Author: Akin Naphtal

Vertiv has expanded its Liebert GXE series with the introduction of 1kVA to 3kVA capacities. This online double conversion, single-phase uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is designed for 230V applications and is now available across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Asia, and LATAM. The new models complete the Liebert GXE range from 1kVA to 10kVA. The Liebert GXE rack/tower models provide scalable runtime for applications that need extended backup during AC mains outages, achievable by adding up to four external battery cabinets, and a fast recharge time thanks to its powerful 6 Amp internal charger. The hot-swappable VRLA batteries…

Amazon is preparing to launch a paid version of its Alexa voice assistant as part of a strategic overhaul to address significant losses in its devices business. The division suffered over $25 billion in losses from 2017 to 2021. The new AI-enhanced Alexa, which may be priced at up to $10 per month, could debut as soon as this month, the Wall Street Journal has said. Despite the imminent launch, there are internal concerns about the project’s readiness. An employee who worked on the Alexa team revealed to the WSJ that the division is rushing to meet the deadline, even…

Wiz, an Israeli cybersecurity start-up, has ended acquisition talks with Google regarding a potential $23 billion deal. This decision shifts Wiz’s focus to its initial public offering (IPO) and achieving $1 billion in annual recurring revenue. The Chief Executive Officer, Wiz, Assaf Rappaport, explained the decision in a statement, saying: “Saying no to such humbling offers is tough, but with our exceptional team, I feel confident in making that choice.” The memo did not name Google or its parent company, Alphabet, and both companies declined to comment. Recall that Google was in advanced talks to acquire Wiz for approximately $23…

In the ever-evolving world of technology, Ericsson is once again leading the charge with its innovative Reduced Capability (RedCap) RAN software. The novel innovation is aimed to improving the capabilities of communication service providers, opening up a plethora of new opportunities beyond enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) on 5G standalone architecture. Imagine a world where smartwatches, wearables, and industry sensors are not only more efficient but also have significantly extended battery life. This is the world that Ericsson’s RedCap aims to create. By simplifying the complexity of devices and extending their battery life, RedCap is set to enhance existing 5G use…

Swedish audio-streaming giant, Spotify, has reported a record quarterly profit, causing its shares to rise over 14% in premarket trading by reducing costs through layoffs and cuts to its marketing budget last year, while simultaneously expanding its user base through promotions and new investments in podcasts. In the second quarter of 2024, Spotify saw its number of paying subscribers increase to 246 million, just above expectations. CEO Daniel Ek attributed this growth to the company’s diverse subscription offerings. “It really comes down to the number of subscription offerings we have now. We’re moving from one-size-fits-all to having something for everyone,”…

Google has announced that it will keep third-party cookies in its Chrome browser, instead of removing the tiny packets of code used to track users on the internet, despite concerns from advertisers and regulators about the potential impact on the digital advertising landscape. Advertisers, who represent Google’s primary source of revenue, have voiced worries that the elimination of cookies in the world’s most popular browser would hinder their ability to gather information for personalized ads. This, in turn, would increase their reliance on Google’s own user databases. Additionally, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has examined Google’s plan over…

Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), as part of its digital innovation and expansion, has partnered with Network International, the leading enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), to provide a robust processing platform for the hosting and issuing of cards. DTB, a tier one bank listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), has been operating in East Africa for 75 years of operation. It boasts a strong presence with over 155 branches across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi. The agreement with Network International is set to reinforce DTB’s digital-first strategy in the Kenyan market. This move comes…

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has announced a partnership with ZincFive, the world leader in nickel-zinc (NiZn) battery-based solutions for immediate power applications. This collaboration will see Vertiv adding the ZincFive BC Series uninterruptible power supply (UPS) Battery Cabinets to its range of battery systems available for data centre backup power. The safe and recyclable nickel-zinc batteries are compatible with select large and medium Vertiv™ UPS systems, including the recently launched Vertiv™ Trinergy. These batteries serve as a source of backup energy storage, aligning with Vertiv’s commitment to helping customers minimize the environmental footprint…

Egypt’s leading fintech company, MNT-Halan, has successfully raised $157.5 million in funding to support its upcoming international expansion. Established in 2018, MNT-Halan was designed to provide digital banking solutions to the unbanked and replace cash with electronic options. Its digital ecosystem offers a range of services, including small and micro-business lending, consumer finance, pre-paid cards, e-wallets, savings, payments, and e-commerce. Currently, MNT-Halan boasts over 2.2 million quarterly active users, has disbursed more than $4.4 billion in loans, and has served over seven million customers in Egypt. With this new capital injection, the company is poised to extend its reach beyond…

Uncover, a tech-enabled beauty brand, has secured $1.4 million in a Seed II funding round to enhance its technology platform, launch new products, and expand into new markets. Founded in 2021, Uncover is a women’s skincare brand that leverages data to create science-backed products tailored to the needs of women. The startup’s tech platform facilitates product discovery, provides educational information, and fosters community engagement, utilizing thousands of data points to personalize skincare solutions for its users. Uncover has built a digital community of over 200,000 women across Kenya, Nigeria, and the diaspora. Over the past two years, the company has…