Category: News

For a sixth consecutive day, Israeli air strikes continue to relentlessly bombard the Gaza Strip, raising concerns about an escalating humanitarian crisis in the besieged Palestinian enclave. Israel has reported the dropping of 6,000 bombs, totaling 4,000 tonnes in the last six days, resulting in the tragic loss of more than 1,400 lives.

Many international observers have accused Israel of committing war crimes in its actions in Gaza, particularly in cases involving civilian casualties, infrastructure destruction, and the denial of essential humanitarian aid.

Also read: Egyptian Soda Gains Ground Amid Anti-Western Boycott in the Middle East

The United States and Europe have made allegations against Hamas, claiming the killing of 40 infants in Israel with no evidence. They are using this as a purported justification for targeting innocent individuals in Gaza, especially in light of the U.S. President’s dissemination of these claims without presenting supporting evidence.

Join our boycott campaign to stand against companies supporting apartheid policies in Israel. Let’s collectively stop using and financially supporting Israeli tech companies headquartered or founded in Israel that contribute to the ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people. Together, we can make a difference and promote justice.

Mohamed Omar, an Egyptian activist shared a Facebook post featuring a list of Israeli tech companies for boycotting, and we will keep this list updated as we become aware of additional companies.

Israeli tech companies to boycott

1. Payoneer
2. eToro
3. Taboola
4. Wix
5. Fiverr
6. AppsFlyer
7. Monday.com
8. Waze
9. Elementor WordPress plugin
10. Mobileye
11. Cybereason
12. Sisense
13. Check Point Software Technologies
14. IronSource
15. WalkMe
16. Outbrain
17. OrCam Technologies
18. Riskified
19. Gett
20. Lemonade
21. Vayyar Imaging
22. Playtika
23. Gong.io
24. JFrog
25. Moovit
26. SafeBreach
27. Cellebrite
28. Bringg
29. Zebra Medical Vision
30. SolarEdge
31. Amdocs
32. Tipalti
33. Argus Cyber Security
34. Cato Networks
35. StoreDot
36. Kaltura
37. SentinelOne
38. SysAid Technologies
39. Innoviz Technologies
40. NICE Ltd.
41. Via
42. Flytrex
43. Pecan.ai
44. BioCatch
45. Optimal+
46. OurCrowd
47. JoyTunes
48. AnyVision
49. Lightico
50. ThetaRay
51. Quali
52. Redis Labs
53. mPrest
54. Logz.io
55. Windward
56. Vayavision
57. MyHeritage
58. Yotpo
59. RapidAPI
60. Guesty
61. Dynamic Yield
62. Riskified
63. Snyk
64. Bizzabo
65. Ezbob
66. Stellar Cyber
67. Kryon Systems
68. StartApp
69. Forter
70. Lusha
71. Spot.IM (now OpenWeb)
72. Nanit
73. Soluto
74. Jolt
75. Oribi

The Green Brigade has criticized Celtic for their response regarding the demonstration of solidarity with Palestine within Parkhead.

This development follows the demonstration of solidarity by the fan group during their weekend match against Kilmarnock. Throughout the game, Palestinian flags were prominently displayed, accompanied by banners bearing the message: “Free Palestine. Victory To The Resistance!”

This action took place during the same weekend when Hamas “the Palestine resistance”, initiated an attack on Israel from the occupied Gaza Strip.

The club has strongly disapproved of those individuals who seek to ‘utilize Celtic Park as a platform for conveying such messages.’

In response, the Green Brigade has issued a counterstatement, urging Celtic supporters to ‘display the Palestinian flag’ during the upcoming Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.

Their statement emphasizes the group’s unwavering conviction that they, along with fellow football fans, possess the right to express their political viewpoints within the stadium, much like ordinary citizens exercise their right to do so in other facets of society. They assert that football represents one of the few domains in public life where working-class individuals maintain authentic political influence, and they refuse to be subjected to the directives of a governing board they perceive as elitist and consistently disdainful of Celtic Football Club’s history and traditions.

“Celtic was born out of famine and oppression, a product of colonial rule, death, and the mass displacement of people. It is because of this history that Celtic fans are renowned for their empathy and solidarity; consistently siding with the oppressed and destitute. This fact is not lost on the PLC as it regularly flirts with the idea, particularly where it can be commodified, yet the board is quick to condemn when the views expressed challenge their worldview, disingenuously then proclaiming to be apolitical.

“The current hypocrisy of the PLC is sadly in step with much of the political and media class, epitomised through the example of Ukraine. Political messaging was welcome at Celtic Park then; yet it is being condemned now. The question on any reasonable mind should be why? Why are Ukrainian lives more sacred than Palestinian lives?

“The Green Brigade remains unequivocal in our support for the Palestinian people, as we have been consistent. We have supported various Palestinian projects throughout our history and for over a decade have developed a close relationship with Aida Refugee Camp culminating in the formation of the Aida Celtic football academy in Bethlehem. We send our sincere solidarity and prayers to our friends across all of Palestine at this traumatic time when yet again much of the international community turns its back in cowardice while war crimes are inflicted on a largely defenseless, imprisoned population.

“We call on the Celtic support – the true custodians of Celtic Football Club – to stand on the right side of history. In 2016, we defiantly raised the flag and matched the fine for Palestine. Now, more than ever, the Palestinian people need our solidarity.

“On 25th October, v Atletico Madrid, we ask all Celtic fans to raise the Palestine flag on the European stage and show the world that Celtic Football Club stands with the oppressed, not the oppressor. We must apply learning from apartheid South Africa to dismantle apartheid Israel – if we are neutral in situations of injustice, we have chosen the side of the oppressor.

“In the meantime, we encourage fans to donate to the MAP Gaza Emergency Fund.”

Celtic’s statement last night read: “Banners displayed in a section of Celtic Park prior to Saturday’s game do not represent the views of Celtic Football Club and we disassociate ourselves from them. We condemn the display of such messages at Celtic Park.

“Celtic is a football club and not a political organization. One of our core values from inception is to be open to all regardless of race, color, politics, or creed. That is why the Club has always made clear that political messages and banners are not welcome at Celtic Park, or any match involving Celtic. At a time of loss and suffering for many, it is entirely inappropriate for any group of individuals to use Celtic Park as a vehicle for such messages.

“We call on all supporters, regardless of their personal views, to unite in backing our players and the club while respecting the rights and beliefs of others; particularly those whose lives are affected by violence and hatred.”

Critics call for action on humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Residents of the Gaza Strip are caught in the aggressive bombing by Israeli forces. 

Gaza-based reporter Nedal Samir Hamdouna says conditions in the besieged enclave were worsening every day.

“I don’t have the words to describe how terrible it is here,” Hamdouna told Al Jazeera, speaking from northern Gaza. “It’s like a ball of hell,” he said.

“The streets are empty. People are afraid to seek their basic needs, including water.”

Moreover, Hamdouna added that hospitals in Gaza were full as thousands were turning up to take shelter.

“There is no safe place to go to except for hospitals. This creates a problem for doctors and emergency workers when dealing with those who have been injured,” he noted.

Source: Al Jazeera

As traditional advertising revenues plummet globally and broadcasting budgets are slashed, The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and South East Asia (SEA) regions have reported tremendous growth in digital adoption and a rise in digital advertising revenue as a result. 

This growth is driven by an increase in internet users, smartphone penetration, and the rise of social media platforms. AI Copywriter tools are now being widely adopted by brands, organisations, and companies in these regions to enhance their digital advertising campaigns.

 Let’s delve deeper into the trends and statistics of advertising revenue and digital adoption in MENA and SEA.

Digital Advertising in MENA

MENA has emerged as one of the fastest-growing digital advertising markets, driven by a young population and increasing smartphone penetration. According to a report by McKinsey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has the highest degree of digitisation, while Egypt represents the largest untapped opportunity. The report also highlights a growth in the adoption of digital channels and spending in the coming years, coinciding with the increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) across all sectors.

The Market Size

The digital advertising market in the MENA region is estimated to be worth over 1.2 billion U.S dollars in 2021. The market is expected to continue growing, with a projected growth rate of 20% by 2024. The region’s e-commerce market is also expected to grow and reach 69 billion U.S dollars by 2020. The GCC and Egypt account for 80% of the regional e-commerce market.

Media Channels in the MENA

The advertising market in the MENA region is witnessing a major shift toward digital advertising. Traditional channels such as newspapers are declining, while the internet is taking over with 44.2% of the total ad expenditure in 2020, according to Statista. Social channels account for more than half of the total digital ad spend, surpassing global benchmarks. The region is also moving towards a “mobile-first” strategy, with a majority of internet traffic generated through mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Performance Marketing in the MENA

Performance-based campaigns are gaining traction in the MENA region, with 59% of advertising agencies significantly shifting into performance-based campaigns, according to a survey conducted by the Interactive Agency Bureau (IAB). Brands are demanding payment by results (ROI & Return on ad spend ROAS) as well as enhanced consumer insights and analytics.

Digital Advertising Agencies in the MENA

The MENA region has over 500 advertising agencies that have a large number of employees, with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE fuelling the region with small and medium-sized agencies. The UAE is home to big advertising firms, while Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan represent the majority of digital marketing talents and creative resources. However, the highly qualified talents in digital advertising and performance are always moving outside the region to join companies in the European market.

Programmatic Advertising in the MENA

The slow transition from traditional to digital media is one of the key reasons programmatic advertising is struggling to dominate the region. Collectively, the MENA trails other regions in innovation and adoption of ad tech and marketing technologies. The top ad networks in the MENA region include Facebook, Google Ads, IronSource, Applovin, Adcolony, AdFalcon, InTarget, AdZouk, and Ambush. The United Arab Emirates is leading the growth in programmatic advertising due to technology partners and pressure from clients and brands to automate the process and use AI.

Digital Advertising by Sector

According to Ipsos research, the top ten sectors in the region are dominated by beauty care, food, telecommunications, and entertainment. Telecommunications companies, followed by real estate and banking, are the top categories.

Digital Advertising in SEA

SEA is a rapidly growing digital advertising market, driven by a young and tech-savvy population. According to a report by eMarketer, digital ad spending in SEA is expected to reach 15.3 billion U.S dollars in 2021, with Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam leading the growth.

The Market Size

The digital advertising market in SEA is expected to grow at a rate of 13.7% in 2021, with a projected market size of 22.45 billion U.S dollars by 2025. The region’s e-commerce market is also booming, with a projected market size of 153 billion U.S dollars by 2025.

Media Channels in SEA

SEA is also witnessing a major shift toward digital advertising, with traditional channels such as newspapers and TV declining. Social channels are the most popular, accounting for 63% of total digital ad spend, according to a report by Hootsuite. Mobile advertising is also on the rise, with a majority of internet traffic generated through mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Performance Marketing in SEA

Performance-based campaigns are becoming popular in SEA, with advertisers demanding more accountability and transparency. Brands are looking for more measurement and optimisation to ensure their campaigns are reaching the right audience and delivering the desired results.

Digital Advertising Agencies in SEA

SEA has a large number of digital advertising agencies, with many emerging startups and creative agencies. The region is home to a highly skilled workforce, with many professionals trained in digital marketing and advertising.

Programmatic Advertising in SEA

Programmatic advertising is becoming more popular in SEA, with many brands and agencies adopting the technology to automate their advertising campaigns. The region is also seeing an increase in the use of AI-powered tools and platforms to help advertisers optimise their campaigns.

Digital Advertising by Sector

The digital advertising market in SEA is dominated by the retail and e-commerce sector, followed by the travel and hospitality sector. The region is also seeing growth in the financial services, healthcare, and automotive sectors.

AI Copywriter Tools in Advertising

AI copywriter tools are becoming increasingly popular in the MENA and SEA regions, with many brands and agencies adopting the technology to enhance their digital advertising campaigns. These tools use natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to generate high-quality, engaging content that resonates with the target audience.

AI copywriter tools can help brands and agencies save time and money by automating the content creation process. They can generate a large volume of content quickly and efficiently, allowing advertisers to test multiple variations of their ads and optimise their campaigns for better performance. AI copywriter tools can also help advertisers improve the quality of their content by ensuring that it is grammatically correct, engaging, and relevant to the target audience. They can analyse data from social media and other sources to identify trends and insights that can inform the content creation process.

Conclusion

The MENA and SEA regions are witnessing tremendous growth in digital advertising and digital adoption, driven by a young and tech-savvy population, increasing smartphone penetration, and the rise of social media platforms. AI copywriter tools are becoming increasingly popular in these regions, providing brands and agencies with a cost-effective and efficient way to enhance their digital advertising campaigns. The future of digital advertising in these regions looks bright, with continued growth and innovation in the years to come whilst broadcast and traditional advertising feels the pinch. The time has come for the more conservative amongst us to take the plunge and fully embrace digital and all it entails. 

An unnamed BBC presenter is currently under scrutiny following new allegations brought forth by the Sun newspaper. The publication claims that the presenter paid a teenager for sexually explicit photos.

According to the Sun, the star was depicted in underwear, with the teenager’s mother stating, “ready for my child to perform for him.” The exact age of the teenager at the time remains unclear; however, the newspaper asserts that the payments from the presenter commenced when the individual was 17 years old.

The BBC has emphasized its commitment to treating any allegations seriously. The Sun initially reported the allegations on Friday, asserting that the BBC presenter had paid £35,000 over a three-year period for explicit photos.

The teenager’s mother informed the newspaper that her child, now 20 years old, had used the money received from the presenter to support a crack cocaine habit. The mother expressed concerns for her child’s well-being, stating that continued alleged payments would result in dire consequences.

The Sun indicated that the teenager’s family filed a complaint with the BBC on May 19. Frustrated by the presenter’s ongoing presence on air, the family approached the newspaper. However, they stated that they did not seek payment for their story.

In response to the allegations, a BBC spokesperson commented on Friday, “We take any allegations very seriously and have processes in place to proactively address them. If we receive information necessitating further investigation or examination, we will take appropriate steps to do so. This includes actively attempting to communicate with those who have contacted us, seeking additional details and understanding of the situation. While lack of response or further contact may limit our ability to proceed, it does not imply the cessation of our inquiries. If new information emerges or is provided, including through newspapers, we will act accordingly within our internal procedures.”

Since the statement issued on Friday, the BBC has refrained from making additional remarks regarding the allegations. However, questions linger about the investigations conducted by the corporation following the family’s initial report.

Caroline Dinenage, senior Conservative MP and chair of the Culture, Media and Sport committee, stressed the importance of TV companies establishing robust systems and processes to prevent the abuse of power and influence by their stars, who possess significant control over the lives and careers of others.

Pressure mounts on the BBC’s HR department to conduct a swift investigation and shed light on the developments since the story was first brought to their attention in May. Priti Patel, former home secretary, labeled the BBC’s response as “derisory” and demanded a “full and transparent investigation.” She accused the corporation of transforming into a “faceless and unaccountable organization.”

While the presenter is not scheduled to appear on air in the immediate future, it remains uncertain whether a formal suspension has been implemented, as BBC News has not received confirmation on the matter. The BBC must address whether such action should have been taken earlier, the thoroughness of the investigation, and the impact of baseless rumors on unconnected presenters.

The Sun reports that a head of corporate investigations will conduct a probe, having already engaged in discussions with the family. However, the BBC has not verified this information.

In response to the initial Sun report, several BBC presenters took to social media to deny their involvement in the allegations, including Rylan Clark, Jeremy Vine, Nicky Campbell, and Gary Lineker. This disconcerting period has affected them despite their lack of association with the allegations.

There’s been a disturbance in the force. In a world of constantly evolving social media platforms, a new contender has burst onto the scene, capturing the attention of millions and leaving a trail of excitement in its wake.

Threads, Meta’s Twitter rival, has taken the digital realm by storm, offering a refreshing and dynamic experience for users growing weary of Muskian meddling and looking for a unique social media adventure.

Let’s delve into the exhilarating launch of Threads, explore the number of users who have flocked to the platform, and discover the types of individuals we think it might attract.

A Diverse User Base Flocks to Threads

Threads has become the talk of the town. Since its much-anticipated launch, the platform has amassed 30+ million registered users worldwide, 5m reportedly arriving in the first 4 hours of operation. Industry experts predict his rapid growth will position Threads as a significant player in the digital realm, rivaling established giants such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Threads: A Haven for Digital Mavericks and Creatives

One of the most intriguing aspects of Threads is its potential to attract a diverse range of users. The platform’s unique features and captivating interface appeal to people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds. From Gen Z trendsetters to seasoned professionals seeking a fresh networking platform, Threads offers something for everyone.

Threads will quickly become a haven for digital mavericks who yearn for a distinct online experience. These early adopters thrive on innovation, eagerly embracing new technologies and platforms. Their active presence on Threads will result in a vibrant and cutting-edge community that in turn will attract more thrill seekers.

The platform will also be a magnet for creatives, drawing in artists, designers, photographers, and writers. The platform’s visually immersive nature allows users to showcase their talents and connect with like-minded individuals. We guess. Threads will become a hub of inspiration and collaboration for global artists.

Threads: The Go-To Platform for Networking Professionals

For professionals searching for fresh networking and career growth avenues, Threads will emerge as the go-to platform. Its interactive and intuitive interface enables users to build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and explore job opportunities. The platform’s focus on fostering professional relationships differentiates it from traditional social media networks.

Amplifying Voices and Effecting Positive Change on Threads

Threads is not just about self-expression; it will also attract passionate individuals who want to make a difference. Users dedicated to social causes and activism can find a home on the platform, utilizing its extensive reach to raise awareness and mobilize communities. Threads will prove a powerful platform for amplifying voices and effecting positive change.

Setting Threads Apart: Seamlessness, User Experience, and Privacy Measures

What sets Threads apart from its competitors? Its appeal lies in combining seamless functionality with a seductive user experience. The platform’s innovative features, including dynamic threads, immersive multimedia integration, and intelligent algorithms that tailor content to individual interests, have proved a real draw. Moreover, Threads’ commitment to user privacy and data security has provided a real draw. Threads app offers fresh air in an era of data breaches and privacy concerns by prioritizing transparency and implementing robust privacy measures.

The Impact of Threads: A Force to be Reckoned With

Threads has unquestionably ignited the social media landscape. With its explosive launch, staggering user numbers, and diverse user base, the platform has proven it will be a force to be reckoned with. Whether you’re a digital maverick, creative connoisseur, networking ninja, or cause champion, Threads promises to be the reactive social media platform of choice, and its impact on the digital landscape is only set to grow. Stand by for a new world order, one connected by threads.

In a world brimming with possibilities, it’s easy to get lost in the vast sea of digital distractions. But fear not, dear creative souls, for we have scoured the internet to uncover hidden gems that will ignite your imagination and jet-propel your creativity. Buckle up and prepare to be amazed as we introduce you to eight mind-blowing websites you probably didn’t know existed.

1. A Soft Murmur

Take a break from those tiresome deadlines and submerge yourself into a world of ambient bliss with A Soft Murmur. This website allows you to create custom audio scapes, blending different soothing sounds like rain, thunder, waves, and more. Whether you need a tranquil background for meditation or an inspiring audio backdrop for your creative projects, A Soft Murmur provides a sanctuary for the auditory creative.

2. This Person Does Not Exist

Prepare to be perplexed and fascinated in equal measure by this beguiling website. Powered by artificial intelligence, This Person Does Not Exist generates eerily realistic portraits of people who – you guessed it – do not exist. Each refresh reveals a new face and each new face leaves you pondering the boundaries between reality and fiction. A goldmine for character-inspired creatives.

3. Silk

Unleash your inner artist with WeaveSilk (Silk), a mesmerizing website that lets you create intricate, symmetrical designs with just a few strokes of your mouse or touchscreen. As you glide your cursor, the vibrant colors blend and weave together, forming breathtaking digital masterpieces. Silk is a playground we should all play in. Ideal for the creative seeking meditative and visually stunning experiences.

4. The Useless Web

Embrace the absurd and embrace creativity with The Useless Web. With a single click, you’ll be transported to a random and quirky website that defies explanation. From virtual cat pianos to button-clicking games, this digital rabbit hole is a constant reminder that creativity knows no bounds and that sometimes you’ve got to take the blue pill. Or was it the red one? For the curious creative.

5. Little Alchemy

Unleash your inner alchemist with Little Alchemy. This addictive online game challenges you to combine various elements to create new objects. From simple combinations like fire and water to complex creations involving mythical creatures, Little Alchemy offers endless hours of experimentation and discovery. For the creative that likes a bit of trial and error.

6. The Noun Project

The Noun Project is a treasure trove of high-quality icons and symbols that can breathe life into your creative projects. With over two million icons contributed by a global community, this website ensures that you’ll find the perfect visual representation for your ideas. Expand your visual vocabulary and let The Noun Project be your creative companion. Calling all visual storyteller creatives!

7. FutureMe

Step into a time machine and send a message to your future self with FutureMe. This unique website allows you, to write yourself, a letter, in the future. Get it? Simply select a date for it to be delivered, commit to the ether, and allow it to stew in the space-time continuum. Whether you want to set goals, share dreams, or capture a state of mind, FutureMe adds a touch of creative reflection to your journey through time. For the Time Traveller’s Creative.

8. Incredibox

Prepare to be dazzled by Incredibox, an interactive website that turns you into a badass beatboxing maestro. Mix and match different musical elements, such as rhythms, melodies, effects, and voices, to create your own banging tunes. With its playful interface and addictive audio combinations, Incredibox is for the funky creatives amongst us. And I’m willing to bet that’s all of us. Let’s get it on.

In a world where imagination knows no bounds, image generators have become a powerful tool for artists, designers, and enthusiasts alike. And yet we all know using image generators is not as easy as it first seems and, to get the best results, you need the best input prompts.

You also need a platform that is keeping pace with the boundless change of the industry. Take a bow Midjourney 5.2. Packed with mind-boggling features and infinite magical potential, this image generator is a creative marvel that pushes the boundaries of visual expression.

Let’s take a look into the fascinating world of Midjourney 5.2 and explore its latest and most enchanting features.

1. Zoom Out Feature: Unlock a Whole New Perspective

Prepare to have your mind blown, folks, because Midjourney 5.2 brings you an exhilarating feature that allows you to zoom out of your created images. Gone are the days when you were limited to exploring your creations up close. With the zoom-out feature, you can now witness the grandeur of your art from a macro perspective.
Imagine starting with a detailed portrait of a majestic eagle and gradually zooming out to reveal it soaring above an awe-inspiring mountain range, contained in a snow globe on the mantelpiece of a giant.

The zoom-out feature in Midjourney 5.2 unleashes your creativity and enables you to construct breathtaking landscapes and mind-bending scenarios like never before.

Watch Video

2. Dreamscape Mode

Prepare to be transported to a realm where dreams become reality with the all-new Dreamscape Mode. Midjourney 5.2 introduces an ethereal dimension that merges fantasy and reality seamlessly. Want to turn an ordinary photo into a breathtaking fairy tale landscape? Simply activate Dreamscape Mode and watch in awe as majestic castles rise from humble buildings, and lush forests spring to life from barren landscapes. With just a click, Midjourney 5.2 brings your wildest dreams to vibrant existence.

3. Time Warp Filter

Ever wondered what it would be like to travel back in time? Midjourney 5.2 allows you to do just that with its mesmerizing Time Warp Filter. This innovative feature lets you transform modern-day photographs into vintage treasures as if they were captured decades ago. Whether you want to evoke the charm of the Roaring Twenties or relive the nostalgia of the ’80s, the Time Warp Filter flawlessly transports your images to a bygone era. Get ready to explore the realms of history through the lens of Midjourney 5.2!

4. Shape Shifter Brush

Prepare to witness true magic unfold as Midjourney 5.2 introduces the Shape Shifter Brush. With this bewitching tool at your disposal, you can transform ordinary objects into extraordinary creations. Want to turn a pumpkin into a carriage fit for a princess? Or perhaps you’d like to turn a cat into a dragon? The Shape Shifter Brush grants you the power to reshape reality and create captivating visuals that defy logic and reason. Unleash your inner sorcerer and let your imagination run wild!

5. Kaleidoscope Pattern Generator

Step into a world of dazzling symmetry with the Kaleidoscope Pattern Generator. Midjourney 5.2 offers a mesmerising feature that takes mundane patterns and elevates them to kaleidoscopic marvels. Watch as simple geometric shapes twist and twirl into intricate and hypnotic designs. Perfect for creating mesmerising backgrounds, vibrant textiles, or captivating album covers, the Kaleidoscope Pattern Generator adds a touch of wonder and elegance to your visual creations.

6. Emotion Infusion

Say goodbye to static and lifeless images, for Midjourney 5.2 brings your creations to life with the Emotion Infusion feature. Utilising state-of-the-art emotion recognition technology, this feature imbues your images with a range of emotions, breathing personality into every pixel. Witness the joyous laughter of children, the melancholic gaze of a lonely wanderer, or the fiery determination of an athlete in action. With Emotion Infusion, your images become windows to the soul, capturing the essence of human emotions.

7. Shorten command and Turbo mode explained

Two other features that deserve special mention are the ‘Shorten’ command and Turbo mode. The Shorten command serves as your prompt optimiser, pruning your prompts down to the most impactful keywords. It’s a valuable tool for ensuring the AI responds to the heart of your creative intent. Meanwhile, Turbo mode boosts the speed of image rendering. It’s a time-efficient feature, especially when you need quick results. Bear in mind that Turbo mode comes with a higher token cost, but it’s a trade-off many users find worthwhile.

Midjourney 5.2 takes image generation to a whole new level, elevating the art of visual storytelling to an enchanting experience. From transporting you to whimsical dreamscapes to rewinding time and shaping reality, this image generator offers a treasure trove of creative possibilities. Whether you’re an artist, designer, or simply a lover of all things magical, Midjourney 5.2 is the perfect companion on your journey.

Make sure you stay tuned to Digital Boom for more Midjourney updates.

TFK, the leading curated fashion marketplace in Egypt has acquired OPIO, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) fashion brand.

By joining forces, TFK and OPIO will combine their expertise, resources, and brand portfolios to create a powerhouse fashion group.

This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey to establish “THE FASHION KINGDOM”; an all-in-one fashion aggregator and venture builder aimed at revolutionizing the fashion industry in MENA.

One Fashion Kingdom to rule them all

This particular “KINGDOM” will focus on building, acquiring, and growing diversified vertical fashion brands across the MENA region through both online and offline platforms, complemented by a regional marketplace.

“The acquisition of OPIO is a strategic move that complements and completes our ecosystem,” said Fadi Antaki, Founder and CEO of TFK. “We are creating an all-in-one ecosystem, that combines OPIO’s D2C expertise with TFK’s marketplace infrastructure”.

THE FASHION KINGDOM is committed to developing and promoting locally grown fashion brands, unlike traditional fashion groups and conglomerates in the region that primarily rely on international franchises.

The Fashion Kingdom aims to bridge the gap by creating culturally relevant and relatable brands for the region, reducing the reliance on imports.

This new entity will encompass a diverse portfolio of brands, including OPIO, FE, and Boddiction, in addition to Saltwater Circle and No Apologies, two new brands launching soon.

“The MENA region deserves fashion brands that truly resonate with its diverse population,” added Antaki. “By building and acquiring brands from the region, we can provide authentic and relatable fashion brands, that embody the taste, aspirations, and values of our MENA customers.”

Shady Mokhtar, Co-founder and CEO of OPIO, also, expressed excitement about the acquisition. “Joining forces with TFK and becoming a part of “THE FASHION KINGDOM.” is a remarkable opportunity for OPIO.”

He adds “(This is) paving the way to extraordinary growth potential, extending our presence throughout the MENA region. Collaboratively, we will push boundaries, elevate our brand influence, and reshape the fashion industry.”

What, Where, and How Big

“THE FASHION KINGDOM.” offers its brands a fully-fledged platform of support, including, and not limited to, manufacturing, operations, marketing, and content creation capabilities, all powered by a scalable tech stack. In doing so, “THE FASHION KINGDOM.” offers the best-in-class infrastructure to fashion direct-to-consumer brands.

“THE FASHION KINGDOM.” is backed by a strong group of investors, including A15, The Raba Partnership, Foundation Ventures, CIB, Acasia Ventures, Sunny Side Venture Partners, Flat6labs, Oqal Angel, Athal Angel, AUC angels, and regional family offices.

This massive network of support further strengthens The Fashion Kingdom’s position and provides endless opportunities for growth and expansion.

“THE FASHION KINGDOM.” has a primary market focus on Egypt & KSA, due to their vast potential and market size. According to ecommercedb.com, Egypt has a $1.6B fashion e-commerce market, projected to reach $3B in 2027 and KSA’s fashion e-commerce market value is $4B, projected to reach $7B in 2027.

Egyptian experts are calling out Netflix’s decision to cast a bi-racial actor as Queen Cleopatra VII in its upcoming docu-series, “African Queens: Queen Cleopatra,” alleging that Netflix is “blackwashing” the historical figure. The controversy has prompted calls for Netflix to be banned from the country, and a petition has been launched to cancel the show, which has gathered thousands of signatures.

Netflix’s “African Queens: Queen Cleopatra”

The show, narrated and executive produced by Jada Pinkett Smith, stars Adele James, a bi-racial actor, in the role of Cleopatra. Pinkett Smith has explained that she wanted to be involved in the project because she “really wanted to represent Black women.”

While Cleopatra’s specific race has been the subject of historical debate, Egyptian experts have criticized Netflix’s portrayal of the legendary queen, arguing that she was Greek and not black. Zahi Hawass, an Egyptologist, accused Netflix of spreading “false and deceptive facts that the origin of the Egyptian civilization is black.”

Calls to Ban Netflix from Egypt

Lawyer Mahmoud al-Semary has filed a complaint with the country’s public prosecutor, calling for Netflix to be blocked in Egypt. He alleges that Netflix promotes “Afrocentric thinking… aimed at distorting and erasing the Egyptian identity.”

A petition to cancel the show, titled “Cancel Netflix’s ‘Queen Cleopatra,” has gathered more than 3,200 signatures on Change.org. Another petition that allegedly garnered 85,000 signatures was removed from the website.

Netflix defends its casting decision

Netflix has defended its casting decision, reminding viewers that in Cleopatra’s time, “Egypt’s population was multicultural and multiracial.” The streaming platform consulted its own Egyptologist, Sally-Ann Ashton, who argued that it was “strange” to depict Cleopatra as wholly European.

The controversy has prompted further debate over the identity of Cleopatra, with some speculating that her mother and other female ancestors may have been indigenous to Africa.

Premiere date

The official trailer for the show has stirred up controversy, with comments on the YouTube video disabled. Despite the backlash, “African Queens: Queen Cleopatra” is set to premiere on Netflix on May 10.