TechPression

Tag: Mobile

  • Samsung S25 series: 256GB base storage, ultra-slim variant and AI power

    Samsung S25 series: 256GB base storage, ultra-slim variant and AI power

    Samsung appears to have had a change of heart with their latest flagship lineup, the Galaxy S25 series. Addressing one of the major criticisms of the S24, Samsung is finally fixing the storage inadequacy that has been a sore point for users.

    Galaxy S25 Series: Enhanced performance with faster UFS 4.0 storage

    The Galaxy S25 will start with a minimum of 256GB, ditching the outdated 128GB option. This upgrade doubles the storage and enhances performance by adopting the faster UFS 4.0 standard over the previously used UFS 3.1 in the 128GB models.

    Read also: Introducing the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: A feature-rich Smartphone for every fan

    All models in the S25 series are set to feature 12GB of RAM as standard, with the Ultra variant offering an option for 16GB RAM in higher storage configurations. This ensures that even the base model of the S25 can handle complex AI features onboard, bolstering its future-proofing.

    Galaxy S25 Series release date: What to expect from Samsung’s unpacked event

    The much-anticipated Galaxy Unpacked event, where the S25 series will be unveiled, is scheduled for January 22nd. According to South Korean media reports, fans eager to receive the new devices must wait until February 7th for deliveries to start.

    The buzz around the S25 lineup also includes a new model, informally dubbed the “S25 Slim.” This variant is incredibly thin, measuring between 6 and 7 mm, potentially making it one of the slimmest flagship phones on the market.

    However, with such a slim profile, battery life is a concern. Samsung hopes not to follow in Apple’s footsteps with a significantly reduced battery, ideally aiming for at least 4,500mAh to compensate for the thin design.

    Read also: Why Redmi 13 is a perfect buy for smartphone users on a budget

    Samsung Galaxy S25 production: Will the S25 Slim be a limited edition model?

    The S25 Slim will see a relatively low production run of just 3 million units, indicating Samsung might be testing consumer response before possibly scaling up production based on demand.

    Interestingly, leaks regarding the Galaxy F16, a budget offering from Samsung, have shown a camera design that might inspire future S-series models. If adopted for the S26, this design could set a new trend. The S25 lineup will debut with One UI 7, introducing new features that significantly enhance user experience.

  • How Google Earth tracks mobile numbers

    How Google Earth tracks mobile numbers

    Mobile number location tracking is helpful in numerous ways. Should you lose your phone or worry about a loved one, Google Earth can assist you in finding a cell phone number. This article describes Google Earth mobile phone tracking.

    Before delving into the details, note that tracing a cell phone number should only be done legally and with the subject’s consent. Use such technology with caution because privacy violations and ethical considerations are critical.

    Google Earth install

    Install Google Earth first. Google Earth can be downloaded from the website or app store on PCs and mobile devices.

    Discover the mobile phone number: To monitor a cell phone, you must know the specific number. Use the whole number for accurate results.

    Read also: Google announces Google Security AI Workbench

    Google Earth: Launch Google Earth after installation. Maps and search bars await you.

    Phone number: Find the phone by entering its number. Please include the country code if needed.

    Search now: Click or press Enter to search. Google Earth will find and report the cell phone number.

    Zoom in: After the search, Google Earth will show the mobile phone number’s approximate location. Zoom in to see more.

    More details: Additional Google Earth features can enhance tracking. You may estimate site distances, use Street View, and switch view modes.

    Google Earth’s position accuracy depends on data and cellular network connectivity. Remember that this method may not provide real-time tracking and may have limitations.

    These ways of tracking a cell phone number are effective:

    Apps for tracking mobile: Mobile tracking apps for Android and iOS can locate a cell phone number. GPS determines the device’s position in these apps. Some popular options include Life360, Find My iPhone, and Find My Device. Download and activate these applications on the phone to track their real-time location.

    Cell Phone Carriers: You can ask your carrier about tracking. Services from various carriers let you trace a device’s location. This service is usually cheap or included in a premium package. Customers may need to log in or contact support to use this feature.

    On social media: Facebook and Snapchat offer location-sharing. If the target has permitted location sharing, you can see their location on the platform’s map. This method relies on the subject’s voluntary admission of their location. Hence, it may not always work.

    Reverse Phone Lookup: Mobile phone number reverse phone lookups can reveal the owner’s name, address, and sometimes GPS coordinates. Whitepages, Spokeo, and Intelius offer reverse phone lookups to identify phone number owners.

    Legal authorities: In extreme instances like suspected criminal activity or emergencies, law enforcement should monitor a cell phone number. They use sophisticated tracking equipment and collaborate with cell phone providers to locate devices. In such a situation, you must contact local authorities.

    Turn on location services on the device you want to track before using Google Earth to trace a cell phone number. These settings are usually under the device’s settings menu. Turning on location services lets you utilise the phone’s GPS data to locate it on Google Earth.

    Using Google Earth to eavesdrop on a cell phone number could be unethical and illegal. Before spying on someone’s cell phone, get permission and respect local regulations—only track devices legally and with the device owner’s consent to avoid legal issues.

  • Mobile money, digital lending to lead Nigeria’s service sector 

    Mobile money, digital lending to lead Nigeria’s service sector 

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso has revealed that mobile money and digital lending are expected to drive growth in the service sector in 2024. The announcement was made during the launch of The Nigerian Economic Summit Group 2024 Macroeconomic Outlook Report.

    Cardoso emphasised that these sectors would continue to dominate economic expansion in the country, projecting a 3.76% growth rate for the economy in the upcoming year.

    The CBN Governor highlighted the increasing reliance on fintechs and digital solutions, anticipating their pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. He cited factors such as mobile money adoption, government partnerships, and expanded digital lending offerings as key drivers propelling growth in the fintech sector.

    Read also: Digital Africa to invest in Côte d’Ivoire’s Fatala Digital House

    Optimistic Outlook Across Various Sectors

    Expressing optimism, Governor Cardoso outlined positive growth prospects across multiple sectors, including industry, services, agriculture, and mining. He attributed this favourable outlook to market-based reforms, private investment, and SME-led initiatives aimed at bolstering business improvement and confidence.

    Fintech’s Role in Nigeria’s Economic Ambitions

    Governor Cardoso reiterated the significance of the fintech industry in Nigeria’s ambition to become a $1 trillion economy. He identified fintech, along with other sectors such as agri-processing, oil and gas, manufacturing, real estate construction, and infrastructure, as key areas poised to attract substantial capital investments into the country.

    Despite his optimism, Governor Cardoso stressed the CBN’s commitment to ensuring regulatory compliance within the fintech sector. He emphasised the need for licensees to adhere to approved activities, warning of sanctions for non-compliance. The CBN intends to develop a new regulatory framework suitable for the evolving payment services landscape while conducting a comprehensive review of the licensing framework.

    Challenges in Nigerian mobile payments services

    Rising Adoption of Mobile Money and Digital Lending

    Mobile money adoption and digital lending have witnessed significant growth in Nigeria, particularly as the CBN advocates for a cashless economy. Reacting to the growth, global mobile operators unifier, GSMA explained that the number of mobile money agents surged by 41% in 2022, with Nigeria experiencing substantial growth. 

    According to GSMA, Nigeria’s “…liberalised regulatory regime led to an increase in MMPs. Agents are an important part of any mobile network service and were responsible for two-thirds of all cash-in transactions in 2022.”

    Additionally, digital lending is gaining traction, with 211 licensed digital lenders operating in the country, catering to the evolving financial needs of Nigerians amidst economic challenges.

    As Nigeria navigates economic growth and digital transformation, the convergence of mobile money, digital lending, and fintech innovation is poised to play a pivotal role. With regulatory oversight and technological advancements, these sectors are expected to contribute significantly to financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and Nigeria’s broader economic ambitions in 2024 and beyond.

  • Challenges in Nigerian mobile payments services

    Challenges in Nigerian mobile payments services

    In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in mobile payments services, driven by the need for financial convenience and the rapidly growing digital economy. 

    However, the landscape is marred by multifaceted challenges that impede the seamless operation and widespread adoption of these services.

    Read also: The Future of Mobile Money in Africa

    Mobile payments services challenges

    Infrastructure Deficiencies: 

    One of the primary obstacles is the inadequate infrastructure. Limited access to stable electricity and network coverage in rural areas hampers the functionality of mobile payment platforms. Without consistent power supply and reliable network connectivity, users encounter difficulties in executing transactions, leading to frustrations and distrust in these services.

    Limited Internet Access: 

    Despite the increasing penetration of mobile phones, access to the internet remains constrained, particularly in rural regions. High data costs and the absence of robust internet infrastructure restrict the use of mobile payment services, hindering their accessibility to a significant portion of the population.

    Security Concerns: 

    The prevalence of cyber threats and fraudulent activities poses a significant challenge to the trust and adoption of mobile payment services. Issues such as unauthorized access, identity theft, and exploiting scams undermine users confidence in the security measures of these platforms. The lack of robust cybersecurity protocols further exacerbates these concerns, deterring potential users from engaging in digital financial transactions.

    Regulatory Hurdles: 

    Nigeria’s regulatory framework for mobile payments is still evolving. Complex and stringent regulations, unclear policies, and a lack of standardized guidelines create obstacles for service providers, hindering innovation and complying among different platforms. A more cohesive regulatory environment is crucial to foster a conducive ecosystem for mobile payment services.

    Interoperability Issues:

    The lack of seamless harmonization among various mobile payment systems poses a significant challenge. Different service providers operate with incompatible systems, leading to inconvenience and limitations for users who seek to transact across different platforms. The absence of standardized protocols for interoperability restricts the potential of these services to reach their full capacity.

    Lack of Trust and Financial Literacy: 

    Building trust in digital financial transactions remains a substantial challenge. A significant portion of the population still prefers traditional banking methods due to a lack of awareness, understanding, and trust in mobile payment services. Enhancing financial literacy through educational initiatives and fostering confidence in the security and reliability of these platforms is pivotal for widespread adoption.

    Airtel, Mastercard provide mobile money transfers in Africa

    Possible solutions 

    Addressing these challenges demands a collaborative effort from multiple stakeholders. Investments in infrastructure development, particularly in electricity and internet accessibility, are imperative to enhance the operational capabilities of mobile payment services. Additionally, regulatory bodies need to formulate clear and adaptive policies that promote innovation while ensuring security and compatibility among service providers.

    Empowering users through educational campaigns and initiatives aimed at enhancing digital literacy and trust in mobile payment services can significantly bolster adoption rates. Strengthening cybersecurity measures and implementing standardized protocols for alliance are fundamental steps toward creating a more conducive environment for the growth of mobile payment services in Nigeria.

    While mobile payment services hold immense potential for financial inclusion and economic growth in Nigeria, overcoming the challenges of inadequate infrastructure, limited internet access, security concerns, regulatory hurdles, alliances issues, and the lack of trust and financial literacy is essential to unlock their full potential and facilitate their widespread adoption across the nation.

  • StarNews Mobile secures $3million in funding

    StarNews Mobile secures $3million in funding

    StarNews Mobile, a Cameroonian mobile video network, raised $3 million pre-Series A funding.

    Africa-focused venture capital firm Janngo Capital led the investment, although French footballers Aurélien Tchouaméni of Real Madrid, Jules Koundé of Barcelona, and Mike Maignan of AC Milan invested.

    The three players, managed by Excellence Sports Nation, an athlete representation firm, join a growing list of French-descent football stars investing in the region. Francophone startups receive less funding than English-speaking ones.

    Some analysts believe the linguistic barrier between English-speaking investors, the continent’s most significant investor group, and Francophone businesses may have lowered investment levels. Francophone Africa’s strict regulatory environment has prevented international investors and encouraged them to prefer Anglophone economies, contributing to the funding gap.

    Read also: Ford Foundation launches global network for digital resilience

    “Francophone Africa inherited the French system’s bureaucracy, heavy administration, and governance style; processes and regulations can be stricter than in other regions,” said Coura Sene, Wave’s General Manager for the eight French-speaking WAEMU countries.

    As a Cameroonian, Tchouaméni supports these founders who speak their tongue. I love supporting StarNews […] Fernand Tchouameni, spokesperson and investment advisor for Aurelien Tchouameni, loves appearing on StarNews as a gateway to the African diaspora.

    Top French male football stars earn an average of €33,927 per year and have several sponsorship deals, so they see this as an opportunity to grow their region and diversify their financial portfolios.

    Édouard Mendy, former Chelsea goalkeeper and Senegalese national team footballer, contributed $5 million in Julaya’s pre-Series A extension last year. Mendy made its first African IT investment.

    Football stars and other high-net-worth individuals in the sports business participate in venture capital for two reasons, according to Julaya co-founder and CEO Mathias Léopoldie: “The first one is that even though it’s a risky asset, it brings great returns. Second, they need to use their image to indicate that they care about their sports profession and wish to inspire their country.

    Former French player Blaise Matuidi and former English star Kieran Gibbs supported Bloom, a Sudanese fintech, in its $6.5 million seed round with Visa and Y-Combinator.

    IoT Africa Networks appoints new Managing Director

    Non-francophone Africa trend

    Footballers like Wilfred Ndidi of Nigeria and Rudzani Ramudzuli of South Africa are also investing in African startups outside Francophone Africa.

    African digital entrepreneurs also invest in local football clubs. Shola Akinlade, co-founder and CEO of Paystack, founded Sporting Lagos last year to develop Nigeria’s football talent. As of this year, Akinlade owns 55% of Aarhus Fremad, which leads the Danish 2nd Division, the third division of Danish football.

    Shola stated Sporting Lagos and Aarhus Fremad should deepen their partnership to establish an environment that promotes education, progress, and opportunity for players and the community.