(Brands & Consumers)
Google has introduced an advanced artificial intelligence system, AI Co-Scientist, designed to aid researchers in generating hypotheses and planning experiments. The tech company emphasized that AI Co-Scientist is not a replacement for human expertise but a collaborative tool aimed at supporting scientific inquiry. It is expected to be particularly useful in fields such as disease…
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited, has confirmed that his refinery has a substantial reserve of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to meet Nigeria’s fuel demands. Speaking during a visit by Zambia’s Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, and his delegation, Dangote revealed that the refinery currently holds over half a billion litres of petroleum products,…
Bill Gates has cautioned young people about four pressing global threats that could shape the future, adding to the long-standing concern over nuclear war. The Microsoft co-founder identified climate change, bioterrorism or another pandemic, and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) as significant risks facing the next generation. Speaking in an interview with Patrick…
Tesla is recalling nearly 380,000 vehicles in the United States due to a power steering assist failure that could make steering more difficult, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of accidents. The recall comes after a lengthy investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which began over a year ago following multiple…
Spirit Airlines has received court approval to move forward with a $795 million debt restructuring plan, allowing the budget carrier to convert debt into equity and transition into a privately owned company. On Thursday, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane approved the airline’s restructuring proposal in a hearing held in White Plains, New York. Under the…
Shuhei Yoshida, a longtime Sony executive who played a key role in the PlayStation brand’s growth, has revealed that bringing PlayStation exclusives to PC has been a major financial success for the company. In a recent interview following his retirement on January 15, 2025, Yoshida acknowledged that Sony’s shift towards PC releases has been highly…
When Elon Musk acquired Twitter for $44 billion in October 2022, many believed he had overpaid. The sweeping changes he implemented – mass layoffs, relaxed content moderation policies, and a complete rebranding to X – threw the company into turmoil. Advertisers fled, the platform’s value plummeted, and it seemed like an impossible investment to recover….
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has failed to remit N13.763 trillion in revenue to the Federation Account, according to a document from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) obtained after its January 2025 meeting. The withheld funds span from 2012 to 2024, raising concerns over discrepancies between NNPCL’s crude oil sales revenue and…
Amazon MGM Studios is set to take full creative control of the James Bond franchise under a new deal announced on Thursday. The agreement marks a major shift for the iconic spy series, as longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli step back from overseeing future productions. Wilson and Broccoli, who have been instrumental…
KFC, the fast-food giant once known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is relocating its corporate headquarters from its home state of Kentucky to Texas. Parent company Yum Brands announced on Tuesday that KFC’s offices will move to Plano, Texas, where its sister brand, Pizza Hut, is already based. The move marks a significant shift for the…
Nvidia has launched Signs, an artificial intelligence-driven platform designed to help users learn American Sign Language (ASL) more efficiently. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the American Society for Deaf Children and creative agency Hello Monday, aims to make ASL learning more interactive and accessible. The platform features a 3D avatar demonstrating ASL signs, while…
Apple has expanded its smartphone lineup with the introduction of the iPhone 16e, a more affordable version of the iPhone 16. Announced on Wednesday, the new device marks a strategic move by Apple to strengthen its position in the budget smartphone market while making its AI-driven features more accessible to a wider audience. Priced at…
Electric vehicle manufacturer Nikola has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing financial difficulties, rapid cash depletion, and an inability to secure sufficient funding. The company announced on Wednesday that it would pursue the sale of most or all of its assets as part of an effort to wind down operations in an orderly manner….
The Nigerian government has announced that fuel tankers with a capacity exceeding 60,000 litres will be prohibited from operating on the country’s roads starting March 1, 2025. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) disclosed the development, stating that by the fourth quarter of 2025, tankers carrying more than 45,000 litres of petroleum…
Nike is looking to revive its struggling sales with a major celebrity partnership, announcing a collaboration with Kim Kardashian to create a new brand called “NikeSkims.” The sportswear giant revealed the initiative on Tuesday, describing it as a game-changing move aimed at reshaping the fitness and activewear industry. Inspired by Kardashian’s successful Skims shapewear line,…
Coca-Cola is making a move into the booming prebiotic soda market with the launch of Simply Pop, a new beverage aimed at health-conscious consumers. The soft drink giant’s latest offering, set to roll out this month, is infused with fruit juice, vitamins, and prebiotics designed to support gut health. The launch comes as smaller brands…
Southwest Airlines has announced plans to lay off 15% of its corporate workforce, marking the first mass job cuts in the company’s history. The airline confirmed on Monday that approximately 1,750 employees, including senior leadership positions, will be affected, with layoffs set to begin in April. As part of the restructuring, Southwest will eliminate 11…
After years of regulatory scrutiny and economic uncertainty, China appears to be making a renewed push to support private enterprises. In a move seen as a turning point, Chinese leader Xi Jinping hosted a high-profile meeting with the country’s most influential tech leaders in Beijing – including Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma, who has largely remained…
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has built one of the most dominant social media empires of the modern era. However, its attempts to expand beyond social networking have often fallen short. Despite past failures, the company is once again setting its sights on the future – this time with humanoid robots. A New Bet…
Tesla is facing an unprecedented sales slump, and competition in the electric vehicle (EV) market is heating up. The company experienced its first-ever decline in global sales last year, dropping by 1% from 2023. While a 1% decline may not seem significant for some companies, it is a sharp contrast for Tesla, which recorded growth…
As consumer preferences shift away from sugary drinks, Coca-Cola has found a surprising growth driver: premium dairy. The company’s investment in Fairlife, an ultra-filtered milk brand, has exceeded expectations, proving that a move beyond carbonated beverages can be highly profitable. Originally launched in 2012 as a partnership between Coca-Cola and Select Milk Producers, Fairlife gained…
Marvel’s latest blockbuster, Captain America: Brave New World, has dominated the box office, securing the top spot over the Presidents’ Day weekend. The film is projected to cross $100 million in its debut, solidifying its place among the highest-grossing openings for the holiday weekend. According to estimates from Comscore, the fourth instalment in the Captain…
The iconic Nokia N97, a cult favourite from 2009, is making a comeback – this time, as a gaming handheld. Tech company Sugar Cubes has unveiled the N97 Elite, a portable gaming console that borrows heavily from the original N97’s design while adapting it for modern gaming. Much like its predecessor, the N97 Elite features…
The rivalry in the food delivery industry has escalated as Uber has taken legal action against DoorDash, accusing its competitor of engaging in anti-competitive practices that allegedly limit restaurant choices and stifle competition. Filed in the Superior Court of California, Uber’s lawsuit claims that DoorDash pressures restaurants into exclusive or near-exclusive agreements for its first-party…
Chinese tech giant Baidu has announced that it will make its Ernie Bot AI chatbot completely free for users, intensifying the race among global AI developers. The move comes in response to rising competition, particularly from emerging startup DeepSeek, which has gained attention with its cost-efficient, high-performance AI models. In a statement posted on WeChat,…
Apple’s planned artificial intelligence (AI) upgrade for Siri may face delays due to ongoing software issues, according to reports. Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported on Friday that Apple engineers are struggling with software bugs, which could push back the release of some new Siri features originally scheduled for April. The rollout may…
OpenAI’s board has officially rejected a $97.4 billion acquisition offer led by Elon Musk and a group of investors, reaffirming that the artificial intelligence company is not for sale. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, OpenAI Board Chair Bret Taylor said, “OpenAI is not for sale, and the board has unanimously…
Apple and Google have reinstated TikTok on their U.S. app stores, following an executive action that delayed the enforcement of a potential ban on the platform. Google Play confirmed on Thursday that it had restored TikTok, while reports from Bloomberg and CNBC indicated that Apple would do the same later that evening. By Thursday night,…
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reassured the public of Keystone Bank’s stability following a recent court ruling that ordered the forfeiture of its shares to the federal government. CBN spokesperson Hakama Sidi Ali, in a statement on Friday, acknowledged concerns surrounding the judgment but emphasized that there was no threat to the bank’s…
Apple has officially chosen Alibaba as its partner to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) services in China, marking a major step in expanding its AI capabilities into the world’s largest mobile phone market. This decision ends months of speculation over how Apple would navigate China’s strict regulations on foreign AI operators. A Strategic Partnership for AI…
The gaming industry is experiencing a seismic shift, and at the centre of it is a surprising development – Microsoft, traditionally a rival to Sony, could end up publishing more games on PlayStation in 2025 than Sony itself. This unexpected reality has left gamers questioning the future of Xbox as a console platform and the…
For nearly 30 years, smartphones have been at the center of modern life, evolving from simple communication devices to essential tools for work, entertainment, and social interaction. However, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes their dominance is coming to an end. According to him, smart glasses will soon replace smartphones as the primary way people interact…
Chevron has announced plans to lay off 15% to 20% of its global workforce by the end of 2026 as part of a cost-cutting initiative aimed at streamlining operations. The U.S. oil giant is currently engaged in a legal battle with Exxon Mobil over its planned acquisition of Hess, a key component of its strategy…
Fabric and craft retailer Joann is set to shut down 500 of its 800 stores across the United States in the coming months as it moves through the bankruptcy process. In a statement, the company described the decision as a necessary step to stabilize its operations. “Right-sizing our store footprint is a critical part of…
Spirit Airlines has once again turned down an acquisition offer from Frontier Group, stating that the $2.16 billion bid does not provide as much value to shareholders as its ongoing restructuring plan. Frontier’s latest proposal, a reiteration of its earlier offer, included $400 million in debt and a 19% stake in Frontier for Spirit shareholders….
A Tesla Cybertruck crashed into a utility pole while operating on the latest version of the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, raising fresh concerns about the technology’s reliability. The incident was reported by Jonathan Challinger, a Florida-based software developer, who shared images of the damaged vehicle on social media. Challinger said he was using Tesla’s…
Kanye West’s Yeezy website has gone offline after Shopify terminated its service, citing violations of its policies. A Shopify spokesperson confirmed the decision on Tuesday, stating that the platform removed the online store because it “did not engage in authentic commerce practices and violated our terms.” As a result, the Yeezy website, which had been…
The competition between Sam Altman and Elon Musk over the future of artificial intelligence has reached new heights, with OpenAI’s CEO rejecting a staggering $97.4 billion buyout offer from Musk and his group of investors. Altman’s refusal signals his commitment to OpenAI’s mission, even as the tech billionaire ramps up legal and competitive pressure. Musk,…
Kanye West has once again ignited backlash after launching $20 T-shirts featuring swastikas on his website, marking another week of controversy for the rapper. West, who now goes by Ye, promoted his Yeezy store with a Super Bowl ad, which aired in select markets on Sunday. The low-budget commercial, filmed on an iPhone, showed him…
Eskom has issued a warning to South Africans with rooftop solar panels, urging them to register their systems or risk penalties. Homeowners and businesses that fail to comply could face costs exceeding R50,000 to bring their installations up to standard. The power utility emphasized that the registration process is crucial for ensuring that solar systems…
Google Messages is reportedly developing a feature that would allow users to initiate WhatsApp video calls directly from the app. The feature, discovered in the app’s latest code, is not yet functional but is expected to activate when Google Meet is not installed on the caller’s device. According to a report by Android Authority, the…
Elon Musk is spearheading an investor group that has made a staggering $97.4 billion offer to acquire OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. If successful, the deal could dramatically alter the landscape of artificial intelligence and reignite Musk’s influence over the organization he co-founded in 2015. The move, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, follows…
The rise of Chinese AI firm DeepSeek is shaking up not only global tech giants like OpenAI but also China’s own technology landscape. As the company’s influence spreads, some of China’s biggest firms – many of which have been developing their own AI chatbots – are now integrating DeepSeek’s open-source model into their services. Earlier…
Users of Google Maps in the United States are now seeing the body of water formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico listed as the Gulf of America. The change follows an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, renaming the gulf. Google, in a statement on Monday, reiterated its policy of updating names…
Telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria has rolled back its 200% tariff increase on the 15GB data plan, acknowledging that the hike was an error. The company announced the reversal in a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, apologizing to customers for the unexpected price surge. Earlier in the week, MTN had implemented…
Tech billionaire Bill Gates has expressed concern over Intel’s declining dominance in the semiconductor industry, stating that the company has fallen behind in both chip design and fabrication. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, the Microsoft co-founder – who has long had ties to Intel – said he was “stunned” by the company’s…
Gmail users are being urged to stay alert as cybercriminals deploy AI-powered scams designed to steal login credentials. The FBI has issued a warning about a sophisticated phishing attack that tricks users into granting hackers access to their accounts by impersonating Google support representatives. The scam begins with a fraudulent phone call that appears to…
A newly launched Taiwanese observation satellite, ONGLAISAT, has successfully captured high-resolution images of Earth, marking a significant achievement in small-satellite technology. The satellite, built with the help of Japanese startup ArkEdge Space, was deployed into orbit at approximately 400 km above Earth in December and has since produced 2.5-metre resolution imagery, among the highest quality…
Elon Musk has denied any plans to purchase TikTok, dismissing speculation that he might bid for the popular video-sharing platform. Speaking at the WELT Economic Summit on January 28, the billionaire entrepreneur made it clear that acquiring TikTok is not on his agenda. “I’ve not put in a bid for TikTok, and I don’t have…
Apple has disclosed a severe security vulnerability in its macOS kernel, identified as CVE-2025-24118, which could allow attackers to gain kernel-level privileges. The flaw, affecting multiple versions of macOS, iPadOS, and macOS Sequoia, has been deemed a significant risk to users. Security researcher Joseph Ravichandran from MIT CSAIL uncovered the vulnerability, which stems from a…
