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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 Elevate Galaxy AI to New Heights

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L-R: Nathan Lee, Business Manager Mobile experience, Samsung West Africa; Joy Tim Ayoola Group Head, Mobile experience, Samsung West Africa; Sungwon Jung, Chief Executive Officer, Samsung West Africa; Oge Maduagu, Head of Marketing, Samsung West Africa, and Stephen Okwara, Product Manager Mobile Experience, Samsung West Africa, during Galaxy Unpacked held in Lagos on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
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Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has unveiled its all-new Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6, along with Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro at the Galaxy Unpacked in Lagos.

L-R: Nathan Lee, Business Manager Mobile experience, Samsung West Africa; Joy Tim Ayoola Group Head, Mobile experience, Samsung West Africa; Sungwon Jung, Chief Executive Officer, Samsung West Africa; Oge Maduagu, Head of Marketing, Samsung West Africa, and Stephen Okwara, Product Manager Mobile Experience, Samsung West Africa, during Galaxy Unpacked held in Lagos on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.

Recall that earlier this year, the tech giant Samsung, ushered in the era of mobile AI through the power of Galaxy AI.

With the introduction of the new Galaxy Z series today, Samsung is opening the next chapter of Galaxy AI by leveraging its most versatile and flexible form factor perfectly designed to enable a range of unique mobile experiences.

Whether using Galaxy Z Fold’s large screen, Galaxy Z Flip’s FlexWindow or making the most of the iconic FlexMode, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 will provide more opportunities to maximize AI capabilities. Built on the foundation of Samsung’s history of form factor innovation, Galaxy AI uses powerful, intelligent, and durable foldable experience to accelerate a new era of communication, productivity, and creativity.

According to TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, “Samsung’s long history of innovation has allowed us to lead in the mobile space, creating the foldable form factor and ushering in the mobile AI era. Now, we are excited to bring these two complementary technologies together and unlock new possibilities for users around the world. Our foldables meet the unique needs of every user and now enhanced by the power of Galaxy AI, Samsung is delivering an experience like never before”.

Galaxy Z Fold6: Large Screen Productivity Elevated by AI

The Galaxy Z Fold6 offers a range of AI-powered features and tools that maximize the large screen and significantly enhance productivity like the Note Assist on Samsung Notes which offers translation, summaries, and auto formatting for simple and easy meeting notes.

Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6

A newly added Composer from Samsung Keyboard generates suggested text based on simple keywords for email and supported social media apps. For social media in particular, the Composer creates text that reflects your tone by analyzing previous posts.

Additionally, the S Pen experience is expanded further meeting with Galaxy AI on the Galaxy Z Fold6’s screen. All-new Sketch to image allows you to create more sophisticated art pieces by generating image options when you simply sketch or draw on the photos in Gallery or Note screen.

The Galaxy Z Fold6 enables you to evolve the way you work, play, and stay informed thanks to Samsung’s longstanding partnership with Google.

The latest Google Gemini app is fully integrated on the new Galaxy Z series, providing your own AI-powered assistant right on your phone.

By simply swiping the corner of the screen or saying, “Hey Google”, you can bring up Gemini’s overlay and get help with writing, learning, or planning. Gemini is integrated with some of your favorite Google apps, making it easy to organize a perfect travel itinerary by getting real-time flight and hotel booking information – and explore famous landmarks and the best routes to get there using Google Maps.

When you want detailed information about a K-pop music video while watching YouTube on Galaxy Z Fold6’s large screen, you can access Gemini overlay in the multi-window split screen to ask questions. If you’re curious about who the artist is in the video, just long press the home button and circle, highlight, or tap on screen – and Circle to Search will offer instant search results.

Galaxy AI has also enhanced barrier-free communication on Galaxy Z Fold6. Maximizing its unique dual screen form factor, Interpreter comes with a new conversation mode that enables both parties to conveniently view translations on the main and cover screens for more natural interactions.

Live Translate, which translates phone calls directly on your device in real-time, is also now being extended beyond Samsung’s own native calling app to a selection of popular third-party apps.

Not only does Galaxy Z Fold6 allow you to create content, it allows you to enjoy it, too. Galaxy Z Fold6 offers an upgraded gaming experience, anchored by its powerful chipset and 1.6x larger vapor chamber for the ability to game for longer, while still maintaining performance. Vivid, life-like graphics are supported by Ray Tracing and are brought to life on a 7.6-inch screen[i] that offers a brighter display of up to 2,600nit to deliver more immersive gaming.

Galaxy Z Flip6: Creating Unique Experiences, Customized to You

The Galaxy Z Flip6 is not just optimized for portability, but it offers a range of new customization and creativity features so you can make the most of every moment.

The 3.4-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow has been enhanced yet again, enabling AI-assisted functions without even needing to open the device. And for those communications on-the-go, you can reply to texts with Suggested replies which analyzes your latest messages to suggest a tailored response.

It wouldn’t be Galaxy Z Flip without a variety of ways for you to customize your device either. With the AI-powered Photo Ambient, a wallpaper can change in real-time based on the time and weather. You can also easily create a unified look and feel with suggested screen layout options by analyzing your wallpaper — such as moving the clock and changing the frame color to ensure the background image stands.

Creativity also goes beyond FlexWindow. FlexCam continues to offer the most versatile camera experience and unlocks new creative options. With the new Auto Zoom, FlexCam automatically finds the best framing for your shot by detecting the subject and zooming in and out before making any necessary adjustments. That way, you don’t have to choose between your friends or an incredible backdrop being in the shot – and it’s all hands-free.

New 50MP Wide and 12MP Ultra-wide sensors provide an upgraded camera experience with clear and crisp details in pictures.

Nightography, enhanced with video HDR allows you to capture more brilliant videos — even in dim lighting — and goes further by partnering with popular social apps as well.

The night capturing feature is now available in-app on Instagram, so you can take amazing photos at night and message or share them directly from within the app.

You can continue using all the creative and customizable features of Galaxy Z Flip6 without worrying about battery life either, with longer usage time[ii] made possible by hardware and software optimization.

On Security, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 are secured by Samsung Knox, Samsung Galaxy’s defense-grade, multi-layer security platform built to safeguard critical information and protect against vulnerabilities with end-to-end hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection.

In the era of AI, Samsung’s commitment to empowering you with choice over your device settings is stronger than ever, which is why you have full control over how you allow your data to enhance AI experiences through Galaxy AI settings.

As an added layer of protection, Enhanced Data Protection offers end-to-end encryption when you backup, sync or restore your data with Samsung Cloud.

Galaxy Buds3 Series: Expanding the Connected Experience through Galaxy AI

With the power of Galaxy AI, the Galaxy Buds3 series brings a new communication experience. If you’re attending a class in a foreign language, you can turn on Interpreter in Listening mode on Galaxy Z Fold6 or Flip6 with Galaxy Buds3 series plugged into your ears.

Not only is the Galaxy Buds3 series created to provide the premium audio experience, but it is also designed to do more with less for people and the planet.

Galaxy Unpacked 2024

Availability

The Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6 and Galaxy Buds3 series will be available for pre-order starting today, July 10, with general availability starting July 24.

Galaxy Z Fold6 is available in Silver Shadow, Pink and Navy, while Galaxy Z Flip6 is also available in Silver Shadow, Yellow, Blue and Mint color options so you can a color that best suits your style. The Galaxy Buds3 series offers an ultra-sleek, modern and comfortable design available in two colors, Silver and White.

For your peace of mind, Samsung Care+ — which protects your products with certified care from Samsung experts for accidental damage — will be provided one-year free during pre-order periods.


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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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Mafab Gets 0724 Number Series, Launches Mcom 5G Brand

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Mafab Communications, operating under the brand Mcom, has officially activated its mobile service infrastructure and commenced offering telecommunications services — including voice, data, and SMS — with new number range, Nigeria CommunicationsWeek can report.

Mafab Gets 0724 Number Series, Launches Mcom 5G Brand

Dr. Musbahu Bashir, founder Mafab, owners of Mcom

Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has also confirmed the entry of Mcom which listed 0724 as officially assigned to Mafab.

An insider at Mafab told this reporter that “ We are Nigeria’s first 5G standalone network provider, revolutionizing the telecommunications landscape.  We are driven by a vision to foster a world where possibilities know no bounds with the power of technology”

Recall that the original 5G licence was awarded to Mafab in 2021, with an expectation that rollout would have fully commence by August 2022.

MTN Nigeria, the other winner of the license adhered to this timeline and deployed its 5G across major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

Mafab on the other hand, requested and was granted an extension of time, which it have finally taken advantage of by the recent launch.

Mafab Communications is owned by Dr. Musbahu Bashir, who is also the founder and chairman of the company.

He is the individual behind the Mcom 5G brand and has been instrumental in launching the company’s 5G services.


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NCC to Name, Shame Telecom Infrastructure Vandals

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has vowed to intensify its collaboration with security agencies to arrest and prosecute individuals vandalising the country’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).

NCC to Name, Shame Telecom Infrastructure Vandals

Auwal Abdullahi, head of Quality of Service at the NCC, said this during a media engagement held in Abuja.

The move comes on the heels of the recent signing of the “Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order, 2024” by President Bola Tinubu.

The Order is aimed at protecting essential digital and communication systems from cyberattacks, vandalism, and related disruptions.

Speaking on the development, Abdullahi said: “The Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Act has provisions for prosecution, and the operationalisation of CNII falls under the purview of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Anyone found liable for damaging or disrupting CNII will be prosecuted going forward. We are working with relevant agencies like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to tackle these problems and prosecute offenders.”

He recounted that some telecom operators recorded significant financial losses two years ago, largely due to exchange rate pressures and infrastructure vandalism.

“About two years ago, we noticed a situation where some of our key telecom operators were recording massive losses. Despite increasing revenues, they were struggling with heavy forex-related obligations that ate into their revenues. This led to poor quality of service,” he said.

According to him, the recent tariff adjustments have placed the industry back on a path to profitability and renewed investment.

“As a result, they are able to reinvest in their networks, which will lead to better quality of service and experience. We expect investments in the industry to increase significantly this year, more than what was seen in the last two years. The Nigerian telecoms industry has great promise, evident in its revenue growth and service delivery, despite the recent challenges,” he added

Also speaking at the event, Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman and CEO of the NCC,  reassured stakeholders that the Commission remains committed to driving improvements in network quality across the country.

Represented by Mrs. Nnena Ukoha, acting head of Public Affairs, Maida challenged journalists to act on the knowledge shared at the forum.

“This is not for you alone. You now have this information, do not just sit on it. For instance, you were given figures on fiber cuts and thefts affecting NCC. Who is responsible for those infrastructures? The NSCDC. Ask them: ‘Of all these incidents, what are you doing about them? How many people have been prosecuted?’ Every state has legal departments. Go and ask them: ‘What are you doing to protect critical infrastructure?’ he queried.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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USSD: 13 Banks Clear Debts – ALTON

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Association of Licensed Telecommunications Companies in Nigeria (ALTON) has revealed that 13 commercial banks have fully settled their outstanding Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) service debts to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

USSD: 13 Banks Clear Debts - ALTON

Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, ALTON

The remaining three banks are nearing completion of their payments, having cleared over 95% of their respective debts, according to Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, ALTON.

This resolution paves the way for a new billing system for USSD banking transactions.

Going forward, charges for these services will be debited directly from customers’ airtime accounts.

The update on debt settlements and the upcoming billing model were discussed , during the ‘ASK the Exec’ online meeting anchored by MTN.

Participants included Lynda Saint-Nwafor, chief enterprise business officer at MTN and  Adebayo.

According to the ALTON Chairman, there has been substantial progress in resolving the long-standing debt issue.

“As of January, the outstanding debt from banks to MNOs for USSD services was N180 billion. Of the 17 banks with pre-API outstanding payments (excluding Heritage Bank, which is insolvent), 13 have fully settled their debts, and the remaining three are in the final stages of installment payments, with over 95% of the debt cleared”, he explained to journalists present at the call.

The clearance of historical debt is crucial as the industry moves to a new operational model.

“Banks with outstanding debts will not be excluded from the new system; they can either migrate to end-user billing once their debts are cleared or choose to remain on the old corporate billing model, provided they settle their outstanding obligations”, Adebayo pointed out.

Since 2021, collaborative efforts between the telecommunications and banking industries, supported by their regulators, have aimed to standardize charges for USSD banking transactions, resulting in a unified fee of N6.98 per transaction.

Saint-Nwafor, explained the upcoming change: “The most significant change is the transition to end-user billing, where customers will now be billed for USSD transactions directly from their airtime accounts instead of their bank accounts. This means deductions will no longer occur from bank balances but from airtime balances held with MNOs.”

Previously, banks directly debited customers’ bank accounts, a system that presented challenges regarding transparency and control.

To address this, an Application Programming Interface (API) was developed, granting banks full control over their USSD channels. For instance, a bank like GTBank with the USSD code *737# can now ensure a customer’s number is accepted by the bank before a transaction proceeds, after which the bank applies the N6.98 charge.

MNOs like MTN simply facilitate the connection, earning their N6.98 fee for providing the channel.

To ensure a smooth transition and consistent experience, a standardized process for end-user billing has been implemented across all operators and banks: Consent Message: Customers dialing a bank’s USSD code will receive a clear consent message informing them of the N6.98 deduction from their airtime and requesting acceptance.

Aggregator Communication: Upon acceptance, the MNO will contact a USSD aggregator to confirm the bank’s availability, preventing billing for unfulfilled services. Transaction and Billing: Once the bank confirms readiness, the MNO connects the customer and bills the airtime account.

All MNOs have also unified their messaging to customers, providing consistent communication on service levels and transaction outcomes, clarifying if a transaction failed due to issues on the bank’s end or the telco’s side.

Crucially, telco service purchases (airtime and data) from banks are zero-rated when customers use direct strings (e.g., dialing *737*10000# for N10,000 airtime instead of the generic *737#).

This informs both the MNO and the bank of the specific intent, making these transactions free.

Customers are strongly encouraged to use these direct strings to avoid charges, and extensive communication campaigns are planned. Any instance of double deduction (from both airtime and bank accounts) should be reported to the customer’s bank.

Adebayo addressed several key questions, reassuring the public about the implications for consumers and businesses.

He noted that for consumers, the shift to end-user billing has a zero net effect on cost, as they were already paying the N6.98 fee, albeit from their bank accounts.

Transparency and accountability are enhanced through standardized consent messages, inter-industry agreements, and MNOs’ commitment to provide monthly performance statistics to regulators.

“If a transaction fails due to MNO network issues, the customer will not be billed, or any deduction will be reversed. However, if the failure originates from the bank’s end (e.g., insufficient bank balance, bank system downtime), the customer will still be billed, with the reason for failure communicated”, ALTON Chairman explained.

The concern about USSD usage limiting access for those in unbanked areas or without airtime was also addressed.

“The N6.98 charge is considerably lower than alternative transport costs to physical banking points. Furthermore, customers can purchase airtime from their bank accounts at zero cost using direct strings, even if they have no airtime, as long as they have funds in their bank account. USSD is seen as a convenience channel, with all stakeholders contributing to the cost of providing financial services”, Adebayo stated.


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