(Brands & Consumers)
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is set to eliminate its fact-checking program and replace it with a community-driven moderation system. CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the policy shift on Tuesday, acknowledging that the decision could lead to more harmful content appearing on its platforms. The changes include adopting “Community Notes,” a feature similar…
In a surprising move, Disney’s Hulu + Live TV service and streaming platform Fubo have announced a merger, creating one of the largest pay-TV streaming providers in the U.S. The combined entity will boast 6.2 million subscribers, positioning it as the second-largest streaming pay-TV service, trailing only YouTube TV. As part of the agreement, Disney…
Microsoft is set to invest approximately $80 billion in the development of advanced data centres throughout fiscal 2025, aiming to bolster its infrastructure for artificial intelligence (AI) models and cloud-based applications. This announcement comes as the demand for AI-powered solutions continues to skyrocket, especially after the success of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, launched in 2022. The company’s…
On October 13, 2024, SpaceX’s Starship rocket made headlines worldwide with its dramatic flight, marking a pivotal moment in the space race. The rocket, hailed as the most powerful and largest ever built, lifted off from a Texas launchpad. Despite its booster returning at speeds greater than sound, engineers managed to execute a flawless landing…
The release of the highly anticipated Air Jordan 1 “Black Toe Reimagined” has encountered another delay, with the latest update now setting the drop for February 15, 2025. This marks the third adjustment to the release date for the sneaker, which was originally slated for October 2024 but had been postponed to 2025. The new…
Adidas has removed all Yeezy-branded products from its website following a heated Instagram post from Kanye West. The move comes just a day after the 47-year-old artist criticized the company, accusing it of hindering his independent efforts and calling out past grievances. In his Instagram post, West shared a screenshot of a Google search for…
United Airlines is set to introduce Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service on its flights, with the first commercial launch scheduled for spring. Testing of the high-speed satellite-based Wi-Fi will begin in February, starting with the airline’s Embraer E-175 aircraft. United aims to equip its entire two-cabin regional fleet with Starlink by the end of 2025,…
WhatsApp is set to roll out a new feature in 2024 that will give users more control over animations in their chats. The update will allow users to manage how emojis, stickers, and GIFs animate during conversations, creating a more personalized and user-friendly experience. Currently being tested in the WhatsApp Android beta version 2.25.1.10, the…
Samsung and Google have introduced Eclipsa Audio, an open-source 3D audio format designed to deliver immersive sound experiences. This groundbreaking technology, set to debut later this year on select YouTube videos, will also feature in Samsung’s 2025 lineup of TVs and soundbars. Positioned as a cost-effective alternative to Dolby Atmos, Eclipsa Audio promises to redefine…
Microsoft has announced plans to allocate $80 billion in fiscal 2025 to expand its data centre network and bolster artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The investment is aimed at supporting AI model training and the deployment of AI-driven and cloud-based applications, according to a company blog post on Friday. The move underscores the growing demand for…
Nearly a year after a door plug blew off mid-flight on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9, Boeing has outlined its efforts to enhance passenger safety and rebuild trust in its aircraft. In a statement released Friday, the aerospace giant detailed improvements across four key areas: fostering a stronger safety and quality culture, boosting…
Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging its Siri voice assistant violated users’ privacy by recording private conversations without their consent. The preliminary settlement, filed in a federal court in Oakland, California, awaits approval from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White. The lawsuit claims that Siri, Apple’s voice-activated assistant, inadvertently…
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has imposed a $2 million fine on JetBlue Airways for operating chronically delayed flights and maintaining unrealistic flight schedules. This marks the first time the DOT has penalized an airline for such practices. Of the total penalty, $1 million will be allocated to compensate affected passengers over the next…
The price of Rolex watches, already a symbol of luxury, has climbed even higher in 2025, with surging gold prices driving significant increases for the brand’s gold models. According to reports from watch enthusiast websites, prices for some gold Rolex models have risen by as much as 14%, compared to a modest 3% increase for…
Huawei has introduced its latest addition to the Enjoy series, the Enjoy 70X, in China. This midrange smartphone boasts advanced features, including satellite connectivity and a massive 6,100 mAh battery with 40W wired charging support. The Enjoy 70X features a 6.78-inch curved OLED display with FHD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. A pill-shaped…
While the global PC market has faced challenges from post-pandemic slowdowns, inflation, and component shortages, the gaming PC sector continues to thrive. In 2024, worldwide spending on gaming desktops and laptops grew by 3.6% year-over-year, reaching over $59 billion and accounting for one-fifth of all PC sales. According to data from Betideas.com, the gaming PC…
Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, capped an extraordinary 2024 with a jaw-dropping surge in his wealth, widening the gap between himself and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to a staggering $237 billion. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO’s net worth climbed by $213 billion in a single year, reaching a historic $442.1 billion by December, according…
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), a leading force in African entrepreneurship, has officially opened applications for its 2025 Entrepreneurship Programs. Entrepreneurs across the continent now have the opportunity to gain access to world-class training, expert mentorship, and non-refundable seed funding to transform their ideas into thriving businesses. Programs Tailored to Diverse Needs This year’s offerings…
Meta has acknowledged a “software update issue” that has been causing some Quest 2, Quest 3, and Quest 3S headsets to become unresponsive, a problem that has persisted for weeks. The company updated its support site to inform users of the ongoing issue, stating that most affected users are now able to use their devices…
YouTube is currently testing a new feature that could make discovering content even easier with a floating “Play Something” button. The button, which appears just above the app’s bottom bar on Android devices, allows users to tap it and have YouTube automatically select and play a video. The feature, still in testing, utilizes YouTube’s portrait-oriented…
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD has set a new sales record, positioning itself as a strong competitor to Tesla for the title of the world’s leading EV maker. In 2024, BYD sold 1.76 million fully electric vehicles, according to recent sales figures, bringing it closer than ever to surpassing Tesla’s annual sales. This figure…
For budget-conscious fashionistas, Walmart has become an unlikely hero, offering a handbag dubbed the “Wirkin” as an affordable alternative to the iconic Hermès Birkin bag. This look-alike has taken the internet by storm, drawing widespread attention and quickly selling out on Walmart’s website. The Hermès Birkin bag is a symbol of exclusivity, flaunted by celebrities…
Big Lots, the discount retail chain that filed for bankruptcy in September, has announced a critical agreement to preserve hundreds of stores and safeguard jobs. The deal involves a partnership with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, which will oversee the transfer of the company’s brand, stores, and distribution centres to other retailers. The Ohio-based retailer had…
In the fast-evolving world of African technology and innovation, staying inspired and informed is essential for success. We delved into the reading habits of prominent African tech leaders to uncover books that have left a lasting impact on their personal and professional lives. From business strategies to personal growth, these recommendations span fiction and non-fiction…
Jubilant FoodWorks (JFL), the operator of Domino’s Pizza and Popeyes in India, has announced a major shift in its beverage partnership. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Coca-Cola Company, marking the end of its collaboration with PepsiCo, which had supplied beverages to Domino’s outlets in India since 2018. Under the…
Global sportswear leader Nike is grappling with a significant social media challenge, shedding over 1 million Instagram followers in the last three months. This decline, part of a larger eight-month trend, coincides with a drop in the company’s market capitalization by roughly $30 billion. Data from AltIndex reveals that Nike’s Instagram following peaked at over…
Microsoft may be gearing up to challenge Sony’s PlayStation 5 DualSense controller with an innovative design of its own, according to details from a recently discovered patent. The patent, titled “Tuning Haptic Feedback of a Device,” outlines advanced haptic technology that could elevate Xbox gaming experiences to rival or surpass the features of Sony’s popular…
Netflix has initiated a legal battle against Broadcom, alleging that VMware, a Broadcom subsidiary, has infringed on several of its patents related to virtual machine technology. The streaming giant claims that VMware’s products, including vSphere and its cloud solutions, violate five Netflix patents aimed at optimizing and managing virtual machines efficiently. The patents in question…
Starlink, the satellite internet service founded by Elon Musk, has announced new subscription rates for its Nigerian customers, with the changes taking immediate effect for new users and beginning January 27, 2025, for existing subscribers. Nigeria, which became Starlink’s first market in Africa when it launched in January 2023, will see significant price adjustments across…
A new report by Afrinvest has projected that the Nigerian Naira could depreciate to a fair value of N1,804 per dollar at the official market by 2025. The report, titled “Beyond The Rhetorics: Transforming Reforms to Tangibles,” highlights the likelihood of sustained foreign exchange (FX) volatility driven by challenges faced by the Central Bank of…
Blackmagic Design, a leader in professional video production technology, has unveiled the Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive Camera, a groundbreaking tool crafted specifically for capturing Apple Immersive Video for the Apple Vision Pro. Pre-orders are now live for the high-end camera, with shipping slated to begin in early 2025. Revolutionizing Immersive Media Announced in June 2024,…
Cybercriminals are ramping up their tactics, combining phishing schemes with Gmail account compromises to exploit even the most cautious users. A recent high-profile case highlights how hackers manipulated Google’s security features to steal $500,000 in cryptocurrency, proving that vigilance is more critical than ever. The Evolving Threat of Gmail Phishing Attacks Hackers are constantly refining…
In the escalating competition for AI supremacy, Google is reportedly using Anthropic’s Claude to benchmark and enhance its Gemini AI. This practice has raised questions about ethics and compliance in the fiercely competitive industry. According to a report by TechCrunch, contractors tasked with evaluating Gemini’s performance have been comparing its outputs against those of Claude,…
Netflix has finally made its NFL debut, streaming two high-profile games that set records for live sports viewership on the platform. Despite the milestone, the ratings fell short compared to last year’s traditional broadcasts on cable and network television. The late matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans drew an average of 24.3 million…
LG Electronics has introduced a groundbreaking air conditioning system to the Nigerian market, unveiling the Dual Inverter Air Conditioner with its innovative Mosquito Away feature. This marks a significant step in air conditioning technology by combining efficient cooling with mosquito repellence. The Mosquito Away feature leverages ultrasonic wave technology to emit sound frequencies undetectable to…
itel has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering affordable yet high-quality technology with the launch of its latest flagship smartphone, the itel S25 Ultra. The new device blends premium features with budget-friendly pricing, offering a compelling alternative to high-end smartphones like the Samsung S24. One standout initiative accompanying the launch is itel’s 100-day free screen replacement…
Iran has lifted its ban on WhatsApp and Google Play in what state media describes as the first step toward easing internet restrictions in the country. The decision, announced Tuesday, marks a significant shift in policy for a nation known for its stringent online censorship. The state-run IRNA news agency reported that a “positive majority…
Jinjiang Group, a contractor for Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, has denied allegations by Brazilian authorities that its workers were subjected to “slavery-like conditions” at a construction site in Bahia state. The company attributed the claims to translation errors and cultural misunderstandings, dismissing the accusations as inconsistent with the facts. Brazilian labour officials recently announced…
Nigerians could face higher charges for calls, SMS, and data services starting early 2025, as the federal government considers approving a long-awaited tariff review. Telecom operators have been advocating for a price adjustment, citing financial strains that have worsened over the years. Last Tariff Review Was Over a Decade Ago The current telecom tariffs were…
Brazilian labour officials discovered 163 Chinese nationals working under “slavery-like conditions” at a construction site for a factory owned by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD in Bahia state, according to the local labour prosecutor’s office on Monday. The workers, who were hired in China by a third-party company, were allegedly brought to Brazil illegally. They…
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit against Walmart and fintech company Branch Messenger on Monday, accusing them of forcing more than a million Walmart delivery drivers to use costly deposit accounts to access their paychecks. According to the CFPB, Walmart and Branch Messenger opened bank accounts for the company’s Spark Drivers using…
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has accused Rocket Homes, a subsidiary of Rocket Companies, and The Jason Mitchell Group real estate brokerages of engaging in an illegal kickback scheme to direct mortgage applications to Rocket affiliates. According to the CFPB, Rocket Homes, one of the largest mortgage lenders in the U.S., provided real estate…
The Container Store, a long-standing name in home organization, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing financial struggles and shifts in consumer spending habits. The announcement comes as the retailer faces mounting debt and competition in a challenging economic environment. In a statement released late Sunday, the 46-year-old company outlined plans to use the…
Despite economic challenges, Nigerians are trooping to bus stations and airports to journey to their hometowns for the Christmas and New Year celebrations. However, this year’s festive travels are marked by complaints of skyrocketing fares, both for road and air transport. Road Travel: High Fares and Safety Concerns Major bus parks across Lagos, including Yaba,…
The Nigerian government has announced plans to collaborate with Bloomberg on a two-year initiative aimed at reshaping the country’s international reputation and attracting foreign investment. This development was disclosed in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Finance on Thursday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account. The partnership, spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance…
The battle over sugary drinks has reached Capitol Hill as major beverage companies Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Keurig Dr Pepper push back against a proposal to remove sugar-sweetened beverages from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), has sparked debate with…
Nordstrom, the 123-year-old upscale department store chain, is set to go private in a $6.25 billion deal led by its founding family in partnership with Mexican retailer El Puerto de Liverpool. The move, announced on Monday, marks a significant shift in the company’s trajectory amid ongoing challenges in the retail sector. Family Takes the Helm…
Apple is reportedly preparing to expand its smart home product lineup with the introduction of a Face ID-enabled smart doorbell camera. According to a report from Bloomberg, the tech giant is looking to leverage its facial recognition technology to enter the smart home security market, competing with established players like Google and Amazon. Revolutionizing Smart…
The year 2024 proved challenging for several iconic brands, as inflation, shifting consumer trends, and operational hurdles led to a wave of high-profile bankruptcies. From retailers to airlines, many companies struggled to adapt to a changing economic and consumer landscape. Although filing for bankruptcy doesn’t necessarily mean the end of a business, it often signals…
Starting January 1, 2025, WhatsApp will discontinue support for a range of older Android smartphones, signalling the end of its compatibility with devices running on outdated software. This update impacts roughly 20 models from brands like Samsung, Motorola, HTC, LG, and Sony, many of which were popular during the early 2010s. Why Support is Ending…
