Following the successful implementation of a pilot in Kuwait, Intel today announced that the first digital home bundles will be made available to users starting September of this year. This project was designed in collaboration with Smartlink Telecom* and regional software developer Active Mania*, and will allow Smartlink’s subscribers to access a feature-packed solution consisting of an entertainment PC, and interactive online content operating over a wireless network and a DSL connection, to provide new levels of quality digital entertainment to Kuwaiti homes. The bundle will also feature Active Mania’s ACTISUITE* solution including a host of new services and feature-packed applications.
Commenting on Intel’s efforts to spread the adoption of the digital home lifestyle in the Middle East, Samir Al Schamma, Intel’s General Manager in the GCC said “Intel’s latest platforms offer state of the art dual core technologies that support the digital way of life. Through our cooperation with the regional channel and international computer vendors, we work to make these platforms available on time in the Middle East. Our software enabling programs are part of this effort, where we play a role in helping regional companies to design and develop the services and content that our customers need in order to gain access to the latest technology trends that help enhance their quality of life”
Speaking at the press preview today in Kuwait, Abdel Fattah Samara, Smartlink Telecoms’ Deputy General Manager confirmed that the bundle would allow consumers to obtain a full solution through a number of points of purchase around Kuwait. “We have focused on providing the right content for our customers, and once they sign up, they will have access to instant and interactive local news, e-learning facilities, digital gaming and the latest Arabic and western music,” he said “We are providing a catered payment plan to users which will enable them to have different credit options on a prepaid and pay-as-you-go basis,” Samara added.
Trend-setting customers will also have access to popular video-clips, mobile ring-tones and backgrounds and on-line delivery services. Highlighting the feature-rich content of the new bundle, Rola Zakhour, Active Mania’s managing director said, “For business-minded consumers, a live Kuwait Stock Exchange service will be available in conjunction with local news bulletins. The entertainment PC form factor will make it easy for our customers to integrate this new platform into their living room and enjoy a new quality of interactive information and entertainment”
From June 5th to 9th, users will have the opportunity to experience the new solutions in a number of digital home environments that have been setup around Kuwait:
(1) Virgin Megastore* at Marina Mall
(2) Second Cup Cafe*- Kuwait city-Stock Exchange
(3) Second Cup Cafe- Bustan Mall-Salmiya
(4) FCC Nokia POS* at Al Fanar Complex
Every location encompasses a plasma TV, EPC unit, complete with feature-packed digital entertainment and trained personnel keen to coach visitors on the digital home experience.
Intel continues to support the digital transformation across the Middle East. The company launched two new platforms last week set to enhance and improve the entertainment experience. The new technologies include the Intel® Pentium® D processor with two processing cores – or “brains” – and the Intel® 945 Express Chipset family with support for such consumer electronics-like features as surround-sound audio, high-definition video and enhanced graphics capabilities.
