This week in tech saw a number of developments across the African continent and the world. Nigerian inventor, Oshiorenoya Agabi, revealed that he has developed a computer that can identify the smell of explosives, which could change airport security as we know it.
In other news, Vodacom announced the launch of video data bundles. The announcement from Vodacom came just days after competitors, Telkom, announced the launch of their own streaming service, Telkom Lit.
In Kenya, the announcement of a new online trade platform captured the headlines. The platform, developed by Traders of Africa, looks to create an online marketplace for the trading of goods and services originating from Africa.
The team at IT News Africa hopes you have a great weekend. The top stories of the week can be found below.
News
Nigerian invents computer that can smell explosives
Oshiorenoya Agabi, a Nigerian inventor based in Silicon Valley, has developed a computer that can identify the smell of explosives and aid in bomb detection. The Nigerian inventor unveiled his modem-sized technology which uses mice neurons at the TEDGlobal conference in Tanzania, according to a report by the BBC. Read More.
Vodacom Launches New Video Data Bundles
South African Telecommunications company, Vodacom, has announced the launch of Video Data Bundles that will be available to Pre-paid, Top-Up and Post-paid customers. The announcement, made on the 28th of August, came just days after competitor Telkom launched their own streaming service, Telkom Lit. Read More.
TheTreeApp launched in South Africa
A new app that enables users to search for specific trees; or to get an idea of what trees are growing in the region has been launched in South Africa. TheTreeApp can be used on any smart phone or tablet under 3 years old. The app was created by project leader Val Thomas and a team of skilled professionals. The app is available for download on 1 September 2017 from both the Apple iStore and the Google Play Store. Read More.
Online trade platform to launch in Kenya
An online platform which aims to drive intra-Africa trade is set to launch in Kenya next month. Traders of Africa (TOFA) already has its presence in Nigeria, Uganda and Rwanda. The platform will also launch in Ghana. The e-commerce company is focused on developing an online marketplace for the trading of goods and services originating from Africa. Read More.
South Africa: Transnet launches e-commerce platform
Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA), a division of Transnet, announced on Monday 28th August 2017 that the company has launched a new, fully integrated e-commerce platform. The new Order to Cash system replaces TNPA’s nine-year-old PortsOnline customer system for online submission of cargo documentation. Read More.
South Africa urged to partner with Mozambique
South African businesses and their staff have been urged to reach out to their Mozambican counterparts and establish partnerships that will enable them to access trade and investment opportunities in the neighbouring country. Read More.
Top Opinions & Features
Twitter meltdown as NSFAS mistakenly pays student R14 million
Sibongile Mani, a student attending the Walter Sisulu University (WSU), accidentally received a payment of a whopping R14 million from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and has already spent roughly half a million of it, the university confirmed on Tuesday, 30 August 2017. Read More.
Telkom LIT: Everything you need to know
Telkom has launched its latest product offering, Telkom LIT. As revealed by the firm, Telkom LIT is a first-of-its-kind streaming service giving customers access to on-demand movies, series, online video and music through some of the world’s most popular online content providers. Read More.
Top technology trends advancing healthcare in Africa
The healthcare industry is witnessing unprecedented transformation, it is estimated that by 2020 healthcare in Africa will be needing more than $25 billion in physical assets. Technology is flipping the script when it comes to delivering healthcare solutions. Read More.
“The future can be African” – SingularityU Summit South Africa
The SingularityU Summit kicked off on Wednesday the 23rd of August 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The two-day summit was hosted by Singularity University in collaboration with Standard Bank, global partner Deloitte and strategic partners MTN and SAP and looked to help the local leaders understand how to apply exponential technologies to create positive change and economic growth in their region. Read More.
Invest Using ProsperiProp South Africa’s Very Own Cryptocurrency
ProsperiProp, a South African startup using blockchain technology to develop their own cryptocurrency, has announced that the company will open its Initial Coin Offering (ICO) on Friday, 8 September 2017. Read More.
How Tech can help with Wildlife Conservation
The rise of the Internet of Things and other mobile technologies offers humanity the opportunity to truly advance their efforts in preserving and saving the environment in more innovative and relevant ways. Read More.
Gadgets and Gaming
F1 2017 Review
Developed and published by Codemasters, Formula One 2017 (F1 2017) has finally arrived on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC. F1 2017 stays true to its real-life counterpart by featuring all the drivers, circuits and teams currently battling it out in this year’s 2017 Formula One season. Read More.
Here’s How To Watch Showmax On Your Xbox One
Showmax, an Internet TV service, revealed on Tuesday 29 August 2017 that customers will now be able to enjoy their favourite TV shows and movies on demand with no contract and no ads via the Showmax app on Xbox One consoles. Read More.
PlayStation Plus Free Game Lineup September 2017
The PlayStation Plus Free Game Lineup for September 2017 has been officially revealed. Read More.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle releases on Nintendo Switch
Ubisoft has announced that Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is now available, exclusively on the Nintendo Switch system. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle follows the most iconic video game character, Mario, and the irreverent Rabbids, on an unexpected journey to save the Mushroom Kingdom, in a new turn-based combat adventure. Read More.
Nintendo Switch Pop Up Zone Opens In Sandton
The Nintendo Switch Pop Up Zone has officially opened its doors in Johannesburg’s Sandton City shopping centre. Read More.
Lenovo Yoga 720 and Miix 720 now available in South Africa
Lenovo has announced the launch of two of its latest offerings; the Yoga 720 and Miix 720 in South Africa. Read More.
Edited By: Dean Workman
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