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Apple CEO Tim Cook said that the company will continue to innovate and has more game-changing products ahead. Today in a keynote conversation at the D11 Conference, Cook said the same people who brought you the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and maybe even the Mac will have new products coming soon.

Two weeks ahead of Apple’s own Worldwide Developers Conference, speculation has grown about new hardware that could be released at the conference, as well as updates to Apple’s mobile and tablet developer platform with the upcoming release of iOS 7.

“Many people now say that innovation means a new category,” Tim Cook said. “Yes, we’re still a company that’s going to do that… We have some incredible plans that we’ve been working on for a while.”

When pressed on the future of TV, Cook declined to talk about any future products, but he said that there’s a big opportunity to offer a more compelling experience there. Apple has now sold more than 13 million Apple TV devices, about half of which during the past year. But there’s still more that can be done, according to Cook.

“When you look at the TV experience, it’s not an experience that people love,” Cook said. “It’s not an experience that’s been brought up to date for this decade.”

Credit: http://techcrunch.com

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MultiChoice Africa, a pioneer of pay television in Africa with an unmatched track record of over two decades of investment in the continent is very proud to announce its partnership with the African Union, a successor of the Organisation of African Unity – bringing Africans in over 50 countries across the continent, the 50^th anniversary celebrations of the OAU/AU on both DStv and GOtv.

As a proudly African company, MultiChoice understands its responsibility as a corporate citizen – that solutions to Africa’s prosperity should come from within. Providing sustainable solutions to the continent’s growth story requires a loyalty from its people, to share common goals as Africans and further the greater African agenda. Committed to the development of the continent, over the years MultiChoice Africa has invested extensively in local content because of its inherent belief in creating a vibrant cultural identity and healthy economies.

MultiChoice is devoted to promoting Africa, its successes and the aspirations of its people by collaborating with talented local film makers who create authentic stories of their lives. With Nollywood now an industry worth no less than $250 million, it was years ago that MultiChoice fully realized the power of storytelling and the unifying factor of the commonality of their stories. The growing impact of the Africa Magic channels across Africa is proof indeed that individual identity is transcended by finding common ground.

As a champion of regional integration and social cohesion, through its investment in the M-Net and SuperSport channels, MultiChoice has achieved great strides in the development of original African programming; the growth of local sporting leagues as well as showcasing the best quality productions across the continent. It has grown its local content offering to 7 quality premium channels including the popular Africa Magic channels which are accessible to the entire continent.

Its agenda will be no different to that of the AU on Saturday, the 25^th May, when MultiChoice Africa will be celebrating pan Africanism and the African Renaissance, bringing to television screens a world-class spectacle. As 74 Heads of States and Governments from AU member states come together for the celebrations, all of Africa will share the significance of Addis Ababa as a spiritual and political home of the OAU/AU since its inception in 1963.  On this day, inspired by a common identity, indigenous ideology and the quest for continental unity, the OAU sought to harmonise policies and co- ordinate action across and between its signatory states, as an initial step to realize a united Africa.

Pleased with the media partnership agreement with the AU, CEO of MultiChoice Africa, Nico Meyer said: “This partnership is particularly significant because of our common appreciation and love for this continent. As MultiChoice, we recognise Africa’s potential and we are firmly committed to nurturing it. Our investments have brought social and economic benefits to the communities in which we operate through partnerships and job creation. Partnering with the various free-to air channels across the continent, to broadcast this momentous occasion, is an undeniably exciting moment – bringing the AU to the people. We would like to congratulate the OAU/AU for 50 years of promoting African unity.

Additionally MultiChoice is providing a service to Free to Air broadcasters across the continent to receive footage of the celebrations free of charge as a service to Africa. Tune into DStv and GOtv on channels 197 and 99 respectively to share in Africa’s greatest moment.

Addis Ababa May 24, 2013:

In a Continental first GOtv, will be bringing audiences across Africa LIVE coverage of the 50^th Anniversary of the OAU / AU from Addis Ababa on Saturday 25 May, 2013.

The celebratory events, which is expected to attract 74 Heads of States and Governments from AU member states, will be broadcast on GOtv channel 99 from 07:00 CAT using the latest generation Digital Video Broadcast standard – DVB-T2 to audiences.

Nico Meyer – CEO of MultiChoice Africa said “MultiChoice is in line with the AU’s mandate, which is to promote an integrated and prosperous continent driven by its own citizens, MultiChoice through GOtv as a proud citizen of the African continent is wholly committed to the development of Africa and its people.”

GOtv, available in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe operates on DVB-T2 technology which represents one of the most advanced DTT broadcast systems and infrastructure established on the continent, but in the rest of the world to date; and leapfrogs the outdated DVB-T1 (or ISDB-T) systems. This puts Africa at the forefront of technology in the DTT space.

So tune in on Saturday 25 May witness as the continent comes together for the celebrations, all of Africa will share the significance of Addis Ababa as a spiritual and political home of the OAU/AU since its inception in 1963.  On this day, inspired by a common identity, indigenous ideology and the quest for continental unity, the OAU sought to harmonise policies and co-ordinate action across and between its signatory states, as an initial step to realize a united Africa.

Don’t miss this African milestone celebrations LIVE on channel 99 on GOtv and GOtv Plus from 07:00 CAT. Additionally MultiChoice is providing a service to Free to Air broadcasters across the continent to receive footage of the celebrations free of charge as a service to Africa.

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…as five East African teams in the Semi-Finals ready to tackle the Pan-African opposition for the champion crown

KAMPALA, 23rd May 2013 – Ghana’s winning team in last night’s episode of The GUINNESS® FOOTBALL CHALLENGE™ celebrated securing their place in the Semi-Finals of the Pan-African showdown by breaking out in the Azonto dance which even got presenters Larry Asego and Mimi Kalinda on their feet!  Emmanuel Kofi Okarku, 27 and Issac Aryee, 25 may have struggled on the Guinness® Money Wall and only bagged $1,500 USD, but they got the whole of the studio, and probably, most of Africa, dancing away to the famous routine!

The winning team put in an incredible performance in the Formation Round and secured a 16-point lead with a great demonstration of skill and knowledge from the pair.  They went on to beat the Kenyan team of Kenneth Mukuri and Chris Mwamgi, who were representing East Africa, in the Penalties, which saw them once again reach the Wall.  But all is not lost for the East African duo who will make the Semi-Final as Runners-Up. 

The pairs of Emmaunel and Issac, and Kenneth and Chris all continue on their journey in the show as they ‘Play for Their Country’ in the Semi-Finals.  They will all be hoping that they have the confidence to live bold and be crowned Pan-African champions. 

Robert Nsibirwa, Guinness®  Uganda Brand Manager said:  “Our first Semi-Final is kicking off next week and we can’t wait to see which teams from across Africa will make it all the way to our very first GUINNESS® FOOTBALL CHALLENGE™ Pan-African Final!  We are so proud of all the teams and now the very best duos in East Africa will be stepping up to show that they are real players in life and don’t believe in sitting on the side-lines!  It’s shaping up to be a true East vs West battle and we know that Ugandan fans will be getting behind all of the East African teams!”

Going head-to-head in the first Semi-Final will be:

EAST AFRICA

·         IN BLACK – Kenneth Kamau, 23, and Willis Ogutu, 30, are both from Nairobi.  Ken is a youth football coach and Willis a driver.  This team won our second Quarter Final and added $1,500 to the $3,000 they had already secured in their National episodes

·         IN RED – are the second Kenyan duo Francis Ngigi, 23, from Nairobi and Kepha Kimani, 25, from Thika.  The team bagged $3,000 in their National episode and made it to the Penalties round in the Semi-Final

·         IN GREEN – From Dar es Salaam will be Daniel Msekwa, 21, and Mwalimu Akida Hamad, 26. They won an incredible $5,500 on the National show and made it to the Penalty round in the Semi-Final – will they make it to the Guinness® Money Wall this time around?

FOR GHANA:

·         IN BLUE – Ghana’s highest Guinness® Money Wall winners Jonathan Naab, 25 from Tindongo and Desmond Odaano, 26, from Larteh have made it all the way to the Semi-Final after bagging a total of $8,500.  Will they make it to the first ever Pan-African final?   

The first Semi-Final will be broadcast on 29^th May, 2013 at 8.00PM on NTV so make sure you get behind East Africa and support our team as they take on the best duos from across the continent.

Fans of the show can test their own football knowledge via the GUINNESS® FOOTBALL CHALLENGE™ mobile phone game which is available on the exciting Guinness® mobile social community for football lovers, GUINNESS® VIP™.   Sign up for free and test your knowledge to see where you stand on the all new Pan-African leader board at m.guinnessvip.com on your phone. 

The GUINNESS® FOOTBALL CHALLENGE™, produced by Endemol, will be broadcast on NTV every Wednesday at 8.00PM so make sure you grab a bottle of ice cold Guinness® and tune in to be part of the action.

Please drink responsibly – strictly 18+.

Samsung Electronics announced that global channel sales of its GALAXY S4, a life companion for a richer, fuller, simpler life, has surpassed 10 million units sold in less than one month after its commercial debut. Launched globally on April 27 in 60 countries, the phone is estimated to be selling at a rate of four units per second.

The GALAXY S4 sets a new record for Samsung, generating sales quicker than any of its predecessors. Sales of the GALAXY S III reached the 10-million mark 50 days after its launch in 2012, while the GALAXY S II took five months and the GALAXY S seven months to reach the same milestone.

“On behalf of Samsung, I would like to thank the millions of customers around the world who have chosen the Samsung Galaxy S4. At Samsung we’ll continue to pursue innovation inspired by and for people.” JK Shin, CEO and President of the IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics

The GALAXY S4 was developed to enhance the meaningful moments in our lives through its innovative features and superior hardware. It has the world’s first Full HD Super AMOLED display that showcases images at their very best on a 5-inch screen with 441ppi. Equipped with a powerful rear 13MP camera, the GALAXY S4 also boasts a Dual Camera function that allows simultaneous use of both front and rear cameras. The GALAXY S4’s new and innovative software features include Air View and Air Gesture for effortless tasks, while it also keeps users up-to-date with information about their health and wellbeing using S Health.

Samsung GALAXY S4 is available in more than 110 countries and will gradually be rolled out to a total of 155 countries in cooperation with 327 partners.

Samsung is planning to introduce more color variations to meet various consumer tastes and preferences. In addition to the currently available White Mist and Black Forest, new color iterations will be added this summer, including Blue Arctic and Red Aurora, followed by Purple Mirage and Brown Autumn.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung, is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 236,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales of US$187.8 billion.

Since acquiring bmi just over a year ago, British Airways has this year substantially increased its African network adding three additional destinations and 20 more services.

On the 12^th May 2013, British Airways increased its Nairobi flights to eight from the previous seven flights. The new addition operates as an overnight flight, leaving its Heathrow hub on Sunday evenings and arriving in Nairobi on Monday mornings. The return flight departs Nairobi on Monday evenings arriving in London on Tuesday mornings.

In Morocco, it has just announced an increase in its schedule to Marrakech from daily to 10 flights a week and added a third weekly service to Agadir. The additional frequencies go on sale immediately. The Marrakech services increase on 28 October with the third Agadir flight starting on 29 October.This is the second time in less than a year that the airline has grown its Morocco services. Late last year it added four flights a week to Marrakech and began a twice-weekly service to Agadir.

In West Africa it started flying three times a week to Sierra Leone and Liberia. The new flights to these fast-growing regional economies are in addition to the well-established West-African routes in Ghana and Nigeria.

In south Africa it confirmed three additional frequencies to Johannesburg, on top of the existing double-daily services to the country’s business hub and its direct daily Cape Town/ London flights, which increase to double daily over the southern hemisphere summer peak season.

“The acquisition of bmi has enabled us to expand our flying programme in Africa to serve 18 routes in 15 countries. We now fly to more places, more often than we ever have before in the 80 years we have served the continent. These flights link growing African destinations to London and provide onward connections to the world’s business capitals,” says Ian Petrie, regional commercial manager for Africa.

In addition to this international network, British Airways’ franchise partner, Comair, operates to domestic and regional destinations in South and Southern Africa, flying over 700 departures a week. It recently added Maputo to its regional network.

For more information on British Airways’ African network and timetables, visit www.ba.com

23^rd May 2013: With only three days to go, GOtv is proud to announce that subscribers are in for a treat on Sunday, 26 May 2013 at 20:00 GMT. The launch show of the highly anticipated show, Big Brother Africa: The Chase, will be screened LIVE, on both AfricaMagic World and AfricaMagic! The big night will see 28 new housemates revealed to audiences across Africa, and their arrival will be celebrated by a multitude of award-winning musicians from Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa when they take centre stage to perform their biggest hits.

These musical heavyweights comprise of Don Jazzy, D’Prince and Wande Coal; as well Mafikizolo – one of South Africa’s leading Afro Pop music groups. The line-up will also include some comic relief from Kenyan stand-up comedian Daniel Ndambuki, popularly known as Churchill, and the much loved IK Osakioduwa, will host the show.

GOtv audiences can tune in to AfricaMagic World, channel 9; and GOtv Plus audiences can tune into either AfricaMagic World or AfricaMagic, channel 1; on 26 May 19:00 CAT, to be part of the Big Brother Africa movement!

MTN Uganda, the number one sponsor of Uganda’s National Football team, the Uganda Cranes, has launched a new campaign to drive love, affection and passion for the Uganda Cranes.

The new campaign inflames passion and with the focus aimed at “We believe in our Team and our Nation” it creates a link between this passion and the MTN brand.

“We strive to live our customers’ passions and champion their aspirations by getting involved with the things that they care deeply about. In Uganda, this definitely includes the Uganda Cranes and that’s why we are proudly the Number one team sponsor.” said Ernst Fonternel, MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer.

One activity that enjoys universal appeal across all our operating regions is football. It’s the world’s most popular sport and serves as a common global language, making it a perfect fit for MTN Uganda that’s all about getting people talking.

“Our hope is that our Nation embraces this “We believe” spirit and we will be there in full support for the team on their next two qualification games scheduled for the 8^th and on the 15^th June 2013 at Mandela National StadiumNamboole.” Fonternel explained.

“We believe in our Team, the Uganda Cranes, and our Nation. As the Cranes’ number one fan, we call upon every Ugandan to join us on a journey as we support, uplift and celebrate with the Uganda Cranes. The campaign is aimed at re-igniting the passion for the team in the short, medium and long term.” saidFonternel.

The new campaign is strategically launched just one day after the soccer governing body Federation of Uganda Football Association appointed a new coach, Milutin“Micho” Sredojevich to lead the Uganda Cranes for the next two years.

FUFA President Lawrence Mulindwa thanked MTN Uganda for always coming out to support the Uganda Cranes.

“This new campaign is very timely. It comes in at a time when we have also reinforced the team with a new manager who we believe will take the team new levels of success. Our very sincere appreciation goes out to MTN for the continued support,” Mulindwa said.

About MTN Uganda

Launched in 1998, MTN Uganda is the leading telecommunications firm in country with more than 7.9 million customers as of 31 March 2013.

Visit us at www.mtn.co.ug; www.youtube.com/mtnug; www.facebook.com/mtnug and www.twitter.com/mtnugandacare.

About the MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator, connecting subscribers in 22 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: “MTN.” As of 31 March 2013, MTN recorded 195.4 million subscribers across 22 countries. Visit us at www.mtn.com , www.mtnbusiness.com , www.mtnmmo.com  and for our football fans www.mtnfootball.com.

8 birthday candles for YouTube

100 hrs. of video footage uploaded every minute

YouTube views in Uganda grow by 75%

The largest video sharing platform worldwide turns 8 this week – and what an amazing journey it has been.  YouTube, which was acquired by Google in 2006, has become the go-to destination to find video content on almost every subject possible – from the latest viral Harlem shake video to how-to demonstrations on making your home solar-energy equipped.

With YouTube viewers can access and create news, information or entertainment, wherever they are and on whatever device is available. Today YouTube has announced that more than 100 hours of video footage is uploaded to YouTube every minute. That’s more than four days of video uploaded each minute.  In 2012, it was 72 hours of video uploaded every minute. In 2011, it was 48 hours and in 2010, it was 35 hours.

With over 6 billion hours of video watched worldwide per month, a quarter of which are viewed on a mobile device, YouTube is growing fast each year. In the past year, visits to YouTube have grown by 75%, and uploads have increased by 30% in Uganda.  South Africa leads the region with most playbacks followed by Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria. YouTube has evolved into more than just an entertaining and educational video sharing site – now, it plays a key role in advertising and business development as well.

YouTube has become a popular place for Ugandans to go and view popular news clips and features like NTVs Point Blank, and Bukedde TVs news bulletin Agataliiko Nfunfu and “Lonely Hearts” programme, Abanoonya. Many Ugandans now know that even if they fail to catch these features live, they will be able to get them on YouTube.

Through these programmes and features, YouTube has turned locals into celebrities, catapulting personalities like comedian, Kansiime Anne (NTV Mini Buzz), kickboxing champion, Moses Golola, NTV news reporter Agnes Nanduutu (Point Blank) and Alex Gwamba (Full Full Condition) to fame.

Alex Gwamba’s “Full Full Condition”, an NTV Point Blank video feature was posted on YouTube and became a popular comedy with over 227,000 Views. The video clip is about a drunk Gwamba narrating an accident, that caused a beer truck to veer off the road, crush to the ground and empty its contents by the roadside, prompting residents to abandon their work and revel in a beer party all day. The video that has made Gwamba one of the most popular Ugandans inspired a telecom campaign in Kenya by Airtel, called “Full Full Weekend”.

Make sure you’re up to date with the latest news stories, immerse yourself in cultural events or hear directly from the world’s leaders. Whatever you want to see, YouTube is the place to go.

About YouTube

YouTube is the world’s largest online video community, allowing millions of people to discover, watch, and share original videos. YouTube provides a forum for people to connect, inform, and inspire others across the globe and acts as a distribution platform for original-content creators and advertisers large and small. YouTube, LLC, is based in San Bruno, California, and is a subsidiary of Google Inc.

About Google Inc.

Google’s innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google’s targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. For more information, visithttp://www.google.com/africa and our Google Africa Blog: google-africa.blogspot.com.  You can also follow Google’s Africa team on Twitter: twitter.com/googleafrica

MTN has topped the list as the highest ranked African brand in the prestigious Millward-Brown Brandz Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands 2013 survey.

This year’s listing shows that MTN moved up an impressive nine places to position 79th, with an overall increase in brand value of 23%. MTN debuted at position 88 in the survey last year.

“MTN, a South  African multinational brand, rose 23 percent in brand value, the greatest appreciation in the BrandZ™ telecom category.  The brand, which operates throughout Africa and in parts of the Middle East, enjoyed strong revenue and earnings growth following a 15 percent increase in subscribers and a 58.5 percent hike in revenue derived from data” states the BrandZ top 100 report.

This achievement comes at the backdrop of MTN Uganda, a member of MTN Group being ranked and awarded as Uganda’s Best Brand for 2012.

The top three BrandZ most valuable global brands are in technology. These are  Apple, Google and IBM. Six of the Top 10 brands are either Technology or Telecom companies.

The fast growing markets represented in the Brand Top  100 are: China (12 brands, one less than it had a year ago); Russia (2 brands, same as a year ago);  India (2 brands, same as a year ago); Africa (1 brand, MTN, same as a year ago).

Congratulation to MTN Group and MTN Uganda for holding Africa’s Flag among the top brands in the world.