Author: Chris Anu
The proliferation of payment apps such as Google Pay, Samsung Pay and Apple Pay – along with the virtual cards offered by many banks – have made it possible for users to forego physical cards and to use their phones, smartwatches or even smart rings to pay instead. Payment apps also provide an extra layer of security by tokenising card data, meaning users’ details are never exposed. Despite these benefits, and the drawbacks of physical cards – they are expensive to produce, even more expensive to distribute and the plastic they are made from poses a threat to the environment…
In this episode of ITWeb TV, Maha Jouini, vice president of African & Francophone Agency for AI and former researcher at AI Global Index, discusses how AI can be a catalyst for development and equality, particularly for marginalised groups like African and Arab women. #WomeminTech #ArtificialIntelligeceThe fourth industrial revolution and artificial intelligence (AI) hold immense potential to drive African prosperity, catalyse development and promote equality, especially for marginalised communities, including African and Arab women.This is according to Maha Jouini, vice-president of African & Francophone Agency for AI and former researcher at AI Global Index. Speaking to ITWeb TV, Jouini emphasised…
Michelle Losco and Duncan McLeod photographed at TechCentral’s offices in Johannesburg TechCentral, South Africa’s most powerful B2B technology news and information platform, has a new owner. TechCentral’s long-serving business partner, Publishared – founded by digital publishing industry veteran Michelle Losco – has acquired NewsCentral Media, TechCentral’s publisher, for an undisclosed sum. Duncan McLeod, the founder of both NewsCentral Media and TechCentral, will stay on as managing editor and will continue to lead the editorial team and be fully involved in the business post-transaction. We’re proud to be building on the momentum and are committed to driving the publication’s continued growth…
The City of Joburg’s tech-driven pushback against violent crime sees gains, as Vumucam reveals multiple arrests and interceptions in March. Source link
Perplexity AI, an artificial intelligence start-up vying with Google and OpenAI, is ramping up efforts to get prime placement for its virtual assistant on smartphones. The company is in discussions with Samsung Electronics about integrating its assistant on the smartphone giant’s devices and has already reached an agreement with Lenovo Group’s Motorola for a similar arrangement, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The Samsung talks are early, while the Motorola tie-up will be announced this month, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. Motorola is hosting a product event in New…
SASSA says social grants are the livelihood of more than 19 million beneficiaries. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has moved to reassure pensioners after false claims were posted on various social media platforms.It says the old age grant will not be stopped in May, if certain documents are not updated by 30 April.In a statement, SASSA confirms the social media posts and screenshots are incorrect and fake, adding that the messages are mischievous.As a result, the agency has urged beneficiaries not to panic, as no grant will be cancelled.“SASSA only reviews grants that need to be reviewed at…
Anoosh Rooplal and Juanita Damons, the business rescue practitioners for the Post Office, have blamed a scheduling conflict for missing an important Tuesday meeting with MPs. They had been expected to address the national council of provinces’ select committee on economic development & trade, but failed to attend. According to Rooplal, who spoke on behalf of the pair in response to questions from TechCentral, the meeting had been moved to Tuesday from another, previously agreed date, but the two already had other commitments on the new date, prompting them to send representatives to parliament on their behalf instead. I feel…
Artificial Intelligence Triumphs in World’s Most Sophisticated Autonomous Drone Race in Abu Dhabi (Photo: AETOSWire) The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL), part of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), in collaboration with the Drone Champions League (DCL), concluded the inaugural A2RL x DCL Autonomous Drone Championship in the Middle East, at ADNEC Marina Hall, Abu Dhabi, UAE. In a major breakthrough for autonomous flight and aerial robotics, Team MavLab’s AI drone outpaced a world-leading human pilot to win the AI vs Human Challenge. The head-to-head duel was the most complex ever staged, featuring finalists from the DCL Falcon Cup—some…
Samsung Electronics is not having a good start to 2025, at least when it comes to the latest software update for its ubiquitous smartphones. The roll-out of Samsung’s One UI 7, built on Android 15, has been highly anticipated for months. The software promises exciting features for millions of users. But it’s been a rocky road for the company. One UI 7 was officially completed on 17 March 2025, with Samsung initially planning a roll-out starting on 7 April to supported devices, including its premium Galaxy S series and Galaxy Z series handsets, beginning in its home market of South…
SA’s public service needs an adequately tech-skilled workforce to build strong state capacity. South Africa’s public service workforce lacks some of the technology skills essential for the fourth industrial revolution (4IR).Additionally, even though most government officials are aware of these technologies, they struggle to apply them to enhance public administration and recognise how these can be used to optimise the efficiency of the state.This is based on insights from professor Mashupye Herbert Maserumule, who led a study of the skills and competencies required for the public service in a changing world.The study, done at the behest of the Public Service Sector…