📱WhatsApp video calls now 32 people across all devices

Plus Tesla investors sue Elon Musk

Today’s Menu ☕️

📱 WhatsApp video calls now support up to 32 participants across all devices
🤖 Kenyan court overturns decision on reinstating Wasoko’s former employees
🤖 Tesla investors sue Elon Musk for launching a rival AI company
🚕 Uber, Bolt Get Operating Licenses in South Africa; A Landmark Victory for Gig Economy Amidst Challenges
📱 X social network rolls out (mostly) private likes for all users

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📱SOCIAL MEDIA

WhatsApp video calls now support up to 32 participants across all devices

WhatsApp has announced new updates that will make calls across your devices even bigger and better, including support for up to 32 participants across all devices on a video call. Prior to this update, WhatsApp allowed up to 32 participants on mobile devices, while users on Windows could include up to 16 participants, and those on macOS could host up to 8 participants. Though this is still not up to Google Meet and Zoom limit which allow up to 100 users on their basic tier.........continue reading

🛒 ECOMMERCE

Kenyan court overturns decision on reinstating Wasoko’s former employees

In a recent legal development, a Kenyan court has delivered an unexpected verdict that impacts Wasoko, a B2B e-commerce startup preparing for a merger with Egyptian counterpart MaxAB. The backdrop of this legal challenge involves Wasoko’s decision to lay off several employees in January 2024. This action led to a lawsuit filed by nine of the dismissed employees, who claimed that their termination was illegal.

In response to the lawsuit, the court in February 2024 initially ordered Wasoko to reinstate the nine former employees to the company’s payroll, following their dismissal in December 2023. This directive was part of an interim order while the case was being considered.

However, the court has now reversed its earlier decision, citing new information that suggests the employees may not have presented the complete circumstances of their termination..........continue reading

🚙 TRANSPORTATION

Tesla investors sue Elon Musk for launching a rival AI company

Elon Musk

Several Tesla shareholders are accusing Elon Musk and the company’s board of knowingly diverting talent and resources away from the company and directing it toward Musk’s rival artificial intelligence company, xAI.

In a lawsuit, the shareholders allege that Musk and the board breached their fiduciary duty to Tesla by launching xAI, which was founded in 2023 on the premise of understanding “the true nature of the universe.”........continue reading

👍🏽 SOCIAL MEDIA

X social network rolls out (mostly) private likes for all users

The social media platform previously recognized as Twitter has introduced a significant update to its privacy settings, particularly concerning the visibility of users’ “likes.” This move comes after several instances where politicians and public figures were embroiled in controversies due to their engagement with provocative and controversial content on the platform.

In an effort to protect user privacy and prevent potential backlash, the platform’s chief, Elon Musk, has announced that “likes” will now be mostly private, allowing users to express their preferences on posts without fear of public scrutiny.…....continue reading

🚕 RIDE HAILING

Uber, Bolt Get Operating Licenses in South Africa; A Landmark Victory for Gig Economy Amidst Challenges

In a long-awaited victory for ride-hailing companies, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly signed an amendment to the National Land Transport Act, finally allowing platforms like Uber and Bolt to obtain operating licenses. This landmark decision, ending a 13-year regulatory limbo, is set to reshape the country’s transportation sector and solidify the role of the gig economy.

This legal recognition marks a watershed moment for ride-hailing services, previously operating under a patchwork of permits and licenses ill-suited to their business model. By granting them the same status as traditional taxis, the government has not only legitimized their operations but also paved the way for further growth and innovation..……read more

 OTHER STORIES

  • Bank of Ghana successfully concludes initial stages of international trade using digital credentials. The Bank of Ghana (BoG) in collaboration with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has successfully completed the inaugural proof of concept for Project DESFT (Digital Economy Semi-Fungible Token)...……read more

  • Standard Bank Fuels Controversy, Backing $5 Billion East African Oil Pipeline. Standard Bank, Africa’s largest lender, has announced its decision to finance the controversial $5 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, sparking outrage from environmental groups and local communities…..read more

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Rowland Osahon
Innovation Village