Category: Big Tech!

MultiChoice Nigeria has announced the appointment of Kemi Omotosho as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 2026, marking a major leadership transition at one of the country’s most influential media and entertainment companies.

Omotosho succeeds John Ugbe, who is set to retire after nearly 15 years at the helm of MultiChoice Nigeria, a period defined by subscriber growth, local content expansion, and the consolidation of platforms such as DStv and GOtv as household staples across the country.

Kemi Omotosho brings over two decades of experience spanning media, telecommunications, and digital services across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. Notably, she is not new to the MultiChoice ecosystem.

Her previous roles within the MultiChoice Group include:

• Executive Head, Customer Value Management (Nigeria)
• Group Executive Head, Customer Value Management (Rest of Africa)
• Regional Director, Southern Africa, where she oversaw operations and full profit-and-loss responsibility across a seven-country portfolio

Nigeria remains MultiChoice Group’s largest and most strategic market in Africa, both in subscriber base and cultural influence. Omotosho’s appointment signals continuity, but also a renewed focus on customer engagement, innovation, and sustainable growth.

In her response to the announcement, Omotosho described the role as a privilege, emphasizing her commitment to:

• Strengthening customer relationships
• Championing local storytelling and Nigerian creators
• Supporting the broader creative economy
• Building a future-ready, resilient organization

John Ugbe’s retirement closes a significant chapter in MultiChoice Nigeria’s history. Under his leadership, the company expanded its local content slate, navigated regulatory and economic pressures, and maintained its dominance in a fast-evolving media landscape.

As Omotosho prepares to assume office in January 2026, attention will turn to how MultiChoice Nigeria adapts to changing viewer habits, rising content costs, and competition from global streaming platforms.

OPay has quietly introduced a ₦9,999 preset transfer option in its app, and Nigerians are paying close attention. The move comes amid growing concerns over the ₦50 stamp duty now applied to electronic transfers of ₦10,000 and above, a policy that officially took effect at the start of 2026.

While ₦50 may seem insignificant on its own, frequent transfers mean the cost adds up quickly. For millions of Nigerians who rely on fintech apps for daily transactions, even small deductions matter.

OPay’s new transfer option appears to offer a simple workaround, staying just below the threshold where stamp duty applies.

Understanding the ₦50 Stamp Duty on Bank Transfers

Under Nigeria’s updated stamp duty framework:

• Electronic transfers of ₦10,000 or more attract a ₦50 stamp duty
• The charge is deducted from the sender
• Transfers below ₦10,000 are exempt
• The rule applies across banks and fintech platforms

The policy is part of broader government efforts to improve tax compliance and generate revenue through digital transactions. However, its rollout has been met with mixed reactions, especially from users who make multiple transfers daily.

What the ₦9,999 Transfer Option Does

OPay’s ₦9,999 button allows users to send money without triggering the stamp duty charge. Instead of manually typing an amount, users can now select a preset value that keeps the transaction just under the ₦10,000 mark.

The feature:

• Reduces friction for users trying to avoid extra charges
• Speeds up transfers with a one-tap option
• Reflects how Nigerians already adjust spending habits around policy thresholds

OPay has not officially stated that the feature was designed to bypass stamp duty, but the timing and amount strongly suggest a response to user behaviour and concerns.

On social media, many users say they were already sending ₦9,999 manually before the update. The difference now is convenience.

Some users also admit to splitting larger transfers into multiple ₦9,999 transactions. While this is not illegal, financial experts advise moderation, as excessive micro-transactions can sometimes raise flags on financial platforms.

Agentic AI is one of the most important tech trend of 2025. This new generation of artificial intelligence doesn’t just respond to prompts, it plans, takes action, and completes tasks independently. For creators, entrepreneurs, and young professionals, this shift is unlocking new levels of productivity and opportunity.

WHAT EXACTLY IS AGENTIC AI?

Agentic AI is a smarter and more capable form of AI that can break goals into steps, execute tasks, and improve performance over time. Instead of giving instructions one by one, you set a goal, and the AI figures out the rest.

Examples:

• “Grow my TikTok to 20k.”
• “Create a weekly trend report.”
• “Organize my brand’s content calendar.”

HOW AGENTIC AI BENEFITS CREATORS AND BUSINESSES

Faster Workflows

Agentic AI automates repetitive tasks like scheduling posts, drafting emails, responding to customers, and generating analytics saving hours every week.

Better Decision Making

It analyzes trends, performance, and competition, making it easier to refine strategies and avoid errors.

Stronger Content Creation

Agentic AI generates ideas, drafts captions, tracks engagement, and supports consistency across platforms.

A Boost for Small Businesses

It handles customer interactions, admin tasks, marketing basics, and competitor updates, acting like an affordable digital team member.

Accessible to Everyone

Anyone with a phone or laptop can tap into this technology, making it especially valuable for young African creators and entrepreneurs.

Agentic AI is transforming how individuals work, create, and scale. As these tools become more integrated into daily life, they will continue empowering creators, professionals, and small businesses to achieve more with less effort.

It’s not just enough to know about this tools, you have to take the next step of knowing how to use them. Follow Streamdorm to stay updated on topics relating to tech and AI.

About a month ago, Hollywood was shaken when the announcement was made that the Ellison family backed Paramount Skydance’s plans to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery. If the deals go through, Paramount ($18.6B) and David Ellison will become the kings of Hollywood, sitting on Warner Bros.’ ($42.3B) valuable IP.

In the early hours of October 12, it was reported that Warner Bros. had rejected Paramount Skydance’s acquisition price, stating it was too low per share.

According to Bloomberg, Paramount’s initial bid of $20 per share was not attractive to Warner Bros. Discovery despite its stock price being around $17 on Friday’s market close.

David Ellison will allegedly re-evaluate his bid, looking for additional funds and backing while taking his bid directly to WBD shareholders.

This will be Ellison’s second big move in Hollywood this year. Earlier this year, David Ellison’s Skydance completed its merger with Paramount at $8 billion. Skdance Media is now the parent company to Nickelodeon, MTV, CBS and more, including properties like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Star Trek.

Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to split into two companies (Warner Bros. the Studio and Discovery Global for all the TV properties); companies like Paramount, Skydance, and Netflix are in a bidding war to acquire all of its properties, with more expected to announce their interest in the coming months.

The Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA) returned this year with an electrifying showcase of futuristic gadgets, breakthrough AI solutions, and cutting-edge consumer technology. From transparent TVs to AI-powered robots, IFA 2025 reaffirmed its role as the world’s leading tech trade show, bringing together innovators, manufacturers, and enthusiasts from across the globe.

Standout Winners at the IFA 2025 Innovation Awards

The inaugural IFA Innovation Awards spotlighted the companies pushing the boundaries of design and function.

• LG Electronics stole the spotlight with 17 awards, including Best of IFA for the LG SIGNATURE OLED T, the world’s first wireless transparent TV. LG also earned recognition for its Comfort Kit and Spielraum AI mobility platform.
• TECNO scored big with three awards for the Slim smartphone (billed as the world’s slimmest 3D-curved device), the MEGABOOK S14 AI laptop, and the AI Glasses Series.
• Other global brands like Samsung, TCL, Hisense, Miele, and Anker also took home awards in categories ranging from AI innovation to smart home integration.

Smartphones & Wearables

IFA 2025 reinforced how smartphones and wearables remain central to connected living.

• Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S25 FE and the Galaxy Tab S11 Series, strengthening its IFA portfolio with sleek designs and AI-powered features.
• TCL showcased the NXTPAPER 60 Ultra, an eye-comfort smartphone with triple-camera AI functionality (€499), alongside the NXTPAPER 5G Junior, a youth-focused device (€249) with Digital Detox Mode. They also introduced an educational smartwatch for kids.
• Withings and Garmin revealed AI-enabled wearables like the ScanWatch 2 and Fenix 8 Pro, highlighting health-focused data tracking.

Smart Home & Lifestyle Tech

IFA 2025 was packed with innovations designed to simplify everyday living.

• Roborock launched its 4-in-1 AI Cleaning System, combining a washer, dryer, robot vacuum, and mop into one compact, eco-friendly solution.
• Philips Hue expanded its Matter-compatible lineup, introducing a video doorbell and smarter lighting controls.
• SwitchBot presented an AI Art Frame and a quirky AI Pet, signaling how smart home devices are becoming more emotional and expressive.
• Lepro’s AI table lamp and other connected home gadgets reinforced the theme of energy efficiency and personalization.

Laptops, Gadgets & AI-Powered Tools

• Lenovo unveiled the ThinkBook VertiFlex, featuring a swivel portrait display perfect for reading or coding, plus a Smart Motion Concept adjustable stand.
• Acer impressed with the Swift 16 Air laptop and the Predator Helios 18P AI gaming rig.
• Acemate’s AI Tennis Robot turned heads with its ability to coach and retrieve balls, bringing automation to sports training.
• Anker’s Soundcore recorder debuted with GPT-4.1 transcription, blending productivity with AI-driven accuracy.

Entertainment & Visual Experiences

From projectors to drones, IFA 2025 highlighted immersive entertainment and bold design.

• Xgimi Horizon 20 Max projector delivered stunning 4K visuals with Dolby Vision support.
• Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro projector upped the game with Dolby Vision + Atmos.
• Technics SL-40CBT turntable catered to audiophiles, while Earfun Air Pro 4+ earbuds won praise for affordability and clarity.
• Antigravity A1 drone and Reolink TrackFlex Floodlight Cam also earned “Best of IFA” nods for functionality and innovation.

Design Meets Technology: Furniture & Lifestyle Crossovers

TCL introduced its NXTHOME™ concept, blending premium furniture and technology in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen and Roche Bobois. The company also revealed AiMe, the world’s first modular AI companion robot designed for homes.

Key Notes from IFA 2025

1. AI Everywhere: From phones and glasses to vacuums and tennis robots, AI integration is on the high rise.
2. Design-Driven Tech: Transparent TVs, ultra-slim curved phones, and AI-infused furniture show how aesthetics and functionality are merging.
3. Smart Living Simplified: Compact, multi-functional, and eco-friendly solutions dominated the show.
4. Global Stage: Asian tech giants (TCL, TECNO, Lenovo) shined alongside European leaders, proving IFA is a truly international showcase.

IFA 2025 wasn’t just about new gadgets; it was about reshaping how technology fits into everyday life. From the living room to the tennis court, and from luxury furniture to budget smartphones, the message was clear: the future is AI-powered, beautifully designed, and globally connected.

The Huawei Railway Summit 2025, held alongside the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) Rail Conference & Exhibition in Johannesburg, gathered policymakers, industry leaders, and technology experts to chart a new course for the region’s rail sector through digital intelligence.

Themed “Digital Intelligence Empower African Railways: Safe, Efficient and Intelligent,” the summit brought together over 100 representatives from transport authorities, railway operators, and academic institutions. The discussions focused on how advanced digital solutions can address critical challenges in safety, efficiency, and modernization across Southern Africa’s aging railway infrastructure.

Huawei and SARA Commit to Collaboration

Opening the summit, Victor Guo, President of Huawei Enterprise Business in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted that digital intelligence will be the “key engine accelerating the development of railways in Southern Africa.” He underscored Huawei’s commitment to working with regional stakeholders by leveraging innovations in cloud computing, AI, big data, and video detection.

Raymond Zuo, CEO of Huawei Smart Rail Business Unit, emphasized that Africa’s rail sector stands at a turning point. He called for strengthened partnerships and open innovation, affirming Huawei’s support for SARA’s mission to create a safer, more efficient, and smarter railway network across the region.

Smart Railway Solutions Showcased

Participants at the summit explored Huawei’s portfolio of digital railway technologies, including:

• FRMCS train-ground wireless standard – enabling modernized communications across railway networks.
• Cloud and AI-powered platforms – supporting data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Perimeter security systems – designed to enhance safety along railway tracks.
• TFDS freight car fault detection – providing predictive maintenance to improve asset reliability.
• Intelligent Operation Centers (IOC) – centralizing railway operations for smarter management.

These solutions aim to help operators reduce risks, improve service delivery, and boost regional trade connectivity.

The summit builds on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2023 between Huawei and SARA. The agreement outlined plans for unified ICT standards across Southern African rail corridors, with a strong focus on the adoption of FRMCS. This framework is expected to promote seamless cross-border railway operations and facilitate economic integration across the SADC region.

Rail transport remains a lifeline for Southern Africa’s economies, but inefficiencies, aging infrastructure, and safety gaps have limited its potential. The integration of digital technologies is now seen as essential to revitalizing the sector, improving competitiveness, and supporting long-term growth.

By combining Huawei’s expertise in ICT with SARA’s regional leadership, the Huawei Railway Summit 2025 signaled a shared commitment to unlocking the promise of a safer, smarter, and more efficient railway system that can meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy.

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, has ignited heated debate with the launch of a new feature in its Grok chatbot, a sexualized anime-inspired AI companion called Ani.

Marketed under Grok’s “Companion Mode,” Ani is designed to flirt, roleplay, and form pseudo-romantic connections with users. But within days of release, Ani has become one of the most controversial AI launches of the year.

What Is Ani?

Ani appears as a goth-themed, blonde anime character. According to xAI, she is meant to provide “personalized companionship,” remembering user details such as names and preferences, while offering playful or intimate responses.

Access to Ani is included in the Super Grok premium plan (about $30 per month). However, multiple reports suggest that some users are able to access Ani’s features outside the subscription tier, including within Grok’s Kids Mode; a revelation that has alarmed parents and child safety advocates.

Reactions and Concerns

Escalating Conversations

Tech journalists who tested Ani reported that interactions often escalate quickly into sexually explicit or BDSM-themed dialogue. A Verge reporter noted that within 24 hours, Ani was already suggesting bondage scenarios.

Child Safety Risks

Critics are raising alarms after Ani was found accessible to minors. Parenting experts have labeled the move “dangerous and irresponsible,” warning that the bot’s flirtatious persona could distort how young users understand relationships and intimacy.

Ethical Debate

While some adult users view Ani as a lighthearted experiment in digital companionship, ethicists argue that the feature risks encouraging emotional dependency and unhealthy attachments. “This is less about innovation and more about exploitation,” one AI researcher told Time.

Broader Context

The launch of Ani comes at a time when AI chatbots are increasingly being used for companionship and emotional support. Companies like Replika and Character.AI have experimented with virtual partners, but xAI’s Ani stands out for its overtly sexualized design and lack of strict safeguards.

The controversy also follows earlier criticism of Grok, which previously drew backlash for spreading misinformation and extremist outputs. Ani’s debut has further amplified concerns about whether Musk’s push for “unfiltered AI” is putting growth ahead of responsibility.

xAI has not issued a formal statement addressing safety concerns surrounding Ani. Meanwhile, regulators and watchdog groups are calling for clearer age restrictions, content filters, and transparency in AI companion design.

As debates continue, Ani is emerging as a flashpoint in the global discussion about the ethics of AI companionship—and a reminder that the line between innovation and irresponsibility remains razor-thin.

Apple is preparing a major shift in its iPhone lineup, with reports saying the company is working on a redesign cycle that will stretch over the next three years and culminate in the release of its first foldable iPhone. The device is projected to debut in late 2026, with broader availability and market push expected in 2027, coinciding with the iPhone’s 20th anniversary.
Reports say Apple’s strategy begins with the iPhone 17 Air in 2025, designed to be slimmer and lighter. In 2026, attention will turn to the company’s first foldable iPhone, and by 2027 Apple could unveil an all-glass design iPhone to mark two decades since the original launch.

This phased approach reflects how Apple typically introduces major design shifts, ensuring each step aligns with its long-term hardware and ecosystem goals.

Foldable Design in Focus

According to supply chain leaks and analyst projections, the foldable iPhone is expected to adopt a book-style design, opening vertically like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold models. It could feature a 5.5-inch external screen and a larger 7.8-inch internal display, with Apple reportedly working on ways to minimize the crease effect found in most foldable screens.

Materials under consideration include titanium and stainless steel, providing a balance of durability and lightweight construction. Early specifications suggest a thickness of around 9 mm when folded, and about 4.5 mm when opened.

Key Features Under Review

Reports also say the foldable iPhone may replace Face ID with a side-mounted Touch ID sensor, reflecting design constraints in foldable displays. It could also adopt an eSIM-only setup, dropping the physical SIM slot entirely.

The camera system is rumored to include multiple lenses across different panels; with options on the cover display, the inner screen, and the rear aimed at enhancing both photography and videography.

Pricing and Market Positioning

Pricing projections for the foldable model range from $2,000 to $2,500, placing it among the most expensive smartphones in the market. Analysts believe Apple will position the device as a high-end flagship for early adopters, while reinforcing its presence in the growing foldable category.
The move comes as global smartphone sales slow and manufacturers search for new growth opportunities. Rivals such as Samsung, Huawei, and Oppo already have multiple foldable devices in the market. Analysts say Apple’s entry, even later than competitors, could reshape consumer demand—just as it did with categories like smartwatches and wireless earbuds.
While Apple has not officially confirmed a foldable iPhone, reports indicate that mass production could begin in 2026. The timing would align with Apple’s strategy of introducing groundbreaking products during milestone years, making 2027 a symbolic target for the device.

For now, customers can expect incremental updates with the iPhone 16 lineup later this year, but all signs point to a more dramatic evolution of the iPhone as Apple prepares for its next chapter.

Meta’s Instagram is testing a new app experience that you may or may not like, brace yourself.

You know how on YouTube you have to watch the first 5 seconds of an ad or the full ad before watching the video you clicked on (premium users can’t relate), well Instagram is doing the same thing.

Instagram is calling this feature “ad-break,” and they are currently testing on a small number of audiences.

This feature might be a controversial one as many users are not onboard with it.

An X user Dan Levy shared his experience of this feature:

“The app legit stopped me from scrolling past this ad which is just a bonkers move to me.”

“Got the Instagram “ad break” again & this time I clicked the info button to see their explanation”

“So abusive to their users to do this”

“Ad breaks are a new way of seeing ads on Instagram. Sometimes you may need to view an ad before you can keep browsing,” reads the description of the new feature.

Users have begun reacting to the news

An X user @BillPrinter00 noted “I’d just close the app and re-start it.”

Another @mrpyo1 said: “Social media apps fighting how to make the worst app possible challenge.”

Lastly another user @soursillypickle stated: “Instagram and YouTube are basically ads with some content.”

What do you think?

TikTok has refused to comply with the United States government’s divest-or-ban legislation, and in fighting back, it has filed a lawsuit against the US government.

TikTok, previously known as Musically, a music and dance platform, is now a platform for sharing short videos owned by ByteDance Ltd., a company based in China. Since its fame in 2020, the app has been mired in various controversies, one of which is that it is a form of Chinese spyware.

The video-sharing app is banned in New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands, Taiwan, and India. It currently faces a ban in the United States if it doesn’t divest.

TikTok argues it’s a platform for free speech, and its existence helps millions of small businesses succeed. It says its ban will take away the livelihoods of creators and businesses, thus hurting the economy. It further argues it is “not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally.”

Last year, TikTok announced its $1.5 billion investment to establish a separate entity for its US operations and agreed to oversight by American tech giant Oracle Corp.

“There is no question: the Act will force a shutdown of TikTok by January 19, 2025, silencing the 170 million Americans who use the platform to communicate in ways that cannot be replicated elsewhere,” TikTok said.

The Act, called “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary-Controlled Applications,” is aimed at TikTok, categorizing it as a “foreign adversary-controlled application.” The platform has 270 days to divest or face a ban, which US President Joe Biden has agreed to sign.

Multiple individuals have announced their interest in buying the app if it agrees to divest, but the CEO, Shou Zi Chew, disagrees. “Congress has taken the unprecedented step of expressly singling out and banning TikTok: a vibrant online forum for protected speech and expression used by 170 million Americans to create, share, and view videos over the Internet,” said ByteDance.

The legislation to ban TikTok was incorporated into the National Security Act in April, which also allocated extra funds to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Despite the argument about the security risk of TikTok, experts say it could affect other apps as well, giving them the power to ban any app that doesn’t align with the view of the sitting government.

According to reports by Nairametrics, TikTok was fined €10 million by the Italian Competition Authority for its inability to protect its users from dangerous online trends.

The Italian regulatory body criticized TikTok for its inadequate implementation of measures to monitor and regulate content uploaded to the platform, particularly content that poses potential risks to the safety of minors and other vulnerable individuals.

We’re watching closely as this unfolds.