Since the launch of Instagram’s Threads app on July 6th, 2023, users have employed various terms to refer to this new social media platform. Similar to how users on Twitter used the term “Tweeting” when composing or writing tweets, Instagram Threads users have adopted their own unique terminology. I once…
Author: Smart Megwai
Smart Megwai
Smart is a technology journalist covering innovation, digital culture, and the business of emerging tech. His reporting for Innovation Village explores how technology shapes everyday life in Africa and beyond.
WhatsApp is reportedly testing an alternative method that allows users to link the mobile chat app to WhatsApp Web on a laptop without having to scan the QR Code. According to WABetaInfo, this process involves users entering an eight-digit verification code that is sent to their phones. Introducing the new…
In the past, Google Calendar allowed you to set your working location for specific days of the week. Users could indicate their working location directly in Google Calendar by following these steps: The company recently announced changes to the working location feature, aiming to provide users with improved context for…
YouTube is currently testing a feature on its mobile app that enables users to take quizzes, generated by AI, to assess their comprehension of a subject discussed in a recently watched video. The objective is to facilitate the learning process for individuals who wish to delve deeper into topics of…
Twitter is set to introduce a new feature that will allow users to make video and audio calls within direct messages (DMs). Screenshots of the feature were shared by Andrea Conway, a designer at Twitter, in a tweet exclaiming “ring ring.” The anticipation for this feature was sparked back in…
WhatsApp has been spotted developing a feature; this time, not a Communication Tool which is in a Beta test currently with iOS users. However, this functionality will allow users to filter chat messages directly within the chat list. According to WABetaInfo, the feature, referred to as “Filter Chat List,” will…
Starting your coding journey as a software developer can be super exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. With so many programming languages to choose from, it’s hard to know which one is the perfect fit as you prepare to begin a new career in Tech. You are…
The Rwanda Government is considering implementing remote video visits for prisoners, enabling them to connect with their loved ones through digital platforms. This new approach seeks to modernise the conventional prison system by replacing in-person visits with virtual interactions. During the third leadership retreat of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB),…
Looks like Elon Musk’s Twitter platform is preventing “outsiders” from accessing tweets without a registered account. As reported by The Verge, this recent change means that users will now need to be signed in to a Twitter account to browse tweets, user profiles, and comment threads on the web. Twitter,…
YouTube is testing a new strategy to combat ad blocker usage on its platform, This move aims to encourage users to either disable their ad blockers or subscribe to YouTube Premium. The experiment involves issuing warnings to viewers who have ad blockers enabled, with the possibility of blocking video playback…
First Bank has taken a significant step in the digital transformation of banking by launching the industry’s first Humanoid Robot at its Digital Experience Centre in Adetokunbo Ademola VI, Lagos. The robot is equipped with Video Banking and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and it aims to play the role of a…
WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature that simplifies the process of transferring chat histories between devices. CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the update in a Facebook post, highlighting the enhanced privacy measures of the new feature. As you can see after watching the above video, instead of relying on cloud…
Zambian fintech startup, Union54 will make a remarkable comeback after a major chargeback fraud incident that led to a temporary halt in its operations. The African startup faced a $1.2 billion chargeback debacle last year, which forced it to cease authorising card payments on June 16 and ultimately shut down…
MTN South Africa is partnering with Meta to provide zero-rated access to Facebook, the popular social media network. The collaboration, announced today, enables MTN subscribers to enjoy up to 15MB of data per day for accessing text and photo content on Facebook without incurring any data charges. This strategic partnership…
BMW Group has today announced its plans to produce the new X3 model at its South African plant starting in 2024. The company will invest 4.2 billion rands (over 200 million euros) to electrify its facility in Rosslyn, marking a significant step towards sustainable and eco-friendly production. Speaking during an…
Zeepay, the Ghanaian fintech startup, has revealed plans to launch its mobile money service in Ivory Coast next month, expanding its operations into a new market. According to CEO Andrew Takyi-Appiah, Zeepay’s remittance services will be available for both sending and receiving transactions in the country. Takyi-Appiah emphasised the meticulous…
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, recently announced that WhatsApp Business app users will soon be able to create and run Facebook and Instagram ads directly from the app, without the need for a Facebook account. The announcement aims to simplify the ad-running process across Meta’s platforms and provide smaller firms…
In today’s digital age, the success of any business, especially startups, hinges on its ability to establish a strong online presence and effectively manage public relations (PR) strategies. This holds true for African startups as they navigate the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship on the continent. With the rapid growth of…
inDrive, an American e-taxi platform, has successfully obtained a license to operate in Kenya after nearly four years since its initial launch in 2019. This marks a significant milestone for the company, as it meets the rigorous regulatory standards set by local authorities. As of November 2022, only five taxi…
Instagram is reportedly testing a new feature that aims to block explicit images in direct message requests. The platform, with over 1 billion users worldwide, plans to roll out this feature once the trial phase is complete. The move comes in response to concerns raised regarding the platform’s failure to…