by chrisdofdof | Jan 15, 2024 | Microsoft 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!
by chrisdofdof | Jan 15, 2024 | Apple
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.
by chrisdofdof | Jan 14, 2024 | Apple
The wait is finally over. Apple has announced that its highly anticipated Vision Pro, the first augmented reality headset from the tech giant, will be officially released on February 2nd 2024. The Vision Pro promises to deliver a stunning and immersive experience that will revolutionize the way we interact with the digital world.
The Vision Pro features a sleek and lightweight design that fits comfortably on your head. It has a high-resolution display that projects realistic and vivid images onto your field of view. It also has advanced sensors that track your eye movements, gestures, and voice commands. You can use the Vision Pro to access a variety of apps and services, such as games, social media, education, entertainment, and more.
The Vision Pro will be compatible with the iPhone 14 and later models, as well as the iPad Pro and Macbook Pro. You can pair your devices with the Vision Pro using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and enjoy seamless integration and synchronization. You can also use the Vision Pro independently, as it has its own battery and storage.
The Vision Pro will be available in two colors: black and white. It will cost $999 for the base model, which has 64 GB of storage, and $1,199 for the premium model, which has 128 GB of storage. You can pre-order the Vision Pro starting from January 15th 2024 on the Apple website or at authorized retailers.
The Vision Pro is expected to be a game-changer in the augmented reality market, which is projected to grow rapidly in the next few years. Apple claims that the Vision Pro will offer a superior and unmatched experience that will set a new standard for the industry. Whether you are a fan of Apple products or not, you will definitely want to check out the Vision Pro when it comes out.
by chrisdofdof | Jan 14, 2024 | Main-Story-2
The tech world is buzzing with excitement after Microsoft unveiled its latest device at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024. The device, which has not been named yet, is a hybrid of a laptop, a tablet, and a smartphone, and promises to revolutionize the way we work, play, and communicate.
The device features a flexible OLED screen that can fold and unfold into different shapes and sizes, depending on the user’s needs. It can also detach from the keyboard and function as a standalone tablet or phone. The device runs on Windows 11, the most advanced operating system from Microsoft, and supports 5G connectivity, wireless charging, and biometric security.
Microsoft claims that the device is the most powerful and versatile gadget ever created, and that it will offer an unparalleled user experience. The device is expected to hit the market later this year, with a price tag of around $2,000. Microsoft says that it will reveal more details about the device in the coming months.
If you are a fan of Microsoft products, or if you are looking for a new gadget that can do it all, you might want to keep an eye on this device. It could be the next big thing in the tech industry, and you don’t want to miss it!
by chrisdofdof | Jan 14, 2024 | Main-Story-1
CES 2024 was a blast! The annual tech extravaganza showcased some of the most innovative and exciting products and services that will shape our future. From smart glasses to flying cars, from brain-computer interfaces to holographic displays, there was something for everyone at the event. Here are some of the highlights that caught our eye:
Samsung unveiled its Galaxy Z Fold 4, a foldable smartphone that can transform into a tablet, a laptop, or even a desktop PC with the help of a docking station. The device features a 7.6-inch OLED screen that can bend in multiple ways, a 108-megapixel camera, and a Snapdragon 895 processor. Samsung claims that the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the most versatile and powerful smartphone ever made.
Sony revealed its PlayStation 5 VR, a virtual reality headset that works with the PS5 console. The PS5 VR has a 4K OLED display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 220-degree field of view. It also comes with new controllers that have adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Sony says that the PS5 VR will offer an immersive and realistic gaming experience like never before.
Tesla announced its Model X Plaid, a electric SUV that can fly. The Model X Plaid has four electric motors that generate a combined 1,200 horsepower, and four retractable wings that allow it to take off and land vertically. The vehicle can reach speeds of up to 300 mph in the air, and has a range of 500 miles on a single charge. Tesla says that the Model X Plaid is the ultimate transportation solution for the modern world.
Neuralink demonstrated its Neuralink N1, a brain-computer interface that can connect humans and machines. The Neuralink N1 is a tiny chip that is implanted in the brain, and can transmit and receive data wirelessly. The device can enable users to control devices with their thoughts, access the internet directly from their minds, and enhance their cognitive abilities. Neuralink says that the Neuralink N1 is the first step towards creating a symbiosis between humans and artificial intelligence.
