New 5G Nokia smartphone unveiled as portfolio expands – ensuring a Nokia phone is the only gadget you will ever need​

Introducing: Three new Nokia smartphones, a new member of the Originals family, and a brand-new hassle-free data roaming service

·        Nokia 8.3 5G – a truly global, future-proof 5G smartphone[i] will feature in No Time to Die, in cinemas in November

·        Nokia 5.3 – pushing segment boundaries in design, performance and imaging with a versatile quad camera and stunning Nordic design

·        Nokia 1.3 – a faster, more secure smartphone experience with Android 10 (Go edition) at an impressively low cost

·        Nokia 5310 – never miss a beat with the latest member of the Originals family

·        HMD Connect global roaming service – keeping you connected to what matters most

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today announces three new Nokia smartphones, a new member of the Originals family and its brand-new hassle-free data roaming service. The Nokia 8.3 5G is the first 5G Nokia smartphone added to the portfolio, and is joined by the brand-new Nokia 5.3 and Nokia 1.3, as well as the latest addition to the Originals family, the Nokia 5310. Sticking with firsts, HMD Global also enters a brand-new service category with HMD Connect global data roaming, its innovative and hassle-free service that keeps you connected to the things that matter most.

Alongside the four new devices and brand-new roaming service, HMD Global grows its footprint announcing expansion into Brazil this year. Also, to celebrate the phone partnership with the 25^th Bond movie, in cinemas in November, fans can now get their hands on an exclusive 007 branded special edition Kevlar Case for the Nokia 6.2 and Nokia 7.2.

Florian Seiche, Chief Executive Officer, HMD Global: 

“I am incredibly proud of the innovations we have introduced today that build on our unique commitment to ensuring the Nokia smartphone experience will only get better over time. Today we are kicking off a new chapter for HMD Global as we step into 5G with a truly global, future-proof smartphone. Combined with the launch of HMD Connect, we are creating a truly seamless experience in terms of connectivity.”

Juho Sarvikas, Chief Product Officer, HMD Global:

“We take great pride in working with our partners to deliver unique devices. That’s why we’re excited to announce a number of firsts with this launch. With the help of the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 765G Modular Platform, we’ve created a truly global 5G Nokia smartphone that’s designed with cost, usability and future-proofing in mind. Not only does the Qualcomm 5G solution enable to us condense more than 40 different radio frequency (RF) components in a single module, the Nokia 8.3 5G also features the highest number of 5G New Radio bands from 600hmz all the way up to 3.8GHz – meaning it is a truly global and future-proof device.

“Together with Google we’ve managed to introduce an impressively accessible Android (Go edition) device with the Nokia 1.3 – one of the first smartphones to launch with Camera Go and running Android 10 (Go edition). The new Nokia 5.3 takes powerful features like the quad camera and Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 665 Mobile Platform and puts these at the fingertips of an even wider pool of fans. And we couldn’t ignore our wildly popular Originals family. That’s why we’re bringing back the Nokia 5310 – so you never miss a beat.”

Nokia 8.3 5G

A truly global, future-proof 5G Nokia smartphone, the Nokia 8.3 5G is designed to support multiple and evolving 5G network deployments, with support for both standalone and non-standalone 5G combinations, which operators are rolling out around the globe. Being the first smartphone to use the Qualcomm® 5G RF Front end module solution, as part of its Qualcomm® Modular Platform, the Nokia 8.3 5G condenses more than 40 different RF components into a single module, making it not only a global device but also a future-proof smartphone which is ready for the next step in 5G.

The Nokia 8.3 5G also comes with a powerful PureView quad camera with ZEISS optics, letting you capture it all. Debuting ZEISS Cinema capture and editor and bringing extraordinary low-light video recording with OZO audio, the Nokia 8.3 5G is the ideal smartphone for those who want to create without limits. The Nokia 8.3 5G will be ready for what’s next, being perfectly optimised for 5G – ensuring more people can enjoy the fast, reliable connectivity for streaming and gaming wherever they go. Inspired by Finnish roots, the Nokia 8.3 5G comes in Polar Night – a colour that takes inspiration straight from the arctic sky.

Cristiano Amon, President, Qualcomm:

“We are proud to support HMD Global in announcing their new 5G device – one of the first commercially announced devices to be based on the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 765G Modular Platform. We developed this platform to help bring 5G experiences to everyone and give time to market advantages to our customers – it is a highly integrated solution based on the world’s first-announced mobile platform with integrated 5G, coupled with an advanced RF module to create a truly global 5G solution. Using this modular approach, Nokia 5G devices will be the perfect blend of sleek design and performance. Looking ahead, the possibilities with 5G are truly limitless,  and we’re excited for what Qualcomm and HMD Global will accomplish together in the 5G era.”

Nokia 5.3

Featuring a number of Nokia smartphone firsts for phenomenal value, the Nokia 5.3 comes with a quad camera, the latest Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 665 Mobile Platform and the signature two-day battery lifei. The AI-powered quad-camera helps capture the perfect shot no matter where you are, even in dim light, thanks to Night Mode. Wide-angle and macro lenses help you capture close-ups, or wide, scenic shots. And with its large 6.55” screen, the Nokia 5.3 helps make the most out of streaming your favourite shows and playing games all day long. The Nokia 5.3 has a durable yet stunning, Nordic-inspired design, comes with Android™ 10 and gives fans faster access to Google Assistant[ii] via the dedicated button.

Nokia 1.3

The Nokia 1.3 delivers modern technology and the brand-new Android 10 (Go edition) OS, at a more accessible price point than ever before. Being among the first smartphones launching with Camera Go, as well as low-light AI image fusion technology, Gallery Go and a bright HD+ edge-to-edge screen, the Nokia 1.3 lets you truly see it all whether you’re indoors or in the bright outdoors. One of the first phones to launch with Android 10 (Go edition), the Nokia 1.3 benefits from more speed, more security and millions of apps to get your day going. Plus, you will stay up to date and benefit from an experience that just keeps getting better with a device that will be ready for Android 11 (Go edition).

Nokia 5310

Reimagining the original Nokia 5310 Xpress Music, the Nokia 5310 brings with it an MP3 player[iii] and FM radio, combined with powerful, dual front-facing speakers letting you carry your favourite tunes with you on the go. The Nokia 5310 remixes classic design with a slick new feel and battery that’s built to last, keeping you connected day after day. 

HMD Connect Global Data Roaming Service

HMD Global enters a new service category with the launch of its HMD Connect global data roaming service, enabling people around the world to benefit from a hassle-free data SIM when travelling and staying in full control of their data plans. The HMD Connect global data roaming keeps you connected in an easier way to the things that matter to you the most, paying only for what you need. Signing up via the app, fans will receive a SIM card to their home address and will have effortless control over their data plan. HMD Connect will launch in BETA through HMDConnect.com, bringing hassle-free, secure and affordable roaming across the world.

The HMD Connect global data roaming service currently works in over 120 countries across the globe, and, together with partner Greenwave Systems and local operators, HMD Global is working to expand the coverage to even more networks and countries in the future.

Martin Manniche, Founder and CEO, Greenwave Systems:

“Our shared vision with HMD Global enables intelligent, affordable cellular connectivity everywhere in the world. Our AXON GlobalNet Platform offers a secure and affordable connection to subscribers around the world. We are excited for the future working with the HMD Global team and look forward to innovating more new services in the future.”

No Time to Die

The global campaign entitled ‘The Only Gadget You Will Ever Need’, launching closer to the November

release of the movie, features the new 00 agent, Nomi, played by Lashana Lynch. It will scale across 80 countries, running across cinema, digital, social, OOH and retail.

Every Nokia phone is built on the foundation of trust, security and iconic, quality design in mind that is combined with the goal of making the latest technology accessible to everyone. With a proven track record[iv] of delivering on a pure, secure and up-to-date Android commitment, a Nokia smartphone truly gets better over time and is the only gadget you’ll ever need – whether you’re a new 00 agent, or a fan.

Pricing and availability

• The Nokia 8.3 5G is available in the Middle East from September and comes in Polar Night for a global average retail price of 699 USD for 8GB/128GB RAM/ROM storage option.*
• The Nokia 5.3 is available in the Middle East from April and comes in Cyan, Sand and Charcoal with the 4GB/64GB RAM/ROM configuration priced at a global average retail price of 199 USD.

·        The Nokia 1.3 is available globally starting in April and comes in Cyan, Sand and Charcoal with a global average retail price of just 99 USD.*

• The Nokia 5310 will be available in White/Red and Black/Red, starting in April 2020 at a global average retail price of 42 USD. 
• HMD Connect BETA launches now through HMDConnect.com with a Starter Kit including the SIM card, up to 1GB of roaming data, taxes and shipping at the price of 21USD. The 14-day global data roaming plan starts from 11 USD, with plan upgrades starting from 6USD.
• The 007 branded special edition Kevlar Case is available globally at the end of March at 21 USD for the Nokia 7.2 and Nokia 6.2

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[i] The Nokia 8.3 5G supports 5G NR sub-6 bands deployed in multiple regions. Note: speed and availability of 5G service varies across countries and carriers. Check with your carrier for availability and details about their 5G offerings.

[ii]The Google Assistant is not available in certain languages and countries. Where not available the Google Assistant is replaced by Google Search. Check availability at https://support.google.com/assistant.

[iii] MicroSD card required, sold separately.

[iv]According to Counterpoint Research available at https://www.counterpointresearch.com/nokia-leads-global-rankings-updating-smartphone-software-security/

realme 5i the best choice of Pakistani youth

since the launch of latest successor of number series of realme smartphones, the news of tech disruptor realme 5i have been circulating all over. Endorsed by various celebrities, reviewed & tested by tech reviewers and loved by various blogs realme 5i has also been record breaking in sales volume among its predecessors.

However, there are subtle differences that make it a stand-out not only among Realme’s offerings but also against other brands.

realme 5i

The Realme 5 is a showstopper when it comes to its design and the specifications. For its price of Rs 24,999.

The realme 5i looks nearly identical to the Realme 5. However, turning over the back reveals a textured pattern that differentiates it from the laminated plastic back of the former. The company is calling this the “Sunrise Design,” and the phone looks stunning with that design in two colors: Aqua Blue and Forrest Green.

Moving over to the display, Realme 5i has the same 6.5-inch HD screen with an 89 percent screen-to-body ratio. The massive screen translates to an immersive viewing experience.

The camera of the Realme 5 got carried over as well. The quad-camera onthis device consists of a 12MP + 8MP wide-angle-lens + 2MP macro-lens + 2MP portrait-lens setup. The front-facing camera remains the same as well, with the 8MP inside the waterdrop notch doing the job of selfies.

Top tech Media have rated this devices as “The most scratch resistant device from realme 5 series” , “The realme 5 Series has been exceptional value for money smartphones in Pakistan and the realme 5i is no exception.” .

Pakistan’s Maaz Masood Ansari wins ACCA’s Regional Advocate of the Year award

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) has recognised Maaz Masood Ansari, Executive Director Financial Advisory, Deloitte, with its Regional Advocate of the Year Award for Middle East and South Asia (MESA) region.

The ACCA member from Pakistan, Maaz, was lauded for his contributions to developing professional accountancy across Pakistan, particularly in supporting Deloitte trainees and employees at department level further develop and become ACCA members themselves.

“ACCA’s Advocacy Awards are not about career achievement but about the way that ACCA members give back to their communities, and help ACCA to develop the next generation of professional accountants. ACCA members in Pakistan are a driving force at the forefront of the accounting industry. Maaz has set a great example for all professionals in the country on how they can lead the profession into the future by dedicating their efforts to developing future-ready talent.” – Sajjeed Aslam, head of ACCA Pakistan

Stuart Dunlop, ACCA’s regional director – MESA said: ‘Maaz Masood Ansari is an active ACCA member and advocate that has supported ACCA Pakistan immensely with his personal and professional networks, most notably at Deloitte. The collaboration between Deloitte Pakistan and ACCA Pakistan has generated many opportunities for the recruitment of talent and connecting us with employers and members as well as hosting CPD events, conferences and more. Congratulations Maaz on your great achievements for ACCA.’

Commenting on his contributions, ACCA’s regional head of member affairs, Haroon A. Jan, said,

‘Maaz has been instrumental in collaboration between ACCA and Deloitte on holding the CPEC conference in Pakistan, which was a big success in creating awareness on the economic potential of CPEC for Pakistan. Initiatives like these are an example of working in the public interest, which is core to our membership fabric.’

‘ACCA holds Pakistan Leadership Conversation annually which brings topical global developments to the professionals in the country. Once again Maaz played a key role in the building an exemplary partnership between ACCA and Deloitte, which was pivotal to achieving the objectives of the event. The impact of Maaz’s contributions was recognised by all the judges of ACCA’s Regional Advocacy Awards. The judging panel consisted of senior ACCA members from Middle East, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan,’ he further added.

ACCA launched the regional advocacy awards in 2017 to recognise members who go above and beyond in expressing public support for the accountancy profession, embodying ACCA's values. These advocates are also members who deliver public value, display ethical professionalism and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

The full list of ACCA Regional Advocate Award winners for 2019 are:

•  ACCA MESA Regional Advocate of the Year 2019: Maaz Masood Ansari from Pakistan
•  ACCA Emerging Markets Regional Advocate of the Year 2019: Rajeev Giri from India
• ACCA ASEAN ANZ Regional Advocate of the Year 2019: Mariam Riza from Australia
•   ACCA Europe and Americas Regional Advocate of the Year 2019: Eilis Quinlan from Ireland
• ACCA Africa Regional Advocate of the Year 2019: Victoria Abiola Ajayi from Nigeria    
• ACCA Greater China Regional Advocate of the Year 2019: Jennifer Tan from Hong Kong SAR.

In addition to their professional excellence and globally in-demand expertise, ACCA members are particularly focused on delivering public value in Pakistan. They are currently involved in numerous free-of-cost, public value projects such as promoting financial literacy among micro entrepreneurs, and helping small businesses with their scalability and sustainability.

For more information about ACCA’s advocates, please visit http://www.accaglobal.com/an/en/member/advocacy.html.  

Strong are those that stand by the weak. | Khaqan Sikander CEO Naya Jeevan & doctHERs

Every crisis is an opportunity. As Pakistan and the rest of the global community gears up its response to the Corona pandemic, we must look at ourselves and ask what we can contribute as businesses and individuals. We must also look closer at the role technology can play in our response at this crucial time.

In a country with a dearth of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals staring at a potential lockdown, the state, and the private sector must look into options for remote technology based solutions available with telemedicine platforms across the country.

doctHERs is a pioneer in this domain and it has been advocating for the usage of telemedicine since its early introduction in Pakistan having successfully tested its implementation at scale over the last few years with over 1 million test cases just last year.

We are a company that primarily believes in standing for those who can't for themselves. Therefore, we would like to especially highlight the plight of the blue-collar worker and marginalized members of our community at large during this pandemic. 

At our sister concern, Naya Jeevan, an insurance brokerage firm, the majority of our portfolio consists of people who were never insured before. This is in line with our strategic mission to enlarge the total pool of insured lives which still lags at a meager 1% of the 220 million strong population. Our policyholders who are spread across the country include third party staff, distribution & sales reps, waiters, facilities management personnel, fuel station attendants, etc. We are happy to share that we are now providing cover for Corona related illnesses to all our policy holders in partnership with our underwriting partners.

If you are a business or an individual and would like to avail consultancy services (hygiene cards, compliance advisory on health & safety), tech-based awareness, health screenings, telemedicine services, employee outreach or a dedicated health helpline, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at covid19@docthers.com.

Together, we rise.

Khaqan Sikander

CEO doctHERs & Naya Jeevan

About the Author:

Khaqan, has been fortunate enough to work in conflict zones, live in refugee camps, survive a war, travel the world, manage nationally televised crises, start a company and write a book. He brings over a decade of professional experience of strategy, operations, entrepreneurship, business development, communications and marketing to his role as the CEO of Naya Jeevan and doctHERs.

Previously, he was serving as the GM and Member Board of Directors (Healthcare) at the Aman Foundation.

ACCA proposes a bold future for Multan region

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) convened a mega corporate conference on the theme 'Punjab: Corridor to Pakistan’s economic prosperity' here in Multan on 13 March 2020.

Featuring insights and thought leadership of the most prominent policy makers and business leaders from the province, the conference facilitated future-focused, action-oriented conversations aimed at revitalising region’s economy and society by proposing a bold future enabled by the power of inclusivity, integrity and innovation to usher in an era of sustainable and accelerated growth.

With an aim to build a consensus among all stakeholders on the future direction for region’s economy and society, the policy makers and business leaders shared their perspectives on topics as diverse as transforming Multan region into a global startup hub and building future-ready, globally competitive organisations.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was the Chief Conversation Leader and he delivered a highly passionate speech promoting hope and optimism for the region, the province, and the country. He highlighted how Pakistan is regaining its global influence by playing an active role in promoting global peace, building new partnerships to enhance bilateral trade with friendly countries, and attracting foreign investors through effective reforms targeted at improving ease of doing business in the country. He appreciated the role ACCA is playing in the country using its global reach, influence and resources to help local businesses and policy makers with their future-readiness and global relevance.

Senator Walid Iqbal also spoke at the event and highlighted that Multan region has a great potential, and by focusing in this region we can improve our exports, create new jobs, and empower underprivileged communities. He energised the audiences by citing verses from Iqbal and explained the poet’s philosophy on innovation, self-esteem, and courage. 

The event had an impressive lineup of speakers, including Sheikh Ahsan Rasheed, CEO, Hafeez Ghee Mills Pvt Ltd, Zia Ul Mustafa, President, Institute of Cost & Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP), Fazal Elahi, President Multan Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Dr Athar Mahboob, Vice Chancellor, The Islamia University Bahawalpur, Javaid Iqbal Chaudhry,  President, Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mian Rashid Iqbal, Sr Vice President,  Multan Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Bakhtawer Tanveer, Director, Maqbool Group, Ahmer Arif, Project Manager, British Deputy High Commission – Karachi, and Sajjad Syed, CEO, Excellence Delivered ExD pvt Ltd, Syed Bahadar Ali, Commissioner Inland Revenue, Corporate Zone, FBR, Dr. Hayat Awan, HOD, Business Department, Air University Multan Campus, and Masooma Sibtain, Consultant, Women Economics Reforms at CRSS.

There was a strong emphasis on ensuring equality of opportunity, championing highest standards of ethics, and encouraging innovative mindset, Leaders also agreed that Pakistan can truly reach its full potential if youth of our country are given right environment to lead innovation and think beyond boundaries. With advancements in technology, there’s no excuse not to train our youth to think beyond boundaries through world-class qualifications and by developing globally in-demand skills and competencies so they can take part in global economy, without even leaving the country, by activating startup ecosystem and setting up Shared Service Centers in cities like Multan and Bahawalpur. 

The event was supported by ACCA’s partner organisations, including Security Organizing System pvt ltd Pakistan, SHAMA, Akhuwat Foundation, British Deputy High Commission, LGS, University of London, SKANS, TMUC, OBOX, Saddaqat, MA Sheikh Hospital, Multan Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce & Industry, ICMAP, PSX, PBIT, PITB, PRA & Jamapunji.  

HUAWEI Y7p Launches in Pakistan to Resounding Market Anticipation

The smartphone features HUAWEI AppGallery, one of the world’s top app marketplaces; piques consumer interest with its power packed features, exquisite design and a great user experience.

After a successful pre-order phase, Huawei has launched the HUAWEI Y7p in Pakistan. The smartphone went on pre-orders last week to much public aplomb as people wanted to try out the HUAWEI AppGallery – the default app marketplace on the HUAWEI Y7p. It offers remarkable features for a price of PKR 28,999/- and is quite a steal with its 48MP Triple AI Camera, 6.39” FHD+ Punch FullView Display, 4GB RAM and 64GB Memory among many other features.

Touted as a smartphone for the New Age, this game changing mid-ranger comes with HUAWEI AppGallery which is available in more than 170 countries and attracts more than 400 million monthly active users across the world. Building on its popularity, the phone is also a photography marvel in its price point. The 48MP Triple AI Camera that includes an 8MP Ultra Wide Camera and a 2MP Depth Assist Camera promises one of the best photographic experiences – with true 48MP photography, 120-degree wide angle photos and videos and spectacular Bokeh imagery.

When it comes to design, the HUAWEI Y7p is breathtakingly beautiful. Be it Aurora Blue or Midnight Black – the eye catching aesthetics are surely a class apart. The display is yet another winning aspect of the device with a 6.39” FHD+ Punch FullView Display. The 8MP AI Front Camera is embedded in the screen as a punch hole, taking stunning HDR quality selfies.

On the inside, the phone is powered by a Kirin 710F Octa-core processor that is supported by a 4GB RAM and 64GB memory. The memory can be jacked up to 512GB with a microSD card, giving you space to store more of your photos, videos and apps! While the smartphone gives a powerful performance, it is also built to last – with a 4,000 mAh battery that juices out an efficient usage.

The software is also fluid as the EMUI 9.1 based on Android 9 offers a smooth experience and app management. The device also features system-level optimizations, such as EROFS along with a Full Scene Acceleration technology for better app experiences.

Thanks to these features, the HUAWEI Y7p is easily one of the best choices in today’s wide range of smartphones. Not only do you get a stylish looking smartphone, but you can also enjoy a powerful camera, long-lasting solid performance and smart features that enhance your experience even further, all at a price that won’t break the bank.

BlueEx Courier partners with Pakistan Cables to deliver wires and cables direct to consumer

BlueEx Courier signed a MoU with Pakistan Cables Limited to become the exclusive courier company for Pakistan’s first wires and cables estore, recently launched by Pakistan Cables.

The signing ceremony was presided over by Mr. Fahd K. Chinoy, Chief Executive Officer (Pakistan Cables); and Mr. Imran Baxamoosa, Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Ali Aamer Baxamoosa, Executive Director (Blue-Ex Courier).

Under the partnership, Blue-Ex Courier will deliver products ordered by consumers via the Pakistan Cables estore, covering all major cities of Pakistan.  As the pioneer in eCommerce logistics and facilitation in Pakistan, the ordered products will be delivered directly to consumers using Last Mile Delivery.

Mr. Imran Baxamoosa, CEO BlueEx stated that, they are a trend setter of advanced logistics services in Pakistan having pioneered E-Commerce logistics and fulfillment when they launched their online parcel booking system (first of its kind in this country) in 2011 and within a few years established the most advanced and efficient cash-on-delivery network across the country. He further added, this partnership is a testament to the fact that we are committed to providing our clients with tailor made services that suit their needs and a positive sign of the digital progression in Pakistan.

 “Pakistan Cables has launched the country’s first wires and cable online store in order to enhance convenience from a customer perspective.   We are investing in this partnership in order to provide our customers with a seamless experience , while at the same time assisting in developing the online marketplace for building materials in Pakistan. ”,  commented Fahd K. Chinoy, CEO, Pakistan Cables Limited.