Apple will be obliged to warn UAE consumers that its new iPad is not compatible with local 4G networks, amid concerns over "misleading" claims about the device.
One of the new iPad's key selling points is 4G mobile-internet, which runs at more than double the speed of other networks.
However, the iPad, launched this month, is not compatible with the 4G networks found in the Middle East. The device is sold on the grey market in the UAE - often at a premium to the US list price.
Upon the official launch of the iPad in the UAE, Apple will be asked to clarify the 4G issue to avoid misleading consumers, authorities said.
"We will ask Apple to highlight this in their point of sale, because that's fair for consumers to know," said Mohamed Al Ghanim, the director general of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). "We don't want to deceive the customer, at the end of the day," he added.
Several Middle Eastern operators have installed long-term evolution (LTE) networks, which are often marketed as 4G. The new iPad works on LTE networks running at the 700 and 2,100 megahertz frequencies, which are used by operators in the United States. But most of the Middle East's 4G networks operate at different ranges.
While it is still possible to surf the internet via Wi-Fi and 3G, users in the Middle East are not able to access the faster connections.
Mr Ghanim ruled out a ban on the device, and said he was hopeful Apple would create a version of the iPad that was compatible with Middle East 4G networks.
"There is no reason to ban the device. We are not going to ban it," he said. "The good news for UAE customers is that Apple should create a version that would work for the rest of the world … I'm hopeful that they will do it."
In Australia, the consumer affairs regulator on Tuesday accused Apple of misleading consumers, because the iPad does not work as a 4G device in that country.
Apple may offer refunds to Australian buyers of the new iPad, disappointed that the device is not compatible with local networks.
The situation is different in the UAE, because the iPad has not been officially launched here and is only available on the grey market.
Despite this, local retailers are not taking chances and are already warning consumers over the 4G issue.
Ashish Panjabi, the chief operating officer for Jacky's Electronics, said the retailer was informing customers about the 4G issue before they bought an iPad.
"If people are buying it expecting a faster network speed, it's not going to happen. We've been clear on that since day one," he said.
"We've been very clear in terms of informing customers beforehand that it says 4G, but it isn't 4G."
Julien Pascual, the chief executive of EmiratesAvenue.com, an online shopping portal based in Dubai, said the site was also warning customers about the lack of 4G compatibility.
"Getting returns is very, very expensive, given the margins we have on an iPad," Mr Pascual said. "It's important for us that clients are aware."
The problem with the new iPad may be short-lived, given that the UAE regulator plans to open up the 700 megahertz frequency used by the US version of the iPad.
"We are going to work with the operators to expedite the 700 megahertz frequency band," said Mr Ghanim.
"The TRA is in its phase to open it up for the operators to use … Then the new iPad will work," he added.
While Mr Ghanim said the 700 megahertz frequency may be opened up by next year, its use would depend on local operators launching 4G services on that band.
bflanagan@thenational.ae
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I Care A Lot
Directed by: J Blakeson
Starring: Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage
3/5 stars
The specs
The specs: 2019 Audi Q8
Price, base: Dh315,000
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 340hp @ 3,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 2,250rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
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Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Tips for job-seekers
- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
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David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
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Rating: 5/5
Manchester City 4
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How to come clean about financial infidelity
- Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
- Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help.
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- Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported.
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Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The biog:
Languages: Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, basic Russian
Favourite food: Pizza
Best food on the road: rice
Favourite colour: silver
Favourite bike: Gold Wing, Honda
Favourite biking destination: Canada
How it works
Each player begins with one of the great empires of history, from Julius Caesar's Rome to Ramses of Egypt, spread over Europe and the Middle East.
Round by round, the player expands their empire. The more land they have, the more money they can take from their coffers for each go.
As unruled land and soldiers are acquired, players must feed them. When a player comes up against land held by another army, they can choose to battle for supremacy.
A dice-based battle system is used and players can get the edge on their enemy with by deploying a renowned hero on the battlefield.
Players that lose battles and land will find their coffers dwindle and troops go hungry. The end goal? Global domination of course.
Kathryn Hawkes of House of Hawkes on being a good guest (because we’ve all had bad ones)
- Arrive with a thank you gift, or make sure you have one for your host by the time you leave.
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- Help out around the house.
- Entertain yourself so that your hosts don’t feel that they constantly need to.
- Leave no trace of your stay – if you’ve borrowed a book, return it to where you found it.
- Offer to strip the bed before you go.
BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
The specs: 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Price, base: Dh138,000 (estimate)
Engine: 60kWh battery
Transmission: Single-speed Electronic Precision Shift
Power: 204hp
Torque: 360Nm
Range: 520km (claimed)
MEFCC information
Tickets range from Dh110 for an advance single-day pass to Dh300 for a weekend pass at the door. VIP tickets have sold out. Visit www.mefcc.com to purchase tickets in advance.
Generation Start-up: Awok company profile
Started: 2013
Founder: Ulugbek Yuldashev
Sector: e-commerce
Size: 600 plus
Stage: still in talks with VCs
Principal Investors: self-financed by founder
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