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‘Tell Me Something Good’ is Google’s new app to keep users feeling optimistic

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Google, in the face too many troubling news that make more people vulnerable to anxiety and a negative outlook, has launched a new app to keep a user’s day brightened.

Researchers at Yale University had coined the concept “the hope gap” -to describe when people are more focused on a problem rather than the solution thus causing even more stress.

“Good news is happening every day. We just don’t always hear about it. Right now, people are working to solve big problems in scalable ways – curing diseases, creating equal opportunities, reinventing education, making neighborhoods safer.

“And some smart folks have surfaced heaps of data showing that the world is actually getting better in lots of ways,” said Google in its demo video.

“Hearing this kind of good news can do us all some good. It helps bridge the hope gap, inspiring us to be more proactive in dealing with the threats we face. Good news sparks dialogue, not just about what’s wrong but how it could be better.

“It’s called solutions journalism and there’s a whole network of journalists dedicated to publishing it. Because research shows that hearing news focused on solutions can nudge us out of survival mode and into problem-solving mode, building more trust in each other and our communities,” it further said.

Read Also: 4G services will be available in 78% African countries by year end 2018

The Google Assistant helps users feel more optimistic. The feature can be activated by saying “Hey Google, tell me something good” to Google Assistant. Google responds by showing results with good news featuring solutions to real-world problems.

Examples that Google provided include how Detroit residents are creating jobs by turning abandoned lots into sustainable bee farms and how Iceland was able to curb teen drinking through the use of nightly curfews and coupons for extracurricular activities.

These news stories are curated through Google’s solutions journalism partners at the Solutions Journalism Network. And this feature is also being overseen by Google’s Creative Lab team.

Google is rolling out the “Hey Google, tell me something good” feature through Google Assistant on the Google Home and Google Home Mini in the U.S. now. And it should be integrated into the Google Assistant apps on smartphone devices soon after.

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SA internet service provider Kaya Konekta launches data access for underserved communities

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South Africa’s leading Internet Service Provider (ISP), Kaya Konekta (KaKo), has launched new operations aimed at reaching underserved communities in the country.

The new service which the company says will revolutionise connectivity in the catchment areas comes with affordable and accessible internet services.

Founder and CEO of KaKo, Kagisho Dichabe, who praised the efforts of his team in a statement on Friday, said “KaKo aims to bridge the connectivity gap by providing reliable and affordable data, with a host of mobile and home broadband packages at below market rates.”

“For financial inclusion to be a reality, we need to connect the unconnected, and “Data Must Fall,” he said.

“We are dedicated to providing affordable, reliable internet services to underserved communities, empowering individuals and businesses for a better future.

“Data has become too expensive for people in our communities, especially in our townships,” Dichabe said.

He added that KaKo also aims to empower youth with accessible, high-speed internet, enabling them to access educational materials and online courses conveniently.

“This connectivity offers opportunities for knowledge expansion, higher education pursuits, and skill development,” he emphasized.

The startup’s CEO Thabiso Malekele, also noted that the company views the “internet as an essential tool, not a privilege, for unlocking potential, fostering learning, and connecting communities.”

“This belief fuels our passion to change and improve the lives of underserved and unconnected individuals.

“Our nation’s history compels us to actively champion this cause. While we strive to expand our reach like any ISP by deploying various technologies including fibre, LTE and 5G to different customers, we prioritise addressing the critical gaps in connectivity that leave many behind.

“At Kaya Konekta, we’re passionate about both customer service and the community.”

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Nigeria’s MAX partners Ghana’s Kofa in e-bike financing deal

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Nigeria’s electric vehicle solutions provider, MAX, has announced striking a partnership deal with Ghana’s innovator in energy networks, Kofa, that will see MAX offering financing options for over 2,000 revolutionary TailG Jidi bikes.

The bikes which are developed by Kofa in conjunction with TailG, a Chinese manufacturer, were launched in October last year and has been a big hit in the West African country.

A statement by MAX on Thursday, stated that the partnership marks a significant milestone in making green transportation more accessible in Africa.

“Max’s financing options for the motorbikes will enable more individuals and businesses to adopt eco-friendly transportation, aligning with both companies’ vision of a sustainable future,” it said.

“This collaboration between MAX and Kofa is a step towards a greener, more sustainable Africa.

“This partnership is poised to accelerate the transition to green energy and sustainable transportation in Africa,” the company said.

“The coming together of the two democratises access to vehicle ownership and electric mobility across Africa through a tech-driven platform that offers a spectrum of services, including subscription-based vehicle financing,cutting-edge electric vehicle options, and comprehensive support services.

“Kofa, meanwhile, is focused on creating affordable, sustainable, and customer-driven electricity networks, starting with electric motorcycles.

“The startup partnered TailG Group, a leading electric vehicle brand from China, to launch the Jidi electric motorcycle last October, and subsequently announced the planned launch of its second-generation Kore 2 Swap & Go network,” it added.

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