E-Business
HP Unveils Innovative PCs for the Future @ CES 2021
The PC has never been more essential, so this year at CES 2021, HP Inc. unveiled new devices and solutions designed to power hybrid work environments and growing personal creative studios.
With half of the global workforce still working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, new use cases for the PC are emerging for both consumers and employees remaining at home. Since COVID, there has been a seven-hour increase per week in time spent on personal PCs.
In some cases, this has resulted in an increase in everyday creativity – with photography, writing stories or articles, and live streaming being the top three activities among consumers. But working and staying at home isn’t always simple, with only 30% of people having a space where they can shut the door.
Yet 72% of knowledge workers want a hybrid remote-office model moving forward and 48% of Gen Z are considering an expansion of their freelance business in the future, requiring solutions with enhanced collaboration and micro-mobility features.
“While the PC is more essential than ever, what’s most important of all is people. Our innovation engine continues to be grounded in deep customer insights that help keep people connected, engaged, and contributing in this new world,” said Alex Cho, president, Personal Systems, HP Inc.
“We are looking beyond the device people use to what will improve their experience – from software that provides lighting control for video calls, peripherals that enable a more customised experience, to how services can make it easier to monitor and manage devices for a multitude of devices.”
“The Way we work and where it happens has elevated the need for technology that keeps us productive and collaborative. The ability to work together despite being apart has never been more important. HP meets this need with the new HP Dragonfly G2 and HP Dragonfly Max with next-level collaboration,” Cho said.
Among the products unveiled at the CES 2021event include the HP Elite Dragonfly G2, the world’s lightest compact business convertible, weighing less than 1 kg, and one of the world’s most sustainable PC portfolio with striking finishes and accents that incorporate recycled materials, including ocean-bound plastics.
The device offers incredible power through 11th Gen Intel® Core™ processors and new Intel® integrated graphics and allows users to stay connected through impressively fast 5G or gigabit-class 4G LTE connectivity, with Tile™ now built in.
Also on display at the ongoing tech event is The HP Elite Dragonfly Max which takes the Elite Dragonfly G2 beyond expectations to deliver the world’s most advanced collaboration in a business convertible, and provides a clear, crisp, and comfortable collaboration experience with enhanced features including: four wide-range microphones with AI-driven audio optimisation, a 5 MP + IR camera for high quality video chatting, and an HP Eye Ease display with blue light technology with Eyesafe® certification, to work, surf, or chat without burdening eyes.
Another on display is the HP Elite Folio which amps up productivity without limits with the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 8cx Gen 2 5G compute platform delivering multi-gigabit connectivity speeds with optional 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and up to 24.5 hours of local video playback.
Featuring a pull-forward form factor with a flexible, magnesium unibody design, the Elite Folio combines what people love about their phone, tablet, and PC all into one device.
HP also wowed guests with the HP EliteBook 840 G8 Aero, the under 1.13 kg. powerhouse equipped with 11th Gen Intel® Core™ processors, integrated Tile™ capabilities, Wi-Fi 6, , and optional 5G LTE connectivity options.
Part of the world’s most secure and manageable PCs, the device hosts a variety of HP security features to keep sensitive data safe, including an HP Privacy Camera and optional HP Sure View Reflect to protect against visual hacking.
Additional new devices from HP include the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G8 and the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8, both with special features which transforms each to the workstyle of choice with a powerful processor, strong security, an optional 5G connection.
Also new is the HP Elite x2 G8 which combines modern PC performance with pure tablet mobility for professionals who desire freedom to work anywhere without compromising on productivity, security, or privacy.
Other products unveiled at the ongoing tech event include the HP ENVY 14, the mobile personal creative studio which gives people the freedom to create and stay connected from anywhere; the HP M-Series FHD Monitors which are designed for home workers and creatives who need to be productive, with a slim design for a modern look and feel, and the HP E24u G4 and HP E27u G4 USB-C Monitors which provides a clean desk solution with quick and easy USB-C® connectivity that can power a connected laptop up to 65W.
HP also showcased some top-of-the-range accessories, including the HP 635 Multi-Device Wireless Mouse, the perfect, ultra-small travel companion with year-long battery life and the ability to connect with up to three different devices with the USB® nano dongle or Bluetooth® for uninterrupted transitions between the PC and tablet.
Also on display is the HP Renew Travel 15.6-inch backpack and laptop bag, the environmental-friendly bag made fiber materials obtained by recycling plastic bottles.
Commenting on HP’s insights-driven services, Cho said: “HP Smart Support provides fast resolution to IT-related issues to keep employees up and running. Built on HP’s focus on insight-driven innovations, the new solution puts the power of insights and AI into the hands of its customers through cloud-based telemetry.
“Smart Support securely provides HP Support Agents with device health insights and configuration data for them to quickly review, diagnose, and troubleshoot device-related issues to keep support calls short giving employee’s time back to get work done.
“This new option can be downloaded on select HP commercial devices. Also the HP Business Boost offers unique support for SMBs to help manage remote workers to be productive from wherever they are working with a simple solution for out-of-the-box PCs and printers”.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) of Nigeria has launched a new digital identity verification tool called the NIN Authentication (NINAuth) application.
The initiative, which forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to strengthen the country’s national digital identity management framework.
The launch builds upon Nigeria’s comprehensive unified digital identity system that has been transforming access to financial services and government programs.
The NINAuth application introduces several key features focused on data security and privacy.
The platform requires explicit user consent before sharing identity information for Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, giving individuals greater control over their personal data.
The system provides seamless access to various government services, including SIM card registration, immigration applications, passport processing, tax filings, and financial transactions.
The development follows significant investment in Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure, including a $45.5 million support from the World Bank as part of the Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) project.
As the official service for integration with NIMC’s backend infrastructure, NINAuth enables secure verification processes across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
The application is available for download on both the Google Play Store and Apple iOS App Store for users of the National Identification Number (NIN).
The rollout represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to digitize government services and strengthen identity verification processes.
“NINAuth is a cutting-edge suite of services including web, API, and mobile verification designed to enhance data security, protect privacy, and simplify access to government services,” said Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC.
“The platform introduces a robust layer of protection, empowering individuals with greater control over their personal information.”
The implementation supports the objectives of the recently established Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project Ecosystem Steering Committee, which oversees the country’s digital identity initiatives.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the launch of the NINAuth app and directed its use for verification and authentication across all MDAs.
The application provides a secure single sign-on solution for accessing government services and social protection programs while maintaining strict data privacy controls.
The centralized approach to digital identity management represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey and its commitment to modernizing government services.
Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has set in motion a machinery to checkmate the booming copyright piracy market in the country.
Copyright piracy is said to cost Nigeria an annual loss estimated at billions of naira.
Despite the absence of a coordinated or official statistics to gauge the quantum of loss, John Asein, director general, NCC, said as far back as 2019, Nigeria lost N918 trillion ($3 billion) annually to digital piracy.
The financial damages severely impact local businesses and innovation efforts.
The commission, in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), has started a project to develop strategies and tools to address the menace.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on the WIPO project to address online copyright piracy in Nigeria, Asein said digital technologies have unlocked tremendous opportunities for the creative and innovation sectors.
The NCC boss said technology also poses serious challenges, including online piracy, which he said is growing rapidly.
He said: “Pirate sites continue to emerge rapidly, with statistics indicating a 6.7 per cent increase in user visits. A significant percentage of these users are students aged between 18 and 24, with social media and messaging platforms becoming major gateways for accessing pirated content.”
He added: “No industry is immune. The most affected sectors include television (43.6 per cent), publishing (27.5 per cent), film (12.9 per cent), music (7.0 per cent), and software (6.2 per cent).
“Far beyond mere statistics, the victims are no longer only foreign right owners. Many Nigerians in these sectors have also been bruised and their creative enterprises ruined.”
Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has signed an international mail partnership with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for improved delivery access to over 200 countries without middlemen.
Tolani Odeyemi, postmaster-general and chief executive officer of NIPOST, described the deal as a “major milestone” for the country’s logistics and postal sector.
In a statement on X on Monday, Odeyemi explained that the new agreement marks NIPOST’s first direct international airline partnership for several years.
“For a long time, NIPOST operated without any direct partnerships with international airlines, relying heavily on multiple third-party handlers,” the Postmaster-General stated. This often resulted in delays, higher costs, and uncertainty around the delivery of packages.”
She explained that under the new arrangement, KLM will directly handle all outbound international mail from Nigeria, eliminating the need for intermediaries.
“This translates to faster and more reliable delivery, reduced risk of loss or damage, lower handling charges, and access to over 200 countries through KLM’s global network,” the Postmaster-General stressed.
According to Odeyemi, NIPOST’s breakthrough came after it began settling long-standing debts owed to international carriers, a step she said was key to “rebuilding global trust” in Nigeria’s postal system.
She revealed that talks were also ongoing with Ethiopian Airlines to bolster regional and continental logistics, particularly on African and Eastern routes.
“Our goal is clear and unwavering: to connect Nigeria regionally and globally, efficiently, securely, and affordably,” Odeyemi asserted.
The NIPOST CEO described the development as a significant win for Nigerian businesses and small and medium-scale enterprises that rely on international shipping, stating, “You now benefit from quicker, more affordable international shipping, greater peace of mind with improved reliability, and new potential to reach and grow in global markets.”
Odeyemi commended the teams behind the scenes and pledged continued improvements in service delivery, adding that the deal signals a turning point for the agency.
Nigerians May Pay More for Calls, Data as Senate Okays 5 Percent Excise Duty
W’Bank Says Cash Transfer Missed Millions of Needy Nigerians
EFCC Tells Nigerians to Shun Ponzi Schemes Like CBEX, Others
NIMC Launches NINAuth Digital Identity Verification App for Govt Services
NCC to Checkmate $3Bn Digital Piracy Market
E-Business3 days agoNIN: FG Increases DoB Update Fee by 75Percent to N28,574
Broadcasting3 days agoAfreximbank Unveils Third Edition of Short Film Competition ‘Creative Africa Nexus’
General News3 days agoNIMASA Embraces Technology to Strengthen Regulatory Mandate
E-Financial3 days agoSEC Intensifies Fight Against Ponzi Schemes With Market
E-Business3 days ago10 Percent of Nigerians Affected by Data Breaches since 2004
Telecom3 days agoMTN Commits $10Bn to Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure
News3 days agoSERAP Challenges CBN to Publish Local Government Allocations
Telecom2 days agoNigeria to Receive $3Bn Telecoms Infrastructure in June – Minister