Latest news with #Zayne
Geek Culture
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Culture
Singapore's First 'Love and Deepspace' Pop-up Event To Steal Hearts In Jul 2025
The heart wants what it wants, even light-years away. After charming players right, left, and centre for the past year, Infold Games' popular otome title – referring to a story-based romance game targeted towards women – Love and Deepspace is bringing its magic to the real world, including Singapore. In a first for the country, ave8 at Resorts World Sentosa will play host an immersive exhibition for the game to mark its latest version update. The event is scheduled to run from 18 to 31 July, but there's a catch: doors are only open on weekends (Friday to Sunday), 11am to 7pm, offering a tight limited-time window for fans to experience it in person. Alongside themed decoration and photo opportunities along the stairs, visitors can look forward to life-sized standees of Xavier, Zayne, Rafayel, Sylus, and Caleb. Complete the designated event activity to enter a special giveaway, with exclusive official merchandise award to 50 lucky winners, including the grand prize of a one-night stay at Hotel Ora. More details about the event are expected nearer to the date. The Love and Deepspace pop-up exhibition in Singapore is part of a bigger celebration that brings offline events to different parts of the world. The Global Expo Tour was also announced for Los Angeles' Anime Expo, taking place from 3 to 7 July, Bilibili World in Shanghai (11 to 13 July), Gamescom in Cologne (20 to 24 August), and Tokyo Game Show (25 to 28 September). Four pieces of exclusive merchandise will be available during these dates: Witness by Deepspace Large Paper Bag, Sworn by Love Photo Card, Light Blooms Transparent Fan, and Blissful Secret Ribbon. As for in-game rewards, a surprise collaboration with fashion brand Jimmy Choo welcomes an 'exquisitely recreated' version of its Cinderella shoes and jewellery. Love and Deepspace Version 4.0 comes to Android and iOS devices on 3 July, featuring brand-new 5-Star Interactive Memories, a free wedding dress for the player character, a new Caleb 5-Star card, and more. Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth's theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia's greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really. InFold Games Love and Deepspace resorts world sentosa Singapore
Time of India
7 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
UAE International Yoga Day: Sania Mirza joins thousands at Abu Dhabi as UAE hosts nationwide yoga events
Events held at ADNEC, Expo Centre Sharjah, and Danube Sports World brought together thousands across the UAE to mark the day with large-scale yoga sessions/ Image: X India in dubai On a luminous Saturday morning, the UAE woke up to more than just a sunrise. From Dubai's indoor arenas to the grand halls of Abu Dhabi and the vibrant pavilions of Sharjah, the country transformed into a massive yoga studio in celebration of International Yoga Day . Thousands of residents of all ages and backgrounds rolled out their mats, straightened their spines, and opened their hearts, not just in physical practice, but in a shared experience of mindfulness, movement, and community healing. The spirit of unity and wellness echoed from Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) to Danube Sports World in Dubai, with every venue seeing strong turnouts. Former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza was among the high-profile attendees, joining the Abu Dhabi celebrations alongside Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE's Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Sanjay Sudhir, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE. — indembabudhabi (@indembabudhabi) A Morning of Milestones: Abu Dhabi Leads with Dignity and Heart In Abu Dhabi, the yoga session began at 10am at ADNEC, where the venue was filled wall-to-wall with yoga mats as instructors led a synchronized group session. The event drew thousands and stood out not only for its scale but also for its sense of occasion and inclusivity. A standout moment came when Zayne Merzi Sodawaterwala, a teenager on the autism spectrum, was honoured for a groundbreaking achievement. Zayne set a world record by becoming the fastest person to complete a 10km inline skate, clocking an impressive 40 minutes and 4 seconds. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's What a 6-Hours Gutter Upgrade Should Cost You LeafFilter Partner Undo The award was presented by Sanjay Sudhir, who said, 'We are celebrating Zayne's achievement and yoga together. Yoga teaches us focus, balance, and discipline. His story inspires all of us.' Zayne, visibly moved, shared: 'Today is also UAE Father's Day, and UAE is like my home. It's a gift for my father. It's a great feeling to receive this award on such a special day.' He added: 'My journey was never about glory, it was about a father's prayer to see his son live a life of joyful independence with passion and purpose. Today, with God's grace, this recognition means the world because it says to every child like me – you matter, and your story matters.' Sharjah Shines in the Evening: Wellness, Wisdom, and Community Spirit As daylight faded, Sharjah stepped into the spotlight. Hosted by the Consulate General of India in Dubai, the Expo Centre Sharjah came alive with yet another mass yoga gathering, this one marked by a distinctive family-friendly energy. Crowds began gathering as early as 5:30pm, and among them were hundreds of schoolchildren from local institutions, eager to immerse themselves in the ancient healing practice. The event was more than a visual spectacle, it served as a communal classroom. Instructors demonstrated accessible postures while healthcare professionals spoke about yoga's practical benefits, including its ability to aid digestion, ease hernias, and support internal healing when practiced regularly under proper guidance. Speaking to local news outlet Khaleej Times, participant Meenakshi Raman, who attended the session with her 12-year-old daughter, shared: 'We do yoga at home every morning, but today felt very special. Practicing in a large group like this gives you more energy. You meet others who are also passionate about wellness, and you pick up new techniques.' Dubai: A Breath of Stillness in a City of Motion In the heart of Dubai, where movement often defines daily life, the yoga celebration took a different turn, inward. The city's Danube Sports World, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, hosted an indoor yoga event that welcomed over 300 participants. Attendees ranged from long-time practitioners to influencers, families, and curious first-timers. The evening's focus was clear: breathe deeply, rest consciously, and reflect purposefully. The program emphasized breathwork and deep relaxation techniques, offering a pause in the rush of daily routine. Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group and a regular yoga enthusiast, described the session as transformative: 'The breathing session was incredibly powerful. In our fast-paced lives, we forget to pause. Yoga teaches us to breathe right, and that one habit can change your life.' He added: 'Yoga is more than movement. It is reflection, it is grounding, and it is a path to healing, both individually and collectively. With so much happening around us globally, it is essential that we pause, reflect, and come together to heal as a community.' Also in attendance was Ahmad Ibrahim Busherin, head of the sponsorship and partnership section at Dubai Sports Council, who emphasized the council's commitment: 'This event reflects our commitment to encouraging healthy, active lifestyles across the UAE. We are proud to support such initiatives that inspire physical and mental well-being.' he said. International Yoga Day 2024 was not merely observed in the UAE. It was embraced, embodied, and elevated to a collective expression of purpose. The scale was vast, but what truly stood out was the spirit: here, yoga wasn't about performance, it was about presence. And everywhere, that presence was palpable.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Time of India
Indian-origin autistic teen seeks US patent for universal human invention using AI
Live Events An autistic Indian-origin teenager has co-filed for a US patent for an invention that is designed to meet the needs of neurodiverse, disadvantaged, and underserved populations, while remaining universally applicable and desirable for users of all 15-year-old Zayne, an inline skating champion, and his father Merzi Sodawaterwala recently co-filed the patent with the United States Patents and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the invention that reimagines how people move, learn, and grow - across physical, cognitive, and emotional dimensions - while using the Artificial Intelligence for unified innovation "integrates intelligent mobility, multi-sensory adaptive coaching, regenerative wearables, immersive technology, and sustainability-first design," Merzi Sodawaterwala said about the invention that his son, a grade IX student, inspired."This is not just innovation-it is a generational blueprint for an equitable, connected, and resilient world. The invention's applications span education, wellness, smart cities, climate action, and social innovation -- enabling scalable solutions to the challenges that define our time," Sodawaterwala told Sodawaterwala family is a UAE golden visa holder entrepreneurs and pioneers in technology. "Zayne's achievements in inline skating have redefined inclusion, rewriting the narrative that autism is not a limitation," said the proud March 5, Zayne shattered the Guinness World Record in inline skating -- completing 10 kms (II1) in 40 minutes and 04 seconds -- at Dubai's Al Qudra Track, becoming the first neurodivergent person with autism in world history to achieve this title, and the youngest ever in world history at age 14 at that time (minimum age requirement is 16). Zayne turned 15 on June March itself, Zayne did 42.55 kms (surpassing a full marathon distance and 8+ laps of Abu Dhabi Yas Marina F1 Circuit) in just 4 hours and 27 seconds at Al Barsha Pond Park, which "redefined global limits for the Special Olympics, where inline skating is currently capped at just 100m," and led to Zayne's induction into Special Olympics UAE National Team."Zayne taught himself to skate-without a coach or formal training. His journey is transforming the narrative around autism, challenging outdated perceptions of balance, focus, learning, composure, and independent navigation," his father said.
Cosmopolitan
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Love and Deepspace Review 2025: Am I Falling for Xavier?
Late last year, I saw an ad on TikTok for a story-based romance video game called Love and Deepspace, a dating simulation otome game, a Japanese term that translates to 'maiden game.' It's targeted to women and follows a female main character who has lived dozens of lifetimes in a futuristic reality full of monsters called Wanderers. The twist? As you try to figure out the truth of the main character's many lives, you encounter five men she's had romantic connections with in her past. You go on dinner dates that turn into steamy encounters, you flirt over text, and at one point, you even fight battles in an alternate world. Thanks to aggressive marketing on TikTok and some sexy billboards in hot spots like Times Square, Love and Deepspace has become one of the biggest titles around the world. According to Sensor Tower, the game made $65.6 million in April 2025 alone. Love and Deepspace creator Infold Games revealed that 50 million players have joined the game in its first year. This was my first proper otome game and from the moment I downloaded it, I was hooked. It was so…simple. The relationships were established. The main character and her five boyfriends were soulmates. And even when the boyfriends end up in cages because they've been affected by a disease that makes them sexually feral, their history and loving characteristics were always still there. There were no hassles around dating and figuring out where we stand. The hard part of falling in love was gone. This could not be further from my actual dating experience. No matter how many times I reactivate my dating app profiles or attempt to talk to someone at a bar, I just never can seem to take dating seriously. It takes so much time and effort to find someone special. I don't have a long list of must-haves or wants. I'm simply looking for someone to put me first, take a genuine interest in me, and make a decision or two instead of saying, 'It's up to you.' While I'm known as the romance queen with my love for the genre in books (I'm an editor for Cosmo Reads, our romance imprint), TV, and movies, I've never actually felt wanted or desired by anyone before. So I figure if it's never happened, why chase it? And yet, here I was 'talking' to five different guys. The love interests in the game (Xavier, Zayne, Rafayel, Sylus, and Caleb) all have their distinct personalities, jobs, and storylines. The main character is not exactly dating them all at the same time, but rather the user is going through five different storylines. This means that each time I open the game, there's something different. Want to play with a virtual claw machine to win some plushies? One of the guys will use their special powers to help you. Need to study or work out? They'll be right by your side, motivating you along the way. Some memories feature romantic moments like the first time you spent the night together. You can even listen to recorded audio that includes spicy double entendres. One of my favorite moments in the game isn't a date at all. In one of Sylus's storylines, the main character comes to one of his houses (yes, he has multiple homes for his own safety because he runs a black-market organization) after getting injured on a mission. He not only bandages her up, he also helps get rid of the enemies who are following her. Maybe it's because, as an eldest daughter, I'm usually the one taking care of everything and holding it all together. But seeing her getting protected, feeling safe, and fully trusting someone else? To me, there's nothing hotter. While I know these guys aren't real and that they're not actually interacting with me, the game does fill a void. Dating in New York City often consists of little more than one-night stands and basic conversations. It can feel impossible to get to know a person. The boys of Love and Deepspace, on the other hand, actually listen to the main character's problems and yearn for her. Chatting with them feels similar to the moment when my favorite 'ship gets together in a TV show or the enemies-to-lovers are forced to share a bed in the book I'm reading. Only this time, it feels tailor-made for me. That's because the main character, who I named Tammy (my nickname), looks like me. While fiction created a safe haven for me to experience romantic feelings through the eyes of different characters, as a 5-feet tall, size 12 Latina, there is almost no representation of women like me in these stories. In Love and Deepspace, however, I am the sexy, desired love interest. I am also a feisty fighter, unafraid to stand on my own and never deterred by monsters or even a bad day at work. Besides a confusing backstory about reincarnation, the character is a blank slate, which means almost anyone can place themselves in her shoes. You know that you're not actually her, but when a sexy doctor is confessing his love, well, you start to get some feelings. That's not to say that I'm actually falling in love with these guys nor do I feel like they could ever replace an actual dating life, but the game give me something my romantic side has always longed for. It's also a lot easier to stay in bed, log onto my account, and replay one of their scenes than find an actual person on a dating app to go on a very likely disappointing date with. I am definitely not the only person who feels this way. High spenders in the game get special VIP perks including a gift box with 'handwritten notes' from the love interests and many women have said they'd rather spend their money on the guys in the game than go on actual dates. In China, where the game originates, players have the option to talk to the guys via their microphone and get AI-generated responses. It's another example of AI as an open, nonjudgmental ear for our problems. Some players say the game has helped them realize what they were missing in their own real-life relationships. According to one redditor, the game helped them learn what it 'means to be loved and treasured.' Some players are lobbying for the game to be rated 17+ so they can get even more explicit (it's currently rated 12+ in the Apple Game Store). While, for me, the game won't be an actual replacement for dating, it did help me realize that when it comes to relationships I want more of that yearning. I want a supportive partner who will be with me in both the good and the bad. I want someone who truly loves me for me. Who is excited for my wins and can comfort me during my losses. It even showed me that while I love dark, broody characters in fiction, I might actually be interested in shy, sunny personalities IRL. It also showed me that I deserve someone who desires me and it gave me hope that someone might be out there. It took the main character several lifetimes to be able to find the loves of her life again, so I can definitely be patient. In the meantime, I'll be playing with my five fictional boyfriends. So if you happen to be a hot cardiac surgeon named Zayne, well, I've been waiting for you.
Gulf Insider
16-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Insider
AI Replaces Boyfriends In China, Making Entrepreneur Yao Runhao A Billionaire
When relationship issues are brought up with women, a typical pattern is observed: their boyfriends do not respond quickly to messages, ignore on-time calls, and are impatient to hear about their day-to-day experiences. What if technology fixed these problems? Although this may not be an idea that rings true for most in India, it has caught on big in China, where virtual boyfriends powered by artificial intelligence (AI) have been a surprise hit. The entrepreneur behind this creative solution has even become a billionaire, and his success definitely highlights the increasing need for such unusual partnerships. According to Forbes, Alicia Wang, a 32-year-old editor at a Shanghai-based newspaper, has found the ideal boyfriend: Li Shen, a 27-year-old surgeon who goes by the English nickname Zayne. Tall and handsome, Zayne responds quickly to text messages, answers the phone promptly and listens patiently to Wang recounting the highs and lows of her day. Zayne's only drawback: he doesn't exist outside a silicon chip. The news portal further mentioned that Wang is one of an estimated six million monthly active players of the popular dating simulation game Love and Deepspace. Launched in January 2024 and developed by Shanghai-based Paper Games, it uses AI and voice recognition to make its five male characters-the love interests or boyfriends-flirt with tailored responses to in-game phone calls. The smartphone game, which is available in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean, has become so popular that, based on Forbes estimates, Yao Runhao, the 37-year-old creator of Paper Games, now has a wealth of $1.3 billion from his majority stake in the company. Click here to read more…
