itel is announcing its second laptop the itel Spirit 1 notebook laptop few months after introducing the Able 1 laptop. The company introduced the device at the online launch event of the itel S17 smartphone and other itel family products. Where it also introduced the itel Smart Watch1, itel Wireless Neckband, itel blender, standing fan, electric stove and itel Cinema TV Projector.
Officially, the company says the itel Spirit 1 laptop comes in a metal surface body design with a 15.6 inch full HD display. It is powered by a Core i3 Intel processor and intel plus 655 display card. The device will ship pre-installed with Microsoft’s new Windows 11 OS. With its 51 watts big battery, itel says one charge can give you about eight hours of usage time. Spirit 1 can be configured with up to 1 terabyte of hard disk space and 8 gigabytes of RAM. It comes with three USB ports, one HDMI, a micro SD card reader, an earphone jack, and an RJ-45 port.
It seems the Spirit 1 laptop is supposed to have more processing power and handle more work than the Able 1 laptop. But the Core i3 processor feels like it is still geared towards light office work, entertainment and studies than power users.
This is what the company says about the device.
Earlier this year we launched our first laptop Able 1, we have recieved so many feedbacks and felt your passion for more. So today we are bringing you the brand new itel Spirit 1. The first laptop in its prize range that comes with a three by two watts box speaker.
No official retail price or the availability date has been announced yet. It is suggested it could be in the $600 – $700, NGN 250,000, GHS 3,000, KES 65,000 price range. We will check and get you full specifications and update you on any changes necessary.
itel Spirit 1 device Specifications
itel didn’t mention specifics when it comes to the hardware architecture. We did a little digging around and believe this will be the specifications of the new device.
estimated price Nigeria NGN 250,000, Ghana GHS 3,000, Kenya KES 65,000, $600 – $700
What are your thoughts on the new itel laptop devices? Check out what’s new on our YouTube channel. Subscribe to follow for the latest videos in the ecosystem.
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Here is how to watch the first-ever virtual Google for Africa event on October 6. Google is hosting its annual Africa event online this year. This is different from the previous country-specific events held in only Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. It will for the first time have participants from across the continent join the event. The live stream will start at the following times 9 AM GMT, 10 AM WAT, 11 AM CAT, 12 PM EAT and 11 AM SAT.
Although Google is hosting the event online the format hasn’t changed. There will be a keynote session where the company will introduce new ecosystem products and share more on its investments in Africa. Then there will be masterclasses that take registered participants through introductory and hands-on product sessions. Nigerian musician Tiwa Savage will give a special closing performance to cap the event. Click the link to get more details, register and participate in the virtual event.
Google will stream the event on the Google Africa YouTube page. We are embedding the live stream here so you can bookmark this page and visit it when the event goes live. You can also use the remind me feature on the scheduled YouTube event to set a reminder and get a notification when it starts.
Watch Google for Africa 2021 event live
https://youtu.be/GJw_gOAnAtE
Google will be announcing new collaborations and what it is working on with partners to increase connectivity in the region. It will also showcase new Africa centric updates in products like maps and search at the event. We might get to hear more about what Google plans to do with YouTube creators in Africa.
Join us to watch and tell us what you are looking forward to. Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Here is how to upgrade to Windows 11 as it becomes officially available today.
The first thing you need to know and understand is that Microsoft is changing the minimum hardware requirements. This is largely due to the fact that Microsft wants to enable specific features within the operating system (OS). As well as keep pace with the latest computing needs and that of the future. So for you to also get the best and full user experience in Windows 11 you will need the latest hardware.
The new OS will need your device to be running Windows 10, version 2004 or later, to get the free upgrade. In terms of hardware specifications, the minimum RAM size is now 4GB and at least 64GB of storage space. Your device must have a processor with at least 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores. But Microsoft notes it must be running on either an Intel 8th generation, AMD Zen 2, Qualcomm 7 or 8 series processors or higher. It should also support TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) and be compatible with DirectX 12. Click here to find out more about the Windows 11 specs, features and hardware requirements.
Upgrade to Windows 11 steps
Microsoft is using rolling out the upgrade in phases and expects all eligible Windows 10 devices to get the upgrade by mid-2022. Following the Windows Update route is ideal and best for everyone. However, if you are an advanced user or want to get the upgrade now you can use the Installation Assistant method.
Windows Update
Open Windows Update in settings – (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update) and
Select Check for updates
If your device is eligible and the upgrade is ready, the option to download and install will appear. If you are ready to install Windows 11, select Download and install. If not you can choose to do this at a later date or schedule it.
Installation Assistant
Click to go to the Microsoft Windows 11 software download page.
Click on the Download Now option under the Windows 11 Installation Assistant
Select Run. (You need to be an administrator to run this tool.)
Once the tool confirms the device hardware is compatible, you will be presented with the license terms. Select Accept and Install.
Once the tool is ready, click the Restart Now button to complete the installation on your computer.
It might take some time to install Windows 11, and your PC will restart a few times. Make sure you don’t turn off your PC.
Alternatively, you can choose to perform a clean install of Windows 11 by creating a new Installation Media. Or Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) and create a bootable installation media or virtual machine. To do this, click to go to the Microsoft Windows 11 software download page and select download under the other options.
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Microsoft United Arab Emirates (UAE) lights up the tallest building in the world to announce the launch of Windows 11. The company did this on the eve of the official release date to draw attention to the announcement. The iconic building was covered in blue, the new bloom wallpaper, Windows logo and Windows 11 inscription.
It’s a monumental day for Windows fans, and the Burj Khalifa is helping us celebrate #Windows11 in a big way.
Windows 11 is official today October 5th with Microsoft making it generally available to the public. However, Microsoft will use a measured and phased rollout process to bring it to existing devices that meet the upgrade requirements. Microsoft says it expects all eligible Windows 10 devices to get the upgrade by mid-2022. So you don’t have to worry if it doesn’t immediately show up in Windows update in settings.
As the day becomes October 5 in each time zone around the world, availability of Windows 11 begins through a free upgrade on eligible Windows 10 PCs and on new PCs.
Update: 2:47 pm – updated to correct the wallpaper name from glow to bloom.
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Google is hosting a special Africa event on October 6th. It will kick off at the following times across the region 10 AM WAT, 11 AM CAT, 12 PM EAT, 9 AM GMT, and 11 AM SAT. The Google for Africa 2021 event will be an online-only event and not in-person this year. Due to the global pandemic, we will not have the usual country-specific mini-events. Google’s invite reads “Google leaders will share updates of the work we’re doing to support Africa’s digital transformation”. We expect the company to highlight new products, product updates specific to Africa and investments across the continent.
As is the norm at Google Africa events it will have two parts, a keynote and masterclass sessions. A forty-five-minute keynote session led by Google and Alphabet CEO, Sundar Pichai. And 7 masterclass sessions that will hold across two days and cover topics related to creators, businesses and developers.
Other Google leaders speaking at the event are Juliet Ehimuan, Director West Africa, Mariam Abdullahi, Director Platforms and Ecosystem, and Ruth Porat Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Alphabet and Google.
We will be sharing some updates on the work that we are doing to make Google more helpful to people in Africa at our inaugural Google for Africa event on Wednesday, October 6. We will be hosting 5 masterclasses covering areas like SMB growth, digital advertising, nonprofit management, YouTube Shorts, and intro to machine learning for developers.
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Microsoft is introducing new Xbox gaming markets, get an Xbox Live Game Pass at a discounted price and more. The weekend is here and this is a round-up of stories making the news across the Microsoft ecosystem globally.
Xbox showcase, Tokyo Game Show 2021
First, we head off to Japan where the Japan Times reports that Microsoft is finally pulling its weight. That’s in terms of gaming and Xbox in Japan. It says Microsoft has lagged behind Sony and Nintendo over the years. At the side of the Tokyo Game Show, Microsoft revealed its renewed commitment to the region. By launching Xbox Cloud gaming service in Japan and localizing more than 100 gaming titles on Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft is also working with over 200 independent Japanese developers in the ID@Xbox program. Click to get the full gist here and find a recap of the Microsoft Tokyo Game Show 2021 here.
Xbox Live discounted
PCWorld says Newegg is selling 12 months of Xbox Live Gold for $50, that’s $10 off the usual price. But unfortunately, the offer is for today only. So if this is something you have been looking out for no long talk. Just click and head out to PCWorld for details and grab this.
New Xbox Markets
Microsoft is taking steps to reach three billion game players around the world. The company is announcing the launch of the Xbox Cloud Gaming in Australia, Brazil, Mexico and Japan. This comes as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which allows players to play their games on their smartphones, PC and tablets. The addition of the new markets means Microsoft Xbox gaming is now officially in twenty-six countries across five continents. With South Africa being the only supported market in Africa. And Israel, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia being the other markets in the Middle East Africa region. Xbox All Access and Xbox Game Pass Cloud gaming are still not available to these supported markets.
Expected Xbox Live games
Microsoft says Sherlock Holmes Chapter One and Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin Trial Version … is coming to Xbox Series X and S on November 16 and October 1 respectively. The company is also expected to release a new list of free games to the Xbox Live Gold family. Charles of istockanalyst has put together a list of Xbox games to look out for. This includes InnerSpace, Shovel Knight, Alan Wake and Metal Gear, Solid HD Edition. Check the full list and why you might like them here.
Have a lovely weekend and tell me what news excited you most from the Microsoft ecosystem this week. Share your thoughts in the comments.
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