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Airtel Africa Partners with Ericsson Technology to Expand its 4G Network Coverage in Kenya

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Airtel Africa Partners with Ericsson Technology to Expand its 4G Network Coverage in Kenya

In a bid to expand its 4G coverage in Kenya, Airtel Africa has broadened its partnership with Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) to allow a robust 4G coverage in the country.

The collaboration will enable Airtel to offer improved and upgraded user experience to its customers. Not that alone, but the firm will also have the chance to increase the performance of its network and take the mobile experience to a new phase.

Airtel aims to employ Ericsson’s Radio Access Network and packet core products for 4G to achieve its goal in Kenya. Following that process, subscribers of the telecom service will enjoy enhanced quality of voice and data services.

The partnership deal, which was signed in about two months ago, aligns with Kenya’s Digital Economy Blueprint called Vision 2030. The county aims to provide its citizens, especially those in rural areas, with robust connectivity and to facilitate e-commerce platforms.

The deal will propel the upgrade and simplification of existing mobile networks in Kenya. It also looks to future proof such systems for the forthcoming mobile service expansion in the country.

Using Ericsson’s Radio System and Packet Core solutions will allow Airtel’s network an extended 4G coverage in Kenya. Based on this development, Airtel states that Ericsson network technology is already preparing Kenya for the deployment of the 5G network.

Prasanta Das Sarma, CEO at Airtel Kenya, says, ‘’Robust and secure communication are essentials components of a successful digital society. We are dedicated to delivering fast and reliable connections across Kenya. Also, we aim to expand the high-quality mobile broadband services our customers enjoy,’’

‘’Together with Airtel, we will execute this projects that aims to erect an advanced LTE network in Kenya. Through this partnership, we reaffirm our decision to support an increasingly digitized society in Kenya,’’ said Fadi Pharaon, President of Ericsson, Middle East and Africa.

Honor Unveils the Honor Watch ES and Honor Watch GS Pro in India

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Honor Unveils the Honor Watch ES and Honor Watch GS Pro in India

About a week ago, a Huawei sub-brand, Honor, announced that it would unveil the much-anticipated Honor Watch ES and the Honor Watch GS Pro on October 8.

The launch event took place in India. As expected, they debuted for a lesser price than their respective cost in Europe.

However, many looked forward to Honor unwrapping the Honor Choice True Wireless Buds. A teaser of the wireless buds hinted that it would roll out alongside the smartwatches, but it seems the brand has something else in mind.

The Earbuds may debut alongside a yet-to-be-announced smartphone from Honor.

Honor Watch GS Pro Specs, Pricing & Availability

The Watch GS Pro is the first-ever rugged watch to debut under the Honor brand name. It launched for the European market at the IFA 2020.

The device features a circular 1.39-inch AMOLED display panel, in-built GPS, Bluetooth feature, and it boots to the LiteOS.

Also, it is MIL-STD-810G certified, which guarantees its durability.

Besides, the watch comes pre-installed with over 100 workout modes and houses a battery, which offers the user 25 days of usage.

In India, the watch arrived with a price tag of ₹17,499, and it will sell exclusively on Flipkart. The Honor Watch GS Pro will be available from October 16, which is when Flipkart will hold its Big Billion Days sale.

Honor Watch ES Specs, Price & Availability

The Watch ES breaks record as the first smartwatch from the brand to feature a rectangular display. The AMOLED panel has a dimension of 1.64-inch.

The Watch ES has a sleek design, and it is comes loaded with 12 animated workout courses.

The smartwatch carries a price tag of ₹7,499 in India. It will be exclusive to Amazon India and will go on sale on Amazon Great India Festival sale.

Entire Specs of the Huami Amazfit Bip U Leaks Ahead of Launch

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Entire Specs of the Huami Amazfit Bip U Leaks Ahead of Launch

Not too long ago, the Huami Amazfit Neo retro-style smartwatch debuted in India for ₹2,499. A few days after the device launched, the Indian arm of Amazon teased a new Huami smartphone called the Amazfit Bip U.

The teaser page has shared everything we need to know, ranging from the specification to the design, about the upcoming Huami smartwatch. However, both Amazon India and Humai are yet to reveal the launch date of the device.

According to the teaser page, the Amazfit Bip U would arrive with a 1.43-inch TFT LCD panel, which offers a resolution of 320 x 302 pixels.

The Amazfit Bip U does feature a larger screen compared to the 1.28-inch display on the Amazfit Bip S and Bip S Lite.

On the inside, the smartwatch runs on the RTOS, and it will come fitted with the Huami BioTracker 2™ PPG Biological Optical Sensor.

The smartwatch comes pre-installed with a few health-focused functions such as heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen level monitoring, stress monitoring, menstrual cycle monitoring, and sleep tracking.

Also, the Amazfit Bip U features a polycarbonate build and a silicon rubber strap. Other features on the Amazfit Bip U includes app notifications, find my phone, stopwatch, weather updates, alarm, countdown timer, music playback control, and 50 default watch faces.

The smartwatch houses a 225mAh battery, which, according to Huami, can last for up to 9 days when fully charged.

The watch features connectivity options like Bluetooth 5.0 and supports pairing with iOS and Android devices through Zepp App.

The watch will be available in three colour options; pink, green, and black.

Google Partners Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation to Promote the Country’s Tourism Sector

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Google Partners Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation to Promote the Country’s Tourism Sector

Last week, Google announced its plan to open up its second African office in Lagos, Nigeria. We thought that was all until yesterday. The international tech firm seems to have developed a keen interest in Nigeria.

Google has partnered up with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation in a bid to promote tourism in the country.

Also, through the collaboration with the NTDC, Google aims to train small businesses, equip young individuals with digital skills initiatives, and to launch Tour Nigeria – a new Google Arts & Culture collection.

The announcement, which aired yesterday October 1, seems to be a little Independence Day gift from the tech Giant to Nigeria and its citizens. The partnership is looking to sky-rocket the growth of the tourism sector in Nigeria.

However, for several months now, Google has been working with the NTDC to design an online exhibition of pictures, stories, and commentaries. The digital showcase basis on some of Nigeria’s beautiful locations and precious artefacts.

The project features locations like the Osun Osogbo sacred groove, the Awhum Caves of Enugu, the Wikki Warm spring of Bauchi State, and many more.

Further, stories and pictures of some of the colourful festivals in the country are also part of the ongoing project.

‘’Rich heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant cities. Nigeria is a destination we all need to include in our travel shortlist. Even though 2020 continues to be a challenging year for all, I do hope this unique online experience will contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s tourism sector. Though I can’t travel, the project inspired me to start exploring the country through the works of Wole Soyinka,’’ says Director for Google Arts & Culture, Amit Sood.

Sony Launches the Third-Gen of the Wena Smart Band in Japan

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Sony Launches the Third-Gen of the Wena Smart Band in Japan

In Japan today, Sony took the covers of the third-generation of its smart band watch – the Sony Wena 3.

Many are unaware of Sony’s presence in the league of smartwatch manufactures. Ever since the first make of the smart band launched for a crowdfunding campaign in Japan, it has been a remarkable product from the company.

According to Sony, the mechanical structure, electric circuit, antenna, and the board are designed to fit perfectly into a smaller and smarter band.

In comparison, the Wena 3 is 2.5mm thicker and 30% smaller in volume that the Sony Wena Active.

For a smarter fit, the battery and the display on the all-new Wena 3 comes in a curved design.

The display on the device features high impact resistance, which Sony claims can withstand a drop impact of 90cm.

Meanwhile, the cover glass on the screen is of graphite-type. And according to the company, it passed through more than 20 processes before it got fitted on the device.

Like most smart bands, the Sony Wena 3 features an accelerometer and a dual optical heart rate sensor, which allows users to track their daily activities.

Also, the device helps the users to keep track of their sleep data and monitor their heart rate.

Besides, it has support for 5ATM standard waterproof, which makes it fit for swimming at certain depths.

Furthermore, the Wena 3 supports MAMORIO – a notification function which helps in searching for the watch when misplaced.

Sony has announced the new smart wearable in three-band types such as leather, metal, and silicone rubber band.

The pricing of the Sony Wena 3 varies and depends on the band option. The metal variant comes in silver and premium black. The former carries a price tag of 33,000 Yen (~$314) and the latter costs 35,000 Yen (~$333).

Also, the leather band comes in brown leather, which retails for 30,000 Yen (~$285) and premium black leather, which costs 32,000 Yen (~$304).

The silicone band variant, which happens to be the cheapest variant, costs 24,000 Yen (~$228).

Everything You Need to Know About the All-New Apple Watch SE

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Everything You Need to Know About the All-New Apple Watch SE

A couple of days back, Apple launched the new iPad Air and the Apple Watch Series 6. Alongside these two devices, the company unveiled another smartwatch that goes by the name Watch SE.

According to the firm, the Watch SE arrives as a successor of the Watch Series 3 that debuted three years ago, and it retails for a price lower than that of the new Series 6.

Despite being cheaper than the Watch Series 6, the Apple Watch SE features several new features found on the Watch Series 6.

Features like gyroscope, in-built accelerometer, always-on altimeter, hand washing detection, and sleep tracking are present on the Watch SE.

As for the internals, the Watch SE comes with the S5 System in Package. And it relies on a dual-core processor, which according to the company, performs two times better than that in the Watch Series 3.

It arrives pre-installed with the WatchOS7 and a new activity app called Fitness Plus. The app provides the user with virtual workout classes and helps in tracking workout sessions.

Fitness Plus happens to be the first fitness service designed for the Apple Watch. On getting the Watch SE, you are entitled to three months free access to the app after which you’ll have to pay $9.99 per month to continue using it.

Also, the Watch SE’s display is 30% larger than that of the Series 3. The smart device is compatible with all Apple Watch straps, including the new Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop bands that Apple just unveiled.

The Watch SE would be available is cellular models. So, the watch can make emergency calls, both locally and internationally, using the built-in emergency SOS feature.

The GPS model of the device starts at $279, and the cellular model carries a price tag of $329.

Apple Launches the Watch Series 6 for $399

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Apple Launches the Watch Series 6 for $399

Yesterday, Apple held a launch event to announce the iPad Air alongside the Watch Series 6 and the all-new Watch SE.

The new Series 6 Watch maintains the build of the Watch Series 4 and the Watch Series 5, but it packs new features.

The new Watch Series 6 debuts with new sensors, which allows users to monitor their blood oxygen, and also track their sleep.

It takes about 15 seconds for the Watch Series 6 to complete the blood oxygen monitoring process. The device performs this process with the help of a red and an infrared light.

Commenting on the new feature, Apple states that it is collaborating with robust health networks to begin large-scale studies using the blood oxygen measurement feature.

Inside the new Watch Series 6 is the new S6 processor, which is based on Apple’s A13 chipset. The processor is an upgrade of the S5 that debuted with the Watch Series 5 last year.

The Watch Series 6 allows the user to access control centre, change watch faces, and access notifications without fully waking the screen. It arrives with an always-on display. And according to the company, the screen on the Watch Series 6 is 2.5 times brighter than that on the Series 5.

Also, one other new sensor, which updates the user with real-time elevation information, is present in the device. For the software, it runs on the new WacthOS7.

The new smartwatch provides users with the same 18-hour battery life offered by the Series 5, and it debut with fast charging technology.

For the first time, Apple decided to produce a smartwatch in the Product (RED) colour version. Apart from the bright red finish, the Watch Series 6 will be available in other colours like gold, grey, silver, and blue aluminium finishes.

For the stainless-steel build, it will come in either yellow gold or graphite.

The high-end model of the Watch Series 6 will arrive in natural black or titanium black.

Besides, Apple has launched a new feature called Family Setup. The new feature allows parents to manage a child’s Apple Watch remotely.

Managing of calls and messages, setting up location, and activating DND modes for school time are a few of the actions the new feature allows parents to perform. However, the Family Setup feature requires a cellular model of the Apple Watch.

For the pricing, the 40mm model of the Apple Watch 6 will retail for $399, and the cellular model will cost $499.

Lagos State Government to Partner with Private Organizations to Address the Issue of Unemployment.

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Lagos State Government to Partner with Private Organizations to Address the Issue of Unemployment.

In a bid to suppress, and if possible, eliminate unemployment, the Government of Lagos State has beckoned on private organizations in the state to join forces with them; to drive down the rate of unemployment and also increase the chances of job seekers getting gainfully employed.

The announcement was made yesterday by the State’s Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs Arobieke Yetunde, during a stakeholders meeting held at Ikeja.

The meeting was held to discuss with recruitment experts, effective ways of making sure unemployed youths in Lagos State are gainfully employed.

Record has it that about 6.8 million people constitute the labour force population in the Lagos. Of the total workforce, 3.99 million people are gainfully employed, 1.5 million individuals are underemployed, and about 870,000 residents are unemployed.

A current report by the National Bureau of Statistics reveals that currently, the unemployment rate in Lagos is 19.5%.

‘’We are considering ways, outside the scope of the government’s capabilities, to solve the issue of unemployment. Hence, our discussion with recruitment experts on ways to join forces and provides graduates with job opportunities,’’ Mrs Yetunde said.

Nigerian Innovation Summit (Virtual Edition) tagged Innovation in Critical Times to place in October.

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Nigerian Innovation Summit (Virtual Edition) tagged Innovation in Critical Times to place in October.

The week-long event that holds annually to bring together, stakeholders from different sectors of the economy is right around the corner; The Nigerian Innovation week.

The all week event tagged ‘’Innovating in Critical Times’’, has been fixed to take place between Tuesday, October 6, 2020, to Thursday October 8, 2020.

Just like in the yesteryears, this year’s edition will be packed with several activities like Nigerian Innovation awards, Innovation exhibitions, Nigerian Innovation Summit, and the annual report of the state of innovation in the country.

Majorly, the event is held every year to discuss opportunities, trends, and ideas around innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology development in Nigeria.

Commenting about the event, Kenneth Omeruo, the Founder and Lead Convener at the Innovation Hub Africa, said innovation is a catalyst that drives the growth of the economy and nations, especially in the 21st century.

‘’Nigeria Innovation week is a period set aside to gather people of like minds to share and showcase innovative business ideas, products, and services from Nigeria,’’

Also, Tony Ajah, the Programme Director, made some comments on the event. He said, the summit expects the presence of entrepreneurs, delegates from local and international businesses, investors, CEOs, state representatives, government representatives, tertiary institutions, and all stakeholders in the innovative system.

He continued by listing the proposed activity for each day of the Virtual Innovation week. On Tuesday, October 6, there will be innovation showcase and exhibitions from innovation hubs and research centres.

On Wednesday, October 7, tertiary institutions from all the states in the country will be granted access to showcase and exhibit their innovative ideas. While on the last day, the Innovation summit and the Nigerian Innovation Awards ceremony will take place.

MTN Ditches the Middle East to focus primarily on African Markets.

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MTN Ditches the Middle East to focus primarily on African Markets.

Not too long ago, MTN revealed its plans to focus its operations and strategy primarily on the African markets.

‘’As part of our ongoing portfolio review, we trust the company is best served by focusing in the future of its pan-African strategy,’’ said Rob Shuter, CEO of MTN Group.

Following the announcement of the increase in subscribers it witnessed in the first half of the year, MTN made their plan to focus on the African market known to the public.

The telecom group welcomed 11 million subscribers between January and June 2020, making its total subscriber base about 262 million customers.

At the end of June 2020, MTN recorded a total of 38 million Mobile Money users and 102 million active data subscribers.

”Therefore, we will be exiting the Middle East in an orderly pattern over the medium term. To start with, we are in advanced discussions to sell our 75% stake in MTN Syria.”

Despite the lockdown measures affecting network rollout, MTN Group pumped R10 billion in capital expenditure across its African markets. Following the investment, over 54 million people had access to the 3G and 4G networks due to the widened coverage.

‘’As we manoeuvre through the pandemic and its effect on operations, we made the satisfaction of our customers our priority still,’’ Rob concluded.