a foldable phone is older now with more than 60% of pre-orders coming from people aged 30-50 years old. For comparison, more than half of Z Flip6 and Z Fold6 pre-orders last year came from people in their 20s and 30s. Blue Shadow, the most popular color for the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 Finally, the most popular color for both the Fold and the Flip proved to be the new Blue Shadow. The second most popular picks were Jet Black for the Z Fold7 and Coral Red for the Z Flip7. While this report is primarily focused on South Korea, it does include a tidbit about the Indian market – the Galaxy Z 7 series saw 210,000 pre-orders in India in just the first two days. This is comparable to the pre-orders for the Galaxy S25 phones earlier this year and a record for foldables in the country. Source Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE 5G
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Used AI to create cartoon avatars? You may be risking data theft, deepfakes
Have you uploaded your photo to an AI app to get a cute cartoon version of yourself? You might want to think twice — an authority in Abu Dhabi issued a warning on Monday about serious privacy risks that go beyond the fun. The Department of Government Enablement-Abu Dhabi has alerted the publich of concerns around the growing popularity of AI-powered applications that transform personal photos into cartoon characters or digital avatars, cautioning that many users are unknowingly exposing sensitive biometric data. In a statement posted through X, the authority highlighted that while uploading such images may seem harmless, it can pose serious privacy and security risks, as this data could be misused for commercial exploitation or malicious purposes, including identity theft and fraud. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The department also shared a video addressing the risks associated with these applications. By using just one photo, users have trained AI to recognise and use their face. The video further warned about potential misuses of personal images, including the creation of fake accounts, fraudulent schemes, and deepfake videos emphasising that users are not just sharing a photo but giving away their biometric identity. 3 tips To help users protect their privacy, the Department provided several recommendations: Delete unnecessary apps and photos you previously uploaded on AI apps Limit app permissions, and block full access Share knowledge among your family and friends to raise awareness on the underlying risks Earlier this year, cybersecurity experts raised similar concerns about the viral Ghibli trend that transformed personal photos into Studio Ghibli-inspired avatars. Nicolai Solling, Chief Technology Officer at Help AG, warned that when creating such avatars, users often upload photos that capture detailed facial features, which can include biometric data that is irreplaceable if compromised. 'The use of these avatars introduces significant risks, primarily related to personal data,' Solling had said. He pointed out that uploaded images may contain hidden metadata, such as device details and location, which could inadvertently expose sensitive information about the user's whereabouts. Many AI-driven platforms utilise user-uploaded data to enhance their algorithms, and unless users are paying for the service, their images, including facial data, may be used to train AI models, raising serious concerns about data ownership and privacy. Social media experts also highlighted the surge in user engagement driven by AI-generated avatars, emphasising that while these avatars allow for creativity and self-expression, users must remain vigilant about the potential privacy implications.
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Felt something powerful': How UAE's Ghaf tree inspired resident to pen children's book
Although not connected in roots, Syrian author Thiba Sharaf says she feels connected to the UAE in spirit, and an instance underneath the national UAE tree, the Ghaf, almost four months ago sparked an idea in her head to write a children's book. 'In many ways, this book is my tribute to the UAE. It's a celebration of the land that has nurtured my dreams, and a way to give back to a place that has given so much to me and to so many others who call it home,' she said. The book, entitled 'The Ghaf Tree Adventure', was Thiba's way of saying thank you to the country, she said, in which she has resided for over 20 years. 'This land has given me so many opportunities, unforgettable moments, and a true sense of belonging, she said. 'Naturally, that deep connection has found its way into my storytelling.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'A serene moment' On a calm March afternoon, Thiba was seated underneath the shade of the majestic Ghaf tree. She hadn't noticed the tree above her until she saw its branches reflected on the black glass table. She described the image she saw as 'enchanting.' 'The entire day felt like something out of a fairy tale,' she recalled. 'It had rained in the morning, then the sun came out, birds were singing, rainbows appeared; it was nature at its most poetic. And in that serene moment, sitting under the Ghaf tree, I felt something powerful. A line came to me, very simply: 'Under the Ghaf Tree, good luck will be.'' After that occurrence, she said she knew she wanted to write about the Ghaf Tree, not just for its creativity, but for its significance. The Ghaf Tree, which was declared the national tree of the UAE in 2008, can withstand drought conditions, and can remain green even in harsh desert environments. It is also a historic and cultural symbol of stability and peace in the UAE's desert environment. Thiba said it was important for her to write about the tree as an act of gratitude to the UAE, which she said has given her 'so much.' The book's main protagonists, siblings Hamdan and Hind, are named after Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his mother Sheikha Hind. Through those characters, Thiba said she tried to highlight the importance of intergenerational connection; how wisdom and values are passed down from grandparents to parents to children. 'That thread between generations is so vital, especially when it comes to preserving heritage while embracing progress,' she professed.
Khaleej Times
17-07-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Dubai Marina fire: Some tenants struggle to find new homes one month after blaze
It has been a month since a fire broke out in a residential tower in Dubai Marina, affecting over 3,820 residents from 764 apartments. While the flames were quickly brought under control and emergency teams cleared the area, many residents are still struggling to find a place to call home. The fire, which broke out on the night of June 13, caused extensive damage to several floors of the high-rise. While no fatalities or major injuries were reported, dozens of apartments were left uninhabitable. For many residents, the ordeal didn't end with the fire, it marked the beginning of a difficult house-hunting journey. Prateek, an Indian expat, had moved into the tower just a few months before the incident. 'We were living on the 29th floor,' he said. 'But now, my family has returned to India, and I have moved in with a friend.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Prateek was paying Dh94,000 annually for a two-bedroom apartment in the building. After the fire, he began searching for similar accommodations nearby, but even with an increased budget, he is unable to get one. 'I have been looking around Marina and nearby areas. Even at Dh105,000, I can't find a proper two-bedroom flat. Everything is either too small or far too expensive,' he said. For some residents, the fire not only left them without a home but also brought unexpected expenses. From buying clothes and electronics to replacing documents and daily essentials, the financial burden has been steep. 'Had to start over in a new area' Ali Reza, an Iranian chef who had been living in the tower for three years, has now moved into a shared apartment in Barsha Heights. In the initial days after the fire, he spent a few nights in a hotel and then with friends, carrying only the few items he managed to grab during the evacuation. 'The building was close to my workplace. I could take essentials, my passport, clothes, and some work items,' he said. 'But I'm thankful to friends who helped me during the move. One of them even gave me a spare mattress and utensils to use until I could get back on my feet,' he added. 'I had to get my own space' Lizy, a Filipina expat, initially stayed at a friend's house after the fire. But after a few weeks of sharing a room, she decided it was time to find her own space. 'I found a studio nearby. It's not far from work, and it was all I could afford,' she said. Lizy managed to retrieve most of her belongings, including documents and clothes from the damaged building, but she's still waiting for her advance rent and security deposit to be refunded. 'That money could've helped me cover my new rent and set up utilities,' she said. 'I have followed up a few times, but there's still no clarity. It's been tough because everything happened so suddenly, but I'm trying to adjust.' The watchman informed Khaleej Times that residents cannot access their belongings unless the flat owner initiates the process. 'The owner of the flat has to send an email to the building management requesting access,' he said. 'Once approved, the management will give a specific time to enter and retrieve items.' He added that those with furniture and large electronics need to file a move-out request in advance. 'If someone has furniture, they have to submit a move-out request, and the management will assist in taking everything out safely.'
