But why is he a monkey? Its the inevitable question asked by any person who has seen the trailer, or for that matter a TikTok reel, of Better Man, the new left-handed biopic about British pop star Robbie Williams. And even as one begins watching this sardonic portrait of the 90s pop music scene in the UK, its still not immediately clear why the creative choice was made.Director Michael Gracey has told the press its simply due to recognizing how Williams sees himself: a dancing monkey bounding around the stage for our entertainment. Yet there is more at work than that SNL logline to justify the films expensive, and eerily convincing, Wt CGI effects. The gimmick grabs the attention, obviously, flashing a quirky eccentricity in furry neon. At an instant, the film is stood apart from other glossy and by-the-numbers portraits of beloved, or at least fondly remembered, musical stars. (See: the Bob Dylan paean playing on the screen next door for more).Still, Gracey and his co-writers, which include Simon Gleeson and Oliver Cole, are angling to do more than take the piss out of Williams. After all, they have not only his blessing, but also his presumably intimate support with Williams acting as an executive producer on the film and credited as doing some of the performance used to create the digital monkey (or humanoid ape of the Rod Serling variety if we want to get technical). One imagines Williams embraces this whimsical flourish partially because it reinforces the self-deprecating image the singer paints of himself. Right until the closing scene, his voiceover narration insists his success is due to merely being the most extravagant cabaret act in Britain. Fair enough, but the oddball choice also gives Better Man more teeth than you normally anticipate from this kind of movie.This isnt (only) a fawning tribute to a pop culture curio; its also a film eager to visually and constantly remind you of its subject matters self-loathing. And the most impressive thing about the Wt effects is how quickly they come to appear as natural. The viewing eye eventually forgets to look for the wires. But even as the technique becomes seamless, it continues to provide an unwavering, if subliminal, message about the bottomless self-disgust necessary to fuel Williams mannered cheek, not to mention the drug habit that nearly killed him.The concept is ultimately a high-tech promise that this is a movie which wishes to keep the warts of its star, internal though they might usually be, visible at all times. In theory, it gives heft to what amounts to another celebritys poor little rich boy problems after he gets big by the top of Act Two. Your mileage might vary whether it succeeds at having and eating that cake, but at least it makes the concept of such a dessert in a multiplex overstuffed with bakeries seem novel.Otherwise, the film is mostly the rags-to-riches story you might expect, especially if you are old enough to remember VH1s Behind the Music portraits of various pop stars. Williams is introduced as an ape born to a human father who is far more boorish than the primate child could ever be: Peter Williams (Steve Pemberton). Peter trains his son to believe that you are either born with it or not. Frank Sinatra had it. Dean Martin too. Daddy also thinks he has it, even though he walks out on his son before hes 10 years old so as to pursue a career as a failed pub comic.This is presumably the kernel of Roberts desperate need to please, and to punish the animal within. While still being lovingly raised by his mother (Kate Mulvany) and grandmother (Alison Steadman), adolescent Robert (Jonno Davies for presumably most of the movie in a motion-capture suit) yearns to ditch them as soon as possible and become a member of the early 90s boy band, Take That. Its this musical act that turns Robert into Robbie, and which is depicted as far more humiliating with their short-shorts and banal cafeteria-club music than any cartoonish monkey business could be. Robbie of course abruptly sunders that relationship as well after bristling at the creative monotony of being a glorified backup dancera fate quickly commuted when the other members of Take That kick him out.What follows is a usual laundry list of musical biopic beats: struggle cut short by sudden overnight success; the girlfriend whose life Williams would become a drain on, here personified by fellow pop star Nicole Appleton (Raechelle Banno); a few other musical cameos that will have audiences chuckling, including a vicious but probably deserved dig at Oasis front man Liam Gallagher (Leo Harvey-Elledge); and Robbies inevitable bottoming out. But the intelligence of Better Mans script is how flippant it is. Not only does it go bananas with Williams appearance, but even bits like the inevitable climactic concert of the stars life proving not to be any climax at all as Robbie spends it high as a kite and haunted by visions of his younger self as a baby primate and adolescent twerker stalking him in the audience like the Ghosts of Christmas Past.It is ultimately Better Mans recognition that audiences know the beats theyre walking through, and its eagerness to lightly play with them, if never truly subvert them, which gives Graceys movie rhythm. It might only be dancing to a familiar hook designed for maximum radio play (or Spotify today), but it uses those same chords well.Mostly though it benefits from the obvious novelty of the effects. While the marketing and press has blurred how much of the performance in the movie is young Davies, how much is the real-life Williams, and/or whether most of it should be credited to the digital artists at Wt, the end result is nonetheless effective; cumulatively, it lulls you into pitying this poor put-upon beastie. The combined artistic efforts never once turn into Barnum and Bailey pantomime, even in scenes of Williams dancing with Bannos Appleton before a sea of fireworks. Instead you become invested in the animated characters plight as he deals with real demons like regret over the loss of a grandparent, or the complicated resentments that come from a fiance being pressured by her record label into getting an abortion.Yet that circus analogy still holds across the film, not least of all because Garceys last film was the P.T. Barnum hokum, The Greatest Showman. Better Man is definitely a more successful narrative and character study than that collection of Top 40-ready bangers in search of a plot. The monkey CGI is just the beginning of a film unafraid to actually depict its musical god as also a real devil. But whether Williams is truly man or beast, three-dimensional or a phenomenal cartoon approximation, he is still the only character with any depth in this movie.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!The films various musical sequences, which do break into pure fantasy, are more ambitious than something as shallow and devoid of insight as, say, Bohemian Rhapsody, but all its self-flagellation still uncannily feels like an act; something an entertainer does to ingratiate the crowd. One senses the real Williams, executive producer that he is, still maintains a steady hand over what we see and what we do not. We get a good hard look at his charisma, and his complicated feelings about it, but everything else is still as glossed over as a montage vaguely acknowledging their protagonists habitual infidelity.Even so, theres a real bittersweet soul here, and a sense that both the film and its protagonist is searching for some kind of authenticity so rarely seen in a genre where most movies become little better than carefully curated playlists. Better Man is not the surface level pop star commercial most standard biopics are, or even the rather similarly innovative Piece by Piece was earlier this year. That Parallel Williams documentary, which was filmed as a standard doc but then animated over with CGI LEGOs, also used novelty to couch what is little better than advocacy filmmaking.Better Man and Williams, however, prove more ambitious and happy to admit this guy was (and is?) a complete animal. He did drugs, sabotaged every important relationship in his life, went through painfully adult crises with his signifcant other, and missed his grandmothers last days. He also provided us with a film that is often, if inconsistently, audacious and worthwhile. It even looks spectacular during the bits where it just plays the hits.Better Man opens in limited released on Dec. 25 and nationwide in the U.S. on Jan. 17. It opens nationwide in the UK on Dec. 26. Learn more about Den of Geeks review process and why you can trust our recommendationshere.

For one dynamic Washington, D.C., couple, downsizing didnt mean having to compromise on a single thingnot on the amount of space necessary to showcase their enviable art collection, or on having ample room for their visiting children and grandchildren, or even on the breathtaking location.Situated on the western bank of the Potomac River, within the Ritz-Carlton Residences Georgetown, is an art-filled penthouse that counts works by Fernando Botero, Francois-Xavier Lalanne, and Robert Rauschenberg among its rotating roster of residents. Its also home to a well-traveled, down-to-earth couple who were in the market for a family-friendly white cube where they could entertain a revolving door of friends and family with very little effort but plenty of panache. They sold their large house in D.C., and moved here for a more convenient lifestyle, says designer John Meeks of New Yorkbased Aman & Meeks. Theyre very family oriented and, even though it may look a little intimidating, it doesnt matter that everything is whitethe grandchildren are free to go anywhere they want!Even though it may look a little intimidating, it doesnt matter that everything is whitethe grandchildren are free to go anywhere they want! Its a stark contrast to their previous home, but they were game for anything, explains Jim Aman, the design firms cofounder. We designed their more traditional home 14 years ago, and the only real note for this one was that she wanted it all white. Having also conceived the interiors of the couples Palm Beach home, the design duo understood the assignment. They wanted a showplace, so we gave the 10-foot ceilings and walls a real pop with a very white Venetian plaster.The nearly 5,000-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home, in addition to serving as an ideal backdrop for the homeowners museum-worthy collection, also highlights an array of antique furnishings that complement the otherwise contemporary styling. Much of the chinoiserie was inherited from her mother, who had an amazing penthouse in D.C. that [famed interior designer] Jay Spectre did, says Aman.Of course, for most design projects, mixing periods, styles, and aesthetics is only to be expected, but working with important art collections can be a little trickier. Luckily, with nearly 30 years of experience, Aman and Meeks have learned a thing or two about that. Are [people] going to look at a blue-chip piece of art on the wall or the sofa underneath? posits Meeks. Its usually the piece of art, and weve always been respectful of that fact.And it was a lesson the pair learned early on in their business. We had a client a long time ago, a major art collector, and she said, I want my antiques, my furniturewhatever is in the environmentto be as good as my art, but never upstage it, and that note has served us well.1FoyerKaren FuchsWhen youre greeted at the front door by one of Francois-Xavier Lalannes iconic and friendly sheep sculptures, you know youve entered the home of a seasoned contemporary art collector. To the right is a work by Takashi Murakami and at the entrance to the foyer is another by Fernando Botero with a Karl Springer bench below.The antique Chinese needlepoint rug belonged to the homeowners mother. The pair of 18th-century Venetian mirrors were acquired through Newel Antiques. The mirrors work perfectly there because, not only do they enlarge the space, but they also replicate the art in a sense too, says Aman. Its a very bright apartment anyway, but they help bring light into one of its darker spaces.2FoyerKaren FuchsAman & Meeks had the light fixture custom designed by Gaspare Asaro. The console and lamp are from the New Yorkbased Twenty First Gallery, with a painting by Sam Francis above. The antique Chinese rug belonged to the clients mother and was in their previous home.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3GalleryKaren FuchsThe designers juxtaposed white oak flooring against the Venetian plaster ceilings and walls as a way to infuse warmth throughout the home. The center table is from Lobel Modern, and the chandelier is by Mark Brazier-Jones. To the right is an 18th-century Chinese cabinet that also belonged to the clients mother and has been outfitted as a bar. Both the fish sculpture atop the cabinet and the chair in front are by Francois-Xavier Lalanne. The Hindu bust at the far end of the hallway leading to the primary bedroom suite worked out perfectly because we needed that sense of perspective there, says Aman.4Living RoomKaren FuchsThey have some pretty serious art, but the chairs are playful and they kind of take things down a notch to feel more relatable, shares Aman about the Pierre Yovanovitch Mama Bear chairs that anchor the room. Originally, we were just going to do two, but she insisted on four. When she gets excited about something theres no stopping her!The custom carpet is by Stark, and the Paula Swinnen cocktail tablewith a potted porcelain hollyhock by Vladimir Kanevsky on topis from Bernd Goeckler Antiques. Tucked underneath an 18th-century chinoiserie console is another Karl Springer bench. Above it is a painting by Willem de Kooning. On the back wall is a modest size painting by Marc Chagall.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Living RoomKaren FuchsSweeping floor-to-ceiling views of the Potomac only enhance the couples seminal art collection. The custom sofas were designed by Aman & Meeks, as was the Egyptian-style daybed. They sit everywhere in this home, and red wine is no problem at all, says Meeks with a laugh. Weve used a lot of Perennials fabrics, so theres no reason to be worried!Between the sofas is a pair of Silas Seandel Biomorphic tables. The mushroom table is from Maison Gerard, and in the far left corner is an 18th-century carved wood lotus blossom sculpture. To the left of that is a drawing by Fernando Botero, and across the room is a painting by Jonas Wood.6Dining RoomKaren FuchsFormal dining room or well-curated gallery at Art Basel? The couple can seat up to 16 for dinner at this oak table custom designed by Aman & Meeks. Overhead is a chandelier the clients commissioned directly from artist Michele Oka Doner.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Dining RoomKaren FuchsSpread across the surface of the table is a collection of small sculptural works by artist Beth Katleman. Beth is a friend, and our client had seen her work displayed at a Dior boutique and loved it, says Meeks. And its set up there all the time, even when theyre eating: It tells a story, and you can actually play with it.On the way to the kitchen, to the right is a painting by Robert Rauschenberg and to the left a work by Timothy Curtis.8KitchenKaren FuchsThis was a total gut renovation, shares Aman. Like the rest of the home, she wanted it really clean, with white lacquered cabinetry. Above the bar is a work by Tokyo-based artist Shun Sudo, and nearby the appliances is a work by Julian Opie. The barstools are by Studio Vondom. Its a spot where the grandkids have breakfast and hang out.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Primary BedroomKaren FuchsShe wanted purple, purple, purple, so we said lavender, lavender, lavender, jokes Meeks. Were not big primary color people!It wasnt a difficult compromise given the outcome of the couples light-filled sanctuary. The custom four-poster bed was designed by Aman & Meeks, and both its headboard and bed scarf are embroidered with butterflies and other colorful insects. Its very Schiaparelli, says Meeks.The pair of Roberto Rida lamps were some of the first pieces the designers purchased for the project. We actually designed the room around them, adds Aman. The antique Lucite table is by Marie-Claude de Fouquires, and the pair of 1960s stools were a find at Incollect.10Primary BedroonKaren FuchsThe views of the Potomac dont disappoint in any room of this expansive penthouse, least of all in the primary bedroom. The pair of aluminum Lotus nesting tables are by Franck Evennou, and the potted porcelain hydrangea is by Vladimir Kanevsky. Over the custom sofa is a sterling silver leaf glass-paneled art piece is by Anne Peabody.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Primary Dressing RoomKaren FuchsAman & Meekss clients have the art of dressing down to a science in this spacious closet.12Primary BathroomKaren FuchsOur very good friend Robert Lee Morris did the chandelier mobile for us, shares Meeks. Hes known more for jewelry design but has been doing a lot of lighting fixtures for us. To the left of the room is a playful wall sculpture by another friend of the designers, Beth Katleman.

Apple is again supporting World Aids Day on December 1st, and will be donating $5 for every qualifying purchase between November 29 and December 8. Update: The company set a cap of $3M on its donation, and (RED) has tweeted that Apple hit this cap and donated the full sum This will be the 18th year in which Apple has supported The Global Fund, which seeks to fight HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria.The Global FundThe Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was established in 2002, and has been credited with saving 65 million lives since then.The Global Fund is a worldwide partnership to defeat HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria and ensure a healthier, safer and more equitable future for all. We raise and invest more than US$5 billion a year to fight deadly infectious diseases, challenge the injustice that fuels them, and strengthen health systems and pandemic preparedness in more than 100 of the hardest hit countries.We unite world leaders, communities, civil society, health workers and the private sector to find solutions that have the most impact, and we take them to scale worldwide. Since 2002, our partnership has saved 65 million lives.We are the worlds largest multilateral funder of global health grants in low- and middle-income countries, disbursing over US$65 billion to countries since 2002. We know that with science, money, political will and leadership, we can fight and overcome the deadliest disease threats.The Global Fund is proof that by working hand-in-hand with civil society, governments, private sector partners, philanthropists, technical partners and communities affected by the diseases, we can save lives and dramatically change the course of HIV, TB and malaria.Apple supporting World Aids DayApple began its own support for the fund not longer after it was established. One element of this is a collaboration with (PRODUCT)RED to create limited edition models of Apple products in a red color, with up to 50% of profits donated to the fund.The launch of the (RED) iPod Nano marked the beginning of one of (RED)s most successful partnerships that soon extended to the ultra-popular iPhone [and Apple Watch]. Since 2006, Apple has generated $250 million for HIV testing, treatment and counseling. Apples action encouraged other companies in tech and beyond to step up and join the movement.In addition, Apple makes annual sales-related donations across all Apple products in the period surrounding World Aids Day.This year, from November 29th through December 8, Apple will donate $5 for every purchase made using Apple Pay on apple.com, through the Apple Store app, or at an Apple Store. The donation goes to the Global Fund to fight AIDS and to help fund critical health programs that save lives.The company usually turns Apple Store logos red on December 1st.Photo: AppleAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has responded to a series of massive Marriott and Starwood data breaches, ordering the companies to make no fewer than 13 changes to ensure it cant happen again.More than 344 million customers were impacted by three separate security breaches, which revealed personal data that included credit card details and passport information Marriott and Starwood data breachesThe first of the three breaches dates all the way back to 2018.The Marriott International hotel group is the latest company to announce a large-scale hack of a customer database. For approximately 327 million of these guests, the information includes some combination of name, mailing address, phone number, email address, passport number, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) account information, date of birth, gender, arrival and departure information, reservation date, and communication preferences. For some, the information also includes payment card numbers and payment card expiration dates, but the payment card numbers were encrypted using Advanced Encryption Standard encryption (AES-128). There are two components needed to decrypt the payment card numbers, and at this point, Marriott has not been able to rule out the possibility that both were taken.There were two further hacks after this.FTC orders 13 changesThe FTC has now ordered both hotel groups to implement sweeping changes to guard against any repetition of the failings that allowed the attacks to succeed.Under the order, Marriott and Starwood are required to establish a comprehensive information security program to help safeguard customers personal information, implement a policy to retain personal information only for as long is reasonably necessary, and establish a link on their website for U.S. customers to request for personal information associated with their email address or loyalty rewards account number to be deleted. The order also requires Marriott to review loyalty rewards accounts upon customer request and restore stolen loyalty points.The companies are also prohibited from misrepresenting how they collect, maintain, use, delete or disclose consumers personal information; and the extent to which the companies protect the privacy, security, availability, confidentiality, or integrity of personal information.Given how basic many of the provisions are, they serve as a pretty damning indictment of how bad things must have been. For example, the companies mustnt lie about what they do with your data:Respondents, Respondents officers, agents, and employees, and all other persons in active concert or participation with any of them who receive actual notice of this Order, whether acting directly or indirectly, in connection with any product or service, must not misrepresent in any manner, expressly or by implication:A. Respondents collection, maintenance, use, deletion, or disclosure of Personal Information; andB. The extent to which Respondents protect the privacy, security, availability, confidentiality, or integrity of Personal Information.Other requirements are that the group train its employees in data security, create plans for responding to threats, establish policies to detect intrusions, and use two-factor authentication.Photo byJonathan KemperonUnsplashAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

All American Airline flights are currently grounded on Christmas Eve due to an unspecified technical issue. AA subsidiaries are also unable to fly, and the company says it cant say when the problem will be fixed Americans tweet rather understated the severity of the problem:Were currently experiencing a technical issue with all American Airlines flights. Your safety is our utmost priority, once this is rectified, well have you safely on your way to your destination.Our team is currently working to get this done. An estimated timeframe has not been provided, but theyre trying to fix it in the shortest possible time.However, an FAA advisory made clear that it was a complete, nationwide grounding for all AA main and subsidiary airline flights.DESTINATION AIRPORT: ALLDEP FACILITIES INCLUDED: ALLPROBABILITY OF EXTENSION: MEDIMPACTING CONDITION: COMPANY REQUESTCOMMENTS: NATIONWIDE GROUNDSTOP FOR AAL MAIN AND SUBSThe fact that all flights are grounded, irrespective of aircraft type, suggests a major IT outage. Some are suggesting that its a ransomware attack, but that is pure speculation as neither the airline nor the FAA has yet provided any explanation.Photo byForsaken FilmsonUnsplashAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Dec 24, 2024Ravie LakshmananMalware / Data ExfiltrationCybersecurity researchers have flagged two malicious packages that were uploaded to the Python Package Index (PyPI) repository and came fitted with capabilities to exfiltrate sensitive information from compromised hosts, according to new findings from Fortinet FortiGuard Labs.The packages, named zebo and cometlogger, attracted 118 and 164 downloads each, prior to them being taken down. According to ClickPy statistics, a majority of these downloads came from the United States, China, Russia, and India. Zebo is a "typical example of malware, with functions designed for surveillance, data exfiltration, and unauthorized control," security researcher Jenna Wang said, adding cometlogger "also shows signs of malicious behavior, including dynamic file manipulation, webhook injection, stealing information, and anti-[virtual machine] checks."The first of the two packages, zebo, uses obfuscation techniques, such as hex-encoded strings, to conceal the URL of the command-and-control (C2) server it communicates with over HTTP requests.It also packs in a slew of features to harvest data, including leveraging the pynput library to capture keystrokes and ImageGrab to periodically grab screenshots every hour and save them to a local folder, prior to uploading them to the free image hosting service ImgBB using an API key retrieved from the C2 server.In addition to exfiltrating sensitive data, the malware sets up persistence on the machine by creating a batch script that launches the Python code and adds it to the Windows Startup folder so that it's automatically executed upon every reboot.Cometlogger, on the other hand, is a lot of feature-packed, siphoning a wide range of information, including cookies, passwords, tokens, and account-related data from apps such as Discord, Steam, Instagram, X, TikTok, Reddit, Twitch, Spotify, and Roblox.It's also capable of harvesting system metadata, network and Wi-Fi information, a list of running processes, and clipboard content. Furthermore, it incorporates checks to avoid running in virtualized environments and terminates web browser-related processes to ensure unrestricted file access."By asynchronously executing tasks, the script maximizes efficiency, stealing large amounts of data in a short time," Wang said."While some features could be part of a legitimate tool, the lack of transparency and suspicious functionality make it unsafe to execute. Always scrutinize code before running it and avoid interacting with scripts from unverified sources."Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.SHARE

Time zones: SBT (UTC +11), GMT (UTC +0), CET (UTC +1), MSK (UTC +3), CEST (UTC +2), BST (UTC +1), JST (UTC +9), CST (UTC +8), WIB (UTC +7), MMT (UTC +6:30), BST (UTC +6), NPT (UTC +5:45), IST (UTC +5:30), UZT (UTC +5), IRDT (UTC +4:30), GST (UTC +4), CVT (UTC -1), WAT (UTC +1), SAST (UTC +2), EAT (UTC +3)Product OwnerAbout Us:Soar is a global fintech startup that specializes in financing and investment. Currently headquartered in Saudi Arabia, Soar is growing throughout the region with a mission to help people achieve their financial goals with innovative financial and property investment solutions and tools through its multi-purpose platform, designed to offer a simple and seamless user experience.Role Purpose:SOAR is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Product Owner who excels at asking the right questions to uncover and document business requirements effectively. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in bridging the gap between business needs and technical solutions by gathering, analyzing, and clearly defining product requirements. Your ability to engage stakeholders, ask insightful questions, and translate business challenges into actionable requirements will be critical to the success of our product development. Join our team to help address our current challenges in extracting and documenting precise business requirements to deliver exceptional solutions.Job duties and Responsibilities:Requirements Management:Gather and analyze business needs through stakeholder collaboration and create detailed documentation and user storiesMaintain product backlog aligned with business goals,and ensure requirements are understood by all teamsStakeholder Management:Act as primary point of contact for requirements and build strong relationships with business stakeholdersManage expectations around scope, timelines, and trade-offs and represent customer and business needs consistentlyTeam Collaboration:Work with engineering, design, and cross-functional teams, participate in Agile ceremonies, support development teams during implementationPartner with QA for testable requirementsStrategic Leadership:Align requirements with company vision and define and communicate product roadmapMake informed decisions on scope and prioritiesIdentify requirement gaps and propose solutionsProcess ImprovementRefine requirements gathering process and collect post-delivery feedback and stay current with industry trendsEnhance product development practices.Requirements:7+ years of experience as a Product Owner, Product Manager, or in a similar role within the Fintech industry.Proven experience in developing and launching successful products in the Fintech domain.Strong understanding of Agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban).Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.Proven ability to write clear, concise, and well-structured documentation (especially PRDs).Experience using Jira for product backlog management.Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Degree in Business, Computer Science, or a related fieldPreferred Qualifications:Experience working on Finance, Credit, or Loans modules within a Fintech environment.Fluency in Arabic language.Notes:By clicking Apply, you will be automatically redirected to a 45-min exam. Please ensure that you are ready to begin, as the exam will start immediately upon redirection.Join us and get ready to Soar! Related Jobs See more Product jobs

If the reports are true, 2025 could mark a few significant firsts for the iPhone. Apple may release its first "slim" iPhone model, put its own 5G modems inside the iPhone for the first time and we may see the first iPhone SE with Face ID. Plus, we'll likely get a much closer look at Apple's AI plans for the iPhone, since the current wave of Apple Intelligence features feels like just the beginning.There's a lot riding on Apple's plans for the iPhone in 2025. At a time when consumers are holding onto their phones for longer periods of time, it's harder than ever to entice iPhone users to upgrade. According to a CNET survey in partnership with YouGov, 44% of smartphone owners only buy a new phone when their current one needs replacing.But with rumored new models like the iPhone 17 Slim and a redesigned cheaper iPhone, Apple could have an easier time exciting potential shoppers.If it gets it right, that is. If Apple does release a significantly thinner iPhone, there's a chance that the extra-svelte design will come at a higher cost. And given the lukewarm reception Apple Intelligence has gotten so far, the pressure will be on Apple to impress consumers with new features next year.Read more: Apple Watch Settings You Should Change for a Smoother Experience Watch this: See the iPhone 16's New Visual Intelligence in Action 03:39 The iPhone 17 Slim could be Apple's alternative to a foldable phone The iPhone 16 lineup (pictured) includes the standard, Plus, Pro and Pro Max models. But next year, Apple is rumored to be releasing a new "slim" model instead of the Plus. James Martin/CNETWhile Samsung, Google and other Android phone makers offer screens that fold in half, Apple is sticking with the same traditional bar shape the iPhone has had since its inception. But the company is reportedly considering shaking up the iPhone's design in a different way: by making it significantly thinner.Reports from The Information, Bloomberg and TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicate Apple may release a notably slimmer iPhone in 2025 instead of an iPhone 17 Plus.The phone's sleek looks would be its main attraction; it would likely have similar specifications as the standard iPhone 17 otherwise but with a few compromises. For example, Kuo reports that this phone would have a single rear camera instead of the double camera found on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. It would also have the same processor as the base iPhone 17, according to the analyst.The iPhone 17 Slim, if well received, could be just what Apple needs to get consumers excited about its non-Pro iPhones. That's to say, perhaps a snazzy redesign will coerce consumers to upgrade because they want to, not because they need to. Over the last two years, Apple's strategy has involved trickling features down from the Pro models, such as the Dynamic Island and the Action Button, to its standard iPhones to make them feel fresh and new compared to their predecessors.Read more: These 3 iPad Pro Features Should Come to the iPhoneBut with the iPhone 17 Slim, Apple would be introducing an entirely new style of iPhone for the first time since 2022, back when it launched the first Plus. Still, that phone didn't feel as novel and original as the iPhone 17 Slim likely will. Instead of just changing the size of the screen, it sounds like Apple is rethinking the iPhone's design in a way that would make it feel more portable and premium than a regular iPhone, a value proposition that's not too different from that of a flip phone-style foldable phone.Flip phones, for example, stand out for their unconventional looks and more compact designs. If Apple were to release a sleeker iPhone, it would presumably check both of those boxes, too.That said, there's a chance the iPhone 17 Slim will come with some tradeoffs, particularly around pricing since it could be more expensive than the Pro Max model, according to The Information. The phone's extreme thinness could also raise durability concerns, although it's impossible to know until Apple releases the product -- if it does at all. The device is said to be 6-millimeters thin, according to analyst Jeff Pu as MacRumors reported, which would make it notably sleeker than the 7.8mm iPhone 16.Otherwise, the iPhone 17 lineup will likely come with fresh processors from Apple and screens with higher refresh rates across all four models (only the Pros have this feature currently), according to ETNews. All new iPhone models will also reportedly have a higher resolution 24-megapixel selfie camera, says analyst Jeff Pu per MacRumors.iPhone SE may get a new look and the first Apple modem The next iPhone SE (not pictured) is rumored to look a lot like the iPhone 14. CNETThe iPhone SE is expected to get a glow up. The fourth-generation of Apple's entry-level phone, which the company is expected to release in 2025, is said to have an edge-to-edge display like Apple's other iPhones, Face ID, the Action button, a 48-megapixel camera and Apple Intelligence, according to reports from MacRumors, Bloomberg and Kuo. That would represent a huge overhaul from the current model, released back in 2022, which looks like an iPhone 8 with the same chip as the iPhone 13.Those changes alone could make the iPhone SE a compelling option for those looking to replace their current iPhone but don't need high-end specs like a smoother screen and additional camera. Android phones like the Google Pixel 8A have been leaving the iPhone SE in the dust in terms of design, screen size and camera capabilities, but it sounds like that could change with the next model.There's another reason why the iPhone SE 4 could be particularly special: It may provide a peek at Apple's first cellular modem. Apple is reportedly developing its own modem, which is the component that enables phones to connect to cellular networks, to reduce its reliance on long term partner and rival Qualcomm, according to Bloomberg. The iPhone SE 4 will be the first Apple product with the modem when it launches next spring, the report says, before making its way to more premium devices.Apple's first modem is said to be less capable than Qualcomm's; it won't, for example, support millimeter wave 5G, says Bloomberg. But the initiative would give Apple more control over its product development cycle, which could eventually result in new capabilities and better performance the same way its M-series chips have for the Mac.Smarter Apple Intelligence features Siri has a new look with Apple Intelligence. Numi Prasarn/CNETApple Intelligence, the company's first major push into consumer-facing AI, officially arrived in October, providing a glimpse into Apple's vision for how AI can make our phones more useful. But the first wave of features doesn't bring radical changes to the iPhone and neither did the second phase, which arrived in December.Apple Intelligence, in its current form, primarily consists of assistive tools for tasks such as erasing objects from photos, rewriting text and getting tech help from Siri, along with the ability to create emojis and images based on a prompt. Siri also now has ChatGPT integration, and iPhone 16 owners can use the camera button to launch Visual Intelligence, which lets you learn about the world around you using the camera.But next year, Apple will start laying the groundwork for what could be a larger shift in how we use our phones -- primarily thanks to Siri. Apple's virtual helper will be able to incorporate personal context into responses, take action within apps and understand what's on your phone's screen to assist with answering questions.Read more: I'm Not Impressed With AI on Phones Yet. What It Will Take to Change My MindThose changes could make Siri a far more capable virtual assistant and could perhaps set the stage for a broader shift towards the iPhone's software becoming more intelligent. Apple indeed has larger plans to revamp Siri with more sophisticated large language models (i.e. the same tech that fuels ChatGPT), according to Bloomberg. This new Siri would be capable of answering questions more quickly and in a more natural manner, more similar to Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT.But that overhaul isn't expected to arrive until 2026 even if Apple announces it next year, the report says. If accurate, this would mean Apple's true answer to OpenAI and Google's chatbot would come to the market much later than its competitors, putting more pressure on Apple's technology to be successful. But Apple sees this as a long-term play and would rather wait until it's perfected its own unique approach rather than rushing to catch up, which is its modus operandi."We view it sort of like multitouch, which enabled the smartphone revolution and the modern tablet," Apple CEO Tim Cook said to Wired's Steven Levy in a recent interview when asked if he had considered charging for Apple Intelligence.Don't expect to see a foldable iPhone in 2025 Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold is one of several foldable Android phones that aims to blend the experience of a phone and a tablet. James Martin/CNETRumblings of an iPhone that bends in half have circulated for years, but don't expect to see one anytime soon. Bloomberg reports that Apple is developing a foldable iPad and a bendable iPhone but notes that a foldable iPhone wouldn't arrive before 2026 at the earliest.Android phone makers have looked to foldable designs as a means to reinvigorate the smartphone market amid stalling sales and longer upgrade cycles. But even though the market for foldable phones is expected to grow by 10.5% in 2024 according to the International Data Corporation, growth is slowing as phonemakers -- particularly those in China, where foldables are particularly popular -- are shifting their focus to generative AI.Foldable phones can be beneficial for the right type of consumer, but their high prices make them hard to justify for most. Traditional phones are so ingrained in our lives that it's going to take a convincing argument to coerce shoppers into trying something new. The fact that Apple hasn't released a foldable phone yet -- and doesn't seem to be in a rush to do so -- suggests it may have the same perspective.Until Apple publicly announces its new products, nothing is certain. But if the reports turn out to be true, 2025 will have much more in store than your average iPhone launch. Given that Apple has a reputation for showing consumers why new technologies are useful rather than being first, the expectations for new products like Apple Intelligence (and perhaps eventually a foldable iPhone) are particularly high. Check Out the iPhone 16 Pro Max's Cameras, Display and Colors See all photos

Doctor Who wouldn't be Doctor Who without its Christmas specials. Since the show returned to television in 2005, we've been getting them yearly. The tradition continues this year with the self-contained episode Joy to the World. From the look of things, we'll all be taking a trip to the Time Hotel, where two Doctors, dinosaurs, and a whole bunch of craziness await.Ncuti Gatwareturns as the Fifteenth Doctor and is joined by Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan, who plays Joy in the episode. The cast includes Steph de Whalley, Jonathan Aris, Joey Fry, Peter Benedict, Julia Watson and Niamh Marie Smith. Stephen Moffat wrote the episode, and, most importantly, Russell T. Davies returned as the showrunner.I'm not saying this will be an excellent addition to the show's 20-year run of Christmas specials. But considering the team involved in front of and behind the camera, it sounds like it'll be an episode to remember.Read on to find out when to watch Doctor Who: Joy to the World and why a VPN could be a helpful tool.Read more: Not Into Charlie Brown? Get Into This Offbeat Kids' Christmas Special Instead Ncuti Gatwa is the Doctor and Nicola Couglan is Joy in the 2024 Doctor Who Christmas Special. Disney PlusHow to watch Doctor Who: Joy to the WorldDisney Plus will stream Doctor Who: Joy to the World on Wednesday, Dec. 25, at 12:10 p.m. ET (9:10 a.m. PT) in all regions except the UK and Ireland, where it'll air on the BBC. Sarah Tew/CNET Sign up for a standalone Disney Plus subscription with or without ads, or choose one of its bundle options. The service costs $8 to watch with ads, or $14 for the commercial-free version. Disney also packages its streaming services together Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN at a discount, letting you bundle two or three platforms in a single subscription. There are four bundles available now: Duo Basic, Duo Premium, Trio Basic and Trio Premium. See at Disney Plus

Data breach notices tell us that our personal data was compromised. In 2024 alone, major data breaches occurred at National Public Data, Change Healthcare and Ticketmaster, putting millions of consumers at risk of financial fraud and identity theft."On average, we have seen eight to nine data breach incidents every day," said Weiqing Sun, director of master's programs in cybersecurity at the University of Toledo. "More frequent and more significant data breaches will occur and keep affecting every one of us."If you receive a data breach letter in the mail, don't ignore it. It will inform you that an unauthorized party has gained access to internal company data and may possess your personally identifiable information like your name, phone number, Social Security number and more.Here's everything you should know about data breach notices.What's in a data breach notice?Data breach notices usually include the following information:Details about how and when the breach occurredA list of your personal data that might have been leaked to hackersAn explanation of what the company is doing to protect your data in the aftermathTips to help you keep your identity safeCompanies will regularly pay for free identity theft or credit monitoring services for affected customers. Activation codes are provided in the letter, but you must create the account yourself to take advantage of the offer. Depending on the severity of the breach, the free coverage lasts up to two years in most cases.Identity theft protection services help monitor your sensitive data on the dark web. Sometimes, these services can alert you that your data has been compromised before you even receive a notice. Most importantly, they come with identity restoration services if your identity is stolen."Try to take advantage of those services to get the protection," said Sun.When and how will a company send me a data breach notice?All states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands have passed laws requiring companies to notify customers of data breaches. The length of time varies by state, but notices are usually sent within 60 days after the data leak is discovered. Data breach notices come in the mail. If you receive a notice by email, text or phone call, it's likely a scam. If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a notice claiming your sensitive data has been compromised, contact the company directly or search online for coverage of the breach, Sun said.In addition to impacted customers, companies that suffer a cyberattack may alert state attorney general's offices, law enforcement, the three major credit bureaus, and the Securities and Exchange Commission, depending on the severity of the breach or state regulations.What should I do if I receive a letter in the mail?If you receive notice of a data breach by mail, follow the advice in the letter and take it seriously. You should be on the lookout for phishing attacks and regularly check your Experian, TransUnion and Equifax credit reports for unauthorized accounts opened in your name.If the company offers free identity theft protection, sign up for it. After the membership expires, you'll need to decide whether to pay to continue with the service or subscribe to another provider. Protect your personal data and get peace of mind withCNET's top pick for identity theft protection. See at Aura If your data is involved in another data breach in the future, you may sign up for additional free services offered to you later. What are some steps I can take to protect my data?Even if you aren't using an ID theft protection service, here are four things you can do for free to protect yourself:1. Change your password on the breached account, along with any other accounts with the same login credentials.2. Review your credit card and debit card statements at least once a month and look for any abnormalities3.Freeze your credit so that nobody can apply for a line of credit in your name (you'll have to unfreeze it yourself if you want to open a new account)4. Remain vigilant of phishing attacks by cybercriminals using your leaked information to trick you into sharing financial account information or other sensitive data