Top Stories
Microsoft Confirms Xbox Series X Launch Date
Xbox Series X Attention all gamers! Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox Series X will officially launch on 10 November – it will also be available for pre-order from 22 September. The console will retail for $499. The company says, “Xbox Series X will be our fastest, most powerful console ever and set a new bar for performance, speed and compatibility, allowing you to bring your gaming legacy, thousands of games from three generations and more forward with you.” “As we enter a new generation of gaming, we see a future where you’re instantly absorbed in your games – where worlds are even more lifelike, immersive, responsive and surprising – and where you are at the centre of your gaming experience. With the new Xbox Series X, we will realize that vision.” The latest Xbox is quite literall...
Vodacom Zero-Rates COVID-19 Alert App
South Africa’s National Department of Health (DoH) and Discovery have partnered to launch a COVID-19 Alert app in an attempt to strengthen the existing contact tracing methods in the country. The app is a free exposure notification tool that lets users know if/when they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. It uses Bluetooth contact tracing technology, which simply tracks close contact (proximity) between smartphones and not the actual locations of the smartphones. Once users have downloaded and installed the app, it runs in the background. Bluetooth and notifications must be enabled for the app to work and users need to have access to a mobile or Wi-Fi network to send and receive exposure alerts. /* custom css */ .tdi_3_517.td-a-rec-img{ text-align:...
MTN Ghana to Become a Fully Digital Operator by 2023
MTN has introduced a month-to-month payment option that aims to give customers “control of their spend commitments”. With no lock-ins, no credit checks and no complicated paperwork, MTN Month-to-Month is available to anyone that either doesn’t want to be tied to a contract or who is unable to get a long-term contract due to not meeting minimum requirements. New or existing customers simply need to choose the package they want and opt for the month-to-month payment option, allowing them to experience the MTN network without a 24-month obligation. All they will be asked for is their name, SA ID and debit order details should they opt to pay via debit order. “These are uncertain times for many, so with this product, we are responding to our customer’s needs with greater flexibility, as not ev...
Luno is Acquired by Global Blockchain Investor
South African-founded Luno has been acquired by Digital Currency Group (DCG) – a global enterprise that builds, buys and invests in blockchain companies. Luno began in South Africa in 2013. It now has five million customers spanning over 40 countries as well as almost 400 employees based in London, Singapore and South Africa. Led by co-founder and CEO Marcus Swanepoel, Luno has become a digital asset powerhouse in many emerging and frontier markets, providing digital asset education, knowledge, and investment tools for individuals in Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe. The company is a leading exchange in several countries that have the highest percentage of cryptocurrency ownership, including South Africa (third-highest of its citizens owning digital currencies), Nigeria (fifth-highe...
Google Launches Android 11
Image sourced from The Verge Google has launched the highly-anticipated Android 11 – the latest version of its mobile operating system – to a number of users who own select Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, OPPO or realme devices. The tech company says that this update has been optimised for how people use their phones – “giving you powerful device controls. And easier ways to manage conversations, privacy settings and so much more”. Here are some of Android 11’s key features: Accessibility /* custom css */ .tdi_3_433.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_3_433.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0 auto 0 0; } Voice Access – Intuitive labels on apps help you control and navigate your phone, all by speaking out loud. Even use Voice Access offline, for more support whenever you need it. Talkback braille ke...
How COVID-19 has Impacted Africa’s Wealthiest Countries by GDP
Sourced from IDG Connect Spanning 54 countries, Africa is a powerhouse in the world of natural resources and innovation. And despite the social and political issues the continent faces, there’s was no doubt that it was on track to see an abundance of opportunities to grow in the coming years – however, there was no telling what impact COVID-19 and subsequent national lockdowns would have on local GDPs. Here is a quick look at the richest countries in Africa in a COVID-19 economy: Nigeria A key component of the African economy, Nigeria has a population amounting to half of West Africa (just over 202 million). With an abundance of natural resources, it remains Africa’s number one producer in terms of GDP output, roughly $446,543 Billion at the end of 2019. The country is Africa’s large...
Microsoft Unveils the Xbox Series S
Microsoft has officially revealed the Xbox Series S – shortly after visuals of the gaming console were leaked online. In a tweet, the tech company says “Let’s make it official! Xbox Series S”. This marks the first official look at the new console as well as its price tag ($299), additionally, Microsoft revealed that this is their “smallest” Xbox ever. 👀 Let’s make it official! Xbox Series S | Next-gen performance in the ˢᵐᵃˡˡᵉˢᵗ Xbox ever. $299 (ERP). Looking forward to sharing more! Soon. Promise. pic.twitter.com/8wIEpLPVEq — Xbox (@Xbox) September 8, 2020 The Series X and Series S are expected to launch on 10 November, with the previously announced Series X selling for an ERP of $499. /* custom css */ .tdi_3_5f8.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_3_5f8.td-a-rec-img img{ margin...
Infinix Launches the Zero 8 Smartphone in Kenya
Infinix has launched its newest flagship device – the Zero 8 – in Keyna. The smartphone has been designed with the ‘stylish and fashion-forward’ consumer in mind, says the tech company. “Infinix is taking a step to be more premium and able to compete and be the face of this new direction as a fashion-conscious brand. This direction is very much in tandem with our target customers, whose lifestyle can be described as image and fashion-conscious and trendy, with a taste for high-end gadgets”, says Mike Zhang, Infinix Kenya Brand Manager. The Zero 8 comes with Android v10 OS, a Media Tek Helio G90 processor, 128 GB ROM and 8 GB RAM. It is powered by a 4500 mAh battery and is 4G, 3G and 2G-enabled. A key feature is the device’s cameras, both on the front and at the back. On the front, for the ...
LG Confirms the Name of its Dual Screen Smartphone
Image sourced from Tech Lapse LG has confirmed that its new dual-screen device will be dubbed the ‘Wing’. The tech company teased the swivelling form factor smartphone in a concept video last week and is expected to officially launch it on 14 September. According to LG, this new smartphone is part of its Explorer Project which aims to “deliver distinctive and yet unexplored usability experiences, a strategy that tackles uncharted territory in the industry”. [embedded content] “LG and platform partners feel it is vitally important to demonstrate to consumers new and differentiated user experiences in the smartphone space,” says Morris Lee, president of LG’s Mobile Communications Company. /* custom css */ .tdi_3_5ce.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_3_5ce.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0...
Why Security Systems are Only as Successful as the People Who are Behind Them
In May 2020, the personal records of more than 24 million South Africans and nearly 794,000 companies were handed over to someone impersonating a client. The personal records, identity numbers and addresses of millions of people and thousands of businesses were given to this person because they had fooled the system. It’s a hard lesson in how important it is to embed security not just into the technology and the devices of a company, but into its people. According to Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy at KnowBe4 Africa, security is not just the responsibility of IT – it is the responsibility of every single person in an organisation. “It is critical that organisations create a culture of security in order to combat this increasingly hostile security environment,” she adds. “A successful...
Data Mining Company Founder is Accused of Experian Breach
Sourced from Republic Title Founder of a data-mining company, Karabo Phungula has been accused of gaining access to the personal data of nearly 24 million South Africans and 793 749 businesses from credit bureau, Experian. It is alleged that the information was handed over to Phungula after he ‘impersonated a legitimate Experian client’. However, Phungula says that he has been framed. He went on to tell MyBroadBand that he has “no idea what’s going on”. Phungula has since been issued with an Anton Piller order which grants the Sheriff the right to search and seize ‘evidence’ without giving any warning. “They came to my parents’ house which is the address they have as my business registered address and requested all devices, I further went with the Sherrif to where I stay to take my compute...
vivo Launches X50 Series in South Africa
vivo has released the X50 and X50 Pro — part of the all-new vivo series of flagship smartphones. “The X50 series is a professional photography flagship smartphone for consumers to record and share the best moments of their lives in a simple way,” says Jet Xu, Head of Middle East and Africa Business at vivo. “With stable-shooting capabilities, outstanding lenses and sensors, and an overall advanced camera system, the X50 series flagship devices allow users to capture all of life’s stories with professional quality. These are the first X series devices to be launched globally and we are excited to share the best of our innovative technology and design concepts with consumers.” The new devices are kitted with cutting-edge stabilization, night mode, zoom, and portrait technologies in an attemp...
