(Brands & Consumers)
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support for a range of older Android smartphones, signalling the end of its compatibility with devices running on outdated software.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…
The luxury perfume brand Clive Christian has launched its exclusive Absolute Collection in Lagos, marking a significant collaboration with Seinde Signature, one of Nigeria’s leading niche perfume stores. The unveiling took place in a refined setting at the Centre Point Luxury Workspace in Ikoyi, attracting Nigeria’s affluent consumers and perfume enthusiasts. Renowned globally for its…
Elon Musk’s financial empire has soared to new heights, propelled by the extraordinary growth of SpaceX, the aerospace company he founded with the goal of transforming space exploration. SpaceX’s valuation has recently surged to $350 billion, a remarkable 67% increase since June. This leap has elevated Musk’s net worth to a staggering $443 billion, further…
LG Electronics has unveiled a new feature for its smart TVs, offering users a way to enjoy live radio, podcasts, and music without the need for a separate subscription. Dubbed LG Radio+, the ad-supported streaming service is now available for LG smart TVs running webOS 6 or higher. Designed as an alternative to traditional music…
Apple is preparing to phase out the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and the third-generation iPhone SE in Europe by the end of 2024. The move comes in response to the European Union’s USB-C charging port mandate, which requires all smartphones sold in the region to adopt the standardized port. The legislation passed in 2022,…
Moon Beast Productions, a new independent game development studio founded by veterans of the iconic Diablo and Diablo II series, is embarking on a mission to redefine the action RPG (ARPG) genre. With a $4.5 million seed investment, the studio is channelling its resources and decades of experience to deliver a groundbreaking new game. Founded…
On December 5, Nigerian authorities confiscated more than 2 metric tons of pangolin scales in a significant crackdown on wildlife trafficking. The seizure took place in two warehouses in Mubi, Adamawa state, where the scales were stockpiled for export. The operation, which was based on intelligence from the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), also led to…
Apple is under mounting pressure to remove its newly launched AI-powered news summarization feature after it falsely attributed a headline to the BBC, prompting concerns from press freedom advocates. The controversy erupted last week when Apple Intelligence, the generative AI tool integrated into Apple devices, pushed a notification falsely summarizing a BBC report. The summary…
Armani Beauty made a remarkable entry into the Lagos beauty scene with Armani Mare, a groundbreaking fragrance experience that blended elegance, innovation, and artistry. The first-of-its-kind event was held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Mako Lagos, a serene beachfront venue that provided the perfect backdrop for the luxurious experience. Curated for an exclusive audience,…
United Airlines has achieved a record-breaking milestone in 2024, transporting 175 million passengers globally across its routes. The airline revealed this accomplishment in a recent statement, marking it as the highest passenger volume recorded in a single year. Highlighting trends observed throughout the year, United offered insights into passenger preferences for entertainment, beverages, and travel…
KFC is stepping outside its comfort zone with its newest venture, “Saucy,” a one-of-a-kind prototype restaurant opening Monday in Orlando, Florida. Swapping its iconic red branding for a vibrant pink, KFC is reimagining its “finger lickin’ good” slogan with a focus on bold sauces, trendy chicken tenders, and an aesthetic tailored to younger, adventurous eaters….
SanDisk has unveiled a fresh creative direction and corporate branding as it prepares for a major relaunch as a standalone leader in flash and memory technology. The company teased its next-generation storage innovations, which are set to debut in early 2025. At the heart of SanDisk’s new identity is a philosophy dubbed the “Mindset of…
Leading pan-African e-commerce platform Jumia has joined forces with customer engagement platform MoEngage to redefine personalized experiences for its customers. The strategic partnership aims to enhance how Jumia connects with its users through tailored communication across various channels. With the new collaboration, Jumia is set to deliver more targeted messages at the right time via…
Google has launched Google Agentspace, a new AI-powered platform aimed at improving enterprise productivity by simplifying workflows, enhancing data access, and automating routine tasks. The tech giant unveiled Agentspace as a solution to the growing challenges businesses face in managing vast amounts of data and operating across multiple tools. With employees often juggling various platforms,…
Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan are in discussions about a potential merger, a move that could reshape the automotive landscape by uniting two of Japan’s biggest car manufacturers. Both companies confirmed the talks in a joint statement on Tuesday but offered few specifics, including the nature of the collaboration or a timeline for when a…
Taco Bell is shaking up its menu with an unexpected addition: chicken nuggets. Known for its Mexican-inspired offerings, the fast-food chain is taking a more American approach with this limited-time item, launching Thursday. Putting a unique spin on the classic fast-food staple, Taco Bell’s chicken nuggets feature all-white meat marinated in a zesty jalapeño buttermilk…
Huawei may soon expand its groundbreaking triple-foldable smartphone lineup, with reports hinting at a new device launching next year. Tech tipster SmartPikachu claims the Chinese tech giant is preparing to update its tri-fold series, following the recent debut of the Mate XT. The Mate XT, launched in September, introduced Huawei as the first company to…
Google DeepMind has introduced Veo 2, its latest AI video generation model, just days after OpenAI’s widely discussed Sora made headlines. The unveiling marks Google’s determined push to take the lead in the rapidly evolving AI video landscape. Veo 2 boasts the ability to produce videos at up to 4K resolution – a significant improvement…
Despite increasing scrutiny and pressure from conservative activists, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives remain deeply embedded in corporate America. While some companies are making adjustments to DEI policies and language, experts argue that the changes are largely cosmetic rather than structural, with businesses continuing to prioritize inclusive practices as a strategic advantage. Major corporations…
Snapchat is rolling out a revamped monetisation program aimed at rewarding creators across its Stories and Spotlight platforms. This move consolidates previously separate programs, aligning monetisation opportunities for both formats. Under the new system, creators will earn revenue from ads displayed within eligible Stories and Spotlight posts, marking a shift that acknowledges Spotlight’s growing popularity….
In the bustling Sheephaven Bay pub, tucked just behind London’s Camden High Street, Guinness is no longer just a drink – it’s a cultural phenomenon. For owner Pat Logue, the Irish stout now makes up more than half of the pub’s draft beer sales, and demand shows no sign of slowing. This year alone, Logue…
The Dangote Refinery has extended its export of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa in recent weeks, marking a significant milestone for the Nigerian oil and gas sector. The Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, made this known during a visit by a delegation…
Amid concerns over Netflix’s reported restructuring in Nigeria, popular comedian and filmmaker Ayo Makun, widely known as AY, has shed light on the streaming giant’s true stance in the Nigerian market. The conversation began earlier in December when Victor Ohai, President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, announced during the Zuma Film Festival in Abuja…
It’s been decades since Sony was this close to the summit. The last time its market value soared so high, the world was spinning to the tunes of the Walkman, Bill Clinton was in the White House, and the PlayStation 2 was on the brink of revolutionising gaming. Fast forward to today, the iconic Japanese…
A federal appeals court has refused to temporarily halt a ban on TikTok, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle at the U.S. Supreme Court over the controversial legislation. On Friday, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously denied TikTok’s request to pause the impending ban while it seeks further review by the Supreme Court….
Global consulting firm McKinsey & Co has agreed to pay $650 million to resolve a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into its advisory role in promoting the sales of OxyContin, a powerful opioid produced by Purdue Pharma. The settlement comes as part of a five-year deferred prosecution agreement filed in a federal court in…
Apple and Google must be ready to remove TikTok from their U.S. app stores by January 19, two bipartisan lawmakers have warned. In a letter sent Friday to the CEOs of Apple and Google-parent Alphabet, Republican Representative John Moolenaar and Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi—leaders of the U.S. House Select Committee on China—emphasised the companies’ responsibility…
Elon Musk is once again at odds with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), revealing that the agency has demanded he pay a fine related to his 2022 purchase of Twitter shares – or face multiple charges. Musk, who disclosed the situation on his social platform X, posted a letter from his attorney Alex…
Bud Light’s decades-long reign as the top beer on tap in U.S. bars has officially come to an end, as Michelob Ultra has now taken the top spot. According to data from Draftlines Technologies, which tracks over 1 million draft lines across the country, Michelob Ultra surpassed Bud Light in share of U.S. draft taps…
Tech giants Google and Samsung have announced plans to release a mixed-reality headset, marking a significant push to rival Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest 3 in the expanding wearable technology market. The forthcoming headset, expected to launch in 2025, will be developed by Samsung and powered by a newly designed Android operating system for…
Popular subscription-based platform OnlyFans, widely known for hosting sexually explicit content, is no longer accessible in China after briefly working in recent weeks. The development follows reports on social media platform X in late November that OnlyFans was functioning within the country. These claims were subsequently verified by CNN checks at the time. China, which…
Access Holdings Plc has revealed that its banking arm, Access Bank Plc, has entered into a binding agreement to acquire the entire equity stake in Bidvest Bank Limited, a South African financial institution. In a statement filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Thursday, Access Bank highlighted the acquisition as part of its strategy to…
Walgreens is facing significant financial setbacks, with its stock plummeting by over 80% in the past five years, making it one of the worst-performing companies in that period. In response to its ongoing troubles, the pharmacy giant is closing 1,200 stores, or about 15% of its total locations, and is reportedly in talks with private…
Meta has confirmed a $1 million donation to President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural fund, marking a significant step in rebuilding ties between the tech giant and the incoming administration. The donation, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, comes shortly after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s private meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago two weeks ago. This move…
German industrial powerhouse Bosch has revealed plans to slash approximately 8,250 jobs globally over the coming years, marking yet another setback for Germany’s struggling economy. The job cuts will primarily affect Bosch’s Mobility sector, which supplies parts to automakers worldwide. The company cited sluggish demand, rising costs, and growing competition as key reasons behind the…
Australia has announced new regulations that will require major tech companies, including Meta and Google, to financially compensate Australian media outlets for news content shared on their platforms. The initiative, dubbed the “News Bargaining Initiative,” is designed to create a financial incentive for digital platforms to reach agreements with local news publishers, Assistant Treasurer and…
A former employee of TD Bank in Florida has been arrested for allegedly facilitating a major money-laundering operation tied to drug cartels. The arrest follows the bank’s record $3 billion fine imposed by the US government for systemic failures in monitoring transactions. Leonardo Ayala, 24, was arrested and charged with one count of money laundering…
Meta has announced that it is close to resolving a significant technical issue causing widespread outages on its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The company acknowledged the disruption on Wednesday, stating, “We’re aware that a technical issue is impacting some users’ ability to access our apps. We’re working to get things back to normal…
Elon Musk has reached an unprecedented financial milestone, becoming the first individual in history to amass a net worth of $400 billion, according to Bloomberg. This achievement marks another record for the billionaire entrepreneur, who has seen a substantial increase in wealth in recent months. A major factor behind Musk’s rise in wealth is the…
The recent killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan has sent shockwaves through corporate America, prompting a reevaluation of security protocols across the country. Following the high-profile assassination, boards of directors are urgently reassessing security budgets, with many CEOs now being advised to limit their digital footprints as concerns grow over the safety of…
Three brothers, prominent real estate brokers Tal and Oren Alexander, alongside their sibling Alon, have been charged in a disturbing federal sex trafficking case that allegedly spans over a decade. Federal prosecutors have accused the Alexander brothers of orchestrating a sex trafficking operation, using their wealth and influence to lure, drug, and sexually assault numerous…
The proposed $25 billion merger between grocery giants Albertsons and Kroger – set to be the largest supermarket deal in U.S. history – has officially collapsed. Albertsons announced the termination on Wednesday, just one day after a federal judge blocked the merger, citing concerns over reduced competition and potential price hikes for consumers. In addition…
Macy’s has wrapped up its investigation into an accounting employee who deliberately concealed more than $150 million in delivery expenses over nearly three years. The company has since strengthened its internal controls to prevent a recurrence of the issue. The investigation revealed that the unnamed employee, tasked with tracking small package delivery expenses, entered inaccurate…
Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of CNN, announced on Thursday a significant restructuring plan that will divide its operations into two distinct divisions, separating its traditional cable networks from its growing streaming and studio businesses. The new structure, set to take effect by mid-2025, will create two operating units: “Global Linear Networks”—which will oversee…
General Motors (GM) has announced it will end its pursuit of fully autonomous robotaxis, opting instead to concentrate on driver-assistance features that still require human oversight. The decision, revealed on Tuesday, signals a strategic pivot away from a costly and competitive robotaxi market. In a statement, GM cited the substantial time and financial resources needed…
In a dramatic turn of events, a bankruptcy judge has rejected the winning bid by satirical news outlet The Onion to purchase Alex Jones’ controversial Infowars platform. The decision, handed down late Tuesday by Judge Christopher Lopez of the Southern District of Texas, raises questions about the future of Jones’ embattled media empire. The auction…
Krispy Kreme is grappling with operational disruptions following a recent cyberattack, which has severely impacted its online ordering services across parts of the United States. The doughnut chain confirmed on Wednesday that it identified “unauthorised activity” within its technology systems late last month. While the full scope of the breach is still under investigation, Krispy…
In the wake of the tragic killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, companies across various industries are rapidly bolstering security measures for their executives, fearing for the safety of top leaders in the face of rising threats. The security response has included the closure of headquarters, the removal of executive photographs from websites, and the…
Tech giant Google has filed a lawsuit against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), contesting the agency’s recent decision to place its payments division under federal supervision. The lawsuit, submitted Friday in a Washington, DC federal court, follows the CFPB’s declaration of supervisory authority over Google Payment Corp. The agency’s concerns were rooted in customer…
TikTok’s fight to remain operational in the United States faces a significant setback following a U.S. appeals court ruling that upholds a law requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform or face a nationwide ban. In a decision handed down on Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia…
