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Ray-Ban, Facebook Launch ‘Ray-Ban Stories’ Smart Glasses

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Facebook, Inc. and Ray-Ban releases the next generation of smart glasses, Ray-Ban Stories. The highly anticipated collaboration brings forward a new way to seamlessly capture, share and listen through your most authentic moments.

The announcement was made on Monday by Mark Zuckerberg and Rocco Basilico in a virtual announcement detailing the partnership and the exciting capabilities.

Leading Ray-Ban Stories’ product lineup with the most recognizable style, an icon since the 1950’s is Wayfarer and Wayfarer Large. Facebook and EssilorLuxottica, Ray-Ban’s parent company, were able to engineer smart technology to support all-day wear, including an optimized Snapdragon processor, without compromising style, comfort, and aesthetic, but most of all the weight, with just 5gr more than a standard pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarer.

Ray-Ban Stories include a dual integrated 5MP camera to capture photo and video; discreet open-ear speakers to listen, and a three-microphone audio array to deliver rich voice and sound transmission for calls and videos.

You can also find Ray-Ban Stories in a variety of other iconic styles such as the legendary, retro Round and the super iconic Meteor. Starting at $299 (CAD 369, EUR 329, GBP 299, AUD 449) you can add flare to your style by choosing various lenses: sun, prescription, polarized, gradient, Transitions® and clear.

In addition to an iconic design built with innovative technology, Ray-Ban Stories launches in conjunction with a companion app, Facebook View (iOS and Android), creating an easy way to import, edit, and share content captured on the smart glasses with the ability to upload on any social app stored on your phone: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, Twitter, TikTok, Snapchat, and more.

“We are incredibly proud to bring Ray-Ban Stories to life with our partners at Facebook,” said Rocco Basilico, Chief Wearables Officer at EssilorLuxottica.

“This is a milestone product that proves consumers don’t have to choose between technology and fashion – they can live in the moment and stay connected while wearing their favorite style of Ray-Ban’s. Our unique approach, combining decades of superior

craftsmanship, a dedicated spirit of innovation and a commitment to delivering only cutting edge technology has resulted in a wearable that people will truly love wearing.”

“Ray-Ban Stories is designed to help people live in the moment and stay connected to the people they are with and the people they wish they were with.

“EssilorLuxottica has been nothing short of stellar in this partnership and through their commitment to excellence we were able to deliver on both style and substance in a way that will redefine the expectations of smart glasses.

“We’re introducing an entirely new way for people to stay connected to the world around them and truly be present in life’s most important moments, and to look good while doing it,” said Andrew Bosworth, Vice President, Facebook Reality Labs.

Ray-Ban Stories is available at Ray-Ban stores and Ray-Ban.com beginning on September 9th in the US, UK, Italy, Australia, Ireland and Canada.

On Monday, September 13th it will be available at select Luxottica retail banners including SunglassHut, LensCrafters, OPSM, David Clulow and Salmoiraghi & Viganò and soon after available also at selected wholesale clients.


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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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NERC Discloses $5.7 Million Debt Owed by International Customers for Q3 2024 Electricity Supply

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Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has disclosed that international customers owe $5.7 million for electricity supplied in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.

The debtors include Paras-SBEE and Transcorp-SBEE from the Benin Republic, Mainstream-NIGELEC from Niger, and Odukpani-CEET from Togo.

Under an international treaty, Nigeria exports electricity to neighbouring countries like Benin Republic, Togo, and Niger.

In its latest quarterly report, NERC stated that market operators (MO) issued invoices totaling $12.19 million to six international firms for services rendered in Q3, out of which $6.49 million was paid.

“In 2024/Q3, the six (6) international bilateral customers purchasing power from the grid-connected GenCos made a cumulative payment of $6.49 million against the $12.19 million invoice issued to them by the MO for services rendered in 2024/Q3,” the report said.

“Similarly, the domestic bilateral customers made a cumulative payment of ₦1,566.51 million against the ₦2,100.79 million invoice issued to them by the MO for services rendered in 2024/Q3.”

NERC highlighted that some bilateral customers—both domestic and international—made payments in Q3 2024 to settle outstanding invoices from previous quarters. “Odukpani-CEET made a payment of $1.33 million towards outstanding invoices from previous quarters,” the report revealed.

“Similarly, the MO received ₦31.51 million from the domestic bilateral customers (North-South/Star Pipe; ₦9.50 million and Trans-Amadi (OAU/FMPI); ₦22.01 million) towards outstanding invoices from previous quarters.”

However, NERC noted that its special customer, Ajaokuta Steel Co. Ltd, along with the host community, failed to make any payments towards the ₦1.26 billion (NBET) and ₦0.11 billion (MO) invoices received in Q3 2024.

“This continues a longstanding trend of non-payment by this customer, and the Commission has communicated the need for intervention on this issue to the relevant FGN authorities,” the commission said, warning that continued non-payment could lead to total disconnection from the national grid.

In September, Shuaibu Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Messrs Tyazhpromexport (TPE) for the rehabilitation, completion, and operation of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO).

By December, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content, announced plans to commence the revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company plants in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.


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QNET Collaborates with Lagos Food Bank to Aid Vulnerable Children

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QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling company, has partnered with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative (LFBI), a non-profit organization dedicated to nutrition and hunger relief, to provide nutritious food and gifts to 1,000 vulnerable children in Makoko, Lagos.

This initiative is part of QNET’s end-of-year social impact activities.

Supported by QNET’s legal partner, Transblue Limited, the project is part of LFBI’s Education Enhancement Intervention for Food Insecure Students (EDUFOOD) program that addresses malnutrition and food insecurity among underserved students by providing healthy meals and essential educational resources.

A report by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) highlights that Nigeria has the second-highest burden of stunted children globally, with a national prevalence rate of 32% among children under five.

Furthermore, an estimated 2 million Nigerian children suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM).

Biram Fall, QNET’s Regional Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Guided by our principle – Raise Yourself To Help Mankind (RYTHM), we believe that education and good health for children are the cornerstones of a thriving society.

Partnering with LFBI allows us to make a tangible impact on vulnerable children’s lives, reflecting our mission to empower youths and improve communities.”

Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director of Transblue Limited, shared his thoughts: “This collaboration not only addresses food insecurity but also brings joy to young hearts, allowing them to truly experience the spirit of Christmas. Together, we are fostering hope, joy, and a brighter future fo r all.”

Michael Sunbola, Executive Director of LFBI, expressed gratitude for the partnership:“QNET’s support empowers us to reach even more children during this season of celebration, improving their health and unlocking their potential. Together, we are building a foundation for a brighter future.”

The partnership underscores QNET’s commitment to sustainable development, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Quality Education (SDG 4).


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Spotify’s ‘Detty December’ Hub and Spotify’s ‘Songs of December’ now live

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Spotify today announced the launch of its ‘Detty December’ hub with playlists for December, a celebration of the vibrant festive season in West Africa and South Africa.

The hub is a one-stop shop for all things Detty December, with curated playlists featuring the biggest hits and emerging sounds of the season.

Users can find everything from Afrobeats and Amapiano anthems to chilled-out vibes for those much-needed recovery days.

“Detty December is a special time for our users in West Africa and ke Dezemba symbolises South Africa’s spirit of celebration,” said Phiona Okumu, Head of Music at Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa.

“We’re excited to be part of their celebrations with this dedicated hub and playlists, bringing them the best music to soundtrack their festive moments.”

This unapologetic season of street jams, back-to-back concerts, and endless summer fun has developed its own culture that draws diaspora and local fans alike.

The curated sounds of Spotify’s Detty December hub will pay homage to the Lagos rooftop lounges, Accra’s beachside festivals, and South Africa’s township tunes that keep people grooving.

In addition to the hub, Spotify has also launched a new playlist called ‘Songs of Detty December’.

This playlist is a curated list from Spotify Africa’s editors on the songs predicted to dominate this year’s Detty December. From DJ Skelm’s Afro Tech sounds to Flytime Fest’s tour of songs that tell Africa’s aspirational stories, the hub will be the home of takeover playlists that display Africa’s diverse talent.

Barrier-breaking Amapiano talent Kamo_ww has taken over a South African Summer playlist too.

Spotify is also supporting Jerk x Jollof, a popular event making its way to Africa for the first time, through its Frequency program. Held at The Ostrich event space, the Jerk x Jollof Cape Town takeover will feature DJs and artists such as TxC, DBN Gogo, Spinall, Sarz and Odeal, merging the spirit of Detty December and ke Dezemba experiences and bringing South and West African cultures and artists together.

“We’re committed to supporting African music and culture,” said Okumu.

“We believe that music is a powerful way to bring people together, and we’re excited to be part of the Detty December celebrations.”

You can keep the good vibes going as you make your way to the hotel, beach or next Detty December party with Spotify’s curated and immersive sound selection. Discover something new or run the year’s best party anthems back on your app today.

The ‘Detty December’ hub is available now on Spotify.


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