Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2023 was jam-packed with exciting announcements for developers. Announcing a series of major and minor innovations at one of the most anticipated events in the tech industry.
Apple introduces a new Apple Vision Pro device as it ventures into the spatial computing world. New 15‑inch MacBook Air with M2, Mac Studio with M2 Max and M2 Ultra, and Mac Pro with M2 Ultra. There are now previews of iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma, and watchOS 10. But that’s not all there are more improvements to make your everyday living comfortable, productive, and easy. Watch the video below for a quick tour of the new improvements and read on for more.
Here are 10 new things that were announced at WWDC 2023 for developers
iOS 17
Apple showed off a heap of new functionality coming to iOS 17 during this year’s installment of its annual developer conference. Here are some of the features:
Smarter ‘transformer’ word prediction model: iOS 17 introduces a smarter new ‘transformer’ word prediction model, with sentence-level autocorrection and improvements for the language model used for voice dictation.
New contact cards: As part of iOS 17, Apple has extended the same thinking to contact cards. As well as a bold full-screen image, when a contact calls, you’ll also get a depth-mapped caller name, and the ability to customize both the image and the font size and color.
Live voicemail: iOS 17 looks to take the experience of managing your voicemails even further, with live voicemail displaying a real-time transcript of the message that’s being left.
FaceTime messages: A small addition, but iOS 17 will let you leave FaceTime video messages, should whoever you’re calling be unable to pick up.
New functionality to Messages: iOS 17 looks to be bringing a sizable suit of new functionality to Messages, from search filters and inline replies to more easily navigate your chats, to inline location sharing.
Vision Pro VR headset
An Apple-branded augmented reality/virtual reality has been rumored for years and years, but it’s finally here. The final part of the WWDC keynote was dedicated to the Vision Pro AR headset.
15-inch MacBook Air
Apple announces a new 15-inch MacBook Air at WWDC 2023. The 15‑inch laptop comes with a Liquid Retina display and is powered by the M2 chip, with up to 18 hours of battery life.
New Mac Studio and Mac Pro
Apple also announced the new Mac operating system macOS Sonoma with widgets and game mode. The new Mac Studio comes with M2 Max and the new M2 Ultra, whilst the Mac Pro features M2 Ultra and PCIe expansion.
Journal app
Apple announces a new Journal app at WWDC 2023 that will be coming later this year. The Journal app will make personalized suggestions of moments for you to remember and write about. Using on-device machine learning based on your photos, music, workouts, and more.
These are just some of the exciting new things that were announced at WWDC 2023 for developers. The week-long event will feature other technical sessions, hands-on labs, and networking opportunities for developers from around the world.
Republic of Gamers (ROG) announces the launch of the ROG Ally, a new Windows 11 gaming handheld. The ROG Ally runs on an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and can breeze through AAA games and indie titles in 1080p with ease. It will be available for sale worldwide on June 13th, 2023 for $699.99, with pre-orders starting May 11th.
The next-gen handheld ROG Ally offers Full HD gaming on the go. It promises to run modern AAA titles faster and smoother than any other handheld on the market. Since it runs Windows 11, it can play any game from any platform and includes 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate right out of the box.
The Ally is powered by an all-new Ryzen Z1 Series processor from AMD. Built on the “Zen” 4 architecture combined with AMD RDNA 3 architecture-based graphics, the Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor rivals the prowess of game consoles with 8 cores, 16 threads, and up to 8.6 teraflops of graphics processing power.
Making this possible is ROG’s Zero Gravity thermal system, which uses a dual-fan system with ultra-thin heatsink fins and high-friction heat pipes to ensure the Ally stays cool in any orientation. The Ally also comes equipped with 16GB of high-speed LPDDR5 6400MHz memory, 512 GB of PCIe Gen 4 storage, and a UHS-II microSD card slot to further expand its storage capacity.
Flagship gaming performance demands a panel to match, and the Ally does not disappoint. Equipped with a 120Hz Full HD (1080p) panel with AMD FreeSync™ Premium technology, gamers will enjoy supreme motion clarity in fast-paced games, with no tearing or stuttering.
The ROG Ally takes handheld gaming to new heights. With a Full HD screen and hardware capable of 60 FPS in many of the latest titles, the ROG Ally provides an on-the-go experience that will satisfy gamers of all stripes. Compared to the 720p resolution of competing devices, the ROG Ally offers superior image and motion clarity thanks to its Full HD panel and AMD FreeSync™ Premium technology.
The Ryzen Z1 Extreme equipped model with 512GB of storage will be available for pre-order starting on May 11th and available for sale for $699.99 at Best Buy on June 13th. The ROG Ally model with the Ryzen Z1 chip will be available later this year.
ROG Ally specifications
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Processor
AMDRyzen™ Z1 Extreme ProcessorCPU: Zen 4 architecture, 8-core /16-threads, 24MB total cache ,up to 5.10Ghz boostGPU: 12 RDNA3CUs, up to 2.7GHz, 8.6TFlops, default 4GB RAM capacityAPU Power: 9-30W
1 x ROG XG Mobile Interface and USB Type-C combo port (with USB 3.2 Gen2, supports DisplayPort™ 1.4)
1 x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC)
Control and Input
Gamepad controls:A B X Y buttonsD-padL & R Hall Effect analog triggersL & R bumpersView buttonMenu buttonCommand Center buttonArmoury Crate button2 x assignable grip buttonsThumbsticks: 2 x full-size analog sticks with capacitive touchHaptics: HD hapticsGyro: 6-Axis IMU
Audio
AI noise-canceling technology
Dolby Atmos
Hi-Res certification
Built-in array microphone
2-speaker system with Smart Amplifier Technology
Network and Communication
Triple band Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) 2 x 2Bluetooth 5.2
Battery
40WHrs
Power Supply
65W USB Type-C PD 3.0 power supplyAdapter: 65W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 3.25A, 65W, Input: 100~240V AC 50/60Hz universal
AURA SYNC
Yes
Weight
~608g (1.34 lbs)
Dimensions (W x D x H)
28.0 x 11.1 x 2.12 ~ 3.24 cm (11.02″ x 4.37″ x 0.83″ ~ 1.27″)
Microsoft has announced a suite of new AI solutions and improvements to Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit. These solutions are designed to transform the nonprofit industry by helping fundraisers engage with donors, manage campaigns, and optimize operations. The company also announced a limited private preview for nonprofits to experience a new AI-powered fundraising propensity model. This model will allow participating nonprofits to test new AI tools that can predict fundraising goals and identify donors most likely to donate to a campaign or cause.
According to Justin Spelhaug, Vice President and Global Head of Tech for Social Impact at Microsoft, “AI can and will be a game-changer for nonprofits and fundraisers.” With these new AI solutions, Microsoft aims to empower nonprofits and fundraisers to achieve more and create a more positive and rewarding experience for donors.
Nonprofits often struggle to make budgets go further and do more with fewer resources. Since 2020, many fundraisers have seen a decline in the number of donors giving to causes. Data can help nonprofits identify promising prospects, predict donor behavior, and measure fundraising outcomes. However, access to data and the ability to form actionable insights based on fundraising analytics is a major roadblock for many organizations.
Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit new AI solutions
Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit now includes new tools such as a Fundraising dashboard built on Power BI’s data visualization platform, Dynamics 365 Marketing integration, and AI capabilities in the Fundraising and Engagement tools. These tools will help nonprofits leverage data in a powerful way to attract, retain, and grow their donor base.
In addition to these new capabilities in Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit, Microsoft is developing an AI-based donor propensity model. This model will help nonprofits identify constituents most likely to donate or engage with a campaign or cause based on predictive donor behavior. Interested nonprofits can sign up to participate in this private preview.
These new AI solutions are built on Microsoft’s trusted cloud platform, Azure, which offers enhanced security, scalability, and reliability. They are also integrated with Microsoft’s existing solutions for nonprofits such as Microsoft 365, Power Platform, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and LinkedIn.
Cannon is announcing the PowerShot V10 lightweight and easy-to-use vlogging camera for lifestyle and travel content creators. The all-in-one solution weighs 211g, offers 4K UHD movie recording, a high-quality microphone, built-in stand and 14 unique colour filters. The Canon vlogging camera targets those who want to take friends and followers along on their adventures, without having to carry a lot of equipment.
The PowerShot V10 features a sturdy vertical body design and can fit into a pocket. It promises compelling content thanks to a shake-free 4K UHD movie recording and professional looking background blur. The Canon PowerShot V10 features a large 1-inch CMOS sensor capable of delivering stunning 4K video quality, while also offering stills shooting capabilities. For added cinematic atmosphere, creators can quickly switch up the ambiance using any of the 14 included colour filter effects and Smooth Skin mode.
The Movie Digital IS mode is ideal for handheld videography as it helps with avoiding camera shake, offering sharper, cleaner footage with more detail and clarity. Matching the broad capabilities of various social media platforms, the PowerShot V10 can shoot in both orientations and record up to an hour of continuous video.
Its auto level feature can help keep your video straight and avoid slanted clips, reducing time needed to edit your content. High-quality sound to make your message clear Perfect for any outdoor or urban environment, the PowerShot V10 is equipped with two large stereo microphones designed for narration and a third audio noise reduction microphone.
Canon PowerShot V10 specifications
Compact and lightweight vertical body
Wide angle lens focal length 6.6mm (35mm equivalent focal lengths are 18mm in stills and 19mm in video mode), f/2.8 maximum aperture
Movie recording in 4K UHD at 29.97/25.00 fps and Full HD at 59.94/50.00 fps
Face-tracking AF
Smooth Skin movie shooting mode
Large stereo microphone
Tilt-up screen
Built-in stand (easy tilt adjustment up to 30 degrees)
14 colour filters
JPG still image shooting, equivalent to Scene Intelligent Auto
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Webcam [UVC/UAC]
On top of the built-in wind filter, an optional windshield can be purchased as part of the advanced accessories kit, further improving sound quality in outdoor conditions. Designed to capture all aspects of your life Housed in a vertical body and designed with simplicity in mind, the PowerShot V10 can be operated almost completely single-handedly. Equipped with a 2.0-inch LCD touchscreen which you can flip to the front, perfect for self-vlogging or recording others, it lends itself to handheld shooting, allowing you to easily capture emotions and create that intimacy between you and your viewers.
The built-in stand gives you the option to record more free-standing content like cooking tutorials, hauls or popular formats like ‘Get Ready With Me’, ‘Unboxing’, ‘AMA’ or listicle videos.
Cross-border payments are essential for facilitating trade, remittances, and financial inclusion in Africa, a continent with diverse and dynamic economies. However, moving money across borders in Africa is often costly, slow, and complex, posing significant challenges for consumers and businesses alike.
According to the World Bank, the average cost of sending $200 to sub-Saharan Africa was 8.2% in the first quarter of 2021, well above the global average of 6.5% and far from the Sustainable Development Goal target of 3% by 2030. Moreover, cross-border payments in Africa often suffer from low transparency, limited interoperability, and regulatory barriers that hinder competition and innovation.
Fintech companies are emerging as key players in addressing these challenges and transforming the cross-border payments landscape in Africa. Leveraging digital technologies such as mobile money, blockchain, and artificial intelligence, fintechs are offering faster, cheaper, and more convenient solutions for cross-border payments that cater to the specific needs of African consumers and businesses.
Some of the ways that fintechs are redefining cross-border payments in Africa include:
– Enabling direct transfers to mobile wallets and bank accounts, reducing the reliance on cash and agents. For example, Remitly allows African migrants to send remittances to mobile money accounts and wallets in over 20 countries across Africa, including MTN, M-Pesa, Airtel, Vodafone, and Tigo.
– Providing access to multiple currencies and exchange rates through online platforms and virtual wallets, minimizing foreign exchange volatility and transaction costs. For example, VertoFX is a B2B currency exchange marketplace and multicurrency wallet product that allows SMB clients to convert money from one currency to any of the other 30-plus currencies on its platform and hold the new currency in their wallet until they are ready to make a payment.
– Leveraging blockchain technology to enable fast, secure, and low-cost cross-border payments that bypass intermediaries and traditional payment rails. For example, BitPesa is a digital foreign exchange and payment platform that uses blockchain-based settlement to lower costs and increase the speed of business payments to and from frontier markets.
– Partnering with banks, regulators, payment networks, and other stakeholders to enhance interoperability, compliance, and customer protection. For example, Ukheshe Technologies is a pan-African fintech enablement partner that provides end-to-end payment solutions for banks, telcos, fintechs, and governments.
Fintech woes
Fintechs are set to play a vital role in shaping the future of payments in Africa, as they bring new innovations, entrepreneurs, and capital to the fast-growing electronic payments market. However, they also face significant challenges such as regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure gaps, cyber risks, and customer trust. To overcome these hurdles and unlock the full potential of cross-border payments in Africa, fintechs need to collaborate with each other and with other ecosystem players to create inclusive, interoperable, and sustainable solutions that benefit all stakeholders.
