WhatsApp now a major force in news media – rated high for fake news

WhatsApp is becoming one of the prevailing ways people discover and discuss news, according to a study. But use of the messaging app appears to vary widely between countries.

In Malaysia, more than 50% of those surveyed said they used WhatsApp for news at least once a week. But in the US, the figure was only 3%, and in the UK it was 5%. The Digital News Report also indicates the Brexit debate has led to growing mistrust of the UK's media.

It said only 43% of respondents declared that the news could be trusted - down from 50% last year - with the BBC in particular criticised for having both a pro-EU bias and failing to expose the "distortions" of the leave campaign.

The research was carried out by the Reuters Institute For The Study of Journalism and covered 34 countries in Europe, the Americas and Asia, in addition to Taiwan and Hong Kong. It was sponsored by the BBC and Google among others. A total of 71,805 people were questioned by YouGov in January and February to generate its data.

The results indicate that Facebook remains the most popular social media and messaging service for news engagement in all but two countries - Japan and South Korea - where, respectively, YouTube and Kakao Talk dominate.

But it adds that use of Facebook for news had dipped in more than half of all the territories where a year-on-year comparison was possible. By contrast, sharing news stories and chatting about them appears to be on the rise within private instant messaging apps, and WhatsApp in particular.

According to the report, WhatsApp is now the second most popular social service for news in nine of the 36 locations, and the third most popular platform in a further five countries. The authors provide several potential explanations for WhatsApp's rise.

Its use of end-to-end encryption means messages can only be seen by their senders and recipients, offering users protection against being monitored by the authorities. "Some of the biggest growth we've seen is in places like Turkey, where it's positively dangerous for people to express anti-government preferences on open networks like Facebook," explained one of the study's authors, Nic Newman. "As a result people are using closed groups where they are more confident of expressing their views."

WhatsApp has also benefited from the fact that in much of Latin America and elsewhere mobile networks are offering unlimited data use within the program, so encouraging its use. Furthermore, several Spanish and Chilean media outlets have embraced the app. Radio stations commonly ask listeners to send in short voice recordings via the service, and local news sites have added share-to-WhatsApp buttons to their pages.

However, Mr Newman said beyond that, it was difficult for the media to take advantage of the app's popularity beyond publishing stories that people want to share. "You can set up branded areas or groups of people on your own, but it's incredibly clunky and time consuming, and there are few tools to help," he explained. "And part of WhatsApp's appeal is that users don't get interrupted by brands, making it a very pure form of messaging. That's something [its developers] will really try to hold to."

The report also highlights widespread concerns about so-called "fake news". It highlights users' suspicions that social media's lack of rules and use of viral algorithms have helped low-quality false stories spread quickly.

But it says there is also strong distrust of the mainstream media, in particular in Asian and central, southern and eastern European countries, where the industry is perceived as being too close to government.

Chinese Partner Mobile Unveils PS 3 Phone – hints on local phones production on First Anniversary

Partner Mobile, one of the Nigeria’s newest mobile phone brands has launched PS 3 mobile phone into the market to celebrate its one year anniversary in the Nigerian. PS 3 is said to be coming into the market to consolidate on the innovative ingenuity of the brand following the success of PS1 PS2 and PS Power.

The phone is an android OS 7.1 mobile phone that comes with deca-core 2.6GHz processor. With a 5.5inch FHD IPS LCD, the phone comes with an innovative dual 13MP back camera and an 8MP front camera. It has a 3350Mah battery and comes with a RAM of 4GB and a ROM of 64GB.

Describing the performance of Partner Mobile brand in the Nigerian market for the past twelve months, the Chief Operating Officer of the company, Simon Klepper, said the brand has been successful despite the challenging Nigerian economy, the decreasing value of Naira and political challenges. Klepper attributed the success of the brand to true commitment and perseverance shown by the company. He added that Partner Mobile in the coming years would deeply penetrate the Nigerian market and also establish itself as a reputable company in the country.

“Partner Mobile’s first year in the Nigerian market has got to be viewed as a success. The last year has been a challenging one for the whole of Nigeria with the current dwindling economy, the decreasing value of the Naira and political change. For any company to launch itself under such conditions it has to show true commitment and perseverance, Partner Mobile has displayed these qualities,” Klepper said.

Also commenting on the company’s penetration into the Nigerian market, Marketing Manager, Partner Mobile, Ifeoluwa Akerele-Molokwu, said the brand name has been marketed to a large extent. According to her, “Partner Mobile devices have been made to fit into every social and economic class.”

She said: “We have our gadgets currently in major stores across the country and we are still working towards reaching more customers by partnering with other dealers.

“We have made available devices to fit into every social and economic class and also putting into consideration the current economic situation. Better said, we’ve got a Partner for everyone.”

Unveiling the marketing strategies deployed in ensuring that many Nigerians became aware of Partner Mobile brand, the marketing manager emphasised that they employed the strategy of pricing and innovation, which is equally in line with their promise to release updates, deliver the latest innovation and at affordable prices.

The firm, which entered the Nigerian market a year ago, said all the logistics have been put in place to enable it commence the production of features phone from quarter one (Q1), 2018.

Speaking in Lagos, at the weekend, the Technical Partner, Partner Mobile, Shola Akintola, said the plant would be sited either in Abeokuta or Lagos, saying all the component parts of the phone would be manufactured in Nigeria. He however, identified the country’s erratic power supply as a major disincentive to investment.

Canon expands monochrome print portfolio- the varioPRINT series

Canon Europe has launched its new varioPRINT 140 series of production printers, delivering productivity gains compared with previous devices. The new varioPRINT 140 is capable of printing 143 images per minute in both simplex and duplex modes, making it the fastest printer in the light- and mid-volume production segments.

The printer can deliver monthly print volumes of up to 800 000 copies, more than doubling productivity compared with the varioPRINT 135. Peak monthly production volumes may reach up to 2,2-million A4 prints.

Together with the varioPRINT 140, new varioPRINT 130 and varioPRINT 115 models are also being introduced, offering speeds of 133 and 117 A4 images per minute respectively.

The introduction of Océ PRISMAsync 5 technology further boosts productivity, using remote printer driver technologies to enable production planning and job scheduling up to eight hours in advance.

The remote app is downloadable to a smartphone or personal tablet, and allows operators to focus on other tasks while receiving real-time notifications of upcoming operator actions, such as loading media or adding consumables, or alerts of immediate actions needed. One or multiple PRISMAsync Print Server-driven digital presses can be monitored at a glance, helping expedite manual interventions to increase device uptime and productivity.

PRISMAsync 5 offers new impositioning possibilities, such as layout, trim and cover, alongside an embedded JDF/JMF interface. The new controller also enables PSPs and in-house print departments to work more securely, thanks to a configurable user interface which allows for audit logging and back-up and restore capabilities. New features such as page numbering, special book copy functionality and an intuitive copier interface improve usability, particularly in ‘walk-up’ environments.

The varioPRINT 140 series offers a full range of in-line finishing options, including stapling, saddle stitching, folding, die punching, inserting, ring binding and high-capacity stacking. The new W1 booklet finisher offers a new saddle stitch option for flat finished booklets, while the updated F1 booklet trimmer expands customers’ trimming capabilities.

A new professional punch is available, offering A4+, A3 and A4 SEF punching in one model, and with the capability to handle heavier media up to 300 gsm. The open Document Finishing Device (DFD) Interface also enables in-line connectivity to specialist, third-party finishing devices. For back-up or walk-up environments, the new printer features a simplified catch tray enabling a simple ‘no finishing’ configuration.

Tech heavyweights Set to Tackle Broadband Challenges at Nigeria’s 2017 ICT CEO Forum

Stakeholders across the public and private sector of the nation’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are set for the 2017 edition of the Nigeria ICT Impact CEO Forum (NIICF) & Africa Digital Awards (ADA).

The event with the theme: "Broadband Access: The Challenges of Cyber Security Threat & Effect of Social Media Era," will bring together Information and Communication Technology (ICT) leaders driving the Nigeria growth.

Billed to hold on August 25, 2017 at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, the event will feature a welcome address by Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu and two keynotes from the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta and the Chief Executive Officer of MTN, Mr. Ferdi Moolman.

Other seven lead speakers at the annual twin-forum, comprising discussion and award, include the Managing Director, MainOne, Ms. Funke Opeke; and the Managing Director, Nigcomsat, Ms. Abimbola Alale. Others include the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Isa Patami; Director General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr. Is'haq Kawu; Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone, Mr. Yusuf Kazaure; President, Nigeria Internet Registration Asociation (NIRA), Rev. Sunday Folayan, and Partner Muiz Banire & Associates, Mr.  Kunle Adegoke.

The two plenary sessions at the forum will be on broadband, social media & Internet of Things (IoT) and cybercrimes and cyber laws.

Speaking in a press statement, the event coordinator, Mr. Tayo Adewusi, said the forum offers exclusive sessions around the latest developments and trends in Nigeria’s ICT landscape and corporate environment, especially around broadband, Internet security, IoT and social media. “The forum is envisioned as the foremost impactful meeting of top C-level executives in the industry,” he said.

According to Adewusi, Nigeria has come to appreciate the importance of ICT to simplify and improve productivity and efficiency, stressing that this has informed a need to have  a platform such as ICT Impact CEO Forum , which creates a plaform for C-level executives to meet with industry players to discuss the current trends and project into the future.

Adewusi also stated that Africa Digital Awards (ADA) will take place simultaneously with the forum, noting that this year's event will be breath taking.

“ADA is designed to annually honour distinguished individuals and corporate for having distinguished themselves in the contribution to the development of the industry,” he said.

Some of the award categories to be contested by nominees include Most Outstanding Telecom Company of the year, Most Outstanding Telecom Company with the Widest Data Coverage in Nigeria, Most Outstanding Cyber Security Company of the year, Most Outstanding Cloud Computing Security Company of the year, Most Outstanding 4G LTE Provider of the year, Most Outstanding Indigenous Software Company of the year, among others.

“The key criteria for this year's over 50 nominations include value of the service or technology in solving recognised technology problems, meeting network requirements, optimising service and performance & enhancing customer service, overall quality of innovation and contribution to ICT advancement, originality & vision, potential industry growth and service, market success/acceptance and contribution to end – user’s quality of experience and service efficiency,” he added.

Using Smartphones and driving made easier with Pioneer NEX receivers

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. has expanded its popular NEX platform with five new NEX in-dash multimedia receivers for 2017. The double-DIN 7” LCD AVH-2330NEX and AVH-2300NEX and double-DIN 6.2”LCD AVH-1330NEX and AVH-1300NEX models are designed to complement the smartphone lifestyle of today’s consumer with continuous connectivity and access to a variety of entertainment options.

The AVH-3300NEX expands the NEX line-up into the smaller, more universal single-DIN in-dash receiver size, providing for the first time, a smartphone connectivity solution that easily fits into many older and collectible cars coveted by automotive enthusiasts.

The units feature a redesigned, simple-to-use interface and compatibility with popular automotive specific smartphone interfaces and apps such as Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™1 and Waze®, plus entertainment options such as Bluetooth® music streaming and hands-free calling, Spotify® and Pandora®. For 2017, the new NEX models have been engineered with an optimized PCB layout for audio signal integrity and a number of audiophile-grade components to deliver a premium audio listening experience.

“With Pioneer’s new line of 2017 NEX receivers, we’re making in-vehicle connectivity and great entertainment even more accessible by continuing to offer popular smartphone and music services, but at a more consumer-friendly price point,” said Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

“Plus, the introduction of the AVH-3300NEX single-DIN option significantly increases the number of compatible vehicles, specifically meeting the demand for the latest smartphone connectivity in a form factor that can be installed into many of the unique, exotic, or simply older vehicles that car lovers drive.”

Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity – All models feature built-in Bluetooth2 wireless connectivity for convenient hands-free calling and music streaming with compatible Bluetooth enabled devices. Users are able to pre-register up to five smartphones with the receivers, enabling hands-free calling and/or music to be streamed from any of the five previously paired phones, eliminating the need to pair and unpair devices. Additionally, the response time between switching pre-registered devices is faster, as is access to music and contacts stored on the connected device.

To maximize the connectivity options and call quality for hands-free communication and wireless audio streaming, each NEX receiver features Bluetooth AVRCP 1.6 to provide browsing capability of a user’s media library, and HFP 1.6 with wideband speech for clearer overall sound quality, making it easier to recognize and understand voices during calls.

Three of the five models feature Android Auto integration, allowing consumers to quickly connect their compatible smartphones to extend the Android platform into the car in a way that is purpose-built for driving. Designed with safety in mind, Android Auto utilizes a simple and intuitive interface to provide navigation, communication, music and more, combined with powerful new voice actions for minimized distraction, so users stay focused on the road. Smartphones running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or newer operating systems offer Android Auto and will work with the three Pioneer models.

Does it really make sense for Apple to buy over Adobe?

Last year various commentators and investment analysts were of the opinion that it would be good for Apple to buy Adobe Systems. There are many reasons it would be great for creative professionals if Apple buys Adobe. While a number of analysts see this as a useful move, there’s been no comment from Apple whether they might buy Adobe.

Apple has enough cash to buy Adobe, with more than $250 billion in cash reserves, Apple could buy Adobe with no debt and still have more than $150 billion in cash, leaving it with enough to also buy car company Tesla and still have more than $100 billion. An acquisition of Adobe by Apple would benefit Adobe’s customers, and provide long-term value for Apple and their shareholders.

Apple is relentless and focusing on improving the user experience. Apple products and apps emphasize simplicity and give thought to the scenarios in which a user will want to utilize their creations. Adobe emphasizes quantity over quality, adding more features and tools to their apps rather than considering how they will be used. The results is that Adobe customers can no longer comprehend the Adobe apps without Adobe training because a small number of apps each have thousands of features and tools.

A user could take more than six days of InDesign classes and still not know everything within the application, or would need more than 10 days of Photoshop classes to master the application. Compare this to the relative simplicity of Apple’s apps, such as Keynote or Final Cut, which require much less training.

Adobe is consistently worried about meeting the most recent quarterly sales targets. While this may be good for shareholders in the short term, in the long term their customers receive products that are rushed to market and are not built to last. The Apple culture would be good for Adobe’s product teams.

Adobe is no longer just a creative company. While they are best known for their creative tools such as Photoshop, they have a large and growing marketing, advertising, and analytics business they purchased from Omniture, and their PDF forms.

During the early days of Adobe Systems, Apple’s founder Steve Jobs expressed an interest in buying the company. This happened after Jobs saw a demonstration of Adobe’s printer technology PostScript which made desktop publishing possible. A decade after offering to have Apple buy Adobe, Jobs was railing against Adobe’s Flash platform, and how it was both riddled with bugs and energy inefficient, wearing down the batteries in mobile devices. He found Adobe’s Flash software so bad that he dictated it would not run on the iPhone and iPad, and publicly criticized Adobe. Jobs was also upset at Adobe’s decision to abandon the Mac OS for certain video applications, which led Apple to offer their own video and photo applications. At the time Jobs appeared to take it as a personal affront that Adobe would not offer their tools on the Mac OS.

While Flash is still not available on Apple’s devices, Adobe has conceded defeat and effectively acknowledged that Apple was right in not supporting Flash. This month Adobe is renaming their Flash tool as Adobe Animate, and de-emphasizing the Flash file format as the web community as a whole has moved on to HTML5. With the personal history of Steve Jobs feelings towards Adobe also out of the way, with new CEOs at both companies, making a return to the early discussion of Apple buying Adobe more plausible. 

While Apple does offer a number of apps, ranging from Keynote and Final Cut to Photos, the software applications business has been only a side note for the company. While Adobe’s tools run on Apple devices, it would require a dramatic shift in Apple’s emphasis for Apple to buy Adobe.

Via: www.agitraining.com

Nigeria’s GoMyWay reports 150% membership growth

After just 2yrs in existence, Nigerian ridesharing startup GoMyWay, has experienced a 150 per cent increase in registered members and a 300 per cent increase in the number of seats offered in the last year.

Funded by investors including Konga founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Sim Shagaya and former Amazon and Naspers executive Bill Paladino, GoMyWay connects passengers with car owners going the same route with empty seats to spare, in a bid to provide a solution to transportation problems in Nigeria via a people-powered transportation network.

The startup says it has seen strong growth over the last year, and has now recorded rides shared in 16 states in Nigeria, up from five at its last anniversary. Average seat occupancy is 2.8 people per ride, up from 1.8 in the first year, indicating that car owners on the platform are being connected to more passengers than before.

“Looking back, it is interesting to see how much we have grown. We have seen an increasing acceptance of this concept of ridesharing by Nigerians and are more than glad to be at the forefront,” said GoMyWay chief executive officer (CEO) Damilola Teidi.

“More so, it has given us the courage to push further in our quest to make GoMyWay a mainstream transport option.”

In celebration the second anniversary, GoMyWay has announced the start of an annual Rideshare Week Campaign across the country. The week-long campaign will be the first in Nigeria and is aimed at encouraging people to share rides as an alternative mode of transportation, as well as creating public awareness on the benefits of ridesharing.

“The goal is that the Rideshare Week will become bigger every year, and ultimately, many more Nigerians will get involved in the ridesharing culture,” Teidi said.

The maiden Rideshare Week will run from the June 5 to June 10, and will include a giveaway contest tagged the ‘GoMyWay Carfie Contest’. It asks individuals to post a selfie with at least one other person in their car, and share it on social media in a bid to win cash and other prizes.