TechPression

Category: Live streaming

  • MultiChoice pushes to complete $3 Billion Canal+ Deal, aims to challenge Netflix in Africa

    MultiChoice pushes to complete $3 Billion Canal+ Deal, aims to challenge Netflix in Africa

    As MultiChoice Group works to finalise a R55-billion ($3 billion) agreement with Vivendi’s Canal+, CEO Calvo Mawela is confident the agreement will position the African entertainment giant to better compete with global streaming platforms like Netflix in the African market. The deal, which is still under regulatory review, aims to boost MultiChoice’s revenue and content offering, positioning the company as a more formidable player in the streaming space.

    Given that Canal+ is still a dominant force in French-speaking markets and MultiChoice already controls English-speaking markets in Africa, Mawela highlighted the “scale” that will result from the merger. 

    “Scale matters in this industry, then you are able to negotiate better rates for content and you are able to generate more revenues, especially with one party operating in French-speaking Africa and one in the English speaking part of Africa” he noted. 

    Read also: MultiChoice subscribers drop by 243,000 due to high inflation

    Regulatory approval and market impact

    The deal was finalised in June, and MultiChoice and Canal+ have filed their merger application with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and the Competition Commission for approval. Although regulatory approval is still pending, Mawela expressed confidence that the deal would pass. He emphasised that the merger is aligned with the broader goal of improving the African entertainment landscape.

    “A combination gives us a better chance to compete against global giants,” Mawela said in a recent interview.

    The deal is viewed as a strategic move to strengthen MultiChoice’s position against Netflix and other streaming services that have made significant inroads into the African market. Mawela believes the combined entity will be better equipped to provide local content that resonates with African audiences while also increasing investment in high-demand areas such as sports programming.

    Financial struggles and subscriber losses

    The merger comes at a critical time for MultiChoice, which has been grappling with financial challenges. The company recently reported a loss of 243,000 subscribers and declining profits. Mawela acknowledged the company’s financial difficulties but stressed that the Canal+ deal could help reverse the trend by providing more compelling content and greater market reach.

    The French broadcaster has continued to gradually increase its ownership stake in MultiChoice. While regulatory hurdles related to South Africa’s local ownership laws continue to be a challenge, Mawela is optimistic about the long-term benefits of the partnership.

    “We put something together that should be acceptable for the regulators, and engagements are ongoing. We believe it’s a good story for Africa,” the CEO said.

    Read also: 12 Million Capitec users in SA to enjoy 50% off Showmax subscription

    Ambitious growth plans for Showmax

    Looking ahead, MultiChoice is targeting significant growth for its Showmax streaming service, aiming to generate $1 billion in revenue over the next five years. The Canal+ deal will play a central role in this strategy, enabling MultiChoice to expand its content offerings and attract more subscribers.

    Africa is a desirable market for streamers due to its youthful and rapidly expanding population, but the continent also has issues with inconsistent internet connection, poor salaries, and volatile currencies. Canal+ and MultiChoice would form a conglomerate with about 50 million members and the financial capacity to invest more in sports and local programming.

  • Showmax dominates African streaming market

    Showmax dominates African streaming market

    In recent years, the streaming industry has witnessed remarkable growth globally, and Africa is no exception.

    Among the various players vying for dominance in this market, Showmax has emerged as a clear frontrunner, capturing a significant share of the African streaming landscape. With a commanding 39% market share, Showmax has solidified its position as the leading streaming service provider on the continent.

    Rapid Expansion and Market Penetration

    Showmax’s journey to dominance in the African streaming market has been characterized by rapid expansion and strategic market penetration. Leveraging its parent company, Multichoice Group’s extensive infrastructure and established presence across the continent, Showmax quickly gained traction in key African markets. By offering a diverse range of content tailored to local tastes and preferences, Showmax successfully appealed to a wide audience, fueling its meteoric rise to the top.

    Read also: Showmax moves to protect users against cyber attacks

    Investment in Local Content and Partnerships

    A crucial factor contributing to Showmax’s success in Africa is its unwavering commitment to investing in local content and forging strategic partnerships. Recognizing the importance of catering to diverse cultural backgrounds and linguistic preferences, Showmax has made significant investments in producing and acquiring original African content. From blockbuster movies to critically acclaimed series and documentaries, Showmax’s extensive library boasts an impressive array of locally relevant content that resonates with audiences across the continent.

    Moreover, Showmax has forged strategic partnerships with leading African content creators, production houses, and broadcasters, further enhancing its content offering and solidifying its position as the go-to destination for premium entertainment in Africa. By collaborating with local talent and industry stakeholders, Showmax has not only enriched its content library but also fostered a thriving ecosystem that supports and promotes African creativity on a global scale.

    Innovative Technology and User Experience

    In addition to its rich content portfolio and strategic partnerships, Showmax has distinguished itself through its innovative technology and user-centric approach. With an intuitive user interface, seamless streaming experience, and robust recommendation algorithms, Showmax has succeeded in providing viewers with personalized content discovery and a hassle-free viewing experience. Whether accessing the platform via desktop, mobile devices, or smart TVs, users can enjoy high-quality streaming content anytime, anywhere, making Showmax the preferred choice for millions of subscribers across Africa.

    Furthermore, Showmax has embraced emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance its platform’s capabilities and continuously improve user engagement. By analyzing user behaviour and preferences, Showmax can tailor its recommendations and content suggestions, ensuring that subscribers discover new and relevant content that aligns with their interests.

    With a commanding 39% market share and a comprehensive content library that caters to diverse audiences, Showmax has firmly established itself as the leading streaming service provider in Africa. Through strategic investments in local content, strategic partnerships, and innovative technology, Showmax continues to redefine the streaming landscape, setting new standards for excellence and driving the digital entertainment revolution across the continent. As Africa’s appetite for premium streaming content continues to grow, Showmax remains poised to lead the charge, delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences to audiences across the region and beyond.

  • TikTok launches ‘Add to Music app’ in 160+ countries

    TikTok launches ‘Add to Music app’ in 160+ countries

    With the announcement on February 22, 2024, TikTok is expanding its “Add to Music app” feature to 163 more countries. This feature allows users to easily add the song playing in a clip to services like Apple Music and Spotify.

    TikTok is always making new music trends that people listen to on streaming services, and it’s well-known as a great spot to find new and old music. With the new Add to Music App feature, users can quickly and easily save songs they love on TikTok to their favourite music streaming service so they can listen to them whenever they want.

    In November, TikTok debuted the feature in the United States and the United Kingdom. Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Argentina, South Africa, Vietnam, and the Philippines were among the 19 additional countries that the company made available a month later. Depending on the user’s location, the feature allows them to add the song to Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music.

    Here is a list of some of the new regions: Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Cameroon, Denmark, Egypt, Ghana, Guyana, Israel, Kenya, Lebanon, Maldives, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uruguay, Zimbabwe, and some others.

    Read also: TikTok Introduces text-based content

    How to use the feature

    Below the clip description and next to the track name, users can see an “Add Music” button. On the first use, they can choose their preferred music service by tapping the button. Simply go to the “Music” menu in the settings menu and choose a different default service.

    By default, when users don’t specify a playlist, TikTok songs are added to a list similar to Spotify’s “Liked Songs” feature. The fact that a great deal of music discovery occurs on social media has been recognised by Spotify. In order to facilitate the addition of songs to Spotify, it has not only partnered with TikTok but also integrated with BeReal, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter (now X).

    Previous launch by TikTok

    “TikTok Music” was the name of TikTok’s new paid music streaming service that debuted in July 2023 in three countries: Australia, Mexico, and Singapore. Nearly two weeks have passed since TikTok’s music streaming service debuted in Indonesia and Brazil, and now the company is expanding.

    Users can listen, download, and share music through the streaming service by syncing it with their current TikTok accounts. Major record labels’ catalogues are available through the service. These labels include Sony Music, Warner Music Group, and Universal Music Group.

    Today marks the beginning of the TikTok Music closed beta test, which the company says it is extending an invitation to users in Singapore, Australia, and Mexico. The TikTok Music app, available on the App Store and Google Play, as well as online at music.tiktok.com, is required for participation. A complimentary three-month trial will be provided to everyone who takes part in the closed beta.

    How Spotify, Apple Music work in Nigeria

    There was no information regarding when TikTok intends to launch the streaming service in the US shared by the company at that time. For a service known as “TikTok Music,” parent company ByteDance applied for a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office more than a year ago.

    The streaming service has a lot of cool features: you can listen to full versions of popular TikTok songs, get suggestions based on your taste, see lyrics as you go, make playlists with friends, import your music library, and search for lyrics. Download songs to listen to later without an internet connection with TikTok Music, which has a Shazam-like feature. Additionally, TikTok mentions that users can connect with other music lovers and express themselves through comments, so the service does have social features.

  • Spotify follows Meta, YouTube and others by offering AUX to artists

    Spotify follows Meta, YouTube and others by offering AUX to artists

    Spotify has launched a new in-house “music advisory agency” for brands called AUX. Though it isn’t strictly a marketplace for creators, the program’s goal is similar: to help brands and up-and-coming artists work together on beneficial campaigns.

    The company has joined the ranks of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube in launching a programme to link content creators with brands.

    Read also: Spotify launches high-fidelity audio Supremum

    The opportunities AUX offers

    Music is special because it can make people feel things and connect with them on a deep level. Using the power and significance of music culture makes perfect sense in a world where conventional advertising methods are having a harder and harder time standing out.

    Music may be the most pervasive cultural element because it permeates practically every facet of human existence. In its simplest form, a unique music strategy establishes an honest connection that differentiates a brand from its rivals.

    With genuine local authenticity in more than 180 markets, Spotify is a cultural centre with global impact. In order to keep up with the ever-changing trends, the streaming platform can rely on its extensive network, a wealth of knowledge, and years of experience. 

    Brand partners can now take advantage of Spotify’s expertise in the industry, extensive global reach, innovative spirit, and data-driven accuracy through AUX to develop genuine and comprehensive marketing campaigns. In the end, it all comes down to connection. Using the data from Spotify’s connected platform, AUX will link brands with artists and their fandoms.

    With AUX, creatives can make a living doing what they love. The mission of Spotify is to promote artists and facilitate meaningful partners; the platform aspires to actively contribute to the success and sustainability of these artists’ careers. By providing artists with a space to express themselves creatively, financial backing, and strategic alliances that extend beyond conventional industry channels, Spotify AUX will increase the breadth of opportunities accessible to them.

    The take-off of AUX

    Coca-Cola, the first client, has partnered with Peggy Gou, a Berlin-based DJ, producer, singer, and songwriter. A branded playlist, on-platform promotional support, live concerts, events, and social media content are all part of the artist and brand’s long-term partnership.

    Spotify is now more aggressive in connecting brands with creators and providing its music expertise to those brands. This shift positions Spotify as more of a social network where creators negotiate brand deals to support themselves. Notably, the launch comes after Spotify’s updated payment model, which was unveiled late last year and promised to generate an extra $1 billion for artists.

    Opponents of the model argued that it did nothing to help up-and-coming artists and would actually reduce funding for artists who were already receiving less in order to increase it for those who were already receiving more.

    Spotify’s voice translation boosts Nigerian podcasts

    Artists who aren’t included in Spotify’s new streaming royalties model now have an opportunity to recoup some of their losses through brand partnerships. Spotify promotes AUX as a way for artists to “live off their art,” but musicians and artists would prefer to earn more money from streams instead of relying on brand deals that social media influencers and creators negotiate.

    New and emerging artists are finding it harder to be discovered, build an audience, and get paid due to the overabundance of music offered by today’s streaming services. With 120,000+ tracks uploaded to services daily, this problem is becoming even more severe. Even though Spotify has more than 100 million tracks available right now, the proliferation of AI-generated music could be a major problem in the future.

    The new royalties model on Spotify, which sets a minimum threshold for song streams, makes an already difficult situation even worse, and artists may have to look into brand deals to increase their income.

  • MultiChoice announces content distribution deal with Disney

    MultiChoice announces content distribution deal with Disney

    MultiChoice (the South African company that runs DStv and GOtv) has announced a content distribution deal with Disney company Africa, coming almost a week after Sanlam Private Wealth made its intention to sell out its client shares.

    Details of the Deal 

    The deal will allow MultiChoice to retain its current portfolio of Disney linear channels until 2027 through its direct broadcast satellite service, DStv.

    This follows a partnership that began nearly two years ago when Disney+ debuted in South Africa in partnership with the pay-TV operator. With this collaboration, the American streaming platform was able to kick off its next phase of international expansion, which included plans to launch in 42 countries across 11 territories.

    Read also: MultiChoice pays $37m Nigerian tax

    Six of Disney’s most beloved 24-hour channels—including National Geographic, National Geographic Wild, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, ESPN, and ESPN2—will continue to air on DStv for the upcoming four years as a result of the revitalising agreement. You can access them with the DStv Explora Ultra receiver.

    Tournaments hosted by organisations like the US National Hockey League, Major League Baseball (NHL), the National Football League (NFL), and the National Basketball Association (NBA) will naturally be available on both sports channels.

    The distribution renewal guarantees that The Walt Disney Company Africa’s six 24-hour channels will continue to reach audiences across the continent, according to Christine Service, senior vice president and general manager of the company’s Africa operations. Service also noted that this marks another proud milestone in the long-term relationship with the MultiChoice Group.

    According to Nomsa Philiso, CEO of general entertainment at MultiChoice South Africa, the extension of their partnership with The Walt Disney Company and the fantastic linear channels on DStv enhances their offering and increases the pleasure of entertainment. This is to guarantee that customers can enjoy their favourite shows and films easily, whenever and wherever they want, on cutting-edge platforms.

    Details on the investment clash with Sanlam Private Wealth

    The prominent investment firm Sanlam Private Wealth has declared that, due to the relatively high risk and low potential upside, it has removed MultiChoice from the portfolios of the majority of its clients.

    A number of problems have arisen for Multichoice, which has hurt the group’s investment case. Huge fines in certain African countries, new regulations, falling ratings, serious competition from international streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and now the possibility of a buyout are all on the list of problems. In light of these difficulties, MultiChoice’s stock price has not gone very well.

    Given these factors, Sanlam Private Wealth has decided to stop providing its clients with share offerings. After re-evaluating the MultiChoice group’s future, the investment firm has decided that it is not a company it wants to be a long-term owner of.

    MultiChoice pushes into streaming as the DSTv model struggles

    Why Multichoice began to lose its position

    Due in large part to its sports broadcasting rights—crucial for subscriber retention—DStv, MultiChoice’s direct broadcast satellite television service—which operates in 54 countries across sub-Saharan Africa—enjoys a majority market share. However, the group will likely face competition in this arena from other players in the long term.

    For instance, MultiChoice has aired the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) since 1992, but there has been a lot of fuss recently over who gets to air the tournament. Just one week after announcing it would not be airing the event this year due to a failed sublicensing agreement; the group announced in January that its SuperSport pay-TV service had obtained the broadcast rights to the event.

    More aggressively, MultiChoice’s other competitive advantages are beginning to crumble. For instance, the cost of moving to competing products is now significantly lower due to the dramatic decline in data costs over the last decade. Competitors’ attractive offerings have made customer retention a major challenge for MultiChoice, as companies like Netflix have introduced affordable mobile-only plans.

    More so, agreements with a single distributor are fading away. As an example, HBO is now distributing its popular shows through Netflix in addition to MultiChoice, and it is no longer granting exclusivity to MultiChoice.

  • French media giant, Canal+ bids $1.7bn for Multichoice

    French media giant, Canal+ bids $1.7bn for Multichoice

    French media giant Canal+ wants to buy DSTV’s South African parent firm, Multichoice. It was stated recently and witnessed by multiple media outlets. Canal+, a significant MultiChoice shareholder, acknowledged that it sent a letter to the Board of Directors.

    Canal+’s non-binding indicative offer to buy Multichoice’s issued ordinary shares is included in the letter, reports said. Canal+ Chairman and CEO Maxime Saada said the acquisition will provide the South African media company the strategy it needs to succeed.

    MultiChoice needs a plan that boosts its scale and local and global skills to succeed in Africa. If successful, our Potential Offer would help MultiChoice reach its full potential, the CEO remarked.

    Canal+ stated that regulatory permissions are required before acquiring.

    The statement states that Canal+ expects its offer to be for a cash consideration of R105 per MultiChoice ordinary share, a 40% premium to MultiChoice’s closing share price of R75 on 31 January 2024, subject to particular confirmations.

    Read also: MultiChoice appoints Zappia as Chairman of Showmax

    Multichoice’s income decline and Canal’s help

    DSTV’s parent firm, Multichoice, has had a rough go in Africa. The corporation lost R911 million ($50.2 million) after taxes in Q2 and Q3 of 2023 from April 1 to September 30. It is a significant drop from 2022’s R55 million after-tax profit.

    As the company’s share price fell, owners lost $1.7 billion. Company revenue fell 1% to R28.3 billion from R28.7 billion. Operating profit fell 22% from R6.2 billion to R4.8 billion.

    Aside from these difficulties, MultiChoice’s free cash flow decreased significantly, coming in at R1.07 billion, 40% less than the R1.8 billion recorded the year before.

    In December, CFO Tim Jacobs expected “inflationary price increases” in January. Financial concerns are growing as the company stabilises its balance sheet, the CFO said. He believes DStv needs inflation-level price rises to grow and offer quality shows.

    Canal+, the company’s largest shareholder, must recover their investment due to these difficulties. MultiChoice believes it can invest in scale, local African talent and narrative, and best-in-class technology by merging both organisations’ assets to compete with global streaming media companies in Africa.

    MultiChoice Showmax to focus exclusively on Africa

    MultiChoice may thrive after a Canal+ merger, says CEO Maxime Saada.

    Canal+ will send the Independent Board a strong intention letter after thorough diligence. The Potential Offer’s development and transaction specifics are unknown.

    However, Canal+ stated it respects and observes all laws and regulations relating to the South African media sector and Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed companies and that any definite intention letter would be conscious of its commitments.

    In addition, the French powerhouse is preparing for its IPO after Vivendi’s unbundling. Thus, Canal+ and MultiChoice will benefit investors if this deal goes through.

    Canal+ stated, “Our ultimate goal is to obtain a listing in South Africa.”

  • MultiChoice appoints Zappia as Chairman of Showmax

    MultiChoice appoints Zappia as Chairman of Showmax

    As part of its strategy to compete with Netflix Inc. and substantially increase its revenue on the continent, MultiChoice Group’s Showmax, the largest streaming service in Africa, has appointed top Sky executive Andrea Zappia as chairman following a deal with Comcast.

    This month, Zappia, as confirmed by MultiChoice and his LinkedIn profile, became chairman. He was previously CEO of Sky’s new markets and businesses. For MultiChoice, he became a board member in September.

    With the support and technology provided by Comcast, Showmax re-launched its service on Monday. The service is already available in 50 African countries. Streaming service MultiChoice aims to earn $1 billion in revenue in five years, according to CEO Calvo Mawela’s recent investor presentation.

    Read also: MultiChoice Group appoints Marc Jury as interim CEO of Showmax

    The collaboration between Multichoice and Comcast

    In March, NBCUniversal, Sky, and MultiChoice (a division of Comcast) partnered to increase viewership in Africa, the continent with the world’s fastest-growing population. According to Mawela, Comcast has the option to increase its holding in Showmax, while MultiChoice holds 70% of the company.

    As more and more young, tech-savvy Africans use their phones for everything from banking to entertainment, the venture thinks there’s a chance to expand its audience in categories like football and local shows. The English Premier League will be available on the new service, which will run on the Peacock streaming platform.

    According to Showmax CEO Marc Jury, who spoke about the partnership in an interview, the advantage of Comcast and MultiChoice is that they can combine international and African expertise, which will make them highly competitive on the continent. Expansion of the company’s operations is the goal.

    Previous trigger

    Foreign exchange problems in Nigeria and persistent power outages in South Africa were cited as the reasons for MultiChoice Group Ltd.’s third consecutive semi-annual loss, which was announced two months ago. 

    Net loss for the six months ending September 30th was 1.32 billion rand ($72.4 million), as disclosed in a filing by Africa’s largest pay-tv company. 

    The company claims that the naira’s weak performance versus the dollar is to blame for the recorded loss. The decision to devalue the Naira by 40% in mid-June caused the country’s problems. The Naira was then allowed to trade more freely against the dollar. Because of this, MultiChoice had to reevaluate its inter-group loans, which cost them money in foreign currency. 

    In light of recent financial setbacks, Multichoice is putting its faith in the redesigned Showmax to boost revenue.

    MultiChoice loses $50.2 million after taxes

    The plans for the future showmax

    Showmax Entertainment, Showmax Entertainment Mobile, and Showmax Premier League will replace the standard and Pro subscriptions on the redesigned Showmax platform, which will be launched in February 2024, according to MultiChoice’s announcement.

    Showmax Entertainment and Entertainment Mobile both provide access to the same library of shows and movies; the main differences between the two plans are the supported devices, the maximum concurrent streams, the quality of the videos, and, most likely, the cost.

    The collaboration between Multichoice and Comcast is to improve its delivery and be ahead of the competition.

  • Globacom rolls out 4G-LTE service to boost productivity

    Globacom rolls out 4G-LTE service to boost productivity

    Globacom, a renowned Nigerian telecommunications provider and Grandmaster of data has officially launched its countrywide Fourth Generation Long Term Evolution Advanced network, known as 4G-LTE Advanced, to enhance productivity.

    The company believes that simultaneously launching this service in many places around the nation would boost economic and commercial activity while also improving efficiency.

    Globacom underscores the importance of introducing 4G LTE Advanced technology to Nigerians as a means of giving them access to a better internet experience and a more fruitful way of life.

    “It’s a straightforward procedure. Those who already have 4G SIM cards will be able to use the Glo LTE Advanced service. Those who do not have 4G SIMs have to first upgrade their SIM cards to USIM (4G SIM). 

    “The upgrade process is also simple, as all that is required is a SIM swap, which takes two minutes.” The consumer also need a 4G-enabled handset. Then you will enjoy seamless and super-fast mobile Internet access on the Glo network,” the network said. 

    Read also: Airtel Nigeria acquires 5g, 4g spectrums for $317 Million

    Glo 4G-LTE Advanced will enhance users’ productivity 

    Subscribers were urged to contact their local Gloworld store to activate their Glo 4G LTE Advanced and take advantage of the many advantages this leading-edge technology provides.

    Affordable access to 4G LTE Advanced technology would assist the expanding number of customers in Nigeria who share, download, and upload films, music, and documents, and utilise bandwidth-intensive mobile apps. Glo has obtained more 4G spectrum in the 2.6GHz band to boost capacity and quality.

    Access to inexpensive 4G LTE Advanced technology will improve the experience of these customers. Glo has purchased an additional 4G spectrum in the 2.6GHZ band to increase capacity and improve quality.

    Also, the company called 4G LTE Advanced “transformative” because of its huge impact on data-driven consumers and businesses like banks, oil and gas firms, universities, and hospitals that rely on a constant data connection to function.

    Ghana GIFEC To Upgrade Rural Telecom Facilities to 4G

    4,000 LTE Advanced stations would be operational in key cities

    The network closed its statement by saying, “Our users today already experience super-fast music, video, and movie content downloads. They’re also using their mobile devices to watch material online.  However, subscribers may expect a much-enhanced experience with the new 4G Glo LTE Advanced network. Apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Viber, etc., have improved both the video and audio quality of video calls, as well as the clarity of the pictures and the speed of the transmission.

    Globacom said in the announcement that Glo 4G LTE Advanced would offer optimal performance for use cases in telemedicine, e-agriculture, 3D Games, etc. It was also stated in 2023, approximately 4,000 LTE Advanced stations would be operational in key cities throughout the nation. This would make Glo the undisputed leader in 4G broadband in Nigeria by guaranteeing coverage throughout the whole country.

  • The new drive in technology, VR or AR

    The new drive in technology, VR or AR

    The competition to make the best VR or AR product has begun, marking the start of a new age. The AI war is still going on, and we’ve moved on to a new phase. This is how technology grows.

    Apple’s Vision Pro is a new spatial computer that has sent shock waves through the tech industry.

    This amazing product not only goes beyond what a regular headset can do (it’s not even called a headset), but it also has a wide range of features that you couldn’t even think of.

    Meta unveiled the Meta Quest 3 AR/VR device days before Apple did, sending the tech industry into an uprising. Apple’s surprise killed Meta’s buzz.

    We examined and contrasted both devices to help you choose.

    Read also: Apple unveils $3,500 augmented reality headset at Conference

    VR Price and Availability

    Even though Meta has released two versions of the Oculus Quest VR gear and plans to release the Quest 3 in the near future, the prices of these devices may not add up to the price of Apple’s Vision Pro, which costs $3,499.

    The Oculus Quest 2 and Quest Pro currently cost around $300 and $999, respectively, and the Meta Quest 3 is expected to cost $499. This big price gap could be a turnoff for many people, but it could also be a way for these two tech giants to market their products.

    Apple’s Vision Pro might be aimed at tech-savvy VR/AR fans and companies, while Meta’s main Quest line might be aimed at consumers. When reviewing what each company has to offer, the different prices may be just right for each product.

    If you’re interested in VR or AR and want to buy the Apple Vision Pro, you have a lot of time to save up because it won’t be on sale until early next year. On the other hand, Meta Quest 3 is expected to be released later this year.

    Battery durability

    The battery life on both the Meta’s Quest 3 and Apple’s Vision Pro is impressive, with the former offering up to 2 hours of nonstop use and the latter offering a prolonged 3 hours of operation. In terms of flexibility, the Apple Vision Pro is better than the Meta’s Quest because it has a plug-in pack for an extra battery.

    The Quest 2’s Elite Strap, which effectively doubles the battery life, gives users the option to increase the device’s uptime. But Meta hasn’t told you everything you need to know about how well the much-anticipated Quest 3 battery works. Who knows? It could just be a battery put in.

    Usage

    The use of natural intuitive models like hand tracking, eye tracking, and voice control is a great thing about the stand-alone Apple Vision Pro. Apple doesn’t include a controller or motion wand with the Vision Pro like it does with other VR and AR glasses.

    On the other hand, Meta Quest devices have controllers with common features like a thumbstick, touchpad, touch-sensitive buttons, and tracking sensors. They are also smaller and take up less space. Both headsets have stereo speakers and can send sound in different directions, but the Apple Vision Pro goes a step further by having audio pods built in to support spatial audio. For work, it also works with the Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad.

    Hardware Design

    In terms of size, the Quest 3 is said to be 40% more attractive than the Quest 2. But it looks more plastic and bigger than the other one. Apple’s Vision Pro has a 3D screen and a digital crown on the side. The Vision Pro from Apple has more buttons for features, but the Quest 3 has more.

    The Vision Pro’s sleek and simple design, which looks like ski goggles, is a breath of fresh air for people who are tired of using big devices. It’s comfy because the straps can be bent. There are three straps on Meta Quest 3. Meta Quest 2 is 40 times less thick.

    The Apple Vision Pro has an unusual external screen view. Laminated glass forms this distinctive feature. It uses human presence to seamlessly shift consumers from virtual to real. This is new to VR and AR headsets.

    The Apple Vision Pro has an external screen, unlike the Meta Quest 3. The Meta Quest 3, aimed at average customers, has three pill-shaped holes with camera sensors instead of a screen. Full-color passthrough allows hybrid reality.

    Display features

    Meta Quest 3:

    Display Features: Meta Quest 3 introduces an LCD display with two options:

    Resolution (both eyes): 4128 x 2208 pixels

    Resolution (per eye): 2064 x 2208 pixels

     

    Vision Pro:

    Display Features: The Vision Pro features two micro-OLED displays with the following specifications:

    Resolution (per eye): More than 4K

    Total pixel count: 23 million pixels.

    Both devices use pancake lenses.

    Software design

    The next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chipset will power the Meta Quest 3. A four-camera array with two side cameras and a depth sensor will improve its tracking.

    The M2 processor will boost performance in the Apple Vision Pro. Apple will add an R1 chip to handle data from the 12 cameras and five sensors on the M2 chip.

    Meta Quest 3’s Android OS has a large collection of apps and games. VisionOS, Apple’s first “spatial operating system,” powers Apple Vision Pro. It has apps for iPads and iPhones.

    Meta launches the Quest 3 VR headset

    Requirements and registrations

    Apple Vision Pro is for productivity and entertainment, while Meta Quest 3 is for gamers. Meta Quest 3 may take longer to collect VR-friendly apps because of its focus on 3D reality.

    FaceTime is easier with the Apple Vision Pro. The Apple Vision Pro still supports Apple Arcade games.

    Apple Vision Pro analyzes the user’s face during sign-in to create a 3D avatar. The Meta Quest 3 requires a Meta account, whereas the Apple Vision Pro may need an Apple Optic ID for identification.

    Lastly, we can’t tell you which product to go for because they’re both great. The trademarks for Reality Pro and Reality One have been filed, according to a 2022 report from TomsGuide. Also, the fact that a new product called Vision Pro is coming out soon suggests that there might be a Pro version or an improved version of the Lite version.

    We can’t wait for more exciting new goods to come out, even if some of their features may change over the course of the year. Meta Quest 3 is making a new breed of series, and it looks like Apple is going in the same direction.

  • Wi-flix debuts in Zambia in collaboration with MTN

    Wi-flix debuts in Zambia in collaboration with MTN

    Wi-flix, a streaming service that has been popular in Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria and is now available in Zambia, is one of the fastest-growing services in Africa. This comes a few months after Netflix said it would add Dolby Atmos to allow users with devices that support Dolby Atmos to get a better spatial sound experience.

    The streaming platform has teamed up with MTN, a big name in mobile phone service, to offer customers in Zambia deals that can’t be beaten. Wi-flix is excited to give its customers access to MTN’s latest 5G high-speed internet connection.

    The goal of this exciting relationship is to make streaming even easier and more fun for subscribers. This will improve the customer experience and give viewers the best entertainment options possible.

    Some of the other unbeatable packages that come with this new expansion, especially for MTN Zambia customers, include access to thousands of hours of unlimited premium content and daily, weekly, and monthly data packages starting as low as K1 + free 50MB for a daily package, K5 + free 150MB for a weekly package, and K20 + free 300MB bonus.

    Read also: CNN Seeks Distribution Deals for its CNN+ Streaming Service

    Wi-flix expansion 

    The company’s latest plan to grow is based on its big goal to become the best source of information for people on the African continent and in the diaspora. In order to reach even more viewers, the company is growing and becoming a major player in the industry. This will help it reach its Ambition 2025 goal of being the top digital solutions provider for Africa’s progress.

    Wi-flix Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer Bright Yeboah said, “Our presence in Zambia is instrumental in our mission to democratize content and ensure affordable premium entertainment is accessible to everyone on the continent and in the diaspora.” Filmmakers, directors, and aggregators in Zambia and elsewhere with excellent content can also monetize their works on our streaming platform.

    “We are excited to expand our footprint, which has seen tremendous growth in such a short amount of time,” he said, “with the addition of more content to our catalog for our audiences and meet the growing demand for premium content, establishing Wi-flix as the home of the best of entertainment anywhere, at any time, and on any device.”

    Google Closes Stadia Cloud Gaming services in the UK 

    Wi-flix launched one year ago


    Wi-flix made news in May of last year when it said it had more than one million paid users in just over a year since it started. As a thank you to its loyal subscribers, the streaming platform gave more than 1,000 viewers 48 hours of free access to all their favourite films, series, children’s material, and live TV shows.

    According to the research, Netflix’s milestone number of subscribers was likely reached because the platform is always adding new material and making new distribution deals. The company’s growth rate went up by a lot in the first quarter of 2022, with income going up by 51% and subscriptions going up by 61%.

    Netflix’s rapid growth shows how committed the platform is to providing high-quality entertainment to fans in Africa and around the world. Even though there are problems like limited connectivity and high data costs, the number of active streaming platforms in the region has grown a lot in the past few years. This is because the continent is getting used to the global trend away from traditional networks.

    Netflix has become a big player in an industry that is changing quickly. With its new strategy plan, it’s hard to say what will happen to the platform in the future, but things look good. Netflix will keep pushing the limits and setting new standards for streaming services all over the continent, no matter what.