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Saturday, 14 September 2013

Subscribers Laud Etisalat at Customer Forum in Kaduna

Etisalat customers in Kaduna have lauded the company for its customer-centricity and innovative offerings. The customers made the commendation at the Asaa Pyramid Hotel, Kaduna, during Etisalat Nigeria’s customer feedback session tagged ‘customer forum’ held last weekend.

At the forum, one of the customers, Alh Awwal Mahmoud, a business man and politician, said that Etisalat is his network of choice. According to him, one of the reasons for his attestation was that Etisalat’s service offerings are yet to be matched by any other telecommunications operator in Nigeria.

“I had patronized all the telecommunications networks we had before Etisalat came to Nigeria. I decided to give Etisalat a trial in 2009 and got hooked. In fact, I have never for one day regretted it and my reasons are numerous. For instance, no other network has a forum like this where they interface closely with customers to listen to what we like and what needs to improve,” he pointed out.

Another customer, Aisha Ishaku, who came from Zaria to attend the forum also spoke similarly. Aisha said that although Etisalat made the last entry into the market, the network has, through innovative ideas, displayed its love for Nigerians by making the true essence of mobile telephoning and data achievable at an affordable price.

“Etisalat is the only network that listens to customers and understands what it feels like to be one. I was privileged to attend the customer forum held in 2011 and many of us there that day complained about the cost of tariffs. Today, Etisalat has dropped tariff rates by more than 60 percent of what it was then, and other networks are even copying them. I love Etisalat not because of its affordable and reliable services alone, but the fact that they care about their customers gives me a sense of belonging,” she said.

Google Cloud Developer Challenge: Show the world what you can do and win $20,000

Highlighting innovations of students and female developers, Google Cloud Platform is set to reward $20,000 for showing the world what they can do with the Google Cloud Platform. This sets the stage for the very first Google Cloud Platform Developer Challenge.

Developers in 6 regions across the world will win prizes that include Android devices and up to $20,000 USD.

Interested applicants are to build and submit an amazing application in one of following categories:Enterprise/Small Business Solutions , Education, Not for Profit; Social / Personal Productivity/Games / Fun.

A winner will be chosen for each category, in each region -- 12 prizes in total. Awards for best mentors - a mentor will be chosen for in each region -- 6 prizes in total.
Applications can be developed on the Google Cloud Platform using any of Python, Java, PHP and Go programming languages.

The first round of submissions closes November 21, 2013.

Friday, 6 September 2013

Hurry! Google! Clocks 15 Years


September marks 15 years since graduates Larry Page and Sergey Brin set up a small web crawler from a garage in Silicon Valley, which went onto become the world's biggest search engine.

There is a little confusion around when Google's official birthday is, but reports claim papers to incorporate the company were filed on September 4 1998. The company became incorporated three days later and the domain was registered on September 15.

Looking to the future, Google Glass is one of the internet giant's latest products, aiming to offer voice-activated hands-free connectivity through a wearable device.

Introducing World's Thinnest Keyboard


CSR (http://www.csr.com) has developed the world's thinnest wireless touch interface to demonstrate the revolutionary potential of Bluetooth® Smart for computing interfaces.


The flexible device, which is less than 0.5 mm thick, turns any area into a touch surface. Combining CSR's low-power wireless technology with the latest in printable, flexible electronics from Conductive Inkjet Technology and touch screen sensing from Atmel, the device can be used to extend the touch interface of tablets and smartphones.

Photo: 2013 Motor Park Health and Safety Sensitisation and Awareness Campaign

From Left, Head, Sustainability and Responsibility, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mrs Adrianne Nwagwu, Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Commissioner for Health Lagos State, Dr Jide Idris, at the 2013 Motor Park Health and Safety Sensitisation and Awareness Campaign sponsored by Guinness Nigeria Plc at the New Garage Motor Park, Bariga in Lagos, yesterday.

British Airways’ Unveils ‘To Fly. To Serve’ Advertising Campaign


British Airways’ latest ‘To Fly. To Serve’ advertising campaign, will be unveiled during the ‘England versus Moldova’ World Cup qualifier on ITV, Friday 6 September. However customers can have a sneak preview at 11am on the airline’s official Facebook site – Facebook.com/britishairways
The TV advert follows a customer journey using a ‘micro to macro’ style of filming, the footage shows close up shots of the intimate details of flying, panning to wide shots of the aircraft in motion. It draws contrasts between them both, showing the care and thought that goes into every part of their journey. The end frame poignantly shows the British Airways logo being stitched into fabric, with the voiceover commenting ‘To Fly. To Serve. Today. Tomorrow.’

Abigail Comber, British Airways’ head of marketing, said: “We wanted to show travel and innovation at its best - the people behind the scenes, the attention to detail, our engineering prowess and the care and expertise to get 100,000 people in the air every day. It is beautifully crafted with a light-hearted tone and proudly features real people from around the airline.”

The campaign uses TV, cinema, press, digital, outdoor media and social media, and will run until October, in two different phases.

The film is directed by Martin Krejci, with cinematography from Anthony Dod Mantle, who won an Oscar for his involvement in Slumdog Millionaire. It features a vibrant soundtrack ‘Experience’ (Starkey Remix), by the acclaimed Italian composer and pianist, Ludovico Einaudi. Created by BBH,the TV advert will also run in a number of the airline’s international markets, including USA and India - for the first time in seven years.



 It invites social media users to ‘tweet’ a message using #racetheplane @British_Airways. Each tweet will fuel a virtual version of the aircraft, racing against the actual flight, with prizes to be won.

Photo: Guinness Nigeria Commission Safe Water for Africa Project in Ijebu Ode

From Left, Chairman Ijebu Ode Local Government Ogun State, Hon. Rasak Daddah, Wife of the Deputy Governor Ogun State, Olufunmilayo Adesegun, Head Sustainability and Responsibility Guinness Nigeria, Mrs Adrianne Nwagwu and Corporate Relations Director Guinness Nigeria, Mr Seson Sobowale, at the Commissioning of Guinness Nigeria Water Health Centre in Ijebu Ode on Wednesday 4th of September 2013.

Tobacco Smugglers Blamed For Corner Shop Woes

Lost sales from tobacco smuggling and cross-border shopping has left one in 10 corner shops under threat of closure, a survey revealed.

The Tobacco Retailers' Alliance says its research found 10% of independent retailers were considering shutting their business because of the effect of the cut-price trade.

Image source: belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Around two in five corner shop owners (38%) have considered reducing their staff as smugglers cash in on higher levels of tax on tobacco in the UK.

The Government should allow tax levels in member countries to "catch up" so that the UK is not a target, according to the alliance, which represents 26,000 independent tobacco sellers.

Scottish spokesman Geoff Barrett, a shopkeeper in Glasgow, said: "These results show that tobacco smuggling is not only a threat to the livelihoods of independent retailers but one that continues to worsen.

"The high levels of tax on tobacco mean a smuggler, selling at half the price I charge, will make more money selling his tobacco here than almost anywhere else in the EU."

Ten Families Admitted Into Maltina Dance All 7 Academy

After a gruelling performance at the pre grand audition show that drew applause from an excited audience, ten out of the thirteen families that arrived Lagos for the exciting family dance show Maltina Dance All season Seven (MDA 7) have qualified for the academy. The families are: Ebute, Ebenezer, Dosa, Briggs, Ibrahim, Clement, Asiyefia, Ekado, Enweribe and Ikumoinein families. The Tom, Ibeatuche and Idundun families failed to convince the judges that they have what it takes to enter the academy.

With highly scintillating performances by the 13 families, the judges found it a challenging task selecting the 10 families who would be participants in the MDA academy. The ten families that made it to the academy performed various dance style from the 1960s to modern era dance steps depicting “The Evolution” of dance, the theme for this season.
Ikumonien Family
Ebenezer family doing their thing

The show which hits television screen on Sunday September 1, 2013, will continue on a daily basis until the grand finale which will be held on September 21, 2013 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. The MDA has over the years attracted a cult following among Nigeria’s youths and families because of its ability to bring family members together.

It will be beamed on AIT Network: Monday – Friday (7pm – 8pm), Saturday (6pm – 7pm), Sunday (3pm – 4pm). STV Network: Monday - Friday (8pm – 9pm), Sunday (5pm -6pm). Galaxy Network: Monday – Sunday (8pm – 9pm) Ebonylife TV (DSTV Channel 168), Monday – Sunday (6pm – 7pm), AMC TV (Startimes Channel 144) –Monday – Sunday (7pm -8pm)

N6 million and a brand new car is at stake in this year’s edition. The first and second Runners Up will also get N1million and N500, 000 respectively. The show, according to Mrs Ngozi Nkwoji, senior brand manager, Maltina, is renowned for “sharing happiness” and promoting togetherness with friends and loved ones.

Speaking about the show, Mrs Ngozi Nkwoji, Senior Brand Manager said: “We are glad with where we are with Maltina today. We are very excited about the 7th season of MDA, seven years is a long time for a show to still be relevant and we’re very glad Maltina, through MDA continues to bring the brand experience of sharing happiness and fun to the consumer.

It would be recalled that the maiden 2007 edition produced the Onye family; in 2008 it was the Opuwari family that carted away the star prize; in 2009 the nation’s best dance family were the Ibiams, in 2010 the Adejoh’s held sway and in 2011 the Ekubo’s showed Nigerians why they were crowned the number one dance family. In 2012 the Greens were crowned the best dance family with the unforgettable swinging moves of Opus and his sister.

Microsoft launch MSN Portal In Nigeria, Kenya

MSN Portal launching in Lagos, Nigeria
Towards expanding its brand across Africa, Microsoft has launched a local MSN portal in Nigeria and Kenya.

MSN Nigeria portal features the trademark MSN homepage dedicated to Nigerian news, sports, lifestyle, entertainment and weather as well as links to other Microsoft-related services such as Bing, Outlook and Skype.

MSN Kenya will as well provide a platform for local bloggers, writers and social influencers to share their thoughts and ideas. Users will also be able to use MSN Kenya as their entry point for Bing, Skype, Outlook.com and other Microsoft services.

Yahoo Unveils New Official Logo

After showing 30 different options, Yahoo has finally unveil its new logo.

The new logo is more streamlined and simpler than the former. The logo had not been updated in 18 years.

"We wanted a logo that stayed true to our roots (whimsical, purple, with an exclamation point) yet embraced the evolution of our products," Yahoo chief marketing officer Kathy Savitt wrote in a Tumblr post.

Explore the World with one of Emirates’ Best Offers of the Year

Emirates, one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, is offering travellers in Nigeria the chance to visit exciting destinations around the world for less, in a week-long promotion that ranks as one of its best offers of the year.

Whether to visits friends, family, or to experience a new destination or for business, the Economy Class and Business Class offer runs from 2nd to 9th September, 2013 for travel between 15 September 2013 and 10 April 2014.

Travellers seeking to bag a good deal can take advantage of these attractive offers to selected destinations on certain flights, with economy ticket prices starting from $820 (N131,200) including taxes for return travel to Dubai from Lagos. Other exciting destinations included in this special offer for travel from Lagos are Delhi, India for $982 (N157, 120) and Shanghai also as affordable at $1290; Bombay $1,000; Guangzhou $1,144.

The special offer also extends to business class. Kuala Lumpur goes for $4,780, while Singapore and Seoul on business class are being offered at an amazing fare of $4,989 and $5,516 respectively.

The offer has some restrictions and is available only on particular flights. It is not valid for travel during the Canton Fair (12-31 October), Christmas period (05 to 23 December), New Year (01-12 January 2014), and the Chinese New Year (08-15 February 2014). Check with your local Emirates sales office or travel agent for full terms and conditions.

This offer gives travellers the opportunity to experience Emirates award-winning service from its international cabin crew from more than 100 countries, gourmet cuisine and its renowned ice inflight entertainment system, which offers passengers hundreds of audio and visual entertainment. Customers travelling with Emirates benefit from a generous baggage allowance 30kg in Economy Class, 40 kg in Business Class and 50 kg in First Class.

Emirates Airline operates 2 daily flights between Lagos and Dubai and onward to more than 130 destinations in 76 countries across six continents.

EK departs Dubai International Airport every day (Twice daily) EK783/781 at 07:35/14:00 hrs and arrives at Lagos (Murtala Mohammed International airport) at 12:30/18:55 hrs respectively. The return flight, EK784/782, leaves Lagos at 14:30/20:50 hrs and lands in Dubai International Airport at 01:15/07:30hrs respectively.

IFA 2013: Sony Unveils Xperia Z1

Launching of Xperia (Image source: Sony)
After several months of hypes and speculation, Sony has finally launched its next-generation waterproof smartphone called Xperia Z1 during the IFA consumer electronics conference in Berlin.

Like the Xperia Z Ultra it comes with a TRILUMINOS display and X-Reality for mobile. The Xperia Z1 has dimensions of 144 x 74 x 8.5mm and weighs 170 grams.

According to Sony's CEO Kaz Hirai the firm has designed it based on customer feedback. "We've been taking time talking to people to better understand what they need, what they demand from Sony", said Hirai.

On the camera front, Sony says that the Xperia Z1 has the “world’s leading camera in a smartphone”. It backs this up by saying “independent testing has confirmed that Xperia Z1 provides the best overall image quality of all leading smartphones”.