The human ability to communicate complex ideas to each other in a consistent and reliable way has been a major driver of our species' success. We still have much to learn about language, but there have been two interesting recent developments.
The technology website Cnet.com reported last week that scientists from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of British Columbia have created software that can recreate ancient vocabularies by cross-referencing known patterns of change in modern languages that developed from the older tongue. Some experts think the computer program may also be able to predict future changes in languages.
Meanwhile, at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference opening in Abu Dhabi today, the Raytheon company plans to display a product called TransTalk, described as "a portable, two-way translation device that automatically translates human speech from one language to another and can be configured for any pair of languages".
While the product is available for military purposes only, commercial versions will no doubt emerge.
Imagine the possibilities of having such a universal-translation app on your smartphone that allows you to understand others, and be understood, no matter where you are in the world.
The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now
The story of Edge
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, established Edge in 2019.
It brought together 25 state-owned and independent companies specialising in weapons systems, cyber protection and electronic warfare.
Edge has an annual revenue of $5 billion and employs more than 12,000 people.
Some of the companies include Nimr, a maker of armoured vehicles, Caracal, which manufactures guns and ammunitions company, Lahab
Normal People
Sally Rooney, Faber & Faber
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
INVESTMENT PLEDGES
Cartlow: $13.4m
Rabbitmart: $14m
Smileneo: $5.8m
Soum: $4m
imVentures: $100m
Plug and Play: $25m
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
Royal wedding inspired menu
Ginger, citrus and orange blossom iced tea
Avocado ranch dip with crudites
Cucumber, smoked salmon and cream cheese mini club sandwiches
Elderflower and lemon syllabub meringue