July, 2023 - itbusinessdirect

South Africa launches Artificial Intelligence Industry Association

July 28, 2023 Editor

South Africa, known for its burgeoning technological landscape, is taking a significant step towards embracing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI). The South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) will be officially launched on July 19, 2023, in partnership with the esteemed Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), a prominent hub for AI innovation in South Africa. The association’s mission is to engage individuals and organizations, provide research and analysis to inform decision-making, assist with policy-making, connect buyers and suppliers, support SMMEs, attract foreign investment, help African tech companies access international markets,…

Google’s Nearby Share app for Windows PCs is now officially to be had

July 21, 2023 Editor

App for Windows PCs is now officially available. A PC model of the app, which makes it a cinch to share documents among gadgets like Android phones and Chromebooks, has been in beta for some months, however it is now equipped for high time. Nearby Share for Windows, to be had as an app download on PCs across the world, has now been installed by more than 1.7 million people. With images and videos being the most popular file types to send, we’ve seen over 50 million files transferred between…

Technology Shapes Future Work

July 21, 2023 Editor

Technology plays a vital role in shaping the work and businesses of the future. Here are several ways in which technology can chart a path for the future: Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Automation and AI technologies are transforming various industries by streamlining processes, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency. Repetitive and mundane tasks can be automated, allowing employees to focus on more complex and creative work. AI can also provide data-driven insights and decision-making support, improving business outcomes. Remote Work and Collaboration Tools: Advances in communication and collaboration technologies enable remote work…

Google Bard Debuts in Swahili, Expanding Language Reach

July 17, 2023 Editor

Google is expanding Bard, its conversational AI service, to 40 new languages including Swahili. Swahili becomes the first African language to be included, pushing Bard’s reach to 59 new countries across territories. The expansion includes new features that allow users to better customize their experience, and boost their creativity. With this expansion, Bard is now available in most parts of the world, including countries in the European Union (EU), and in the most widely spoken languages, such as Swahili, Chinese, German, Spanish, Arabic, and Hindi. Bard now allows users to…

HR tech startup Propel wants to power the open talent economy via tech communities

July 12, 2023July 12, 2023 Editor

In the latest development, Propel, a Lagos- and Berlin-based startup that wants to build sustainable talent pipelines for communities and help global companies derisk the process of hiring remote talent from emerging markets, particularly in Africa, has secured €2.5 million (~$2.74 million) in seed investment. The round was led by Amsterdam-based No Such Ventures, with participation from APX (an accelerator by Axel Springer Digital Ventures and Porsche Digital), Golden Egg Check and Future of Learning Fund. The startup, founded in 2020 by Sunkanmi Ola, Seun Owolabi and Abel Agoi, intends…

African tech VC funding down 50% quarter-on-quarter in H1 2023

July 6, 2023 Editor

In the first half of 2023, African tech startups experienced a significant drop in funding, with a total of US$1.19 billion raised. This marks a decline of over 50% compared to the corresponding period in 2022, highlighting the continued influence of the global economic climate on investment in the sector. According to the most recent edition of the annual African Tech Startups Funding Report released by Disrupt Africa, available free in partnership with Flat6Labs, MarketForce, 4Di Capital, Mercy Corps Ventures, Newtown Partners, and InsiderPR, 633 African tech startups raised a…

Google, Microsoft, OpenAI Among Tech Firms Seeking AI Regulation on Their Terms

July 5, 2023 Editor

OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman surprised everyone last month when he warned Congress of the dangers posed by artificial intelligence. Suddenly, it looked like tech companies had learned from the problems of social media and wanted to roll out AI differently. “In terms of both potential upsides and downsides, superintelligence will be more powerful than other technologies humanity has had to contend with in the past,” OpenAI execs Sam Altman, Greg Brockman and Ilya Sutskever said. “We can have a dramatically more prosperous future; but we have to manage…