💻 Apple Inc. Shakes Up Digital Services | 🚉 Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line begins partial operations

Today’s Menu ☕️
🆘 Elon Musk Promises Free Emergency Access with SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile Service
💻 Apple Inc. Shakes Up Digital Services; 100 employees let go
💵 Flutterwave Secures Key License to Revolutionize Digital Payments in Uganda
📱Safaricom Faces Growing Pressure from Starlink’s Direct Mobile Connectivity
🚉 Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line begins partial operations

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💻 TECHNOLOGY

Apple Inc. Shakes Up Digital Services; 100 employees let go

In a surprising move, Apple Inc. has made headlines by cutting approximately 100 positions within its digital services division, marking a significant shift in its strategic focus. This decision, affecting various teams under Senior Vice President Eddy Cue, highlights the company’s evolving priorities as it adapts to new business dynamics.

The recent layoffs targeted several key areas, including the Apple Books app and the Apple Bookstore. While Apple Books has been deprioritized, it’s not disappearing—expect future updates, though they might not be as frequent. Similarly, despite some job cuts in the Apple News team, the platform remains a core part of Apple’s services.

This move is part of a broader trend at Apple, which has seen several rounds of job reductions in 2024. Earlier cuts included the closure of its self-driving car initiative and the shuttering of its microLED display project. This wave of layoffs contrasts with Apple’s historically stable employment practices, underscoring the company’s current need to streamline and refocus..…....continue reading

💵 PAYMENTS

Flutterwave Secures Key License to Revolutionize Digital Payments in Uganda

In an exciting development for Africa’s fintech landscape, Flutterwave has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining the Payment Systems Operator (PSO) License from the Bank of Uganda. This achievement represents a major step forward in Flutterwave’s mission to empower African businesses to thrive globally by making and accepting payments seamlessly.

With the PSO License now in hand, Flutterwave is set to transform how Ugandan businesses manage their payment processes. By providing access to Flutterwave’s comprehensive suite of payment solutions, businesses in Uganda can effortlessly receive payments from customers using their preferred methods, whether through debit and credit cards, mobile money, or bank transfers. This move promises to streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and support business growth.

Furthermore, the license will enable businesses to make both single and bulk payouts to suppliers, employees, and business partners efficiently. Flutterwave’s entry into the Ugandan market will not only benefit local businesses but also pave the way for Ugandans living abroad to send money back home easily and securely....…....continue reading

🆘 TELECOMS

Elon Musk Promises Free Emergency Access with SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile Service

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, recently announced that Starlink’s new mobile phone system would offer free access to emergency services. Musk made the statement on “X” (formerly known as Twitter), emphasizing the importance of not having someone’s life at risk simply because they couldn’t pay for emergency connectivity. “Can’t have a situation where someone dies because they forgot or were unable to pay for it,” Musk tweeted.

This announcement comes as SpaceX is pushing for approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch its “direct to cell” Starlink technology. This service, once operational, aims to provide emergency alerts and connectivity in remote areas across the U.S. where traditional cellular networks may not reach. By using orbiting satellites, Starlink can bring cellular and internet connectivity to even the most isolated users.

Musk highlighted the potential benefits of this technology, noting it could save lives for those stranded in remote areas. In a follow-up tweet, he confirmed that emergency services access via Starlink would be free worldwide, subject to governmental approvals....…....continue reading

📱TELECOMS

Safaricom Faces Growing Pressure from Starlink’s Direct Mobile Connectivity

The Kenyan telecommunications landscape continues to heat up as Elon Musk’s Starlink expands its services and poses a significant challenge to incumbent providers like Safaricom. Starlink’s recent announcement that mobile phone users will soon be able to access its satellite internet directly, without the need for hardware kits, has intensified the pressure on Safaricom to remain competitive.

This development comes as a major blow to Safaricom, which has been struggling to maintain its market share in the face of Starlink’s growing popularity. Despite increasing Wi-Fi speeds, Safaricom has faced criticism from consumers who have felt pressured to choose between the company’s services and the more affordable options offered by Starlink.

The Consumers Federation of Kenya (CFK) has also expressed concerns about Safaricom’s alleged attempts to block Starlink’s operations. In a letter to Safaricom’s CEO, Peter Ndegwa, the CFK criticized the company for “punishing Starlink” and ultimately harming consumers. The organization urged the government and relevant regulatory bodies to intervene and ensure fair competition in the market......continue reading

🚉 TRANSPORTATION

Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line begins partial operations

Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling metropolis, has taken a significant leap towards modernizing its transportation system with the partial commencement of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line. This eagerly anticipated development began on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024, marking the start of invitational passenger operations after a successful six-week trial run. The Red Line project, one of the key elements in Lagos State’s Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP), aims to transform the daily commute for Lagosians by providing a fast, reliable, and efficient rail service.

The initial phase of the Red Line project will see trains making four trips daily between Oyingbo in Lagos and Agbado in Ogun State, a route that covers a substantial 27 kilometers. This route is vital for connecting Lagos with Ogun State, where many Lagos-based workers and business owners reside........continue reading

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