LATEST TECH NEWS: Paystack launches support for Nigerian, Ghanaian businesses. 4 other things and a trivia you need to know today, April 23, 2020

These 5 latest stories from the tech space will keep you updated with trends today.

1. Paystack to offer 40 businesses free digital payment solutions

Nigerian Fintech service firm, Paystack, has announced its intent to offer free digital payment solutions for 40 businesses providing essential services. The decision was reached as commercial transactions have gone digital since the lockdown directives. On this development, Paystack has also signed partnership deals with various digital agency in Nigeria and Ghana.

According to reports, the partnership will feature CKDIGITAL, Cregital, Jrango Technologies, Pulse Africa, Touchcore, Crowncity Technologies and WopeDigital. While commenting on the development, however, Paystack noted that this offer will be exclusive to Nigeria and Ghana, with preference for businesses such as restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, delivery companies, amongst others.

2. Zoom adds 100 million new active users despite insecurity challenges

Despite recent backlash, Zoom Video Communications has reportedly added another 100 million users in just 3 weeks. Although, the insecurity allegation was expected to lead to a drastic fall of its use, instead, the company reported a 50% surge in use of the online meeting application during the period under review.

This unexpected rise was announced by the CEO, on Wednesday April 22, where he revealed that more than 300 million people used Zoom’s flagship video-conferencing app on the 21st of April, a figure up from about 200 million on the 1st April. Since the reported case of insecurity concerns, a handful companies have dropped it usage. But this realities are not telling on its figures.

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Tech Trivia

What day is celebrated as world Computer Literacy Day

A. April 22

B. December 22

C. April 2

D. December 2

Answer: See end of post.

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3. Google upgrades its videoconferencing app to accommodate 16 participants

Google’s videoconferencing product, Google Meet, has launched an upgraded version of its old video chat app, with a capacity to accommodate 16 participants, 12 up from its initial 4 face slots. While product analysts are speculating that Google’s new product is to compete with Zoom, industry review shows that Google Meet still has a long way to go.

According to reviews, most notable update is the ability to use a tiled layout for up to 16 participants, a big improvement on the previous version, which only allowed a maximum of four. However, Google’s product is still not anywhere close to Zoom’s 49 thumbnails. There are arguments that Zoom’s recent insecurity issues led to this adaption from Google.

4. Hong Kong insurtech startup launches medical product

Hong Kong-based insurance technology startup, OneDegree, has launched its first product, a line of medical plans for pets called Pawfect Care. The Hong Kong startup made this announcement on Wednesday, April 22, adding that the company will further introduce other products, including cyber insurance and medical coverage for humans, all available completely online, over the next 12 months.

OneDegree, according to reports, will gradually launch cyber and human medical insurance plans over the next year. Kwock said the COVID-19 pandemic has created a “paradigm shift,” because face-to-face activities have declined dramatically, and the Insurance Authority is now issuing new virtual insurance licenses and allowing more products to be sold online.

5. Ford launches 1,400 HP electric Mustang Cobra Jet

Today, Ford launches an electric Mustang prototype named Mustang Cobra Jet 1,400. The new car carries Ford’s long tradition of drag racing, the Mustang. According reviews, this one-off prototype is said to hit mid-eight second quarter-mile times thanks to 1,400 HP and 1,100 ft.-lbs of torque.

However, the company has yet to reveal any technical information about the electric Cobra Jet’s motors, batteries, tires, or range. Car industry experts raised this concerns because such prototypes are critical to Ford’s electric strategy that includes producing an electric SUV under the Mustang brand.

Tech Trivia Answer: December 2.

World Computer Literacy Day was launched by Indian computer company NIIT to mark its 20th anniversary in 2001, in response to research which suggested that the majority of computer users around the world were men. It occurs annually on 2 December, and is intended to encourage the development of technological skills, particularly among children and women in India. The anniversary aims to create awareness and drive digital literacy in underserved communities worldwide.

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