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Continental develops speaker-less car audio systems with excellent acoustics
Inspired by the functional principle of string instruments, Continental, the global tyre and automotive technologies manufacturer, is reinventing the car audio system. Present in the Middle East since 2009, Continental, through its technology arm, is replacing conventional loudspeakers with actuators that create sound by vibrating certain surfaces in the vehicle to generate a natural, 3D sound experience.
In comparison to conventional speaker technology, the speaker-less audio system brings many advantages. At considerably lower weight, with dramatically reduced box volume and lower electricity consumption, the new Continental Ac2ated Sound solution delivers excellent acoustics – experts have given the sound system top scores for its performance.
This new innovation from Continental is the latest in a long line of technologies developed to improve the experience of car drivers and passengers around the world. As well as producing high quality tyres, the brand’s remarkable technological output includes Lane Departure Protection functions, Tyre Pressure Warning systems, Electronic Control Units and Head-Up Displays that are fitted to diverse range of cars that travel the Middle East’s roads.
“In the age of electric vehicles, car manufacturers are looking for innovative solutions to drastically reduce the weight of their vehicles and gain space for passengers and new technologies”, said Johann Hiebl, head of the Continental business unit Infotainment and Connectivity. “On the other hand, design and sound quality mustn’t suffer from this goal. Our approach is to treat the car itself as an instrument.”
The challenge lies in the profound understanding of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) in the widest sense which is required to achieve excellent acoustics. Typically, experts have either the vehicle expertise or the acoustics expertise. Continental has both in-house plus the manufacturing know-how.
To deliver good 3D sound, conventional high-end car audio systems can easily require between ten and 20 or more speakers, giving the system a weight of up to 15 kg and a total box volume of 10 to 30 litres. Continental’s speaker-less system can weigh as little as 1 kg and require as little as 1 litre of total box volume. As a result, the technology can be integrated into any model, from high end sedans to small electric vehicles. However, the main benefit is the sound quality.
Speaker-less technology offers further potential beyond car audio. It can also provide a sound source for human-machine interaction concepts, such as navigation instructions or the indicator sound.
Treating the vehicle as an instrument
The sound waves are generated by compact actuators, similar to the core of a conventional speaker. These transducers consist of a magnet and a coil, which generate micro-vibrations. However, instead of an oscillating membrane, which is part of a current speaker, larger existing components and surfaces in the vehicle are excited by the transducers to radiate the sound.
If using a violin for comparison, the bow and strings act as the transducer. The violin’s bridge equals the location and bonding of the transducer to the surface which equals the instrument body. Specific areas in the vehicle lend themselves to each of the required three main frequency ranges. For example, the A-pillar is suited for high frequencies, while the door panels have the right properties for generating medium frequencies. Large components such as the roof lining or rear shelf can be used to generate low frequencies.
In a demo vehicle, Continental is also presenting the scalability of the system by switching between an entry-level low-cost system using three audio channels, a mid-range system using four to six channels and even a premium solution using up to 12 channels.
Lendo, a Saudi Arabia-based Shariah-compliant crowdlending marketplace, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today with J.P. Morgan to improve access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country.
The MOU was signed during 24 Fintech, a premier fintech event that brings together industry leaders, innovators, and investors in Riyadh.
J.P. Morgan and Lendo are working together on potential opportunities to support the SME sector in Saudi Arabia in growing and sustaining the remarkable demand in this market.
“This strategic collaboration with J.P. Morgan, a pioneer in the financial industry, marks a significant milestone for Lendo,” said Osama Alraee, CEO and co-founder of Lendo. “By combining our strengths, we’ll deliver cutting-edge financial solutions to SMEs, supporting their growth and contributing directly to the realization of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”
The SME financing landscape in MENA presents a substantial market opportunity as limited financial access continues to restrict the growth of the region’s businesses, with commercial banks hesitant to issue loans to SMEs at scale, resulting in a high percentage of declined financing requests annually.
The total SME financing gap in developing countries is estimated to be approximately $5.2 trillion, according to the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Lendo’s debt crowdfunding platform aims to bridge the financing gap for SMEs, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal to significantly expand SME lending from 4% in 2018 to 20% by 2030.
According to the latest available report from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), the total value of debt crowdfunding in Saudi Arabia surged from SAR 1.4 million in 2019 to SAR 771 million in 2022, marking a remarkable growth.
Lendo raised SAR 132 million ($35.2 million) in total funding from leading investors, including the most recent Series B led by Sanabil Investments, a wholly-owned company by the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Since its inception in December 2019, Saudi fintech Lendo has processed over 5,000 financing transactions on its platform, providing over SAR 2 billion ($600 million) in financing to SMEs and generating SAR 280 million ($74 million) in returns for investors.
TA Telecom, a prominent player in the Middle East’s tech sector, has unveiled AnteThink, an AI-driven tool designed to enhance decision-making processes for individuals and businesses alike.
With a history of influencing the tech landscape through various initiatives, including advanced mobile solutions, high-volume payment platforms, and ventures in e-commerce, fintech, and analytics, TA Telecom has carved a niche for itself. Serving a vast user base of 40 million and processing an impressive 15 billion transactions across its platforms, TA Telecom has cemented its position as a tech industry leader, with some of its ventures achieving the status of Y Combinator companies.
Established in 2000, TA Telecom has emerged as a prominent player in the technology sector. With over 40 million users and processing 15 billion transactions annually, TA Telecom has made a notable impact. Recognized for its contributions by the Financial Times and featured on Deloitte’s list of fastest-growing tech companies in EMEA, TA Telecom is known for its adaptability and forward-thinking approach in the ever-evolving global tech landscape.
Sameh Ibrahim, CEO of TA Telecom, highlights the potential of AnteThink: “AnteThink reflects our commitment to leverage technology for practical impact. It aims to provide clarity and confidence in decision-making, whether in the professional or personal sphere. AnteThink is a tool that can empower startup founders, executives, and individuals to make more informed choices, alleviating the stress and uncertainty often associated with critical decision-making.”
Mostafa Ashour, CEO of Y Combinator-backed startup NowPay, shared his perspective on AnteThink: “AnteThink transformed our strategic planning, allowing us to explore various scenarios and prepare for different outcomes. It has strengthened our decision-making process, helping us navigate the complexities of the business landscape.”
AnteThink embodies TA Telecom’s commitment to innovation, focusing on supporting the startup ecosystem. The tool is tailored to help leaders and executives navigate the complexities of business management and strategic development by providing a clear picture of potential outcomes.
Key Features of AnteThink include:
1. Second Order Mode: Offering a comprehensive analysis of broader impacts, fostering a strategic mindset for long-term success.
2. Optionality Mode: Enabling detailed evaluation and comparison of different choices to ensure decisions align with strategic objectives and values.
3. Inversion Mode: Focusing on identifying and mitigating potential risks, thereby strengthening risk management strategies.
Credit: Antethink
AnteThink’s advanced AI technology aims to assist decision-makers with insightful analytics, offering guidance through the decision-making process.
Selina Bieber, the Senior Director of Global Markets at GoDaddy, has predicted a significant increase in Egypt’s e-commerce revenue. By 2028, it could reach $9.88 billion.
Godaddy is forming strategic partnerships and launching initiatives to help local entrepreneurs. These efforts align with Egypt’s digital transformation goals and its Vision 2030.
In an interview with the Arabic financial news “Amwal Al Ghad,” Bieber spoke about GoDaddy’s plans and how they match Egypt’s 2023 strategy. She highlighted the company’s aim to provide effective, easy-to-use digital tools and services. By 2024, GoDaddy wants to serve more customers in Egypt by making its digital tools more widespread.
The company is working closely with the Egyptian government, especially the Ministry of Planning. They are offering training programs to improve the digital skills of startups and existing businesses. GoDaddy’s services in Egypt include domain registration, web hosting, e-commerce solutions, and digital marketing tools.
Recent surveys support Bieber’s positive outlook for e-commerce in Egypt. They show a clear trend towards digital strategies among small businesses. Many are realizing the importance of having an online presence for their growth and success.
As GoDaddy continues its partnerships and supports government digital initiatives, its influence on Egypt’s digital landscape is growing. The company is committed to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. It aims not just for business growth but also to contribute to a sustainable and thriving digital economy in Egypt.
The 2028 projection indicates a vast potential for e-commerce, with GoDaddy playing a key role in this digital evolution.
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