GRUNGECAKE

Category: Tech

  • TikTok, the Chinese-owned short-form video-hosting service that caused a stir in North America, officially returns

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    According to multiple reports (and the notification I received late last night on my device), TikTok and its sister app CapCut have returned to the United States digital stores (Google Play and the Apple Store). The change comes as a result of assurances from the Trump administration that a ban wouldn’t immediately be enforced. However, the apparent security risks remain. Before anyone jumps to conclusions, let’s give it time to see how it all plays out. Under President Trump’s presidency, he may be able to get an American buyer. Some people are interested in acquiring the Chinese internet company ByteDance app, including YouTube star MrBeast. Notably, Marck Cuban is ready to fund a TikTok alternative built on Bluesky’s AT Protocol.

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  • Trump order: Google to change map names for Gulf of Mexico and Denali

    In a move reflecting recent federal directives, Google has announced plans to update its mapping services to align with President Donald Trump’s executive order titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness”. This order mandates the renaming of several prominent United States geographical features, including reverting Denali to Mount McKinley and renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Google’s decision follows the Department of the Interior’s announcement that these name changes are effective immediately for federal use. The company stated that it will implement these updates on Google Maps once the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN) reflects the changes in the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). For United States users, the Gulf of Mexico will be labeled as the Gulf of America, whilst international users will see both names displayed. Similarly, Denali will be labelled as Mount McKinley across all platforms.

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    The renaming of Denali has been a subject of contention for decades. Originally named Mount McKinley in 1896 after President William McKinley, the peak was officially renamed Denali in 2015 by the Obama administration, honoring the indigenous Koyukon Athabascan name meaning “The Great One”. President Trump’s recent executive order reverses this decision, reinstating the Mount McKinley designation. The Gulf of Mexico, a vital body of water for the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, has been recognised by its current name for centuries. President Trump’s executive order renames it the Gulf of America within United States federal usage, citing its significance to the nation’s economy and heritage. This change has elicited varied reactions domestically and internationally. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated that Mexico will continue to refer to the body of water as the Gulf of Mexico.

    Google’s adherence to these federal naming conventions underscores the complex relationship between technology platforms and governmental directives. As these changes are implemented, they highlight the ongoing debates surrounding national identity, historical recognition, and the role of digital platforms in reflecting or challenging official narratives.

  • JAY Z’s Roc Nation announced groundbreaking partnership with South Korean fintech company Musicow

    JAY Z’s Roc Nation has announced a groundbreaking partnership with South Korean fintech company Musicow to launch the first Music Equity Service Provider in the United States. This innovative platform will allow United States music fans to acquire partial ownership of songs by their favorite artists and earn a share of the generated revenue.

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    The platform enables artists to fractionalise their royalty revenue and sell shares of their tracks to individual investors, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem. Roc Nation Vice Chairman Jay Brown stated, “The music industry is evolving into a shared ecosystem where fans and creators can earn together. Our mission is not only to support and empower artists by providing the tools and services they need to build a better music ecosystem but also to give everyone access to the financial opportunities the music industry offers.”

    Musicow CEO Woo Rhee added, “Partnering with Roc Nation is an incredible opportunity to drive innovation and redefine the future of our industry. I’m confident that together, we have the vision, expertise, and enthusiasm to create transformative progress and unlock limitless potential.”

    The platform is expected to debut in the first quarter of 2025. Early registrants may receive ten toward their Musicow wallet. This partnership aligns with Roc Nation’s ongoing efforts to empower artists. In August 2024, the company announced that partnered independent artists would maintain ownership of their masters under Roc Nation Distribution, providing tools and guidance to leverage technology and the music business.

    Founded in 2016, Musicow has been a pioneer in music royalty trading, allowing fans to invest in their favorite songs. This collaboration with Roc Nation marks its first major expansion into the United States market. By introducing this platform, Roc Nation and Musicow aim to create a more inclusive and financially rewarding environment for both artists and fans, reflecting the evolving landscape of the music industry.

  • Watch The Weeknd’s new music video teaser, shot on iPhone 16 Pro: See behind-the-scenes photos

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    Today, we received an exciting email from Apple detailing its new product, the all-new iPhone 16 Pro. In the email, the world’s leading tech company shared The Weeknd’s music video shot for his latest single ‘Dancing in the Flames’ on the device.

    Not only did the director, Anton Tammi, and his director of photography, Erik Henrikkson, execute incredibly well, but the visuals also looked stunning!

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    According to the press release, the iPhone 16 Pro features a larger display and the thinnest borders ever on any Apple product. The pro camera system brings all-new creative features, including the ability to record in 4K 120fps in Dolby Vision for smooth slow-motion video capture — on perfect display in the forthcoming music video for ‘Dancing in the Flames’. Four new studio-quality mics preserve true-to-life recorded sounds, Audio Mix uses machine learning to identify and separate background elements from speech, giving users three voice options: In-Frame Mix, Studio Mix, Cinematic Mix, and so much more. iPhone 16 Pro also features the powerful A18 Pro chip, a huge leap in battery life, and comes in four stunning titanium finishes: black titanium, white titanium, natural titanium, and desert titanium. 

    Last week, The Weeknd revealed the title of his forthcoming album, ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’, which marks the culmination of his acclaimed trilogy. Following ‘Dawn FM’ and ‘After Hours’, this album is set to elevate his artistic narrative, encapsulating existential and self-referential themes that have captured the imagination of fans. The anticipation surrounding this final chapter is palpable, as it promises to be a powerful testament to The Weeknd’s evolution as an artist.

    The Weeknd’s official music video for ‘Dancing In the Flames’ will come out on Friday, September 13.

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  • Canon Central and North Africa launches Canon Academy in Senegal, fostering photographic excellence

    In partnership with renowned institutions, KourtrajmĂ© Dakar Film School and Sup’IMax School, Canon is committed to empowering aspiring photographers and enthusiasts with world-class education and resources

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    Canon Academy offers a comprehensive educational programme featuring hands-on workshops covering a wide range of photography topics. To date, we have successfully trained 85 students through this initiative. The programme offers a comprehensive curriculum blending theory and practice, where expert trainers instill confidence and passion whilst covering essential topics like exposure triangle, composition, lighting, focus, and more.

    Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) is thrilled to announce the official launch of Canon Academy in Senegal, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at nurturing local photographic talent. In partnership with renowned institutions, KourtrajmĂ© Dakar Film School and Sup’IMax School, Canon is committed to empowering aspiring photographers and enthusiasts with world-class education and resources.

    This significant launch was marked by a meet-up event on August 13 at the KourtrajmĂ© Dakar Film School, introducing the local photography community to Canon’s comprehensive educational offerings, cutting-edge product lineup, authorised dealers, and the immersive Canon Academy workshop experience.

    The heart of the Canon Academy experience was the hands-on workshops conducted at Sup’IMax School on August 14. Led by Canon Ambassador Seibou Traore, these sessions delved into the fundamentals of photography, covering essential topics such as the exposure triangle, lighting, focus, composition, aperture, ISO, and mastering manual mode. By equipping participants with practical skills, Canon Academy aims to unlock their creative potential and elevate their photography to new heights.

    “Canon Academy is dedicated to providing photographers with unparalleled learning opportunities”, said Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director at Canon Central and North Africa. “Through hands-on workshops and expert guidance, we empower photographers of all levels to explore their passion and achieve their full potential. We are excited to bring this enriching experience to Senegal and contribute to the growth of the local photography community.”

    Canon Academy is dedicated to Canon users, offering hands-on experiences across a wide array of topics. Workshops are led by certified Canon trainers, ensuring that participants benefit from the expertise of seasoned professionals. The programme caters to different skill levels, from beginners to professionals, allowing each participant to grow at their own pace.

    KourtrajmĂ© Dakar Film School, a beacon of accessible film education, shares Canon’s commitment to fostering creativity. “We’re excited to partner with Canon to empower the next generation of filmmakers and photographers. Together, we’ll create a brighter future for Senegal’s creative industry”, said Mr SangarĂ© Toumani – Director, KourtrajmĂ© Dakar Film School

    Sup’IMax School, a leading institution in digital arts and communication, complements Canon’s vision for a vibrant creative ecosystem. “Canon Academy is a fantastic addition to our curriculum. This partnership will equip our students with the skills and tools to excel in the digital world”, said Mr Birame Diouf – Executif Director, Sup’IMax School (Ininstitut Superieur des Arts et Metiers du Numerique)

    This strategic collaboration between Canon Central & North Africa, KourtrajmĂ© Dakar Film School, and Sup’IMax School (Ininstitut Superieur des Arts et Metiers du Numerique) exemplifies Canon’s corporate philosophy of Kyosei – living and working together for the common good. By joining forces, these organisations are creating a powerful platform for young talent to thrive and contribute to Senegal’s creative landscape.

    The launch event and workshops signify a significant milestone for Canon in Senegal, demonstrating the company’s dedication to investing in local communities and supporting the growth of photography as an art form. Canon is confident that this initiative will inspire a new generation of photographers and strengthen the brand’s presence in the market.

  • Kim Kardashian teams up with Beats again for neutral on-brand line

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    It’s been two years since the living legend Kim Kardashian collaborated with Beats. Since their joint release, it is still the best-selling edition to date! Talk about the buying power of fame, beauty and superstardom… The headphone trio are inspired by her signature neutral palette, namely, “Moon”, “Dune”, and “Earth”.

    “I’m so excited we’re bringing these three popular, chic colors to Beats’ most iconic and advanced headphones”, Kardashian said. “Beats Studio have always been a fashion statement, so I can’t wait to see how everyone styles them.”

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    The “Beats x Kim” headphones are now available for purchase online for $349 USD — shipping globally.

  • TikTok to rollout 32-person group chat

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    This week, TikTok announced the delivery of its new thirty-two-people group chat. According to MSN, all users can watch, comment, and react to videos in real-time. The company explained, “To enhance user experience and make connecting with friends even more seamless and enjoyable, we’re excited to introduce new updates that elevate DMs, including the highly requested group chat feature.” To see how it works, visit this link.

  • YouTube adds more content creator features in new updates

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    YouTube recently unveiled an enhanced eraser tool designed to help creators effortlessly remove copyrighted music from their videos without disrupting other audio components like dialogue or sound effects. YouTube’s chief, Neal Mohan, announced the tool’s release on X, stating, “Good news, creators: our updated Erase Song tool helps you easily remove copyright-claimed music from your video (while leaving the rest of your audio intact).”

    According to a video from YouTube, the tool had undergone extensive testing but initially lacked precision in removing copyrighted songs. The updated version leverages an AI-powered algorithm to accurately detect and eliminate copyrighted music while preserving the remaining audio in the video. Despite the improvements, YouTube’s support page advises that the algorithm may occasionally struggle to isolate and remove only the song. The company cautions, “This edit might not work if the song is hard to remove. If this tool doesn’t successfully remove the claim on a video, you can try other editing options, such as muting all sound in the claimed segments or trimming out the claimed segments.”

    Alternatively, creators have the option to select “Mute all sound in the claimed segments” to silence sections of the video containing copyrighted material. Once the video is successfully edited, YouTube removes the content ID claim, its system for identifying copyrighted content in different clips.

  • MTN Rwanda named official digital partner of the 2024 Basketball Africa League Playoffs and Finals

    MTN Rwanda will enhance the digital experience for BAL fans throughout league’s Playoffs and Finals

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    The Basketball Africa League (BAL) and MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda), a market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda, today announced a collaboration that makes MTN Rwanda the Official Digital Partner of the 2024 BAL Playoffs and Finals.

    The collaboration will see MTN Rwanda enhance the digital experience for BAL fans throughout the Playoffs and Finals taking place this week at BK Arena in Kigali through promotions, sweepstakes, and access to Ayoba, an all-in-one free app developed by MTN that offers free instant messaging; voice and video calling; sports, fashion, food, and entertainment news; games; and other content. MTN Rwanda customers will also have access to BAL content on Ayoba, including highlight packages and episodes of ‘BAL Daily’, a magazine programme produced by the league featuring highlights of the games and surrounding events, interviews with players and coaches, and analysis from BAL commentators and other personalities.

    “Our collaboration with MTN will bring Rwanda’s passionate Basketball Africa League fanbase even closer to the excitement of the BAL Playoffs and Finals”, said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall. “As a pan-African mobile telecommunications brand deeply rooted on the continent, MTN has been instrumental in providing enriched experiences for its customers in Africa. We have a shared ambition to empowering communities, driving innovation, and building a sustainable ecosystem for long-term growth. We look forward to working together to extend this impact to BAL fans in Rwanda.”

    “We are thrilled to work with the BAL as their official digital partner”, said MTN Rwanda CEO Officer Mapula Bodibe. “Our customers can look forward to an unforgettable showcase of talent. As a token of appreciation, we will be giving out free tickets to our valued customers, so keep an eye out on our social media platforms for the giveaway. Additionally, BAL attendees will also receive a 35% discount when they pay for their tickets via MoMo. This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting initiatives that unite communities and empower Rwandan youth, fostering national unity.”

    MTN Rwanda joins the BAL’s roster of partners that also includes Foundational Partners Rwanda Development Board, NIKE, Jordan Brand, and Wilson, as well as marketing partners Afreximbank, Bank of Kigali, Castle Lite, Hennessy, and RwandAir.

    The 2024 BAL Playoffs and Finals will continue on Wednesday, May 29 with two semifinals games. In the first game, Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria) will take on Al Ahly Ly (Libya) at 5 PM CAT. In the second game, Petro de Luanda (Angola) will face Cape Town Tigers (South Africa) at 8:00 PM CAT. The complete game schedule is available at BAL.NBA.com and will culminate with the 2024 BAL Finals on June 1 at 4:00 PM CAT. Tickets for the Playoffs and Finals are on sale now at bal.nba.com and ticqet.rw.

  • The Home Depot and Instacart announce nationwide partnership, offering same-day delivery

    The world’s largest home improvement retailer now offers delivery in as fast as an hour.

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    Instacart (Nasdaq: CART), the leading grocery technology company in North America, and The Home Depot (NYSE: HD), the world’s largest home improvement retailer, announced a nationwide partnership to offer same-day delivery in as fast as an hour from nearly 2000 store locations. Customers can now order a wide range of home improvement items on Instacart’s platform – from garden essentials and building supplies to light fixtures – and have them rapidly delivered directly to their doorstep.

    The Home Depot is focused on improving the interconnected shopping experience for its customers and following a successful pilot with Instacart earlier this year, is expanding the partnership nationwide. The service also includes Instacart’s Big & Bulky fulfillment solution, which ensures same-day and scheduled deliveries for heavy items up to sixty pounds, such as grills, ladders, large boxes, and more.

    “Our brick-and-mortar stores are foundational to The Home Depot, and expanding our e-commerce capabilities is a key part of our ongoing efforts to deliver a seamless interconnected experience,” said The Home Depot’s Jordan Broggi, President – Online. “By supplementing our existing same-day and next-day delivery options on homedepot.com with Instacart’s fast and convenient shopper experience, we’re increasing flexibility for our customers to meet them no matter how they choose to shop.”

    “We’re excited to broaden our partnership with The Home Depot, further extending our selection beyond grocery while boosting their e-commerce capabilities,” said Blake Wallace, Senior Director of Retail Partnerships at Instacart. “As a marketplace and delivery partner to The Home Depot, our partnership simplifies access to essential home improvement products, ranging from household appliances like microwaves and vacuums to everyday products like cleaning supplies or gardening tools, allowing The Home Depot to serve their customers more effectively with delivery in as fast as an hour.”