AirPods upgrade to include live translation

Airpods

Apple is reportedly gearing up to introduce a real-time translation feature for AirPods as part of an iOS 19 software update set to launch later this year.

According to Bloomberg, the feature will enable the device to translate live conversations by capturing speech through the iPhone and playing the translation back to the user through the AirPods. At the same time, a translated response from the user can played aloud via the iPhone’s speakers for the other person.

Apple already offers a Translate app on iPhones, launched in 2020. Integrating live translation into the AirPods would place Apple in competition with Google’s Pixel Bud wearables, which have offered similar capabilities since 2017.

Bloomberg noted that Apple is also working on new AirPods hardware, with the development of third-generation AirPods Pro underway. The company is also experimenting with a model of earbuds featuring built-in cameras, designed to offer AI-powered awareness of the users’ surroundings.

The tech giant reportedly plans to enhance other translation capabilities in its iOS 19 update beyond the planned AirPods feature. The AirPods update is part of a wider software refresh, which apparently includes its most significant redesign of the iOS to date, alongside a revamped macOS.

Apple has previously expanded AirPods’ capabilities through software updates, allowing users to access new features with their existing wearables. Last year, the company rolled out health enhancements for the second-generation AirPods Pro, including hearing aid functionality and at-home hearing tests.

Source: Mobile World Live

Insurance Cover For Mobile Money Agents To Be Launched

MML

MTN MoMo has partnered with Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance Ghana LTD and aYo intermediaries Ghana Limited to launch a comprehensive Life Insurance cover for all MTN MoMo agents across the country.

 The Life insurance is an annual renewable package that comes at no extra cost to MoMo agents. It includes coverage for permanent and total disability, temporary to total disability, critical illness, accidental medical reimbursement, hospitalization and death benefits. Agents will receive support when they are diagnosed with a critical illness (e.g. stroke, cancer, coma, major burns, major organ transplant, heart attack, kidney failure etc.). In addition, there are daily hospital cash benefits to help with medical bills if they are hospitalized.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Sales and Distribution Officer of MTN Ghana, Mr. Samuel Addo, highlighted the vital role mobile money agents play in expanding financial access in communities. He emphasized that the partnership aligns with MobileMoney LTD’s commitment to supporting agents’ welfare, complementing existing initiatives such as the provision of kiosks, laptops, motorbikes, CCTV cameras and vehicles to enhance their work.

“At MobileMoney LTD, we take agent safety and well-being seriously. We have partnered with Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance Ghana LTD and aYo Ghana Intermediaries Ghana Limited to provide enhanced coverage. This partnership reinforces our commitment to protect and empower our mobile money agents,” he said.

He also expressed concern over the recent violence and insecurity mobile money Agents face in their line of work with the increased spate of attacks from armed robbers.  Mr. Addo gave the assurance that MobileMoney LTD was taking the matter very seriously and exploring ways of safeguarding the agents. “Beyond providing the insurance cover, we will also continue to work with relevant stakeholders to improve security for mobile money agents and ensure a holistic approach to our intervention”, Mr. Addo concluded.

Explaining the benefits under the insurance cover, the Chief Commercial Officer of MoMo from MTN, Abdul-Razak Ali, reiterated that the insurance comes at no cost to agents and gave the assurance that MobileMoney LTD has paid the premium for all agents.

Chief Executive Officer of aYo Ghana, Francis Gota, underscored the importance of insurance in mitigating risks, and stated that, “life is unpredictable and mobile money agents work long hours, often facing daily risks. This insurance scheme provides financial support in case of unforeseen circumstances, offering peace of mind to agents and their loved ones.”

Echoing this commitment, CEO of Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance Ghana Ltd, Tawiah Ben Ahmed, assured agents of his company’s dedication to honoring valid claims promptly. “As the life insurer in this partnership, we are committed to providing seamless insurance services and ensuring that claims are paid promptly to support our agents when needed.”

MobileMoney LTD remains committed to supporting its over 300,000 mobile money agents nationwide to thrive and operate in a safe environment. The company initiated the Agents Insurance Scheme in 2020.

Source: Business News

GSMA Confirms End-to-End Encryption for RCS, Enabling Secure Cross-Platform Messaging

GSMA

The GSM Association (GSMA) has formally announced support for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for securing messages sent via the Rich Communications Services (RCS) protocol, bringing much-needed security protections to cross-platform messages shared between Android and iOS platforms.

To that end, the new GSMA specifications for RCS include E2EE based on the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol via what’s called the RCS Universal Profile 3.0.

“The new specifications define how to apply MLS within the context of RCS,” Tom Van Pelt, technical director of GSMA, said. “These procedures ensure that messages and other content such as files remain confidential and secure as they travel between clients.”

This also means that RCS will be the first “large-scale messaging service” to have support for interoperable E2EE between different client implementations from different providers in the near future.

It’s worth noting that Google’s own implementation of RCS, used in the Messages app for Android, secures conversations using the Signal protocol to address the lack of built-in E2EE protections. That said, the encryption safeguards are currently limited to messages exchanged via the app, and not those exchanged with the iOS Messages users or users of other RCS clients on Android.

The development comes nearly six months after the GSMA said it was working towards implementing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to secure messages sent between the Android and iOS ecosystems. The move followed Apple’s decision to roll out support for RCS in its own Messages app with iOS 18.

In July 2023, Google revealed that it intends to add support for MLS to its Messages service and open-source implementation of the specification.

“RCS continues to support a range of interoperable messaging functions between iOS and Android users, such as group messaging, the ability to share high-resolution media, and see read receipts and typing indicators,” Van Pelt said.

When reached for comment, Google said, “We’ve always been committed to providing a secure messaging experience, and Google Messages users have had end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) RCS messaging for years. We’re excited to have this updated specification from GSMA and work as quickly as possible with the mobile ecosystem to implement and extend this important user protection to cross-platform RCS messaging.”

Source: The Hacker News

Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, EMIs Chamber of Ghana congratulate appointed Chairpersons

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he Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana have congratulated the newly appointed Chairpersons and members of the Information and Communications Committee and the Finance Committee of Parliament.

Mr Bandim Abed-Nego Azumah is the appointed Chairperson of the Information and Communications Committee of Parliament and Mr Isaac Adongo, the appointed Chairperson of the Finance Committee of Parliament.

This was indicated in a press release signed by Mr Louis Bobbie Osei, Regulatory and Research Manager, of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Koforidua.

He said as Ghana accelerates its digital transformation, the work of these two committees becomes increasingly urgent and their decisions will be critical in shaping policies that directly impact the Telecommunications and Digital Finance industries.

The two Chambers urge both committees to prioritize strategic policies and legislative support in these industries to accelerate Ghana’s economic growth and development.

Mr Osei, said the Telecommunications and Digital Finance sectors are not just industries but enablers of economic prosperity, financial inclusion, and national development.

Telecommunications powers Ghana’s digital economy, connecting businesses, communities, and government services, and digital Finance is revolutionizing transactions, expanding financial access, and driving innovation in commerce and entrepreneurship, he noted.

He said, “for Ghana to fully realize its economic and digital potential, these sectors must be supported through progressive policies, investment-friendly regulations, and infrastructure development.”

He recommended that, the Information and Communications and Finance Committees must ensure a policy environment that encourages investment and innovation in telecommunications and digital finance.

He said the committees must support regulatory frameworks that drive financial inclusion, improve digital security, and expand broadband access.

The committees must work with industry stakeholders to eliminate barriers to infrastructure development and technological advancement.

Other recommendations were that the committees must lead policy and laws to protect telecommunication infrastructure, and champion policies that reduce the cost of doing business in these industries to promote affordability and accessibility for all Ghanaians.

Mr Osei, said the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the EMIs Chamber of Ghana are committed to working closely with both committees.

This collaboration will ensure that the right policies, regulations, and industry collaborations are in place to drive sustainable growth, job creation, and a digitally inclusive Ghana, and the committees can be reassured of our unwavering support and commitment, he stated.

He emphasised that the two Chambers look forward to engaging with the leadership and members of both committees in the near future to discuss strategic partnerships and actionable solutions that will position Ghana as a leader in telecommunications, digital payments, and technological advancement.

Source: GNA

Ethiopia continues efforts to strengthen startup ecosystem

Ethiopia

The Ethiopian government plans to create a digital platform to facilitate the emergence of startups and make them more competitive internationally. Announced on Tuesday, March 11, the initiative is part of the government’s efforts in recent months to strengthen the national startup ecosystem.

In January 2024, the government signed an agreement with the Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIG), a technology entity based in Port Louis, Mauritius. More recently, in January 2025, the government signed a €4.5 million (USD 4.6 million) funding agreement to foster the emergence of startups and accelerate the adoption of digital services.

This ambition of the authorities is aligned with the national digital transformation strategy “Digital Ethiopia 2025.” Through this roadmap, the Ethiopian government intends to harness digital opportunities across all sectors to transform the country into a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy. According to the GSMA, digital technology could contribute up to 1.3 trillion Ethiopian birr (approximately USD 10.1 billion) to the national GDP by 2028.

However, the GSMA emphasises that the government must improve access to capital and the business environment. Despite notable strengths such as a large population, a large market, and a skilled workforce, challenges remain. A 2023 study indicates that 25% of agri-tech and health-tech startups rate the business environment as very favourable, while nearly 30% rate it as average and 20% describe it as unfavourable. In a global comparison, Addis Ababa’s ecosystem ranks 328th out of 1,000 cities, according to StartupBlink’s “Startup Ecosystem Report 2024.”

The development of the startup ecosystem will also depend on internet access in the country. This technology is essential for both businesses and the populations targeted by digital services. In 2023, the GSMA estimated that 100 million people in Ethiopia would lack access to mobile internet, out of a total population estimated at 128.7 million by the World Bank.

Source: Extensia

Nigeria to Build 7,000 Telecom Towers to Bridge Connectivity Gap

Telecom

The Nigerian government has announced plans to build 7,000 telecom towers across rural areas to improve connectivity. Speaking at the International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, confirmed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the initiative as part of a broader effort to close the digital divide.

The government also plans to strengthen subsea cable systems and continue the deployment of 90,000 km of fiber-optic cables. Tijani emphasized the importance of providing quality telecom services, particularly to underserved areas, aligning with the administration’s focus on digital inclusion and economic growth.

The summit, organized by Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, ITU, and ICPC, brought together global delegates who pledged to boosting subsea cable resilience through international cooperation and investment. Minister Tijani reaffirmed Nigeria’s central role in shaping global efforts to protect digital infrastructure and enhance resilience.

Source: Extensia

Flutterwave gets Ghana approval to offer inward remittances

Flutterwave

Flutterwave, an African payments technology company, said yesterday it has received approval from Ghana’s Central Bank to provide inward remittance services.

This development, according to the business, reinforces Flutterwave’s aim to simplify payments across Africa.

In announcing the development, Flutterwave stated that Ghana’s financial sector is fast growing, with high mobile phone penetration and a vibrant mobile money ecosystem.

Remarkably, it continued, 60% of foreign exchange is received through mobile money platforms, demonstrating the critical role they play in the financial lives of Ghanaians.

Beyond mobile money, areas such as insurtech, lend-tech, and buy now, pay later are expanding rapidly, creating a vibrant and diverse fintech environment, according to the business.

Furthermore, Flutterwave stated that the Bank of Ghana’s supportive regulatory framework and the Ghana Digital Agenda have created an attractive market for fintech innovation.

According to Flutterwave, the latest approval is consistent with these trends, guaranteeing that Ghanaians can benefit from rapid, secure, and cost-effective remittance services.

Olugbenga Agboola, founder and CEO of Flutterwave, commented on the milestone: “Remittances play a vital role in the Ghanaian economy, and our goal is to make the process as seamless as possible for Ghanaians in the diaspora looking to send money home.”

Oluwabankole Falade, chief regulatory and government affairs officer at Flutterwave, added: “We are grateful to the Bank of Ghana for their support and look forward to expanding our services in the country.”

Source: Extensia

Zambia Looks to Public-Private Partnership to Optimize Digital Infrastructure

Zambia

The Zambian government wants to work with the private sector to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure, recognizing its crucial role in accelerating technological advancements and driving economic growth. The initiative is expected to improve government services.

Percy Chinyama, National Coordinator of the Smart Zambia Digital Transformation Institute, discussed partnership opportunities in this area with a delegation from Airtel Africa. It was led by Oliver Fortuin, CEO of Airtel Business Africa, and Lindiwe Banda, Chief Business Officer of Airtel Zambia. The government did not specify what infrastructure it plans to partner with the private sector on. However, it could include telecom towers, fibre optics, data centres, etc.

Currently, the United Nations has given a score of 0.5088 out of 1 on the telecom infrastructure index that is part of the e-Government Development Index (EGDI). Furthermore, the government highlights deficits in the national digital infrastructure in the “National Digital Transformation Strategy 2023–2027.”.

These include limited investment in rural areas. This contrasts with a duplication of infrastructure, such as fiber optic networks, observed in urban areas. According to data from the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), only 83 of the country’s 116 districts have fiber optic points of presence.

Furthermore, the executive believes that Zambia’s current infrastructure is not suited to emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and the exploitation of big data. For example, most telecom sites are still on 2G, a technology with limited capacities, hampering the development of the digital sector in a rapidly changing technological environment.

Strengthening telecom infrastructure could accelerate Zambia’s digital transformation, with the country scoring 0.5424 out of 1 on the UN e-Government Development Index, ranking 130 out of 193, below the global average of 0.6382. However, low internet adoption remains a barrier to people’s participation in the digital economy. According to the ITU, Zambia’s internet penetration rate was 31.2%, with a population estimated at 20.7 million by the World Bank in 2023.

Source: Agency EcoFin

Apple to revamp user interfaces across device line-up

Apple

Apple reportedly planned a major overhaul of its operating software to update the interfaces across its iPhone, iPad and Mac devices to create a more consistent look and feel.

Bloomberg reported the updates are scheduled for later this year and will include new versions of its menus, apps, icons, windows and system buttons.

The news agency’s unnamed sources stated the project is working to simplify the way users control and navigate across their devices.

The new design will be “loosely based” on the Vision Pro headset software, according to Bloomberg.

The new interfaces are slated for iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16.

Bloomberg noted the new software will be the most significant upgrade to the Mac since 2020 while the revamp for iPhones is the largest since iOS 7 in 2013.

The changes could be announced during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

Creating the new interfaces could kick-start an increase in sales for Apple. The tech giant’s smartphone revenue in fiscal Q1 2025 (the period to 28 December 2024) was $69.1 billion, flat year-on-year. Sales in China fell by 11.1 per cent to $18.5 billion.

As of Q1, Apple had over 2.35 billion active devices in use around the world.

Source: Mobile World Live

Google eyes tie-up to power smart glasses

Google

Google reportedly entered talks to acquire Canadian eye-tracking start-up AdHawk Microsystems for $115 million as part of efforts to upgrade its smart glasses and augmented reality (AR) headsets.

According to Bloomberg, the proposed deal includes $15 million in conditional payments tied to the start-up meeting specific performance milestones. The tech giant is in the final stages of negotiations, with the deal reportedly expected to close by the end of the week.

AdHawk Microsystems provides its advanced technology to manufacturers, enabling precise eye tracking without traditional cameras. The company develops low-power components that analyze corneal and pupil movements faster and with higher accuracy than competing sensors.

The start-up is supported by the venture arms of companies including Samsung, Intel, HP, and Sony Group. Additionally, EssilorLuxottica, the owner of Ray-Ban and Meta’s partner in smart glasses, is also an investor.

If completed, the acquisition would bring AdHawk Microsystems’ eye-tracking technology under Google’s umbrella, providing a boost to its AR and VR offerings.

Google launched its Glass smart glasses headset more than a decade ago but discontinued the device range in 2023 after it struggled to gain widespread adoption.

Since then, the company has explored a potential return to the market and ramped up its investment in AR and VR, highlighting advancements in AI as a driver for renewed interest in the technology.

In December 2024, the company launched Android XR, a dedicated operating system for immersive devices. Meanwhile, in early 2025, it acquired parts of HTC’s XR division, acquiring more engineers and intellectual assets to accelerate development.

Source: Mobile World Live