Author: Akin Naphtal

Samsung is set to introduce its new artificial intelligence (AI) system, Galaxy AI, which will premier on the upcoming launch of the flagship Galaxy S24 series in January 2024, before expanding to other Samsung devices. While the name Galaxy AI may seem basic, the Samsung Galaxy series is a household name in Samsung markets, so having the AI retain the Galaxy moniker helps with continuity and brand recognition. The debut on the Galaxy S24 series is expected to showcase the AI’s capabilities, with subsequent availability on other Samsung smartphones. Reports suggest that the development of Galaxy AI involved Samsung collaborating…

US-based computer processor and graphics cards company, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), while launching its new generation of AI chips on Wednesday, 6th December, has estimated its 2023 market for data centre AI processors to be worth $45 billion, This projection marks a $15 billion increase from AMD’s $30 billion estimate a year ago, which showed the growing demand for AI-related technologies, and has led AMD to focus on capturing more of the market. The two new AI data centre chips, part of AMD’s MI300 lineup, cater to specific applications. One chip is designed for generative AI applications, while the other…

US Senator Ron Wyden, in a letter addressed to the US Department of Justice, has raised concerns about unidentified governments engaging in surveillance of smartphone users through their apps’ push notifications. In the letter, Wyden asserted that foreign officials have been compelling Alphabet’s Google and Apple to provide data. While details about the surveillance are limited, the letter shows a new avenue through which governments can monitor smartphones. Push notifications are integral to various apps, alerting users to incoming messages, news updates, and other information. These notifications typically travel through Google and Apple’s servers, giving these companies unique insights into…

Meta Platforms has announced its implementation of end-to-end encryption for all personal chats and calls on Messenger and Facebook in its bid to enhance user privacy and security on the platforms. The new encryption feature will be made immediately available for use, although the comprehensive update across all Messenger accounts might take some time. While Messenger had previously offered the option to activate end-to-end encryption, allowing messages to be accessed only by the sender and designated recipients, Meta says this latest change ensures that messages will be automatically encrypted by default. The move aligns with Meta’s commitment to prioritizing user…

In response to a recent decline in device sales, Apple is gearing up to launch several new models in early 2024, with a lineup which includes an upgraded MacBook Air with a faster M3 processor, marking a move towards in-house design for the chip. According to sources cited by Bloomberg News, two more updated iPad models are in the works to reinvigorate the tablet segment. A notable feature of the new iPad Air is the introduction of two different sizes, offering users more choice. The Pro model, on the other hand, is expected to feature OLED screens, enhancing the display…

Facebook parent company, Meta Platforms, has announced plans to incorporate invisible watermarking into its text-to-image generation product, Imagine with Meta AI chatbot, in the coming weeks. The move aims to bolster transparency in the use of AI-generated images. The social media giant unveiled a suite of products leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for consumers in late September, including chatbots capable of generating photo-realistic images and smart glasses equipped to respond to user queries. In a blog post, Meta stated its intention to extend invisible watermarking to various products featuring AI-generated images in the future. This watermarking technology is designed to resist…

Rami Moussawi, Senior Product Manager at ST Engineering iDirect and Chris Green discuss the digital divide in Africa and the company initiatives in the region. We’re here at AfricaCom 2023. I’m with Rami Moussawi, who’s the Senior Product Manager at ST Engineering iDirect. Rami, it’s good to have you here. Good to talk with you. What are you showcasing at AfricaCom this year? We have a broad range of solutions covering various sectors such as seller, backhaul, enterprise, mobility, media and broadcast, and government and defense. Our goal is to address the digital divide by leveraging satellite technology. I’m focused…

Tizeti, West Africa’s pioneering solar-based internet service provider, has announced that it has made strategic leadership appointments as part of its ongoing expansion efforts. Lydia Asogwa Anyimson assumes the role of Country Manager for West Africa, while Ehimen Iziengbe joins as Vice President, Engineering. Kendall Ananyi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Tizeti, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Lydia Asogwa Anyimson and Iziengbe Ehimen to the leadership team. Lydia’s extensive experience in telecommunications and successful leadership in Ghana positions her perfectly for our West Africa expansions. Ehimen’s expertise in Network Operations, and Cloud will be instrumental…

The MTN Group has officially announced the appointment of Selorm Adadevoh, current Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Adadevoh will succeed Jens Schulte-Bockum, who is stepping down as Group Chief Operating Officer at the end of his contract term in March 2024. A statement from MTN said Jens Schulte-Bockum will step down from his executive role on 31 March 2024 but will remain a non-executive director on the boards of major subsidiaries – MTN South Africa, MTN Nigeria, and Bayobab. “We congratulate Selorm on his new appointment and thank him for successfully leading…

Ericsson has partnered with etisalat by e& to deploy a zero-footprint radio access network (RAN) site in its network in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in line with e&’s sustainability strategy. The deployment focuses on carbon emission reduction, energy efficiency enhancement and resource conservation, which also aligns with the objectives of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. The partners have upgraded an existing high-configuration radio site, located in Dubai, using a combination of Ericsson’s zero-footprint solution and the latest generation of Ericsson Radio System multi-band, multi-sector and multi-technology products. Evolution to a zero-footprint RAN site eliminated the need…