More Winners Emerge in Promasidor Cowbell Loympic Medal Rush Promo

Contestants arrive in Lagos for MDA

All is now set for the commencement of MDA Season six as the families that made it to the final screening of the competition arrived in Lagos.

The families who came from different locations across the country were in high spirits as they arrive Muritala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja for the academy. A breakdown of the names in the list by the organizer showed that, Ejioku, Onwogwugwu, Fashina, Eghove, Zibe,Daniel, Green, Boyle, Okasia, Amilo, Ozurumba,Onyebuagu, Achor, Onuoha and Salami families made it into the academy and were deemed fit to compete.

Having pruned down the qualifying families to 15, a further screening will reduce the number to 10, who will eventually qualify for the entry into the Maltina Dance All academy after going through the rigours of another screening at the ‘’Boot Camp’’.

The families will compete for a place in the academy which commences early in September, 2012. It would be recalled that the Maltina Dance All auditions were held in six regions, Abuja, Enugu, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Benin and Ibadan where eight regional finalists emerged defeating others contestants during the regional auditions. The regional winners performed as individual contestants, who were later visited by the Maltina team at home where they performed alongside their families.

During the launch, Mr. Yusuf Ayeni, Corporate Affairs Adiviser, Nigerian Breweries, reminded Nigerians that this year’s edition will be the "Most Spectacular" Maltina Dance All ever. According to him, ‘ the winning family will now take home N6million besides a brand new car, while the first  and second runners-up will take home N1,000,000 and N500,000 respectively.

Maltina Dance All will bring to the fore, the Nigerian essence and values of sharing, happiness, unity, cooperation, vitality and creativity which have set the show apart from others. It will be aired in September this year on major TV networks with video uploaded on You Tube and Facebook. Viewers can also participate and win fabulous prizes through the interactive SMS platform during the show.

RIM trains Nigerians on BlackBerry apps

Research In Motion (RIM), the manufacturer of BlackBerry smartphones has trained 70 Nigerian youth enterprenuers on how to develop mobile applications in its BlackBerry 10 developer training forum.

According to Waldi Wepener, Regional Director for East, West and Central Africa of RIM, the training is aimed towards helping the participants develop interest in designing applications for the forthcoming BlackBerry 10 platform.

He stated that the company had transformed the developer experience with BlackBerry 10 by creating an open platform to enable developers to leverage their range of existing skills.

Wepener submitted that RIM has held BlackBerry 10 developer events in cities across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and now in Africa, offering developers around the world the latest information about BlackBerry 10 and the opportunities the new platform offers for creating powerful apps.

Microsoft Unveils a New Look

After 25 years since Microsoft updated its logo, the company has decided to change its logo. Microsoft is set to release new versions of nearly all of its products. From Windows 8 to Windows Phone 8 to Xbox services to the next version of Office.

The logo has two components: the logotype and the symbol. For the logotype, we are using the Segoe font which is the same font we use in our products as well as our marketing communications. The symbol is important in a world of digital motion (as demonstrated in the video above.) The symbol’s squares of color are intended to express the company’s diverse portfolio of products.

"You will see a common look and feel across these products providing a familiar and seamless experience on PCs, phones, tablets and TVs. This wave of new releases is not only a reimagining of our most popular products, but also represents a new era for Microsoft, so our logo should evolve to visually accentuate this new beginning,” wrote Jeff Hansen, General Manager, brand strategy, Microsoft in a blogpost.

Sony Launches New Xplod CD/DVD Car Audio Receivers

Sony, the leading consumer electronics brand, has announced the launch of five new Xplod A/V receivers (XAV-701BT, XAV-741, XAV-601BT, XAV-64BT, XAV-63).

Offering enhanced iPod/iPhone control, a wide range of smartphone and USB connectivity options, multi-channel surround sound and more, Sony’s latest in-dash receivers provide rich, immersive music and video experiences while on the move.

A statement from the company says the new Passenger App Control allows users to connect an iPod or iPhone via USB to display their favourite TV shows, movies, and compatible applications onscreen1. Bluetooth connectivity on the XAV-701BT, XAV-601BT and XAV-64BT with an external microphone completes the package, enabling true hands-free calling while driving.

The XAV-701BT/741/601BT A/V receivers feature high-quality WVGA panel displays with full touchscreen capability and a myriad of ways for passengers to share their favourite multimedia when on the road. Meanwhile, dual USB connectivity allows for simultaneous connection to USB mass storage devices such as the Walkman digital music player for music playback and control over the display of album artwork and playlists.

These receivers also offer universal smartphone connectivity to any MirrorLink certified smartphone. Once connected, drivers can play music, make and take phone calls, as well as control smartphone-based navigation services and applications, all from the receiver’s 6.1-inch or 7-inch touchscreen. The application achieves full smartphone integration while not compromising driving safety.

MirrorLink™ is a technology standard developed by the Car Connectivity Consortium that enables the streaming of smartphone content to in-dash receivers, facilitating control of applications and music on the receiver’s touchscreen.

Sony is also redefining the in-car audio-visual experience. Each receiver uses Sony’s proprietary Advanced Sound Engine with full digital processing and Virtual 5.1ch to deliver powerful surround sound, truly bringing the theatre into the car.

Visuals are equally stunning, powered by an extremely advanced GUI design that offers a super-fast response, a 6-Pre-set Visualizer, customizable wallpaper, and variable illumination to match any car’s interior. For added theft protection, the 601BT includes a fully detachable faceplate, rendering the receiver useless without it.

P&G Scoops CSR award

Director General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), Dr. (Mrs) Elemo Gloria Nwakaego presenting the  'Most Endorsed Consumer Package Goods Company'  award to  Procter and Gamble Communications Manager for Greater West Africa, Ayotomiwa Ajewole  at the second edition of the CSR Nigeria Awards held in Lagos recently

Web Jurist rates Starcomms Best Customer Aesthetics Company

Starcomms Plc, Nigeria’s leading code division multiple access (CDMA) operator in the telecommunication industry has been awarded the ‘Best Customer Aesthetics’ company at the 10th edition of the Web Jurist award.

The Web Jurist, an initiative of Phillip Consulting, rated the Website of Starcomms high in the telecommunication category of the annual rating exercise, which was done recently in Lagos.

The Web Jurist conducts research into websites of financial institutions and telecommunication companies as a business tool to identify their strengths and weaknesses and to determine the extent to which a website, being a tool in a company's e-business initiative, is successful in achieving the essence of its e-business strategy.

According to the chief executive officer of Phillip Consulting Limited, Mr. Foluso Phillips, Starcomms won this year’s award after soaring ahead of other telecommunication companies in the rating, stressing that, the criteria used in the rating of websites of corporate organisations in Nigeria include aesthetics, technical aspects, web content, customer experience and performance.

Commenting on the award, chief executive officer of Starcomms, Mr. Logan Pather said it is a thing of joy for Starcomms to clinch the award, stressing that, it is an indication of the fact that the Starcomms brand is occupying a leadership position in the industry.

He said Starcomms has been able to achieve that feat since it has not relented in the use of modern business tools to achieve its goals, saying that “it is a good thing that our website has been given such recognition by such a credible initiative as the Web Jurist. This will only help us to perform better.”

While appreciating the company’s customers for the patronage that enabled it to win the award, Pather said Starcomms would continue to put its website to innovative and creative use to make the use of its services and products exciting.Be useful. Be unique. Be engaging.

Keagan Emerge as Big Brother StarGame Winner

South African intern manger, Keagan has emerged as the winner of the seventh season of Big Brother StarGame after 91 days in the house.

Keagan become the first South African winner of Big Brother Africa in the entire seven editions, breaking the Nigerian stranglehold on the show for the past three editions.

Keagan who had a total of seven votes as winner of the reality show won the prize money of $300,000, beating six other finalists: Prezzo (Kenya), Lady May (Namibia), Talia (Zambia), Wati (Mali), and Kyle (Uganda).

The 22 year old garnered a seven-country vote; five-country votes more than his closest rivals, Prezzo, Lady May and Talia. Klye and Wati got only their country’s votes. He entered the House with Lee as his partner who was evicted in the fifth week and left him upgraded to Upville where he never tasted the eviction.

The reality show started with 35 housemates from 14 African countries, Nigeria, Uganda, Mali, South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, Liberia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Botswana and Malawi respectively.

Facebook Offers Gambling for the UK Users

Facebook in partnership with Gamesys, an independent gaming company is set to unveil a new branch on its platform, enabling users in Britain who are at least 18 can play Bingo on Facebook and the company will pay winners real money.

“Real money gaming is a popular and well-regulated activity in the UK and we are allowing a partner to offer their games to adult users on the Facebook platform in a safe and controlled manner,” said said Julien Codorniou, Facebook’s head of gaming for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

So far, Facebook doesn’t have plans to offer gambling in any other countries or with any other partners besides Gamesys, according to spokeswoman Linda Griffin. The companies will collaborate under the revenue sharing agreement. Facebook, which mainly makes money from online advertising also takes a 30 percent share of revenue for transactions on non-gambling games on its service, such as Zynga‘s Farmville game.

According to Financial Times, Zynga, is expected to introduce real-money gambling versions of its poker, bingo and slot machine games on Facebook in 2013.

Samsung to unveil new Galaxy Note ahead of iPhone 5

Samsung Electronics is set to take the wraps off a sequel to its popular Galaxy Note smartphone at an event on August 29, about two weeks before the possible debut of Apple's new iPhone, according to Reuters report.

The two arch rivals are bracing for a full-blown battle with the expected rollouts of the two key models coming as they lock horns in a high-stakes patent trial in the United States.

"We plan to unveil the next Galaxy Note at the Samsung Mobile Unpacked event in Berlin on August 29," a Samsung spokesman said on Friday, without elaborating. The event will take place two days before the opening of Europe's biggest consumer electronics trade fair IFA.

South Korean media reports speculate the new Galaxy Note may feature an unbreakable, 5.5-inch display - slightly larger than the current one - as well as a faster processor and a much better camera.

Samsung, once a laggard in the smartphone market, overtook Apple last year to become the world's largest smartphone maker. The South Korean firm is looking to defend its supremacy by refreshing its line-up ahead of the launch of the fifth version of Apple's iPhone, widely expected to be released in October.

Samsung launched its flagship Galaxy S III in May, while Apple is planning a major product launch on Sept 12, stoking speculation the company may announce the sale of its redesigned iPhone. Samsung is estimated to have increased smartphone shipments to 50.5 million in the April to June quarter of this year, nearly double the 26 million iPhones sold.

What do you think the new Galaxy device could be?

Investigative journalism gets the YouTube treatment

This is very interesting. The Centre for Investigative Reporting (CIR) has launched a YouTube channel in partnership with some of the biggest players in the media industry.

Last month, the video sharing platform launched a face-blurring tool to help secure anonymity when posting footage, and now it presents a new channel, The I Files, dedicated to investigative reporting.

The new channel on YouTube is designed as “a hub and community for investigative journalism on the web, showcasing reporting that digs deep into stories, gives background to complex issues, and reveals details that help us make better sense of our world,” writes David Gehring, News Content Partnerships Manager, in the post on the YouTube blog.

YouTube reports that news-related content is now the now 72 hours of videos uploaded to YouTube every minute. Today, when information spreads as fast as never before, and people are greatly empowered with digital tools, audience wants to get a deeper insight into the social, economical and environmental problems to take thoughtful actions.

An initiative of the Knight Foundation, the IFiles will be curated by the CIR and will feature content from the likes of the BBC, the New York Times, Al Jazeera, and the Investigative News Network (INN). Independent filmmakers and freelance video journalists will also get a chance to have their work featured on the channel.

YouTube has been serving as a hub for both entertainment and news-related footage for years, and has turned into a platform for latest citizen-uploaded footage videos on things happening around the globe, from street disturbances and demonstrations, to on-the-spot reporting covering elections or natural disasters.

La Casera Launches Nirvana Soda Water, Tonic Water into Market

La Casera Company Limited, makers of such leading CSD brands as La Casera Apple and the Latina Range of Sugar Free Fruit Drinks, has formally introduced Nirvana Soda Water and Tonic Water drinks into the Nigerian market.

Speaking at the Launch which recently took place in the relaxed ambience of the Lagos Yacht Club in Victoria Island, Head of Distribution of the La Casera Company Limited, Mr. Guna Sekaran, revealed to members of the Press that a lot of thought and research had gone into making the two Nirvana Drink variants.

“We recognise that there is a significant segment of the Nigerian market that demands premium, affordable quality drinks. As the name Nirvana implies, these Drinks offer a great-tasting and refreshing escape from the stress and hustle of daily life. Nirvana Soda Water is a refreshing low calorie drink, which appeals to young and sociable upwardly-mobile professional Men and Women. They enjoy feeling and looking good so they tend to go for low-calorie or zero-calorie soft drinks either on the go or at their favourite hangouts.”

The Nirvana Tonic Water and Soda Water variants have now been officially launched into the market; The Products have enjoyed massive demands from consumers because of the great taste and affordability.

Arsenal Unveils Airtel Rising Stars Top Talents

Arsenal football club of England, Sunday, presented to the Nigerian public the five most outstanding youngsters discovered at the just concluded National Finals of the on-going Airtel Rising Stars Season 2 U-17 tournament for boys and girls.

Three senior Arsenal players on a partnership visit to Nigeria namely, Bacari Sagna, Per Merteserker and Lukas Podoski unveiled the youngsters at an exclusive Airtel event held at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suite, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The five youngsters are Gift Nevo (Best Goal keeper in the female category), Rafiat Aweda (Golden Boot winner and Most valuable Player, Female category), Ibrahim Benjamin (Best Goal Keeper, Male category), Yakubu Gambo, (Most Valuable Player, Male category) and Bilyaminu Sani (Golden Boot winner, Male Category).

Speaking during the fun-filled presentation ceremony, Olu Akanmu, Chief Marketing Officer of Airtel Nigeria reiterated the commitment of the leading telecoms operator to creating and providing Nigerian youngsters with ample opportunities to succeed in their professional careers and respective endeavours.

“This, indeed, is the best of times for grassroots football in Nigeria. It has always been our dream to create a future for our younger generation. Now, the prospect of this is looking more promising than ever with the ARS, and more so with our new team mates in Arsenal FC.

The partnership commits Arsenal to offering technical support to the Airtel Rising Stars pan-African football initiative of Airtel Africa in five countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Zambia and Rwanda.

The five Nigerian youngsters will join other selected youngsters across the African continent for a residential Arsenal Coaching Clinic at the instance of Airtel Africa. During the International Coaching Clinic, Arsenal will provide UEFA-certified coaches to assist in providing technical supervision, mentorship, and general football skills development to the youngsters.