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TikTok Bans Nighttime Live Streaming in Nigeria

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TikTok Temporarily Restricts Live Streaming in Nigeria TikTok has implemented a temporary restriction on its live-streaming feature for users in Nigeria during late-night hours. The move is part of an ongoing safety review aimed at improving user protection on the platform. The platform sent an in-app notification to creators over the weekend, explaining that the restriction is part of an internal investigation. At exactly midnight on Sunday, TikTok issued a system-wide alert stating: "TikTok LIVE Update in Nigeria: We're temporarily limiting LIVE late at night in Nigeria as part of our investigation to ensure our platform remains safe and our community stays protected." Users in Nigeria reported that live streaming was available earlier in the evening but was shut down between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Affected accounts displayed a "No Access" message when attempting to go live. Additionally, the limitation prevented Nigerian users from viewing live broadcasts h...

Google's Gemini 3 Boost Disrupts South Korea's AI Scene

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Introduction to the Shift in South Korea’s AI Chatbot Market Google has introduced a new artificial intelligence model called 'Gemini 3,' which has shown impressive performance and significantly impacted the AI chatbot market in South Korea. While OpenAI's ChatGPT continues to hold a dominant position in the domestic AI market, Google is making notable strides with its Gemini 3 model. On the other hand, Perplexity, a platform known for its focus on AI search, has experienced a noticeable drop in user engagement. Performance Metrics of Key Players According to data from IGAWorks’ Mobile Index, a company specializing in data technology, ChatGPT maintained its strong position with a weekly average of between 8,690,000 and 8,800,000 active users (WAU) during the period from November 17 to December 7, when Google launched Gemini 3. However, the number of new installations for ChatGPT decreased slightly, averaging around 200,000 to 190,000 per week. In contrast, Gemini 3 saw...

Launch of AI-Powered Exam Prep Platform by Foundation and Group

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Introduction to the AI-Powered Examination Preparatory Platform In a significant move towards modernizing education in Nigeria, an Lagos-based non-governmental organization, the Abosede Tomori Foundation (ATF), has partnered with Study AI to launch Nigeria’s first AI-powered examination preparatory platform. This innovative initiative is specifically designed to support final year Senior Secondary School students preparing for major exams such as WAEC/NECO and JAMB. The program targets two hundred SS3 students from secondary schools located in Isolo and Ejigbo LCDAs within Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II of Lagos State. These students are the pilot beneficiaries of this groundbreaking scheme. The Vision Behind the Initiative The founder of ATF and Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, emphasized that this initiative is part of the foundation’s skills development and scholarship scheme, which is one of its five core pillars. In a statem...

Trapped in the Factory: How Japan Missed the AI Humanoid Revolution

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The Evolution of Japan's Robotics Landscape Japan has long been a leader in the field of robotics, particularly in industrial applications. However, the country's focus on manufacturing and engineering has led to a relative shortage of AI talent. This emphasis has resulted in a system where humanoid robots, once a symbol of innovation, are now overshadowed by their counterparts from China and the United States. At the 26th International Robot Exhibition (IREX), held in early December at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan's domestic industrial robotics heavyweights dominated the event. Companies like Kawasaki, Fanuc, Yaskawa, and Nachi showcased their latest robotic arms, demonstrating precision in tasks such as welding, assembly, and material handling. Despite this, the most eye-catching exhibits were the humanoids, many of which came from Chinese start-ups aiming to make a global impression. These humanoids, including those from Galbot, AgiBot, Robotera, and Lumos, demonstrated ca...

Samsung's AI Power-Saving Mode Reduces Appliance Use by 30%

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Samsung's AI Energy-Saving Mode Reduces Home Appliance Energy Use by 30% Samsung Electronics has unveiled a significant breakthrough in energy efficiency through its ‘AI (artificial intelligence) Energy-Saving Mode’ for home appliances. According to the company, this mode can reduce energy consumption by approximately 30%, marking a major step forward in sustainable technology. The announcement was made on the 14th, when Samsung revealed that it had verified a reduction of about 30% in energy usage for high-efficiency washing machines using the AI Energy-Saving Mode on SmartThings, its Internet of Things (IoT) platform. SmartThings is a key platform that connects Samsung’s range of home appliances, enabling users to manage and monitor their devices remotely. To validate the effectiveness of the AI Energy-Saving Mode, Samsung conducted a comprehensive study from July of last year to June of this year. The research involved measuring energy consumption for around 187,000 high-eff...

Oracle and Broadcom Earnings Fuel AI Bubble Fears

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The AI Boom and the Emerging Concerns Oracle and Broadcom, two major players in the technology sector, have seen their stock prices soar due to the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. However, recent earnings reports from both companies have raised concerns about a potential AI bubble. Oracle reported its financial results for the September–November period, showing a 14% year-on-year increase in revenue to $16.06 billion (approximately 23.73 trillion Korean won). Adjusted earnings per share were $2.26, which marked an improvement in profitability. However, the company's revenue fell slightly short of market expectations at $16.21 billion. A notable aspect of Oracle's performance was the growth of its AI-focused segment, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, which saw a 68% year-on-year increase in revenue. Despite this, the segment still missed forecasts. Investors became anxious as capital expenditures, which reflect data center spending, jumped by $3.5 billion from the previous qua...

LG U+ Launches Google AI Pro Collaboration, First Domestic Initiative

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A New Era in AI Access for LG U+ Subscribers LG U+ has made a significant move in the telecommunications sector by becoming the first domestic company to introduce a partnership product with ‘Google AI Pro’. This collaboration marks a milestone in providing advanced artificial intelligence services to consumers, offering a unique blend of mobile connectivity and cutting-edge AI capabilities. Exclusive Offers for Early Adopters Subscribers of LG U+ who sign up for the ‘Google AI Pro’ mobile add-on service by the end of this month will enjoy a 50% discount. The discounted rate is set at 14,500 Korean won per month, granting access to Google’s powerful AI service known as ‘Gemini 3’ along with 2TB of cloud storage. This offer not only makes high-level AI tools more accessible but also encourages early adoption among users looking to explore the potential of AI in their daily lives. Features of Google AI Pro The ‘Google AI Pro’ subscription offers a comprehensive suite of AI features...

Itel Super 26 Ultra Crowned Best Curved Display and AI Smartphone at 2025 Nigeria Tech Awards

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A New Benchmark in Smartphone Innovation itel has once again solidified its position as a leader in accessible innovation with the itel SUPER 26 Ultra, which was honored with the prestigious “Best Curved Display and AI-Powered Smartphone of the Year” at the 2025 Nigeria Technology Awards (NiTA). The awards ceremony, organized by Beta Media Group, took place on December 6, 2025, at the Virgin Rose Resort in Victoria Island, Lagos. This event brought together key players from Nigeria’s tech ecosystem to celebrate excellence, creativity, and growth within the industry. The recognition underscores the SUPER 26 Ultra’s innovative curved display design and advanced AI capabilities, which significantly enhance the smartphone experience in areas such as photography, performance, personalization, and security. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, the SUPER 26 Ultra stands out for offering premium, flagship-level features at an affordable price point, reinforcing itel’s reputation as ...

Zonta Club Kathmandu Launches Cybersecurity Awareness Programs

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Cybersecurity Awareness Campaigns Address Digital Abuse in Nepal In a significant effort to combat digital abuse and raise awareness about cybersecurity, the Zonta Club Kathmandu launched a series of programs across different regions of Nepal. These initiatives were part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence under the UNITE campaign. The events aimed to educate the public on the dangers of cybercrime and provide practical solutions for staying safe online. The campaigns were conducted in collaboration with several key stakeholders, including the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police, women lawyers, and Chandragiri Municipality. Over 600 individuals, including children, took part in these activities, highlighting the widespread interest in the topic. Key Topics Covered in the Programmes The sessions focused on various aspects of cybersecurity, such as identifying common forms of cybercrime in Nepal, implementing safety practices, understanding available support mec...

China's Small Manufacturers Chase the Automation Trend

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In a bright workshop located in eastern China, a robotic arm carefully maneuvered a partially assembled autonomous vehicle as workers fine-tuned its cameras. This scene reflects the gradual automation being embraced by even smaller factories across the world's largest manufacturing hub. China has already established itself as the leading market for industrial robots, and the government is investing billions of dollars into robotics and artificial intelligence to strengthen its position in this sector. While fully automated factories are beginning to operate, the broader adoption of automation raises concerns about job losses and the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises during the transition. Experts and factory owners suggest that a hybrid approach is becoming the norm. At an autonomous vehicle workshop, manager Liu Jingyao explained that humans remain essential in even the most technologically advanced manufacturing processes. "Many decisions require hum...