What is Google Circle to Search?

What is Google Circle to Search?

Google Circle to Search is a new feature that allows users to search for information on any image or screenshot on their devices. With Google Circle to Search, users can simply draw a circle around any object or text on an image and get relevant results from Google. For example, if you see a product you like on an online store, you can circle it and get more details, reviews, or similar products. Or if you see a word you don’t know on a document, you can circle it and get its definition, pronunciation, or translation.

Google Circle to Search is powered by Google Lens, a technology that uses artificial intelligence to understand the content of images and provide useful information. Google Lens can recognize objects, landmarks, animals, plants, text, and more. It can also perform actions such as scanning QR codes, copying text or calling phone numbers.

To use Google Circle to Search, you need to have the latest version of the Google app installed on your device. You also need to enable the feature in the app settings. Once you do that, you can access Google Circle to Search from any app that supports sharing images or screenshots. Just tap on the share icon and select Google Circle to Search from the list of options. Then you can draw a circle around anything you want to search for and see the results in a pop-up window.

Google Circle to Search is a convenient and fast way to get more information from any image or screenshot on your device. It can help you learn new things, discover new products, or solve problems. You can try it out today and see what you can find with Google Circle to Search.

How do you enable Circle to Search

Circle to Search is a feature that allows you to search for anything on the web by drawing a circle around it on your screen. It is available on Android devices that support Google Lens, such as Pixel phones and some Samsung models. Here is how you can enable and use this feature:

  1. Open the Google app on your device and tap on the Lens icon at the bottom right corner.
  2. Grant the app permission to access your camera and photos if prompted.
  3. Point your camera at something you want to search for, such as a product, a landmark, or a text.
  4. Draw a circle around the object or text with your finger. You will see a blue circle with a magnifying glass icon appear on the screen.
  5. Tap on the icon to see the search results for the circled item. You can also swipe up to see more options, such as copy text, translate text, or shop for similar products.

You can also use Circle to Search from other apps that support Google Lens, such as Google Photos, Chrome, or Camera. Just look for the Lens icon and follow the same steps as above.

Circle to Search is a convenient and fast way to find information about anything you see around you. You can use it to identify plants and animals, learn about historical places, compare prices, and much more. Try it out today and see what you can discover with Circle to Search!

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!

The Impact of Technology on Human Communication: Benefits and Risks

The Impact of Technology on Human Communication: Benefits and Risks

Technology has always been a driving force in human communication. From the invention of writing to the development of printing, telegraphy, radio, television, and the internet, each technological breakthrough has enabled new forms of expression, connection, and collaboration. But technology also has an impact on how we perceive ourselves and others, how we interact with each other, relate to our environment and our culture, and how we cope with the challenges and opportunities of our times.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways that technology is changing the way we interact with each other, both positively and negatively. I will also offer some suggestions on how we can use technology wisely and responsibly to enhance our social and emotional well-being.

Technology is changing the way we interact with each other

Expands the scope and scale of our social networks

One of the most obvious effects of technology is that it expands the scope and scale of our social networks. We can now communicate with people from different countries, cultures, backgrounds, and interests, who we might never have met otherwise. We can also stay in touch with our friends and family members who live far away, share our thoughts and feelings with them, and support them in times of need. Technology also enables us to join online communities based on our hobbies, passions, values, or goals, where we can find like-minded people who share our interests and aspirations.

These benefits of technology are undeniable and valuable. They can enrich our lives by exposing us to new perspectives, experiences, and opportunities. They can also help us overcome loneliness, isolation, and boredom by providing us with a sense of belonging and purpose. However, technology also poses some risks and challenges to our social interactions. For example:

Technology can create a false sense of intimacy and closeness.

While online communication can be convenient and efficient, it can also lack the depth and richness of face-to-face interaction. Online communication relies heavily on text, images, and emojis, which can be easily misinterpreted or manipulated. Online communication also reduces the amount of nonverbal cues that we use to convey our emotions, intentions, and personalities, such as facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, eye contact, and touch. These cues are essential for building trust, empathy, and rapport with others. Without them, we might miss out on the subtle nuances and complexities of human communication.

Technology can distract us from our present moment and our surroundings.

While technology can help us connect with distant people and places, it can also disconnect us from the people and places that are right in front of us. How often do we check our phones or laptops when we are having a conversation with someone? Or how often do we ignore or interrupt someone who is talking to us because we are busy with something else on our screens? How often do we miss out on the beauty and wonder of nature because we are too absorbed in our digital devices? These behaviors can damage our relationships and our well-being by making us less attentive, less responsive, and less engaged.

How we can use technology wisely and responsibly

Be mindful of your screen time

It’s important to be aware of how much time you’re spending on your devices. Try setting limits for yourself and taking breaks throughout the day.

Use social media mindfully

Social media can be a great way to connect with others, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. Be mindful of how you’re using social media and take breaks when you need to.

Use technology to connect with others

Technology can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family who live far away. Try using video chat or messaging apps to stay in touch.

Practice digital self-care

Just like you take care of your physical health, it’s important to take care of your digital health too. This includes things like backing up your data, using strong passwords, and being mindful of what you share online.

Use technology to practice mindfulness

There are many apps and tools available that can help you practice mindfulness and reduce stress. Try using a meditation app or a breathing exercise app.

Technology is a powerful tool that can enhance or hinder our social interactions. It is also changing the way we interact with each other in many ways. Technology can create new opportunities and benefits for human communication and relationships, but it can also pose new challenges and risks. It is up to us to use it wisely and responsibly and to balance it with other forms of communication. Technology can never replace the human touch, but it can complement it in many ways.

Check out what’s new on our YouTube channel. Subscribe to follow for the latest videos and news in the ecosystem.

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

E-mobility in Africa must be expedited – Alp Tilev

E-mobility in Africa must be expedited – Alp Tilev

Co-Founder and CTO of Ampersand, Alp Tilev, says the transition to e-mobility in Africa must be expedited. He shares more on why there is an opportunity to drive the adoption of electrically powered motorcycles that produce less pollution in Africa. Talking about the financial and environmental advantages of electric motorcycles for drivers and the environment.

Co-Founder and CTO of Ampersand, Alp Tilev

Historically, Asia has been the birthplace of motorcycles. China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam are the world’s four largest motorcycle markets. The continent is home to roughly 58% of all motorcycles in the world.

Africa is quickly catching up. According to a report by AMEND and the FIA Foundation, motorcycle usage in Africa has increased from less than 5 million in 2010 to an estimated 27 million in 2022. Because of Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit, 80% of the continent’s motorcycles are used for commercial purposes such as taxis or delivery services.

Although Africa’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is negligible at under four percent, these petrol-powered two-wheelers contribute a significant amount of carbon emissions. As Africa joins the rest of the world in the drive to reduce pollution, there is an opportunity to drive the adoption of electrically powered motorcycles that produce less pollution.  

Electric motorcycles are hardly a new concept, but they are relatively new to Africa where they are starting to gain momentum by firmly making their way into the cultural and economic zeitgeist while inching the continent’s travelers towards a lower carbon future.

Ampersand e-mobility in Africa using electric motorcycles

Adoption of electric motorcycles in Africa has its challenges, the issue of charging batteries being one. Given that a significant proportion of motorcycles on African roads are used for commercial purposes, riders rarely have time to wait for their batteries to charge.

However, there are innovative solutions that can be deployed to address the challenge, and technology is rapidly advancing, providing opportunities for innovators to create long-term solutions to the continent’s most pressing challenges.

On the back of this, we created Ampersand, an electric motorcycle and transportation energy solutions provider that allows riders to stay on the road while their batteries charge. To make this possible, we built a network of charging stations where riders can swap out depleted batteries for fully charged ones in only 2 minutes, saving them over $500 per year by reducing downtime.

Furthermore, each battery has a range of 60-90 km and needs to be replaced less frequently than drivers typically refuel with petrol. This solution not only saves drivers money but also ensures that they have a constant source of power, making electric motorcycles a more viable transportation option.

As the business grew from the initial 20 drivers to the current 800+ vehicles in Kigali and Nairobi, one of the challenges we encountered was keeping track of the batteries and their condition. With hundreds of drivers swapping out batteries every day, being able to track them and ensure they are in good condition is critical to our ability to support more drivers. Consequently, we built AmperOps, an adaptive cloud solution built on Microsoft’s Azure platform that allows the collection of over 15,000 data points and the execution of multiple transactions per second. The system also enables seamless management of battery packs through customizable parameters such as state of health analysis and geofenced alarms for increased security.

Furthermore, the system includes smart maintenance systems that automatically notify the team of required battery or vehicle repairs before they occur. With this level of customization and real-time response, we can gain a thorough understanding of the performance of each swap station, driver, and battery.

In the long run, the advantages of electric motorcycles extend beyond financial savings for drivers and environmental advantages. As Africa continues to industrialize, so will the capacity for designing, building, and assembling motorcycle components. This demonstrates an opportunity for green job growth throughout the value chain, from design to delivery and maintenance. Given that Ampersand users travel over 1.9 million kilometers per month, there is a clear opportunity for electric motorcycles to impact Africa’s transportation industry and for electric motorcycles to become the sustainable lifeblood of public transport systems In fact, we have set an ambitious goal of electrifying all motorcycles in East Africa by 2030, and earlier in Rwanda by 2027.

Without a doubt, electric motorcycles have the potential to be a viable mode of transportation for millions of Africans. Technology will drive change by enabling innovators to create solutions to niche challenges in the adoption of e-mobility. With the right investment, Africa’s transportation industry could be transformed while also creating job opportunities, reducing pollution, and saving drivers money.

Check out what’s new on our YouTube channel. Subscribe to follow for the latest videos and news in the ecosystem.

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

5 ways you can make money with technology

5 ways you can make money with technology

Technology is one of the most dynamic and lucrative fields in the world today. If you have a passion for tech and want to turn it into a source of income, there are many ways you can do so. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular and profitable ways to make money with technology.

Start a tech blog or podcast

If you enjoy writing or speaking about tech topics, you can create a blog, YouTube channel or a podcast and share your insights, opinions, reviews, tutorials, or news with an online audience. You can monetize your content by displaying ads, selling sponsored posts or episodes, offering subscriptions or memberships, or creating your own products or services.

Develop an app or software

If you have coding skills or are willing to learn, you can develop your own app or software and sell it on various platforms such as Google Play, Apple App Store, Steam, or your own website. You can create an app or a software for entertainment, education, productivity, gaming, social networking, or any other niche that interests you. You can earn money by charging a fee for downloading or using your app or software, offering in-app purchases or upgrades, or displaying ads.

Teach tech skills online

If you have expertise in any tech-related field such as web development, graphic design, data science, cybersecurity, or digital marketing, you can teach others online and earn money. You can create your own online courses and sell them on platforms such as Udemy, Skillshare, Coursera, or your own website. You can also offer live coaching or mentoring sessions via platforms such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet.

Sell tech products or services online

If you have a knack for finding or creating tech products or services that solve problems or meet needs, you can sell them online and make money. You can sell physical products such as gadgets, accessories, hardware, or software on platforms such as Amazon, eBay, Shopify, or your own website. You can also sell digital products such as ebooks, audiobooks, videos, music, games, or software on platforms such as Gumroad, Sellfy, Podia, or your own website.

Freelance as a tech professional

If you have skills and experience in any tech-related field such as web development, graphic design, data science, cybersecurity, or digital marketing, you can offer your services online and work as a freelancer. You can find clients and projects on platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com, Toptal, or your own website. You can charge by the hour, by the project, or by the value you provide.

These are just some of the many ways you can make money with technology. The key is to find something that matches your skills, interests, and goals, and to provide value to your target market. With dedication, creativity, and hard work, you can turn your passion for tech into a profitable venture.

Check out what’s new on our YouTube channel. Subscribe to follow for the latest videos and news in the ecosystem.

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