Udacity, Microsoft announce Machine Learning Scholarship Program

Udacity, Microsoft announce Machine Learning Scholarship Program

Machine Learning Scholarship Program Udacity Microsoft

Online learning platform, Udacity and Microsoft are introducing a new training program collaboration. The collaboration will see Udacity host various courses on Microsoft’s Azure cloud services. The partnership will start with a Machine Learning Scholarship Program for Microsoft Azure.

The Machine Learning scholarship program will start with a two-month-long low-code experience introduction to machine learning on Azure course. Followed by a four-month full Udacity Nanodegree program. The first phase will see 10,000 scholarships spots awarded. However, only 300 spots will be available in the Nanodegree program. Top performers from the foundation level who meet the selection criteria will make it.

AI is driving transformation across organizations and there is increased demand for data science skills,” says Julia White, Corporate Vice President, Azure Marketing, Microsoft. “Through our collaboration with Udacity to offer low-code and advanced courses on Azure Machine Learning, we hope to expand data science expertise as experienced professionals will truly be invaluable resources to solving business problems,” she continues.

Applications start from June 10  to 30th. Find out more details and apply here.

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Seamlessly create and join professional events with LinkedIn events

Seamlessly create and join professional events with LinkedIn events

LinkedIn events

LinkedIn announces new feature that gives users an easy way to create and join professional events that interest them. Users can use the LinkedIn Events feature to host online workshops, seminars, sales, marketing and networking events.

The company says, “members and pages can use the feature to find and build communities. As well as “grow their business, network and learn new skills”.

LinkedIn launched events along with LinkedIn Live to provide a total virtual event solution to its users.

We are excited to announce … features designed to help you connect with your community through virtual events … all for free. We have two virtual event solutions to bring your professional community together. … solutions that enables you to stay connected to your communities and meet your customers wherever they are.”

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Check out more stories from the Africa and Middle East region.

Watch Microsoft Build 2020 Vision Keynote and Imagine Cup World Championship live  #MSBuild

Watch Microsoft Build 2020 Vision Keynote and Imagine Cup World Championship live #MSBuild

Microsoft Build 2020 Keynote

Join us follow the developer keynote and Imagine Cup world championship at Microsoft Build 2020 conference.

Get to hear what’s new and evolving in Microsoft world of technology.

Microsoft Build 2020: focus on Africa – local developer community and road to power Africa

Microsoft Build 2020: focus on Africa – local developer community and road to power Africa

microsoft build africa developer community

Microsoft Build 2020 is taking a new format this year. One of the many features of this year’s digital event is the Community Connections experience. Through these experiences, Microsoft will be hosting small group discussions that relate to the local developer community in Africa. The Microsoft Build Africa community connections experience sessions will discuss opportunities, details of upcoming events and the Microsoft Africa Development Center for African developers.

  • Connect with Microsoft in Africa and your local dev community
    Join your local Microsoft team for a fun-filled community meeting as we talk about hot tech, opportunities for developers on the continent and some spicy details on upcoming events for African devs. Thursday, May 21, 2:00 AM – 4:00 AM GMT
  • Expert Q&A: The Road to Power Africa
    Join Microsoft’s Africa Development Centre Engineers to learn more about what it’s like to be part of the ADC team. Join them as they chat about what it takes to be a Microsoft Engineer, their day-to-day life and what you can do to get started. They are joined by Microsoft’s Developer team who will cover some amazing developer events coming up and what you can do to improve your skills as a developer. Be sure to join!! Thursday, May 21, 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM GMT
  • Global Social Entrepreneurship Program
    Learn how Microsoft Global Social Entrepreneurship is enabling social entrepreneurs via technology, access to Grants and customers. Celina Lee, CEO, Zindi will share how she is mobilizing data scientists in Africa on Azure, creating job opportunities and bringing the community together. Wednesday, May 20, 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM GMT

To participate in the Microsoft Build Africa community connections experience, register for Microsoft Build 2020, for free. Then RSVP to the sessions.

Let’s know if you are excited for Microsoft Build and Microsoft’s focus on Africa.

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Microsoft announces cheaper Surface Go 2, larger display, improved battery life, faster performance

Microsoft announces cheaper Surface Go 2, larger display, improved battery life, faster performance

Surface Go 2 Microsoft

Today, Microsoft introduced a refresh of some of its Surface devices. The announcement includes a refresh to the Surface Go, Surface Book, Surface Headphone and Surface Earbuds. Microsoft says the new Surface Go 2 device comes with a larger 10.5-inch display, improved battery life and a model with up to 64% faster performance. Surface Go 2 however still maintains its signature portability and thinness in spite of the changes. The lowest configuration of the device also sets the price at $399.

Panos Panay, Microsoft Chief Product Officer, Windows and Devices made the announcement sharing a candid work from home video situation on twitter.

Here is the new Surface Go 2

https://youtu.be/NUw8jZl1hX0

Technical Specifications

Operating System Windows 10 Home S, Windows 10 Pro
Exterior Dimensions: 9.65 inches x 6.9 inches x 0.33 inches (245mm x 175mm x 8.3mm)
Mechanical features: Magnesium body, kickstand with full-friction multi-position hinge to 165 degrees, magnetic attach for keyboard fold stability
Color: Silver
Physical buttons: volume, power
Wi-Fi: Starting at 1.2 lbs (544 g), not including Type Cover LTE Advanced3: Starting at 1.22 lbs (553g), not including Type Cover
Display Screen: 10.5-inch PixelSense Display
Resolution: 1920 x 1280 (220 PPI)
Aspect Ratio: 3:2
Contrast Ratio 1500:1
Touch: 10-point multi-touch
Corning®Gorilla® Glass 3
Processor Intel® Pentium® Gold Processor 4425Y
8th Gen Intel® Core m3 Processor
Graphics Intel® UHD Graphics 615
Memory 4GB/8GB RAM
Storage 64GB eMMC / 128GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
Security Enterprise-grade protection with Windows Hello face sign-in Firmware TPM 2.0
Network Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax compatible, Bluetooth Wireless 5.0 technology LTE Advanced Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ X16 LTE Modem
Battery WiFi: Up to 10 hours of typical device usage   LTE Advanced:3 Up to 10 hours of typical device usage
Cameras, Video and Audio Windows Hello face sign-in camera (front-facing) 5.0MP front-facing camera with 1080p HD Skype HD video 8.0MP rear-facing autofocus camera with 1080p HD video Dual Studio Mics 2W stereo speakers with Dolby® Audio™ Premium
Ports 1 x USB-C 1 x Surface Connect Surface Type Cover Port MicroSDXC card reader 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors Ambient light sensor Accelerometer Gyroscope Magnetometer
Power supply 24 W power supply

The company announced it will bring Surface devices later in the year to South Africa.

Unfortunately, the Surface Go Type Cover and Surface Pen are sold separately increasing the total bundled cost to about 600$.

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Microsoft Build 2020 is a free 48 hours digital event

Microsoft Build 2020 is a free 48 hours digital event

Microsoft Build 2020 digital event keynot

Microsoft Build 2020 will be taking a totally different format this year. Completely digital and free, the developer-focused event will be hosted in a non-stop 48-hour interactive experience unlike in previous years. Microsoft Build 2020 will take place from 3pm GMT, May 19 to 20.

Microsoft notes registration of the event is free. To get access to the full interactive content you’ll need to register. Event attendees can customize 48 hours of continuous content to get their digital event experience.

The world today is conforming to the new norm of social distancing, work from home and masks to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. Covid-19 pandemic has affected many global events. Events are either being cancelled, rescheduled or held virtually. Making the highly anticipated Microsoft Build event attended by thousands of people worldwide a digital-only event.

The event will still have the main keynote delivered by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Other key segments include a Scott Hanselman led “every developer is welcome” session. Covering modern developer toolkit with GitHub, Visual Studio, Windows, etc. Scott Guthrie and Julia White will bring updates on the latest cloud innovation and how to build cloud solutions with Microsoft Azure.

Here is what you can experience from the Microsoft Build digital event.

  • What to expect: Access to live sessions with engineers, Q&A, support from technical experts, interviews from the Build Live desk, and much more.
  • Community connections: Engage with your peers and experts through panels, virtual meetups, and 1:1 meetings to get your questions answered.
  • Share your topics: Tell us what you’re interested in learning about when you register, and you might see it in the 48-hour show.

Visit the event page to get more details and register to participate.

Like previous Microsoft Build events we will bring you the keynote livestream and updates.

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