Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

Apple has taken a proactive stance against potential mercenary spyware attacks, issuing threat notifications to iPhone users across 92 countries. The alerts, dispatched at 12pm Pacific Time on Wednesday, cautioned users without disclosing the attackers’ identities or specific affected regions. The warnings highlighted the likelihood of targeted attacks based on individuals’ identities or activities, urging users to heed them seriously. Apple’s confidence in these alerts is high, reinforced by its track record of issuing similar notifications multiple times annually, reaching users in over 150 countries since 2021. In a notable incident last October, Apple sent comparable warnings to journalists and…

Elon Musk’s platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has stirred confusion among users after randomly granting blue checkmarks to some accounts. Traditionally, these checks were reserved for verifying high-profile accounts, but since Musk’s takeover, the verification rules have undergone changes. Initially, X introduced a fee of $8 monthly for account verification, which led to complaints and instances of fake check usage. However, in a recent development, a number of users received complimentary blue checks unexpectedly, sparking mixed reactions within the community. According to Musk’s latest policy, accounts with over 2,500 verified followers now receive free Premium perks, including blue checks.…

As the solar eclipse for 2024 continues, Google introduced an innovative search animation feature, enriching user experience and promoting engagement with celestial phenomena. Users worldwide can now access the captivating animation by entering search queries such as “solar eclipse 2024”, “April 8 eclipse”, or simply “solar eclipse” into the Google search bar. The animation portrays the mesmerizing celestial event, showcasing the moon’s silhouette gracefully traversing the sun’s luminous disk. While the total solar eclipse will only be visible in select regions of the United States, Mexico, and Canada, individuals residing in other parts of the world, including the Caribbean, Colombia,…

In a recent announcement, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has revealed significant updates to its policies concerning digitally created and altered media.  Starting in May, Meta will implement “Made with AI” labels for videos, images, and audio generated using artificial intelligence across its platforms. Additionally, Meta plans to introduce distinct and more visible labels for digitally altered media that pose a high risk of misleading the public, irrespective of AI involvement. This marks a shift from removing manipulated content to keeping it accessible while providing context on its creation process. While Meta previously disclosed plans to detect images created…

Renowned entrepreneur Elon Musk has revealed that Tesla will introduce a groundbreaking robotaxi, set to be unveiled in August.  The announcement, made by Musk himself, has sparked significant interest and enthusiasm among investors and automotive enthusiasts alike. While specifics about the robotaxi remain scarce, Musk hinted that the highly anticipated reveal will take place on August 8. Following this revelation, Tesla’s stock surged by over three percent in after-market trading, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s innovative endeavors. Musk has long championed Tesla’s advancements in self-driving technology, boldly stating that it will elevate cars to seemingly superhuman capabilities. With the…

Snapchat introduced a feature named “solar system” aiming to rank users’ closeness to their friends based on communication frequency.  However, this move has sparked concerns among users and experts alike, fearing it could exacerbate anxiety and lead to hurt feelings. The feature, while aiming to enhance user experience, has led to tough conversations and even breakups among users. Snap, in response to the backlash, opted to adjust the feature rather than removing it entirely, they made it opt-in for paid subscribers, claiming low usage rates of less than 0.25%. However, critics argue that limiting it to paid subscribers skews the…

Tech giant X, led by Elon Musk, has extended its Community Notes feature to India, just in time for the upcoming general election.  This tool empowers users to add fact-checks and context to posts, aiding in distinguishing truth from falsehoods, particularly crucial during election periods. Initially introduced in over 69 countries, Community Notes allow select users to contribute by adding informative notes beneath specific posts, aiming to curb the spread of misinformation. Elon Musk confirmed the launch of this feature in India, highlighting its significance in combating fake news on the platform. Users meeting specific criteria can apply to become…

In a strategic move, Amazon Web Services (AWS), the leading cloud provider, has recently downsized its workforce, affecting several hundred employees across various departments. The affected roles primarily include sales, marketing, and technology positions, along with personnel from the physical stores technology team. According to AWS, this decision is part of a targeted effort to streamline operations within the organization. This move follows a series of job cuts by Amazon.com, its parent company, which has witnessed layoffs in various divisions, including Prime Video, healthcare, and Alexa voice assistant units. The tech industry as a whole has been experiencing significant job…

In a bid to cleanse its platform, social media giant X, formerly known as Twitter, has announced a vigorous crackdown on bots and troll accounts.  X Chairman Elon Musk declared this initiative on Thursday, signaling a proactive stance against the proliferation of misinformation and harmful activities. Musk emphasized that the purge of bots and trolls is not just a superficial cleanup but a comprehensive effort backed by legal action. X Corp, the parent company, vows to trace and prosecute individuals responsible for these accounts. In his tweet, Musk stated: “System purge of bots & trolls underway. Please reply to me…

Google is contemplating the introduction of premium features within its renowned search engine.  This strategic shift marks the first instance of a core Google product potentially being placed behind a paywall. Despite this development, users can still access the free search experience supported by advertisements. However, Google aims to augment its premium subscription services by integrating AI-powered search functionalities, thereby fortifying its foothold in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Crucially, the traditional ad-supported search engine will remain freely accessible, even for subscribers opting for premium features. Following this announcement, Alphabet’s shares experienced a marginal dip of approximately 1% in extended…

Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has announced the introduction of two significant privacy features in the latest WhatsApp beta version, aimed at providing users with greater control over their conversations. In the beta version for Android, users can now lock chats on companion devices using a passcode. This feature ensures that conversations remain secure even if the device is unlocked. Users must set a secret passcode on all companion devices, which must match the passcode on the primary device. Additionally, biometric authentication can be used to protect and unlock locked chats. On iOS, WhatsApp is introducing the ability to…

The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) has called off its planned strike, scheduled to commence today, citing fruitful negotiations with subcontractors as the reason for suspension. In a statement issued by the General Secretary, Okonu Abdullahi, the union disclosed that the strike was halted following productive discussions with subcontractors associated with Huawei Technologies Nigeria Ltd. Previously, PTECSSAN had announced intentions for an indefinite strike starting April 4, 2024, due to unresolved grievances with subcontractors including Reime Group, Allstream Energy Solutions Ltd., Uppercrest Ltd., Tyllium Nigeria Ltd., and Specific Tools and Techniques Ltd. Key agreements reached…

Opera, a popular web browser, has unveiled a groundbreaking feature that allows users to directly download and utilize Large Language Models (LLMs) on their computers.  This innovation, initially available to Opera One users receiving developer stream updates, offers access to an extensive library of over 150 models from more than 50 families. Notable models include Llama from Meta, Gemma from Google, and Vicuna. The integration of LLMs is part of Opera’s AI Feature Drops Program, which aims to provide users with early access to advanced AI capabilities. Powered by the Ollama open-source framework seamlessly integrated into the browser, this feature…

A significant cybersecurity breach in India has exposed sensitive personal data of citizens, including Aadhaar numbers, COVID-19 vaccination records, and passport details, due to a misconfiguration in the Indian government’s cloud service, S3WaaS. Security researcher Sourajeet Majumder discovered the misconfiguration back in 2022 and promptly reported it to India’s computer emergency response team (CERT-In) and the National Informatics Centre, with assistance from the Internet Freedom Foundation. While CERT-In acknowledged the issue and took down links containing sensitive files from public search engines, some personal information remained exposed despite repeated warnings. Seeking further assistance, Majumder collaborated with TechCrunch to secure the…

In a bid to modernize and regulate the e-hailing services within its jurisdiction, the Edo State Government has unveiled plans to introduce API integration for ride-sharing platforms such as Bolt and Uber.  This initiative was announced by Edugie Agbonlahor, the Managing Director of the Edo State Transport Authority (ESTA), during a driver safety summit held recently. The integration of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) is a key component of the government’s strategy to implement comprehensive e-hailing regulations. By incorporating this technology, authorities aim to enhance the efficiency and orderliness of the state’s e-hailing environment. One of the notable features of this…

In the fast-paced world of digital communication, sending the wrong message can happen to anyone. Whether it’s a typo, a misplaced emoji, or simply sending a message to the wrong recipient, the repercussions can range from mildly embarrassing to potentially problematic. However, thanks to Facebook Messenger’s edit message feature, correcting these errors has never been easier. Meta, the company behind Facebook Messenger, has introduced the ability to edit sent messages on the platform, providing users with a quick and convenient solution to rectify their communication mishaps. Similar to other messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, Messenger allows users to edit…

OpenAI, a prominent player in the field of artificial intelligence, has undergone significant changes in its ownership structure, particularly concerning its startup fund.  The company, known for its innovative approach to AI research and development, recently announced that its CEO, Sam Altman, would no longer hold ownership or control over the startup fund. The decision to restructure the ownership of the startup fund stems from concerns raised about the fund’s unusual structure, where Altman, as CEO, had sole ownership and decision-making authority over investments. This raised eyebrows in the tech community and prompted questions about the fund’s governance and transparency.…

The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) has warned of a potential strike starting April 4.  The union, represented by its General Secretary, Okonu Abdullahi, expressed frustration over unresolved issues with sub-contractors linked to Huawei Technologies Nigeria Ltd. These subcontractors include Reime Group, All Streamenergy Solutions Ltd., Uppercrest Ltd., Tyllium Nigeria Ltd., and Specific Tools and Techniques Ltd. Despite efforts by the union and the Ministry of Labour and Employment to resolve concerns, the companies have reportedly not participated in conciliatory meetings. Consequently, the union has instructed its members to commence an indefinite strike from April…

Google has reached an agreement to delete a substantial amount of search data as part of a settlement to resolve a privacy lawsuit.  The lawsuit, which accused Google of tracking millions of users in the United States who were browsing in incognito mode, alleging a breach of privacy expectations, has been the subject of much attention. Under the terms of the settlement, Google will be required to delete or remediate billions of data records associated with the Chrome browser’s incognito mode over the course of the next five years. While the settlement does not involve monetary damages, it does provide…

OpenAI has made a groundbreaking move by opening up its conversational AI tool, ChatGPT, to the public without the need for signing up or creating an account.  This initiative aims to democratize access to AI tools, aligning with OpenAI’s mission to make AI accessible to everyone. Users can now experience the benefits of ChatGPT instantly, with over 100 million people across 185 countries already utilizing the tool weekly for learning, creativity, and seeking answers. However, OpenAI clarified that data provided to ChatGPT may be used to enhance models for everyone, offering users the option to opt out through their Settings.…

In a remarkable financial uptick, South Africa’s wealthiest elite, including Johann Rupert and four others, have witnessed a staggering increase in their net worth, collectively amassing approximately $4.5 billion in just 72 days. The surge in wealth occurred between January 18, 2024, and March 31, 2024, marking a period of unprecedented growth for these prominent figures. Leading the pack is Johann Rupert, whose fortune soared by a remarkable $2.08 billion, catapulting his net worth to an impressive $13.2 billion. Following closely behind is Nassef Sawiris, whose net worth surged by $720 million, reaching a substantial $8.64 billion, trailed by Natie…

Microsoft has declared its decision to sell its chat and video application, Teams, separately from its Office suite worldwide.  This move comes after a six-month period of separating the products in Europe to sidestep possible antitrust penalties from the European Union (EU). The decision to unbundle Teams from Office was prompted by an investigation by the European Commission following a complaint lodged by Slack in 2020. Initially integrated into Office 365 for free in 2017, Teams gained significant traction during the pandemic due to its robust video conferencing features. The separation of Teams from Office 365 aims to address concerns…

Billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of X formerly Twitter, Elon Musk has taken on a new role as the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at The Walt Disney Company.  Musk made the announcement through his X handle, expressing enthusiasm to collaborate with Disney’s team to redefine their content. In a tweet, Musk shared his excitement, stating his intention to work with Disney’s leadership to enhance inclusivity even in their linguini. He wrote: “Excited to join @Disney as their Chief DEI Officer. “Can’t wait to work with Bob Iger & Kathleen Kennedy to make their content MORE woke! Even the linguini.”…

As the deadline for the Federal Government’s ambitious 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme draws near, applicants are facing a barrage of technical hurdles, casting doubt on the smooth execution of the initiative aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s digital economy. With the March 31, 2024 deadline looming, the 3MTT programme is grappling with technical glitches, leaving many applicants frustrated and uncertain about their participation. Numerous applicants have voiced concerns over encountering errors in questionnaires, difficulties in saving profiles, and various other technical malfunctions while attempting to navigate the registration process. Launched with the ambitious objective of training three million technical talents…

OpenAI has introduced its latest breakthrough, Voice Engine, which marks a significant step forward in voice cloning technology. Here’s a breakdown of the key highlights: OpenAI has been refining voice cloning technology with the development of Voice Engine. This cutting-edge tool allows users to generate synthetic voices from short 15-second voice samples. The underlying model powering Voice Engine has a proven track record, having been utilized in platforms like ChatGPT. In developing Voice Engine, OpenAI has utilized a diverse range of training data, including both licensed and publicly available content. However, the company is facing legal challenges related to intellectual…

In a strategic move to consolidate its audio services, Google has announced the shutdown of its Podcasts app in the United States.  With over 500 million global installations, the Podcasts app provided users with a seamless platform for discovering and enjoying podcasts. However, Google has revealed plans to discontinue the app, urging users to transition their subscriptions to YouTube Music by April 2, 2024. This decision comes as Google aims to centralize its audio offerings under the YouTube platform. YouTube Music, which now supports podcasts worldwide and allows users to upload their RSS feeds, presents an all-encompassing solution for audio…

In its recently released 2023 Ads Safety Report, tech giant Google unveiled its robust efforts in combating online scams, revealing that it thwarted a staggering 206.5 million scam advertisements.  The report underscores the pervasive nature of scams and frauds in the digital realm, with bad actors continuously refining their strategies to exploit digital advertising for illicit gains. Google emphasized its proactive stance, swiftly updating policies, deploying rapid-response enforcement teams, and enhancing detection techniques to counter these evolving threats. Duncan Lennox, Google’s VP and GM of Ads Privacy and Safety, highlighted the ongoing battle against scam ads, citing the emergence of…

In a meeting with Guinness Nigeria Plc’s management team, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, reiterated the agency’s commitment to refrain from introducing additional taxes in the country.  Adedeji emphasized that the focus remains on expanding the tax base rather than increasing tax rates. Adedeji highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a single-digit tax regime, indicating that the maximum number of taxes post-reform would be capped at nine. He emphasized FIRS’s efforts to enhance operational efficiency and customer relations, particularly by categorizing taxpayers based on turnover. Furthermore, Adedeji mentioned key government initiatives aimed at bolstering…

Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of X, has electrified the platform with groundbreaking updates, causing a surge of excitement among users. In a bold move, Musk, also renowned as the founder and lead designer of SpaceX, announced on Thursday that accounts with 2,500 verified subscribers will now enjoy premium features at no charge, while those surpassing 5,000 subscribers will ascend to even greater heights with Premium+ privileges. Since acquiring X (formerly Twitter) in 2022, Musk has been reshaping the platform, and his latest announcement, made via his X handle, has sparked widespread anticipation and applause. The tweet declared, “Going forward,…

Instagram has rolled out a new feature reminiscent of Snapchat, called Vanish Mode, enabling users to send disappearing text, images, and videos. Here’s a breakdown of its functionality and how to use it effectively: In 2020, Instagram introduced Vanish Mode, allowing users to share messages that automatically disappear once viewed. This feature supports text, voice messages, emojis, photos, and stickers, enhancing privacy and spontaneity in conversations. Similar to WhatsApp’s disappearing messages, Vanish Mode on Instagram is ideal for sending transient content, ensuring privacy and security. However, users should note that while messages cannot be copied, saved, or forwarded, recipients can…