Initiate Magazine

  • Home
  • Initiate Magazine

Initiate Magazine Connect with us for Daily Business Insights, Entrepreneurial Journeys, and Startup Success.

Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone SE 4, with reports indicating it could be released in April this spring. Leaked ...
21/01/2025

Apple is preparing to launch the iPhone SE 4, with reports indicating it could be released in April this spring.

Leaked images of dummy units, shared by Sonny Dickson, offer a better look at the potential design of the device. These dummy units, often used by accessory manufacturers, are known for accurately representing the final product.

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to adopt a design similar to the iPhone 14, marking a notable upgrade from its predecessor. It will feature a 6.1-inch notched display and replace Touch ID with Face ID for authentication, aligning it more closely with Apple’s flagship models.

The leaked dummy units also suggest the iPhone SE 4 will sport a 48MP rear camera, significantly larger than the one found on the iPhone SE 3. Additionally, the SE 4 could include an Action Button, a feature currently available on higher-end iPhones.

Internally, the device is likely to be powered by either the A17 Pro or A18 chip, with 8 GB of RAM, enabling it to handle AI tasks and provide performance similar to Apple’s premium devices.

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to launch alongside other products this spring, with a price tag under $500, making it one of the most affordable options in Apple’s range. This updated design and improved hardware may appeal to users seeking modern features without paying for a flagship model.

Instagram head Adam Mosseri has introduced a new app called Edits, aimed to compete with ByteDance's popular video editi...
21/01/2025

Instagram head Adam Mosseri has introduced a new app called Edits, aimed to compete with ByteDance's popular video editing app, CapCut, which recently faced a temporary shutdown alongside TikTok in the U.S.

Edits is now available for preorder on the iOS App Store and will be officially released on March 13, 2025.

In a video shared on Instagram, Mosseri described Edits as more than just a video editor, highlighting its wide range of creative tools. The app will feature a dedicated inspiration tab, a space for tracking initial ideas, and a high-quality camera.

Users will have access to advanced editing tools like green screens and video overlays, essential for creating TikTok-style videos. Edits will also allow creators to share drafts with friends or collaborators.

For those sharing videos on Instagram, the app will provide performance insights, including a live dashboard, metrics on follower and non-follower engagement, and data on which parts of the video are skipped by viewers.

This launch comes at a crucial time, as TikTok and CapCut are facing challenges in the U.S. due to ByteDance's connections to China.

While Mosseri didn't directly address the issue, the timing suggests that Meta is positioning Edits as an alternative for creators potentially impacted by the TikTok ban. Edits will officially launch on March 13, 2025.

A new leak has surfaced regarding the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, the company’s flagship smartphone set to focus on photography. Ru...
21/01/2025

A new leak has surfaced regarding the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, the company’s flagship smartphone set to focus on photography.

Rumors suggest this premium model may be unveiled at MWC 2025. According to a tipster the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will feature a new, self-developed chipset called the Small Surge.

Although the exact specifications of this chipset remain unclear, its name implies a connection to Xiaomi’s Surge series, which is known for improving battery management and optimizing charging times.

The Small Surge could serve a similar purpose or possibly function as a signal enhancement chip, but details are still limited.

In terms of photography, rumors indicate the phone could come with a 10cm± macro focus, an upgraded photography kit, and enhanced lens coatings to improve image quality. These features are expected to reinforce the phone’s position as a flagship model aimed at photography enthusiasts.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra may also include the largest battery ever seen in a Xiaomi flagship device. Leaked renders from earlier rumors have offered a glimpse of the phone’s design, though specifics remain scarce.

As the official announcement approaches, further details about the Xiaomi 15 Ultra are expected to surface. The MWC 2025 event could serve as the launch platform for this eagerly awaited smartphone. Stay tuned for more updates.

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, recently sparked discussions on the Joe Rogan podcast, where he shared Meta's future plans...
21/01/2025

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, recently sparked discussions on the Joe Rogan podcast, where he shared Meta's future plans and made bold statements about Apple’s innovation and AI's potential in engineering.

He predicted that by 2025, AI could replace mid-level engineers, capable of writing most of the code for applications.

This development, according to Zuckerberg, would not only enhance efficiency for companies like Meta but also reduce dependence on human coders, offering long-term cost savings.

These remarks have raised concerns among software engineers, who worry about automation potentially rendering traditional coding jobs obsolete.

However, Zuckerberg reassured that while AI might take over repetitive tasks, engineers would evolve into more creative and strategic roles. He also pointed out that engineers would still be essential in overseeing AI systems to ensure quality and innovation.

Zuckerberg’s views align with other tech leaders, such as Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, who also sees AI automation gaining traction in the industry.

Benioff suggested that by 2025, some companies might focus on automation rather than hiring traditional engineers, signaling a shift in the industry.

Despite the potential benefits of AI in engineering, Zuckerberg acknowledged the challenges ahead.

He noted that the initial integration of AI would be expensive and complex, but over time, it would become more affordable and accessible, ultimately reshaping the tech landscape. This shift will require companies and workers to adapt to new dynamics.

Opportunities don't just knock on your door; they are crafted with determination, vision, and action. Start creating you...
21/01/2025

Opportunities don't just knock on your door; they are crafted with determination, vision, and action. Start creating yours today!

As TikTok’s future in the United States faces uncertainty, major social media platforms are introducing new features to ...
21/01/2025

As TikTok’s future in the United States faces uncertainty, major social media platforms are introducing new features to attract users who may soon seek alternatives.

Bluesky and X, the platform owned by Elon Musk, have launched updates to capitalize on the situation, while Meta has revealed a new video editing app.

On Sunday, Bluesky rolled out a custom feed for vertical videos, marking its entry into the short-video market. Accessible through the Explore tab, this feature includes a trending videos section, where users can swipe up to view more videos, mimicking the interface of TikTok.

Users can also pin the feed to their home screens or add it to their list of feeds. Tapping on any vertical video allows users to scroll through the feed, much like the experience on X.

In its announcement, Bluesky said, "We had to get in on the video action, too… Bluesky is yours to customize," while also acknowledging developers working on TikTok alternatives using the AT Protocol, a decentralized system that powers Bluesky.

Early-stage apps like Tik.Blue, Skylight.Social, Bluescreen, and Blueise, which are in closed testing, are already exploring this space.

Bluesky’s growth is evident as it surpassed 28 million users over the weekend, likely driven by uncertainty around TikTok and other ByteDance apps, including CapCut, Lemon8, and Marvel Snap.

In response, X has introduced a dedicated vertical video feed in the U.S., offering a TikTok-like experience with trending video discovery. Meanwhile, Meta launched a new video editing app, Edits, designed as a competitor to TikTok's CapCut.

Edits will offer advanced editing tools, inspiration tracking, and performance insights, with a planned rollout in March.

Samrah Enterprises, a leading brand marketing company in Pakistan and owner of Fresh St!, has partnered with Plankton Fi...
21/01/2025

Samrah Enterprises, a leading brand marketing company in Pakistan and owner of Fresh St!, has partnered with Plankton Fisheries to introduce a premium line of deep-sea caught seafood.

This range includes fish and shrimp processed using Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) technology to maintain freshness, produced in HACCP and UKAS certified facilities to ensure top-tier food safety and quality.

The partnership was formalized in a ceremony with key industry figures, including Mrs. Samrah Munsub, Director of Samrah Enterprises, and Mr. Muslim Mohammedi, Director of Plankton Fisheries.

The new Fresh St! Seafood range is committed to freshness, ethical sourcing, and meeting the highest export standards.

Mrs. Samrah Munsub expressed her pride in promoting “Made in Pakistan” products to international markets, emphasizing the superior taste and quality of their latest offering, the "Fresh St! Strimps."

Mr. Muslim Mohammedi shared his excitement about the partnership, noting the growing demand for premium, responsibly sourced seafood in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific regions.

The Fresh St! products are set to meet this demand by providing consumers with high-quality seafood that adheres to sustainability standards.

Designed for busy home chefs and professionals, the Fresh St! products come in convenient packaging that caters to modern consumers seeking quick, nutritious meals. The event culminated with a tasting of Fresh St! Strimps and other products, which were well-received and praised for their exceptional quality and flavor.

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd. (PTCL) Group, the parent company of U Microfinance Bank (U Bank), has invested P...
21/01/2025

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd. (PTCL) Group, the parent company of U Microfinance Bank (U Bank), has invested PKR 4 billion (USD 15 million) to enhance U Bank’s Islamic Banking services and digital innovation initiatives.

This significant equity boost underscores PTCL Group’s strong confidence in U Bank’s growth strategy and vision for the future.

The investment comes as U Bank prepares for its "Year of Transformation" in 2025, focusing on scaling operations, adopting innovation, and promoting financial inclusion.

The bank is set to transition its operations to Islamic Banking, addressing the growing demand for riba-free, Shari’ah-compliant solutions in Pakistan’s microfinance sector.

Additionally, U Bank aims to strengthen its digital capabilities to become a leader in the digital microfinance space, delivering customer-centric and innovative financial solutions.

U Bank remains committed to empowering rural communities, small businesses, and SMEs by expanding access to tailored financial products in underserved areas. The bank also seeks partnerships with like-minded organizations to further its mission of financial inclusion.

Mohamed Essa Al Taheri, President & CEO of U Bank, called the investment a testament to PTCL Group’s trust in U Bank’s potential, saying: “2025 will be a transformative year where we leverage technology to create lasting impact.”

Hatem Bamatraf, Group CEO of PTCL, added: “This investment reflects our commitment to financial inclusion and community development. By supporting U Bank’s growth, we are fostering economic empowerment and inclusive financial growth.”

With over PKR 13 billion (USD 46 million) invested to date, PTCL Group’s latest infusion positions U Bank for a transformative year ahead.

Oppo is set to launch its new foldable smartphone, the Find N5, in China next month. Marketed as the world’s thinnest fo...
20/01/2025

Oppo is set to launch its new foldable smartphone, the Find N5, in China next month. Marketed as the world’s thinnest foldable phone, the Find N5 has captured attention through recent leaks and rumors highlighting its cutting-edge design.

Newly surfaced images on Weibo provide a closer look at the phone’s features and sleek profile.

Reports indicate that the Find N5 will measure just over 4mm thick on one side when unfolded, surpassing the current thinnest foldable, the Honor Magic V3, which is 4.4mm.

When folded, the phone is less than 9.2mm thick, showcasing Oppo’s engineering efforts to create a more portable and refined device. In comparison shots with the Oppo Find X8, the Find N5 appears slightly thicker from the side but with a nearly identical appearance from the bottom.

The foldable phone includes a circular camera module featuring the Hasselblad logo, a punch-hole cutout for the cover screen’s selfie camera, and is expected to launch in black and white color options.

The triple-lens camera system is reportedly positioned with the telephoto lens in the upper left corner of the module and the flash in the lower right.

Leaked images and reports suggest that Oppo has further minimized the crease on the foldable display, building on its previous models that already outperformed competitors like the Galaxy Z Fold. With the Find N5, this improvement is expected to widen the gap further.

While Oppo has not officially disclosed specifications or a release date, the leaks hint at major advancements over the Find N3, including a thinner design, improved cameras, and better display technology.

As February nears, more details about this much-anticipated device are expected to emerge.

Pakistan’s manufacturing sector is increasingly adopting robotics for industrial automation to enhance efficiency, produ...
20/01/2025

Pakistan’s manufacturing sector is increasingly adopting robotics for industrial automation to enhance efficiency, productivity, and profitability, according to the “Robotics Industry Roundup” draft by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB).

In 2021, Pakistan’s industrial robot density was 2.5 robots per 10,000 employees, as per the International Federation of Robotics, with expected growth driven by modernization.

Key sectors like textiles, automotive, and food processing are integrating robotic systems, with companies like Khaadi and Nishat Mills adopting automation to reduce costs and improve quality.

In education, institutions such as NUST and UET Lahore are advancing robotics through specialized programs and research. By 2022, over 20 universities in Pakistan had introduced robotics and automation curricula, according to the Higher Education Commission.

Government initiatives, including NAVTTC’s training of 85,000 individuals in robotics and machine learning, are bridging the skills gap.

Edtech platforms like LearnoBots, Robokids, and Edvon are also promoting robotics and AI education among children and teens, with competitions like Robocon fostering innovation.

The National Centre of Robotics and Automation (NCRA), headquartered at NUST, is a key hub for robotics research, supporting advancements through labs, startups, and events like the Robotics Startup Challenge and National Engineering and Robotics Contest.

Globally, industrial robots reached 4.28 million units in 2024, with Asia leading installations at 70%. The global robotics market, valued at $53.2 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to $178.7 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 16.35%. PSEB is finalizing its robotics study with stakeholder input.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has applauded Pakistan’s strides in the digital economy, positioning it as a leader in in...
20/01/2025

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has applauded Pakistan’s strides in the digital economy, positioning it as a leader in innovation and reforms. Pakistan became the first country to launch a Digital Foreign Direct Investment Initiative, marking a transformative step in its economic development.

In 2024, IT exports soared to $3.2 billion, achieving 24% annual growth, a testament to the nation’s growing digital capabilities. The establishment of 18 Special Technology Zones offering tax breaks, duty-free imports, and foreign exchange account facilities has further bolstered investment and technological innovation.

Despite challenges, Pakistani startups secured $355 million in funding in 2022, with fintech, edtech, and agritech leading sectors. Mobile broadband expanded to 58.4% in 2024, with over 142 million users, reflecting substantial progress in digital inclusion.

The WEF commended the Digital Nation Pakistan initiative for focusing on economic growth, exports, and governance. It also acknowledged reforms like the Ease of Doing Business Act and spectrum policy changes aimed at boosting investor confidence.

To sustain this progress, the WEF advised strengthening intellectual property laws, expediting spectrum auctions, and improving infrastructure in underserved regions. The growing presence of global giants like Amazon and Google in Pakistan underscores international trust in its digital ecosystem.

The OxfordAQA School Leaders’ Conference, held at Nishat Hotel in Lahore, gathered educators, thought leaders, and polic...
20/01/2025

The OxfordAQA School Leaders’ Conference, held at Nishat Hotel in Lahore, gathered educators, thought leaders, and policymakers to discuss the evolving global education landscape and Pakistan's potential benefits.

The event featured Arshad Saeed Husain, Managing Director of Oxford University Press Pakistan, and Salma Adil, Director of OxfordAQA Pakistan, who emphasized the importance of transformative leadership.

Keynote speakers, including Andrew Coombe, Managing Director of OxfordAQA International Qualifications, and Dr. Turab Hussain, Principal of Aitchison College, shared insights on leadership and change in education.

Eoin MacGabhann, International Development Manager, highlighted the role of world-class assessment in ensuring fairness in education, while Dr. Moeed Yusuf, Vice Chancellor of Beaconhouse National University, discussed the value of collaborative leadership. Arshad Saeed Husain stressed the importance of nurturing future leaders through education, saying, "At OxfordAQA, every qualification represents a student’s dreams and potential."

Andrew Coombe addressed innovation in education, noting that OxfordAQA aims to design assessments that prepare students for future careers.

Salma Adil spoke about the goal of uniting educators worldwide and supporting schools in providing high-quality education. The event featured discussions on innovation in teaching and digital technology, moderated by experts like Dr. Faisal Bari and Neda Mulji.

The conference concluded with a Q&A session, reinforcing OxfordAQA’s commitment to empowering educators and driving change in education.

TikTok  began restoring services in the U.S. on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump announced he would revive the ...
20/01/2025

TikTok began restoring services in the U.S. on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump announced he would revive the app’s access when he takes office.

Trump expressed support for a joint venture to bring TikTok back, citing the need to protect national security.

TikTok acknowledged Trump's efforts, thanking him for providing clarity to service providers and ensuring they would face no penalties for continuing to offer TikTok to over 170 million Americans and 7 million small businesses.

Despite tensions in U.S.-China relations, with the Chinese Embassy accusing the U.S. of suppressing TikTok, the app had been shut down for U.S. users ahead of a law banning it on national security grounds.

Trump indicated that he would extend the ban’s effective date to negotiate a solution, proposing a 50% U.S. ownership stake in the venture.

This move marks a reversal from Trump's previous stance, as he had sought to ban TikTok over security concerns in 2020.

While some Republicans oppose bypassing the law, Trump’s actions reflect his evolving view of TikTok, especially after the app’s success in engaging younger voters during the 2024 election.

As TikTok’s restoration unfolded, other ByteDance-owned apps, including CapCut and Lemon8, also became unavailable in U.S. stores. The situation triggered a spike in searches for VPNs as users scrambled for alternatives. Meanwhile, marketing firms prepared contingency plans in response to the uncertainty surrounding the app’s future.

Bitcoin surged back into the $105,000 range, briefly touching $106,000 on Saturday as the cryptocurrency market gained m...
20/01/2025

Bitcoin surged back into the $105,000 range, briefly touching $106,000 on Saturday as the cryptocurrency market gained momentum ahead of Donald Trump’s second-term inauguration. The former US president has expressed strong support for the digital asset sector.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin was priced at $105,047, marking a 1.86 percent increase, with a fully diluted market cap of $2.08 billion on Sunday.

The week began on a sluggish note for Bitcoin, dipping below $90,000 due to uncertainty surrounding US Federal Reserve policies. However, news of a potential policy rate cut sparked positive momentum.

Historically, lower interest rates have boosted Bitcoin’s appeal, and traders took advantage of the opportunity, pushing the price above $99,000 and eventually crossing the $100,000 threshold.

Investor optimism was further fueled by Trump’s pro-crypto stance expected during his first week back in office. The crypto community has reacted positively to the prospect of his presidency.

Unlike previous rallies, this week’s growth was intensified by significant capital inflows into Bitcoin-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs). By midweek, investors had injected over $1.3 billion into these funds, reversing earlier outflows.

EFU Life Assurance Ltd and JazzCash, one of Pakistan's leading digital financial platforms, have made significant progre...
20/01/2025

EFU Life Assurance Ltd and JazzCash, one of Pakistan's leading digital financial platforms, have made significant progress in advancing insurance inclusion in 2024.

Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to making insurance accessible and affordable for all. Together, they have insured over 1 million lives and digitally distributed more than 1.3 million policies, highlighting the efficiency of their digital model.

This milestone not only enhances financial security but also contributes to the growth of Pakistan’s insurance sector by offering diverse products, including life and health insurance, tailored to meet the needs of various customer segments.

The collaboration has also introduced embedded insurance solutions for utility bill payments and lending services, ensuring seamless integration of financial protection into everyday transactions.

By leveraging technology, EFU Life and JazzCash provide end-to-end insurance services, from policy issuance to claims management, all accessible through the JazzCash platform, simplifying the process for customers.

These efforts align with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan's goals to increase insurance pe*******on and foster innovation in the industry.

Ms. Nilofer Sohail, General Manager at EFU Life, emphasized their dedication to providing meaningful insurance solutions through strong partnerships, while Kumail Abbas Naqvi, Head of Wealth at JazzCash, highlighted the collaboration’s success in driving financial inclusion and creating customized products for their users.

Together, EFU Life and JazzCash are shaping the future of financial protection in Pakistan.

LemFi, a platform transforming financial services for immigrant communities, has raised $53 million in Series B funding,...
19/01/2025

LemFi, a platform transforming financial services for immigrant communities, has raised $53 million in Series B funding, bringing its total capital to $85 million.

The funding round was led by Highland Europe with participation from Left Lane Capital, Palm Drive Capital, Endeavor Catalyst, and Y-Combinator. Founded in 2021, LemFi provides affordable global payments and remittance services, enabling users to open multi-currency accounts and send money internationally.

With over one million users across Europe and North America, LemFi has reached $1 billion in monthly transactions and is expanding to include Asia, particularly China. The platform serves diaspora communities, facilitating remittances to countries such as India, Kenya, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

LemFi is addressing the inefficiencies of traditional remittance services, which often have high fees and slow transaction times. In 2023, India received $120 billion in remittances, with Africa’s remittance market expected to reach $500 billion by 2035.

Despite competition, LemFi has become a trusted financial partner for immigrant communities in the US, UK, and Canada, sending money to over 20 countries.

The company’s founders, Ridwan Olalere and Rian Cochran, previously worked at fintech unicorn OPay and built LemFi to make financial services more accessible. With a team of over 300 employees,

LemFi plans to use the new funding to expand its financial services, scale its payment network, and hire globally. Olalere emphasized the company’s mission to provide faster, cheaper, and more efficient remittance services while continuing to expand into new markets

At the 2025 CES, several groundbreaking advancements in display technologies were showcased, focusing particularly on re...
19/01/2025

At the 2025 CES, several groundbreaking advancements in display technologies were showcased, focusing particularly on revolutionizing automotive screens.

These innovations aim to redefine the interaction between drivers, passengers, and vehicles, bringing futuristic features closer to everyday use.

Toyota and Hyundai revealed Holographic Head-Up Displays (HUDs), which reflect two-dimensional information onto windshields using holographic optical elements (HOEs).

This technology enhances visibility by improving brightness and clarity, even when viewed through polarized sunglasses. Hyundai Mobis, in collaboration with Zeiss, developed a high-brightness HUD set for a 2027 release, while Ceres Holographics is working on flexible windshield designs for commercial use by 2028.

Another major highlight was Transparent Displays powered by MicroLED technology. Taiwanese manufacturer AUO introduced immersive panoramic roofs and side windows that can display dynamic visuals, such as fireworks or starry skies.

These see-through displays also integrate augmented reality for interactive passenger experiences. Additionally, Continental unveiled a cost-effective film-based projection system for windows, allowing external visibility of advertisements or vehicle information.

Rain Technologies introduced Switchable Privacy Displays, which improve driver focus by blocking visibility from side angles, ensuring privacy for passengers. This system can switch modes in under a millisecond, offering enhanced safety and security.

These innovations underscore the automotive industry's push to combine aesthetics, functionality, and safety, with the potential to transform in-car experiences and drive the future of vehicle interactivity and connectivity.

Address


Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Initiate Magazine posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Initiate Magazine:

Videos

Shortcuts

  • Address
  • Alerts
  • Contact The Business
  • Videos
  • Claim ownership or report listing
  • Want your business to be the top-listed Media Company?

Share