Author: Akin Naphtal

Apple Pay Later, which allows users to split the cost of an Apple Pay purchase into four equal payments over six weeks without interest or late fees, is now available to all users in the United States. Initially released to a limited number of users in March, Apple Pay Later was announced during the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2022. Users can apply for a loan within the Wallet app and, once approved, can select the “Pay Later” option when using Apple Pay at checkout. Payment information and reminders can be accessed in the Wallet app. The new service…

Netflix has recently implemented new rules regarding password sharing, and it’s possible that the cost of the streaming service may increase for customers who wish to keep sharing their accounts. Earlier this year, Netflix informed its users in the U.S. about these changes and sent emails to customers who were sharing their accounts with people outside of their households. Subsequently, they introduced paid sharing options in approximately 100 countries, which account for 80% of their revenue. In a letter to shareholders published in July, Netflix stated that revenue in each region where password sharing has been restricted has increased, with…

Airtel Money has announced a significant revision in its transfer and withdrawal transaction charges, in its bid to provide cost-effective solutions for its customers across various platforms. The revision process starts on Thursday, 25th October. The company will continue to offer free transfers when sending money from one Airtel number to another, demonstrating its dedication to affordability and ease of use. Airtel Money also promises to maintain competitive withdrawal fees and costs for transferring money to other networks compared to current market rates. Managing Director of Airtel Money Kenya ,Anne Kinuthia-Otieno, mentioned that the company’s dedication to its customers ensured…

Google plans to implement a new policy on its Play Store, requiring developers of Android apps to include a feature for reporting offensive AI-generated content. This move comes in response to the rise of problematic generative AI apps, including those that produce inappropriate or misleading content. By enabling users to flag and report such content within the app, developers can improve their filtering and moderation techniques. Concerns have been raised about AI image generators being used for nefarious purposes, such as creating explicit material or spreading misinformation during elections. The new policy states that AI-generated content examples include chatbots that…

Ten years ago, IBM Research launched its first lab in Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. Just three years later, we opened a second location at the University of the Witwatersrand, in South Africa’s Johannesburg. Over the decade, our labs have become the epicentre for IBM research in Africa, and an integral part of our mission to invent and build what’s next in computing. And today, we’re celebrating our first decade in Africa, the work we’ve achieved, and all that lies ahead. At an event at our Nairobi lab, leaders from across IBM Research, including Darío Gil, IBM senior vice president and…

Kenya’s Information, Communication & Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary, Eliud Owalo, has announced the plans of the Kenyan government to provide technological infrastructure and inclusive connectivity for all. At the 14th Annual ICT Management and Leadership Conference of the Computer Society of Kenya, Owalo announced that the government is implementing market interventions to make Kenya a constant net user of ICT equipment and software. He announced that the ministry is collaborating with tech companies and the private sector to launch locally made smart phones, which will cost around Sh6, 000 per unit according to the ministry’s feasibility studies. “We are rolling…

A new service that caters to the needs of people with special needs was launched by MTN Uganda on Saturday, October 21st, 2023, at their Service Centre in Lugogo Forest Mall, marking a milestone in digital inclusion.  With this initiative, MTN Uganda, a leading provider of telecommunications and digital solutions, is taking a huge step towards making digital access more inclusive and equitable for everyone, no matter what their abilities or situations are. As this aligned with MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 (UNSDG 10), the  event was graced by various stakeholders, such as representatives…

In a series of impactful engagements, newly instated CEO of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Jane Egerton-Idehen, has engaged key NIGCOMSAT stakeholders as she seeks to efficiently deliver NIGCOMSAT’s mission. The discussions focused on creating an effective and innovative working environment to enhance the execution of NIGCOMSAT’s mandate, which is to provide ubiquitous high-speed coverage over areas that terrestrial network operators cannot reach. This follows the tone set by Nigeria’s Minister for Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, who has highlighted the importance of NIGCOMSAT’s role in the nation’s telecommunications and technology landscape. There were further meetings…

Music streaming platform, Spotify Technology, has released its quarterly report, showcasing growth in all regions, and exceeding expectations. Additionally, the company projected that it would reach 601 million monthly listeners by the end of 2023. Notably, Spotify achieved a quarterly profit of €32 million, its first since 2021, due to improved gross margin and reduced marketing and personnel expenses. During the July-September period, Spotify experienced a significant increase in its gross margin, reaching 26.4%, which was 166 basis points higher than the previous year. Despite investing over €1 billion in its podcast business, the company has been focused on cost…

KCB Bank Kenya has partnered with Mastercard to launch the World Elite Exclusive Credit Card, catering to high-end and private banking customers. This collaboration is a significant step for the bank in providing a top-tier offering for its high net-worth clientele. The Mastercard-branded cards will be available in two categories: World Elite KES Credit for transactions in Kenyan Shillings, and World Elite USD Credit for frequent international transactions in US Dollars. In addition, the Kenyan bank has introduced the World Debit card, offering exclusive benefits and a personalized banking experience. Managing Director of KCB Bank Kenya, Annastacia Kimtai, highlighted the…