Schneider Electric and BMW South Africa have announced a partnership for the supply and set-up of charging points for BMW’s electric vehicles, which they say will go on sale starting early next year. Schneider will work together with BMW electric car customers and sales agents to carry out home surveys ahead of installing charging points and providing support and maintenance for “wallbox” charging stations. According to Antonio Antela Martinez, the sales and marketing director of BMW South Africa, the company sees the professional wallbox installation for charging the BMW i8 and i3 as one of the major factors that have…
Author: Robin Okuthe
Jumia, one of Africa’s top e-commerce sites, has launched full-fledged e-retail services in Cameroon. This follows recent successful launches in Ghana and Uganda, thus taking the total number of African countries that have the online retailer active to nine. Cameroonians have a strong purchasing power and are more and more interested in consumer goods. Even though internet penetration within the country is still low, it is largely growing thanks to the increase in smartphone use, which implies that now is the perfect time for online retail to set up itself. According to McKinsey Global Institute report in 2013, Cameroon is Africa’s…
Microsoft Devices Group has released the Nokia X2, a new and affordable device that has supported and strengthened the Nokia X family. According to Microsoft, the smartphone is currently available for purchase in Nigeria and boasts of more popular Microsoft services, smoother and easier user experience as well as upgraded specifications. Deborah Shepard, the head of marketing at Nokia West and Central Africa stated: “The Nokia X2 is built to help millions of people affordably connect to the mobile Internet and cloud services.” Shepard further added that the Nokia X2 possesses enhanced features, which include a 5MP rear-facing, a larger…
Intel has unleashed the world’s smallest 3G modem dubbed whose function is to attach itself to connected devices within homes. “The device has an area of approximately 300 sq mm and could be used in security devices such as “smart” smoke alarms as well as wearable tech. “XMM 6255 is also designed to withstand tough conditions and protect against overheating. It additionally features an embedded power supply,” stated Intel. According to Sergis Mushell, a research director at analytics firm Gartner, the modem indicated Intel’s aim of acquiring a place within the mobile connectivity market. “It is not just about its…
Instagram, a video sharing and photo service has unveiled a new time-lapse app dubbed Hyperlapse, which is currently available for Apple’s iOS. According to the US-based social media company, the app uses an inbuilt stabilization technology to take high-quality videos, as the user is on the move. To start recording users need to tap the app once and tap it again to stop. Afterwards, they can select a playback speed that they like, which is between 1x and 12x and tap a green check mark to save it to their camera roll. Soon afterwards, they can use all the usual…
DStv parent MultiChoice has announced the launch of its first HD single-view decoder dubbed the DStv HD Decoder in South Africa. The decoder is meant to deliver HD (high-definition) content to users. The new and affordable decoder replaces the current standard-definition single-view decoder and provides users with HD and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. It is also XtraView capable and can be paired with a chosen XtraView compatible decode, though not the standard-definition PVR (personal video recorder). According to the broadcaster, the DStv HD Decoder’s user interface resembles that of the DStv Explora since it is locally made by MultiChoice.…
Equity Bank has launched its Eazzy 24/7 in Tanzania with the service accessible through Zantel, Airtel, Vodacom and Tigo. The mobile phone banking platform allows users to access banking services via mobile phones. It also allows customers to perform several transactions such as bill payment for DStv, funds transfer, airtime top-up and buying luku, which means buying pre-paid electricity coupons and checking bank account balance. Speaking at the event, Joseph Iha, the MD of Equity Bank Tanzania stated: “The launching of Eazzy 24/7 will mean that users can be able to transact anytime, anywhere in a convenient manner since the…
Global messaging app Whatsapp has announced that it has reached another landmark with its active user-base hitting 600 million this month. The milestone implies that Whatsapp got over 100 million new users in a span of four months. The news, which was released by Jan Koum the CEO and co-founder of Whatsapp, was sent through his twitter page. He ensured that people understood he meant active users and not registered ones. Four months ago, the instant messaging subscription service via the official Whatsapp blog jubilated for reaching an impressive half a billion active global users asserting that they were “merely…
The county government of Nairobi has launched the pilot project for paying cashless parking fees within Nairobi’s CBD. According to Danson Muchemi, Jambopays’ CEO, the five-day exercise will ensure that motorists use their mobile phones to pay their parking or through agents situated strategically on the street. “Motorists will need to sign up by visiting the county government’s website www.epayments.nairobi.go.ke or by dialing *217#. Additionally, they will need to create an electronic wallet where they will be topping up with money to pay for parking using the available Android application on the phones,” Muchemi advised. Muchemi also said that payments…
MTN has launched two high quality Android smartphones in Nigeria. The affordable smartphones include MTN Sm@rt S720i and MTN Sm@rt Mini S620. According to MTN Nigeria, the development was part of its plan to build a digital world and set up its leadership place within the telecommunications sector. Kola Oyeyemi, the General Manager of Consumer Marketing, MTN stated: “The smartphones go for as low as N8, 000, which is a strategic plan to offer Nigerians the chance to own a high quality Android phone at the most affordable price. Generally, we are committed to the complete satisfaction of Nigerians and…
Nigeria’s online letting agency, Tolet.com.ng has stated that online-related fraud has in most cases continued to threaten the growth of online business in Nigeria. The online letting agency based in Lagos, assists people look for apartment houses to rent. According to Suleiman Balogun, the co-founder of Tolet.com.ng, the fraud has led to continued disbelief and mistrust concerning online business among the people thus slowing down the growth of the sector. “It has been a huge challenge to prevent the occurrence of online fraud. For example, most citizens especially the elderly who are persuaded to use our services still show lots…
CyberPlc, National Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U), Global Networks and HiPipo have partnered on a project to award companies that employ people to do nothing but tweet and facebook. The companies also organized Digital Impact Awards Africa, which was the first-ever to be hosted in Kampala, Uganda on Thursday. With its theme ‘Maximizing the digital dividend’, they gave companies that have flourished in making use of famous social media sites such as YouTube,Twitter, Google Plus and Facebook awards to show their relevance. The categories of the awards included best website and radio on social media, corporate brand on social media and digital…
Ghana’s leading telecommunications company MTN has ventured on a program dubbed ‘MTN Career Fair’ which attempts to empower the youth to face the challenges of an ever changing world. The Career Fair is the second to take place after the first, which happened in September 2013. ‘MTN Career Fair’ aims at assisting final year students in tertiary institutions and graduates to bridge the counseling and career guidance gap as well as help them in their search for employment. Under the program, registered participants will get the chance to meet prospective employers and recruitment agencies for job interviews after and during…
Kenyan microfinance firm Musoni has been honored with the ‘2014 Kenyan Frost & Sullivan Award for Technology Leadership.’ The award that is based on Frost & Sullivan’s recent analysis of Kenya’s microfinance industry recognises Musoni’s efforts for spurring adoption of mobile money. Musoni currently uses Safaricom’s M-Pesa platform to provide consumers with micro-loans and to accept repayments via mobile phones. Musoni is presently providing micro-credit and hopes to extend its services to comprise of micro-insurance and micro-savings products, according to Craig Parker, the senior economic consultant at Frost & Sullivan, Parker explained: “The delivery of insurance and savings using the…
Huawei has today launched a Mobile Broadband demo truck show at Serena Hotel in Uganda’s capital Kampala. The demo, whose theme is ‘connected possibilities make it possible,’ will take five days and is set to display Huawei’s most recent converged communication solutions and philosophies. “Our goal is to introduce new concepts and trends of ICT transformation, successful business operation transformation and infrastructure transformation with the most recent ICT convergence solutions displayed within the truck,” stated Radoslaw Kedzia, the MD of Huawei Uganda, “we plan to bring to our telecom operators the latest CT/IT transformation like SDP, VAS cloud platform and storage,”…
Rwanda is taking a first-off initiative in making all government services accessible online, following the kick-off of the initial phase of implementing Rwanda Online platform Wednesday. The objective of the initiative is to set up a public service platform that will provide the Rwandan citizenry with the option of accessing government services through the web. Rwandan government signed an agreement with Rwanda Online Platform Limited in April 2014 granting the firm the right to run the platform for 25 years, after which the government will take back the rights. The agreement is intended to bridge the gap of information access.…
Vivotek, a set of cost-effective and sophisticated network surveillance cameras, has been introduced in Nigeria by Trivest Technologies. The camera is one of the world’s top surveillance network and monitoring solutions created to support businesses as well as prevent security risk, especially with the increasing Boko Haram sect activities, says Sam Fadiora, who is the exclusive distributor of Vivotek cameras systems within Nigeria. According to Fadiora, since Vivotek’s network camera assisted in making FIFA World Cup a success, they could assist the Nigerian government in its drive to keep the citizens and nation safe. “With the rise in crime rate and…
MTN is distributing antennas on street light poles and setting up purpose-built pole masts with zero visual impact in a drive to improve quality of service and network coverage around northern and west Johannesburg. The project is in line with a three-year contract handed to MTN by City Power, after the power utility company called for interested parties to tender RFP (requests for proposals). City Power currently seeks to commercialise its infrastructure. “The buildings’ density around northern and west Johannesburg has negatively affected the quality of service and network coverage, which has forced the company to consider ways of distributing its…
Some 2.5 million children die each year across the globe because they cannot access life-saving vaccinations at the right time. Michigan State University professor Anil Jain is developing a fingerprint-based recognition method for monitoring vaccination schedules for infants and toddlers. The technology is expected to increase immunization coverage and save lives. MSU Today cited Jain saying that to increase coverage, the vaccines must be recorded and tracked. According to Jain, the traditional tracking method is for parents to keep a paper document. But in developing countries, keeping track of a baby’s vaccine schedule on paper is largely ineffective. “Paper documents…
Google is reportedly formulating Gmail and YouTube versions made specifically for children below the age of 13. The firm’s executives are sensitive to the fact that most parents are cautious about allowing their children access YouTube due to fears that they will be faced with expletive-laden comments or X-rated pop videos. According to a report given by the Wall Street Journal, a new child-friendly version would possibly have a Google dashboard to provide parents larger control over what their young ones are doing online. Google however declined to comment on the claims. “Google has nothing to comment on this issue…
Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has announced that security agencies will soon begin to monitor all calls due to the unstable security situation within the country. This announcement was done at a special edition of Consumer Outreach programme, which was organized by NCC at IBB Golf Club in Maitama, Abuja. According to NCC, the move will enhance the agency’s operational activities within Nigeria as plans are in the offing to find a guideline that will guide the commencement of the plan in a way that the subscriber’s privacy or right is not breached in the process. Although the commission assured to…
Skype has unveiled a new feature dubbed “active endpoints” which changes the way chat notifications function. The app has been designed in such a manner that it prevents users from getting annoyed because of constant buzzes and beeps. According to Skype, the new smart notifications will rather only be sent to the device you are using at the moment whereas your other devices including smartphones, PCs and tablets will stay silent. The new feature is merely focused on chat notifications and not phone calls because you may need to answer a call on a different gadget such as a phone.…
Lenovo has announced the accessibility of YOGA Tablet 10 HD+ at Microstation outlets and Slot in Nigeria. The multimode Android available in silver and gold has an incredible battery that lasts for 18 hours. It is also infused with the most recent technologies, which include a Full HD screen, sharp high-resolution camera as well as Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. With the new Smart Display, the tablet adjusts the text and images on the screen to the ambient light, which makes it gentle on the eyes of the user. The YOGA Tablet 10 HD+ refines the original YOGA Tablet 10 for multimode…
South Africa has installed its first Bitcoin vending machine, which gives users the ability to receive Bitcoin in exchange for rand. The Bitcoin vending machine is located in Kyalami, north of Johannesburg at a business called Metroman, which is a friend’s shop that opened on June 1, 2014. Rolf Deppe and Monre Botes his business partner decided in February to bring a Bitcoin vending machine in South Africa since at that time there were only 100 all over the world though none on the African continent. The major difference between a Bitcoin vending machine and a Bitcoin ATM is that…
Microsoft East Africa Limited has signed a partnership agreement with the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) to make development activities within the areas of entrepreneurship better in Ethiopia. The collaborative agreement incorporates ‘Build Your Own Business’ training, which is created to assist small and micro businesses empower aspiring and current entrepreneurs. It also permits Microsoft to offer mentorship and training services to Ethiopia’s UNDP supported Entrepreneurship Development Programme for 200,000 entrepreneurs. This move will be part of Microsoft’s 4Afrika Initiative whose goal is to quicken Africa’s economic development as well as improve its worldwide competitiveness by empowering local entrepreneurs. Top…
Ex-Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer has announced that he is retiring from the board with immediate effect. Ballmer said that since he quit the top job he had become “too busy” and it would therefore be “impractical to continue” working with the firm. Ballmer’s decision to leave the software giant comes after his latest purchase of the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team. From his statement, it is evident that the Clippers team, teaching, studying and civic contribution take most of his time. “My departure would be immediate because of a hectic autumn, which includes teaching a new class as well…
Various angel networks throughout Africa that have emerged over the past years will meet on September 24, 2014 at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria for the Investor summit, which will kick off the DEMO Africa 2014. According to venture capital community VC4Africa, the special Investor summit dubbed “the Future of Angel Investing in Africa”, is focused on investors in early stage companies and African startups. “The event will be the first time angel investor networks like Africa Angels Network, Lagos Angels Network, Cairo Angels, Angel Africa List, Ghana Angel Investors Network and others meet to exchange best practices, set the road…
Internet users are being invited by Mensa and Kaspersky Lab to participate in a very special contest dubbed The Global Think Test, which will take place on September 6, 2014. The contest, which is made up of a series of online brain games, puzzles and quizzes, is created to allow participants perfect their calculation and combination skills. The Global Think Test will be held during the day with participants putting their brainpower to the ultimate test by competing against the best brains in the world. The individual who attains the highest score within the shortest time will become the Kaspersky…
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that starting October 1, 2014 the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) will begin electronic registration of companies looking to set up businesses within Nigeria. While addressing journalists in Abuja, Nigeria’s minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Olusegun Agang said the online registration will help reduce the cost of conducting business significantly and the time it takes for foreign and local investors to establish their businesses. “We hope to have electronic registration of companies, which will begin from 1 October 2014,” Aganga stated. He added that they hope to ensure that Nigerians would no more…
Power utility firm City Power has revealed that five of its employees caught stealing cable drums worth R4.5m from the Randburg depot in Johannesburg on Tuesday have been arrested. According to City Power’s managing director Sicelo Xulu, the two-team leaders and three electricians have since been charged with theft and fraud. Each of the stolen cable drums carries 300m long cable. “The arrest of these workers follows a complete audit and inventory of cable equipment. Investigations are being done to determine if the employees were linked to planned crime syndicates though more arrests are expected once the probe is complete,”…