The Modern Shylock, Flexi cash and 'Digital Pound of Flesh' by Remmy Nweke | WeekendDigits@ITREALMS

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The marketing banners adorning Nigerian billboards paint a flawless picture of financial liberation, emphasizing zero-fee transactions, instant peer-to-peer transfers, and ubiquitous point-of-sale terminals. Front and center of this retail fintech renaissance is PalmPay, a platform that captured over 35 million accounts by deeply embedding itself into the fabric of the underbanked population.

Yet, behind the slick animations of cashback games and the convenience of a three-second transfer lies a dark, algorithmic undertow. As millions of Nigerians pivot away from traditional banking toward agile mobile-money platforms, a growing chorus of consumer distress echoes across social media.

Business Hilights app unveiled to grow seamless news access

ITREALMS:

Acclaimed Business Hilights Online, has unveiled a mobile application (App) in Lagos to grow seamless news access and deepen value added services to current and prospective advertisers in Nigeria and across the world, reports ITRealms.

A press statement made available to ITRealms, at the weekend, Business Hilights, prouds itself as an online business news channel conceptualized and structured to report and track on a daily basis; latest developments in critical business sectors of the economy to serve as a one stop news gateway for governments, foreign and indigenous investors.

Business Hilights, a premium product of Media Hilights Integrated Company Limited (MHICL), according to the publisher and chairman, Prince Stan Okenwa, is offering the App option to deepen what he descdribed as ‘handy access to grow Nigerian and global traffic on the site so as to easily guide opinion leaders in business developments, investors and allied policy makers from time to time.”

He revealed that the feat was designed and developed by Business Hilights Digital Service Team in collaboration with Jservx Technologies.

Okenwa advised companies and leading government agencies to avail themselves the opportunity of the grossing traffic to advertise their goods and services or grow their media visibility to both Nigeria and global readership traffic.

Earlier in his demo presentation at the launch, the General Manger, Digital Services (GMDS) at MHICL, Mr. Joseph Anaeligbo, said “downloading the App is very simple because it is free. All you need to do is to switch on your data on your smartphone or device, open Google Play Store and type in Business Hilights”.

“Immediately Business Hilights pops up, click on it to download or install; you are good to go. You may wish to rate us after installing”.

Anaeligbo said “The App is updated daily with five stories made up of lead stories in each of the five leading categories on the website including Banking/Investments, ICT, Transportation, Energy and Industry”.

Continuing, he disclosed that Business Hilights publishes not less than 25 stories every weekday, saying “from just one of the five updated stories on the App, you can click on ‘Read More’ which will move you from the App to the main site (after an advert) from where you can access other stories, navigate, read, like and share”. 

Anaeligbo revealed further that “With Business Hilights app you can share your favorite news by long pressing on the story on full page to reveal your share symbol. You can also download it by clicking this link. We are working to make it available on other devices including (TV) and those running other OS platforms (iOS).”    

Over 100 guests at the launch downloaded the App during the event with excitement.

Ayo Midele/GEE

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Moneymailme unveils blockchain app, Modex

ITREALMS:

The founding Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the award-winning social payments app, Moneymailme, Mihai Ivascu, has unveiled the world's first multi-platform blockchain app store for smart contracts, tagged Modex, reports ITRealms.

He made disclosure at the Paris Fintech Forum noting that the Modex Smart Contract Marketplace is scheduled for a product launch on March 15 timed right before the company's much-awaited ICO.

He also explained that Modex's token pre-sale opened to the public at the end of January and nearly half of the tokens have been reserved in the first three days.

Modex is bridging the gap between businesses and developers in order to accelerate global adoption of blockchain technology. Given the emerging norm for ‘borderless’ transactions, blockchain's distributed ledger technology has opened doors for "a new world of data exchange facilitated through Smart Contracts," stated Mihai Ivascu, group CEO and founder.

"Moneymailme’s Modex Smart Contract Marketplace supplies the infrastructure needed to integrate blockchain capabilities with apps like Moneymailme and endless amounts of others," Ivascu told investors at the Paris Fintech event.

"Our packaging and delivering the platform with our financial partners who have developed practical uses for the tool in Europe and the rest of the world is a really exciting feature," he said, stressing "Modex is a game-changer."

Designed to serve as a central hub for multiple 3rd party applications and web platforms to plugin with and deploy smart contracts, the Modex Marketplace incorporates significant advantages for consumer adoption, enterprise cost savings, developer tools, community trust and engagement, IP protection, and revenue opportunities for developers, all centered around the smart contract ecosystem that Modex has created.

The infrastructure has been built on top of the Ethereum blockchain protocol and has been conceived to incorporate emergent protocols that also support smart contracts, being one of the first in the industry to do this. The Modex ICO opens on March 28 and will last for 30 days or until its cap is reached. The Modex ICO pre-sale is currently accepting contributions from early bird supporter of the business.

Ayo Midele/GEE

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Police, Web Asserts partner on crime reporting app

ITRealms:

The Nigeria Police under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris is partnering Web Assets Nigeria Limited to deploy an innovative mobile application known as Hawk Eye, reports ITRealms.

This, the Chief Executive Officer, Web Assets Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Kayode Aladesuyi, told ITRealms, is furtherance of efforts to curb insecurity across the country, just as all is set for launch in Abuja on Wednesday, August 16, 2017. 

He explained that Hawk Eye is a mobile app that allows users to report crimes anonymously to the Police via video, voice or text.

The solution, he said, integrates the Hawk Eye Mobile phone app for the public, the iPolice mobile app for the officers on the field and a control room dashboard and dispatch functionality.

The system will empower citizens to work with the police in the fight to curb incidences of terrorism, especially Boko Haram and other violent crimes.

It was developed by Lagos based tech firm Web Assets Nigeria Limited, in partnership with US based tech firms BBGN&K and tech giant Microsoft along with the active collaboration of the Nigeria Police.

Speaking ahead of the launch in Abuja,Mr. Aladesuyi, noted that the security challenges facing Nigeria are surmountable with proper synergy between the security agencies and members of the public; a synergy that Hawk Eye embodies.

He remarked that Hawk Eye may well be the technology to close the relationship between the citizens and the police, thus providing human intelligence required for more effective policing, crime control and security.

The Tech enthusiast explained that with Hawk Eye, citizens are empowered as source of human intelligence in the fight against crimes such as kidnapping, terrorism, robbery, human trafficking etc. 

The system, he said, is expected to enhance the community policing plan recently announced by the government to improve security in the country. 

The project, he disclosed, is managed by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of ICT, Foluso Adebanjo of the Nigeria Police Force, insisting that all reporting is ANONYMOUS, the app does not identify nor capture the information of person filing report.

He emphasized Hawk Eye truly empowers citizens to report crime anonymously 24/7, stay safe with the ‘find me’ locator and to receive public announcement during emergencies. It equally provides the Nigeria Police with the right resources for effective and efficient response to crimes reported by citizens.

According him, the platform is now available for reporting by citizens in FCT and coming to Lagos in September with roll out planned for other States.

He also said this app was developed by Lagos based tech firm Web Asset., which is working with US based tech firms and tech giant Microsoft to develop the system and provide key technologies such as facial recognition and KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators)with the active collaboration of the Nigeria Police.

He explained that security of life and property is an indispensable ingredient for national growth and development.

“Hawk Eye is a demonstration of the commitment of the Nigerian Police to work in partnership with communities and the Nigerian public to continue to improve the security situation across the country” he said, stressing that Hawk Eye is a revolutionary technology because of the enterprise tools it provides police to respond, address and manage crimes reported.

Aladesuyi said while the Hawk Eye app allows users to report crimes anonymously to the Police by video, voice or text.

“The app is part of a comprehensive security solution that involve the equipping of patrol vehicles with Mobile Device Terminals, providing performance management, data as decision tools and the revamping of the police command and control centers. Essentially the Nigeria Police, provide with the right resources can now provide effective and efficient response to crimes reported by citizens,” he said.

Citizens, he said, are empowered with this app, as source of human intelligence in the fight against crimes such as kidnapping, terrorism, robbery, human trafficking etc.

“The system is expected to enhance the community policing plan recently announced by the government to improve security in the country.The project has been managed by DIG ICT, Foluso Adebanjo of the Nigeria Police Force. All reporting is ANONYMOUS, the app does not identify nor capture the information of person filing report,” he said.

In addition, he said, citizens could download the Hawk Eye Crime Reporting app for free select crime type to be reported capture image, video or call for help.

Emphasising that the system uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) location services, on the user’s mobile phone to identify user’s location for immediate police response.

He assured the app is now available for reporting by citizens in FCT and formal launch is coming to Lagos in September with roll out planned for other States.

Hawk Eye is available in English and Native languages (English, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin).

“With Hawk Eye access to report criminal and other nefarious activities is only an app click away,” he said, urged Nigerians to ‘Spot It. Report It!’

ITRealms gathered that Hawk Eye is expected to launch in Lagos in September following the launch in FCT.

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GTWorld mobile app debuts, Agbaje says it’s a one-stop app

ITRealms:

The Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) plc has launched its more first fully mobile friendly banking application known as GTWorld, just as the Managing Director and chief executive officer, Mr Segun Agbaje described the new product as a one-stop mobile application, reports ITRealms.

Unveiling the new GTWorld at GTBank head office in Lagos, Wednesday, Mr Agbaje, told ITRealms, the app offers most of the things people could find in a number of different apps thereby reducing the number of mobile apps customers could install in their mobile devices.

“GTWorld is a mobile banking app that is designed to cater to all that’s important to customers easily and seamlessly,” he said.

This, he told ITRealms was built on the back of the bank’s customer-centric digital strategy, and thus, GTWorld is available for download from the Google playstore for Andriod phones and Apple Store for those using iPhones.

He explained that GTWorld has 12 distinguishing features comprising signing up for an account opening with or without Bank Verification Number (BVN) to be followed by retrieval of online details.

Customers on the go, he advised, could quickly access balance, own transfer, airtime, GTlocate, GTBtraffic, iReport, and socials among others.

Agbaje who was accompanied by some of the management team pointed out that its possible to login with electronic mails (emails), fingerprint, facials and password with GTWorld, just as there are features for transaction authentication with fingerprint, bills history payment could be called up, statements to embassies and other 3^rd parties as well as transfers via phone.

In addition, the chief executive officer of GTBank told ITRealms that calls to and email GTconnect from the app have been streamlined for a better customer experience, while cardless withdrawals on GTBank and other banks Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are available.

The mobile banking app, he said, offers customers access to more than 90 per cent of the bank’s services on their smartphones and guarantees further security through biometric authentication and end users convenience through the Quick feature, which enables a user to perform transaction without signing in among others.

According to him, when switching to GAPS-Lite, the app offers small business owners access to real-time monitoring of all transactions and the ability to make bulk and single transfers on the go to any account in the world.

Declaring that “GTWorld also reflects our commitment to driving digital banking solutions that not only enable our customers to make financial transactions, but also position us at the centre of an ecosystem that offers them benefits beyond banking.”

Remmy Nweke/ED, Ops 

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ntel’s VOXHD app accessible on Google Play Store

ITRealms:

The acclaimed Nigeria’s most advanced 4G/LTE network provider, ntel, has made its high definition Voice Over (VOXHD) application now accessible on Google Play Store, reports ITRealms.

The Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) application allow customers who have 4G/LTE devices supported on the ntel network, to experience the unique voice service provided by ntel.

Speaking on the launch of the application, Kamar Abass, ntel Chief Executive Officer said “This is the first time a Voice Over LTE application that is native to a Nigerian network is being hosted on Google Play Store.”

As said by him, “The application avails our customers of crystal clear high definition VoLTE calls, Short Message Service (SMS over LTE) as well as other traditional features expected from a cellular voice service. With this application, our customers can make and receive HD voice calls, send and receive SMS on their ntel line, with any compatible 4G device, anywhere within our coverage areas.”

ITRealms gathered that to download the application, subscribers should type "ntel VOXHD" on the relevant Google Play Store page.

Further, Abass said that ntel is committed to improving user experience by deploying cutting edge technology in its service delivery.

He explained that the ntel VOXHD application is currently compatible with devices running on Android Operating Systems versions from Android 5.X.

Stressing that ntel is also working to integrate the Apple iOS version shortly for the benefit of Apple iPhone users.

“Updates on this will be provided regularly on our website,” he assured, emphasizing that ntel's VOXHD is compatible with only ntel SIM cards to the exclusion of other networks.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Etisalat launches My Etisalat app

ITRealms:

Acclaimed innovative telecommunications network operator, Etisalat Nigeria has launched a new product tagged ‘My Etisalat’ reports ITRealms.

The Chief Information Officer (CIO), Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Otuyemi Otule described My Etisalat as revolutionary, adding that Etisalat believes in simplicity and innovation, hence Etisalat embark on this innovative mobile application.

He explained that to benefit from My Etisalat, users have to first and foremost, be on Etisalat network to enjoy it.

According to him, My Etisalat comes as a mobile app and web-based which takes away the incidences of using Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN); a set of communication standards for simultaneous digital transmission of voice, video, data, and other network codes via Short Messaging Service (SMS) codes.

The advancement in technology, Otule said, has brought about this launch of My Etisalat, stressing that since coming into the Nigerian market, Etisalat is synonymous with innovative ‘easy’ products.

Above all, he said, My Etisalat enables users to explore a whole range of services, thereby offering subscribers better customer experience.

Explaining further, the Online User Experience Officer, Etisalat, Mr. Paul Ehiagbonare, said My Etisalat was built based on customers’ feedback.

“We have customers who cut across various platforms including iOS, Andriod, Windows,” he declared.

Credentials with social media accounts, he said, could be used to sign into the app and could also be used to block a stolen device.

Customers, he said, have the ability to manage all their lines from My Etisalat app and even add more of Etisalat lines if so wish.

“You can also use it to manage all your lines when you add other numbers and swipe icon come up handy for this,” he said.

Remmy Nweke/ED, Ops

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TD Africa boosts market share with mobile app

ITRealms:

Top Information and Communication Technology (ICT) distributors in Sub-Saharan Africa, Technology Distributions Ltd, has given a boost to its market share by unveiling of TD mobile app, reports ITRealms.

Unveiling the mobile app at the weekend during the CEO’s forum with selected partners, the Managing Director (Marketing) at TD, Mrs. Chioma Chimere, said allows users to place product orders online in real time directly from their smartphones.

Apart from lending more ease and convenience to the business relationship between TD and its partners, the launch of the application also ensures that partners can take advantage of product auctions and special promotions such as ‘Were Deal as well as other discount sales and deals from Technology Distributions.

The new TD Africa mobile app is available for download on Google Play store @ https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tdafrica.app and on Apple’s i-Store as well. Interested parties can also search with ‘TDAfrica’ on Play Store and i-Store to locate and download the app.

The company has also rolled out special discounts and other mouth-watering incentives for the first 100 partners to download the TD Africa mobile app and make online transactions up to N100,000 with the app. These partners, in addition to the special incentives lined up, will enjoy additional discount of up to 5% at the point of invoicing.

According to Managing Director (Marketing), Mrs. Chioma Chimere, the launch of the mobile app is a fulfilment of the promise made at the beginning of the new financial year to its partners.

“We made a promise to our partners at the commencement of our new financial year to serve them better by deploying technology to lend unmatched convenience and ease to our business relationship. Today, we have taken another big step towards the fulfilment of this promise.

“We are pleased to announce that the TD Africa mobile app is ready for download on Google Play store. The mobile app will also be available for download on Apple’s i-Store soon. With this app, you can now enjoy the added convenience of accessing TD’s wide product portfolio and placing orders from your mobile phone. With this app installed on your smartphone, you no longer have to get to the office or reach your laptop to take advantage of our special promotions such as ‘Were Deal.”

Since its establishment in 1999, TD has been in the fore-front of driving the diffusion of technology in Nigeria and the West African sub-region as a whole with its leadership and promotion of a structured, virile market which caters to the needs of its various players including Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), resellers and end-users.

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ITU launches ‘Ebola-Info-Sharing’ mobile app

ITRealms:

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has launched a free mobile Application (app) for use in the campaign against the Ebola disease outbreak, reports ITRealms.

The "Ebola-Info-Sharing" mobile App, ITRealms gathered facilitates coordination among organizations responding to the Ebola crisis and offers the general public access to the latest Ebola news from official sources, including an interactive map on Ebola.

"Information and communication technologies are now critical components of emergency telecommunications not only when natural disasters strike, but also during epidemics such as the Ebola disease outbreak," said ITU Secretary-General Hamadoun I. Touré. 

He also said that mobile app would not only enhance prevention, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diseases but would also strengthen healthcare systems through improvements in emergency response, healthcare practitioner support, healthcare surveillance and administration.

Mr Brahima Sanou, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau said that with such unprecedented computing power in the palms of mobile population it is imperative that it should be harnessed via mobile technology to serve humanity and especially in combating epidemics.

"Partnerships are key to the success of a collective global response to fight epidemics like Ebola," he said.

ITRealms recalls that the App is currently available for Android mobile devices and will soon be available for iOS devices. It, has two main components:
News and maps as well as contacts and interactive forum.

 

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Palmchat enters Nigeria app market

ITRealms:

Palmchat, a multi-media messenger that enables friends to connect across all platforms, and make new friends in diverse fun-filled and exciting ways, has entered Nigerian application (app) market, reports ITRealms.

Head, Public Relations, Transision Holdings, Mounir Boukali, told ITRealms that Palmchat, which is an app currently trending in the social application space is expected to transform and create a major swept in the history of instant messaging technology. 

It is also predicted that all outdated Instant Messenger (IM) will be clearly phased out by social media apps that are more engaging, personal and comes with interesting features.

“Having used all the social application platforms we can find around, one can only ask for more and this is what Palmchat offers everyone; a cool new face of social instant messaging, personal and group chatting,” Boukali said.

The Head PR stressed that Palmchat offers really different features from those already in use. Pointing out that users’ could join any chat room of their choice, discussing a range of issues, from sports to romance, and even get discounts from online stores. 

“It enables you to share your cool pictures, music and recordings with your friends, getting in touch with them in private messaging” Boukali said.

Using location based services, Boukali said, Palmchat helps users link-up with friends within their neighbourhoods. 

He further told ITRealms in a press statement, “The ‘shake-shake’ feature gives you that instant experience. One new person pops up every time you shake your phone, and with this cute sound, a new contact is added” he explained.

ITRealms recalls that Palmchat is the IM app everyone should connect to experience instant messaging in a new way. The sign-ups have increased in thousands in recent times with millions of people coming unto the platform.   

 +Remmy Nweke (ITRealms) 

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