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NEWS

29 July 2021

GLOBAL NEWS

28 July 2021

BUSINESS

28 July 2021

SPORTS

27 July 2021

BROADCAST

SAIGA Eastern Cape Regional Chairperson, Sisonke Mvubu talks to TruFM

Facebook will restrict ad targeting of under-18s

28/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Facebook Inc will stop allowing advertisers to target people under 18 on its platforms based on their interests or their activity on other sites, it said on Tuesday in a slew of announcements about young users. The change means advertisers will soon be able to target under-18s only by age, gender or location on Facebook, its Messenger service and its photo-sharing platform Instagram.

Transnet website still down and chaos gets worse

28/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

It’s been days since Transnet was disrupted by what it has now confirmed as a cyberattack. The South African state entity has now communicated that it is making progress with restoring hacked systems. However, the national operator’s website is still down, giving an indication that even the simple part is hard to resolve for Transnet.

DPO’s new SiD Secure offers customers instant online EFT ‘s

28/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

DPO South Africa’s SiD Secure EFT has released its new platform sporting a slick new user interface and performing up to 82% faster than previous iterations. The improvements will benefit SiD’s growing network of merchants which has more than doubled year-on-year.

Samsung to launch first Mini LED curved gaming monitor

28/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Samsung Electronics said on Tuesday its new curved gaming monitor with Mini LED display will be launched this week. The Odyssey Neo G9 will hit the shelves in South Korea on Thursday with a price of 2.4 million won ($2,085). It will be globally available by August 9, according to the tech giant. The latest product is the industry’s first curved gaming monitor with Mini LED display, Samsung said.

Intel unveils new 2025 roadmap to reclaim global chip market

28/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Chip maker Intel has detailed an ambitious architecture roadmap, showcasing a series of foundational innovations that will power products through 2025 and beyond, with the goal of leading the processor space once again.

Capitec is hiring

28/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Capitec Bank is looking to fill around 300 positions over the next few months. “We’re rapidly growing our team. South Africa’s response to our simple, transparent and affordable banking solution has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Gerrie Fourie, CEO of Capitec Bank. “We now have..

Cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated

28/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

There has been a significant increase in the frequency and sophistication of cybercrime activity, including a 65% rise in the use of hacking tools downloaded from underground forums and filesharing websites between H2 2020 to H1 2021. HP Inc’s Threat Insights Report notes…

Mobile fraud continues to hit Africa hard

27/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Mobile fraud continues to ravage African users, with the recent “State of Mobile Fraud in Africa” report by Evina revealing that 19% of mobile payment transactions between January 2021 to June 202 were made without the user’s consent from.

African regions shine as startup and investment hubs

27/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Several African cities are quickly emerging as leading startup and investment hubs to watch, with Cape Town topping international ranking for foreign direct investment in early-stage, high-growth technology businesses.

How to smash your work and gaming goals with the ultimate computer setup

27/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

When it comes to work, and even play, there are so many things you can do to ensure that you’re able to perform at your best. To start with, the equipment that you choose to use will make or break the entire experience. You need to have the best gear to back your day – whether…

Dad builds exoskeleton to help wheelchair-bound son walk

27/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

“Robot, stand up” – Oscar Constanza, 16, gives the order and slowly but surely a large frame strapped to his body lifts him up and he starts walking. Fastened to his shoulders, chest, waist, knees and feet, the exoskeleton allows Oscar – who has a genetic neurological condition that means his…

Can Facebook’s $1 billion gamble help it regain lost cool?

27/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Like internet personalities the world over, Kenyan TikTok comedian Mark Mwas was intrigued when Facebook announced a $1 billion plan to pay content creators like him.

China upskills youth in a bid to tackle talent shortage in growing eSports market

27/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

While China boasts the world’s largest eSports market, local organisations have been struggling to find enough talented gamers. According to South China…

LG Electronics launches upgraded wireless earbuds

27/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

LG Electronics on Monday unveiled its upgraded wireless earbuds with enhanced sound and hygiene features as the tech giant eyes to increase wearable sales. Three new models of the LG TONE Free…

Amazon may soon allow cryptocurrency as payment

26/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Amazon may allow users to pay in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin soon as the e-commerce giant is hiring a digital currency and blockchain product lead for its payments team. According to a latest job listing, Amazon’s Payments Acceptance & Experience team is “seeking an experienced product leader…

Israel appoints commission to probe Pegasus spyware maker NSO

26/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Israel has established a commission to review allegations that NSO Group’s controversial Pegasus phone surveillance software was misused, the head of parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee said Thursday.

UCT partners with edutech start-up, the Valenture institute, to offer high school education

26/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has partnered with the Valenture Institute, an edutech start-up to start an online high school. As a number of top universities, such as Stanford’s Online High School, have now proven, the academic excellence of universities can be extended to…

Vodacom Group Limited trading update for the quarter ended 30 June 2021 Highlights

26/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Group revenue of R24.8 billion was up 9.0%, as strong normalised growth of 14.2%* was partially offset by the rand’s recovery. The rand appreciated by 20% against a basket of our international currencies, impacting reported growth.

Russia fines Facebook and Telegram for failing to delete illegal content

23/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

A Russian court fined U.S. social media giant Facebook 6 million roubles ($81,350) and messaging app Telegram 11 million roubles on Thursday for failing to delete illegal content, the latest salvo in a standoff between Russia and Big Tech.

All the allegations, all the finger-pointing over Pegasus should be at the customer, says spyware maker NSO

23/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Websites of airlines, banks and tech companies down in widespread outage

23/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Websites of several airlines, banks and technology companies including Delta Air Lines, Costco Wholesale Corp and American Express were facing outages on Thursday.

Could digital intelligence have prevented the looting rampage?

23/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

When once asked about his success, Jack Ma, the Chinese business magnate and founder of the multinational technology conglomerate Alibaba Group said that emotional intelligence (EQ) is his secret.

Apple releasing Airpods

23/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Apple is working on a third- generation of the Airpods, to be released later this year. While not much has officially been released about Airpods, there are several rumours floating around with regards to design updates and new internal hardware.

President Cyril Ramaphosa among heads of state targeted in leaked Pegasus data

22/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

President Cyril Ramaphosa has been identified in a leaked database at the heart of the Pegasus Project which includes cellphone numbers of government leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, according to an investigation conducted by the Guardian.

How does the Pegasus spyware work, and is my phone at risk?

22/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

A major journalistic investigation has found evidence of malicious software being used by governments around the world, including allegations of spying on prominent individuals.

More users are falling for phishing attacks

22/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

There has been a significant rise in phishing email attacks related to HR topics, particularly regarding new policies that would affect all employees throughout organisations. Real phishing emails that were reported to IT departments related…

US consumer body tries to force Amazon recall of hazardous products

22/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has filed an administrative complaint against Amazon.com, to force Amazon to accept responsibility for recalling potentially…

Tesla plans to open its charging network to other EVs later this year

22/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Tesla plans to open its network of superchargers to other electric vehicles later this year, Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said on Twitter. The electric-car maker’s fast charging network, with over 25 000 superchargers globally, has given it a competitive edge. Meanwhile, other carmakers have formed alliances or invested in start-ups for networks…

Netflix to add mobile video games as subscriber growth slows

22/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

NETFLIX said it would make a deeper dive into video games as the movie and TV streaming service projected weak subscriber growth amid growing competition and the lifting of pandemic restrictions that had kept people at home. The company’s shares hovered about even at $531.10 (about R8 000) in after-hours trading on Tuesday.

Airtel, Intel announce collaboration to accelerate 5G in India

22/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Bharti Airtel is collaborating with Intel for 5G network development by leveraging vRAN/O-RAN technologies. The collaboration is part of Airtel’s 5G…

WhatsApp adds Google meet like features for calls

22/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

WhatsApp has rolled out the long-awaited feature that will allow users around the world to join a group call even if they might have missed the initial call. Users around will finally breathe a sigh of relief…

LG reveals new sound bar

22/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

LG Electronics said on Monday its new compact sound bar will be available in the market as the South Korean tech giant eyes to beef up its presence in the home audio market. LG Eclair will be launched in North America later this month and will hit…

Should businesses use emoji’s in their communication? Here’s what a survey had to say

21/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

In light of World Emoji Day 2021, customer experience specialists, Nlighten conducted a survey on the use of emojis in business. The CX company asked owners, directors, and middle and senior management across multiple industries how they felt about using emojis in their day-to-day business communications

YouTube acquires e-commerce startup to help small businesses transition online

21/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Youtube has announced its acquisition of the Indian social commerce startup Simsim. The newly announced deal is set to enable the video streaming giant to help small businesses and retailers in India reach new customers in even more powerful ways.

Vivo among top global smartphone brands

21/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Smartphone brand Vivo on Tuesday announced that the company has been ranked fifth in the global smartphone shipments in the second quarter. According to market research firm Canalys, Vivo has been ranked fifth in global smartphone shipments with a market share of 10 per cent in the second quarter of 2021, up 27 per cent year on year.

Digital banking set for major surge

21/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

A new Juniper Research study has found that 53% of the world’s population will access digital banking services in 2026; reaching over 4,2-billion digital banking users, from 2,5-billion in 2021.

INSURER TO FAST TRACK CIVIL UNREST CLAIMS TO HELP REBUILD SA

21/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

While Sasria, the public enterprise that provides non-life insurance cover for loss or damage to insured property caused by special risks such as politically motivated..

3D printer shipments recover

21/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Shipments of high-end Industrial and Design 3D printers continued to recover in Q1 2021 as deliveries into the US and Europe began to mirror the recovery previously seen in China, according to…

Tips on how to verify viral videos and voice notes on social media

21/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Social media has changed how people communicate and relate to one another. The adoption and use of the digital platforms have also changed how users source and access information. Users can share voice notes and videos, but to what extent are some of the tools authentic and legitimate?

New Instagram feature helps users recover hacked accounts

21/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Instagram has launched a new feature to helped users recover hacked accounts. The Facebook-owned social media platform’s ‘Security Checkup’ guides people through steps including checking login information, updating contact details and confirming which accounts…

WWE® & TIKTOK LAUNCH SUMMERSLAM® RING ANNOUNCER SEARCH

21/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Beginning today, WWE (NYSE: WWE) will launch a search for its next great ring announcer on TikTok as users can upload their most entertaining videos using the hashtag #WWEAnnouncerContest. The best performers will earn a trip to SummerSlam at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas…

SA users hit with social media fraud

20/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

A significant 68% of South African respondents highlighted that they or their loved ones suffered from criminals via social networks, according to a Kaspersky survey. In most cases fraudsters pretended to be familiar to potential victims: the manipulation scheme presented a request for help from a friend (59%). Users may not recognise immediately who the person on the other side of the screen is. Though the majority of respondents mentioned that they or their loved ones identified the scammers…

Telkom and the impact of mass action

20/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Telkom has issued an update on the impact of last week’s riots on its operations, and what the company is doing to mitigate the effects. Although the financial impact of the destruction to property and disruption of Telkom operations, suppliers and business partners is still being collated, Telkom is on course with recovery of operations…

SA students hold their own in global Olympiad

20/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

South Africa’s team for the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI2021) have emerged with a bronze medal and one award after the global event. IOI2021 is a prestigious international Informatics challenge held annually. While this year’s event was hosted by Singapore, participants competed virtually from their home countries due…

Microsoft to get walkie talkie feature

20/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Microsoft Teams is set to get a walkie talkie feature later this year. The tech giant revealed plans for the push-to-talk functionality late last year, and now the company has revealed it will launch worldwide in September. On the Microsoft 365 Roadmap, they said: “Like traditional walkie talkies, the Walkie Talkie app on your Teams phones provides an instant push-to-talk (PTT) communication for your team.

Zoom to buy cloud-based call centre for $15 billion

20/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Zoom Video Communications Inc announced a $14.7 billion all-stock deal to buy cloud-based call center operator Five9 Inc in its largest-ever acquisition, as competition intensifies in its core videoconferencing sector.

Amazon demands Apple remove Fakespot app from App Store

20/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Following a request from Amazon, tech giant Apple has removed an app called ‘Fakespot from its App Store. Launched last month for iOS users, the app, which is a service for filtering and hiding fake…

Playstation 5 just got a new update

20/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

A new PlayStation 5 update is now live. The iconic console has just seen the arrival a new software update, which has been named ‘version 21.01-03.21.00, and it is now available for download to gamers all over the world.

Travellers cautioned about hotel Wi-Fi

19/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

With travelling on the rise again, experts warn about the risks public Wi-Fi in hotels may pose and, as 50% of people choose to travel domestically, this puts the data of a lot of travelers in danger. “As noticed by the FBI, hackers often use hotel Wi-Fi to attack guests during their stay. This is especially important now that travellers are keen to see more familiar places or find hidden gems in the distance of a car ride and stay in local hotels, which..

The State of Work in the SA Gig economy

19/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Working for Uber, MrD and other digital platforms is not fair after all. This has been revealed by a newly launched report by the Fairwork Project. The report highlights the precarious nature of work in the gig economy. The sustained impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present challenges to South Africa’s economy. Unfortunately, the…

Yes, we are still working from home

19/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Work is no longer something that happens in an office environment. Instead, the workplace has moved away from the office to be anywhere where an employee has reliable connectivity. Even though some organisations have welcomed back a limited number of employees at their offices, the focus is still very much on the enablement of a…

Why are billionaires escaping planet Earth?

19/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

The space race is no longer the same. The “space race” was a Cold War competition between the US and the Soviet Union to develop aerospace capabilities, including artificial satellites, unmanned space probes, and human spaceflight.

Xiaomi grabs 2nd spot in global smartphone shipments for the first time

19/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Showing a stunning growth in the pandemic, Chinese company Xiaomi has become the second largest smartphone vendor globally for the first time ever (in terms of unit shipments) in the April-June…

Ericsson’s 5G march hits a wall in China, shares sink

19/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Ericsson, caught in the middle of a geopolitical battle between Beijing and the West, said on Friday it was no longer banking on previously anticipated contract wins for 5G tenders in China, sending its shares down more than 8%.

WhatsApp banned two million accounts in India

16/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

WhatsApp on Thursday filed its first monthly grievance redressal report as required under India’s new IT norms, saying it banned two million accounts in India alone from the May 15-June 15 period attempting to send harmful or unwanted messages at scale.

Looters go viral on TikTok

16/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

What started out as a platform for entertainment and lighthearted content, popular video-sharing app TikTok has now become the platform of choice for South African users to share content displaying the rampant violence and looting taking place in the country.

Banking customers urged to remain vigilant

16/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

South Africa is in the middle of one of the most trying times in the country’s history. Unemployment was on the rise which will only worsen in the aftermath of the current situation. In addition, tensions are boiling over turning into violent acts and destruction which are currently…

Big business and small business need each other now more than ever

16/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

In the face of overwhelming adversity and strife, it is a natural human emotion to withdraw from the crisis. Last night, as my executive team and I at MTN ended yet another crisis update, a wave of despondency hit me, and I said out loud, to no one in particular, “I have no more words.”

Teenager to fly with Bezos in inaugural space tourism flight

16/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

An 18-year-old physics student whose father heads an investment management firm is set to take the place of a person who put up $28 million (R408m) in an auction to take part in the inaugural…

Double-digit growth forecast for enterprise edge

16/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

International Data Corporation’s (IDC) Worldwide Edge Spending Guide estimates that spending on edge computing will reach $24-billion in 2021 in Europe. It expects spending to continue to…

Apple restores 1920s theatre into new store

16/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

The technology giant have restored the abandoned 1920s Los Angeles Tower Theatre into one of their retail stores, and its brand new lobby has been inspired by Charles Garnier’s Paris Opera house.

Netflix hires former Facebook executive as gaming VP

16/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Netflix said on Wednesday it has hired a former Facebook executive to lead its video games unit as the company ramps up its efforts to grow beyond its traditional streaming business. The streaming giant hired Mike Verdu, who was most recently a Facebook vice president, as VP of game development and he will report to chief operating officer…

Avoiding Instant EFT Risks

16/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

In 2020, e-commerce in South Africa spiked by 66%, driven by COVID-19-induced lockdowns and a drop in brick-and-mortar retail sales^[i]. This increase was accompanied by an upsurge in the use of instant Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payments. Towards the end of last year however, the SA Reserve Bank, Payment Association of South Africa (PASA), and Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) issued a joint statement…

Toyota bulks up on driverless tech

15/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Toyota Motor Corp said on Thursday it acquired U.S.-based Carmera, a provider of maps and data for driverless vehicles, marking the Japanese car maker’s latest investment in autonomous technology. The purchase, through newly created subsidiary Woven Planet for an undisclosed sum, underscores Toyota’s push to bulk up its self-driving arsenal as traditional automakers compete with the autonomous ambitions of tech…

Capitec named as Best Digital Bank

15/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

InSites Consulting South Africa today revealed the results of its tenth annual SITEisfaction survey. Launched in 2012, the report is an annual measure of customer satisfaction with digital banking services…

Banks continue digitalisation journey

15/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

The banking sector has undergone many changes in the past few years, especially since the introduction of digital banking platforms and as a result of the pandemic. Customers nowadays are seeking a…

Facebook and Instagram to invest $1 billion in content creators as TikTok grabs top social media spot

15/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Facebook Inc will spend $1 billion on social media creators through the end of 2022 in a fight for top talent announced in a week…

Better Connected: The pathway to a tech-driven future

15/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

In the past year, connectivity has taken the spotlight. It turbo-charged our resilience and accelerated digital adoption bringing much needed services and resources to people during the most challenging period in recent history. Now, as we look ahead to a hybrid future, investing in…

ICASA urges communities to safeguard the communication infrastructure against vandalism

14/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

ICASA unreservedly condemns the ongoing acts of violence, looting and arson currently taking place in the country, which have resulted in the disruption of communication services, closure of some community radio stations and vandalism of network facilities.

Telkom redirects customers to alternative channels

14/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Telkom officially shut down all its stores in KwaZulu-Natal yesterday, in light of recent unrest and protests across the country that are especially concentrated in that province, and closed stores in some parts of the country.

Nigeria allocates over US$11 million to intelligence agency to monitor WhatsApp

14/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Nigerian federal government has allocated just over US$11 million (4.8 billion Nigerian Naira) to the country’s National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to monitor social messaging service WhatsApp, as…

Ghanaian engineer’s app reduces ambulance response time to informal areas

14/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Ghanaian engineer Sesinam Dagadu has developed a mobile application that cuts ambulance response times by as much as 56% and provides accurate location details without the need for internet access.

Game extends it’s ’Price Beat Promise’ to online

14/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Game has extended its popular money-saving Price Beat Promise to purchases made through its online store. Launched in 1970 as part of the retailer’s commitment to offering its customer truly unbeatable prices on every item, the Price Beat Promise offers savvy consumers the opportunity…

WhatsApp testing new FaceTime-inspired call interface

14/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Facebook-owned WhatsApp has released version 2.21.140.11 beta on TestFlight, which brings a new call interface and a few more tweaks to this function. According to WABetaInfo, when WhatsApp beta testers make a call using the app, they will see a new interface similar to FaceTime.

Logitech G unveils new gaming headset

14/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Logitech G, a sub-brand of Switzerland-based tech firm Logitech, on Tuesday launched a new wired gaming headset at Rs 6,795. The new lightweight — Logitech G335 — wired gaming headset will be available on Amazon in black and white colour options. “At 240 grams, the Logitech G335 gaming headset is one of the lightest gaming headsets in the market,” the company said in a statement.

TikTok hit by a number of issues

13/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Users on the video sharing app were dealing with a number of problems, including the algorithm showing clips that wouldn’t normally be displayed, while others were getting logged out without any notice. Meanwhile, some of the platform’s biggest users – including Carli D’amelio – were left with zero followers and likes.

PC demand remains strong

13/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

The surge in PC demand continued through the second quarter of 2021 (2Q21) despite global component shortages and logistics issues. Worldwide shipments of Traditional PCs, inclusive of desktops, notebooks, and workstations, reached…

This company is piloting a remote driving car service

13/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

T-Mobile is announcing a collaboration with a 5G-powered driverless car service that doesn’t actually use autonomous vehicles or require 5G mobile broadband. But Halo still merits a look for its odds…

Samsung to include vapour cooling feature in new 2022 smartphones

13/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

South Korean tech giant Samsung’s supply chain partners and suppliers are preparing to develop vapour chamber cooling solutions for the company’s lineup of…

Android users can now play games while downloading them

13/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Google recently announced a big new feature for its upcoming Android 12 update on Monday. It will now allow users to be able to play games while downloading them. According to The Verge, for particularly large games, this could be very useful, as it means users won’t have to wait as long to jump into a game and start playing.

MTN Business App awards open for entry

13/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Marking 10 years since the launch of this national platform to recognise local champions of app development talent, the 2021 MTN Business App of the Year Awards are now officially open for entry. This year’s prize money for the country’s best digital developers is at its highest ever, with a whopping R1-million now up for grabs.

Virgin Galactic’s Branson ready for space launch aboard rocket plane

12/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

British billionaire Richard Branson prepared on Sunday to climb into his Virgin Galactic passenger rocket plane and soar more than 50miles (80 km) above the New Mexico desert in the vehicle’s first fully…

Researchers develop tech to predict chemotherapy effectiveness

12/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Combining data from tumor biomarkers, ultrasound, and ultrasound-guided diffuse optical tomography (DOT) after a patient’s first cycle of pre-surgical neoadjuvant chemotherapy, provideded a highly…

The good and bad of Jeff Bezos’ legacy

12/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

This week Jeff Bezos stepped down as the CEO of the tech giant, Amazon. He will now transition to an executive chairman role to oversee the Amazon board. Beyond his limited role at Amazon, Bezos will focus on his space company Blue Origin, starting…

GetTOD is SA’s top scorer in gig working fairness

12/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

GetTod, South Africa’s innovative answer to 24-hour home maintenance, came out top for fairness to its employees, according to the Fairwork South Africa Ratings 2021 report, which evaluates the working conditions in 12 of the most popular digital labour platforms in South Africa, including Uber, Bolt, SweepSouth and MrD.

Full scholarship in digital content creation

12/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

A local creative skills and video production training academy along with the Department of Employment and Labour and Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA) is offering 31 unemployed or young creatives a fully paid scholarship in digital content creation. The South African entertainment industry, like many sectors, suffered a major financial knock after…

Internet restored in eSwatini, says MTN

09/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Access to social media platforms in eSwatini has been restored, mobile telecommunication company MTN said on Thursday. “Please take note that as of this morning [Thursday] all social media platforms are accessible. We regret the inconvenience caused by the unavailability of these platforms,” the company said in a statement posted on its social media platforms, signed by MTN eSwatini management.

MultiChoice under fire in Nigeria

09/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

MultiChoice wiped off 7.38 percent of its market value to close at R8.84 as Nigerian authorities trained their guns on the entertainment group, with regulators issuing a freeze on its accounts to recover $4.4 billion (R63bn) for allegedly failing…

Nedbank and AWS partner to offer SA’s unemployed youth digital skills and job training

09/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Nedbank has partnered with cloud computing company Amazon Web Services (AWS) to offer free cloud computing skills development and job training to unemployed South African youth through…

Huawei to make (connectivity) tech for VW cars

09/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Huawei has announced it has reached a license agreement with a supplier of Volkswagen Group (VW). The agreement includes a license under Huawei’s 4G standard essential patents (SEPs), which covers Volkswagen vehicles equipped…

Customer spending on crypto-linked Visa cards tops $1bn

09/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Visa said yesterday that its customers spent more than $1 billion (about R14.3bn) on its crypto-linked cards in the first half of this year, as the payments processor takes steps to make crypto transactions smoother. The company said it was partnering with 50 cryptocurrency platforms to make it easier for customers to convert and spend digital currencies at 70 million merchants worldwide.

Chip shortages drive demand for refurbished devices

09/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

New electronic devices are in short supply due to a global shortage of semiconductors, affecting particularly the production of new laptops, desktops and tablets. This is the word from Kwirirai Rukowo, GM of Qrent, who comments: “Currently, companies have been waiting for very long lead times for new stock to arrive and Original Equipment…

Supercharge Your Stokvel

09/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Stokvels are an important part of the South African savings culture. Historically, stokvels were one of the few ways that people were able to help each other to save and improve everyone’s financial well-being. Many stokvels still operate in the traditional way – a group of people meet every month, they each put an agreed amount of money on the table, and one person, on a rotational basis, takes that lump sum…

India takes aim at US tech giants to silence critics

08/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

In its bid to silence critics over the handling of the coronavirus pandemic and continuing farmer protests, the Indian government has taken aim at US tech giants Twitter, Facebook and Amazon in order to restrict public content.

The rise of Sandton City digital mall

08/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Just months after collaborating with Sandton City and creating a digital mall, Nedbank’s Avo Super app is reaching for greater heights. The app, launched in June 2020, was created to help build a bridge to Nedbank customers and the broader…

WeChat cracks down on LGBTQ accounts

08/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

WeChat social media platform has deleted dozens of LGBT accounts run by university students, saying some had broken rules on information on the internet, sparking fear of a crackdown on gay content online. Members of several LGBT groups told…

Microsoft’s $10bn US Defence cloud contract pulled

08/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

The US Defence Department has cancelled a $10-billion cloud computing project with Microsoft. The new version of the JEDI contract will include Amazon and potentially other cloud players as well. When the contract was awarded in…

Local tech recycling startup recognised in global awards

08/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

South African recycling company, Kudoti was announced in the top five winners of the 2021 Nestle Shared Value (CVS) Prize. The company was recognised for their innovative impact in recycling through technology.

Samsung to expand into contactless payment solutions

08/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Samsung Electronics has announced they will be expanding the availability of Samsung Kiosk – an all-in-one solution offering contactless ordering and payment capabilities for businesses.

EOH’s days may be numbered in doing business with government

07/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

This comes after a report with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) recommends the need to act on corruption findings related to a Home Affairs contract. In response, EOH cited its attempts to clean up its act as a reason to keep the IT giant as a service provider to the South African government.

Amazon releasing child-friendly speakers

07/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Amazon is launching child-friendly speakers in the UK. The retail giant is releasing a new version of its Echo Dot smart speaker – which has been available in the US for several years – with panda and tiger designs to help kids “have fun and learn with Alexa”.

LG to expand cloud-based call centres amid pandemic

07/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

LG Electronics said on Tuesday it will expand cloud-based call centres to offer better customer care services and protect its workers from the novel coronavirus outbreak. With its recently launch of cloud-based call centres in the United States, LG said they will be also available in 10…

Change needed in combatting cybercrime

07/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

The global Kaseya attack is a reminder that the public and private sector need to change the way cyber conflict is fought, writes Lior Div, CEO and co-founder of Cybereason. The truth is that attackers still enjoy the advantage. The goal isn’t to block and prevent all attacks – an operation…

Smart home market on road to recovery

07/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

The smart home market in Europe accounted for almost 23-million units in the first quarter of 2021 — growth of 25,6% over the same quarter last year, according to International Data Corporation (IDC). “The growth in smart home products was visible in all categories,” says Antonio Arantes, senior research analyst for smart home devices in Western Europe.

Appointment of Managing Director, Ethiopia

07/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Global Partnership for Ethiopia (GPE) has today appointed Anwar Soussa as the Managing Director (MD) of its Operating Company in Ethiopia, effective 1st July 2021. He will report to the Board of the Ethiopia entity and the Safaricom PLC CEO. Anwar is currently the Managing Director of Vodacom DRC and the Chairperson of Vodacash…

“R26 Billion in Irregular Expenditure Could be Prevented with Proper Financial Systems and Controls in SA Municipalities” SAIGA

07/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Pretoria – The latest general report on local government audit outcomes is shocking. To uncover that the local government finances have reached an alarming R26 billion in irregular expenditure in the 2019–20 financial year during a world-wide health pandemic is unbelievable.

DA and ANC in spat over GCIS sponsored radio shows

06/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

The DA in the legislature has written to the Government Communication and Information System’s (GCIS) Western Cape office, to ask why ANC MPLs have recently been participants in community radio station interviews – sponsored by the agency, using taxpayers’ money. DA chief whip Mireille Wenger said the interviews contradict the role of the GCIS, which she maintains is to “proactively communicate with the public about government policies, plans, programmes, and achievements.”

Gauteng treasury ’negligently pays Microsoft $20m instead of R20m’

06/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

An act of ’’negligence’’ has led to the Gauteng Department of Treasury squandering R6 843 737.90 of taxpayers’ money, which could have bought the country around 48 000 Johnson and Johnson vaccines and protected many lives from Covid-19.

Didi cybersecurity probe blindsides shareholders days after debut

06/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Investors were shocked by the announcement of a Chinese regulatory probe into ride-hailing firm Didi just two days after its $4.4 billion (about R62.73bn) New York stock market debut. Although Didi’s initial public offering (IPO) prospectus did mention some of the regulatory risks…

Video game subscriptions to grow by 13,5% in 2021

06/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Video game subscriptions are one of the fastest-growing segments within the gaming industry and are projected to have double-digit percentage growth from 2020-2021. According to data presented by Safe Betting Sites USA, video game subscription revenue is projected to grow by 13,5% in 2021, reaching…

Rental and leasing car telematics set for strong growth

06/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

The installed base of telematics devices in the car rental and leasing market reached 5-million in 2020, according to new market research from IoT analysts Berg Insight. The Covid-19 pandemic and its effects on the world economy are believed to drive demand for digital business models…

What the SA government and tech industry can learn from EOH’s fall from grace

05/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

EOH featured prominently at the Zondo Commission during testimony by Deputy Minister of Intelligence, Zizi Kodwa. This South African tech company which was once the darling of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange fell from grace due to a series of questionable contracts with the state.

Telcos move to better services and choice

05/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Innovation and technological advancements over the past three decades have resulted in more competition across the telecoms value chain (TVC), bringing with it better services, greater customer choice and lower prices. This is one of the key findings of a report released today by Africa Analysis, a market research consultancy focused on Africa’s ICT sector.

Social media adoption could bolster African growth

05/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Social media platforms help to accelerate economic growth and opportunity across the continent. This is one of the findings of a study conducted by Genesis Analytics in eight African countries – Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, the DRC, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Mauritius, and Kenya.

Couple develops high-tec specs to help visually impaired son

05/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

When their two-year-old son Biel started falling over a lot and had difficulty climbing stairs after learning to walk, Jaume Puig and his wife sought medical help to figure out the problem. After visiting several doctors, the toddler was diagnosed with low vision, a condition far more common…

Hackers demand nearly R1bn to restore data held by companies hit in cyber attack

05/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

The hackers suspected to be behind a mass ransomware attack that affected hundreds of companies worldwide late on Sunday demanded $70 million (about R997 million) to restore the data, according to a posting on a dark website.

You will soon be able to save Covid-19 vaccination info in digital card on Android

02/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Google has updated its Passes API to enable a simple and secure way to store and access Covid-19 vaccination and test cards on Android devices. Developers from healthcare, government agencies and organisations authorised by public health authorities to distribute Covid-19 vaccines…

POPIA: What it means for WhatsApp groups

02/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Protection of Personal Information Act, also known as the POPI Act or POPIA, is coming into full effect on Thursday. Section 69 of the POPIA, which related to direct marketing by means of unsolicited electronic communications, states: “The processing of personal information of a data subject for the purpose of direct marketing by means of any form…

The Information Regulator recently released information on POPIA – This is what you need to know

02/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Compliance to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act / POPIA) will be required from 1 July 2021. The road to the implementation has been long and is finally here as the POPI Act was signed in 2013, writes Juanita Steenekamp Project Director…

Online food, alcohol purchases soar

02/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Online shopping for food and alcohol among middle-income South African households soared during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the latest BrandMapp survey.

Sars tax season is open: How to do your e-filing

02/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has announced the opening of the filing season for individual taxpayers. Sars said that the filing season will run from July 1 to November 23, and encouraged taxpayers…

Vodacom Business Africa extends pan-African network to South America

02/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

To extend its international footprint, Vodacom Business Africa has taken a step into Brazil, thereby increasing its fixed-connectivity coverage to five continents…

From groundbreaking apps to retractable umbrella: Young SA innovators showcase products

01/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Five young local innovators launched and showcased their market-ready products during a virtual event on Tuesday. The innovators are supported by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI).

Spotify explores expansion into live virtual, in-person events

01/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Streaming platform Spotify is reportedly planning an expansion into both virtual and live concert events, potentially enhancing its relationship with artists and adding a new revenue stream for the music streaming platform.

Growing SA’s new crop of female farmers

01/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

Agriculture provides significant opportunities for empowering women both personally and for society at large. About 80% of the world’s food is produced by small-scale farming, with women comprising on average 46% of this agricultural labour in sub-Saharan Africa. The potential for female farmers to thrive is potent but requires…

Google introduces new Chrome and YouTube defaults for education accounts

01/07/2021 | By Tech Talk

After announcing a handful of new education features just last week, Google is updating the privacy and security defaults for students using Chrome, as well as accounts and other apps, managed by schools. Google starts by updating its privacy notice for teachers, parents and students to make it easier to understand what information is collected and why, 9To5Google reported.

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Facebook will restrict ad targeting of under-18s

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DPO’s new SiD Secure offers customers instant online EFT ‘s

Samsung to launch first Mini LED curved gaming monitor

Intel unveils new 2025 roadmap to reclaim global chip market

Capitec is hiring

Cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated

Mobile fraud continues to hit Africa hard

African regions shine as startup and investment hubs

How to smash your work and gaming goals with the ultimate computer setup

Dad builds exoskeleton to help wheelchair-bound son walk

Can Facebook’s $1 billion gamble help it regain lost cool?

China upskills youth in a bid to tackle talent shortage in growing eSports market

LG Electronics launches upgraded wireless earbuds

Amazon may soon allow cryptocurrency as payment

Israel appoints commission to probe Pegasus spyware maker NSO

UCT partners with edutech start-up, the Valenture institute, to offer high school education

Vodacom Group Limited trading update for the quarter ended 30 June 2021 Highlights

Russia fines Facebook and Telegram for failing to delete illegal content

All the allegations, all the finger-pointing over Pegasus should be at the customer, says spyware maker NSO

Websites of airlines, banks and tech companies down in widespread outage

Could digital intelligence have prevented the looting rampage?

Apple releasing Airpods

President Cyril Ramaphosa among heads of state targeted in leaked Pegasus data

How does the Pegasus spyware work, and is my phone at risk?

More users are falling for phishing attacks

US consumer body tries to force Amazon recall of hazardous products

Tesla plans to open its charging network to other EVs later this year

Netflix to add mobile video games as subscriber growth slows

Airtel, Intel announce collaboration to accelerate 5G in India

WhatsApp adds Google meet like features for calls

LG reveals new sound bar

Should businesses use emoji’s in their communication? Here’s what a survey had to say

YouTube acquires e-commerce startup to help small businesses transition online

Vivo among top global smartphone brands

Digital banking set for major surge

INSURER TO FAST TRACK CIVIL UNREST CLAIMS TO HELP REBUILD SA

3D printer shipments recover

Tips on how to verify viral videos and voice notes on social media

New Instagram feature helps users recover hacked accounts

WWE® & TIKTOK LAUNCH SUMMERSLAM® RING ANNOUNCER SEARCH

SA users hit with social media fraud

Telkom and the impact of mass action

SA students hold their own in global Olympiad

Microsoft to get walkie talkie feature

Zoom to buy cloud-based call centre for $15 billion

Amazon demands Apple remove Fakespot app from App Store

Playstation 5 just got a new update

Travellers cautioned about hotel Wi-Fi

The State of Work in the SA Gig economy

Yes, we are still working from home

Why are billionaires escaping planet Earth?

Xiaomi grabs 2nd spot in global smartphone shipments for the first time

Ericsson’s 5G march hits a wall in China, shares sink

WhatsApp banned two million accounts in India

Looters go viral on TikTok

Banking customers urged to remain vigilant

Big business and small business need each other now more than ever

Teenager to fly with Bezos in inaugural space tourism flight

Double-digit growth forecast for enterprise edge

Apple restores 1920s theatre into new store

Netflix hires former Facebook executive as gaming VP

Avoiding Instant EFT Risks

Toyota bulks up on driverless tech

Capitec named as Best Digital Bank

Banks continue digitalisation journey

Facebook and Instagram to invest $1 billion in content creators as TikTok grabs top social media spot

Better Connected: The pathway to a tech-driven future

ICASA urges communities to safeguard the communication infrastructure against vandalism

Telkom redirects customers to alternative channels

Nigeria allocates over US$11 million to intelligence agency to monitor WhatsApp

Ghanaian engineer’s app reduces ambulance response time to informal areas