Spotify has revealed that some of its most senior engineers have not written code in months, as artificial intelligence increasingly takes on core development work across the company. The disclosure came during Spotify’s fourth-quarter earnings call, where co-CEO Gustav Söderström highlighted how AI tools are reshaping the company’s engineering workflows. Söderström said the company’s top…
Ubisoft has confirmed the cancellation of six game projects as it continues a broader restructuring effort across its studios, shedding light on titles that had been in development for several years. The cancellations came to light following Ubisoft’s decision to halt development on Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake, a long-delayed project first…
Nigerian singer Joeboy has suggested that Afrobeats is entering a new creative phase, describing the moment as a necessary reset that is steering the genre back toward authenticity and substance. The artist made the remarks during his sold-out Valentine’s Day concert in Lagos, where he paused midway through his performance to reflect on the current…
After years of speculation, Konami has officially announced Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2, a release that brings Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots to PC and current-generation consoles for the first time. The collection is scheduled to launch on August 27, 2026, ending the game’s long-standing confinement to PlayStation 3 hardware….
Affordable cosmetics brand e.l.f. Beauty has spent years figuring out what many retailers still struggle to master: how to consistently capture the attention – and loyalty – of Gen Z consumers. Now, its chief executive says the company is aiming far beyond viral makeup moments. Under CEO Tarang Amin, e.l.f. has built momentum through low-priced…
Wendy’s will continue trimming its U.S. footprint through the first half of 2026, with the company confirming plans to close between 5% and 6% of its restaurants as part of an ongoing turnaround effort. The fast-food chain reiterated that the closures stem from a restructuring plan outlined late last year, which calls for shutting down…
Nigerian music heavyweights Phyno and Flavour have reunited on a new collaborative single titled Uzo Ano, marking another chapter in one of the most enduring partnerships in contemporary African music. Released under the Penthauze imprint, the song’s title translates from Igbo as “Four Roads,” a metaphor for destiny, progress, and the choices that define success….
ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, is nearing a major divestment that could reshape the global mobile gaming landscape. The tech giant is reportedly in advanced discussions to sell its gaming subsidiary Moonton to Savvy Games Group in a deal valued between $6 billion and $7 billion. If completed, the acquisition would hand Savvy control of…
A Malaysia-based artist has taken legal action against AirAsia and its parent company Capital A Berhad, accusing the airline of using his artwork on an aircraft without permission. Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian-born artist who has lived in Penang for more than a decade, alleges that one of his best-known works was reproduced as part of…
Amazon’s smart doorbell subsidiary Ring has ended a planned partnership with U.S. surveillance firm Flock Safety, following mounting criticism over privacy and surveillance concerns. The agreement, announced in October, would have enabled law enforcement agencies using Flock’s camera network to request access to video footage captured by Ring devices, provided customers gave permission. The collaboration…
Nigerian pop star Rema has made chart history after his debut album Rave & Roses became the longest-charting African project on the Billboard World Albums chart. The album has now spent 170 weeks on the chart, surpassing the previous record of 164 weeks set by Made In Lagos from fellow Nigerian superstar Wizkid. The milestone…
Sony has officially announced the titles joining its PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for February, confirming that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will lead this month’s lineup. The hit sequel from Insomniac Games headlines a selection of nine titles available to PlayStation Plus Extra subscribers, with an additional classic title offered to Premium and Deluxe members. The new…
A senior artificial intelligence safety researcher has resigned from leading AI firm Anthropic, issuing a stark warning about the direction of the world and the technology he once worked to safeguard. Mrinank Sharma, who led a team focused on AI safety at the company, announced his departure in a resignation letter posted on social media…
Pop superstar Taylor Swift has taken steps to block a US company’s attempt to trademark the phrase “Swift Home,” arguing that the branding could mislead consumers into believing she is associated with the products. In a filing lodged with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the singer’s representatives formally opposed an application by New…
South African singer Tyla has revealed the official tracklist for her upcoming album A-Pop, confirming details of the highly anticipated project following a major awards milestone. The announcement comes shortly after the 24-year-old star secured another Grammy win at the Grammy Awards, where she took home Best African Music Performance for her single “Push 2…
Kraft Heinz has abandoned plans to split its business in two, opting instead to keep its portfolio of brands under one roof as it works to revive slowing sales. The food conglomerate, whose products include Kraft Mac & Cheese, Heinz Ketchup, Oscar Mayer and Philadelphia cream cheese, had announced last year that it intended to…
In a packed Los Angeles courtroom this week, Adam Mosseri took the stand for the first time in a case that could reshape how social media companies are held accountable for the well-being of young users. The head of Instagram told jurors he does not believe people can be “clinically addicted” to the app. While…
The UK government has launched a formal investigation into the proposed £500 million acquisition of the Telegraph Media Group by Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT), citing concerns over media plurality and competition. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy confirmed that the deal has been referred for review on public interest grounds. She said the move was…
Nollywood actress Uche Ogbodo has sparked debate online after sharing her views on the causes of divorce, claiming that men are largely responsible for most failed marriages. In a post shared on her Instagram page, the actress argued that men account for “95 per cent” of marital breakdowns. According to her, many unions collapse due…
Spotify recorded a strong end to 2025, adding millions of new paying customers despite continued criticism from some artists over royalty payments. In its latest financial report released Tuesday, the Swedish streaming giant said premium subscriptions rose by 9 million in the final quarter of the year, bringing its total number of paid users to…
The UK’s advertising watchdog has prohibited a Disney promotional poster for the upcoming sci-fi film Predator: Badlands, ruling that its imagery was likely to alarm children. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said the digital roadside advert breached advertising rules after receiving complaints from two parents who described the content as unsettling and inappropriate for young…
Ford Motor Company has revealed it incurred an additional $900 million in tariff-related costs last year, blaming a late adjustment to a US government relief programme for the higher-than-expected bill. The automaker said its total tariff expenses for 2025 climbed to roughly $2 billion – double what it had initially projected. Chief executive Jim Farley…
Dami Marshall, daughter of Fuji icon King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, widely known as KWAM1 or K1 De Ultimate, has denied speculation suggesting she is in a romantic relationship with Afrobeats star Asake. The rumours began circulating after Dami shared a photo of herself and the singer at a recent event. The image was captioned “Mr…
Apple and Google have agreed to adjust how their app stores operate in the UK following pressure from the country’s competition watchdog, which had raised concerns about their dominance in the market. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said the two technology companies have committed to a series of changes aimed at improving fairness and…
A high-profile trial examining the impact of social media on young people’s mental health has opened in California, with lawyers accusing the owners of Instagram and YouTube of deliberately designing platforms that encourage compulsive use among children. The case, which began on Monday before a Los Angeles Superior Court judge and jury, centres on claims…
A major power struggle is unfolding in Hollywood as Netflix and Paramount Skydance compete for control of Warner Bros Discovery, one of the entertainment industry’s most historic studios. Paramount Skydance, led by chief executive David Ellison and backed by the billionaire Ellison family, has spent months courting Warner Bros Discovery as it looks to build…
Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, known globally as Tems, has reached another major career milestone, becoming the first African female artist to record seven entries on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The latest achievement follows the unexpected debut of her track What You Need, which entered this week’s Hot 100 at number 93,…
A 35-year-old man convicted of murdering his former partner has been sentenced to life in prison by a UK court, with newly released police footage drawing widespread public attention. Robert Richens was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on February 6, 2026, and will serve a minimum of 16 years before becoming eligible for parole. The…
When Sumayyah Zara Sillah lifts the lid of her takeaway box in Leicester, the smell hits first – spicy, buttery, unmistakably indulgent. Inside are Nashville-style hot chicken tenders, glistening with sauce and fried to a deep golden crunch. “I try to eat healthy,” laughs the 19-year-old nursing student, pausing only briefly before digging in. “But…
Under the blazing Singapore sun, far from the roar of passenger jets and the imposing silhouettes of military aircraft, a different kind of crowd gathers. They wait patiently, some fanning themselves, others peering ahead with anticipation, all for a chance to step inside one aircraft. The Gulfstream G700. With its smooth curves, expansive wings and…
Nigerian singer Iyanya has attributed his ability to remain relevant and grounded in the entertainment industry for nearly two decades to what he describes as consistent guidance and accountability. The music star shared his thoughts during a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, where he spoke candidly about the pressures of fame and the importance…
For years, Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter has existed in a world of its own. With tree-lined walkways, embassies, cafés and carefully manicured lawns, the neighbourhood feels noticeably removed from the rhythms of the wider Saudi capital. Today, it is also home to one of the kingdom’s most discreet – and controversial – social experiments. Hidden behind…
Nvidia made corporate history in October after briefly becoming the first company to reach a $5 trillion market valuation, a milestone driven largely by its central role in the global artificial intelligence boom. The semiconductor giant has benefited from surging demand for AI hardware, particularly its data center chips, where it now controls about 81%…
Stellantis, the global automaker behind brands such as Jeep and Chrysler, has announced a major strategic overhaul after its aggressive push into electric vehicles failed to deliver the expected returns, prompting massive financial charges and a sharp sell-off in its shares. The company said on Friday it will record more than $26 billion in charges,…
Veteran Nigerian musician Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has weighed in on the long-running debate over Nigeria’s leading music stars, naming Burna Boy as the country’s most dominant Afrobeat artiste on the global stage. The award-winning singer shared his views during a recent appearance on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, where…
The European Union has warned TikTok that it must overhaul elements of its platform design deemed “addictive” or face substantial financial penalties, following preliminary findings that the app breached the bloc’s online safety rules. The warning stems from an investigation launched by the European Commission in February 2024 into the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform’s compliance with…
Canada has announced a new plan aimed at strengthening its automotive sector and accelerating the shift to electric vehicles, as the industry struggles with the impact of US trade tariffs and an increasingly uncertain relationship with its largest export market. Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled the measures on Thursday, describing them as part of a…
A major South Korean cryptocurrency exchange has admitted to accidentally transferring more than $40bn worth of bitcoin to customers after a technical error turned a routine reward into a massive payout. The platform, Bithumb, said it intended to credit users with a modest promotional bonus of 2,000 won, equivalent to about $1.37. Instead, a system…
Popular American content creator and live streamer Kai Cenat has expressed a strong emotional connection to Nigeria, describing the country as the first place where he experienced what he called “100 per cent love.” Cenat made the remark during a recent courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the Lagos House in…
Google has disclosed that YouTube generated more than $60bn (£44bn) in revenue in 2025, underlining the video platform’s growing importance to the company as it focuses on expanding paid subscriptions. The figure, which combines advertising income and subscription earnings, places YouTube well ahead of streaming competitor Netflix, which reported $45bn in revenue over the same…
Google is facing renewed internal pressure after hundreds of its employees called on the company to end its involvement with US immigration enforcement agencies, citing ethical concerns over how its technology may be used. In an open letter released on Friday, close to 900 full-time staff urged Google’s leadership to be more transparent about the…
Bahama Breeze, the Caribbean-inspired restaurant chain, is set to close all of its outlets, bringing an end to a brand that has operated for more than 30 years. Its parent company, Darden Restaurants, announced on Tuesday that the remaining 28 Bahama Breeze locations will be wound down in the coming months. About half of the…
Veteran Nigerian musician Innocent Idibia, widely known as 2Face, has weighed in on the heated debate comparing global Afrobeats star Wizkid to the late Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, describing the discussion as misplaced and disrespectful. The debate gained fresh attention after Wizkid recently claimed he was “bigger” than Fela, a remark made in response to…
PepsiCo has announced plans to reduce the prices of several of its best-known snack brands, including Doritos, Lay’s and Cheetos, in response to growing consumer frustration over rising food costs. In a statement released on Tuesday, PepsiCo Foods US chief executive Rachel Ferdinando said the company had spent the past year engaging with customers who…
Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch has become the most successful console in the company’s history, surpassing 155 million units sold worldwide since its launch in 2017. The milestone means the hybrid console has overtaken the Nintendo DS to claim the top spot among Nintendo’s hardware releases. In the wider gaming industry, the Switch now…
The Washington Post has announced plans to cut roughly one-third of its workforce, a move that will significantly reduce coverage in areas including sports, local reporting and international news. The layoffs, confirmed on Wednesday, affect employees across multiple departments, with newsroom staff among the hardest hit. The decision marks another period of turmoil for the…
Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has opened up about how marriage has reshaped his priorities, revealing that he no longer finds clubbing appealing. The singer shared the insight during a recent episode of The Long Form Podcast, where he reflected on how his lifestyle has changed since marrying his longtime partner, Chioma…
Amid rows of aircraft models, mock cockpits and high-tech aviation displays at the Singapore Airshow, one exhibitor has been attracting outsized attention: Comac, China’s state-owned aircraft manufacturer. The company has come a long way since its narrow-body C919 passenger jet made its first appearance outside mainland China two years ago. Designed to rival the Airbus…
Netflix has struggled to convince US lawmakers that its proposed takeover of Warner Bros Discovery would serve the interests of consumers, workers and the wider entertainment industry, as bipartisan concerns mount over the scale of the deal. During a hearing on Tuesday, members of the US Senate antitrust subcommittee raised alarms about the potential impact…
Pinterest has terminated the employment of two software engineers after they created an internal tool designed to identify colleagues affected by a recent round of job cuts, the company has confirmed. The dismissals follow an announcement by the social media firm that it would reduce its workforce as part of a shift toward what chief…
