(Brands & Consumers)
In a move that may not sit well with subscribers, Netflix has decided to raise its prices once again. This price hike is expected to impact its premium ad-free plan in the United States. The streaming giant revealed this change in its third-quarter earnings report. Starting Wednesday, the premium plan’s cost will increase by $3…
The Hennessy Cypher 2023 is taking the Nigerian rap community by storm with its unmatched lyrical showcase. Featuring a stellar lineup of Ladipoe, Vector, Blaqbonez, and Zlatan, this year’s Hennessy Cypher has made a significant impact on the rap scene, amassing over 1.9 million views on YouTube since its release. Hennessy’s journey in influencing the…
Adidas’ decision to resume selling Kanye West’s Yeezy shoes has proven to be a wise move, as the sportswear giant disclosed its preliminary earnings for the third quarter of 2023, showing significant gains. The most recent Yeezy releases contributed approximately $158.5 million in sales. These Yeezy sneaker sales have substantially improved the financial outlook for…
Microsoft is set to expand its implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in Outlook to assist corporate users in composing more effective emails. The Microsoft 365 Copilot tool, positioned as an “everyday AI companion,” aims to help users craft concise and error-free emails while also providing summaries of lengthy email threads to facilitate quick drafting…
Best Buy, a major electronics and retail chain, has revealed its decision to discontinue the sale of DVDs and Blu-ray discs by the end of the 2023 holiday season. This move aligns with the evolving trends in how consumers access and enjoy entertainment, particularly the surge in popularity of streaming services. The retail giant stated…
In a surprising development, Ford is temporarily laying off approximately 700 workers responsible for assembling the F-150 Lightning, the electric variant of its highly popular pickup truck. Unlike some recent layoffs tied to the ongoing strike by the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, this workforce reduction is unrelated to labour disputes. The layoffs will occur…
Adobe, the photo-editing software company, recently showcased a range of new AI-powered tools and features at its annual Max event, featuring a dress that transforms into a wearable screen and streamlined photo-editing capabilities. The company presented several prototype tools that leverage generative AI and 3D image technology during the Adobe MAX Sneaks showcase. These innovations…
Australia has imposed a hefty fine of $610,500 Australian dollars ($386,000) on Twitter, previously known as X, for its alleged shortcomings in disclosing its approach to addressing child sex abuse content. This latest penalty adds to the growing challenges facing the Elon Musk-owned social media platform. The Australian e-Safety Commission, the country’s online safety regulator,…
After a failed attempt to take over Manchester United, Qatari billionaire Sheikh Jassim is now reportedly setting his sights on purchasing another Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur. The wealthy Qatari investor had initially made a £5 billion bid to acquire a 100% stake in Manchester United. However, negotiations with the Glazer family, who bought the…
Sony Corporation, the renowned Japanese tech giant, has announced a significant investment of $10 million in the flourishing African entertainment industry. This strategic move aligns perfectly with the industry’s growing global prominence, signalling Sony’s commitment to enhancing Africa’s competitive edge in the entertainment world. In an exclusive interview with TechCrunch, Chief Executive Officer Gen Tsuchikawa…
X, the social media company formerly known as Twitter and now under Elon Musk’s leadership, is facing legal troubles as the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has filed a complaint against the company. The complaint alleges that X unlawfully terminated an employee who had encouraged coworkers to resist the company’s return-to-office mandate. According to the…
Ford has issued a recall for specific models of the 2020-2022 Explorer due to concerns related to a potential rollaway risk when the parking brake is not engaged. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this recall affects a total of 238,364 vehicles. The NHTSA has pointed out that a “disconnected driveshaft” could…
The renowned cork-soled shoemaker, Birkenstock, is set to make its highly anticipated debut on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol BIRK. The company announced that it will price its initial public offering (IPO) at $46 per share, right in the middle of the price range it had indicated in the preceding…
DJ Khaled has proclaimed that his We The Best x Air Jordan 5 collaboration is the most significant release in Air Jordan collaboration history. The renowned music figure made this bold assertion during a new episode of “Sneaker Shopping” with Complex’s Joe La Puma, which was recently released. He shared the exciting news about the…
Burger King has been undertaking a brand revitalization effort in recent years, encompassing everything from logo redesign to packaging updates. The next phase in this transformation is remodelling its restaurant locations. Tom Curtis, President of Burger King US & Canada, announced that customers can expect to see changes in Burger King locations starting in 2024….
Google is taking steps to eliminate the need for traditional passwords by introducing passkeys, which will enable users to unlock their accounts and devices using fingerprint recognition, face scans, or PIN numbers. The tech giant has advocated for the use of passkeys since May and recently announced that this technology will be the primary choice…
Samsung, the South Korean technology giant, has issued a warning that its operating profit for the third quarter is likely to experience a significant drop of approximately 78%. This projection comes as the company grapples with weaker demand for consumer devices than usual. According to earnings estimates released by Samsung on Wednesday, the expected operating…
Jaime Gilinski Bacal, a prominent Colombian banking and real estate entrepreneur, has assumed control of Metro Bank as part of a comprehensive rescue plan aimed at addressing financial challenges faced by the UK-based lender. In a statement released on Sunday, Metro Bank disclosed that it had successfully secured £325 million ($396 million) from investors, consisting…
AMC Entertainment is experiencing a significant boost thanks to Taylor Swift’s massive fan following. Shares of AMC (AMC) saw an impressive surge of 11.5% during Friday afternoon trading after the popular movie theatre chain reported that the concert film “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” had generated over $100 million in advance ticket sales. In a…
Mavin Records, one of Nigeria’s prominent music labels, is reportedly exploring investment opportunities or considering a complete sale, with major players such as Universal Music Group (UMG), HYBE Corporation, and financial sector music investors expressing interest, according to inside sources. The last significant investment in Mavin Records occurred in January 2019 when the label secured…
MGM Resorts International has disclosed that a cyberattack in September will have a significant financial impact, estimating a $100 million hit to its third-quarter results as the company works to recover its systems. As one of the world’s largest gambling firms, MGM took swift action to shut down its systems upon detecting the attack, aiming…
Western Australia is on track to potentially host the world’s tallest wooden building, as authorities in Perth have given approval for a 191.2-meter-tall (627-foot) “hybrid” tower constructed using mass timber. Perth’s Metro Inner-South Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) recently greenlit the proposal for the skyscraper, currently known as the C6 building, which would be nearly…
Toyota vehicles dominate the Nigerian automotive landscape, constituting the largest share of cars on the country’s roads. In fact, for every five cars you encounter navigating Nigerian streets, at least one proudly bears the Toyota emblem. The affinity that Nigerians hold for Toyota automobiles is unmistakable, and the Japanese automaker has firmly established its presence…
In a revelation dating back to January 2022, Errol Musk, father of tech mogul Elon Musk, disclosed that he turned down his son’s generous offer to gift him a Tesla car and have it shipped to his residence in South Africa. The decision was based on the considerable expenses associated with shipping and import fees,…
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has expressed concerns over Google’s continued dominance in online search, emphasizing its impact on internet security and the emerging field of artificial intelligence. Nadella’s comments came during his testimony in the US government’s ongoing antitrust trial against Google. He pointed out Google’s role as the default search engine on mobile devices…
Renowned rapper and entrepreneur Snoop Dogg has reportedly ended his involvement with the Indonesian coffee company, INDOxyz, just a few months after the company’s launch. According to an exclusive report by Page Six, Snoop, also known as The Doggfather, quietly disengaged from the partnership shortly before the end of the summer season. While the exact…
Haitham Al Ghais, the Secretary-General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), emphasized the urgent need for substantial investments in the global oil industry to maintain energy security and prevent a surge in crude oil prices. In an interview with CNN’s Becky Anderson during the ADIPEC energy conference in Abu Dhabi, Al Ghais…
In 2023, rough diamond prices have experienced a notable dip, marking their lowest point in a year. This decline is attributed to shifting consumer trends in the post-pandemic era, with many individuals showing a preference for experiences over luxury goods. According to data from the Zimnisky Global Rough Diamond Index, the current prices reflect a…
In a groundbreaking development, the Senate Banking Committee has approved the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act, marking a significant milestone in the quest to bridge the gap between financial institutions and cannabis-related businesses. The legislation aims to address a long-standing financial impasse that has forced cannabis companies to operate primarily with cash….
Snoop Dogg, the iconic rapper and entrepreneur, is once again making waves in the metaverse as he joins a growing list of celebrities, including Charlie D’Amelio, Tom Brady, and Paris Hilton, in the preliminary launch of AI chatbots on Facebook and Instagram. This exciting development comes as part of a broader effort to enhance user…
Barcelona, the reigning La Liga champions, has officially disclosed its financial performance for the 2022/2023 football season, revealing substantial profits and revenues. Despite concerns about the club’s debt situation, the Catalan giants reported an impressive net profit of over €300 million after tax deductions. This remarkable increase in profit can be attributed to several factors,…
Epic Games, the renowned creator of Fortnite and other gaming titles, has revealed plans to cut approximately 830 jobs, accounting for 16% of its workforce, in a strategic move aimed at curbing what CEO Tim Sweeney termed “unrealistic” expenditures. In a letter addressed to its employees, Sweeney acknowledged the company’s excessive spending, stating that Epic…
The decision by retail giant Target to close nine of its stores in major cities due to persistent large-scale theft has raised concerns about the escalating problem of store crime. Industry experts are highlighting that even a slight increase in crime can have far-reaching effects that lead retailers to shut their outlets. Burt Flickinger, a…
In a recent development, Senior Judge John Coughenour has recused himself from presiding over the US Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) antitrust lawsuit against Amazon.com. This decision was revealed in a court document filed on Wednesday. The antitrust lawsuit was filed against Amazon in federal court in Seattle just a day before Judge Coughenour’s recusal. The…
In a landmark monopoly case, the US government, along with 17 states, has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging years of abusive economic dominance and unfair competition practices by the e-commerce giant. This lawsuit marks the government’s most significant attack on Amazon, a company known for its extensive product range and vast logistics network. The…
Blue Origin, the space tourism and rocket company founded by Jeff Bezos, is undergoing a leadership change as Dave Limp, a senior executive at Amazon, prepares to take the reins as the new CEO. The current CEO, Bob Smith, who has been at the helm since 2017, will step down from his role, according to…
Amazon, the global e-commerce powerhouse, has announced its intention to invest a substantial sum, up to $4 billion, in the artificial intelligence (AI) company Anthropic. This strategic move also entails Amazon securing a minority ownership stake in Anthropic, reflecting the e-commerce giant’s ongoing commitment to advancing AI technology and remaining competitive in a rapidly evolving…
Apple’s much-anticipated iPhone 15 lineup hit stores worldwide on Friday, drawing eager customers who lined up in long queues across China, Europe, and the United States to be among the first to purchase the tech giant’s next-generation smartphones. Leading up to the launch, analysts, including those at Wedbush Securities, reported that iPhone 15 pre-orders exceeded…
Microsoft’s multibillion-dollar acquisition of Activision Blizzard has moved a step closer to approval in the UK as regulators signal that an amended version of the deal could resolve their concerns. The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) issued a statement stating that Microsoft’s proposed changes, which involve the sale of Activision’s cloud gaming rights to…
Toshiba Corporation has officially announced the successful conclusion of a $14 billion tender offer presented by private equity firm Japan Industrial Partners (JIP). This significant development marks the way forward for the beleaguered industrial conglomerate to transition into a private entity. The consortium led by JIP managed to secure a substantial 78.65% of Toshiba’s shares…
Kanye West has found an unexpected defender in Bjørn Gulden, the CEO of Adidas, despite the sportswear giant severing ties with the embattled rap mogul last year. In a recent interview, Gulden lauded West’s creativity and offered a more sympathetic perspective on the controversial artist. Gulden acknowledged West’s exceptional creative talents in both music and…
Apple enthusiasts, get ready to elevate your iPhone experience with the highly anticipated iOS 17. This week marks the official release of Apple’s latest operating system, promising a plethora of new features aimed at enhancing user personalization and intuitiveness. Although Apple first teased iOS 17 at its annual Worldwide Developer Conference in June, the spotlight…
Millions of Fortnite players have the opportunity to claim their share of a $245 million settlement reached by Epic Games, the parent company of the popular multiplayer shooter game. This settlement comes following allegations of deceptive tactics used by Epic Games, which led users to make unintended and unwanted purchases within the game. The settlement…
Chinese authorities have detained several staff members of Evergrande’s wealth management unit following the company’s failure to repay investors. This marks the first criminal investigation against the embattled property developer since it faced a massive debt crisis in late 2021. Shares of Evergrande plummeted by as much as 26% in Hong Kong on Monday, although…
Nike, the world’s leading supplier of athletic shoes, has joined forces with Nigerian customs design company Layerx in an exciting partnership aimed at promoting culture and environmental sustainability. This innovative collaboration is set to redefine the future of fashion and athletics by merging the best of both worlds. At the core of this partnership lies…
As the new marathon season approaches in September, Adidas AG, the luxury footwear brand, has revealed its latest contender in the super-shoe competition – the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1. Priced at $500 (approximately N384,000), this racing shoe is making waves in the running world. Weighing in at a mere 138 grams (4.9 ounces), the…
Apple’s newly unveiled iPhone 15 Pro Max is already facing substantial demand, resulting in extended delivery times for eager customers in several countries, including China, Japan, and the United States. This surge in demand serves as an encouraging sign for Apple, given previous concerns about iPhone sales following a slowdown in the global smartphone market….
TikTok, the popular social media platform, has been slapped with a hefty €345 million ($368 million) fine by a major European tech regulator over allegations of insufficient measures to safeguard children’s privacy. The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), responsible for monitoring TikTok’s operations in the European Union, issued the fine, citing violations of the EU’s…
In this video, celebrity travel Vlogger, Steven Nduwku takes us on a tour of one of the biggest mansions in Abuja in the company of his friend at Comfort Homes & Properties Limited. The house comes with an assortment of features including a total of 9 rooms, 4 living rooms, and a very modern design….
France’s radio frequency watchdog, the Agence Nationale des Fréquences (ANFR), has issued an order for Apple to halt the sale of the iPhone 12 due to concerns over excessive electromagnetic radiation emissions. Additionally, the ANFR has instructed Apple to address the issue with existing iPhones in circulation. The ANFR has conveyed to Apple that if…
