TechPression

Tag: Amazon

  • Tesla, Amazon embrace Pi Network as payment method

    Tesla, Amazon embrace Pi Network as payment method

    Pi Network, a rising crypto platform, has achieved a major breakthrough by securing official recognition as a payment method by two industry titans, Tesla and Amazon. 

    This development signifies a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency sector, which has historically been perceived as experimental and volatile.

    Pi Network: A Brief Overview

    Pi Network, established in 2019 by a team of engineers and tech experts, aims to create a more inclusive and accessible digital currency. One of its key features is a mining model that allows participation without specialised hardware, making it accessible to smartphone users worldwide.

    Pi Network has gained traction in Africa, particularly in South Africa and Nigeria. The crypto platforms community in South Africa, Pi South Africa, is active on Twitter, promoting the growth of the Pi Coin and encouraging its use in the country. In Nigeria, users can now sell their Pi Coins for Naira through third-party applications and exchanges.

    Read also: Amazon Echo leads the way in smart speakers

    Tesla and Amazon’s Unprecedented Move

    The decision by Tesla and Amazon to acknowledge Pi Network as an official payment method has surprised many observers. Tesla, under the leadership of Elon Musk, has been a trailblazer in crypto adoption, having previously accepted Bitcoin as payment for its electric vehicles. This move indicates Tesla’s recognition of Pi Network’s potential value in its crypto portfolio.

    Similarly, Amazon, a global e-commerce giant, has also embraced Pi Network as a payment method. This decision not only showcases Amazon’s commitment to crypto industry innovation but also opens up the possibility for millions of Amazon customers to integrate Pi Network into their daily transactions.

    Implications for the Crypto Industry

    Tesla and Amazon’s endorsement of Pi Network carries significant implications for the cryptocurrency sector. It enhances Pi Network’s credibility as a serious and reliable crypto project. With two of the world’s largest companies recognizing Pi Network, consumer trust in the project is likely to soar.

    Moreover, this move sets a precedent for other crypto projects to gain acceptance and adoption by corporate giants. Previously, the lack of institutional support was a major hurdle for crypto projects. However, with Tesla and Amazon leading the way, this trend is changing.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    While this milestone is significant, challenges remain. The complex and varying regulations across different countries pose a hurdle to further adoption by large corporations. However, the support of major companies like Tesla and Amazon presents significant opportunities for the crypto industry. Their adoption can encourage more people to use cryptocurrencies in their daily transactions, driving further innovation in the sector.

    Impact of Pi Network’s Integration as a Payment Method on Tesla and Amazon in Africa

    With Tesla’s expanding presence in Africa, particularly South Africa and Nigeria, the integration of Pi Network as a payment option could revolutionise transactions within the region.

    Tesla’s strategic approach to establishing charging infrastructure before direct vehicle sales aligns with Pi Network’s user-friendly mining model, enabling broader participation in the network.

    This synergy presents an opportunity for African consumers to utilise Pi Coins seamlessly for Tesla purchases, promoting sustainable transportation solutions on the continent.

    Similarly, Amazon’s widespread use in Africa coupled with Pi Network’s approval opens doors for convenient and secure transactions across various sectors. The adoption of Pi Network as a payment method on Amazon could streamline e-commerce activities, enhancing financial inclusivity and digital transactions in Africa.

    In essence, the convergence of Pi Network with industry leaders like Tesla and Amazon signifies a significant step towards mainstream cryptocurrency adoption in Africa, fostering financial innovation and accessibility across diverse sectors.

  • Jeff Bezos sells billions of pounds worth of Amazon stock

    Jeff Bezos sells billions of pounds worth of Amazon stock

    Jeff Bezos, the founder and former CEO of Amazon, has recently made headlines with his substantial sale of Amazon stock, amounting to billions of pounds. 

    This move has sparked curiosity and speculation about its implications for Bezos, Amazon, and the broader market. Understanding the context, motivations, and potential outcomes of such a significant divestment is crucial in analyzing its impact.

    The Sale: A Strategic Move

    Bezos’ decision to sell billions of pounds worth of Amazon stock is not merely a random act but rather a strategic move influenced by various factors. One key factor is diversification. Despite being a highly successful company, Amazon’s stock represents a significant portion of Bezos’ wealth. By divesting a portion of his holdings, Bezos reduces his exposure to the volatility of Amazon’s stock price, thus diversifying his investment portfolio. This move aligns with prudent financial planning, as it mitigates risk and provides Bezos with liquidity to explore other investment opportunities.

    Read  also: Amazon faces lawsuit over alleged deceptive practices 

    Moreover, Bezos’ sale of Amazon stock could be driven by personal reasons. As the founder of the company, Bezos has devoted decades of his life to building Amazon into the e-commerce behemoth it is today. However, maintaining a large stake in the company may tie Bezos to its fortunes more closely than he desires. Selling a portion of his holdings allows Bezos to unlock value and potentially pursue other interests or philanthropic endeavours without being overly tied to Amazon’s performance.

    Additionally, Bezos’ decision may also be influenced by market conditions and his outlook on Amazon’s future prospects. While Amazon continues to dominate various sectors and show strong growth potential, Bezos, like any savvy investor, may recognize the importance of capitalizing on favourable market conditions. By selling stock at a high valuation, Bezos maximizes the return on his investment and capitalizes on the market’s optimism surrounding Amazon.

    Implications for Amazon and the Market

    The sale of billions of pounds worth of Amazon stock by Bezos undoubtedly has implications for both the company and the broader market. From a corporate governance perspective, Bezos’ divestment raises questions about his ongoing involvement in Amazon’s strategic direction. As Bezos transitions into a less operational role and focuses on other ventures, such as his space exploration company, Blue Origin, investors may scrutinize how this leadership change could impact Amazon’s long-term trajectory.

    Furthermore, Bezos’ sale may signal to other investors and stakeholders that he believes Amazon’s stock is currently overvalued or that he has concerns about its future growth potential. While Bezos remains optimistic about Amazon’s prospects overall, his decision to sell a substantial portion of his holdings could lead to increased scrutiny from investors and analysts, potentially affecting market sentiment towards the company.

    Amazon Web Services launches HealthScribe with AI 

    However, it’s essential to note that Bezos’ sale of Amazon stock does not necessarily reflect poorly on the company’s fundamentals. Amazon continues to innovate and expand into new markets, driven by its relentless focus on customer satisfaction and technological innovation. Bezos’ divestment may simply be a strategic reallocation of assets rather than a lack of confidence in Amazon’s business model or growth prospects.

    Jeff Bezos’ sale of billions of pounds worth of Amazon stock represents a strategic move driven by a combination of factors, including diversification, personal considerations, and market conditions. While the sale has implications for Amazon and the broader market, it’s essential to interpret it within the context of Bezos’ long-term vision for both himself and the company he founded. As Bezos continues to navigate his role at Amazon and explore new opportunities, his actions will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of one of the world’s most influential companies.

  • Amazon Echo leads the way in smart speakers

    Amazon Echo leads the way in smart speakers

    Since its first debut in 2015, the Amazon Echo has led the way in developing smart speakers. Its striking appearance and seamless integration with Alexa, Amazon’s virtual assistant, drew much attention and contributed to the widespread adoption of voice-activated home technology. 

    However, how does it perform in today’s cutthroat market? This is a thorough analysis of the most recent Amazon Echo:

    The pluses

    Cost is a significant factor when stepping into the fascinating world of smart speakers. And that is the very area in which the Amazon Echo excels. Compared to its high-end equivalents, its affordable price tag makes it an ideal starting point for families and tech-curious individuals. But this affordable price does not equate to less capability. Even in busy settings, Alexa, the AI assistant in the Echo, is very good at comprehending your voice requests. Imagine requesting music to be played while cleaning the dishes or setting reminders without using your voice while cooking.

    Convenient voice control is just one feature of the Echo, though. Its enormous ecosystem of abilities opens up a world of possibilities. There are dozens of Alexa skills available to you, ranging from managing your calendar and smart light controls to checking the news and regulating your thermostat. Do you want to listen to some music? The Echo is a flexible companion for music enthusiasts, producing clear, well-balanced sound ideal for casual listening. 

    Similarly, even for first-time users, utilising Alexa’s simple commands seems natural and setting up the Echo is a breeze. The Echo is an excellent option for those who love smart homes on a tight budget because it provides unique features at a price that won’t break the bank.

    Read also: US fines Amazon $25m over child privacy violations

    Obstacles

    Even though the Echo is incredibly affordable and user-friendly, a review would only be complete if it addressed its drawbacks. Fans of music who depend on services like YouTube Music or Apple Music may be let down by the lack of native integration for these platforms. This can be a deal breaker for consumers who are very invested in particular music ecosystems. 

    Furthermore, consumers suspicious of data collecting tactics may have privacy issues because Echo’s functionality depends on data sharing with Amazon. Before using voice interaction, it’s essential to consider its convenience and potential privacy concerns.

    In addition, the Echo’s design emphasises functionality more than style. It may have a different visual appeal than stylish smart speakers, although it fits perfectly with most environments. This is especially important for those who value design and want their technology to go well with their interior decor. Finally, even though the Echo is compatible with a wide range of smart home devices, there may be less interaction with specific ecosystems. Make sure that the product is compatible with your brand if you have a well-established smart home setup before purchasing to save yourself any grief.

    Remember that the ideal smart speaker will rely on your preferences and demands. Examine the Echo’s advantages and disadvantages closely to see whether it meets your needs and avoid any potential red flags. Making an informed choice guarantees you will benefit the most from your smart home experience.

    All things considered

    For those looking for a smart speaker that is both inexpensive and easy to use, the Amazon Echo is still a good option. It is a flexible choice for simple, smart home control and entertainment because of its strong voice recognition, extensive skill ecosystem, and passable sound quality.

    However, consumers looking for more sophisticated features or compatibility with particular platforms or ecosystems may be turned off by the app’s limited music streaming options, possible privacy issues, and simplistic appearance.

    Who ought to purchase it?

    The Echo is a good option if you’re searching for a smart speaker that will stay within your budget. It is an excellent option for first-time users or those who want a simple, smart speaker for specific purposes because of its affordable price. Imagine being able to check the news, set timers and adjust your thermostat with just your voice—all without getting off the sofa. These routine exchanges are easier and more accessible thanks to the Echo.

    The Echo is also an excellent option for music enthusiasts who prefer to use Spotify or Amazon Music. Thanks to the smooth integration of these well-known services, you may use straightforward voice commands to enjoy various music and podcasts. 

    Furthermore, the passable sound quality is ideal for relaxed listening in bedrooms, kitchens, and home offices.

    But it’s crucial to keep in mind that affordability involves some compromises. It may annoy users with large music libraries on various services, such as YouTube Music or Apple Music, as there is no native integration. Moreover, Echo might not be the best choice if privacy is your top priority and you feel uneasy sharing data with Amazon for voice interaction.

    Ultimately, the Echo is designed for consumers on a tight budget who appreciate Spotify or Amazon Music and want a simple-to-use smart speaker for everyday activities. The Echo is a good option for your smart home journey if these criteria are essential since it provides a compelling blend of cost, capability, and convenience.

    Amazon Ends Their Support For Third-party HIPAA-compliant Alexa skills

    Who ought to look somewhere else?

    The Echo might not be the best choice if you value crystal-clear audio, access to a broader range of music sources than just Spotify and Amazon Music, or easy interaction with a particular smart home ecosystem. 

    Furthermore, those concerned about their privacy and dubious of data harvesting methods would be better off searching elsewhere. 

    Finally, alternative smart speakers better match your home decor if aesthetics are important to you and you want a more fashionable and high-end design. Remember that the ideal smart speaker will accommodate your unique requirements and preferences, so consider these aspects before weighing the Echo’s drawbacks.

    Your ideal smart speaker will ultimately rely on your priorities, financial situation, and unique needs. You may use this review to make a more educated purchase decision and determine if the Amazon Echo meets your expectations.

  • Anambra exchanges technology with Amazon, Google, 24 others

    Anambra exchanges technology with Amazon, Google, 24 others

    Anambra state government announces strategic engagement with 26 US high-tech enterprises.

    [ez-toc][ez-toc] this. These firms include Google, Meta, AWS, Dell, and others.

    As reported, the strategic relationship was reached over a weekend meeting at the US Consulate General in Lagos. The state delegation, led by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, met with the US Consul-General, William Stevens, and prominent officials from 26 top US high-tech businesses to discuss strategic issues. 

    Read also: Amazon video cuts budgets for African, Middle East content 

    The summit sought to collaborate, form corporate ties, and promote technical partnerships to boost Anambra State. The statement states that the summit strengthened strategic collaborations for economic development and technology exchange, encouraging shared prosperity between Anambra State, its tech enterprises, and their US counterparts.

    The Anambra delegation, which included Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, Commissioner for Industry, Uchechukwu Christian, and Ms. Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, presented the state’s tech development initiatives under Governor Soludo. 

    They also presented the government’s goal to create a tech-friendly state. 

    Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata stressed the governor’s commitment to making the state a hub for digital transformation and innovation while showcasing the state’s tech revolution successes.

     

    Amazon, Google, and others commit to Anambra tech development

    US high-tech companies in the discussions expressed interest in aiding Anambra State in several ways. Amazon Web Services strongly supported the State’s Digital Health and Education Transformation. Dell and HP offered state-purchased equipment technical support and significant discounts. 

    Meta vowed to deepen their involvement in the state through partners like IGHub and Fate Foundation, while Google indicated an interest in trialling many initiatives and exploring prospects to strengthen SMEs’ digital presence in Anambra, increasing digital footprints. 

    “It is noteworthy, though, that the Anambra State Government and these tech industry titans recognise that these commitments are preliminary and subject to additional discussions and fine-tuning towards translating these commitments into impactful projects that will bring about lasting positive change for the people of Anambra,” the release says.

    Google supports Nigerian presidential elections with ballot paper doodle

    Strategic relationships mark a milestone in Anambra State’s transformation into a tech hub, according to the comments. They also support Governor Soludo’s goal of making the state Nigeria’s digital and creative capital. 

    “The partnerships with these leading industry giants, no doubt, will catalyse innovation, economic growth, and societal development within the state,” the statement states.

    The governor thanked US companies for supporting Anambra’s technology growth and emphasised the state’s commitment under his watch to fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

  • Amazon video cuts budgets for African, Middle East content 

    Amazon video cuts budgets for African, Middle East content 

    Amazon Prime Video is cutting the budgets for content from Africa and the Middle East by a lot as it shifts its international attention to original shows from Europe. 

    A statement obtained by Deadline claims that staff layoffs have occurred due to the restructuring in the MENA and Sub-Saharan Africa.

    New productions in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa may not happen, but existing commitments for shows in the MENA area will not be affected. 

    In the reorganisation, Europe will be split into two clusters, “emerging” areas will get more money, and African and MENA regions will get less. Barry Furlong, Prime Video’s VP and GM for EMEA wrote an internal letter outlining these changes. He stressed the need to “rebalance” resources and set up two European clusters.

    Read also: PIN, Sunshine Cinema partner for digital inclusion, job creation

    What we know 

    Sub-Saharan Africa and MENA staff have been warned of probable role eliminations, with a comment time.

    Some affected include Prime Video Africa Director Gideon Khobane. 

    The Head of Originals for Africa and the Middle East, Ned Mitchell, and Ayanna Ionian, Director of Content Acquisition and Head of WW Major Studio Licencing Strategy, are believed to be unaffected. In LA, Ionian supervises U.S., foreign, and African acquisitions.

    Gaurav Gandhi leads Prime Video’s APAC division, now covering MENA reporting. 

    Production firms like Jade Osiberu’s Greoh Studios, which signed a three-year partnership with Amazon Prime Video, face uncertainty after the current events.

    Prime Video’s exclusive deal created and developed TV series and films. Restructuring has left this deal uncertain. 

    An unknown future awaits Inkblot, which signed a multi-year partnership with Amazon Prime Video.

    The streaming giant’s first licensing agreement with an African production business was important.

    Amazon acquired exclusive global rights to Inkblot’s post-theatrical releases. 

    Popular Inkblot titles like “The Set Up 2,” “Moms at War 2,” and “New Money 3” were released, along with upcoming titles like “Charge and Bail,” “Superstar,” and “The Blood Covenant.”

    What to know 

    Amazon Prime Video, the third-largest video streaming platform in Africa, has grown since its 2016 launch. First, lacking local-language interfaces and original material, the service adapted to African tastes. 

    Prime Video launched localised strategies in South Africa and Nigeria to enter growing markets. 

    The platform invested in local production, released localised originals and discounted Amazon Prime memberships. 

    Prime Video’s impact on African streaming was shown by films like “Breath of Life” and Jade Osiberu’s “Gangs of Lagos”’ critical and economic success. Despite these gains, current reorganisation choices imply a tilt towards European content and possible African and Middle Eastern layoffs.

    Tech on budgets: mastering essential skills in 2024

    Amazon’s MENA Retreat: Desert or Paradise?

    Amazon’s MENA targets are being questioned. Cuts to Prime Video’s budget and programming stir suspicion. It may be a deliberate move towards Europe or a hint of difficulties in a Netflix-dominated market. Cultural differences and legislative issues complicate streaming expansion in Africa due to low internet and device access. Is Amazon’s optimism fading? Only time will tell if the MENA oasis is gone permanently or temporarily

  • Amazon plans to establish South African internet shopping by 2024

    Amazon plans to establish South African internet shopping by 2024

    A dispute between an indigenous people and Amazon over the location of a Cape Town office is likely to arise in 2024, when the e-commerce giant Amazon plans to establish its online shopping business in South Africa.

    Amazon has revealed that it intends to launch its online shopping service in South Africa in 2024, which will signal a significant extension of the company’s presence in the African market. As a result of this action, South Africa will follow Egypt as the second country on the African continent to get its own Amazon-hosted website. South Africa is currently Amazon’s 21st country with a locally-based domain, which poses a challenge to established online shops like Takealot.com, which is owned by Naspers and is a prominent participant in the industry.

    Read also: Amazon to invest $4 billion in AI startup Anthropic

    How South Africa’s economy aids businesses

    Analysts have pointed out that South Africa’s developed economy frequently acts as a gateway for businesses that are trying to expand across the continent; hence, the arrival of Amazon is a sensible move. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a rise in the amount of purchasing done online in South Africa, which has encouraged traditional businesses to boost their investments in online markets.

    The e-commerce has opened its platform to independent sellers in South Africa, giving these vendors the chance to establish their companies on the online marketplace. The organisation underlined the fact that more than sixty percent of its revenue comes from independent vendors, which might include both large and medium-sized companies. Customers benefit from a broader selection of products, more affordable options, and a more convenient shopping experience as a result of this development.

    Despite the fact that the South African market has a bright potential, there are some industry professionals who are concerned about Amazon’s prospects in the market there. Alec Abraham, a senior stock analyst at Sasfin Wealth, brought out some potential obstacles for Amazon in South Africa, including those relating to the country’s infrastructure, employment concerns, and economic environment. In addition to this, locally based online shops such as Takealot.com already have a substantial presence in the market.

    Amazon unveils cloud computing Centre in Cape Town 

    How Amazon has benefitted South Africans

    The ongoing controversy regarding the rights of indigenous peoples to their land and the impact of economic growth has received a lot of attention since the e-commerce entered the market in South Africa. Protests have broken out, with some calling for a compromise that strikes a balance between the two competing interests. As part of this endeavour, Amazon has been cooperating with members of the Khoi and San tribes, as well as the others who support those communities, to establish a historical centre.

    The growth of the e-commerce into South Africa also carries with it the promise of job creation and economic development. These are two things that are especially needed in a city like Cape Town, which has a high unemployment rate. The municipal authority of the city anticipates that the project would indirectly create employment opportunities for thousands of people.

    The e-commerce does not yet offer its shipping services in South Africa; yet, the corporation has kept operations in Cape Town for about twenty years already. In addition, the company’s retail development into sub-Saharan Africa is reflected in the opening of offices for Amazon Web Services in both Johannesburg and Lagos.

  • Amazon to invest $4 billion in AI startup Anthropic

    Amazon to invest $4 billion in AI startup Anthropic

    Amazon has reached an agreement to invest up to $4 billion in the artificial intelligence (AI) startup Anthropic. 

    This comes as the e-commerce giant ramps up its competition with Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Nvidia in the rapidly expanding industry, which many engineers feel might be the next great frontier.

    The online retailer has announced that it will make an initial investment of $1.25 billion in exchange for a minority ownership in Anthropic. Anthropic, much like Google’s Bard and Microsoft-backed OpenAI, runs an AI-powered chatbot that analyses text. Amazon has stated that as part of the agreement, it will receive the option to expand the amount of money it invests in Anthropic to a total of $4 billion.

    An earlier announcement made by Anthropic, which also counts Google as an investor, stated that the company intends to raise up to $5 billion over the course of the following two years. According to a 2023 investor deck TechCrunch obtained earlier this year, the company Anthropic, which earlier this month launched its first consumer-facing premium subscription plan for chatbot Claude 2, plans to build a “frontier model” that is 10 times more capable than today’s most powerful AI. This model is tentatively called “Claude-Next.”

    Read also: Nokia to launch AI-powered Open Innovation Lab in Dubai

    The aftermath of investment in Anthropic

    This new development, however, will call for expenditures of one billion dollars over the course of the following 18 months, the firm warned. Microsoft has placed an investment of up to $11 billion in OpenAI for years now.

    Anthropic has found a strategic investor with significant pockets in Amazon, which can also supply it with computing power to construct future AI models and then identify and help sell the solutions to a large number of cloud customers. Additionally, Amazon can provide Anthropic with computation capacity to build future AI models.

    According to the statement made by the e-commerce company, the investment deal stipulates that Anthropic would use Amazon Web Services (AWS), the huge cloud computing division of Amazon, as its principal cloud provider for mission-critical workloads. These will include safety research and the development of future foundation models. In addition, Anthropic will make use of AWS Trainium and Inferentia chips in order to construct, train, and deploy its upcoming foundation models. Since the year 2021, Anthropic has been a customer of Amazon Web Services.

    Amazon unveils cloud computing Centre in Cape Town 

    What Anthropic says 

    Last week, Dario Amodei, the chief executive officer and co-founder of the startup, shared that he does not foresee any obstacles on the path of his company’s primary technology in the near future.

    “The last 10 years, there’s been this remarkable increase in the scale that we’ve used to train neural nets, and we keep scaling them up, and they keep working better and better,” he said last week. “That’s the basis of my feeling that what we’re going to see in the next 2, 3, 4 years… what we see today is going to pale in comparison to that.”

    Anthropic has made a “long-term” commitment to providing AWS customers all around the world with access to future generations of its foundation models via Amazon Bedrock. Amazon Bedrock is a fully managed service offered by AWS that offers secure access to the most successful foundation models in the industry. In addition, the startup will provide early access to one-of-a-kind tools for model customisation and fine-tuning capabilities available to AWS users.

    “Training state-of-the-art models requires extensive resources, including compute power and research programs. Amazon’s investment and supply of AWS Trainium and Inferentia technology will ensure we’re equipped to continue advancing the frontier of AI safety and research,” said Anthropic in a statement. 

    “We look forward to working closely with Amazon to responsibly scale adoption of Claude and deliver safe AI cloud technologies to organizations around the world.”

  • Amazon unveils cloud computing Centre in Cape Town 

    Amazon unveils cloud computing Centre in Cape Town 

    The Western Cape Government has announced the formal launch of Amazon Web Services (AWS) first worldwide AWS Skills Centre in Cape Town, as well as AWS Africa (Cape Town) Region’s anticipated investment of R46 billion between 2018 and 2029.

    Premier Alan Winde and Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities Mireille Wenger, as well as other national government leaders, attended the official opening of the AWS Skills Centre in Cape Town, the first such facility outside of the United States. They affirm the programme’s potential to improve South Africa’s workforce readiness and economic growth.

    AWS has worked with local community leaders, educational partners, government authorities, and job seekers in this endeavour to create a thorough and informative learning experience.

    This programme is supported by key personalities such as Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, AWS leaders Maureen Lonergan, Tanuja Randery, and Rashika Ramlal, among others, who recognise its potential to improve South Africa’s workforce readiness and economic growth.

    “AWS is committed to removing barriers to accessing the skills training needed to advance their careers,” said Maureen Lonergan, Vice President of AWS Training and Certification. “The Cape Town region is brimming with talent, and workforce upskilling can play a critical role in driving innovation, catalysing economic growth, and accelerating digital transformation throughout South Africa.”

    Read also: Amazon Invests $120 million in satellite facility for Project Kuiper

    Immersive Learning for Everyone

    The Cape Town AWS Skills Centre houses eight enthralling exhibits that demonstrate real-world applications of cloud technology. The Cloud Discovery Space, a fun component of the centre, explains how the cloud helps with space exploration, gaming, machine learning, cybersecurity, and other activities. The centre delivers an immersive learning environment, including live, instructor-led training from AWS specialists, essential cloud computing learning modules, and the ability to obtain an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification. In addition, the centre organises career coaching and networking events to connect students with potential job placement prospects.

    Addressing Skills Gaps and Transforming the Workforce

    The development of the AWS Skills Centre in Cape Town is in line with the global need to address skills gaps in the technology sector. According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs study for 2023, organisations perceive skills gaps and people acquisition issues as major barriers to industry transformation. This emphasises the importance of training and upskilling activities, particularly in domains such as big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.

    The astounding figure of over 100,000 individuals taught in cloud capabilities since 2017, including both free and commercial training, demonstrates Amazon Web Service’s investment in South Africa’s cloud expertise. This programme helps not only individuals advance in their careers, but also Amazon’s larger objective of delivering free digital skills training to 29 million people worldwide by 2025.

    A Learning Centre in Cape Town

    The AWS Skills Centre in Cape Town reflects a dedication to information dissemination and skill development, mirroring the notion that an educated workforce lays the path for long-term economic prosperity. With its immersive learning experiences and inclusive approach, this establishment represents an important step towards tackling the industry’s skills gap and developing future cloud leaders.

    Meta, Microsoft, Amazon launches open-source mapping project

    Amazon’s Continued investment in free cloud training

    In addition to supporting the South African community, AWS Skills Center Cape Town is helping to fulfil Amazon’s goal of providing free digital skills training to 29 million people around the world by 2025.

    AWS’s free training offerings range from on-demand, self-paced courses to cohort-based workforce-development programs.

    Recall that Amazon had, in mid 2022 announced plans to expand operations to Belgium, Colombia, Chile, Nigeria, and South Africa by  April 2023. This Centre is a great step in the direction of the e-commerce giant’s plan to penetrate the African market.

  • Amazon Invests $120 million in satellite facility for Project Kuiper

    Amazon Invests $120 million in satellite facility for Project Kuiper

    In a bold move to provide fast and affordable broadband to underserved communities worldwide, Amazon, the brainchild of Jeff Bezos, is taking its ambitious project, “Project Kuiper,” to new heights. 

    The company plans to launch a constellation of over 3,200 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink. To facilitate this grand vision, Amazon will invest $120 million in constructing a cutting-edge satellite production facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. 

    With the global demand for high-speed internet growing rapidly, Amazon is determined to bridge the digital divide by extending internet access to unserved and underserved areas. The “Project Kuiper” initiative represents the company’s commitment to ensuring that even remote and marginalized communities gain access to the digital world.

    Steve Metayer, the Vice President of Kuiper Production Operations, expressed the company’s determination to make “Project Kuiper” a reality. He revealed that Amazon has set an ambitious timeline for full-scale production launches and early customer pilots, which are slated to commence next year. The satellite facility at the Kennedy Space Center will play a crucial role in bringing this groundbreaking project to fruition.

    Read also: Amazon’s Project Kuiper announces satellite receivers 

    Satellite Production and Integration Process

    Amazon already has a production facility located in Kirkland, Washington, which will commence operations later this year. However, the satellites will be transported to Florida for final preparations before integration with rockets. To carry out this crucial step, Amazon will collaborate with two space launch companies founded by Bezos himself: Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance (ULA).

    While Amazon is making significant strides with Project Kuiper, the satellite internet sector is already witnessing competition from other major players. SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, has launched its Starlink satellites, totalling over 3,700 operational units, back in 2019. The London-headquartered company OneWeb is also a prominent contender in this emerging field.

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    Government Initiatives in the Satellite Race

    Governments around the world are also eager to join the space race for satellite internet. China has ambitious plans to deploy 13,000 satellites under its GuoWang constellation project, while Canada’s Telesat aims to add 300 satellites to the mix. Additionally, German start-up Rivada has its eyes set on launching 600 satellites.

    Apart from private companies and foreign governments, the European Union is also actively engaged in the satellite internet sphere with its Iris project, which plans to deploy 170 satellites. Moreover, the US military’s Space Development Agency has its own ambitious plans to launch 300-500 satellites, further intensifying the competition in the market. 

    As Amazon embarks on its journey to make Project Kuiper a reality, the world eagerly anticipates the transformation it will bring to global connectivity. With the promise of fast and affordable broadband access to unserved and underserved communities, Project Kuiper represents a significant step towards a more inclusive digital world. While competition in the satellite internet sector is fierce, the combined efforts of private enterprises and government initiatives signal a future where reliable internet access will transcend geographical boundaries, bringing people together in the virtual realm. 

  • Meta, Microsoft, Amazon launches open-source mapping project

    Meta, Microsoft, Amazon launches open-source mapping project

    Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and TomTom, a mapping provider, are developing an initiative to compete with Google Maps and Apple Maps. After establishing the Overture Maps Foundation last year with the intention of developing interoperable map solutions, the four firms have now made available their first open map dataset.

    For developers who prefer not to use Apple or Google Maps, the new free resource may be an attractive alternative.

    The data will enable third-party developers to compete with Google Maps and Apple Maps by creating their own global mapping or navigation product. Overture claims that the release contains information on over 59 million points of interest, in addition to information on buildings, transportation networks, and administrative areas.

    According to Overture, the data layers have been prepared so that developers may “ingest and use map data in a standard, documented way and will be interoperable.” The data is useful for developers creating mapping applications or other location-based services. You can find the Overture dataset on its site.

    Read also: Amazon, Marriot, others commit to hiring refugees in Europe

    A free innovation for developers 

    “The Places dataset in particular represents a major, previously unavailable open dataset,” says Marc Prioleau, Overture’s executive director, in a statement. “It has the potential to map everything from new businesses big and small to pop-up street markets located anywhere in the world.” “Overture intends to establish extensive cooperation that can construct and sustain an extensive and updated database of POIs” (points of interest).

    The Overture Maps Foundation was established only last year, but it already poses a serious challenge to the dominance of Google and Apple in the mapping market. Having the data readily accessible could render it simpler — and considerably less expensive — for developers to develop applications. The Google Maps API currently has a developer fee, while Apple has comparable rates for developers creating non-native applications.

    Using this open-source tool, developers may create their own navigation and mapping experiences without relying on (and in many instances paying for) services like Google Maps or Apple Maps. As a matter of fact, one of the Overture Maps Foundation’s missions is to encourage developers to “avoid depending on closed-source or proprietary tools and technologies.”

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    The new open-source mapping resource from the Overture Maps Foundation leverages the features of the Overture Data Schema, which was created with the intention of being “easy for developers to quickly understand and use in building map products.” The team says it “intends to release open map data on a regular cadence in the future, the date of subsequent releases has not been established yet.”

    The first release from the Overture Maps Foundation is