Category: Live streaming

Google Chrome now has memory and energy saving features

Storage and power consumption have caused many users to experience trouble browsing over the years. In order to bridge this gap, Google is introducing two new features that will make browsing easier.

Memory Saver and Energy Saver are Google’s two new performance settings that can be found in the Chrome browser.

According to Google, the new modes enable users to reduce the amount of memory that Chrome uses by as much as 30 percent and extend the battery life of their devices when the battery life is running low.

Read also: Google Topic Filters Make Searching Easier

How will the new Chrome mode work?

Memory Saver mode frees up memory that was previously being used by tabs that aren’t being used at the moment, which should result in a more dynamic browsing experience. In addition, you have the option of excluding significant websites from the Memory Saver’s context in order to ensure that they continue to operate at their full potential.

Energy Saver mode will maximize the amount of time that the device’s battery can last when a device that is running Chrome has less than 20 percent of its battery life left. This is accomplished by reducing the amount of background activity and visual effects (such as smooth scrolling) on websites that contain animations or videos. When you forget where you put your charger, every minute counts, even though it’s not clear how much longer the battery life could potentially be extended.

Chrome mode availability

Today, as part of the most recent desktop version of Chrome (m108), both of the new modes began operational to users, and they will be accessible globally for Windows, macOS and Chrome OS in the coming weeks. Chrome’s Memory Saver and Energy Saver features will be accessible through the browser’s settings panel (accessible via the three-dot menu). Both of these features can be enabled or disabled separately at your discretion.

Top 10 Nigerian Google Searches 2022

Related updates from Microsoft

The announcement made by Google comes just one day after Microsoft revealed that its Edge Browser was responsible for closing 1.38 billion tabs in the month of September alone. Microsoft claims that putting a tab to “sleep” in Edge will save approximately 83% of the memory that it would have normally occupied. A couple of years ago, the company launched its version of these features, which can put tabs to sleep automatically after five minutes of inactivity (or as little as 30 seconds), and then once again improved it with the release of Edge 100 earlier this year. A gaming mode is also included in Edge, and when it recognizes that you are using one personal computer to play a game, it will automatically adjust itself to use less CPU.

December 28, 2022
8 Best VPNs In Nigeria 2022: Speed, Streaming & Privacy
Technology has significantly evolved over the years, improving the internet experience globally. There is now easier and more affordable access to a plethora of diverse information.

This advancement has also made human interactions more seamless across business operations and relationship building among individuals, organisations and nations, among other human endeavours.

More than ever, the world transacts online with payment of goods and services cutting across all sectors, including education, health, manufacturing, entertainment and travel.

Now that the world is truly a global village and is so closely connected through the web, internet users need to be conscious and intentional about their safety online.

Transactions and interactions done via the internet leave trails, whether sending and receiving confidential information or paying for products and services. Therefore every interaction online can expose one to being hacked by cybercriminals. These cyber criminals engage in credit card fraud, identity theft, and other crimes.

How, then, can you protect yourself from these cyber criminals, also called hackers? This is where VPN comes in, as it provides online security and privacy for internet users.

Here are the 8 Best VPNs you can use in Nigeria, but first, let’s understand what VPN is.

Read also: How To Enable Bitcoin On Cash App: A Complete Guide In 2022

What Is VPN?

VPN is a three-letter acronym for “Virtual Private Network”. It is a service that provides protection for your internet network connection.

A VPN encrypts your internet data and traffic online in real time, disguising and protecting your identity, particularly when using public internet networks.

This makes it difficult for hackers and other third parties to monitor or track your activities on the internet.

How Does A VPN Work?

Every device that accesses the internet makes use of an IP address. This is what identifies the network and the estimated location. With a discoverable network and approximate location, every internet user risks being hacked.

This is where a VPN is important. It hides the IP address by redirecting it through a configured remote server run by a VPN host.

So if someone copied your IP address to get your data, it would appear like jargon and unusable information.

This means it shields your actual IP address from being known or leaked by disguising your location. So, you can browse the internet safely without fear of your information being compromised.

Now that the importance of VPN is understood, there is a need to know the best options to choose from.

Criteria For Selecting Nigeria VPNs

There are many VPNs available which makes finding a VPN a lot easy. However, what is important is selecting the right VPN that will adequately protect you as you surf the internet.

To rate any VPN provider, we look at the number of servers the provider as well as the countries their server network covers. Having more servers across multiple locations offer users a wide range of content options they can access globally.

We also rate the speed of the VPN to assess how fast it will be for streaming different audio and video sites online.

Protecting privacy is a key reason why internet users love to use VPNs, so we also examine how well users’ privacy is secured.

Here are the 8 Best VPNs you can use in Nigeria.
1. Nord VPN
2. Private Internet Access (PIA)
3. CyberGhost
4. Surfshark
5. ExpressVPN
6. IPVanish
7. PrivateVPN
8. Atlas VPN
These 8 VPNs are some of the best options you can pick from.

1. Nord VPN

NordVPN is one of the most popular VPNs, with a presence in 59 countries across the world. It has no fewer than 5,000 servers worldwide, ensuring improved speed and stability.

This means you have access to so many countries and can block content from one country to another that is within its jurisdiction.

NordVPN is great for internet users to safely use their regular services on the go, including streaming content on platforms such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer with high download speed and no lag.

The apps allow users to search by country or server. Options available are dedicated IP, P2P, onion over VPN, and double VPN. Each NordVPN server in the list details the server load percentage (the lower the percentage, the faster the server will be).

NordVPN prioritises security, particularly with the peculiarities of several nations restricting freedom on the internet. It has high-security standards, as the VPN provider prides itself on providing 100% anonymity for users. In addition to 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch, it has a strict no-logs policy.

NordVPN apps can be downloaded for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. It can be manually configured on select routers. There is also an app for Android TV and a Chrome and Firefox browser extension.

Advantages: Network of over 5,000 servers around the world; high speeds for streaming HD content. It works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and others. Beginner-friendly apps Very secure with a “no logs” policy, Excellent support

Disadvantage: Some servers are not so reliable

2. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access (PIA) has great encryption and identity protection features that let users do things online in private. It has no fewer than 20,000 servers across 77 countries.

In terms of speed, private Internet access ranks with a speed that enables smooth streaming of Netflix, Disney+, BOOM! Studios Max, and other sites. The VPN service also unblocks other popular streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Studios Max and many others.

PIA offers both a live chat system for instant responses and an email ticket system for slightly slower responses to less urgent queries. It also has a FAQ and guide section to help users understand how the VPN works.

Private Internet Access has apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. It uses WireGuard and “strict,” which are two of the most popular open-source VPN protocols alongside IPsec on iOS. It also has a strict no log” policy.

Advantages: Fast speed for high-quality streaming. It has over 30,000 servers worldwide, with browser extensions and extra security add-ons. It has responsive 24/7 live chat support.

Disadvantage: No app exclusion or whitelisting

3. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a VPN service that provides quality security to safeguard one’s identity online. It has unlimited bandwidth and traffic, which makes it great for streaming online at a fast speed. This provider operates in 60 countries and has no less than 7,000 servers, with some situated in South Africa and Kenya.

Considering the user’s access to up to seven simultaneous connections, Cyber Ghost is flexible, giving you a variety of options. The VPN provider is easy to use and responsive. Selecting a server and activating features takes seconds to activate.

The VPN has a real-time customer support feature which enables users to have a Live chat in case the need arises.

CyberGhost VPN is safe to use in Nigeria because it utilises 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IP leak protection and has an automatic kill switch.

CyberGhost apps are available for Mac, Windows, iOS and Android. It offers apps for Amazon TV, while Linux can be manually configured.

Advantages: Seamless streaming without buffering with strong security features. The app is easy to use, and 7 connections can run concurrently on a single account. The provider has a live chat support feature.

Disadvantage: CyberGhost has no app for Linux

How To Save Data While Streaming Video Online

4. Surfshark

Surfshark is a great option for a VPN, particularly for security and privacy. It has more than 3,200 servers available in 63 countries, including Nigeria. The VPN provider has fast speeds that ensure smooth HD streaming and also works with Disney Plus, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. This service can also access Twitter across Nigeria.

This VPN is guaranteed to keep no logs, protect users’ data with military-grade encryption, provide leak protection, and have a kill switch. It also has split tunneling, automatic wifi protection, and the option to send traffic through two VPN servers. It also has round-the-clock customer support.

Surfshark apps are available for MacOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. It can be manually configured on some routers. The VPN provider also offers extensions for Firefox and Chrome.

Advantages: Fast speed for streaming and browsing. Works well with multiple sites. It has an unlimited number of devices and connections. Customer service provides 24/7 live chat support. It has multiple added security features

Disadvantage: A few slow servers

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice of VPN because of the high rating of its security offering. The provider is present in 94 countries with over 3,000 high speeds servers.

The fast speed makes 1080p streaming very seamless due to the unlimited bandwidth and no throttling. ExpressVPN lets you stream anything from Netflix to ESPN.

The VPN provides support for its users, with 24/7 availability in case one needs assistance while using the service.

ExpressVPN protects the identity of users online, enabling one to stay anonymous. This is because of the security features that cut across 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection and a kill switch. The VPN provider keeps no identifying logs of its users and enables users to unblock many geo-restricted platforms.

Operating systems of Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV, can access ExpressVPN apps. The VPN also has an app for routers as well as browser extensions for Safari, Firefox and Chrome browsers.

Advantages: Over 3000 network of servers worldwide with fast speed for browsing and streaming. The apps are user-friendly, and the VPN can unblock most geo-restricted content. It also has browser extensions. There is 24/7 live chat support.

Disadvantage: Slightly higher in price than most VPNs

6. IPVanish

IPVanish is a VPN that is keen on the security of its users’ data while surfing the internet and definitely works in Nigeria. With its fast-growing network of more than 1,900 servers, it is available in 60 countries across different continents.

IPVanish lets users connect to the VPN on as many devices as possible. It has apps for the most popular online services, making it easy for families to protect all of their internet-connected devices completely.

This VPN has a consistently high speed and works well with streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and HBO Now.

IPVanish uses 256-bit AES encryption, has a kill switch, and has in-built DNS and IPv6 leak protection. The VPN also has a no-log policy. Its apps can be installed on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. There’s also an app for Amazon Fire TV, but you have to set up Linux and routers manually.

Advantages: Has over 1900 servers with unlimited connection to devices. It has high streaming speed. It has extra security features.

Disadvantages: Struggles with Netflix and has no app for Linux.

7. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a fast-growing VPN provider with over 200 servers with locations across at least 60 countries globally. This VPN is great for unblocking geo-restricted content and letting users access websites in a safe and private way.

A privateVPN is particularly excellent for streaming HD videos due to its fast speed. As a result, users can easily access streaming services such as US Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. With a quick and easy connection to servers, PrivateVPN lets users connect up to 6 devices at the same time with individual IP addresses.

The VPN keeps no data logs, protecting one’s identity and activity online. It makes DNS, of 256-bit AEIPv6cryption, DNS and lPv6 leak protection and has a kill switch. You also have the option of paying in bitcoin for increased privacy.

PrivateVPN is available on Windows and Mac, as well as for mobile on Android and iOS. Manual configuration is necessary for Linux and routers.

Advantages: High speed for streaming and browsing. Apps are quick and easy to use. Includes all of the essential security features. Has a Bitcoin payment option

Disadvantages: No 24/7 live chat. Has no app for linux.

8. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is a great choice for its fast speed, allowing users to stream online easily. With a presence in 37 countries, Atlas VPN has at least 750 servers and has no limit to the number of devices a user can use its services with. This means it can be used on mobile devices and computers.

The VPN lets users torrent, and all of their torrent traffic is encrypted before it leaves their device. A streaming service that unblocks Netflix and has a “Tracker Blocker” feature, Customer service for the VPN provider works around the clock to make sure that users’ questions are answered quickly.

Atlas VPN uses IKEv2, uses Wireguard, and has a kill switch. All data is encrypted with AES-256. It has a policy of not keeping logs to protect users and make sure that private information is not kept. This provider uses a data breach scanner to keep an eye on all of its users’ information and protect it from hackers. It is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Advantages: Atlas VPN has extra security features. It has good speed and unlimited connection to devices. There is 24/7 live chat support.

Disadvantages: Atlas VPN slows down your computer’s speed. It has no app for Linux

These 8 VPNs are easy to use and keep cybercriminals from stealing your identity while using the internet. It is a wise investment to consider in order to safeguard your data online.
December 5, 2022
Multichoice Accelerator Programme Expands To Eight New Countries

Multichoice has announced the addition of eight new countries to its Africa Accelerator Programme.

According to a Multichoice statement, the countries that will benefit from the program are Ivory Coast, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Angola, and Ethiopia.

The increase suggests that the 2023 program now opens up possibilities for many more small enterprises in Africa’s technology industry

The program, which began during Global Entrepreneurship Week, aims to give participants the knowledge and exposure needed to secure transformative company finance.

The Multichoice Africa Accelerator Program was successful as it was able to raise $16 million (USD) in funding for six startup companies in the previous year.

MultiChoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela said, “We’re really excited to be expanding the MultiChoice Africa Accelerator Programme to more African countries. It’s part of our long-term commitment to growing and multiplying Africa’s technology potential, which is critical to our future growth

“There is such incredible business talent across Africa, MultiChoice Africa Accelerator is an opportunity for investors and small enterprise to collaborate to multiply the impact of this talent and scale it across Africa.”

Read also: MultiChoice Maintains Margins Despite Content Cost Normalization

Participating Procedures For The Accelerator Programme

The programme concept aims to grow already operating, well-established businesses by bringing in new investors.

Each nation’s public and private sector partners propose enterprises or entrepreneurs for the MultiChoice Africa Accelerator Program, and 29 start-ups begin an intensive virtual training curriculum.

This extensive online training program teaches entrepreneurs how to use the media effectively, promote their ventures to investors, write compelling business plans, and what potential investors seek.

Following the completion of the online training, eleven startups will advance to the final round. In addition, they will participate in a C3 boot camp to learn how to craft their pitch for international investors.

MultiChoice Acquires the Namola Emergency Assistance App

Multichoice Accelerator Programme

The MultiChoice Africa Accelerator Programme is an initiative of the MultiChoice Innovation Fund that was launched in South Africa in the year 2020.

It is a collaboration between the MultiChoice Innovation Fund and the business incubator Companies Creating Change (C3), which is based in Dubai.

This programme provides business owners with access to the tools, skills, and financial support necessary to grow their companies.

Since it was founded, it has been instrumental in the development of twenty new businesses in South Africa

In order to provide even more assistance to the African mission, MultiChoice has formed a partnership with EOH, a company that is in the business of providing technology services.

EOH will contribute their expertise, particularly in the areas of technology consulting, development sprints, and technical support.

November 27, 2022
Facebook to erase sexuality, religion, and address from profiles

Facebook will erase religious, political, and sexual preference information from user accounts. The transition begins on December 1.

Matt Navarra, a social media consultant, noticed the small but telling change. It shows that Facebook wants you to think about its platform in a different way now. In the early days of Facebook, people would fill out their profiles for hours on end. Things were different back then.

On Facebook, the information on your page is much more important than on newer social media sites, where a bio is usually just a few sentences and an occasional link.

Ten years of privacy problems have made giving out personal information less fun and carefree. Some people even put in fake information because they think it will trick the algorithms.

We’re getting rid of Interested In, Religious Views, Political Views, and Address because we want Facebook to be easier to use and navigate, said Emil Vazquez, a spokesperson for Meta. We’re sending notices to people who have filled out these fields to let them know that they’ll be taken away. This change does not affect anyone’s ability to share this information about themselves elsewhere on Facebook.

This change is part of Meta’s larger efforts to improve its public image. Overall, the tech industry wants people to know the difference between “sensitive” data and “regular” data. Meta will tell you that, for example, Instagram and Facebook don’t use sensitive data for advertising, but that’s because researchers found serious problems.

Read also: Kenyans Now Pay VAT For Facebook Ads

Why is Facebook erasing those from profiles?

After breaking the Housing Rights Act by allowing advertisers to use its systems to use those demographics to tailor housing ads, Facebook had to remove what it called “sensitive” ad targeting categories like race, region, and sexual orientation.

This amounted to discrimination against some viewers. In response, advertisers focused on proxies, such as targeting advertising based on interest in Jewish festivals rather than a person’s actual ethnicity. Since then, Facebook has eliminated hundreds of more categories used for the same reasons.

But there’s still a lot of data you can use, like location data or browser history, that could give you access to private information that the public shouldn’t see.

Recent research also found that Facebook uses people’s ages, races, and genders in commercials to show ads to people of different ages, races, and genders. For instance, ads portraying black individuals are less likely to be seen by white people.

How to stop Facebook videos From Auto-Playing

Disputable Facebook revamps its platform

Facebook is also trying to clean up and simplify its platform, which has many features that are rarely used and interfaces that are hard to understand. Facebook has a bad name, not just because it causes problems in society but also because it’s no longer cool. Users have been leaving in droves, and even Instagram, Facebook’s younger and slightly cooler sibling, has seen its popularity drop.

Because of this, the company is in terrible financial shape. Just last week, it fired 11,000 people. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, changed the company’s entire future. He moved away from social media and toward a “moonshot” goal of building “the metaverse,” which is a mix of virtual and augmented reality. But for now, Meta’s only way to make money is through Facebook and Instagram.

Even though WhatsApp is the most popular messaging service in the world, it hasn’t made much money for Facebook yet. Executives at the company are struggling as they try to stop the company from going downhill. They are trying to update the platforms and keep up with social media trends in a world without TikTok.

Reducing the number of ways in which your profile may be updated is, in a sense, an admission of defeat. The world has moved on, and Facebook has to evolve just as quickly as the rest of the world if it wants to continue to be relevant.

November 24, 2022
How To Save Data While Streaming Video Online
Streaming video online, particularly on apps such as Netflix, YouTube, and Instagram, consumes more data than regular web browsing. It will take about 5.5MB of your data to watch a 3-minute YouTube video, while it will take up to 105MB of your data to watch a 22-minute Netflix video. However, there are a number of ways to reduce your data consumption without breaking the bank.

Save Data While Streaming Video Online

Method 1: It is easiest to manage your data by leveraging the options available in your mobile phone’s settings menu. You can deactivate Sync, view your data usage, and more. Use data-saving apps such as Opera Max, DataEye, GlassWire, data-saving browsers, and Any Lite or Android Go to reduce your data usage.

Using these applications will save up to 60% of your data when streaming videos from Netflix and YouTube. These data-saving apps will track how much data are saved after each session.

Method 2: Another possible way is to disable background applications. Always examine the applications that are consuming your data subscription in the background; you will discover that the majority of them have little influence on your data use.

IOS users are constantly notified to check for updated information. This feature allows you to monitor all of your applications. This is accessible by navigating to Settings> Notifications. If you have enabled Push for your email, your phone is already monitoring messages. Otherwise, go to Settings->Mails->Fetch New Data.

Android users can adjust their background applications as well. To do so, go to Settings->Accounts->Sync-> Disable Background data and Auto Sync. If turning off auto sync seems too complicated, handle each account separately. You only need to check Auto Sync on a regular basis to discover which applications are using your data.

Read also: How to check your NIN number on MTN, Airtel, 9mobile, and Glo

How To Save Data While Streaming on Youtube

Many people who have access to the internet today enjoy watching videos on YouTube. How often do you view YouTube videos? Do you realize that this enjoyable online activity can consume a significant amount of your data subscription? that is completely correct. YouTube is one of the most data-consumed apps, and this is not by chance. When watched online, YouTube videos in HD quality may use up to 1.65 GB every hour. Here are a few fast and easy alternatives for you to consider.

Method 1: Reduce the video quality

You should be aware that the quantity of data required to stream a streaming video is constantly determined by its quality. Watching videos at a lower quality level is the ideal way to conserve bandwidth and data.

On YouTube, viewers can choose from a number of video quality settings ranging from 144p to 2160p (4K). In most circumstances, 480p or even 360p is the ideal option since it minimizes data usage without degrading the streaming experience much.

How to Reduce Video Quality
- Once you open the video you want to stream, press the settings icon in the upper right corner of your screen, choose Quality, and choose the resolution you want to watch it at.
- On a PC, you can lower the video quality by clicking the gear icon in the player’s window, then Quality, and finally, a lower resolution.
- When you lower the quality to the lowest option, YouTube will consume very little of your data subscription.
Method 2: Save videos for later viewing

The YouTube mobile app enables users in some locations to download videos for offline viewing. Consider yourself lucky if you are a chance to be in a region where this feature is enabled. This is because, while connected to WiFi, you may store movies on your smartphone for subsequent viewing. Using this offline viewing option will undoubtedly help you save a large amount of data.

Method 3: Turn off the autoplay function

When one YouTube video ends, another begins playing automatically. You should realize you’re losing data if the next video isn’t what you’re looking for, right? As a result, turning off autoplay is a great way to save data while viewing videos on YouTube.

To deactivate autoplay on mobile devices
- Launch the YouTube app, tap your profile image, choose Settings, scroll down to the AutoPlay section, and untick the “Autoplay next video” option.
- On the PC, look for the toggle button next to the “Gear” icon in the playing window to disable autoplay. To deactivate autoplay, turn the button.
How To Save Data While Streaming on Netflix

Watching TV shows or movies on the Netflix app uses varying amounts of data per hour, depending on the video quality. You can adjust your data usage settings by following the steps below.

You can follow these steps If you are streaming from a web browser

Netflix offers 4 data usage settings.

Data used per hour, per device:
- Low: Basic video quality, up to 0.3 GB
- Medium: Standard video quality, up to 0.7 GB
- High: Best video quality:
- Standard definition: up to1 GB
- High definition: up to 3 GB
- Ultra-high definition (4K): up to 7 GB
- Auto: Adjusts automatically to deliver the highest possible quality based on your internet connection speed.
Method 1: Adjust your data usage settings on the browser

You can have different data usage settings for each profile on your account. To change your settings:
- From a web browser, go to your Account page.
- From Profile & Parental Controls, select a profile.
- Go to Playback settings and select Change.
- Select your desired data usage setting.
- Select Save.
NOTE: Restricting data usage may affect video quality.

Method 2: You can follow these steps If you are streaming on a mobile device

Netflix offers 4 mobile data usage settings:
1. Automatic: The Netflix app selects a setting that balances data usage and video quality. You can watch for about 4 hours per GB of data.
2. Wi-Fi Only: Stream only while connected to Wi-Fi.
3. Save Data: Watch about 6 hours per GB of data.
4. Maximum Data:
5. Highest possible quality for your device and the TV show or movie you’re watching.
6. You can use 1 GB per 20 minutes or more, depending on your device and network speed.
7. Recommended only if you have an unlimited data plan.
NOTE: If you have also set your Netflix data usage, streaming on mobile devices won’t exceed this setting.

Method 3: Adjust your mobile data usage settings on the app

To select the setting that works best for your mobile data plan:
- Open the Netflix app and tap More or Profile.
- Select App Settings.
- Under Video Playback, select Cellular Data Usage.
- To adjust your downloads data settings, switch Wi-Fi Only on or off under Downloads.
- Choose your preferred setting.
NOTE: You won’t be able to change this setting if you have pending downloads. If your preferred date setting is greyed out, cancel all pending downloads or wait for them to finish, then try again.

Method 4: Watch offline on the app
- Offline Viewing reduces Netflix data use. You can download Netflix content offline with a current subscription and the latest app.
- You may use home wifi to download and play offline. Offline, you won’t use any data; you may even play in Airplane Mode.
Smart Netflix downloads. Not all movies and TV shows can be downloaded offline.

Netflix may be downloaded on your phone or tablet. For example,] above, you tap “Wednesday” and scroll down to view available episodes. Each has a Download icon. When it’s done, the episodes will be on Netflix’s My Downloads area.

How To Use Your Smartphone as a CCTV Camera Without Internet.

How To Save Data While Streaming on TikTok

The TikTok app’s setting has a mobile data use function that you may enable to conserve data while using the app. This option is turned off by default, and it allows you to watch videos without restricting your data use. According to multiple tests and observations, the app consumes an average of 70MB in five minutes with this default setting, putting the data used each hour at 840MB.
- TikTok settings provide a cache and cellular data option that allows you to limit the amount of data spent by the app. Navigate to the “Data Saver” option and choose it. To limit data usage while using cellular data, use the data saver option.
- When the data-conserving option is enabled, the app consumes less data than when the default settings are used. TikTok consumes an average of 30MB every five minutes while in data-conserving mode, which means you’ll spend 360MB in one hour.
TikTok Data Saver Mode

What does data saving mode do? We’ve documented all the updates to this TikTok feature.

The data-saving option guarantees that the TikTok app doesn’t consume much data while utilizing a Wi-Fi or cellular connection.

The video resolution may be lower than normal when this function is active.
November 23, 2022
Spotify Starts ‘Talks With Africa’ To Grow The Music Industry

Spotify, a well-recognized and popular African music App in Africa, has grown and expanded over the last few years after it started. Several factors can be associated with this development, including but not limited to the collaboration with local and international artists, including music streaming and social media.

But, somehow, only a few of these artists are benefiting from the success of this industry as a lot of them, including many skilled and talented creators, are still struggling to survive and break through this.

Spotify has made it known that this is the reason for which it launched Spotify Talks Africa, a new development of video series that aims at bringing together, in conversation, the continent (Africa’s) music industry stakeholders.

The Spotify Talks Africa is a forum created for featured panellists to dialogue and discuss issues facing the African music industry and further discuss and plan for the strategies needed to bring a solution to this and get an outcome of success and excellency among the artists and creatives.

The quarterly released videos have been arranged and planned in a way that each video episode is themed around the various pressing issues in the industry. This includes but is not limited to the pressing issues ranging from how music streaming is keeping legacy acts alive to the lived experiences of women in the music industry.

The panellists involved in the discussion and decision-making in the forum are drawn from experts and artists, including producers across the music industry. However, this does not exclude the Spotify Sub-Saharan African team members, who provide insight into the role of streaming in the music industry.

Read also: A three-month free trial is now available on Spotify

The previous highlight of the first episode

Mariam Bishar hosts the first episode, a popular Kenyan media personality in conversation with the band leader of the legendary group Them Mushrooms, John Katana Harrison; Wangechi, a good and famous Kenyan rapper who just returned from a three-year hiatus; and Monica Kemoli-Savanne, Spotify’s Artist & Label Partnerships Manager for the East Africa.

Further Details On The Panelists’ Discussion On Spotify Talks Africa

The long and robust discussion and dialogue in the forum touch on various aspects, such as the exportation of music to new audiences, music royalties and important tools needed to grow as an artist. They also never forgot to discuss technology’s role in all of these, as it is a crucial part that should not have been exempted.

John Katana Harrison, while speaking on how streaming has changed the music industry in the whole of the continent of Africa, expressed his thought and remarked that it is a great thing and how surprised they are now where people are listening to their music.

He then concluded by saying that it has brought a new avenue where music can be taken anywhere, not just within the country alone but also beyond the country, throughout Africa and beyond.

In response to this, Wangechi added that collaboration is needed in music and probably any other industry because then you put the artist’s fan base.

Another speaker in the forum among the panellists, Monica, then spoke, encouraging the artists to tap into the backend through Spotify for Artists and build and grow their strategies around that data. She also made another point for saying this when she added that you could see the demographic of who is listening to your music from age to gender and also by location.

Tik Tok Sets To Launch Music Streaming Service

Mushrooms’ Participation in Spotify Talks

Spotify Talks’ participation by mushrooms can result in even more growth for the industry, and if Mushrooms are any indication, relevance and longevity can also result.

Mushrooms’ participation in Spotify Talks is part of Spotify’s celebration of the band’s 50th anniversary.

Additionally, you can watch the full conversation on spotifytalksafrica.byspotify.com

November 16, 2022
Twitter Lays off African Employees

In an effort to cut costs, Elon Musk, Twitter‘s new CEO, announced plans to eliminate positions at the microblogging platform.

In the wee hours of November 4, 2022, Twitter employees found that their work laptops wouldn’t turn on, they couldn’t access their work tools, and their emails had been blocked. According to a source, several of Twitter’s 20-person African team have been laid off; another source speculates that the number may even reach half.

These layoffs, which may affect more than 3,700 workers, were brought on by Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter on October 27.

The email reads,

“In an effort to place Twitter on a healthy path, we will go through the difficult process of reducing our global workforce.”

“We recognize that this will impact a number of individuals who have made valuable contributions to Twitter, but this action is unfortunately necessary to ensure the company’s success moving forward.”

Read also: Twitter To Charge $20 Monthly For Account Verification

How The Twitter in Africa Reacted

Bernard Kafiu Sokpe, popularly known as Mistameister, a Senior Partnership Officer at the Twitter Africa office, tweeted from Accra, Ghana, “It’s been a year working at a place I never imagined I’ll ever get to work. I’m glad that I could represent for Africa & I didn’t let us down. My best career experience by far & it was beautiful whilst it lasted. Much love to all the amazing tweets that made it worth it.”

Employees at Twitter’s Africa branch who received the Friday email through their personal email accounts are still unsure of their employment status because the letters claim they are suspended. Part of the email states, “For the avoidance of doubt, this suspension does not mean your employment has been terminated.” One worker criticised Elon for “coming for our jobs like the second coming of Jesus. In our sleep and like a thief in the night.”

These layoffs also raised questions concerning the necessity of internet companies’ African headquarters. Additionally, it jeopardises Twitter’s capacity to continue serving as a platform for millions of Africans, who are already looking forward to the bugs and repairs Musk’s rule will bring.

However, on November 3, 3022, former Twitter workers filed a class action lawsuit against the company, alleging that the company violated US employment law by giving the mass layoffs such little notice. Large corporations are required to provide 60 days’ notice before beginning mass layoffs under the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of the United States.

Initial Events That Preceded This Layoff of the African Twitter Team

According to reports in Ghana, the content moderation team staff are already among those impacted as internal sources predict additional layoffs. In April 2021, the Ghana office officially opened as the organization’s regional headquarters for Africa.

Even though the microblogging platform reached an agreement with the Federal Government of Nigeria last year, several outlets have predicted that the firm’s ongoing layoffs may impact Twitter’s ambitions to create an office in Nigeria.

Twitter releases two new video enhancements features

A firm representative said in September that there were no plans for the company to open an office in Nigeria.

Two months after putting a hiring block in place due to an Elon Musk takeover offer, Twitter has let go of some of its recruiting teams.

According to claims published on the 3rd of November, 2022, by a number of media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal and TechCrunch, about a third of the talent acquisition staff was impacted. Insider received confirmation of the layoffs from a Twitter spokesman.

Less than 100 workers were impacted by the layoffs, according to The Journal’s citation of Twitter.

A “slimmer workforce would make more sense” at the social media site, according to Changpeng Zhao, the chief executive and founder of Binance, who supported the move to fire some employees.

As part of Musk’s $44 billion buyout, which was finalised last week and has since been followed by a flood of adjustments and proposed overhauls of the company, Zhao, through Binance, invested $500 million (£441 million) in Twitter.

November 7, 2022
Netflix To Launch Ad-Supported Subscription Plan In November

Netflix announced plans for a less expensive, advertising-supported subscription, hoping that a $6.99/month alternative for customers can maintain its earnings in increasingly difficult economic times. When the company’s once exploding subscriber growth turned into reverse as a symptom of market saturation in North America, Reed Hastings, chief executive, changed his previous resistance to advertising support early this year.

Netflix has renamed this membership level “Basic with Ads” and made it clear that the current Basic plan will continue to be ad-free. Therefore, it will now be referred to as “Ad-free Basic.”The new ad-supported service, launching in November, will “expand membership and produce a substantial additional income and profit stream,” said Netflix COO Greg Peters.

Read also: Netflix introduces in-game IDs for iOS and Android gamers

How Netflix’s new cheaper plan works

According to Netflix’s report, this plan’s pricing varies by location; the “Basic with ads” bundle will be on sale for £4.99 in the UK and $6.99 in the US.

There are now three levels of Netflix membership: “Basic,” which costs £6.99 per month, “Standard,” which costs £10.99 per month; and “Premium,” which costs £15.98 per month. Therefore, a Netflix user who switches from “Basic” to “Basic with ads” would save around £24 annually, while a user who switches from “Standard” to the new tier will save about £72 annually.

Which countries will Netflix begin offering advertising memberships in?

With ambitions to eventually extend to additional regions, Netflix will first introduce the new subscription tier in 12 nations. Along with the US and UK, it will also arrive in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and Spain.

As they “learn from and enhance the experience,” Netflix claims that they intend to launch in additional countries over time. While Netflix subscribers on the new plan will save a bit of money, there won’t be as many movies and TV series to watch, which the platform is attributing to licensing issues.

Netflix’s subscriber warning this year alarmed investors, who detest growth-at-all-costs streaming conflicts. Disney Plus will launch a $7.99 ad-supported tier in December while raising ad-free prices. Hulu, Paramount Plus, and Peacock are ad-supported. The image quality will also be slightly reduced, and subscribers on the new advert tier won’t be able to download content to their devices.

Netflix will invest about $300,000 in Kenyan talent.

How many minutes of ads will there be on Netflix?

The streamer has confirmed that viewers will be shown five minutes of ads for every hour of content. This is slightly less than commercial TV channels, which usually run an average of seven minutes of ads an hour. Adverts will be 15 or 30 seconds in length and will play before and during series and films. The ads will be targeted by country and genre, with advertisers able to prevent their ad spots from appearing on content that doesn’t match with their brand.

Morgan Stanley thinks Netflix may earn $3bn a year from advertising in 2026, with the majority coming from users moving down from ad-free tiers.

For advertisers, this means more premium video ad impressions globally, and Morgan Stanley analysts predict high demand. No solid examples exist to predict Netflix’s expansion.

While Hulu has switched from ad-funded to subscription tiers, no video company has introduced a cheaper ad-based offering while keeping subscription costs unchanged.

Netflix has announced that Microsoft would control the advertising, so we anticipate appropriate adverts. Some material is limited due to licensing difficulties.

November 3, 2022
Safaricom and Google Partner on YouTube content production

Safaricom, a Kenyan telecommunications company, recently announced that it had made a deal with Google to promote and add more short videos from YouTube to its platform.

During the promotion, which will last for a total of two months, content creators in the east African country will be able to get 1GB of data for as little as 10 Kenyan Shillings, or $0.08 USD.

The telecommunications company also said that it is offering these services at such low prices to encourage Kenyans to get used to streaming videos.

According to a statement from Safaricom, the company’s CEO, Peter Ndegwa, said, “I believe this new data bundle offer will help lift up new talent by giving them more chances to show off their skills and talents and get recognized both locally and internationally.”

Read also: YouTube Takes on TikTok: Give Creators 45% Revenue

The campaign will be called “YouTube shorts challenge”

According to the statement released by the telecommunications company, the campaign will be held in conjunction with a competition that will be known as the YouTube Shorts Challenge. Individuals who create and upload original videos will have the opportunity to win both weekly cash prizes and a grand cash prize.

The weekly cash prize awards will honour 15 content creators. Depending on how much they won, each will get between KES5,000 ($41.20) and KES120,000 ($990) in cash.

“At the conclusion of the competition, the content creator who achieved the highest ranking by garnering the most combined likes and views will be awarded a prize of KES1.2 million ($9,900). The runners-up will each receive KES 800,000 ($6,600), which puts them in second place, and KES 600,000 ($4,950), which puts them in third place, “the telecom company said.

Customers can buy the daily KES10 for 1GB data bundles that are being offered for the YouTube shorts competition by dialing *544*55#.

This brand-new campaign will be accessible to a significant number of mobile users in Kenya. As the telecommunications company that has only just activated its mobile network and services in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia,

As of the second quarter of 2020, market research company Omdia said that the telecommunications operator Safaricom has 43 million members.

Airtel Kenya, which has 16.4 million customers, comes in second place. In the second quarter of 2022, Telkom Kenya maintained its position as the third-largest mobile service provider in the country, with over 4.4 million clients. Jamii Telecommunications comes in at number four despite having only 275,000 customers.

YouTube Introduces “Name Handle” To Make Creator Tagging Simpler

About Safaricom

Safaricom PLC is a publicly traded mobile network operator in Kenya. Its headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, at the Safaricom House. It is the most important provider of telecommunications services in Kenya and is consistently ranked among the most successful businesses in the East and Central Africa area. The company provides a variety of services, including mobile phones, mobile money transfers, consumer electronics, online commerce, cloud computing, data, music streaming, and fiber optics. The most well-known aspect of it is that it is the birthplace of MPESA, a mobile banking service that is based on SMS.

November 2, 2022
Google Collaborates With Adunni Olorisha Trust To Preserve Osogbo Sacred Grove

The first and largest digital library of contents highlighting the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove has been launched, according to a press release from Google Arts & Culture in collaboration with The Adunni Olorisha Trust and CyArk.

One of Nigeria’s last remaining holy groves has been preserved digitally with the introduction of Google Arts and Culture’s larger Heritage on the Edge initiative. A 75ha Street View of the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, including the Busanyin Shrine before it was impacted by the water, and 3D representations of four of the dynamic shrines at the site are among the top highlights of this project.

Features to expect from this collaboration

The collection offers access to 900 high-resolution images of the location, as well as modern and antique sculptures, works of art, and spiritual figures.

It also includes three audio interviews, including one with well-known artist Jimoh Buraimoh about Susanne Wenger, 28 stories about the art, community, and spirituality at the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, as well as information about the impact of climate change there.

Visitors can also witness 27 video interviews as part of the project, as well as aerial and 3D views of the location, and annotated 3D tours of the Busanyin and Iya Moopo shrines, which highlight the history of art and spirituality in the sacred grove.

Read also: CcHub Collaborates with Google for Fintech Incubation in Rwanda

Reactions To This Project

Everyone who was opportune to see this project commended the good efforts of Google and other stakeholders for their roles in this project. Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Federal Republic of Nigeria, adds

“I am truly delighted that, for the first time, the Osun Osogbo Grove has been brought online, thanks to Google Arts and Culture, which has partnered with CyArk and the Adunni Olorisa Trust/Osun Foundation to digitize the shrine and its surroundings, thus protecting both for posterity.”

On his part, Olufemi A. Akinsanya Akinsanya, Chairman, Save Our Art! Save Our Heritage! said this about the project “The Yoruba community is one of the largest in Nigeria and the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove is truly a unique and special place that embodies the essence of the Yoruba culture and heritage. We are excited about the digital preservation of the site and the partnership with Google Arts & Culture. It offers a noteworthy body of work that portrays the admirable culture of the Yoruba people to the world.”

Similarly, Kacey Hadick, Director of Programs and Development, CyArk, said this about his team’s participation in the project:

“CyArk’s work in Osogbo has been a true collaboration between Nigerian government officials, local NGOs, the community of Osogbo, and His Royal Highness Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, who are all working together to share the stories of Osogbo with a wider audience”.

This project received massive acceptance from all the parties involved,, including the FG. This means that this project would last for a long time if all parties involved corporate to contribute to its success.

Location Of Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove

The Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is situated on the Osun River’s forested banks in Osogbo, in the Nigerian state of Osun. It is several centuries old and one of the last sacred groves of its kind that connected the edges of most Yoruba cities before the mass migration from rural to urban areas.

Yoruba deities are represented in attractive, sculpted temples where imagination and spirituality are brought to life. The Grove has recently been in danger of being destroyed because of flooding, intense rain, and climate change.

MTN Tackles South Africa Power Crisis To Keep Customers Connected

More on the partnership

Chance Coughenour, Program Manager and Digital Archaeologist at Google Arts & Culture, commented on the project:

“Google Arts & Culture’s mission is to preserve and promote the world’s art and culture online, allowing anyone, anywhere in the world to share in it. We are grateful that through partnerships, we are now able to preserve one of the most recognized, culturally rich Yoruba heritage sites, known for active traditional worship and contemporary art movements”.

Google’s dedication to protecting Nigeria’s cultural legacy is furthered by the inauguration of the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove project, which offers new audiences locally and internationally the chance to experience its past, present, and future.

The goal of this project is also to promote community maintenance and conservation further, the project aims to assist site managers in digitally documenting historic places that are at risk from climate change.

Google Arts & Culture has made it easier to explore history, culture, experience art, and natural wonders from more than a thousand organizations around the world. It can be accessed on all device app stores.

October 27, 2022