Author: Akin Naphtal

Chinese consumer electronics giant Xiaomi, on Sunday, 25th February, launched its latest AI-enhanced smartphones and wearable gadgets, ahead of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, to be held from 26th to 29th February 2024. The centrepiece of Xiaomi’s announcement was the introduction of the new 14 Series smartphones, featuring cutting-edge AI technology and a focus on photography capabilities. The flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra, developed in partnership with renowned German camera-maker Leica, boasts a quad-camera setup, while the more compact Xiaomi 14 offers a triple-camera configuration. Both devices integrate large AI models into various applications, enabling features such as real-time…

Apple has announced an upgrade to the cryptographic security of its iMessage platform, introducing PQ3, a post-quantum cryptographic protocol which provides extensive defences against highly sophisticated attacks. In a blog post Apple described PQ3 as the most significant cryptographic security upgrade in iMessage history. The protocol offers compromise-resilient encryption and is designed to protect against potential future threats posed by quantum computers. PQ3 achieves what Apple refers to as “Level 3 security,” providing robust protection for both initial key establishment and ongoing message exchange. PQ3 will gradually roll out for supported iMessage conversations starting with iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS…

Ghanaian clean energy startup, Kofa, has partnered Kenya’s Autopax to introduce a model of electric motorcycles tailored for the African market, with the unveiling happening during a signing ceremony in Nairobi on 15th February 2024, The new model of electric motorcycles is expected to herald a new era for eco-friendly transport solutions in Kenya and across the continent. This partnership aligns with Kenya’s President William Ruto’s Government Green Transport Initiative, reflecting Kenya and Ghana’s commitment to leading sustainable mobility solutions in Africa. The collaboration aims to address pressing climate change challenges and significantly reduce carbon emissions. The high-tech electric motorcycle,…

Tech giant Apple has cautioned users against placing a wet iPhone in grains of rice, with the company suggesting that this method could potentially worsen the situation by allowing small particles of rice to damage the device’s internals. The warning from Apple coincides with similar advice from repair experts, who have found that the rice hack works slower than simply allowing the wet iPhone to air dry on a counter. Time is of the essence in such scenarios, as the primary goal is to prevent water from causing irreparable damage to the device’s electronic components. In a support document Apple…

Nigeria’s Ekiti State, supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), is embarking on the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) initiative, which aims to create an ecosystem where educators, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and industries converge to drive transformative change. The AfDB has committed $80 million in loan financing for the EKZ, which is complemented by a $14.8 million funding from the Ekiti State Government, the total investment stands at $94.8 million. This funding will fuel the development of world-class infrastructure and initiatives aimed at fostering digital entrepreneurship and job creation. Recognising the potential of the EKZ to help economic growth, the Federal…

A recent survey conducted by South African (SA) computer security service, KnowBe4 AFRICA, has shown that many people often share personal information with generative AI tools, sparking concerns from tech experts over potential risks and the need for enhanced user education. Spanning 1,300 respondents across ten African and Middle Eastern countries including SA, Botswana, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, Mauritius, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the survey found that 63% of users are open to sharing their personal data with generative AI tools like ChatGPT. Eighty three percent of respondents expressed confidence in the accuracy and reliability of these AI technologies.…

The Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Lagos State University (LASU) has introduced launched the LASU Staff Corner mobile application, an innovative platform which serves as a full resource hub designed for the institution’s staff, in a bid to quicken operations and foster greater efficiency. Unveiled by the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the LASU Staff Corner app is set to revolutionise the way staff members access crucial information and navigate the university’s policies and regulations. During the unveiling ceremony held at the Senate Chamber of the university, Prof. Olatunji-Bello highlighted the app’s pivotal role in…

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions, Yango has unveiled its latest venture Yango Play, an AI-powered entertainment service which integrates video streaming, music, and mini-games into a single platform, setting a new standard for immersive entertainment experiences. Yango Play’s offers subscribers a diverse array of options including exclusive premieres of both Arabic and international movies and series, personalised music streaming, and interactive mini-games. Yango Play also incorporates Yasmina, an AI-based Arabic voice assistant, which enhances user interactions and effortlessly guides them through the app. Available initially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), United Arab Emirates (UAE),…

South African solar startup, Hohm Energy, has secured $8 million in seed funding from investors, E3 Capital and 4DX Ventures, marking the largest seed round ever amassed by a South African technology startup. Established in 2021 by visionaries Tim Ohlsen and Emir Gluhbegovic, Hohm Energy has swiftly proven itself a trailblazer in South Africa’s renewable energy landscape. Their innovative platform offers a dual solution, enabling customers to digitally determine their properties’ solar energy needs, while facilitating access to credit financing for rooftop solar installations. Moreover, the platform streamlines the entire process for solar installers, enabling them to efficiently design, manage,…

According to a recent report from Bloomberg, social media platform, Reddit has signed a deal with an undisclosed AI company, permitting them to train their models on the platform’s content. The move coincides with Reddit’s anticipated initial public offering (IPO), which could potentially debut as soon as next month. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Reddit disclosed the deal earlier in 2024 to potential investors, with the contract estimated to be valued at $60 million annually. This agreement, if finalised, could serve as a precedent for future collaborations with other AI firms, as speculated by Bloomberg insiders. In light…