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Google Translate Adds 110 More New Languages to its Platform

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Google has announced a major expansion of Google Translate, adding 110 new languages to the platform. This update, part of Google’s 1,000 Languages Initiative, which uses AI models to support the 1,000 most spoken languages around the world, represents a significant step towards breaking down language barriers and fostering communication across diverse cultures.

The new inclusions include eight languages from across Africa, which now join Nigerian languages Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Fulani, Kanuri, and Tiv, which were already supported by Google Translate.

Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Affairs Manager for West Africa at Google, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Our mission is to enable everyone, everywhere, to understand the world and express themselves across languages. With the addition of these 110 new languages, including many from Africa, we’re opening up new opportunities for over half a billion people to connect and communicate.”

Africa, with its rich linguistic diversity, is a key focus of this expansion. The addition of numerous African languages underscores Google’s commitment to supporting underrepresented languages and amplifying voices from across the continent.

Kola-Ogunlade further explained the complexities involved in language selection: “A lot of consideration goes into new language additions for Google Translate, ranging from which languages to include to the use of specific spellings.

“Many languages do not have a single, standard form, so learning the specific dialect that is spoken the most in an area is more feasible. Our approach has been to prioritise the most commonly used varieties of each language.”

The latest expansion utilises the PaLM 2 large language model, following the addition of 24 languages in 2022 using Zero-Shot Machine Translation. This technology enables Translate to more efficiently learn languages that are closely related to one another or have various distinct dialects. Google collaborated extensively with native speakers to ensure accuracy and prioritise the most commonly used varieties of each language.

The 110 new languages represent over 614 million speakers worldwide, covering around 8% of the world’s population. This includes major world languages with over 100 million speakers, languages spoken by small Indigenous communities, and languages undergoing revitalization efforts.

Key African Languages Now Supported by Google Translate:

  • Middle Africa: Kikongo

  • Eastern Africa: Luo, Swati, Venda

  • Western Africa: Fon, Wolof

  • Southern Africa: Swati, Ndebele

Notably, this update marks Google’s largest expansion of African languages to date, including:

  • Afar is a tonal language spoken in Djibouti, Eritrea and Ethiopia. Of all the languages in this launch, Afar had the most volunteer community contributions.

  • Cantonese is one of the most requested languages for Google Translate. Because Cantonese often overlaps with Mandarin in writing, it’s tricky to find data and train models.

  • Manx is the Celtic language of the Isle of Man. It almost went extinct with the death of its last native speaker in 1974. But thanks to an island-wide revival movement, there are now thousands of speakers.

  • NKo is a standardised form of the West African Manding languages that unifies many dialects into a common language. Its unique alphabet was invented in 1949, and it has an active research community that develops resources and technology for it today.

  • Punjabi (Shahmukhi) is the variety of Punjabi written in Perso-Arabic script (Shahmukhi), and is the most spoken language in Pakistan.

  • Tamazight (Amazigh) is a Berber language spoken across North Africa. Although there are many dialects, the written form is generally mutually understandable. It’s written in Latin script and Tifinagh script, both of which Google Translate supports.

  • Tok Pisin is an English-based creole and the lingua franca of Papua New Guinea. If you speak English, try translating into Tok Pisin — you might be able to make out the meaning!


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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Tecno AI Integrated Smartphone Series Unveiled in Nigeria

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It was a night of glitz and glamour as Tecno, a global Innovative technology brand launched its groundbreaking series of Al Powered smartphones into the Nigerian Market.

The event held on Friday at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel VI Lagos, showcased an impressive lineup of TECNO’s latest mobile devices, including Phantom V Fold2 5G, Phantom V Filp2 5G, Camon 30s and Spark 30 Pro.

Speaking at the launch, Jack Chong, Brand Manager Tecno, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, stating that the AI integrated range of smartphones was designed to bring efficiency to business professionals and creatives.

He also highlighted Tecno’s commitment to delivering exceptional performance, sleek designs through cutting-edge technology.

Here are the phones and their features

Phantom V Fold2 5G

Freshly equipped with Tecno’s brand-new Tecno AI suite of AI functions, including the upgraded Gemini-integrated Ella AI Assistant, AI Artboard, AI Wallpaper and more.

It also features advanced hardware, with 6.42” outer and 7.85” main 120Hz LTPO screens with 30-120° hovering capability, a powerful 5750mAh Aircell battery, 70W charging, and an Ultra-Clear Five Camera Imaging System, while it also supports the new Phantom V Pen stylus.

Phantom V Filp2 5G

Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G is for those looking for a stylish flip 5G smartphone with a larger 6.9-inch display when unfolded. When folded, it’s just 8.88 millimeters and can fit in a much smaller space than a regular smartphone can fit in.

It’s also more stylish and convenient to carry. Both the cover display (AMOLED) and the main (LTPO AMOLED) displays have very eye-pleasing colors and suitable brightness. The back camera is nice with an ultrawide lens and 4K video recording. The 32 MP front camera is also pretty good with up to 2K video recording.

The performance is smooth with a 6 nm MediaTek Dimensity 8050 (6 nm)chipset. There is a 45W charger included in the box that can charge the 4000 mAh battery from 0% to 50% in just about 15 minutes.

Tecno Camon 30S

This phone features a cosmic design that combines humanity’s fascination with the cosmos and artistic aesthetics, creating a unique blend of vast space and futuristic elegance.

The camera offers notifications during photography, video recording, and charging. It boasts a 50MP AF front dual flash and a 50MP 1/1.56 OIS+2MP Depth+light sensor rear dual flash. It’s powered by a 5000mAh battery with 45W Super Charge using a Type-C Cable, and also it includes a 20W wireless charging, making it the brand’s first.

TECNO Spark 30 Pro

This phone equipped with a stunning 120Hz AMOLED display that boasts 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. Also, it comes with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res certified stereo speakers, providing an immersive audio-visual experience.

Powered by MediaTek Helio G100 processor, Spark 30 Pro supports 4.5G Lighting Network for faster connectivity. Additionally, the phone features super WiFi technology, enabling it to connect to networks 616% faster than other devices.

The launch was graced by the presence of prominent figures in the Nigerian Tech space, notable among them were Tecno brand ambassadors and A-list influencers.

At the event Tecno gifted participants with two smartphones and three smart watches via lucky dip game.

The launch concluded with a networking session that provided an excellent platform for industry leaders and tech enthusiasts to connect and discuss the future of mobile technology in Nigeria.

Guests departed with not only a deeper understanding of Tecno AI product line but also with swag bags filled with gifts, solidifying a memorable experience.


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Kellyrae Emerges Big Brother Naija Season 9 Winner

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Kellyrae has emerged as the winner of the Big Brother Naija season 9 ‘No Loose Guard’ edition.

Kellyrae edged Wanni who came in second and Onyeka third to emerge winner of the night.

As the winner, Kellyrae goes home with a cash prize of N60million and a brand new car worth N40m bringing the total prize worth to N100m.

Recall that 14 pairs of dynamic duos – 28 housemates, including two sets of twins, a married couple, besties, gym bros, and even a niece and aunt were introduced into Biggie’s house at the beginning of the reality show on Sunday, July 28.

However, on Sunday, September 1, after the live eviction, the duos were separated in the No Loose Guard season. The new twist left the housemates speechless as Biggie dropped the bombshell.

The game became officially became a solo competition, and they understood that only one housemate will emerge as the winner of this season.

This twist sure tested the housemates’ loyalty, resilience and ability to strategise independently.


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Nigerian Journalists Recount Experiences @QNET’s 2024 V-Convention

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The 2024 V-Convention held in Penang, Malaysia has come and gone but its sights and sounds is still reverberating as Nigerian Journalists who had the rare opportunity of attending the event shared their experiences and the immense opportunities QNET is providing to people through direct selling.

The event, which brought together over 8,000 participants from 30 countries, showcased the global reach and cross-border partnerships, which are crucial for direct selling businesses to thrive, particularly in emerging markets like Nigeria.

While speaking at the 2nd VCON 2024 Media Experience webinar on Thursday, the two journalists that witnessed the event shared their personal experiences, insights and take away from the convention in Penang, Malaysia.

Recounting his experience at the event, Sulaiman Aledeh, A TV journalist with Arise, described the experience as thrilling. “The V-Convention was more than a business event,” he remarked.

“It was a gathering of individuals united by their passion for personal growth, entrepreneurship, and wellness. The energy and enthusiasm were unmistakable, and it was inspiring to witness so many people coming together to support one another’s goals.”

He further highlighted QNET’s business strategies while lauding their efforts in supporting education and law enforcement partnerships.

Aledeh added, “One of the things that struck me most about the V-Convention was the sense of community and camaraderie among the attendees. Everyone was there to learn, grow, and support each other, and it created a truly inspiring atmosphere.”

Peter Oluka, Editor of TechEconomy and another attendee of VCON 2004, echoed similar sentiments, describing the event as more than just a business convention.

For him, the gathering of entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds created a powerful network of like-minded individuals passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship.

He was particularly impressed by QNET’s focus on environmentally friendly products, signaling that the direct selling industry has much to offer in terms of sustainable development.

He praised the diversity of the attendees, the informative workshops, and the focus on innovation and sustainability, and highlighted the opportunity to explore Penang and experience Malaysian culture.

According to Oluka, “The V-Convention was a life-changing experience for me. It opened my eyes to the possibilities of direct selling and entrepreneurship, and I am now more motivated than ever to pursue my own business goals.”

Earlier, Theodocia Quartey, QNET’s Senior Legal Counsel for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the importance of the VCON media webinar, noting that “The event offered participants a chance to expand their product knowledge, interact with experts, and take advantage of vibrant networking opportunities. It reflects QNET’s steadfast commitment to innovation and sustainability.”

“Twice yearly, we brings together a diverse assembly of marketing professionals, experienced business leaders, and global entrepreneurs associated with the QI Group’s flagship business in Penang, Malaysia.

“During V-Conventions, QNET extends invitations to selected journalists from media outlets in Nigeria to experience this important event.

“The just-concluded V-Convention in September 2024 brought together over 8,000 attendees from over 30 countries. The theme of the event was “Unstoppable,” emphasizing QNET’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability.

“V-Convention continues to provide a platform to empower individuals and communities worldwide and champion innovation and sustainability through deepening product knowledge, engaging with experts, and experiencing dynamic demonstrations.

“Attendees benefit from business training sessions, motivational speeches, and product exhibitions, providing them with invaluable personal and professional growth opportunities”.

Mr. Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director of Transblue Limited, QNET’s legal partner in Nigeria, emphasized the significant potential of the direct selling industry for Nigerian entrepreneurs during the second VCON 2024 Media Experience sharing webinar.

Ajisafe emphasized the importance of direct selling as a path to personal and financial empowerment, and pointed out the industry’s rapid expansion, with the global market expected to reach $204.89 billion by 2032.

“Direct selling provides entrepreneurs with a unique opportunity to harness their skills and build successful businesses with minimal investment,” he stated.

Ajisafe also discussed the misconceptions about direct selling in Nigeria, stressing the need to differentiate between legitimate direct selling companies and pyramid schemes. “QNET is dedicated to ethical practices and transparency,” he affirmed.

“We are working to educate the public about the benefits of direct selling and to dispel negative stereotypes. We believe that Nigeria has a bright future in the direct selling industry. By embracing this model, entrepreneurs can create jobs, generate wealth, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.”

 

 


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