Latest news with #biometric
Times of Oman
17 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
UAE airports set global benchmark in digital efficiency
Abu Dhabi: Selim Bouri, President for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) at SITA, a global leader in air transport IT and communications, has confirmed that airports in the UAE, particularly those in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have established new global benchmarks in innovation, efficiency and passenger experience. He noted the country's clear commitment to digitalisation and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, particularly in light of the increasing challenge of managing growing passenger volumes. In remarks to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Bouri explained that SITA works closely with UAE airports to understand their unique needs and opportunities, providing tailored technology solutions, pointing to the implementation of the Smart Travel system at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi--a fully integrated platform for biometric identity processing. This system, he noted, reduces congestion and waiting times while enhancing airport capacity to handle the rising number of international flights. Zayed International Airport experienced strong growth in flight traffic in 2024, making it essential to adopt digital solutions to meet this surge. Bouri described the airport's experience as a testament to the value of advanced biometric processing, highlighting that since the opening of its new terminal in November 2023, the airport has processed over one million passengers using facial recognition. This has created a unique digital identity for each traveller, enabling a seamless journey from check-in to departure--including border control--in under 12 minutes. The success of the Smart Travel system at Zayed International Airport, he added, paves the way for its adoption at other airports across the UAE. On future technologies passengers can expect at UAE airports, Bouri said that the country's travel experience is increasingly powered by smart solutions that provide efficiency and convenience. He revealed plans to expand biometric processing across airport checkpoints, delivering a fully contactless passenger experience. Self-service technologies, he said, will be a core focus area in the coming years. These include self-check-in kiosks, automated baggage drop services, and smart boarding gates, all aimed at reducing congestion and streamlining travel procedures. Cybersecurity also remains a top priority within the UAE's airport digital strategies. Bouri emphasised that smart innovations will play a key role in boosting efficiency, minimising waiting times, enhancing safety and reinforcing the UAE's status as a leader in smart, integrated airport systems. He added that the coming decade will witness a significant increase in the deployment of next-generation communication technologies within airports. This will create a highly integrated smart airport ecosystem and flight operation network. Bouri discussed the impact of 5G networks on enabling seamless device-to-device communication, benefitting passengers, systems and operations through improved ground connectivity. He also pointed to future support for sixth-generation network technologies and advanced wireless internet services. Airports, airlines and governments in the Middle East, known for their leadership in innovation, are investing heavily in the latest technologies to enhance passenger experience and streamline airport operations. These include biometric processing systems and e-gates backed by strategic initiatives and major investments. Addressing the role of artificial intelligence and big data in improving flight management and reducing delays, Bouri explained that although airports, airlines and partners generate vast amounts of data, it is not always fully understood or leveraged. Over the next decade, he said, future-ready airports will increasingly rely on big data, predictive analytics and advanced platforms to achieve peak operational efficiency. The growing role of AI and robotics, he clarified, does not eliminate the human factor but rather fosters smart collaboration between people and technology. Bouri concluded that the next decade will see AI extend to more sectors, enhancing flight scheduling, personalised communication with passengers, operations centre support, predictive maintenance, multilingual assistance, automated baggage handling and reduced fuel consumption for autonomous vehicles. AI will also be used by airports and governments to improve security screening and increase the accuracy of threat detection.
Arabian Business
a day ago
- General
- Arabian Business
biometric
The use of biometric authentication and identification offers unrivalled convenience and security in a modern connected city but the technology needs to be built responsibly
Android Authority
3 days ago
- Business
- Android Authority
Secure Folder on One UI 8 is easier to use and safer than ever
TL;DR With One UI 8, Samsung will ask you to re-enroll fingerprints for Secure Folder biometric access. Apps moved to your Secure Folder can now be easily hidden from the rest of your phone. Samsung's implementing a new Quick Settings button for immediately hiding all Secure Folder assets. Samsung has clearly learned its lesson when it comes to making its users wait (and wait, and wait) for access to the latest Android beta, and this year it's getting started with Android 16 and One UI 8 nice and early. Today we're getting our first official look at the One UI 8 beta, and we're already diving in to search for everything interesting that Samsung's changing. So far that's involved some Now Bar upgrades and new earbud controls, and now we're turning our attention to tweaks arriving for Samsung's Secure Folder. While your lock screen already helps keep the data on your phone safe from casual access, Secure Folder offers an extra layer of security, particularly handy if you know that other people are going to be using your device. You can move your most private data to its encrypted protection, and even hide its presence entirely. Compared to Samsung's implementation with One UI 7, we can already spot a few key changes. For one, you'll notice how Secure Folder now asks you to re-enroll your fingerprints if you want to use them for biometric access. That may seem a tad redundant, but it really speaks to the way that Samsung has built Secure Folder as an enclave away from the rest of your phone's assets. Previously, moving apps into your Secure Folder was a bit cumbersome. 'Moving' an app there essentially created a copy, but left you with your original. And if you didn't want anyone without Secure Folder access using it, you had to go in and manually uninstall your old copy. With One UI 8, Samsung is making this a whole lot easier, and you have the option to easily hide apps so they'll only be accessible in the Secure Folder. Finally, we're getting a one-stop shortcut for immediately shutting things down and going dark. A new Quick Settings button not just hides the Secure Folder without forcing you to did through settings menus, but also shuts down the apps you've moved there and silences their notifications. Considering this is where Samsung encourages us to keep our most sensitive stuff, a super-quick way to just sweep it all under the rug feels like a completely on-brand addition. Of course, this is only our first taste of a One UI 8 beta, so we could be seeing plenty of further changes before Samsung's ready for its public release. Keep reading Android Authority for complete coverage of everything that entails. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
iWallet Corporation Unveils iClutch: A Smart Wallet Designed for the Modern Woman
RENO, NV / ACCESS Newswire / May 28, 2025 / iWallet Corporation (OTC PINK:IWAL), a company developing secure personal accessories, today announced the upcoming release of its third product, iClutch. This new smart wallet is specifically designed for women, merging sophisticated aesthetics with the advanced security features found in the company's popular iWallet 2.0 and iPassport devices. The iClutch integrates biometric fingerprint locking, RFID protection, and Bluetooth-enabled GPS tracking to offer a comprehensive security solution. Crafted with durable titanium materials, consistent with its predecessors, the iClutch also features a premium leather insert and a discreet vanity mirror. Its sleek, clutch-style design is tailored for everyday use, reflecting a deep understanding of how women carry and organize their essentials. Unlike many smart wallets that are simply repurposed designs, iClutch was developed from the ground up to address the distinct preferences and needs of women, providing genuine utility without compromise. Addressing a Market Gap: Smart Wallets for Women The smart wallet market is on a path of significant expansion, forecast to hit US$550 million by 2033 with a 6.9% CAGR. However, this technology-driven sector, offering anti-theft and anti-lost features in physical wallets, has largely ignored women. In the wider physical wallets market, valued at USD 24.50 billion in 2024 and estimated to reach USD 42.0 billion by 2033, men account for 65.4% of the consumer base, underscoring a substantial unmet demand among women. Further highlighting this disparity, the global Smart Personal Safety and Security Device Market, poised for growth from USD 41.03 billion in 2024 to USD 74.83 billion by 2032, is fueled by rising safety concerns and the need for protective accessories. Despite this trend, the majority of smart wallet offerings continue to cater to men, leaving women without suitable options in terms of both design and utility. To address this, Steven Cabouli, CEO of iWallet Corporation, states, 'The iClutch is our answer to this gap, aiming to deliver a product that truly brings together style, convenience, and reliable security, built with women in mind'. Coordinated Product Rollout and Timeline Update To ensure consistent quality and strategic market entry across its portfolio, iWallet Corporation has adjusted its development schedule. Final prototypes for iWallet 2.0, iPassport, and iClutch are now expected to be completed by the end of June 2025. This synchronized timeline will facilitate unified testing, refinement, and a cohesive product launch, bringing the full suite of offerings to market together. About iWallet Corporation iWallet Corporation (IWAL) develops secure personal accessories that integrate design with technology. The company focuses on creating products that offer protection and functionality for consumers' everyday security needs within a mobile lifestyle. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including anticipated product development timelines, expected feature sets, target market strategies, and overall business positioning. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in market demand, manufacturing timelines, and technological integration. Actual results could differ materially. iWallet Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, except as required by applicable law. Contact Information Steven Cabouli CEO [email protected] (858) 610-2958 Market Research Sources: [1] Dataintelo. (n.d.). Smart Wallet Market Report | Global Forecast From 2025 To 2033. Retrieved from [2] (n.d.). Smart-Connected Wallets Market Size, Growth Report to 2033. Retrieved from [3] IMARC Group. (n.d.). Belts And Wallets Market Size, Share, Trends Report, 2033. Retrieved from [4] Credence Research. (n.d.). Smart Personal Safety and Security Device Market Size and Forecast 2032. Retrieved from SOURCE: iWallet Corp. press release
Tahawul Tech
3 days ago
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Qi Card powers digital leap beyond borders
Bahaa Abdul Hadi, Chairman of International Smart Card, shares how the journey of Iraq's fintech pioneer transforms lives — from biometric smart cards to a digital-first financial future. International Smart Card (ISC), also known by its most popular product – Qi Card – has emerged as a force of digital disruption in Iraq and is making waves in foreign markets. Since its launch in 2007, International Smart Card has steadily redefined how millions of Iraqis access and use financial services. Spearheaded by visionary Chairman Bahaa Abdul Hadi, the company has evolved from rolling out the Middle East's first biometric smart card – Qi Card – to launching SuperQi app, a cutting-edge digital wallet, a digital bank powered by global tech leader Ant International. Hadi shares insights with on what lies ahead for fintech in Iraq and the wider MENA region. Interview Excerpts: Q: What have been the key milestones in International Smart Card 's journey since its inception in 2007, and how has it shaped the fintech landscape in Iraq and the broader Middle East? Backed by its holding company International Smart Card, we launched Qi Card in 2007 as the region's first biometric smart card, and within just two years, we reached 1.6 million users. By 2015, it was accepted by over 30,000 merchants, effectively turning government salaries into digital cash. During the pandemic, we surpassed 10 million users, ensuring uninterrupted payroll services in a time of severe crisis like the lockdown during Covid 19 pandemic. This year, we moved beyond plastic with the launch of SuperQi, our next-gen digital wallet, showing the world that Iraq can leapfrog into the future of fintech. Q: How did International Smart Card overcome the initial challenges in deploying this innovation, and what impact has it had on the Iraqi government's digital services? Connectivity was limited, and PIN-based authentication was unfamiliar to many users. Our solution was to store an encrypted fingerprint directly on the card, enabling secure offline verification. This approach not only addressed issues of fraud and illiteracy but also empowered the government to pay salaries and benefits digitally to over seven million employees, pensioners, and social-security recipients, with near-zero leakage. Q: The recently launched SuperQi app, in collaboration with Ant International, operates like a digital bank. What unique features does the app offer? SuperQi allows users to open an account in minutes, send money via phone numbers, scan-to-pay both locally and internationally, access instant instalment loans, and manage bills — all in Arabic, English, or Kurdish. With Ant's wallet technology, we're blending local trust with global infrastructure. It's a powerful example of how fintech can make finance inclusive and borderless – opens the gateways for the future of finance and open banking. Q: How does International Smart Card plan to further expand its user base and stay ahead of rapidly evolving fintech trends in the region? Our immediate focus is on moving our 11 million cardholders to SuperQi app and expanding the network of QR acceptance points. In 2025, we're launching an open developer portal to accelerate fintech innovation on our platform. 'We expect to surpass 15 million active digital wallets by 2027.' Q: How do you see fintech shaping economic growth and digital transformation in the region? Instant salary access is one of the most powerful ways to advance financial inclusion. It brings liquidity into households when it's most needed, reduces reliance on hard cash, and builds trust in digital systems. Fintech, at its best, should make money more accessible, more efficient, and more empowering — and that's the future we're committed to building in Iraq and taking it beyond borders.
