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Tag: Google

  • Google switches Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’ for US users

    Google switches Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’ for US users

    Google on Monday changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America” for those using its Maps platform inside the United States, complying with an executive order by President Donald Trump.

    The tech giant wrote in a blog post that users outside the United States will continue to see both the original and new name for the Gulf of Mexico, as is the case for other disputed locations.

    “People using Maps in the U.S. will see ‘Gulf of America,’ and people in Mexico will see ‘Gulf of Mexico.’ Everyone else will see both names,” Google wrote.

    Google said the change aligns with its policy of following official US government geographic designations through the Geographic Names Information System.

    Upon taking office, Trump signed executive orders not only changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico but also reverting the name of Denali, America’s highest peak, to its former moniker Mt. McKinley.

    In 2015, then-president Barack Obama officially recognized the Alaska mountain as Denali, the name used by Alaska Natives for centuries.

    Trump’s renamings sparked criticism from indigenous groups in Alaska, who have long advocated for maintaining the Denali name and raised diplomatic concerns with Mexico.

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has cheekily suggested calling the United States “Mexican America,” pointing to a map from before one-third of her country was seized by the United States in 1848.

  • NCAIR, Google Launch ₦100 Million AI Fund to Support Nigerian Startups

    NCAIR, Google Launch ₦100 Million AI Fund to Support Nigerian Startups

    The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), with the backing of Google, has launched the AI Fund, a ₦100 million initiative aimed at fostering innovation among Nigerian startups utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    The fund seeks to support emerging businesses developing AI-driven solutions with the potential for substantial impact, further advancing Nigeria’s digital economy.

    This initiative follows strategic efforts by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, which earlier this year organized the Artificial Intelligence Strategy Workshop in April and released the National AI Intelligence Strategy in August. Both initiatives laid the groundwork for integrating AI into various sectors to drive growth, innovation, and societal well-being in Nigeria.

    The AI Fund is designed to provide financial backing of up to ₦10 million for selected startups, along with access to Google’s extensive resources, including AI tools, mentorship, and a global network to scale their innovations.

    Speaking on the launch, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, highlighted the importance of the fund: “The AI Fund is a critical step in nurturing homegrown innovation that addresses local challenges and contributes to economic growth. By supporting our startups, we are not only investing in their success but also in the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.”

    Dr. Bunmi Ajala, National Coordinator of NCAIR, underscored the significance of the partnership with Google: “Our partnership with Google is a reflection of our shared vision for Nigeria’s technological advancement. The AI Fund is designed to empower our entrepreneurs with the resources they need to create impactful AI solutions. We are excited to see the transformative innovations that will emerge from this program.”

    Olumide Balogun, West Africa Director at Google, reiterated the company’s commitment to enhancing Africa’s digital capabilities: “Google’s support for the AI Fund is part of our broader mission to enhance digital capabilities across Africa. We are committed to providing Nigerian startups with the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to innovate and succeed on a global stage.”

    The AI Fund complements Google’s broader initiatives in Africa, including the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program, which recently announced its newest cohort featuring five Nigerian startups, further demonstrating Google’s dedication to fostering AI innovation on the continent.

    Eligibility and Benefits of the AI Fund

    The AI Fund is open to startups that:

    Are headquartered in Nigeria.
    Have at least one Nigerian founder.
    Focus on building AI-driven solutions with the potential to scale beyond the local market.
    Have a live product in the market, demonstrating early traction and product-market fit.
    Selected startups will benefit from:

    Funding: Up to ₦10 million to accelerate their growth.
    Technical Expertise: Access to Google’s AI tools and mentorship from Google engineers.
    Global Network: Opportunities for international exposure and connections to Google’s extensive network.
    Application Process

    Applications Open: September 10, 2024
    Applications Close: September 25, 2024
    Application Link: ncair.nitda.gov.ng/aifund
    Successful applicants will be announced in October 2024, with the program officially starting shortly thereafter.

    The ₦100 million AI Fund presents a significant opportunity for Nigerian startups, providing access to world-class resources that can propel their AI-driven innovations forward.

    By empowering the brightest minds in AI, NCAIR and Google are fostering a new wave of technological advancements that have the potential to tackle critical challenges and establish Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation on the global stage.

  • Google Report Highlights the Economic Impact of Digital Technology in Nigeria

    Google Report Highlights the Economic Impact of Digital Technology in Nigeria

    A new report released today by Google, conducted independently by Public First, underscores the significant economic contributions of digital technologies in Nigeria.

    The Digital Opportunity of Nigeria report highlights how Google’s products and infrastructure are driving digital transformation and fostering economic growth across the country.

    As Nigeria continues to experience rapid digital development, the report emphasizes the potential for even greater growth.

    According to the study, every $1 invested in digital technology in Nigeria generates over $8 in economic value, showcasing the high return on investment in this sector.

    This figure highlights the critical role of connectivity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the country’s economic future.

    In 2023, Google’s products and services—including Search, Ads, YouTube, and Cloud—contributed an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity in Nigeria, significantly boosting the productivity of businesses, creators, and workers across the country.

    Google’s digital skills programs, such as Digital Skills for Africa and the Career Certificates Program, have been instrumental in equipping millions of Nigerians with essential digital skills. In 2023, over 1.5 million young adults in Nigeria benefited from these programs, learning new skills to enhance their career prospects.

    The report further estimates that AI could contribute an additional $15 billion to Nigeria’s economy by 2030, with Google’s commitment to responsible AI development playing a key role in this growth.

    In 2021, Google committed $1 billion to accelerate Africa’s digital economy, focusing on improving internet access, supporting local entrepreneurs, and fostering innovation.

    The Nigeria Digital Opportunity report provides strategic recommendations for policymakers, advocating for increased cloud-first policies, enhanced digital infrastructure, and stronger STEM education to maximize the country’s digital potential.

    These measures are crucial for preparing Nigeria’s workforce for the future.

    Olumide Balogun, Director for West Africa at Google, expressed excitement over the positive impact of digital technology on Nigeria’s economy, stating, “We’re thrilled to see the positive impact that digital technology is having on Nigeria’s economy. This report underscores the importance of continued investment in digital skills and infrastructure to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s vibrant digital economy.”

    Amy Price, Director & Head of Technology Policy at Public First, also emphasized Nigeria’s role as a leader in Africa’s digital landscape, noting that “tech investment will be a powerful catalyst for further growth and development across the country.”

    The report highlights the transformative role of digital technology in Nigeria’s economy and calls for continued investment in digital infrastructure to sustain this momentum.

  • Vodafone and Google Announce 10-Year Strategic Partnership to Enhance Services Across Europe, Africa

    Vodafone and Google Announce 10-Year Strategic Partnership to Enhance Services Across Europe, Africa

    Vodafone and Google have announced an expanded ten-year strategic partnership, aimed at bringing new services, devices, and TV experiences to millions of Vodafone customers across Europe and Africa.

    The collaboration will leverage Google Cloud and Google’s advanced AI models, including its Gemini models, to improve customer experiences and workforce productivity.

    The partnership, which will impact 15 countries directly and an additional 45 markets worldwide through Vodafone’s partners, focuses on enhancing storage, security, and AI-powered assistance for Vodafone’s vast customer base.

    In turn, Google will utilize Vodafone’s fixed and mobile connectivity services to boost workforce efficiency.

    Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive, stated, “Together, Vodafone and Google will put new AI-powered content and devices into the hands of millions more consumers. Using these services, our customers can discover new ways to learn, create, and communicate, as well as consume TV, on a scale we haven’t seen before.”

    Key Focus Areas of the Partnership:

    • Advanced AI and Cloud Services: Vodafone and Google aim to bring AI-powered tools and cloud-based applications to customers, small businesses, and governments. This will include new content discovery features, enhanced cybersecurity, and cloud storage options, such as YouTube subscriptions and Google One plans.
    • Vodafone TV Enhancements: Vodafone TV, which runs on Android TV, will see new features enabled by Google Cloud’s generative AI, including better content discovery and monetization through Google Ad Manager. A deeper YouTube integration with Vodafone TV is also being explored to enhance the overall viewing experience.
    • AI and Machine Learning Models: Vodafone will use Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform and its Gemini models to build and deploy machine learning models across its operating companies. This is expected to accelerate innovation and simplify the launch of new products in multiple countries.

    Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, expressed excitement about the partnership, saying, “Our expanded partnership with Vodafone will help bring our most advanced AI products and services to more people across Europe and Africa. I’m excited to see how Vodafone’s consumers, small businesses, and governments will use generative AI and Google Cloud to transform the way they work and access information.”

    Security and Universal Standards:

    Vodafone plans to enhance its cybersecurity solutions using Google Cloud’s Security Operations platform, which will provide its business customers with advanced software-based protection tools.

    Additionally, the companies plan to work together to promote universal industry standards in areas such as online safety, responsible AI development, and network performance to drive innovation and improve public services.