Top Stories
Airtel Nigeria Introduces New Unlimited Data Plans
Sourced from Comms MEA Airtel Nigeria has introduced a new range of unlimited data plans – known as ‘Unlimited Ultra Plans’. These have been designed for consumers who use Routers and Outdoor Unit’s (ODU). According to Airtel, these plans will offer telecom consumers the freedom to do more and become more productive without worrying about data speed reduction and utilization. With the New Unlimited Ultra Plans, consumers have four distinct packages to choose from which come with unlimited data, uncapped speed and applicable Fair Usage Policy (FUP): Unlimited Ultra Weekly – priced at N5,000, consumers can enjoy Unlimited Data for 7 days with a FUP of 30GB plus 1GB data daily after FUP Unlimited Ultra Standard – priced at N20,000, consumers can enjoy Unlimited Data for 30 days with a FUP of ...
Apple Reportedly Rejects Plans for New Facebook Feature
Facebook has revealed that Apple has rejected its plan to tell app users that “the iPhone maker would take a 30% cut of sales in a new online events feature, forcing Facebook to remove the message,” reports Reuters. Apple claims that such a message within the new feature, which would allow users to purchase buy tickets to online events, violates an App Store rule that prevents developers from showing users irrelevant information. Image sourced from The Verge In an official statement, Facebook says “Now more than ever, we should have the option to help people understand where the money they intend for small businesses actually goes. Unfortunately, Apple rejected our transparency notice around their 30 per cent tax but we are still working to make that information available inside the app ex...
TikTok CEO Resigns
Image sourced from Evening Standard Kevin Mayer has resigned from his position as TikTok CEO amidst contention between the video-sharing platform and the Trump administration. The Financial Times reported that TikTok’s GM, Vanessa Pappas, will take over the CEO role in the interim. In an internal email, Mayer says “in recent weeks, as the political environment has sharply changed, I have done significant reflection on what the corporate structural changes will require, and what it means for the global role I signed up for.” “Against this backdrop, and as we expect to reach a resolution very soon, it is with a heavy heart that I wanted to let you all know that I have decided to leave the company.” In recent months, TikTok has been embroiled in a legal battle against US President Donald Trum...
Fortnite’s Season Update will not Release on Apple Devices
Epic Games has confirmed that its newest Fornite season will not be available to Apple gamers. In an official statement, the game developer says that Apple is blocking said updates. “Apple is blocking Fortnite updates and new installs on the App Store, and has said they will terminate our ability to develop Fortnite for Apple devices. As a result, Fortnite’s newly released Chapter 2 – Season 4 update (v14.00), will not release on iOS and macOS on August 27.” And that’s not all, Epic Games confirmed to The Verge that “players on iPhone, iPad, and Mac will also lose cross-play Fortnite multiplayer with non-Apple platforms”. This comes in the midst of a massive brawl between the two companies over in-app payments and Apple alleged App Store monopoly. /* custom css */ .tdi_3_111.td-a-rec-img{ ...
TECNO Smartphones Allegedly Carry Built-In Malware
Chinese smartphone manufacturer, TECNO has recently made its debut to the African market. At first, the devices feel surprisingly solid and competent in hand – despite their mainly plastic exterior. However, recent reports suggest that these smartphones are harbouring a secret malware that could consume users airtime and install harmful code. Anti-fraud firm Upstream claims that they have found “a malicious code dubbed Triada on 53,000 TECNO smartphones” that had already been sold in Ethiopia, South Africa, Cameroon, Egypt and Ghana. According to Gadgets Africa, TECNO‘s parent company Transsion told Buzzfeed [the malware] was installed in the supply chain without its knowledge. “The fact that the malware arrives pre-installed on handsets that are bought in their millions by typically low-i...
Facebook Adds New Shopping Tab to App
As part of Facebook’s plan to create a place for users to discover businesses and shop for products, it is testing a dedicated shopping tab within the main app. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to online shopping has rapidly accelerated, with an estimated 85% of people worldwide now shopping online,” says the social platform in an official blog post. “We want to make shopping easier for people and empower anyone, from an entrepreneur to the largest brand, to use our apps to connect with customers and grow their business. That’s why we’re creating new ways for people to shop on our apps and providing tools to help businesses sell online.” The new tab is currently only available in the US. /* custom css */ .tdi_3_ee0.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_3_ee0.td-a-rec-img img{ margi...
Women in Tech: Ailyssa Pretorius, GM of Uber Eats South Africa and Kenya
As we head towards the end of women’s month, ITNA continues to celebrate the women who have been inspiring the next generation and bridging the current gap in tech workspace. ITNA’s Jenna Delport chatted to Ailyssa Pretorius, Regional GM of Uber Eats South Africa and Kenya about what it takes to make it as a woman in tech-focused industries. Here’s what transpired: What is your typical day like? Does that even exist for you? Two days are never the same at Uber Eats. As the Regional General Manager for Uber Eats South Africa and Kenya, my days range from working with the team to solve tactical problems, to virtual meeting with partners to understand what opportunities we can mutually unlock for growth. /* custom css */ .tdi_3_4f5.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_3_4f5.td-a-rec-img...
Gozem Unveils New ‘Super App’
Gozem has introduced its new ‘Super App’ interface which consolidates all of its different services — ride-hailing, delivery, eCommerce, and an in-app wallet — into one app. “As we launched various new services and verticals over the last year, we heard from our users that if we were able to offer a holistic experience in our app, we’d offer real value by reducing friction and enhancing convenience,” says Gozem Co-Founder, Emeka Ajene. “To that end, this new Super App has been a long time coming, and we’re happy to continue tailoring our products and services to local needs so that our users who live busy lives can get right to the services they want when they want them. By bringing all of our various service offerings into one common space, we’re making navigating our app a lot simpler fo...
Google Chrome Update expected to make Tabs Load 10% Faster
Sourced from Forbes. Google has revealed that it would be introducing a number of improvements to Chrome, “including tabs that load faster and new features that let users organize and find them easily.” “These days, people are spending a lot of time in their browsers to get things done, whether for work, school or something else,” says Google in an official blog post. “And while some write out a formal to-do list to keep track of tasks, for others, their to-do list is their tabs in Chrome. However you get things done, we want Chrome to help you be more productive.” Here’s a closer look at Google Chrome’s improvements: /* custom css */ .tdi_3_f4f.td-a-rec-img{ text-align: left; }.tdi_3_f4f.td-a-rec-img img{ margin: 0 auto 0 0; } Users can expect tabs to load 10 per cent faster Chrome users ...
Epic Games’ Attempt to Restore Fortnite on App Store Fails
Epic Games was hit with a set back after a US District Court Judge denied its motion to restore Fortnite to the iOS App Store. The popular game was removed after Epic Games launched a sneaky update that allowed it to dodge revenue sharing with Apple. Apple retaliated by pulling the game from its App Store and blocking access to Unreal Engine. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that “the game will remain off the App Store unless Epic Games attempted to bring it back in accordance with App Store guidelines,” reports TechCrunch. However, it’s not all bad news for the game developer. The Judge also ruled that “Apple can’t retaliate against Epic Games by blocking the gaming firm’s developer accounts or restrict developers on Apple platforms from accessing Unreal Engine.” /* custom css */ .tdi_3...
MTN Introduces New Region-Specific Data Bundles
MTN has introduced a new range of ‘town-specific’ data-bundles that aim to give prepaid customers data that will suit their needs and budgets. “At MTN we are committed to offering our customers increasingly personalised, and relevant, products and services. We understand that everyone is different, with vastly different circumstances, particularly at this time, and we will continue to do our utmost best to cater to every single one of our customers,” says Jacqui O’Sullivan, Executive: Corporate Affairs at MTN South Africa. “The aim with this product is not only to get – and keep – more people connected to family, friends, passions, entertainment, networking and job opportunities, it is also a way to address customer needs on a personal and community-level; ensuring that no one is left behi...
vivo and Jumia Exclusively Release the Y30 Smartphone in Kenya
vivo and Jumia have partnered to exclusively unveil the latest Y-series device, the vivo Y30. The move aims to increase its footprint in the Kenyan market. The Y30, which was recently launched locally, combines an Ultra O Screen, AI Quad Camera and 5000 mAh battery in a high-end device with a unique body structure and moderate price tag. ‘‘The partnership with Jumia cements our commitment to bring our customers a wide range of choices that will see they enjoy the best and premium mobile phones at the most affordable prices. We are aiming to offer more options for smartphones with high-quality standard and comprehensive functionality through Jumia to fulfil the increasing demand of Kenyan consumers’’ said Arthur Xian, CEO of vivo Kenya. The Y30 features a fingerprint sensor on the back as w...
