Nigerian TelCos Data Giveaway
First, it began with telecommunications companies changing their network names to heart-warming messages like Stay Safe. Now, telecommunications giants in Nigeria such as MTN and Airtel have joined the data giveway, pioneered by FiberOne. This is in a bid to encourage the work from home routine and contribute to the tech fight against Covid-19.
Social Media Ascendents
From Chefs, DJs, teachers and dance Challenges: Thanks to Apps like TikTok, Instagram and Twitter, there is a new era of social media influencers. Hence, the internet is witnessing the rise of lockdown celebrities.
PiggyVest bags Lord’s Achievers Awards
Lord’s Dry Gin will once again endow its Achievers Award on Individuals from the Art, Finance and Entertainment sectors and more. It stands to acknowledge the accomplishments of individuals and companies within their chosen industries. The tech honorees of the Lord’s Achievers Awards 2020 are Odunayo Eweniyi , Joshua Chibueze and Somto Ifezue. The trio are the co-founders of “Savings and Investment” app, PiggyVest.
Facebook eyes multibillion-dollar stake in Reliance Jio
Reliance Jio is a three-and-a-half-year-old subsidiary of India’s most valued conglomerate Reliance Industries. The telecommunications venture may have e attracted the attention of an American giant: Facebook. The social conglomerate is in talks to acquire a 10% stake in the Indian telecom operator, worth billions of dollars.
Apple Drops After Postponed launch
Apple stock dropped late on Wednesday after the Nikkei Asian Review reported that the company considered delaying its annual iPhone launch by months.
Mocked Facebook TV is now sold out
Facebook’s Portal TV is the best way to video chat with friends and family right now. Initially, critics mocked it when it launched, citing the folly of putting a microphone and video camera from Facebook in homes. However, the Facebook Portal TV is now sold out.
WHO Hackathon
The World Health Organization has partnered with Facebook, Microsoft and several other tech companies for a hackathon to promote the development of software to take on challenges related to the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, Tech companies Twitter, WeChat, TikTok, Pinterest, Slack and Giphy are also participating.
The Fall and (hopeful) Rise of the Amazon
Amazon’s stock price is down 11% since the market peaked on Feb. 19, while the S&P 500 has plunged 28% over that stretch. Similarly, the other top tech companies — Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet and Facebook — have each dropped at least 20%. However, traffic on Amazon is expected to increase owing to the shut down of offline business and the rising global transition to online operations. This establishes Amazon as the best bet for a breakthrough among tech giants.
YouTube to reduce video quality worldwide to ease strain on internet networks
Videos on YouTube will now default to standard definition for all users worldwide. In other words, it is a step down from the typical high definition that users normally see. Importantly, the move is aimed at easing the burden on internet infrastructure. The strain is caused by millions that have been kept at home due to lockdowns and other emergency policies.