Mega Route

Photo credits: tctechcrunch Cars45, Nigeria’s foremost Car buying and auctioning online platform for used cars, has entered a car trade-in deal with Kia Motors. This partnership was borne out of a necessity to ensure that any pre-owned car can be traded-in at Kia’s Akin Adesola office in Victoria Island Lagos to Cars45 for a new Kia, a fairly used Kia or other cars owned by Cars45.   This relationship is intended to provide Nigerians with a much more credible environment to trade-in their cars with ease while ensuring that they get the best value for their money.   According to the CEO, Cars45, Etop Ikpe, said: “Our business is beyond providing a platform for Nigerians to sell their cars. The desire to meet the customers’ expectations is what is paramount for us at cars45.

Truecaller has launched Backup for Android, a new feature which allows users to backup and restore their contacts, call history, block list and settings to Google Drive. Every day hundreds of thousands of Truecaller users are switching to a new phone, getting new SIM card, resetting their device or in general having to start their Truecaller journey anew. This inevitably leads to lost contacts, blank call logs and data gone missing. Truecaller Backup has been one of the most highly requested features by its users, and will simplify a user’s transition to a new phone or SIM card by securely backing-up their contacts and settings, and stored on your Google Drive. Users also have the power to customize the frequency of backup between daily, weekly, monthly and on demand. The upgrade enables the recovery of any lost data from Google Drive which Truecaller can restore to its last saved state. Truecaller Contacts now lets a user even search for contacts whose details they haven’t saved but h...

Tecno mobile phone brand under the Transsion Holdings, has released its first frameless full-screen display smartphone, known as TECNO CAMON CM. The device is the latest in the CAMON Series family and reemphasises the brand’s knack for designing high-end smartphones with sophisticated cameras.   Speaking at its launch in Lagos, the Brand Manager, Tecno Mobile, Nigeria, Eric Liu, highlighted the company’s efforts to make revolutionary smartphones that would usher smartphone enthusiasts into an era of endless possibilities on the mobile devices and exceptional photography experiences. He said: “The smartphone has been reinvented and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) globally are always on the lookout for the next big thing to talk about. At Tecno, we take pride in our ability to understand and meet our consumers’ needs, and eventually surpass their expectations.”   With the CAMON CM, Tecno has delivered a very stylish full-screen display smartphone. The full-view displ...

Photo credits: Odd ANDERSEN / AFP You don't have to be a technology enthusiast, you will always look forward to the tech developments especially the tech trends that will make a difference in the future or New Year. Jumia Travel , the leading online travel agency, highlights 5 technology set to define 2018. Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence (AI) will be bigger this year. More and more organisations will embrace AI which is made possible through machine learning algorithms and will be incorporated in uncountable applications. 5 Generation Technology This year, developers and engineers are getting ready to make a new generation of internet possible. By the end of 2019, 5G networks and phones with 5G will be available. 5G internet has the potential to be almost 10 times faster than 4G, making it even better than most home internet services. Data overload In 2018, data collection is going to become an even higher priority as companies have seen the advantage of coll...

In a bid to make the DStv installation process seamless for customers, MultiChoice Nigeria, pay TV provider, has launched an app installers. The DStv Installer App is a management tool for assigning, monitoring, reviewing, troubleshooting, and managing customer installations to ensure quality installation and better accountability. The benefits of the DStv installer app also include an improved business process which reduces the manual operation of assigning an installer, tracking the installation and managing the installer. This in turn ensures reduced operational costs for the dealer, whilst also giving them the power to review and ensure all installations are done properly, and simultaneously guaranteeing a better customer experience. The installer app joins other innovative means and platforms through which customers are aided with the DStv installation process. These include the DStv website www.dstv.com, and the DStv easy self-service platformwww.eazy.dstv.com which gives you...

Photo credits: KAREN BLEIER Police forces filed 21% more requests for data from Facebook in the first half of 2017 than they did in the last six months of 2016. The figure was revealed in Facebook's annual transparency report, which logs requests for data and content removal. In the US, 57% of the requests were restricted, meaning people could not be told that police were curious about their social-media habits. Privacy campaigners said they wanted more detail on the data handed over. The transparency report reveals the times law enforcement, governments and regulators asked the site for data on account holders or to restrict access to images and video. It also logs the times when access to Facebook is restricted and, for the first time, reports requests from rights holders over pirated, trademarked or counterfeit content. In a blog, Chris Sonderby , Facebook's deputy general counsel, said it had handled 78,890 requests for information on account holders in the opening si...

Photo credits: Getty Images The Federal Communications Commission voted three to two to change the way "net neutrality" is governed. Internet service providers (ISPs) will now be allowed to speed up or slow down different companies' data, and charge consumers according to the services they access. But they must disclose such practices. Ahead of the vote, protesters rallied outside the FCC's building to oppose the change. Many argue the reversal of rules introduced under President Barack Obama will make the internet less open and accessible. The decision is already facing legal challenges, with New York's attorney general, Eric Schneiderman, announcing he will lead a lawsuit challenging the FCC's decision. Mr Schneiderman accused the watchdog of failing to investigate possible abuse of the public commenting process. He said as many as two million identities, some of dead New Yorkers, were used to post comments to the FCC website. During the hearing, FCC c...

Photo credits: Cloud Imperium The makers of the crowdfunded space game Star Citizen are being sued for copyright infringement and breach of contract by development studio Crytek. Crytek claims Roberts Space Industries (RSI) and Cloud Imperium Games "have caused substantial harm" to them. Crytek said it would seek damages and an injunction that stopped further use of its CryEngine game engine software. Star Citizen's creators said the suit was "meritless" and added that it would defend itself "vigorously". Development of Star Citizen began in 2012 and since then it has raised more than $170m (£126m) in crowdsourced funds from fans keen to play the ambitious space trading and combat game. Star Citizen is the creation of gaming veteran Chris Roberts, who was behind the development of the iconic Wing Commander series of space games.

Photo credits: Getty Images Starbucks has acknowledged  that visitors to one of its branches were unwittingly recruited into a crypto-currency mining operation. The wi-fi service provided by one of the coffee chain's Buenos Aires outlets surreptitiously hijacked connected computers to use their processing power to create digital cash. Starbucks said that it had taken "swift action" to address the problem. But one expert said it highlighted the risks of using public wi-fi. It is not clear how long the malware involved was active or how many customers were affected. Hi @Starbucks @StarbucksAr did you know that your in-store wifi provider in Buenos Aires forces a 10 second delay when you first connect to the wifi so it can mine bitcoin using a customer's laptop? Feels a little off-brand.. cc @GMFlickinger pic.twitter.com/VkVVdSfUtT — Noah Dinkin (@imnoah) December 2, 2017 The issue was identified only when the chief executive of a New York-base...

Photo credits: Instagram Hashtag Update Instagram Unveiled a new update to the app that allows you to follow hashtags.  This means that effective yesterday, any image with a hashtag that you follow will reflect on your Instagram feed. Also if you engage posts with the same hashtag by liking or commenting on them Instagram will suggest similar content to you in the future. Hashtags have always been a major player in the social media game and with this update, it's easier to track content with similar topics and trends.

Bharti Airtel is currently battling Globacom, Dangote (Alheri Engineering) and seven others for 9mobile – formerly the local unit of Etisalat – as bankers push to complete a sale by December 31. According to Guardian , Abraaj Capital, Africa Capital Alliance, Carlyle Group, Centricus Capital and Africell,Helios Towers, Smile Telecoms Holdings and Teleology Holdings are the companies seriously bidding to takeover 9Mobile by year-end. The bidding process is being handled by Barclays Africa. 9mobile is being sold after regulators saved the company from collapse when both an investment fund and Etisalat exited the country in June following the default of a $1.2 billion loan. Market Analysts believed that the battle for the soul of 9Mobile rest strictly between Globacom and Airtel because of their financial war chest and experiences in the Nigerian market. Should either be successful in the bid, the additional connections may see them overtake MTN as market leader. Airtel is currently t...

Photo credits: USA Today Apple announced yesterday that they have acquired Shazam. Shazam is a software that allows its users to identify music, movies and TV shows by playing audio clips. According to Apple “We are thrilled that Shazam and its talented team will be joining Apple. Since the launch of the App Store, Shazam has consistently ranked as one of the most popular apps for iOS. Today, it’s used by hundreds of millions of people around the world, across multiple platforms. Apple Music and Shazam are a natural fit, sharing a passion for music discovery and delivering great music experiences to our users. We have exciting plans in store, and we look forward to combining with Shazam upon approval of today’s agreement.” Although Apple did not disclose the cost, sources say it was within the range of $400 million. Source: The Guardian

Zoto, a mobile payment app used by over 1 million Nigerians, has unveiled a new app design, with introductory sale of N1 lasting a limited period. According to Co-founder, Oshone Ikazoboh, speaking at a press conference in Lagos, said the newly redesigned app would improve payment experience. “Users can make payments within five seconds without going through the tedious process of bank OTP, and each payment is secure and complies with CBN policies,” Ikazoboh said, adding that Zoto’s machine learning process also predicts user’s favourite recharge and the most frequent payment they are likely to make. Ikazoboh explained that close to 80 per cent of web traffic in the country came from mobile, and that Zoto’s mobile-focused approach would help to provide payment services to the masses. Source: The Guardian

World leader in payments Visa, today has announced a range of advanced sensory elements, to support the Visa brand when customers make transactions through connected, payment-enabled devices. These new sound, animations and mobile vibrations, will accompany real-time notifications when customers complete a transaction whether online or at a merchant location. Through the sensory branding, Visa is bringing movement and energy to the payment industry in Nigeria with a mix of sound, animation and vibrations, which will ensure customers experience a feeling of speed, trust, security and convenience when a transaction is completed. This innovative new technology will be officially launched at Visa’s global campaign ahead of the 2018 Winter Olympics Games in PyeongChang South Korea. Merchants, POS hardware vendors, technology companies and issuers in Nigeria will be able to incorporate these branding elements to their digitally connected devices and payment platforms. The sensory brandin...

Phot credits: AFP Nokia  has confirmed it will integrate its Customer Experience Management (CEM) software at MTN Nigeria. Naveed Kashif, Nokia’s Account Leader for MTN Group, said, “MTN recognises the growing importance of customer experience management as it seeks to differentiate itself and provide the best possible services to subscribers.” In its quarterly update for the period ended 30 September 2017, MTN recorded a drop in the number of subscribers in markets including South Africa, Uganda, Nigeria and Cameroon, as well as an overall decrease of 0.7%. The telco also announced organic revenue increases in key markets in Africa. MTN Nigeria reported an 11,2% increase in total revenue supported by data revenue growth of 72,1%, but conceded that digital revenue growth has been negatively impacted by the ongoing optimisation of VAS services. According to Nokia’s statement, MTN Nigeria is the first service provider in the region to deploy Nokia Cognitive Analytics for Custom...

Google said it would block its video streaming application YouTube from two Amazon.com Inc devices. Google also criticized the online retailer for not selling Google hardware, Media reports on Wednesday. Amazon and Google, which is owned by Alphabet Inc, square off in many areas, from cloud computing and online search, to selling voice-controlled gadgets like the Google Home and Amazon Echo Show. The stakes are high: many in the technology industry expect that interacting with computers by voice will become widespread, and it is unclear if Amazon, Google or another company will dominate the space. According to a study by research firm eMarketer from earlier this year, Amazon’s suite of voice-controlled devices has outsold Google’s so far. In a statement, Google said, ”Amazon doesn’t carry Google products like Chromecast and Google Home. Amazon had explained the move by saying it wanted to avoid confusing customers who might expect its Prime Video service to be available on devices ...

Inlaks, an information technology and infrastructure solutions provider, has offered automatic employment to 13 persons that graduated from its IT academy in Lagos. The beneficiaries were trained in the management of automated teller machines. The company, which provides IT solutions to financial institutions, telecom, oil and gas companies, among others, said the beneficiaries, who were drawn from different parts of the country. According to the Director, Infrastructure Business Unit, Inlaks, Tope Dare, said the company decided to train people who were unemployed to fill the vacancy it needed instead of going through the usual recruitment process of employment. According to him, the company received about 220 applications when it made its plans public. He added that after an online test was conducted for them, 15 of them emerged successful. He stated that the 15 persons were invited to Inlaks Academy in Lagos for the training, which lasted six months. At the end of the exercise, D...

According to Britain’s Daily Telegraph Tuesday,Youtube's chief executive said Google is to deploy a staff of 10,000 to hunt down extremist content on its YouTube platform following recent criticism, the video-sharing site’s. Susan Wojcicki admitted in the broadsheet that “bad actors” had used the website to “mislead, manipulate, harass or even harm.” British Prime Minister Theresa May has put pressure on internet giants to root out online radical material following a spate of terror attacks, while YouTube last week pulled 150,000 videos of children after lewd comments about them were posted by viewers. Last week’s move to take down suspect content came after a British newspaper reported that ads for big-name brands were displayed alongside videos of children or teens which, while innocent on their own, drew viewer comments that seemed paedophilic in nature.

KPMG, leading advisory services provider has offered internship to the top ten participants of the recently concluded Data Science Nigeria (DSN) Bootcamp hackathon. Some of the qualified participants will also be provided full employment opportunities, subject to other recruitment considerations. The top 10 participants include Blessing Oladeji, Abidoye Victor Temitope, Adebayo Aderibigbe, Azeez Olamide Busari, Farouk Oluwatosin, Zainab Ishaq Musa, Adetutu Samson, Emmanuel Ojuba, Yomi Adelowotan and Oguejiofor Chibueze. The beneficiaries are the participants adjudged to be the top 10 performers in the “Data Science Nigeria Customer Segmentation Hackathon” which was supported and graded by KPMG Nigeria. The bootcamp hosted about 150 participants, who qualified for the bootcamp following pre-qualification exams on Microsoft/Edx Data Science MOOC series and DataCamp followed by a public Kaggle competition. Source: The Guardian

Technology is fast becoming a major influencer of the already thriving used-car market in Nigeria, hence disrupting the entire value chain of auto business in the country. Nigeria spends an estimated N1.2 trillion on importation of vehicles as recent statistics has shown. PriceWaterhouseCooper (PwC), Nigeria’s professional service firm in a recent report release mentioned that more than 70 per cent of these imported vehicles are used ones, also known as Tokunbo. This trend has created a thriving used-car market, spurred more by Nigeria’s new automotive policy – a development that saw car import tariff hiked by 35 per cent. Over the past five years, technology has proven handy in playing a vital role in the success of the used-car market. Specifically, technology has reared its head in creating online marketplaces, curating inventories of used-cars and connecting buyers with sellers. According to Lukmon Oloidi, who is a used-car dealer in Lagos., technology has made it easy for deal...