Welcome to the IT News Africa weekly news wrap up. We have gathered all the top stories of the week and placed them into one convenient article for your viewing pleasure.
This week has been a rather interesting week, especially when it comes to companies shaking up their leadership roles. This week saw Microsoft appoint a new MD as well as Etisalat naming a new CEO.
In addition to this, unlicensed software is costing South Africa over R4 Billion. We also saw a renewable energy project commencing in West Africa as well as the launch of BlackBerry’s cost conscious Z3 smartphone.
We also saw Alcatel move back into the South African mobile market with its latest mobile device, the One Touch Idol Alpha. For those who enjoy reading reviews on tech gadgets, be sure to check out our review on the One Touch Idol Alpha as well as our review on the Samsung Galaxy S5.
News
Microsoft appoints new MD
Microsoft is in the process of shuffling its key leadership representatives. Mteto Nyati, who has been at the forefront of operations since September 2008, has been promoted to GM of emerging regions within Africa and the Middle East. Read More.
Matthew Willsher named Etisalat CEO
Etisalat’s Board of Directors have announced that Matthew Willsher is now in the position of Chief Executive Officer within the company. Read More.
Don’t get caught by online World Cup Scams
Football fans have found themselves looking for live streams of the World Cup on the internet recently. However, looking for live broadcasts on the Internet can cost money or leave a malicious programme on your computer. Read More.
Unlicensed software costing South Africa over R4 billion
A global software survey conhttp://www.itnewsafrica.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=61531&action=editducted by Business Software Alliance (BSA), in partnership with International Data Corporation (IDC), revealed that unlicensed software was installed on more than 43% of global PCs in 2013 rounding off to a commercial value of $62.7 billion. Read More.
Telecoms fees impact broadband and digitisation in Africa
Internet penetration in Africa at 15.6 percent is about half the world average. While some may see this as cause for concern, it is not a true reflection of the level of access on the continent where individuals may not own terminals but access the internet at cybercafés. Read More.
Renewable Energy Project commencing in West Africa
Sierra Leone has won the first call for proposals for the International Renewable Energy Agency/Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (IRENA/ADFD) financing facility; and have signed the 6MW Freetown Solar Park project, which will target urban and western rural districts around the capital, Freetown. Read More.
Globacom unveils anonymous E-Top Up service in Benin Republic
Globacom subscribers situated in the Benin Republic are now able to recharge their airtime without the use of recharge cards. This is due to the company introducing an E-top up service. Ream More.
Africa’s rapid mobile adoption paves way for cloud
A new survey conducted by IDG Connect, on behalf of SAP Africa, has highlighted the fantastic opportunity open to cloud service providers (CSPs) as a result of Africa’s rapid adoption of mobile network technology. Read More.
MTN linking businesses and customers with new app
The MTN Business Directory Services app will put your business on the map or the modern equivalent, a mobile compass that directs you within a step of your destination. Affordable and well-designed, the app consists of a mobile location-based directory making it a requisite for customers interested in your product or service offerings to find you, from any location on mobile phones and smart devices. Read More.
BlackBerry launching cost conscious Z3 smartphone
BlackBerry revealed the new BlackBerry Z3 smartphone, which is set to launch in South Africa during mid July 2014. The BlackBerry Z3 smartphone will be available to Vodacom customers. Read More.
Interviews
Ernst Wittmann, Alcatel One Touch Southern Africa country manager
It News Africa had the pleasure of interviewing Ernst Wittmann, Alcatel One Touch Southern Africa country manager. View the Interview.
Anna Artemyeva & Marius le Grange – Acer
IT news Africa caught up with Anna Artemyeva, Education Program Lead Commercial BU Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Marius Le Grange, Acer Africa Education Manager – in order to find out what Acer Africa, in particular, has been focusing on in the education sector. View the Interview.
Rui Brites, Director, Country Product Management – BlackBerry
Rui Brites gives IT News Africa a brief overview of the BlackBerry Z3 Smartphone. View the Interview.
Reviews
Alcatel One Touch Idol Alpha
The Idol Alpha is truly an elegant device. The phone features a sleek and sexy design that is supported by an aluminium mainframe and sides. While the Idol Alpha looks delicate and fragile at first, it is actually a rather solid device. Adding to the phone’s visual appeal are the unique translucent plastic strips that are located on the top and bottom of the device. Read More.
Samsung Galaxy S5
With a number of improvements over the Galaxy S4, the unit is one of the best devices that the company has released in a long time. With a better screen, improved battery life and apps, the Galaxy S5 is definitely worth checking out. Read More.
Darryl Linington
