Category: Big Tech!

X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, has begun rolling out a new feature called Custom Timelines, renewing a significant shift in how users discover and interact with content on the platform.

The update allows users to pin up to 75 topics directly to their Home tab, creating multiple dedicated feeds tailored to specific interests such as sports, entertainment, technology, or finance. Each pinned topic functions as its own timeline, offering a more structured alternative to X’s traditional “For You” feed.

At the core of the feature is Grok, the AI system developed by xAI. Grok analyzes posts across the platform, categorizes them by subject, and curates content streams based on a user’s activity and engagement patterns. As users interact with posts through likes, reposts, and replies, the system refines each timeline to better match their preferences over time.

The feature is currently being rolled out as early access to Premium subscribers on iOS devices, with support for Android expected in a future update. There is no confirmed timeline yet for a broader public release, as other latest reports will also be reported by us. 

Custom Timelines represents an evolution of existing features like Lists, combining them with AI-driven recommendations and deeper personalization. Instead of relying on a single algorithmic feed, users can now navigate between multiple interest based streams within the same interface.

The update also signals X’s continued investment in AI-powered discovery tools, as the platform looks to increase user engagement and content relevance. In addition to Custom Timelines, X is reportedly testing tools that would allow users to temporarily mute or “snooze” specific topics from appearing in their feeds.

Ladies and gentlemen, today we're launching one of our biggest changes to 𝕏

Introducing Custom Timelines

This feature allows you to pin a specific topic to your home tab. With support for over 75 topics, you can dive deep into your favorite niche on X.

It's powered by Grok's… pic.twitter.com/9jkIEXvubj

— Nikita Bier (@nikitabier) April 21, 2026

MTN Nigeria has suspended its airtime and data borrowing services, widely known as XtraTime and XtraByte, cutting off a widely used fallback option for millions of subscribers across the country.

The move, which quietly took effect this week, has triggered reactions among users who depend on the service for urgent calls, messages, and data access, especially in moments when immediate cash is not available.

At the center of the decision is a new regulatory position introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), which now classifies airtime and data borrowing as a form of digital lending.

This reclassification changes the nature of the service entirely. What was once seen as a telecom convenience is now being treated as a financial product, requiring telecom operators to meet stricter legal and consumer protection standards. As a result, companies like MTN must secure proper licensing and demonstrate compliance with lending regulations before continuing the service.

Existing borrowed balances, however, remain valid and will still be deducted whenever users recharge their lines, ensuring that prior usage is not erased by the suspension.

MTN maintains that the suspension is temporary, positioning it as a compliance step rather than a permanent discontinuation. The expectation is that the service will return once regulatory approvals are secured and operational adjustments are completed.

MTN’s move is unlikely to exist in isolation. Other telecom operators are expected to follow similar compliance paths, suggesting that this is not just a company-specific decision but an industry-wide transition.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission serves as Nigeria’s primary consumer protection authority, established to regulate fair business practices and safeguard users from exploitative systems across industries.

In 2025, the commission introduced a sweeping framework targeting digital and non-traditional lending. Under this regulation, any service that provides value upfront and recovers payment later is now legally defined as a loan. This includes not just cash lending platforms, but also telecom-based services like airtime and data borrowing.

By bringing these services under formal lending laws, the FCCPC is requiring providers to operate with the same level of transparency and accountability expected of financial institutions. This means clear disclosure of charges, defined repayment structures, proper user consent, and stricter data protection standards.

YouTube has introduced a new feature that gives users greater control over their viewing experience, allowing them to effectively remove Shorts from their feed entirely.

The update, which is being rolled out gradually, introduces a “Shorts feed limit” setting that can be adjusted within the app. By setting the limit to zero minutes, users can stop Shorts from appearing on their homepage, recommendations, and overall browsing experience.

Unlike previous options that only allowed users to temporarily hide or reduce Shorts content, this new setting functions as a more permanent solution. Once activated, the Shorts shelf disappears from the homepage, and the platform stops pushing short form videos into the user’s feed.

While the Shorts tab itself may still exist within the app, attempting to engage with it will trigger a notification indicating that the user has reached their set limit.

This marks a significant shift for YouTube, which has heavily promoted Shorts in recent years as its response to short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.

The introduction of this feature appears to respond directly to growing user feedback around content fatigue and digital wellbeing. By allowing users to fully opt out, YouTube is becoming a platform that prioritizes flexibility and personalization.

The structure of the internet is undergoing a major shift and not because of human users.

According to Kate Johnson, CEO of Lumen Technologies, artificial intelligence bots now account for more than 50% of all internet traffic worldwide. The revelation highlights how rapidly machine-driven activity is beginning to dominate the digital ecosystem.

Kate Johnson made the disclosure while speaking on the growing impact of AI infrastructure, noting that what was once a human-centered internet is increasingly being shaped by autonomous systems.

At the center of this transformation are what Johnson described as “autonomous workers” AI systems designed to perform tasks online without direct human input. These include: AI chatbots and virtual assistants, Automated data scrapers, Algorithmic trading systems and AI-powered customer service agents.

Unlike traditional internet users, these systems operate continuously, exchanging massive volumes of data in real time. As a result, they generate significantly more traffic than individual human activity.

For a company like Lumen, which operates critical global internet infrastructure, the data provides a rare look into how traffic flows at the backbone level. The implication is clear: the internet is no longer dominated by people but by machines interacting with other machines.

Despite the scale of AI traffic today, she emphasized that the industry is still in its early stages. The current surge is being driven by increased adoption of generative AI tools, automation platforms, and enterprise-level AI systems.

This suggests that the 50% threshold may only be the beginning, with AI-generated traffic expected to grow even more rapidly in the coming years.

The rise is also fueled by companies integrating AI into everyday operations from customer support to logistics leading to a constant stream of machine-to-machine communication.

Nigerian billionaire and industrialist Aliko Dangote has been named among the TIME 100 Most Influential People of 2026.

According to the 2026 edition of the annual list, Dangote is the only Nigerian included this year, further strengthening his status as a key driver of Africa’s economic influence on the global stage.

The TIME100 list, which highlights individuals shaping politics, business, culture, science, and global affairs, also features several high-profile international figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump and other global leaders.

Dangote’s inclusion is largely tied to his expanding industrial footprint across Africa, particularly through the Dangote Group, which spans cement production, sugar refining, salt, and fertilizer manufacturing.

In recent years, attention has increasingly centered on the Dangote Refinery, one of the largest single train refineries in the world, which is expected to significantly reshape fuel production and distribution across Nigeria and the broader African market.

The refinery project, alongside his long-standing dominance in manufacturing and commodities, has positioned Dangote as a central figure in conversations about Africa’s industrial self-sufficiency and economic transformation.

This is not Dangote’s first appearance on the TIME100 list. He has been featured in previous editions.

The TIME100 is an annual list published by the TIME that highlights the 100 most influential individuals in the world each year.

Unlike rankings based on wealth or popularity, the TIME100 focuses on real-world influence, people whose actions and decisions shape global politics, business, culture, science, and society.

Each year, the list features leaders across multiple sectors, including government, entertainment, technology, activism, and business. It serves as a snapshot of global power and influence at a given moment in time.

Leonid Radvinsky, the billionaire owner of OnlyFans, has died at the age of 43 following a private battle with cancer, according to multiple reports released on March 23, 2026.

A statement from the platform’s parent company, Fenix International, confirmed that Radvinsky “passed away peacefully after a long illness,” noting that his health struggles had not been made public prior to his death.

Radvinsky, a Ukrainian-American entrepreneur, was widely known for his low-profile lifestyle despite overseeing one of the most financially successful digital platforms of the past decade.

He acquired Fenix International in 2018, taking control of OnlyFans before its explosive global rise. Under his leadership, the platform evolved into a multi billion dollar business, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when demand for digital content and creator monetization increased worldwide.

OnlyFans became a major force in the creator economy, allowing users to earn directly from subscribers. While the platform gained prominence for adult content, it also expanded into fitness, music, lifestyle, and other creator-driven industries.

Radvinsky’s ownership of OnlyFans is extraordinarily lucrative. Over the years, he reportedly earned hundreds of millions of dollars in dividends as the platform’s revenue grew significantly.

By the mid-2020s, OnlyFans had become one of the most influential subscription-based platforms globally. Despite this success, Radvinsky remained largely absent from public appearances, interviews, and media engagement.

More details are expected to emerge regarding leadership transition and the long-term future of OnlyFans.

Japanese gaming company Nintendo has filed a lawsuit against the United States government, arguing that tariffs imposed on imported goods during the administration of Donald Trump were unlawful. The company is asking the court to refund the money it paid in tariffs, along with interest and legal costs.

The case was filed at the United States Court of International Trade and focuses on tariffs that were placed on a wide range of imported products, including electronics and components used in gaming hardware.

The duties were imposed using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a law that allows U.S. presidents to take economic actions during national emergencies.

However, Nintendo argues that the law does not authorize the president to impose sweeping import tariffs. The company’s argument gained strength after a recent decision by the Supreme Court of the United States, which ruled in February 2026 that the use of IEEPA to impose tariffs exceeded presidential authority.

Following that ruling, companies that paid the tariffs began exploring legal options to recover the money they were required to pay.

Nintendo is now asking the court to order the government to return those funds with interest, arguing that the tariffs were collected without proper legal authority.

Like many global electronics companies, Nintendo relies on manufacturing facilities in Asia for the production of its consoles and accessories.

Many of these products are then shipped to the United States, one of the company’s largest markets. The tariffs increased import costs on those goods, affecting supply chains and raising operational expenses.

Nintendo’s lawsuit is part of a broader wave of legal challenges from companies that were affected by the tariffs.

Since the Supreme Court’s decision, businesses across multiple industries, including retailers, manufacturers, and logistics firms have started filing cases seeking refunds.

Nintendo’s case will now proceed through the Court of International Trade, where judges will determine whether the tariffs were indeed imposed without legal authority and whether companies are entitled to refunds.

MultiChoice Group, Africa’s leading pay-TV company, now owned by the French media conglomerate Canal+, has officially confirmed that its streaming service Showmax will be phased out.

The announcement was made on March 5, 2026, following a comprehensive review by the Showmax board of the platform’s performance and its long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape.

According to the companies, the primary reason for the decision is financial. Despite years of heavy investment, including a major relaunch in 2024 that introduced new content offerings, improved user interfaces, and partnerships with both local and international studios, Showmax struggled to generate consistent profits.

The global streaming market has also become more competitive. International platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video continue to dominate the space, attracting massive audiences and securing significant shares of subscription and advertising revenue.

Another major challenge has been infrastructure. In several parts of Africa, inconsistent or limited internet connectivity still restricts the widespread adoption of streaming services, limiting the growth potential of platforms like Showmax.

While confirming the shutdown, MultiChoice and Canal+ emphasized that the decision is part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening the company’s financial stability and long-term sustainability.

They also reassured employees and stakeholders that the closure will not result in job losses. Staff members affected by the shutdown will be offered alternative roles or projects within the company, reflecting a commitment to internal redeployment and employee retention.

For current subscribers, the immediate impact will be minimal. Showmax will continue operating normally for now, with users still able to stream content without interruption.

Although the company has not yet announced a final shutdown date, it said updates regarding subscription status, possible refunds, and timelines will be communicated directly to users through the app and email notifications.

Subscribers have been advised to monitor these channels for official instructions as the transition process unfolds.

Launched in 2015, Showmax quickly built a reputation for offering a diverse library of content. The platform featured a mix of African originals, international films and series, reality programming, and Nollywood titles.

Over the years, Showmax positioned itself as a homegrown alternative in a streaming market largely dominated by global platforms. It also provided an important distribution platform for African creators, helping bring local stories to audiences across the continent.

MultiChoice owner Canal+ to shut down Showmax streaming service, after 11 years pic.twitter.com/FH5QDhNutP

— Streamdorm | Film & TV News (@Streamdorm_) March 5, 2026

Apple has officially unveiled a new generation of the MacBook Air powered by its latest M5 chip, introducing upgraded performance and expanded base storage to its most popular laptop line.

The new MacBook Air comes equipped with Apple’s M5 processor, delivering improved CPU and GPU performance over the previous generation. The company confirmed that the device maintains its fanless design while offering enhanced efficiency and extended battery life of up to 18 hours, depending on usage. Apple has also increased the base storage configuration to 512GB, doubling the previous entry-level capacity.

The laptop retains its slim aluminum build and Liquid Retina display and will be available in both 13-inch and 15-inch models. Pre-orders begin shortly after the announcement, with retail availability following days later in select markets.

During promotional materials and launch visuals tied to the unveiling, Apple featured “Let’s Start,” the 1971 Afrobeat track by Fela Kuti. The song was originally performed by Fela and his band Africa ’70 and appeared on the live album Live! released in 1971. The track is widely regarded as one of the early recordings that helped define the Afrobeat genre.

“Let’s Start” is known for its extended instrumental structure and rhythmic arrangement, characteristic of Fela’s early 1970s sound. Its inclusion in the MacBook Air M5 launch marks a notable intersection between global technology branding and African musical heritage.

The inclusion of a foundational Nigerian record in a global product unveiling comes at a time when Nigeria’s digital and cultural markets are expanding their international footprint.

Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest smartphone markets, with recent rebounds in device shipments and sustained demand in the premium segment despite broader price sensitivity. While mass-market brands dominate by volume, premium devices  including Apple products maintain strong aspirational appeal among urban and affluent consumers. At the same time, Nigeria’s youthful population and mobile-first economy continue to drive high levels of app usage, digital content creation, and online engagement.

Culturally, Nigerian music and film have become major global exports. Afrobeat, once niche, is now mainstream worldwide. Featuring “Let’s Start” in the MacBook Air campaign situates the product within that broader cultural momentum.

Apple has not issued a specific statement explaining the selection of the song. However, the timing aligns with Nigeria’s growing relevance in global technology consumption and its expanding influence across music, media, and digital culture.

Powerful and durable…yet thin and light.

The new MacBook Air with M5 just got even better with exceptional performance and AI capabilities. pic.twitter.com/Dm4SyIIDlk

— Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) March 3, 2026

In the early hours of March 3, 2026, Instagram introduced a new Stories variation labeled “Secret Friends” and it did not roll out quietly.

The feature appeared exclusively on the accounts of Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, and Lil Dicky, marked by a distinct yellow ring around their profile pictures. The timing was precise: the activation coincided with the promotional push for Friends Keep Secrets, the newly launched video podcast hosted by Blanco, Lil Dicky (Dave Burd), and Kristin Batalucco.

At first glance, the feature resembles Instagram’s existing Close Friends tool. In practice, however, it functions very differently.

Unlike the standard Close Friends list where users manually select who can view certain Stories, the Secret Friends version appears to operate as a mass-access promotional layer.

Key observations:

The Stories are highlighted with a yellow ring instead of green.

Followers do not need to be added to a curated list.

Anyone visiting the profiles can access the content.

The Stories directly funnel viewers toward Friends Keep Secrets.

The psychology is intentional. A different color ring signals scarcity. Scarcity triggers curiosity. Curiosity drives taps.

Instagram has not released a formal statement confirming whether the feature will expand to other creators. Early indications suggest this is a limited, campaign-specific activation, not a platform-wide product update.

Friends Keep Secrets positions itself as an intimate, multi-camera, conversational show filmed inside the hosts’ Los Angeles home. Produced in partnership with Jay Shetty’s media network Perfect Strangers, the podcast aims to blur the line between casual hangout and celebrity interview.

Early guest appearances reportedly include Ed Sheeran, Gwyneth Paltrow, Paul Rudd, and Selena Gomez herself.

In one of the first Secret Friends Stories, Gomez addressed viewers directly:

“Hey guys, welcome to my Secret Friends. If you want more secrets, go here.”

The message was brief. The call-to-action was clear. The conversion funnel was seamless.

Instagram is no longer merely a distribution channel for celebrity promotion. In this case, the platform appears to have provided a customized storytelling mechanic designed to amplify a media product launch.

Reaction across social media has been mixed but engaged.

Some fans celebrated the perceived exclusivity:

Others questioned why the feature is restricted to only three accounts.

A few users dismissed it entirely, asking why it matters.

If expanded, Secret Friends could become a new tier of creator tools, positioned between Close Friends and subscription-based exclusives. It could offer brands and high-profile creators a controlled environment for limited-time campaigns.