Author: Akin Naphtal

Google has launched the Pixel Camera v9.4 update, introducing several significant enhancements for the Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel Fold devices. This update will elevate the user experience with new features and improvements. One of the unique features of the 2024 update is the Pro Lens selection. It allows users to manually choose between Ultra-Wide (UW), Wide (W), and Telephoto (T) lenses on their latest Pixel devices, providing greater control and clarity over photo captures. The update also has an improved High Dynamic Range (HDR+) improving the frame selection process, which automatically selects the best frame from…

Anthropic, an artificial intelligence (AI) startup, is preparing to launch a new AI model named Claude 3.5 Sonnet, positioning itself in direct competition with OpenAI. The company had previously introduced Claude 3 in March 2024 and has now updated it to Claude 3.5, boasting significantly improved speed and efficiency. According to the company, the new version of the model operates twice as fast as its predecessor, showcasing enhanced capabilities in critical areas such as coding and text-based reasoning. Anthropic claims that Claude 3.5 will surpass leading competitors like OpenAI in these aspects. Daniela Amodei, president of the tech startup, expressed…

Graphics card and AI chipmaker, Nvidia, has cemented its status as the world’s most valuable company, with its shares surging by 2.5% on Thursday, setting another record, following Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, ordering servers from Nvidia’s partners, Dell Technologies and Super Micro Computer, for his AI startup, xAI. Nvidia’s market capitalisation surpassed that of Microsoft on Tuesday, and is set to add nearly $84 billion to its last close market value of $3.34 trillion, reaching a new level of $138.99 per share. In contrast, Microsoft had a market value of $3.32 trillion as of its last close, with shares down…

Kenya’s leading telecommunication company, Safaricom, has partnered with Pezesha, a digital loan lender, to offer credit to small business owners, expanding Safaricom’s range of loan products. Safaricom currently offers about seven loan products, including the land loan, Ustawi loan, and Fanikisha loan. The new product, Mkopo wa Pochi, allows small business owners to borrow money directly through their M-Pesa business accounts. M-PESA is Africa’s most successful mobile money service and fintech platform, serving approximately 51 million customers. Meanwhile, Pochi is accessible through Safaricom’s M-Pesa super app via an update and complements Pochi la Biashara, Safaricom’s business wallet for small business…

Russian multinational cybersecurity firm, Kaspersky, has uncovered a new phishing scheme where cybercriminals target Facebook business accounts by using legitimate Facebook infrastructure to send deceptive emails to such accounts with threats of account suspension. These fraudulent emails, originating from Facebook, attack accounts with messages such as “24 Hours Left to Request Review. See Why.” Clicking on the email link takes the user to a genuine Facebook page displaying a similar warning. From there, the user is redirected to a phishing site disguised with Meta branding, which further reduces the time to resolve the issue from 24 to 12 hours. Initially,…

Liquid Intelligent Technologies has announced the expansion of its fibre network in Rwanda to the regions of Nyamata, Huye, Muhanga, and Rusizi, to provide high-speed internet connectivity to homes and businesses with a specially reduced-cost package for new subscribers. Since 2017, Liquid Home has been a leader in connecting homes across Africa to fibre and delivering high-speed internet. The latest expansion in Rwanda aligns with the vision of creating a digitally connected nation. With the inclusion of Nyamata, Huye, Muhanga, and Rusizi, alongside previously connected cities and estates in Kigali and other districts such as Rubavu and Musanze, Liquid is…

Orange Energies, a subsidiary of Orange, a telecommunication giant, has announced the expansion of its digital platform, Orange Smart Energies, to all energy producers in Africa and the Middle East. The Internet Of Things (IOT) platform was aimed to enhance energy inclusion by providing secure and prepaid access to energy through solar kits and smart meters. Developed and enhanced by Orange in 2021, Orange Smart Energies, is a software platform that guarantees payment for energy producers via mobile money. The platform addresses profitability challenges by reducing the risk of non-payment, making it a crucial tool for energy producers in the…

iSON Xperiences, a leading firm in Customer Experience Management (CXM) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), has named Vitul Kwatra as its new Global Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Pravin Kumar, who will now serve as Vice Chairman of the company’s board. In a press statement released by the venture, Vivek Gupta, Chairman of the Board, officially introduced Kwatra, highlighting his extensive tenure with the company spanning nearly a decade and his overall leadership experience of over 25 years. “We are delighted to welcome Vitul Kwatra as our new Global CEO,” stated Gupta. “With over 25 years of experience in strategic leadership…

Entrepreneurs capable of utilising Web3 technology such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) to solve real-world problems are being urged to apply for Block Dojo’s upcoming programme, to build and grow their startup. Block Dojo, a venture builder focused in the Web3 space, invests in founders with a game-changing idea, providing them with the tools, support, expertise and investment to start and develop their startup. The next cohort – due to start in September 2024 – will build their companies in the programme, taking their ideas from concept to Pre Seed fundraising by the end of the 12 weeks. Recently…

Africa Data Centres, a subsidiary of the Cassava Technologies Group, has secured $108.9 million in funding to expand its capacity and meet the increasing demand for cloud computing services in South Africa. The funding was obtained through a bespoke financing solution arranged by Rand Merchant Bank (RMB). “This funding is a significant milestone in the growth of Africa Data Centres,” President & Group CEO of Cassava Technologies Hardy Pemhiwa said. “It underscores our commitment to growth and our confidence in the future of the South African data centre market. The additional funding will allow us to support the digital transformation…