All you need to know about the new ROG Phone 8

All you need to know about the new ROG Phone 8

If you are a fan of mobile gaming, you might be interested in the latest flagship device from Asus: the ROG Phone 8. This smartphone is designed to offer the best performance, display, and battery life for gamers who want to enjoy their favorite titles on the go. Here are some of the features and specs that make the ROG Phone 8 stand out from the crowd.

  • The ROG Phone 8 has a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate and a 300Hz touch sampling rate. This means that the display is smooth, responsive, and vibrant, delivering a stunning visual experience for any game genre.
  • The ROG Phone 8 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 Plus processor, which is one of the most powerful chips on the market. It also has up to 18GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, ensuring that you can run multiple apps and games without any lag or slowdowns.
  • The ROG Phone 8 has a 6000mAh battery that supports 65W fast charging and reverse charging. This means that you can play for hours without worrying about running out of juice, and you can also use your phone as a power bank to charge other devices.
  • The ROG Phone 8 has a dual stereo speaker system with Dirac HD Sound and GameFX technology. This means that you can enjoy immersive and realistic sound effects and music while gaming, or use the phone as a portable speaker for your media consumption.
  • The ROG Phone 8 has a quad-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 64MP main camera, a 13MP ultra-wide camera, a 5MP macro camera, and an LED flash. On the front, it has a 24MP selfie camera. This means that you can capture high-quality photos and videos with your phone, whether you want to document your gaming achievements or your daily life.
Microsoft launches technical skill-enhancement program for university lecturers.

Microsoft launches technical skill-enhancement program for university lecturers.

This course is designed to magnify the lecturer’s delivery of core general management and
drive engagement with advanced technology topics. Lecturers will be able to experiment with
alternative teaching techniques and glean additional essential insight and research studies
best practices.

The Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC) and
Microsoft Leap are delighted to launch an inaugural workshop intentionally designed for
university lecturers, proficient in leading technology-focused courses. University lecturers will
be provided with an opportunity to engage with fellow educators in skill enhancement
modules and identify best practices to incorporate into their curriculum.


The 12-week program, which begins on March 6th, will use a hybrid classroom model and
practical training to provide instructors with a better understanding of industry requirements
and inspire a curriculum change that will align university classrooms with the needs of the
technology industry.


“This program is the result of collaboration on many fronts, including university lecturers and
their students. The training has been designed to provide lecturers with hands-on experience
with industry needs, allowing them to design effective teaching for their students in an
equally practical manner. The course will also expose them to advanced topics and allow
them to learn and experiment with effective teaching techniques while obtaining essential
aspects of carrying out research studies,” said Catherine Muraga, Microsoft ADC Managing
Director, at the program’s launch.


Yolanda Natal-Santos, Microsoft Leap’s Senior Business Program Manager says “Rooted in
our culture of the growth mindset and the belief that digital skills are for everyone, we are
grateful for our partnership with the Microsoft ADC, as we extend Microsoft Leap’s global
reach to a region that is rich in culture and talent. The growth of our partnership with the
Microsoft ADC, has provided our program with a platform to continue identifying, engaging,
and aligning with changemakers in Africa, as we impact and elevate together.”


Working collectively with Engineers from the ADC, Nairobi, the program will enhance skills,
based on a curriculum developed and taught by Microsoft Leap instructors.


In addition to technical programming aspects and teaching a hybrid classroom, educators
will receive training on specific Microsoft tools that are already being used in classrooms
around the world and can be introduced to Kenyan lecture halls. The program will also
provide technical educators with the tools they need to introduce popular Microsoft
resources like Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Power Platforms, and Microsoft Dynamics.
“JKUAT’s Department of Computing is thrilled to participate in the Microsoft Skilling
Program, as it will provide our staff with access to cutting-edge technologies and a leading
global company. This opportunity to engage with industry-relevant skills and knowledge

brings great joy to the university”, Dr. Lawrence Nderu, Chairman/Lecturer, Department of
Computing, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology said.
“The world is changing quickly, and if we are to mould tomorrow’s leaders, we as lecturers
must evolve too. Each day, there are new tools and methods being devised that are
becoming increasingly crucial to operating within the tech industry.


For the sake of our students, it is best that we learn how to leverage industry-standard and
emerging technology from industry leaders.”


Githinji emphasised a multi-pronged approach to improving technical education in Kenyan
universities. “Improving lecturers’ capacities is line with the ADC’s digital skilling initiatives
that range from elementary school-level all the way into the workplace. We held several
campus tours last year, which prompted us to begin a curriculum review process with
JKUAT. Improving all aspects of the training ladder is critical if we want to create a tech
talent pipeline that is not only robust enough to meet today’s needs, but also propels Africa
to compete on a global scale,” she added.


The first cohort of 23 educators is drawn from both private and public universities, including
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Multimedia University,
and Kirinyaga University. Strathmore University, KCA University, Kabarak University, USIU-
Africa, Zetech University, and Africa Nazarene University are the others.

IT teams at risk of being caught unawares by new OT threat, according to Microsoft’s latest threat intelligence

IT teams at risk of being caught unawares by new OT threat, according to Microsoft’s latest threat intelligence

New research from Microsoft reveals that attackers are increasingly making use of
operational technology to gain new entryways into company networks.

  • Microsoft’s 43 trillion daily security signals and 8,500 security experts provide insight into the latest security trends in the Middle East and Africa
  • Over 1.1 billion IoT connections are expected in the Middle East and North Africa by 2023

Microsoft’s latest Cyber Signals report highlights how
cybercriminals are using Operational Technology (OT) as gateways into an organization’s
network. This comes at a time when IoT connections in the region are growing with the
GSMA predicting that 1.1 billion IoT connections are expected by 2025 in MENA. It’s this
growth in OT and IoT that has given cybercriminals more opportunities to breach an
organization’s network.


Microsoft’s Cyber Signals report is a regular cyberthreat intelligence brief spotlighting
security trends and insights gathered from Microsoft’s 65 trillion daily security signals and
8,500 security experts. The latest edition has found that converging IT, Internet of Things
(IoT) and OT systems pose a wider risk to critical infrastructure.


For CIOs in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), the impact of a possible security breach is top
of mind in an increasingly complex threat environment. This can be seen in the 11.2 percent
rise in cybersecurity spending in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for 2022.
The growing rate of digital transformation within the African region is facilitating the
emergence of new attack vectors and opportunities for cybercriminals. The Kenyan
government has identified cybersecurity as a key enabler for digital economy. Kenya faces
increased cybersecurity challenges and risks that threaten national security and the
country’s digital transformation agenda. Cybersecurity statistics indicate that the number of
cyber threats detected in Kenya has significantly increased in the last three years. The
Communications Authority of Kenya reported 278,030,354 threats detected in the period
from July to September 2022, an increase of 99.478% from threats detected between April
to June of the same year.


The increase in digital transformation across the region has enabled organizations to
manage their buildings, emergency systems and access control with smart devices
connected to a network. In addition, we have seen an increase in IoT devices in the
workplace to better enable hybrid work such as smart conference rooms with microphones
and cameras.


As the threat landscape continues to expand and become more complex, organizations
need to rethink their cyber risk approach to stay one step ahead of would-be attackers.
Cyber Signals found that there are currently over 1 million connected devices publicly visible
on the Internet running Boa, an outdated and unsupported software still widely used in IoT
devices and software development kits.


“Organizations are more connected than ever before. From the humble Wi-Fi router to the
everyday office printer, IT teams need to view their IoT devices differently and secure them

as they would any company laptop to prevent security breaches,” says Phyllis Migwi,
Country Manager for Microsoft Kenya. “Gaining complete visibility of an organization’s OT
systems and protecting its IoT solutions will go a long way in preventing cyberattacks.”
To learn more about IT, OT, and IoT threats, read the third edition of Cyber Signals. To learn
more about Microsoft Security solutions and keep up with expert coverage on security
matters, visit the Microsoft Security website and Microsoft Security blog.

Stay on Track: Top Calendar Apps for Schools and Colleges

Stay on Track: Top Calendar Apps for Schools and Colleges

Schools and colleges are busy places. Between regular classes, unexpected club meetings, and everything in between, students, teachers, and school staff have a lot on their plates. It can be a challenge to stay on top of everything and make sure nothing is overlooked. That’s where tools like calendar apps come in handy. They help everyone stay organized and on track. 

The Calendar App for Schools by VirtoSoftware is a popular choice, but there are many other options out there. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best calendar apps that can make life in an educational setting a bit easier. 

The Rising Need for Academic Calendar Apps

 1. Centralized Schedules: Access to all activities, events, and deadlines in one unified space.

2. Collaborative Planning: Facilitates seamless sharing of dates, assignments, and reminders.

3. Timely Alerts: Prevents overlooking crucial tasks or events with timely notifications.

A Dive into the Best Academic Calendars

 The Virto Calendar for Colleges for Schools isn’t just another app; it’s an experience. Picture a digital realm where every event, big or small, is meticulously mapped. From an urgent teacher’s meeting to a long-awaited college fest date, everything finds a neat corner. Its synchronized updates are like the gentle nudges, ensuring you’re always in sync with real-time changes.

 Google Calendar, meanwhile, is akin to a trusty old friend who knows just what you need. Its strength lies in its simplicity and integration. Whether you’re working on a school project using Google Docs or setting up a virtual class on Google Meet, this calendar keeps tabs, making sure you never miss a beat. The color-coding system? Think of it as the artist’s palette, allowing you to paint your schedule in hues that resonate with your mood and activity type.

 Stepping into the world of Microsoft Calendar is like entering a well-oiled machine. It’s a universe where every cog, bolt, and gear is interconnected. If your academic life heavily revolves around Microsoft’s ecosystem—be it Teams discussions, OneNote musings, or Outlook emails—this calendar becomes the central hub, orchestrating seamless symphonies of schedules.

 When students crave a sanctuary that understands their pulse, the myHomework Student Planner steps in. It’s not just about dates and alarms; it’s about presenting a holistic view of their academic journey. From that daunting math assignment to the much-anticipated science fair date, everything gets a spotlight.

 For the minimalists, Timetable emerges as the epitome of elegance and efficiency. Stripped of any distractions, it presents a pristine interface where every class, assignment, or meeting is treated with reverence. And its thoughtful feature, like the auto-mute, is like that silent guardian ensuring tranquility during classes.

 ClassUp is more than just a scheduling tool; it’s a canvas. Every student, teacher, or administrator becomes an artist, sketching out their unique academic narratives. From quirky annotations to vibrant visuals, it celebrates the individuality of each user.

 Any.do is like that meticulous friend who remembers everything. Its smooth interface makes task tracking seem like a breeze. Students and faculty alike can set reminders for assignments, meetings, or even the next coffee break. With integrations like Google Calendar and Outlook, it’s a seamless extension of one’s academic workflow.

 Fantastical is often hailed as the magician of calendar apps. Its natural language processing lets you create events using simple phrases like “Coffee with Prof. Smith at 3 PM tomorrow.” For college students juggling between classes, assignments, and social commitments, Fantastical becomes a trusted aide.

 Study Cal takes the essence of being a student into its core. Apart from basic scheduling, it assists in tracking grades and managing assignments and even gives a visual representation of one’s academic progress, making it an all-in-one academic companion.

a calendar showing a planning schedule post about top calendar apps

 Challenges and Solutions: Making the Most of Your Calendar App

 Navigating the academic world can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are a few common challenges and how the right calendar app can provide solutions:

 Overlapping Schedules: With classes, club meetings, personal study sessions, and extracurricular activities, students often find their schedules overlapping. Advanced calendar apps allow users to visually block out times, ensuring they don’t double-book themselves and can plan rest periods in between activities.

 Forgetting Deadlines: It’s easy to lose track of when that big project is due or when an important test is scheduled. By setting up advanced reminders, users can get notifications not just on the day of the deadline but days or even weeks in advance, ensuring ample preparation time.

 Coordinating Group Projects: Group assignments often mean coordinating with several people’s schedules. Shared calendar features allow group members to sync their availability, making planning meetings a breeze.

Criteria to Consider: How to Choose the Right Calendar

Ease of Use

A user-friendly interface ensures that everyone, from tech-savvy students to educators, can navigate and use the app effectively.

 Integration Capabilities

A calendar that seamlessly integrates with other commonly used apps can greatly streamline academic processes.

 Customizability

The ability to personalize aspects of the calendar—be it color-coding or adding notes—enhances user experience.

 Accessibility

Choosing a platform that’s accessible across multiple devices ensures continuity, especially in our increasingly mobile world.

 Security & Privacy

Given the sensitive nature of some academic information, security features should be top-notch.

Beyond Calendars: Other Essential Digital Companions for Academia

While calendars keep your dates in check, the academic realm demands an arsenal of digital tools to keep everything else in order:

  • Task Managers: Tools like Trello or Asana can help in organizing group projects, delegating tasks, and ensuring timely submissions.
  • Note-Taking Apps: Evernote and OneNote come to the rescue, ensuring that every iota of information is captured, be it a lecture note or a sudden spark of inspiration.
  • Document Management: Google Drive or Dropbox keeps all academic documents organized, shareable, and accessible, ensuring collaborative endeavors are smooth.
  • Communication Platforms: Apps like Slack or Microsoft Teams foster communication, ensuring everyone stays on the same page.
  • Reading & Research: Tools like Mendeley or Zotero streamline the process of academic research, making referencing and bibliography a breeze.

Conclusion

 In today’s digitized academic environment, tools like the Calendar App for Schools by VirtoSoftware have become indispensable. But these calendar apps are more than mere schedulers. They’re the navigational compasses guiding students and educators through the intricate maze of academic commitments.

 The right calendar is akin to a reliable compass, helping users smoothly traverse the diverse landscape of academia. From integrating schedules and setting reminders to fostering collaboration, these digital aids are at the heart of modern academic success.

 As we merge education with technology, the essence isn’t just in adopting a tool, but in harnessing its true potential. It’s about maximizing productivity, alleviating stress, and ensuring that every academic moment is both organized and purposeful.

 

 

The beauty of AirPods Pro, 2nd Generation.

The beauty of AirPods Pro, 2nd Generation.

The latest version of Apple’s wireless earbuds is the AirPods Pro (2nd generation).

Up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous one and Spatial Audio takes immersion to a remarkably level.

The new Apple‑designed H2 chip is the force behind AirPods Pro and its advanced audio performance.

It works in concert with a custom‑built driver and amplifier to deliver crisp, clear high notes and deep, rich bass in stunning definition — so every sound is more vivid than ever.

As for the Apple Airport, there is no recent news about a new version of it. However, you can use an Apple Airport Express to turn any speakers into Airplay speakers.

What is Spatial Audio?

Spatial audio is a technique that simulates a surround-sound setup using headphones. It creates the illusion of sound coming from different directions and distances, making the listener feel more immersed in the audio environment.

Spatial audio can be used for various purposes, such as enhancing video games, movies, music, or virtual meetings.

Apple’s spatial audio implementation combines the multi-dimensional Dolby Atmos format with their spatial audio processing to create that experience through Apple Music or a video streaming service.

When you use an iPhone or iPad with compatible headphones like AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, you can use head tracking to improve the experience even further.

It uses built-in gyroscopes to track your head and adjust the audio experience accordingly

A little history about Active noise cancellation (ANC)

Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a method for reducing unwanted sound by adding a second sound that cancels the first.

It is a feature in headphones, mobile phones, and vehicles that uses microphones and speakers to block outside noise. Some ANC systems can automatically adjust to the surroundings.

The basic principle of ANC is to create a sound wave with the same amplitude but with inverted phase (also known as antiphase) relative to the original sound.

The waves combine to form a new wave, in a process called interference, and effectively cancel each other out – an effect which is called destructive interference.

ANC can be useful for reducing periodic sounds, such as engine noise, or random sounds, such as traffic noise. However, it may not be very effective for cancelling out speech or music, as these sounds are more complex and unpredictable.

ANC also requires power to operate, which may affect the battery life of the device

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Featured image: Unsplash (Mohamed Nohassi): https://unsplash.com/photos/-0xMiYQmk8g

Check out other Microsoft stories making the news across Africa and the Middle East region.

What is Apple Vision Pro

What is Apple Vision Pro

Apple Vision Pro is a revolutionary spatial computer that seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world, while allowing users to stay present and connected to others.

It features a three-dimensional interface, a high-resolution display system, and a breakthrough design that integrates custom Apple silicon.

It was announced on June 5, 2023 and will be available early next year in the U.S.A

Why you should try Apple Vision Pro

There are many reasons why you might want to use Apple Vision Pro, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of them:

  1. You can enjoy an infinite canvas for apps that scales beyond the boundaries of a traditional display and introduces a fully three-dimensional user interface controlled by your eyes, hands, and voice.
  2. You can also use it as a portable 4K monitor for your Mac.
  3. You can experience entertainment in an immersive way, with movies, shows, and games that expand up to the perfect size while feeling like you’re part of the action with Spatial Audio.
  4. You can also play games that blend digital content with the physical world.
  5. You can capture and relive spatial photos and videos in 3D, then relive those cherished moments like never before with immersive Spatial Audio.
  6. You can also view your existing library of photos and videos at remarkable scale, and feel like you’re standing right where you took them.
  7. You can collaborate and connect with others in FaceTime, with life-size video tiles that expand in your room as new people join.
  8. You can also use apps to work on the same documents simultaneously with your colleagues
  9. You can enjoy a breakthrough design that integrates incredibly advanced technology into an elegant, compact form, resulting in an amazing experience every time you put it on.
  10. It features an ultra-high-resolution display system, custom Apple silicon, and a light seal that blocks out stray light.