Author: Akin Naphtal

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…

IT services company Accenture has joined hands with multinational consumer goods firm Unilever to tap into Unilever’s AI research and technology implementation. The collaboration aims to enhance productivity, drive efficiencies, and accelerate disruptive AI-powered innovations on a large scale. As per the company the collaboration will kick off from Unilever’s recently opened global AI Lab, Horizon3 Labs, located in Toronto. Accenture also has one of its six Gen AI studios in North America. The joint efforts will focus on exploring new applications to scale generative AI. This may involve utilising assets from Accenture’s AI Navigator or its proprietary “switchboard”,…

Clearwave Fiber has made significant progress building a state-of-the art, all-Fiber Internet network in Lake City, Fla, with several thousand residents in the area now able to receive the most advanced internet technology available. This expansion is part of the company’s effort to deliver Fiber Internet service to thousands of homes and businesses across the state. “We’ve now launched our services and installed many customers in Lake City, thanks to the efforts of our construction crews and the ease of working with local officials and businesses,” said Clearwave Fiber’s Southeast Region President Ashley Phillips. “We’re excited to bring superior speed…

Liquid Intelligent Technologies has announced the appointment of Lerato Dipuo Phueginia Pule as the new chief financial officer (CFO) for its South African operations, effective from 1 February 2024. Commenting on the appointment, Deon Geyser, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa, warmly welcomed Lerato to the executive team, praising her extensive industry knowledge and proven track record. “As a results-driven leader, she will be instrumental in overseeing Liquid South Africa’s financial strategy as the organisation continues to build on its vision of a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind while enhancing shareholder value,” he said. Dipuo is…