Author: ITPulse

Our AI-powered research and writing assistant is getting a big upgrade and expanding to over 200 countries and territories worldwide. Last summer, we introduced NotebookLM, an AI-powered research and writing assistant. Today, we’re excited to share that we’re bringing an upgraded version of NotebookLM — now using Gemini 1.5 Pro — to over 200 countries and territories worldwide. Our goal with NotebookLM has been to create a tool to help you understand and explore complex material, make new connections from information, and get to your first draft faster. You can upload sources — your research notes, interview transcripts, corporate documents — and…

TECNO is known for backing great things, and its partnership with Nigerian Idol has been nothing short of spectacular. As TECNO is set to propel another Nigerian Idol hopeful toward their dream stardom, they’re also making sure viewers are included in the excitement. TECNO is offering incredible opportunities for fans to win big in the new Nigerian Idol season. Here are five thrilling ways you can score amazing prizes from TECNO during this season of Nigerian Idol: TECNO brings a unique challenge to the Nigerian Idol stage with the TECNO Jingle Contest. For a chance at the N500,000 cash prize,…

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is set to join forces with the World Bank and World Trade Organization (WTO) to improve digital trade and cross-border data services in the country. Disclosing this in a statement, NITDA’s Director General, Mal. Kashifu Inuwa noted that the collaboration aims to leverage technology for economic growth and diversification, aligning with the government’s priorities. According to him, a key focus of the partnership is developing a robust regulatory framework. NITDA is streamlining existing regulations and establishing a National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to secure electronic signatures. Additionally, a comprehensive digital economy bill is…

Shareholders at the annual and extraordinary general meetings of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), the parent company of Ecobank Group, have expressed enthusiasm with the Group’s strong performance in 2023, particularly exceeding the $2 billion net revenue mark for the first time in almost a decade. At the meeting held in Lomé, Togo, the Group reported a pre-tax profit of $581 million, an 8% increase from 2022. Adjusted for currency fluctuations, the profit increase was even more significant at 34%. Ecobank also achieved a record-low cost-to-income ratio of 54.9%. This achievement came despite economic challenges like inflation, high interest rates and…

As online transactions increase year-on-year, the need for businesses to retain customers, reduce cart abandonment and grow their revenue becomes paramount. One solution for businesses looking to leverage payment to attract and retain customers is payment integration on Wix, a robust platform with a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline online transactions and enhance the way businesses handle online payments. The digital economy thrives on the ability to conduct transactions swiftly and securely. Hence, the ability to process payment seamlessly has become a necessity for every business that aims to provide an excellent experience for its customer base. Any…

(2024 World Environment Day – #GenerationRestoration) It would have been impossible to ignore the sounds, considering the relative quietness in the way characteristic of nature. Amidst the familiar chirping of birds and twigs cracking as squirrels and monkeys dart around the trees, the stealthy movement of scurrying animals meandering through the woodland, trying to escape the prying eyes of larger predators. The first rays of light filter through the boughs, where leaves and branches meet, landing on the rich, earthy hues of uneven ground and sometimes the dense underbrush littered with fallen leaves, nuts, and animal droppings. From creeping insects…

By Olatayo Ladipo-Ajai The business communication landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the emergence of Rich Communication Services (RCS), a communication protocol aimed at replacing SMS messaging. Unlike traditional text-based SMS, RCS is redefining the way businesses engage with their customers, and it is anticipated that the increasing adoption of technologies such as Communications Platform-as-a-Service (CPaaS) will be the main driver for enterprises leveraging operator-led RCS channels for rich business messaging. A study by Juniper Research has found that the global number of active RCS users will reach 1.1 billion in 2024, up from 930 million in 2023.…

The financial landscape in Africa is undergoing a wave of innovation, becoming a major force in reshaping global financial inclusion. Our continent’s unique approach, creativity, and dedication to closing the financial gap offer valuable lessons to the world. By 2030, Africa’s FinTech sector is set to become a global leader in mobile-based financial solutions, expanding access to banking services and driving economic empowerment. Here’s what makes Africa’s FinTech story stand out: High Mobile Penetration: Africa’s fast-growing mobile phone user base means most people access the internet primarily through their phones. This supports the rise of mobile-based financial services, making it…

ALX, an African tech career accelerator has joined forces with the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network Lagos for the first-ever Youth Tech Summit. This event gathered tech enthusiasts, industry experts, and key figures to explore how technology can transform Africa’s future. The summit featured discussions on how tech can drive economic growth, create jobs, and empower future African leaders. ALX Nigeria’s Country Manager, Ruby Igwe, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of tech-fueled entrepreneurship in job creation and economic development (SDG 8). “The YALI Network Tech Summit showcased the incredible potential and innovative spirit of Africa’s tech scene,”…

The UK’s Manufacturing Africa program is making a big difference in Nigeria’s clean energy sector. Three Nigerian companies – Arnergy, Koolboks, and BURN Manufacturing – received a total of $17 million in foreign investment, helping the country expand access to renewable energy solutions. This investment will bring clean energy to more Nigerians, reduce pollution, create over 1,100 jobs, and improve livelihoods for many. Breakdown of the three companies BURN Manufacturing: A leader in clean cookstove technology, BURN secured a $12 million investment from Key Carbon Ltd. to build a new assembly plant in Northern Nigeria. This factory will increase distribution…