TestMu AI Launches Kane CLI, the New Browser Automation Tool Built for AI Agents and Developers

April 28, 2026

TestMu AI (formerly LambdaTest), the world’s first full-stack Agentic Quality Engineering platform, today announced the launch of Kane CLI, a new browser automation tool that runs directly from the terminal.

Kane CLI is the first tool designed simultaneously for human developers and AI coding agents, closing the gap between code generation and verified browser execution.

AI coding agents have transformed how software gets written, as AI agents are shipping code faster than any QA team can click through flows manually. Features ship from prompts. Bugs get fixed in seconds. But the development loop has never fully closed: no agent can open a browser and verify that what it built actually works. That step still falls to a human. Kane CLI is built to close this loop.

Teams build features, spot bugs, ship code, and run agents. Kane CLI is the verification layer for all of it. Developers and QA engineers describe the flow and get pass or fail with a full step trace and screenshot before the PR goes up.

Designers and PMs verify fixes and broken flows without filing a ticket or waiting for a developer, then drop the shareable evidence link straight into Slack or Jira. And when AI agents like Claude Code, Codex CLI, Cursor, and Gemini CLI build a feature; Kane CLI is the missing tool that tells them whether it actually works in the local Chrome browser.

Key Capabilities of Kane CLI include:

Intent-based browser control: Operates purely on intent, requiring no selectors or underlying code.
Resilient runs: Kane CLI does not return halfway. It adapts and pushes through, up to 50 steps per flow, until the full journey is verified.Other tools break on the first change. Kane CLI finishes the run.
Playwright export: Converts plain English test flows into native Playwright test code with one command.
Automated bug discovery: Actively monitors and surfaces unexpected behaviors while the test flow is running.

Vision-based dynamic waiting: Detects loaders and animations on screen before acting. Not network-based. Handles canvas, Shadow DOM, and element frameworks that cannot be resolved.
Ask the tool for OTPs and CAPTCHAs: When an automated flow hits an OTP screen or a CAPTCHA, it does not fail silently. Kane CLI pauses, asks the human to handle that one step, and then continues the run. For AI agents, this is human-in-the-loop without stopping the entire workflow.
Two-way script migration: Convert existing Playwright or Selenium scripts to Kane CLI. Convert Kane CLI tests back to Playwright. No rewrite from scratch.
Inbuilt Test Manager sync: Every test case created locally is also saved remotely. Shareable proof attached automatically.
CI/CD ready: Runs headlessly in GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins, and Bitbucket Pipelines. Standard exit codes plug into pipeline control flow without any custom scripting.
Contextual authoring: Give Kane CLI context about your app, and it authors parallel test cases across multiple browser sessions from a single prompt.

Three Ways to Run

Kane CLI ships with three modes so humans and agents can consume it the same way from the same terminal.

Interactive TUI – No arguments needed. A full terminal UI opens for exploring, iterating, and chaining tests across a live browser session.
Headless CLI – Add –headless for scriptable, display-free runs. Built for shell scripts and CI pipelines.
Agent Mode – Add –agent –headless. Outputs structured NDJSON that Claude Code, Codex CLI, and Gemini CLI read natively to decide what to do next.

Asad Khan, CEO & Co-Founder, TestMu AI, said,

“For years, the bottleneck in software was writing the code. Vibe coding removed that. Teams are shipping more software, faster, than at any point in the history of our industry. But it exposed a new bottleneck most teams haven’t named yet: trust. Every feature that ships from a prompt is a feature nobody has actually verified. At agentic speed, ‘a human will click through it later’ is not a plan — it’s a liability, compounding at the speed of AI. it’s a growing pile of unverified work. That’s why we built Kane CLI. One terminal command, a real browser, pass or fail. Software has always trusted the people who wrote it. Now, for the first time, it has to trust the machines. Kane CLI is how trust scales in the agentic era.”

As part of its launch, TestMu AI is offering bonus credits for the first three months to teams that activate a paid plan during the introductory period. The offer is designed to give engineering and quality teams full access to Kane CLI’s cloud capabilities.

Kane CLI is available today, free to start. Install via npm or brew, log in, and run your first flow.

Installation command for Kane CLI via npm – npm install -g @testmuai/kane-cli

Installation command for Kane CLI via Homebrew – brew install LambdaTest/kane/kane-cli

Or building with an AI agent? Point it to testmuai.com/kane-cli/agents.md

Also see: Exploring Codeless Automation Testing Tools: Revolutionizing Software Quality Assurance

Ranked 2026 Report Shows Nigeria’s Digital Media Traffic Drops 26% As AI Reshapes News Consumption

passyjango

April 27, 2026

Ranked 2026 Report Shows Nigeria’S Digital Media Traffic Drops 26% As Ai Reshapes News Consumption

Nigeria’s digital media ecosystem recorded a 26.2% decline in total readership traffic in 2025, according to the newly released SquirrelPR RANKED 2026 Report, signalling a major shift in how audiences consume news and how influence is measured across the industry.

Total traffic across Nigerian digital media platforms fell from over 1.04 billion visits in 2024 to 769 million in 2025, marking one of the most significant structural changes in the country’s media landscape in recent years.

The report notes that this decline does not reflect reduced relevance, but a recalibration driven by artificial intelligence. AI-powered search overviews are increasingly answering user queries directly, reducing the need to visit publisher websites while still relying on those same publishers as primary sources.

“The old model of digital media was built on clicks. That model is breaking down,”

said Jonah Solomon, Co-founder of SquirrelPR.

“Today, influence is defined by authority, trust, and the ability to shape conversations—even when users don’t click through.”

Delivering the keynote address, Keni Akintoye, CEO and Lead Strategist at KT Communication, described the shift as a fundamental evolution in how influence is created and distributed.

“Influence has not declined—it has evolved,”

he said.

“People are still consuming content, but increasingly without arriving at the source. In that reality, traffic is no longer a complete measure of relevance. Trust is.”

He added that media platforms are transitioning from destinations to sources of authority within a broader information ecosystem, where credibility determines whether content is referenced and amplified.

The report highlights that domain authority and credibility are emerging as key indicators of influence, as high-authority platforms continue to dominate visibility in AI-driven discovery environments.

Across sectors, performance patterns vary. Legacy news platforms continue to dominate traffic and remain central to the information ecosystem powering search and AI systems. In business media, specialist platforms are gaining traction with more targeted, insight-driven content.

Technology media faces the most direct pressure from AI summarisation, while entertainment and lifestyle platforms remain relatively resilient due to their cultural and engagement-driven nature.

Insights from the panel session reinforced the shift away from volume-driven metrics. Múyiwa Mátuluko, CEO of Businessfront, said media organisations must prioritise depth and relevance over scale. Rasheed Bolarinwa, Group Head of Brand Marketing and Communications at Polaris Bank, noted that brands are increasingly focused on conversion, trust, and audience quality.

From the newsroom perspective, Olufemi Ajasa, Online Editor of Vanguard, emphasised that credibility and quality journalism remain central to relevance. Damilola Bright-Ukwenga, a communications professional, highlighted the growing role of creators and micro-influencers in shaping narratives. Ifeanyi Abraham, PR Director at CIG Motors and moderator, described the shift as seismic, urging industry players to reposition for resilience.

The report concludes that traffic alone is no longer a sufficient performance metric, calling for a more strategic, authority-led approach to media visibility.

“PR can no longer be guesswork,”

Solomon added.

“You need data to understand which platforms truly shape perception.”

SquirrelPR also unveiled SquirrelPR 2.0, an AI-powered PR management platform built for Africa, and SMT Monitor, a media monitoring and social listening platform designed to support more data-driven communication strategies.

The RANKED 2026 Report positions Nigeria’s media landscape not as declining, but evolving into a more complex, AI-mediated ecosystem where trust, credibility, and influence matter more than ever.

The $40 Smartphone Revolution: Africa’s Digital Leap, But Are the Networks Ready?

passyjango

March 31, 2026

At Mobile World Congress 2026, a bold pledge was made: put a 4G smartphone in the hands of millions of Africans for just $40. The GSMA and the Handset Affordability Coalition unveiled an initiative that could rewrite the rules of digital access across the continent. The device price barrier? Nearly broken. But there’s a catch, one that no hardware discount can fix.

The network is the product.

And right now, the network tells a more complicated story.

Speeds That Can’t Keep Pace

nPerf’s 2025 data across three key African markets, Nigeria, Congo, and Ethiopia, reveals a landscape that is improving, but still far behind what most users in Europe or Asia take for granted.

Congo leads the pack with download speeds of 12.8 Mb/s, followed by Nigeria at 9.97 Mb/s, and Ethiopia bringing up the rear at a fragile 6.73 Mb/s, barely enough to stream standard-definition video without buffering.

For the millions of first-time smartphone users the $40 initiative aims to reach, this gap between device promise and network reality is not a footnote. It is the whole story.

Three Countries, Three Very Different Problems

What makes this data fascinating and sobering is that each country is struggling in its own distinct way.

Nigeria is the unlikely streaming champion of the three, posting the highest streaming performance index at 62.28%. Put on a YouTube video, and it’ll mostly hold together.

But try to browse a government portal, file an online form, or shop on an e-commerce site, and Nigeria’s web browsing score of just 27.36% tells you exactly what happens next: a spinning wheel and mounting frustration.

In a country where digital financial services and mobile commerce are rapidly expanding, that is a critical weakness.

Congo flips the script. It has the best latency of the group at 123 ms, meaning the network responds relatively quickly when you tap something.

But its streaming index of just 41.88% means video, increasingly the primary medium of education and entertainment for new internet users, remains a choppy, unreliable experience.

Ethiopia carries the heaviest burden of all. Its latency clocks in at a punishing 258 ms, more than double Congo’s, making video calls stutter, real-time apps lag, and interactive services feel broken. In a country where mobile internet is often the only internet, this isn’t a minor inconvenience. It’s a structural barrier.

The Congestion Trap And How to Escape It

Here’s the uncomfortable math behind the initiative: flooding a market with millions of new connected devices without strengthening the underlying infrastructure doesn’t create digital inclusion.

It creates digital disappointment. Congestion rises, speeds fall further, and the very people the program was designed to uplift end up with a device that underperforms.

But history offers a more hopeful counterargument. Demand, when it surges dramatically enough, has reliably pushed mobile operators to invest.

The GSMA is betting on exactly this dynamic that the sheer volume of new users created by the $40 smartphone will give operators both the incentive and the revenue base to upgrade their networks faster than they otherwise would.

It’s a calculated gamble, and not a crazy one.

What Needs to Happen

The roadmap differs by country, but the destination is the same. Ethiopia needs to address its latency problem without improvements there; no amount of affordable hardware will make video calls or real-time services workable.

Nigeria must shore up its browsing infrastructure, because a smartphone that can’t reliably load a webpage is a smartphone that can’t unlock the economic opportunities mobile connectivity promises. And Congo needs to invest in its streaming capacity, or risk becoming a country where people own 4G phones but can’t reliably watch a 4G video.

Three distinct diagnoses. One shared prescription: the network must keep pace with the device.

The Verdict

The $40 smartphone is a genuine breakthrough in device affordability, and the ambition behind the GSMA initiative is real. But the history of technology is littered with hardware solutions that arrived before the infrastructure could support them.

Africa’s mobile networks are not beyond rescue, far from it. They are already on a meaningful upward trajectory in many places.

The question is whether that trajectory is steep enough, and fast enough, to meet the moment. For the millions of people who will soon hold a $40 4G phone in their hands for the first time, the answer will not come from a press release at a conference in Barcelona.

It will come from whether the video loads.

PayPal Returns to Nigeria via Paga, Enabling Global Payments and Naira Withdrawals

passyjango

January 27, 2026

PayPal is expanding access for Nigerians to receive international payments through a new partnership with Nigerian fintech Paga, a move that could reshape how freelancers, creators, online sellers, and small businesses in Nigeria get paid from abroad.

With this integration, Nigerian users can link a PayPal account to a Paga wallet, receive cross-border payments via PayPal-supported markets, and withdraw funds locally in Naira or use them across Paga’s ecosystem.

What the PayPal–Paga Partnership Means for Nigerians

For years, PayPal’s experience in Nigeria was widely seen as limited, particularly in inbound payments. Nigerians could only spend with their PayPal accounts. You connect your card to your account and spend from it.

The wallet menu was not even available to users in Nigeria. However, with this announcement, we can now see that the wallet menu is available for Nigerian users.

With the Paga link now live, users can access features that make it easier to bring global earnings into the local economy, including withdrawals and everyday spending options.

With this PayPal-Paga partnership, Nigerians will be able to:

Receive international payments via PayPal
Withdraw locally in Naira through Paga
Shop with global PayPal merchants
Transfer to local bank accounts and pay bills/merchants within Paga

Paga Founder and Group CEO Tayo Oviosu described the rollout as a practical bridge between global income and local usage.

“We are proud to make this integration live and available to users across Nigeria,”

Oviosu said.

He added that the collaboration is designed to support a wide range of users, from freelancers to online businesses, who need reliable ways to access global funds locally.

On PayPal’s side, Otto Williams, Senior Vice President and Regional Head and General Manager for PayPal Middle East and Africa, said the company plans to deepen the experience over time:

“Over time, our goal is to make onboarding, settlement, and reconciliation even more seamless…”

Williams said.

Williams also framed the move as a deliberate partnership-led approach:

“We have been intentional about partnering with local innovators like Paga to develop solutions that help Nigerians earn, spend, and grow,”

he said.

How It Works

While product flows may evolve, the current setup centers on account linking:

A user links their PayPal account to their Paga wallet.
They can then receive international payments via PayPal which will be available in their PayPal wallet.
Funds can be withdrawn in Naira and used for payments, transfers, and spending within Paga.

I also suspect that, while the balance is in the PayPal wallet, the user can use it to make PayPal payments directly, such as paying for subscriptions. However, I have not yet been able to confirm this. This will be clearer in the coming days and weeks.

Why This Matters Now

Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest pools of digital talent and online commerce activity, but cross-border collection has often been a pain point for individuals and smaller businesses. By combining PayPal’s global payment capabilities with Paga’s local wallet and settlement capabilities, the partnership aims to reduce friction for inbound payments and local access to funds.

As the integration rolls out, industry watchers will be looking at adoption rates, user experience, fees, and how quickly additional features, particularly for merchants, are added.

We also hope this lasts longer than PayPal’s 2021 partnership with Flutterwave.

Counterfeit LG TVs Circulating in Alaba Market, other Markets in Nigeria – LG Electronics Nigeria

passyjango

January 10, 2026

Counterfeit LG TVs Circulating in Alaba Market, other Markets in Nigeria

LG Electronics Nigeria is urgently alerting the public of counterfeit LG televisions currently circulating in the market, following disturbing online videos showing unauthorized individuals packaging non-LG TVs in fake LG cartons and labels.

The statement highlights the recent surge in counterfeit LG televisions being circulated in Alaba Market and other markets across Nigeria, a story that has already gained significant online attention. LG has also provided a few tips to help consumers identify original LG TVs.

These counterfeit products are not manufactured or distributed by LG Electronics Nigeria or any of our approved partners. They present serious risks to consumers, including substandard performance, electrical hazards, and the complete absence of an LG warranty or support.

“We are deeply concerned by the spread of these counterfeit TVs and the potential harm to Nigerian families. At LG, consumer safety and product quality are our top priorities. We remain dedicated to providing our customers with genuine products and ensuring their peace of mind,”

said Moses Osime, Public Relations Manager, LG Electronics Nigeria.

How to Buy Original LG TVs:

Only buy LG TVs from authorized LG dealers and retail outlets.
Check for original LG factory seals, correct model details, serial numbers, and official warranty cards.
If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Register and verify your LG product at https://www.lg.com/africa/support/product-validation or contact our customer service team.

LG Electronics Nigeria appreciates its customers’ vigilance and trust. The company is committed to keeping the public informed, supporting Nigerian families, and upholding the highest standards of quality, safety, and trust. We encourage the public to always stay alert and make informed decisions when purchasing electronics.

Also see How to Get your Tax ID with your NIN

How to Get your Tax ID with your NIN

passyjango

December 31, 2025

2026 is the year more Nigerians will start paying tax (especially income taxes) as the government, via the NRS (Nigeria Revenue Service) and the JRB (Joint Revenue Board), commences full implementation of the new tax laws from January 1, 2026. One of the first steps to being tax-compliant in Nigeria is obtaining a tax ID. In this article, I will provide a step-by-step guide on how to get your tax ID with your NIN (National Identification Number). I will also highlight how businesses, organisations, government ministries/agencies, and non-residents can obtain their Tax IDs.

What is Tax ID?

Tax ID is a unique 13-digit number that identifies a taxpayer in Nigeria. It is used to identify individuals, businesses, organisations, government ministries/agencies, and non-residents for tax administration, compliance, and enforcement.

It will run simultaneously with existing tax identification systems, like the TIN (Tax Identification Number), but would likely phase them out in the future.

The Tax ID is designed to be unique for each individual and entity, reducing duplication, fraud, and identity mismatches.

It also enables smoother interactions across banks, employers, regulators, and government agencies, while supporting more efficient tax assessment, filing, and ongoing compliance monitoring.

How to Get your Tax ID with your NIN

Your Tax ID is linked to your NIN. The Joint Revenue Board and the Nigeria Revenue Service have created a portal to enable individuals, businesses, government agencies, and non-residents to retrieve their Tax ID. Here is the step-by-step guide for obtaining your Tax ID with your NIN as an individual.

1. Visit taxid.firs.gov.ng or taxid.jtb.gov.ng: Using your mobile phone or computer, visit the NRS or JRB tax ID portals at taxid.firs.gov.ng or taxid.jtb.gov.ng, respectively. This will open a page requiring you to enter your NIN.

2. Enter your NIN: You can just type in your NIN in the field provided. If you cannot remember your NIN, you can dial *346# to retrieve it at a cost of 20 Naira. There is also an option to use the NINAuth share code, a one-time secure code generated from the NIMC NINAuth App. If you prefer to use the NINAuth share code, change the Tax Retrieval Method from National Identification Number to NINAuth share code and enter the code generated from the NIMC NINAuth App.

3. Click the Retrieve Tax ID Button: Click or tap the Retrieve Tax ID button. A form will open requesting your name and date of birth.

4. Enter your First Name and Last Name: Type in your first name and last name in the appropriate fields on the form. Please make sure your entry matches your NIN entry.

5. Enter your Date of Birth: Select your date of birth. Also, make sure that the date you enter matches what is in the NIN database.

6. Click the Submit Button: Click or tap the Submit button. If the process is successful, your Tax ID will be displayed with the message format below:

Hello, [Your First Name]

Your NIN has been successfully verified and matches a Tax-ID in our system.

Your Tax ID is [Your 13-digit Tax ID]

7. Copy or Screengrab your Tax ID: Click the Copy ID link to copy your Tax ID, then paste and save it in a secure location on your mobile phone or computer. You can also just write it down in your diary or jotter for future reference. In the future, the NRS and JRB may provide a USSD code that will enable you to retrieve your Tax ID on your phone just like NIN and BVN.

Also see the Best Accounting Software.

How to Obtain a Tax ID for Businesses and Organizations

While NIN is required to retrieve the Tax ID for an individual, the company or organization number issued by CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission) is required to retrieve the Tax ID for businesses and organizations registered as Business Name, Company, Incorporated Trustee, Limited Partnership, and Limited Liability Partnerships.

The portal is set to default to Individual. To retrieve the Tax ID for a Company, Business Name, Incorporated Trustee, Limited Partnership, or Limited Liability Partnerships, you have to select Corporate and select the type of business or organization incorporation, and then enter the CAC ID number for the business or organization and click the Retrieve Tax ID button.

You may also be interested in MTN MoMo Bill Payment, and 9Mobile rebrands to T2 Mobile.

The Future of Online Casinos in South Africa

passyjango

November 12, 2025

There has been a noticeable shift in the gambling habits of South Africans, with an increasing number of bettors reaching for their cellphones to get their gaming fix.

This trend is far from exclusive to South Africa, with the worldwide accessibility of smartphones and the simplicity of the sign-up process fuelling a surge in online gambling, reducing the demand for traditional land-based establishments.

In SA, there is an increasing appetite for online gambling, with the nation’s gambling revenue rising to R75 billion for 2025, marking a seriously strong year for the sector. With the industry ballooning by 550% over the last two years, accounting for 17% of the country’s GDP, it has led many to question whether this exponential growth can be sustainable. We’ve taken a closer look at what the future may look like for this rapidly expanding sphere.

Recent Trends

The online casino industry has enjoyed a profitable period with players shunning traditional brick-and-mortar establishments in favour of convenience. Many operators have launched user-friendly mobile apps or improved the navigation of their existing mobile platforms, enabling users to log into their accounts, make swift payments and enjoy immersive games from the comfort of their own home. Furthermore, each online casino offers a generous welcome bonus, allowing South Africans to enjoy their favourite slots using house money.

Over 13.5 million people in the country have access to a smartphone, with this number expected to rise by almost 40% by the end of the decade. These powerful devices pave the way for instant access to popular casino sites, with players able to create an account and make a deposit in under five minutes.

The global pandemic, which prevented South Africans from visiting land-based casinos, has also contributed to an annual decline of 3.3% in the number of physical establishments post-pandemic.

Nevertheless, online casinos still pale in comparison to sports betting, which contributed almost triple the R16.6 billion accrued by online casinos for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

2026 and Beyond

With gambling turnover having increased to a record R1.5 trillion for the year 2024-25, this trend is expected to continue into 2026. Nevertheless, online casino revenue has fallen behind sports betting revenue, and operators will be determined to bridge that widening gap.

Artificial Intelligence is likely to play a significant role in enabling casinos to improve their product and increase their appeal to South African players. Enhancing user experience will be key to sustainable success, with personalised options, including recommended mobile-friendly games, likely to become commonplace amongst online casinos in the region.

Casinos are starting to employ player analysis behaviour and increase engagement levels. ‘Gamification’ has been a buzzword in the industry for the last couple of years, and we’re likely to see a greater number of South African operators utilise gamification techniques and processes to capture a younger audience whom they will look to retain. These could include leaderboards, interactive challenges, badges, and unlocking different levels. Furthermore, we may see a rise in social media influencers being asked to advertise new gaming releases and casino products. We’ve already seen Robert Murawa, DJ Zinhle and K.O. promote gambling firms in South Africa; they are unlikely to be the last.

One of the most noticeable global trends of the past few years is the upsurge of crypto casinos. These have already started to reshape the casino industry in the UK, and it is likely to follow suit in South Africa. Fueled by digital currencies, these casinos are relatively inexpensive to run, and they offer instant and secure transactions for digital-savvy users. They allow players to deposit and withdraw funds anonymously as they are based on a decentralised peer-to-peer network. Many of these operators now facilitate the purchase of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum and USDT, making it simple to sign up and get started.

Quite a few crypto casinos also boast a wider selection of games, including unique titles, and have also incorporated many of the gamification features that we have previously highlighted.

Furthermore, the flexibility of their payment options has resulted in low minimum deposits and non-existent upper limits, creating a platform which appeals to both small-stakes players and high rollers alike.

The number of cryptocurrency casino users could outstrip that of standard online casino players, though that transition may take several years to materialise. Although some older players are sceptical about embracing digital currency, younger gamers, notably Gen Z, are savvy enough to understand the importance of anonymity and secure payments. They are more likely to be drawn to these sites.

Surfshark Upgrades to 100Gbps VPN Servers: What It Means for Speed, Stability, and Streaming

passyjango

October 10, 2025

Surfshark 100Gbps VPN Server — Image Source: Surfshark

Surfshark has announced a major network upgrade: the launch of 100Gbps VPN servers, with the first deployment live in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It’s a 10x jump in capacity over the common 10Gbps standard and is aimed at handling modern high-bandwidth use, such as 4K/8K streaming, large OS/game downloads, and busy peak-time traffic.

Most VPN bottlenecks happen when server capacity and concurrent usage collide. By increasing server throughput from 10Gbps to 100Gbps, Surfshark can keep speeds closer to your ISP line rate even when lots of users are streaming, gaming, or downloading updates at the same time and retain its position as one of the best VPN services.

Expect steadier pings in games, fewer buffering events in video calls, and smoother high-resolution streaming.

Benefits of 100Gbps VPN Servers

Streaming and VR: More reliable 4K/8K and 360° playback, plus enough bandwidth for emerging VR use cases.
Gaming and meetings: Lower latency while gaming and fewer hiccups during peak hours.
Household sharing: Multiple heavy tasks (e.g., a large OS download + simultaneous 4K stream) can co-exist with less contention.

If you routinely move large files, sync cloud backups, or run remote workflows, higher server throughput can reduce “shared-server” slowdowns and maintain consistent transfer rates.

Businesses using Surfshark for remote staff should also see more predictable performance during overlapping work windows.

Where and when can you use 100Gbps?

As of October 7, 2025, Surfshark says the first 100Gbps servers are live in Amsterdam and are currently in a testing phase “with a few servers,” with the upgrade establishing “the foundation for potential future rollouts.”

In other words, availability should increase over time as testing is completed and capacity is added in more regions.

How to get the Benefits of the upgrade now

Select a nearby 100Gbps location when available (starting with Amsterdam). Proximity still matters for latency.
Use a fast protocol (e.g., WireGuard or any high-speed option recommended by Surfshark) to minimize overhead.
Test during your personal peak hours to feel the difference when servers are typically busiest.

Xiaomi 17 Series: Compact Power, Rear Displays, Leica Cameras, and Big Batteries

passyjango

October 4, 2025

The Xiaomi 17 Series refines Xiaomi’s flagship series with faster silicon, longer battery life, smarter software, and bold design twists. The standard Xiaomi 17 doubles down on compact ergonomics without compromising endurance, while the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max introduce a novel Dynamic Back Display that serves as a selfie viewfinder, widget space, and notification pane.

Across the lineup, you’ll find Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, HyperOS 3 (Android 16) with new on-device AI experiences, Leica-tuned imaging, and brighter LTPO AMOLED screens with 120Hz refresh rate. Xiaomi launched the series in China on September 25, 2025, becoming the first phones announced with Qualcomm’s new flagship chip. Global launch is still being anticipated.

Compared to the Xiaomi 15 family, expect larger batteries, upgraded cameras, and significant performance improvements that better serve creators, gamers, and everyday users alike.

Xiaomi 17

The Xiaomi 17 is the compact flagship of the lineup, pairing a 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh and a claimed 3,500-nit peak brightness for reliable outdoor visibility.

Power comes from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which boosts CPU/GPU performance while improving efficiency in demanding games and multitasking. A sizeable 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery headlines endurance, supported by 100W wired, 50W wireless, and reverse wireless charging.

Photography leans on Leica tuning with a 50MP main sensor, a fast 60mm telephoto for crisp portraits, and multi-frame Night modes; the front camera remains sharp for 4K vloggers.

Other touches include UFS 4.1 storage up to 512GB, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and HyperOS 3 based on Android 16, packing new AI features for writing, translation, and image tools.

Despite the battery bump, the phone stays light and pocket-friendly, making it an attractive everyday flagship for one-handed use.

Xiaomi 17 Pro

Xiaomi 17 Pro builds on the base model with a more advanced camera array and a clever second screen on the back. The “Dynamic Back Display,” measuring approximately 2.7 inches, serves as a selfie viewfinder, notification ticker, and always-on widget space, and doubles as a camera control surface for vlogs.

The Leica-tuned triple camera setup centers on a 50-megapixel main sensor, accompanied by an ultrawide and a stabilized telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom shots. At the same time, Xiaomi’s tone-faithful Leica color modes and Night modes remain.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 handles heavy lifting, paired with up to 1TB of storage and ample RAM, making it ideal for creators. The 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED panel returns with an adaptable 1–120Hz refresh rate, while audio comes from dual speakers with spatial effects.

HyperOS 3 layers in on-device AI tools, cross-device continuity, and upgraded privacy controls. A battery, fast wired/wireless charging, and premium materials round out a flagship aimed at photographers and power users.

Xiaomi 17 Pro Max

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is the series heavyweight: a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED canvas at 120Hz refresh rate with Xiaomi Shield Glass 3.0 protection and a peak brightness that rivals leading flagships.

On the back sits a 2.9-inch Dynamic Back Display for at-a-glance info, selfie previews, and customizable widgets.

Inside, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 teams with up to 1TB UFS 4.1 storage to drive console-level games and creator apps.

The Leica-co-engineered camera stack upgrades to a 5x periscope telephoto with improved low-light aperture, delivering sharper zoom and smoother background separation, while the main 50-megapixel sensor captures detail and natural color.

A massive 7,500mAh battery keeps the larger display powered through long days, supported by 100W wired and 50W wireless charging, as well as reverse wireless charging for accessories.

Stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and haptics complete an ultra-premium device designed for power users who seek maximum screen, camera flexibility, and endurance.

HyperOS 3 and AI Upgrades

All three models ship with Android 16 with HyperOS 3 UI skin, which brings smoother animations, a refreshed interface, and on-device AI features for text generation, summarization, translation, and context-aware tools inside Xiaomi apps.

Cross-device continuity lets you pick up tasks on tablets and laptops, while upgraded privacy controls keep more processing local. Performance optimizations and new UI (like richer widgets and lock-screen styles) aim to reduce lag and improve battery life.

Xiaomi has announced a broader HyperOS 3 rollout for older devices, but the 17-series gets the best experience out of the box.

Pricing and Availability

Xiaomi launched the 17-series in China on September 25, 2025. Early pricing guidance suggests that the Xiaomi 17 Pro will be priced around ¥4,999 (~$700), and the 17 Pro Max will be priced at ¥5,999 (~$840), depending on the RAM and storage configuration; models with 1TB of storage will be more expensive.

A global release typically follows months later; current reporting suggests a global release may occur in 2026, with uncertainty surrounding which Pro variants will be released outside of China.

If you are outside China, expect gray-market imports first, then official units after Xiaomi’s global reveal. Keep an eye on local bands/firmware support if you choose to import.

Xiaomi 17 vs Xiaomi 15 Series: What’s Improved?

Three headline upgrades define the generational leap. First, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 delivers higher performance per watt than last year’s chip in the Xiaomi 15 line (the Xiaomi 15, the Xiaomi 15 Pro, and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra), improving gaming frame stability and AI tasks.

Second, the battery capacities are significantly larger, ranging from 7,000 to 7,500mAh on select models, paired with 100W/50W fast charging for quicker top-ups.

Third, Dynamic Back Display debuts on the Pro models, enabling new camera use cases, richer notifications, and creative workflows. Add the brighter LTPO screens and Leica-tuned optics, and the 17 family is a clear step up for creators and power users.

Which Model Should You Buy?

Xiaomi 17: Best for one-handed comfort, long battery life, and a balanced price-to-performance ratio.
Xiaomi 17 Pro: Choose this if you shoot portraits and video often and want the rear screen’s framing tricks without the size of the Max.
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max: Go big if you want the largest display, longest endurance, and the most versatile zoom system.

If you currently own a Xiaomi 15-series device, the leap is most compelling for mobile photographers, gamers, and anyone who values battery longevity or the new AI features in HyperOS 3.

PayPal Commits $100M to Accelerate Digital Commerce Across the Middle East and Africa

passyjango

September 24, 2025

PayPal Commits $100M to Accelerate Digital Commerce Across the Middle East and Africa — 100m to middle east - 7

PayPal today announced a landmark $100 million commitment to fuel innovation, support entrepreneurs, and drive inclusive economic growth across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), one of the world’s fastest-growing digital commerce regions. The multi-year program is designed to expand access to the digital economy for millions of consumers and businesses, from small merchants to large enterprises.

“The Middle East and Africa are home to some of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving businesses in the world,”

said Alex Chriss, President and CEO, PayPal.

“By dedicating a $100 million investment to this region over the coming years, we’re investing in the technologies, partnerships, and solutions that will help entrepreneurs scale faster, expand their reach beyond borders, and unlock new opportunities for growth in the digital economy.”

How the $100M Will Be Deployed

The investment will be allocated through a mix of mechanisms, including minority investments, acquisitions, PayPal Ventures funding, people, and technology deployments to help local businesses scale, unlock opportunities for innovators, and connect more communities to trusted digital payments and global markets.

Also Read: A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Startup’s First Explainer Video

Strengthening MEA With a Regional Hub in Dubai

This announcement follows the April launch of PayPal’s first regional hub in Dubai, a gateway designed to deliver global commerce capabilities to MEA by providing frictionless payments, robust security, and greater access to international markets.

Building on PayPal Ventures’ MEA Track Record

The new commitment builds on PayPal Ventures’ existing investments in the region’s most promising startups such as Tabby, Paymob, and Stitch, underscoring PayPal’s role as a long-term partner in shaping the future of digital commerce.

“This commitment underscores our dedication to expanding PayPal’s presence in the Middle East and Africa and our focus is to build stronger connections between local businesses and the global marketplace,”

said Otto Williams, Senior Vice President, Regional Head and General Manager of PayPal Middle East and Africa.

“We’re focused on expanding our footprint in the region and ensuring millions of consumers and businesses can access more of the digital services they need to thrive.”

What This Means for MEA Entrepreneurs and SMBs

Access to capital and expertise: Funding plus strategic guidance via PayPal and PayPal Ventures
Global reach: Tools that make cross-border selling simpler and more secure
Modern infrastructure: Frictionless payments, risk and fraud protections, and developer-friendly APIs
Job creation and ecosystem growth: Investment in people and technology to catalyze regional talent and innovation.

Also see: How to Open OPay Account for Seamless Banking

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