This week has been pretty hot in the world of technology – even with the latest cold front setting in. This week in technology we saw PayPal land over 1 million active users in South Africa. Not only has PayPal landed 1 million users, but it is also expected that Africa’s telecom market is set to be worth over $65 billion by 2018.
Multichoice also graced the headlines once again with the announcement of its first HD single view decoder, the DStv HD Decoder. Airtel also reached top story status as the telecom provider is setting out to promote ICT in rural areas across Nigeria.
MTN and Huawei have also been making waves in tech this week. Both companies announced the successful live trial of a Transport Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and 2.4Tbit/s wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) system.
We hope you have a fantastic weekend. Even though it may be a chilly one.
News
Africa’s telecoms market to be worth $65bn by 2018
The African telecoms market is set to be one of the main growth success stories for the telecoms sector in the next 5 years. This is according to a new report entitled Sub-Saharan Africa telecoms market: trends and forecasts 2013–2018 from telecoms specialist Analysys Mason. Read More.
PayPal lands 1 Million active users in SA
PayPal has revealed that over a million South African consumers now have active PayPal accounts across the country. PayPal also stated that the company has over 152 million active accounts in 203 markets around the world, including: Algeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe. According to the company, the milestone is thanks to a deal that was signed with FNB four years ago. Read More.
MultiChoice launches single view DStv HD Decoder
MultiChoice has revealed its first HD single view decoder, the DStv HD Decoder. The decoder is set to replace the existing standard definition single view decoder. Read More. Read More.
Nigeria: Airtel to promote ICT in rural areas
Airtel Nigeria will be touring rural areas in order to create internet awareness. The empowerment initiative will focus on creating awareness for ICT use and uptake. Read More.
South Africa: MTN & Huawei trial terabit-speed network
MTN and Huawei have announced the successful live trial of a Transport Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and 2.4Tbit/s wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) system. According to MTN, this trial is currently the fastest and most intelligent optical network to date in the industry – setting the standard for the evolution of optical transport. Read More.
Langa residents take on digital age with WDC & Microsoft
World Design Capital (WDC) project iKhaya le Langa is opening a space where the local community can use a library of devices – supported by Microsoft – which will empower and uplift the community of Langa, leaving a lasting legacy. Using a range of the company’s mobile devices and tablets, Microsoft will enable residents to access the Internet and connect to a number of new opportunities. Read More.
Twitter opens analytics dashboard to all
In July 2014 Twitter revealed that advertisers will obtain access to a Google Analytics style dashboard within the social media platform. The dashboard was created to help brands, restaurants and corporate entities gauge and keep track of the performance of each Tweet sent out. Read More.
Ghana: GCB Bank adopting goSwiff mPOS
Ghana’s GCB Bank is the latest bank to adopt goSwiff’s mPOS to serve merchant clients. With clients in 25 countries, goSwiff provides the mobile point-of-sale platform for financial institutions, mobile network operators and merchants. Read More.
Opinions
Data cannot work in isolation of analytics
The proliferation of connected devices has resulted in the exponential increase of real-time data. But data on its own means very little if proper analytics does not take place. Frank Rizzo, data and analytics leader for KPMG South Africa, discusses the importance of data and analytics. Read More.
Cloud is setting the scene for a new digital era
Electronic commerce, initially a consumer market phenomenon, is becoming firmly entrenched in the corporate space. The emergence of cloud-based treasury solutions and the digitisation of trade flows represent step changes in treasury and trade finance. Combined, digitisation and cloud technology have the potential to transform the way market participants communicate and transact with each other. Read More.
Interviews
Video Interview: Cobus Potgieter talks tech & YouTube
IT News Africa caught up with South African YouTube sensation, Cobus Potgieter, to discuss tech in Africa. Potgieter also gave IT News Africa the run down on the equipment and tech that he uses as well as advice to Africans who want to break out onto the YouTube scene. Read More.
Top Feature
Is Telkom’s fair usage policy really fair?
Telkom informed its customers that it will be enforcing its fair usage policy. According to the telecom giant, the reason behind the move was in the spirit of enhancing the Internet experience of all its users. Read More.
Gadgets and Gaming
Samsung reveals Gear S 3G smartwatch
Samsung Electronics has removed the wrapping off of its latest device, the Samsung Gear S 3G smartwatch. According to the company, the device features a 3G connection as well as Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. Read More.
Xbox Live Games with Gold September 2014 Lineup
Coming up in September, Xbox Live Gold members can look forward to three new free games on Xbox One and Xbox 360. Super Time Force is coming to Games with Gold on Xbox One as a free download, replacing Strike Suit Zero. Crimson Dragon will continue to be available for Xbox Live Gold members as a free download for Xbox One. Read More.
Darryl Linington
