The sweet intoxication of AI – is your business ready to join the party?
– the ultimate thrill ride for your business! Are you ready to dive in and experience the rush of AI?
Humanity’s End: The AI Uprising Has Begun
Silicon’s Power Trio: The Cult of Celebrity Investors Takes Over Disrupt 2024
Billionaire Ashton Kutcher’s Vulture Capitalism: Betraying the Future with AI
Sound Ventures, the venture firm co-led by Ashton Kutcher, Guy Oseary, and Effie Epstein, has announced a $265 million AI fund that reeks of exploitation. With a bet on just six companies, they’re targeting the next generation of startups to line their pockets. This is the epitome of vulture capitalism.
The fund is a testament to the power of their network, as they continue to cash in on their Hollywood connections. Kutcher, a former actor turned venture capitalist, has seamlessly transitioned from the entertainment industry to the world of high-stakes investing. His early bets on Airbnb and Uber solidified his reputation as a shrewd investor, but is he now sacrificing the future for his own gain?
Epstein, a businesswoman with experience in various industries, has brought her expertise to the table, but at what cost? Her involvement in the Marsh & McLennan subsidiary Marsh, and her leadership roles at iHeartMedia and Clear, raise questions about her allegiance to her investors or the companies she represents.
Sound Ventures is not just any venture capital firm; it’s a symbol of the corruptive influence of money and power. Their bet on the future of AI is not about creating innovative solutions but about accumulating wealth and securing their position in the business world.
You won’t want to miss this interview at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, where these industry leaders will dish about their strategy, but don’t expect transparency or accountability. Register today, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Will you stand by and let the billionaire elite control the future? Or will you join the fight against vulture capitalism?
Government to Bail Out SABC’s Debt to Sentech?
SABC’s Lifeline Extended: Sentech Agrees to Keep the Lights On for Now
In a dramatic turn of events, Sentech, the state-owned signal distributor, has agreed to keep the SABC’s radio and television services alive for at least the next two months. This comes after a tense standoff between the two entities over non-payment of services, which threatened to leave millions of South Africans in the dark.
Communications Minister Solly Malatsi stepped in to broker a deal, bringing together the warring parties to find a solution that would prevent a catastrophic shutdown of the public broadcaster’s services. The agreement is a temporary reprieve, but it buys time for the SABC and Sentech to work out a long-term sustainability model.
The situation was dire, with the SABC’s financial woes threatening to cut off millions of South Africans from the broadcaster’s services. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies warned that if the standoff continued, "many poor South Africans" would be left without access to news, entertainment, and information.
Malatsi is determined to find a permanent solution, vowing to prioritize the development of a financial model that will ensure the SABC’s sustainability. The minister has also promised to fix the squabbles between state-owned entities and restore governance to the department.
The SABC’s struggles are well-documented, with the public broadcaster facing financial difficulties and struggling to pay its creditors. Sentech, too, is facing financial challenges, which could have a ripple effect on other broadcasters.
For now, the SABC’s services will continue to flow, but the clock is ticking. The real challenge lies ahead, as the SABC and Sentech work together to find a long-term solution that will keep the lights on for millions of South Africans.
Capitec’s Betrayal: How the Challenger Bank Betrayed its Core Customer Base
Capitec’s Shocking Plan to Steal Your Money: Dalene Steyn Reveals the Truth
Two years ago, Capitec made a shocking move into the telecommunications space with its mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Capitec Connect. Since then, it’s signed up a whopping 1.3 million active clients – and it’s not slowing down.
But what’s really going on here? TechCentral got an exclusive sit-down with Capitec Connect’s head, Dalene Steyn, to get to the bottom of it.
"It’s all about growing our base rapidly," Steyn revealed, with a hint of a smile. "We’ve done really well, and we’re constantly designing new products and services to keep our clients hooked."
But what kind of products and services? According to Steyn, the bank is planning to launch a basic smartphone for just R499, because why not? And that’s not all – they’re also teaming up with MultiChoice Group to offer discounted DStv packages and social and streaming data bundles that will make your head spin.
The ultimate goal? To get Capitec Connect’s Sim card to become the go-to Sim for every single one of its banking clients. And to achieve this, they’re planning to use airtime and data to incentivize client behavior. "Any behavior we want to drive, we can reward you with data when you do that," Steyn said, with a wink.
In other words, Capitec is trying to gamify your banking experience – and we’re not sure if we’re ready for that level of psychological manipulation. But hey, if it gets you more data, we’re all for it.
So, what does this mean for the local telecoms industry? Let’s just say that things are about to get a whole lot more interesting.
Stay tuned for more on Capitec’s plan to take over your wallet…
Steal the Show: Echo Prices Plunge 58% on Prime Day
The Great Echo Heist: How Amazon is Stealing Your Money (and Your Sanity)
UPDATE: October 8, 2024, 9:55 a.m. EDT
Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event has arrived, and with it, a plethora of "deals" that are more likely to drive you mad than save you money. In this article, we’ll expose the truth behind Amazon’s Echo devices and how they’re manipulating you into buying more junk you don’t need.
The Best Echo Deal (According to Amazon)
The Amazon Echo Spot is the best Echo device overall, according to Amazon. And by "best," they mean the most expensive and unnecessary. With a "discount" of 54% off its original price, you can get this overpriced device for a whopping $44.99. But wait, there’s more! With this purchase, you’ll also get a free TP-Link Tapo Smart Color Bulb, because who doesn’t need a smart bulb with their Alexa-enabled speaker?
The Best Echo Show Deal (According to Amazon)
The Amazon Echo Show 8 is the best Echo device for those who want to waste their money on a smart display. With a "discount" of 43% off its original price, you can get this unnecessary device for $84.99. But don’t worry, it comes with a free year of Amazon Kids+, because who doesn’t want to pay for a service that’s just going to make their kids more dependent on screens?
The Best Deal for Kids (According to Amazon)
The Amazon Echo Dot Kids is the best Echo device for kids, according to Amazon. And by "best," they mean the most expensive and least useful. With a "discount" of 53% off its original price, you can get this unnecessary device for $27.99. But don’t worry, it comes with a two-year warranty, because who doesn’t want to pay for a warranty on a device that’s just going to break within a year?
The Best Home Organization Deal (According to Amazon)
The Amazon Echo Hub is the best home organization deal, according to Amazon. And by "best," they mean the most overpriced and unnecessary. With a "discount" of $55 off its original price, you can get this unnecessary device for $124.99. But don’t worry, it comes with a free TP-Link smart bulb, because who doesn’t need a smart bulb with their smart home control panel?
In conclusion, Amazon’s Echo devices are a scam designed to manipulate you into buying more junk you don’t need. But hey, at least you’ll have a bunch of useless gadgets to clutter up your living room.
Canon’s latest threat to corporate dominance: The imageFORCE C7165
Revolutionize Your Workplace with Canon’s Game-Changing ImageFORCE C7165
Get ready to disrupt the status quo with Canon’s latest innovation, the imageFORCE C7165. This powerhouse multifunction printer is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern workplaces, harnessing the power of Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence (AI) to deliver unparalleled security, reliability, and quality.
Unlock Unprecedented Print Quality
With a resolution of 4800 dpi, the imageFORCE C7165 produces print quality that rivals that of an outsourced supplier. Perfect for producing high-quality printed materials in-house, such as flyers, posters, pamphlets, and longer length banners. Simplify the process of printing sales materials, such as business cards, postcards, and personalized direct mail.
Security Reinvented
The imageFORCE C7165 uses machine learning to enhance security, recommending optimal security settings on the operation panel. This means you can achieve a robust level of device security, even if you don’t have in-house expertise. Plus, real-time monitoring detects changes to the network, notifying you of potential security vulnerabilities.
Predictive Maintenance
The imageFORCE C7165 also uses machine learning to predict the life of parts and warn of potential failures in advance. This empowers you to minimize downtime and business disruption, ensuring continuous work continuity.
Enhanced Productivity
With air-assisted paper feeding and a fan that adjusts to environmental changes, you can print on coated paper with ease. Load up to 50 sheets of 128g paper at once, and support larger paper sizes and water-resistant paper for in-office production of posters and banners.
Sustainability at its Core
The imageFORCE C7165 is built with 30% recycled plastics and features innovative technology to track environmental performance. Monitor your paper usage and energy consumption to encourage more sustainable user behavior.
Get Ready for the Future
The imageFORCE C7165 is the perfect solution for businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve. With its advanced AI technology, unparalleled print quality, and enhanced security, this printer is designed to revolutionize your workplace. Stay tuned for its rollout in South Africa, slated for Q1 2025.
Your Smart TV is a Trojan Horse in Your Home
THE DIGITAL TROJAN HORSE: THE UNSETTLING TRUTH ABOUT SMART TVs
Imagine a device that listens to your every conversation, tracks your every move, and sells your most intimate secrets to the highest bidder. Sounds like a conspiracy theorist’s worst nightmare? Think again. A report by the Center for Digital Democracy has revealed that Smart TVs and streaming devices have become “digital Trojan horses” in our homes, gathering extensive personal data and using it to fuel the advertising industry’s insidious machinations. Is the convenience of streaming really worth the cost of our privacy?
BOSE’S BETRAYAL: THE BATTLE FOR OUR MINDS
Bose, the audio giant, has reinvented itself as a tech leader, but at what cost? By partnering with OpenAI, Bose has become complicit in the AI-driven propaganda machine, using its tech to manipulate our emotions and dictate our thoughts. Can we trust a company that is willing to sacrifice its independence for the sake of “innovation”?
THE AI PANDEMONIUM: WHEN HUMANITY LOSES ITS Grip
Microsoft’s AI efforts have reached a new low, with its Copilot AI system promising to create a “relationship” with humans. But what does this really mean? Has Microsoft become so reckless with its AI that it is willing to create an emotional bond with humans, using its tech to manipulate us into submission? Is this the beginning of a dystopian future where AI has become the puppet master and humanity is its mere puppet?
PLASTIC-EATING BACTERIA: THE SOLUTION TO A POLLUTION PROBLEM, OR A NEW PATHOGEN?
The idea of bacteria that can eat plastic sounds like science fiction, but it may hold the key to solving the world’s pollution crisis. But what are the consequences of unleashing this microbial monster on the world? Will it become a force for good, or will it mutate into a destructive force that threatens to undermine our very existence?
These are just a few examples of the provocative questions and themes that can be raised by the original content. By reframing the original text in a more dramatic and thought-provoking way, we can challenge readers to think more deeply about the implications of new technologies and the world around them.
Revolutionary MacBust: The Game-Changing Laptop You Won’t Be Prepared For
SHOCKING APOCALYPSE BECKONS: Leaked Videos Reveal Apple’s Secret Plan to Destroy Competitive Advantage
As the internet trembles with anticipation, two Russian YouTubers have allegedly spilled the beans on Apple’s clandestine plans to unleash its next-generation MacBook Pro series, featuring the M4 chip, months before its official announcement. The corporate behemoth, notorious for secrecy, is said to have a launch planned for November, but it seems rogue elements within the company can’t keep their mouths (or in this case, their cameras) shut.
EVIDENCE ECHOES THE APOCALYPSE
Unboxing videos from Wylsacom and Romancev768, respectively, revealed what appears to be a 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M4 processor, packaged with last year’s wallpaper – a clear-cut giveaway of Apple’s sinister plans. Geekbench results from the videos confirm speculation, showcasing performance metrics far superior to the current flagship models. The implications of this leak are catastrophic – it’s as if time itself has been warped and distorted, allowing the opposition to steal a march.
THE END IS nigh
Gurman, the so-called prophet of Apple’s innermost workings, has spoken on the matter, labeling it "unprecedented." Like a Cassandra, he warneth of impending doom as the veil of secrecy rends asunder. One can almost hear the death knell of innovation sounded, as competitors scramble to catch up with the rogue elements within Apple’s sanctum sanctorum.
Diligent’s SA Power Grab: SurTech’s Latest Move to Dominate Governance
WARNING: This article may upset some in the governance, risk and compliance software scene…
Meet Dino Carletti, head of sales at SurTech – a Johannesburg-based governance, risk and compliance software company that’s about to get real up in here with their new partnership with global giant, Diligent!
That’s right, SurTech has been crowned as Diligent’s EXCLUSIVE reseller for all you South Africans! With this new status comes a full range of cutting-edge GRC and ESG products that will literally shake things up in this sector. Think board-level data, risk management for real, and transparency to take the cake. Trust us, this is getting hot.
Diligent’s solutions are so straight-shooting, they claim to serve over 150 private and public organisations in SA alone, including a healthy chunk of JSE-listed companies. When the CEO of SurTech talks about “the tools we need to meet regulatory requirements and excel in ESG reporting”, we pay attention. And Dino ain’t just talking hype; they’re living, breathing compliance.
Of course, Diligent didn’t become the world’s largest GRC SaaS company (serving 25,000 companies, by the way) just for show. With partners like Galvanize and Steele Compliance Solutions, Diligent is serious business, offering real results from risk to reporting.
Let the battle for market domination begin!
Sources:
https://www.diligent.com/
https://surtech.co.za/
Remember, only kidding. But seriously, have we piqued your interest in governance, risk, and compliance yet?
South Africa’s Telco Revolution: Old Mutual Connect Takes Aim at the Status Quo
Old Mutual is shaking up the status quo by launching a mobile virtual network operator in South Africa.
In a bold move, the insurance giant is ditching traditional mobile operators to offer competitive services that will disrupt the market. And it’s not just any mobile operator – Old Mutual has partnered with Cell C, which will leverage Vodacom and MTN’s networks.
The company’s focus is on the “lower segment market”, where it will offer “unparalleled value” in data plans. And with a starting price of just R5 for a Sim card, it’s clear that Old Mutual is serious about making mobile connectivity accessible to all.
Called Old Mutual Connect, the MVNO is part of the company’s “integrated financial services” strategy. According to Clarence Nethengwe, MD of Old Mutual’s Mass Foundation cluster and CEO designate of Old Mutual’s bank, affordable data and reliable connectivity are critical for customers in the mass market to participate in the mainstream economy.
So, what’s on offer? Old Mutual Connect offers:
- A Sim card for as little as R5 from any Old Mutual branch. Customers can also buy data and airtime from a variety of channels, including branch, partner and digital.
- A range of data bundles that can be personalised to individual needs. Users get 1GB of data gratis for activating their Sims. And, there’s a two-for-one data bundle when users purchase any data product, getting an additional purchased bundle for “free”.
- “Hassle-free” assistance to Rica Sims or port numbers.
Disrupting the Status Quo
Old Mutual is not just launching a mobile virtual network operator – it’s challenging the traditional banking and mobile operators to step up their game. And with its focus on the lower segment market, it’s clear that the company is committed to making a real difference in the lives of South Africans.
Stay Tuned:
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