This week in tech has seen quite a few surprising occurrences. Not only has Gilat Satellite’s CEO stepped down, but South African telecom operator, Telkom, has been struck down by illegal industrial action.
Also making the headlines this week was Nigeria. As the country is set to go to the polls on 28 March 2015, Pay-TV provider MultiChoice and GOtv have revealed that the elections will be covered on 10 local and international channels.
Google also made waves in the tech industry this week. According to the search engine giant, it has developed an Ebola-proof tablet device.
If you missed out on the IT News Africa’s Principles of IT Leadership Seminar, you can view the photo gallery here. Additionally, you can register for our upcoming Strategy Seminar titled, “Selling to CIO” here. The team at IT News Africa hopes you have a fantastic weekend. Here are our top stories of the week:
News
Nigeria to receive Election updates on 10 channels
As Nigerians prepare to exercise their right to vote during the upcoming elections, MultiChoice has assured its subscribers that they can stay connected to the election updates through 10 local and international news channels on DStv and GOtv. Read More.
Security issue found in wearable fitness wristband
Fitness trackers of all kinds have become extremely popular, helping people to manage their physical activity and calorie intake and stay in shape. However, such devices also process important personal data about their owners and it is important to keep it secure. Read More.
Google develops Ebola-proof tablet device
Google and a group of technology volunteers have developed a tablet device that could help doctors in the fight against Ebola. According to the developers, the tablet has been designed in such a way that it can survive being doused in chlorine; be used while wearing gloves; and is resistant to storms as well as high humidity. Read More.
MTN Group reveals latest Sustainability Report
MTN Group’s efforts to advance social development in its markets through the integration of sustainable business practices into day-to-day activities, is yielding positive outcomes, according to the company. Read More.
NCC to pay USD 2.5 million in damages to APC
The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to pay the All Progressives Congress (APC) USD 2.5 million in damages for unlawfully banning its presidential campaign fundraising platform. Read More.
Liquid Telecom invests USD 400,000 into Kilifi
Liquid Telecom is set to invest $400,000 in Internet infrastructure that will see Kilifi County in Kenya opened up for interconnectivity for businesses and the county government premises. Read More.
Intel unveils availability of Intel Developer Zone in South Africa
Intel South Africa has revealed the availability of its Intel Developer Zone in South Africa. According to Intel, the Developer Zone is a global programme that has designed to provide software developers and businesses with a single point of access to a variety of tools, communities, and resources. Read More.
Telkom struck down by illegal industrial action
According to a statement released by Telkom, the company has revealed that it will proceed with the automatic transfer of staff from its call centre, supply chain and IT environments to new employers on 31 March after unions failed to secure a majority consensus on an additional offer from the company. Read More.
Gilat CEO steps down
Gilat Satellite Networks has revealed that Erez Antebi, has decided to step down from the position of CEO of Gilat Satellite Networks. Dov Baharav, Gilat’s Chairman of the Board will assume the position of interim CEO until a new CEO is appointed. Read More.
Opinions
Secure payment processes are essential for minimising credit card fraud
As the Internet of Things (IoT) connects more and more devices, the potential for hacking, theft of sensitive information and other cyber-crimes extends to an ever-increasing numbers of devices. The reality is that cyber-crime pays, and the individuals and syndicates involved in such activities are in it for the money. Read More.
Shifting perceptions: Why mobility no longer scares us
Enterprise mobility strategies have dramatically changed during the last few years and as a result, the IT industry’s perception of mobility is significantly more positive. But what is behind this shift in perception? A driving factor is the continual evolution of security innovation, which has been working its magic to reassure organisations that the biggest asset after its people — its data — is more secure than ever. Read More.
Interviews
Andile Ngcaba Details Wi-Fi Forum SA
An inaugural conference of the Wi-Fi Forum of South Africa was held on 12 March 2015 in Johannesburg, officially establishing the Forum as an active player in the development of the country’s Wi-Fi sector. The association aims to represent the views of all stakeholders in the industry and serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and networking. Watch the interview here.
George Burgess discusses Gojimo Education App
George Burgess, one of the world’s youngest successful entrepreneurs at just 22 years old, has developed an education app that assists students in revising for their school exams. The app which has been dubbed “Gojimo” will be available in South Africa on the 2nd of April 2015. Watch the interview here.
Top Features
Top Tech Tips to lock down your social media account
With mobile devices becoming more prominent in our day-to-day lives, as tech-savvy Africans, we are constantly accessing social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. While these platforms are secure in their own right, they can essentially place your personal information and private life at risk. Read More.
Top List
Top 10 Strategic Technologies for Education in 2015
Social and economic pressures are forcing senior education leaders to rethink business models and consider a range of new technologies, to bring down the cost of administering education institutions and scale the business, according to research from Gartner. Read More.
Gadgets and Gaming
DJI Phantom Drone showcases the beauty of Africa
Technology is fast becoming an essential part of life. While some use technology to keep in contact, do business, or share the latest news on social media – Relais & Châteaux Africa has used it in order to showcase the true beauty of Africa. Read More.
Battlefield Hardline Review
The Battlefield franchise has never entirely swayed away from its traditional roots. Most of the titles have been developed by Digital Illusions Creative Entertainment (DICE), and essentially have had a military focused theme – which goes along the lines of the world being on the brink of chaos and various military forces stepping in to diffuse the situation. Granted, the Battlefield franchise has moved from strength-to-strength, but unfortunately it was beginning to feel somewhat stale and stagnant… especially in the campaign department. Read More.
Nigeria: Wiko unveils Getaway smartphone
Wiko has launched its latest device, which has been dubbed “Getaway,” in Nigeria. According to the mobile phone manufacturer, it has also partnered with online e-commerce platform “Jumia” in order to distribute the device. Read More.
Review: New Nintendo 3DS XL
Since launch in 2011, the Nintendo 3DS has evolved quite a bit. The device has seen several redesigns, as well as the introduction of the Nintendo 2DS. However, Nintendo has not stopped there. Just recently, Nintendo launched its latest handheld gaming console, which has been dubbed the New Nintendo 3DS. However, what makes the New Nintendo 3DS different from the rest? Read More.
Darryl Linington
