What is Amazon presents Diffuse to Choose?

What is Amazon presents Diffuse to Choose?

Amazon presents Diffuse to Choose is a new feature that allows customers to browse and buy products from different categories using a simple and intuitive interface. Diffuse to Choose is based on the idea of diffusion, which means spreading out or dispersing something. In this case, the products are diffused into different clusters based on their attributes, such as price, rating, brand, color, size, etc. Customers can then choose the clusters that match their preferences and explore the products within them.

Diffuse to Choose is designed to make online shopping more fun and engaging, as well as more efficient and personalized. Customers can discover new products that they might not have found otherwise, and compare them easily using the cluster labels and filters. Diffuse to Choose also adapts to the customer’s behavior and feedback, and updates the clusters accordingly. This way, customers can always find the most relevant and appealing products for them.

Diffuse to Choose is currently available for select categories, such as books, electronics, clothing, and home & kitchen. Customers can access Diffuse to Choose by clicking on the banner on the Amazon homepage or by searching for “Diffuse to Choose” in the search bar. Customers can also switch back to the traditional grid view at any time if they prefer.

Amazon presents Diffuse to Choose is a revolutionary way of online shopping that aims to enhance the customer experience and satisfaction. We hope you enjoy using it and find your perfect products with ease.

30 years of Microsoft in Africa

30 years of Microsoft in Africa

Can you believe it? It’s been 30 years since Microsoft opened its first office in Africa. That’s right, 30 years of empowering Africans with technology, innovation and skills. 30 years of making a difference in education, health, agriculture and more. 30 years of being part of the continent’s amazing journey.

But we’re not here to brag. We’re here to celebrate. And what better way to celebrate than with some fun facts about Microsoft in Africa? Here are some of the highlights from our three decades of presence and impact:

  • Did you know that Microsoft was the first global tech company to launch a datacenter region in Africa? That’s right, we beat Google and Amazon to it. And we didn’t stop there. We also launched the first cloud services from Africa, enabling businesses and organizations to access world-class technology and innovation locally.
  • Did you know that Microsoft has trained over 1.7 million young Africans in digital skills since 2013? That’s more than the population of Gambia. And we’re not done yet. We’re committed to reaching 4 million more by 2023, through our flagship programs like 4Afrika, YouthSpark and DigiGirlz.
  • Did you know that Microsoft has supported over 500 startups in Africa, helping them grow and scale their businesses? That’s more than the number of lions in Kenya. And we’re not just talking about funding. We’re talking about mentorship, technical support, access to markets and customers, and more.
  • Did you know that Microsoft has partnered with over 200 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Africa, helping them leverage technology for social good? That’s more than the number of countries in the world. And we’re not just talking about donations. We’re talking about co-creating solutions, sharing best practices, and empowering communities.

These are just some of the facts that make us proud of our work in Africa. But we know that we couldn’t have done it without you. You are the ones who inspire us, challenge us, and collaborate with us. You are the ones who make Africa what it is today: a vibrant, diverse, and dynamic continent.

So thank you for being part of our journey. Thank you for trusting us with your dreams and aspirations. Thank you for letting us be part of your story.

Here’s to 30 more years of Microsoft in Africa!

Why is Apple laying off workers?

Why is Apple laying off workers?

Apple is one of the most successful and profitable tech companies in the world, but it is not immune to the challenges and uncertainties of the global economy. Recently, the company announced that it was cutting some roles within its corporate retail division, which is responsible for the building and upkeep of Apple retail stores around the world.

The news came as a surprise to many, as Apple had not been hit by the wave of layoffs that swept across the tech industry since last year. Big tech peers such as Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Alphabet have eliminated tens of thousands of jobs in recent months, citing reasons such as overhiring, shifting business priorities, slowing growth and recession fears.

So why is Apple laying off workers now? According to reports, the company is framing the layoffs as a way to improve its store maintenance and operations, rather than as a cost-cutting measure. It is unclear how many people will be affected by the layoffs, but it is likely a very small number compared to Apple’s global workforce of 164,000 employees as of September 2023.

Apple has not revealed any details about which roles or locations will be impacted by the layoffs, but it has given the affected employees until the end of the week to apply for new roles within the company. Apple has also stated that it will continue to hire for certain positions within its retail division, as well as other areas of its business.

Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has previously stated that layoffs are a last resort for the company, and that he will find other ways to manage costs instead of letting go of workers. He has not ruled out the possibility of layoffs entirely, but for now, Apple has managed to avoid them for most of its teams.

Apple’s decision to lay off some workers may seem contradictory to its strong financial performance and reputation as an employer of choice. However, it may also reflect the company’s prudence and adaptability in a changing and competitive market. Apple has not expanded its workforce as quickly as its competitors during the pandemic, avoiding overhiring and overspending. It has also slowed down hiring and spending for some of its teams last year, in response to the overall economic uncertainty.

Apple may also be preparing for future challenges and opportunities, such as launching new products, entering new markets, or facing new regulations. By streamlining its retail division, Apple may be able to focus more on its core products and services, such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, Apple TV+, Apple Music, iCloud and Apple Pay.

Apple’s layoffs may be unfortunate for those who are affected, but they may not be indicative of a larger problem or trend for the company. Apple may still be one of the most resilient and innovative tech companies in the world, and one of the best places to work for.

Here are some life lessons from Jeff Bezos

Here are some life lessons from Jeff Bezos

Do you see that guy in the middle of the photo below all fashioned up like a top CIA, MI5 agent? He is Amazon’s founder and former CEO, Jeff Bezos. He currently is the Executive Chair of the Amazon Board, where he focuses on new products and early initiatives by the company.

In recent years he leapfrogged Bill Gates to become the world’s richest man for five years continuously. Like Elon Musk the guy is pretty much into lots of stuff, commercial astronaut, rockets et al.

In the end we are our choices. Build yourself a great story.

Jeff
photo of Jeff Bezos amazon executive chair and former ceo wiith actors Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson in the back

Back to the image featuring Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson. This wasn’t for an amazon advert of how they are currently outmuscling Microsoft or Google. Neither is it a battle session between Cortana, Alexa, or Siri. lol 😃 it is a Photoshop meme that went viral.

Here below are some worthy notes from Jeff Bezos that shaped his life growing up. I hope you’ll catch a thing or two that will resonate or spur you on.

Keep inventing, and don’t despair when at first the idea looks crazy.

Jeff

Jeff Bezos says:

  • Take on things you don’t know how to do and do them. It makes you resourceful. 
  • Each time you have a setback, using resilience and resourcefulness, invent your way out of the box. 
  • Minimize your regrets. You don’t want to be cataloging your regrets.
  • In the end, we are our choices. Build yourself a great story. 
  • Without a willingness to fail, you cannot innovate. Because most innovations won’t work.
  • Anytime you are doing something new and are criticized, you must figure out if those critics have validity.
  • Keep inventing, and don’t despair when at first the idea looks crazy.
  •  You have to accept that your business is an experiment and it might fail.
  • The most important thing is to be customer obsessed. Don’t satisfy your customers, figure out how to absolutely delight them.

Those are a few nuggets to get you going. Have a lovely weekend and cheers! 

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Safaricom, Microsoft launch Digital Talent Program to address talent shortage

Safaricom, Microsoft launch Digital Talent Program to address talent shortage

Safaricom is partnering with technology sector partners such as Microsoft, Google and Amazon(AWS) to launch the Digital Talent Program to address talent supply shortage and mismatch and create a sustainable talent pipeline to position Kenya as the leading hub for tech talent in Africa. The program plans to upskill 1,000 participants based on the digital skills currently in high demand in its first year.

The Safaricom Digital Talent program seeks to develop digital skills in the market by taking a sustainable approach to creating a healthy digital talent pipeline. It will focus on nine priority skill areas; UI/UX design; Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; IoT; Big Data and Analytics; Cyber Security; Cloud Computing; Fintech; Robotics Process Automation; and Software Engineering.

Digital Talent Program Safaricom Microsoft

The program will be delivered through a hybrid approach including classroom learning, mentorship, and internships for the experiential part of the learning. It will also involve hackathons, fireside chats, guest lecture sessions, incubation, career fairs, annual awards, curriculum reviews, placements, and certifications.

We believe that Africa should not only be a consumer of technology but also a hub for local talent, says Catherine Muraga Microsoft Africa Development Center Managing Director. “We can make a contribution to shaping and innovating the world. Kenya has a huge talent pool of competent and capable developers. That is why Microsoft and other tech companies are setting up their Africa operations here“, she adds.

The Safaricom Digital Talent Program has 30 partners including Microsoft, Google, IBM, Huawei, Oracle and Dell. It also includes 6 Universities, 14 Training Partners, 5 Tech-Hubs and community organizations, 7 Government agencies and 14 industry players.

Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO, notes the program is to position Kenya as the leading hub for tech talent in Africa.

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