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    Game Over for Greedy Gamers: Xsolla Cracks Down on Kid’s Data with Newcertification

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    Game Over for Greedy Gamers: Xsolla Cracks Down on Kid’s Data with Newcertification

    “Get Ready for a World of Betrayal: Xsolla’s Parental Controls Exposed!

    Are you tired of feeling helpless as your children splash away their hard-earned cash on games and in-game purchases? Do you cringe at the thought of worrying about their digital safety and financial security? Well, fear not, dear parents, for Xsolla has come to the rescue with their parental controls solution!

    This revolutionary tech titan’s latest offering is not just a stopgap measure, but a comprehensive suite of tools designed to safeguard young gamers from the evils of excessive spending and online harassment. And to make it even sweeter, Xsolla’s solution is certified with the prestigious COPPA and GDPR-K badges, giving you peace of mind that your kids are protected from the grasp of scammers and predators.

    But that’s not all, folks! With Xsolla’s Parental Controls, you’ll have the power to:

    * Age-gate transactions, ensuring that minors can’t splurge away their allowance
    * Receive real-time notifications and approvals for transactions, so you’re always in the loop
    * Monitor and control transaction history, so you can keep tabs on your child’s online activities
    * Set spending limits and permissions, giving you a say in what your kids can and can’t buy

    According to Anton Zelenin, Chief Product Officer, Fintech at Xsolla, “We believe that creating a safe and secure environment for young gamers is essential. Our COPPA-certified Parental Controls empower parents and developers by ensuring transparency and safety in gaming transactions. We’re committed to helping developers meet regulatory requirements while providing peace of mind to families.”

    So, are you ready to take back control and give your kids the freedom to game guilt-free? Dive into Xsolla’s Parental Controls today and join the fight for a safer, more secure gaming experience for all!”

    A ‘Mean Girls’ Conspiracy Unfolds in the Frost

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    A ‘Mean Girls’ Conspiracy Unfolds in the Frost

    WARNING: The following content is intentionally provocative and controversial. View at your own risk.

    “Get ready to shiver with rage as Jack Frost’s laser-ripped abs make a surprise appearance in the just-released trailer for ‘Hot Frosty’, a laughable new Netflix holiday “classic” that’s an affront to good taste.

    The “plot” revolves around Kathy, played by Lacey Chabert ( remember her from those Mean Girls days?), who uses her mystical powers to bring a snowman to life. Because, of course, we all know that’s exactly what the world needed – a magical snowman with a six-pack.

    But wait, it gets worse. This snowman, apparently, is not just any snowman – it’s a “shredded” one. We’re not even going to get into the logistics of how this is possible. Just trust us, it’s as ridiculous as it sounds.

    As the “romance” between Kathy and the snowman unfolds, we’re treated to the “hilarity” of two bumbling police detectives (Craig Robinson and Jo Lo Truglio) making awkward attempts to solve the mystery of the melting snowman. Spoiler alert: it’s a hot mess.

    And if you dare to watch until the end, you’ll even get a “Mean Girls” Easter egg, complete with a cringe-worthy reference to Lindsay Lohan’s 2004 masterpiece. Because, why not?

    So, if you’re ready to lose your holiday cheer, ‘Hot Frosty’ is available to stream on Netflix from November 13. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.”

    The Loot Fest that Shames South Africa: How Black Friday Will Exploit the Poor

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    The Loot Fest that Shames South Africa: How Black Friday Will Exploit the Poor

    Black Friday to be Slammed with Cash-Strapped Consumers Ready to Splurge

    A sudden jolt of good news for struggling retailers, as the average take-home pay in South Africa has hit a record high, just in time for the annual Black Friday shopping frenzy. This year, the downtrodden consumer has finally getting back some spending power, thanks to a perfect storm of declining inflation, plummeting fuel prices, and record-low interest rates.

    According to the latest figures from BankservAfrica, the average take-home pay in South Africa has reached a whopping R17,171 in September, the highest level since the series began. And, in real terms, salaries adjusted for inflation have rocketed by a staggering 5.6% year on year.

    "The economic gods have finally smiled upon the cash-strapped consumer," says Elize Kruger, an independent economist. "With confidence boosting, and the silent treatment of load shedding, the saving grace of politics, and a rate cut for the first time in over three years, the dam has burst – and the consumer is ready to party."

    The numbers are even more impressive when broken down by sector. Transport and finance, for instance, saw a whopping 7% and 6.6% increase in average salary in the first half of 2024, respectively. This, combined with the anticipated spending power of the consumer, is set to fuel a Black Friday shopping extravaganza like no other.

    "This is the perfect storm of economic growth, and the cash-strapped consumer is ready to unleash its fury on the shelves," says Kruger. "The Black Friday sales are going to be a bloodbath, with consumers slashing through the aisles to snap up the latest deals and discounts."

    But don’t just take her word for it. The data is clear: the average nominal take-home pay is set to rise by a whopping 6.3% this year, while real take-home pay has increased by a dizzying 2.2% in the first nine months of 2024.

    And, in case you’re still on the fence, a quick glance at online shopping habits suggests the average South African is more eager than ever to part with their hard-earned cash. Online shopping sales are expected to skyrocket, with Black Friday set to be the icing on the cake.

    So, grab your credit card, and get ready to freak out – Black Friday is about to get a whole lot wilder.

    The Future of Power: Laserfiche 12 Obliterates the Old Guard of Content Management and Disables the Unnecessary

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    The Revolution is Upon Us

    Get ready for the game-changer that will transform the way you work with content and automate your business processes: Laserfiche 12, the most comprehensive release in recent history.

    This latest update is not just a tweak; it’s a total overhaul that puts the power in your hands. Say goodbye to tedious navigation and hello to a user-friendly interface that makes it impossible to resist the urge to explore every feature and productivity-boosting innovation.

    The Ultimate User Experience

    Laserfiche 12 is designed to make you swoon with its sleek, intuitive design. The new metadata designer is like a BFF for configurators, and the test mode for forms processes? It’s like a safety net for your data. And, with the updated interface, you’ll be flying through tasks in no time.

    Democratizing Power

    The Admin Hub is the ultimate command center for Laserfiche administrators, giving you real-time insights and controls to master your domain like never before. And with the power of SCIM group management, onboarding new users is a breeze. It’s like having your own personal assistant, minus the attitude.

    Leveling Up Your Skills

    And when you need to take it to the next level, Laserfiche’s got you covered. Acontinual release schedule means new features and training resources will be rolling out left and right. You’ll be the resident expert in no time, impressing colleagues and making business owners green with envy.

    The Mastermind Behind the Madness

    “To us, it’s not just about releasing a new product – it’s about creating software that people can’t live without,” says Justin Pava, director of product management at Laserfiche. “Laserfiche 12 is the culmination of our commitment to making software that’s easy to use, powerful, and innovative. We’re thrilled to share it with our self-hosted customers and can’t wait to see how they’ll change the game.”

    Ready to experience the future of content management and business process automation? Get the inside scoop at laserfiche.com/lf12.

    Revolutionizing Reading: The Boox Palma 2’s Disruptive Upgrade

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    Revolutionizing Reading: The Boox Palma 2’s Disruptive Upgrade

    EREADER WARS: Boox Unleashes the Palma 2, But Is It Enough to Topple the Kindle Throne?

    The world of e-readers just got a whole lot more interesting with the announcement of the Boox Palma 2, the latest iteration of the company’s popular smartphone-sized e-reader. While the original Palma had its flaws, including a laggy interface, the Palma 2 looks to address these shortcomings with a faster processor and a newer version of Android. But will it be enough to dethrone the mighty Kindle?

    A slight bump in processing power

    The Palma 2 runs on a "faster octa-core CPU" which should give it a performance boost over its predecessor. It’s not exactly blazing fast, but it’s a step in the right direction. Add to that the latest version of Android, and you’ve got a device that’s a few steps ahead of its time. But let’s be real, the Palma 2’s software is still a generation behind the latest and greatest.

    The same old display

    One thing that hasn’t changed is the Palma 2’s 6.13-inch 300ppi E Ink Carta 1200 screen. It’s the same as the original, which is a generation behind what’s found in the latest Kindle Paperwhite. You’ll still get the same great reading experience, but if you’re looking for the latest and greatest in e-reader technology, this might not be the device for you.

    A new fingerprint sensor, but still limited storage

    The Palma 2 does have a few new tricks up its sleeve. It now features a fingerprint sensor on the power button, making it easier to secure your device while still being able to quickly unlock it with one hand. It’s a nice touch, but it’s not enough to make up for the Palma 2’s limited storage options. 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage is a far cry from what you’ll find on other e-readers, like the Kindle Oasis.

    A new Note Air, but is it worth it?

    Boox has also announced a new Note Air4 C, a 10.3-inch color E Ink device with an octa-core processor and Android 13. It’s a step up from the original Note Air3 C, but is it worth the $499.99 price tag? The design is sleek and modern, and the color E Ink display is a nice touch. But with limited storage options and a processor that’s only slightly faster than its predecessor, is this device worth the cost?

    The Note Max, a black and white device with a twist

    But the real star of the show is the new Note Max, a black and white, stylus-capable tablet featuring a 13.3-inch E Ink Carta 1300 display powered by a 2.8GHz octa-core CPU. It’s thin and lightweight, but it won’t be available for preorder for a few more weeks. Will it be worth the wait?

    The Verdict: Is the Palma 2 a worthy competitor to the Kindle?

    The Palma 2 is a solid e-reader, but it’s not without its flaws. The limited storage options, lack of a color display, and laggy interface hold it back from being a truly great device. But the addition of a fingerprint sensor and a newer version of Android are nice touches. Is it enough to make it a worthy competitor to the Kindle? Only time will tell.

    Stop Squandering Our Taxes: Pay Up, Government!

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    Stop Squandering Our Taxes: Pay Up, Government!

    Government Offices in the Hot Seat: "Pay Your TV Licence Fees or Else!"

    [Image description: Solly Malatsi, Communications Minister, giving the finger to the camera with a stern expression]

    Mudslinging started on Tuesday as Communications Minister Solly Malatsi called out government departments that haven’t been coughing up their TV licence fees to the SABC. In a strongly-worded statement, Malatsi likened the situation to a "culture of non-payment for public services such as TV licences" that’s "unacceptable".

    "Hey, government! If you want to set an example for the rest of South Africans, you’d better start paying up! It’s called leading by example, people!" Malatsi thundered. "I’ve written to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, demanding urgent intervention to sort out this mess. It’s insulting that government departments, who are supposed to be setting the standard, are instead thumbing their noses at the SABC’s licence fees."

    According to the SABC, government offices owe the public broadcaster a whopping R30-million in outstanding fees. And it’s not like they’re short on cash; the government simply refuses to prioritize paying the bills.

    Malatsi wasn’t having it, demanding that government departments "set a high standard for compliance with legal and financial responsibilities". In other words, "step up and start doing their part to fund the SABC’s operations, or else!"

    The situation is even more dire than you think, folks. In the 2023 financial year, the SABC reported that just 16% of its revenue came from TV licences, with advertising making up the bulk. And to make matters worse, the SABC’s invoiced TV owners for R4.7-billion in licence fees, but only 19% of them coughed up the cash.

    As the situation worsens, with non-compliance rates soaring to 86%, it’s clear that something needs to be done – and fast. The SABC can’t keep limping along on a shoestring budget, and government departments need to take responsibility for their part in funding the public broadcaster. It’s time for them to pony up and get serious about supporting our national broadcaster.

    Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!

    Meta-Data Monopoly: NIQ Unleashes Total Dominance in Marketing

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    Sordid secrets revealed: The world’s most powerful marketing gurus at NIQ have unleashed a sinister plot to take control of your marketing budget. Behold, the Marketing Mix Modelling (MMM) solution, a tool so insidious, it will make you question every penny you spend on advertising. But fear not, for this behemoth of a company is here to “streamline” your marketing investments and rake in the profits for themselves. Muahahaha!

    But don’t just take our word for it! In a shocking display of their clout, NIQ has already lured in over 30 clients from the depths of the Fortune 500, including retailers, publishers, and manufacturers, in a matter of months. It’s like a digital Salem witch hunt, but instead of innocent villagers, it’s a bloodbath of ad budgets!

    So, what’s the secret to their wicked powers? Behold, the “Full View”™ – a mystical realm of data, shrouded in secrecy, where the boundaries between the known and unknown are blurred, and the unscrupulous can feast on the souls of unsuspecting marketers! But don’t worry, it’s just “global data coverage, powered by store level point of sale and digital media data assets for precise and actionable insights” – WOOHOO, YAAAS, Q.SQL, GET READY TO PARTY LIKE IT’S 1899!

    • Data integration via privacy-safe partnerships with leading publishers and direct data pipelines? Algorithmic alchemy, baby! “Abracadabra, poof! Your ad budget is MINE!”
    • Marketing expertise meets consultative excellence? A cabal of mischievous marketing wizards, armed with potent spells and incantations of persuasion, ready to bewitch your way to success (or infiltrate your mind, take your pick!)!
    • And don’t even get me started on the measly module for measuring the ROI of their manipulation – a paltry detail amidst the grand tapestry of deception. Who needs transparency when you can have an online “Full View” of the Mark IV Sudoku pattern??

    “We are thrilled to unleash the full power of our Media division, using our 100-year-old recipe for success, expertly blended with a special sauce of marketing and analytics magic” said Lana Busignani, General Manager, Global Media, NIQ, with a wicked grin. “Our solutions are designed to crown us Kings of the Marketing Universe, and we won’t let anyone get in our way!”

    The launch of MMM is just the beginning of NIQ’s descent into marketing mayhem, as they plan to unleash a coterie of other hawkish solutions to ensure their clients quiver at the mention of their name. But don’t worry, they’ll make sure to include you in their global coverage, soon to be available in 75+ countries, because “Full View” means they can see all, and you should too… for a price, of course!

    Revolutionize Sound: Orba, the First Instrument to Hijack Your Environment

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    Revolutionize Sound: Orba, the First Instrument to Hijack Your Environment

    The Unholy Trinity of Sound: Orba 3 Descends Upon Us, Bringing Chaos to the Music World

    After the incessant drone of the Orba 2, Artiphon has finally unleashed its latest abomination, the Orba 3. This handheld device is a masterclass in creative destruction, allowing users to record their own sounds and impose them on a bewildering variety of frequencies. And with its built-in microphone, the Orba 3 can capture the precise nuances of a screaming shred or the cacophonous din of a Manhattan construction site.

    In a bold move, the Orba 3 can also convert these revelatory sonic artifacts into "samples" that can be manipulated and transformed with reckless abandon. Users can switch between four different modes – bass, chord, drum, or lead – to further subvert the original intentions of their sounds.

    But wait, there’s more! The Orba 3’s "sophisticated sound engine" can automatically crop, tune, and perfect the audio, ensuring that the output is a symphony of aural anarchy. And with its USB-C connectivity, users can connect this sonic monstrosity to an external device, unleashing a maelstrom of sound upon their unsuspecting friends and family.

    The Orba 3 is available for the low, low price of $160, a bargain considering the limitless possibilities for creative destruction it offers. But for those who yearn for the innocence of the Orba 2, Artiphon haswisely priced its predecessor at a mere $120, a token of the company’s commitment to catering to those who prefer their noise a little more mangled.

    And did I mention that the Orba 2 was previously mashed up with the company’s first offering, Instrument 1, to create the Chorda? Yeah, about that: it’s like a crash course in music theory… for the devil himself.

    Exiled and Exploited: The Forced Labor of South Africa’s Migrant Dreams

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    Exiled and Exploited: The Forced Labor of South Africa’s Migrant Dreams

    Tech’s Ticking Time Bomb: The Shady Side of the Digital Revolution

    You won’t want to miss these explosive tech stories that shook the world in the past 24 hours:

    1. Migrant delivery workers in South Africa find a new way to survive in a treacherous landscape: In a precarious world where migrant food delivery workers face danger, crime, and xenophobia, they’re forming informal unions on social media to share safety tips and crowdfund medical expenses. But will it be enough to keep them safe? Read more
    2. Apple’s M4 Macs are coming, but what’s the real game-changer? Get ready for a lineup of iMac, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini upgrades with 16GB RAM as standard, Wi-Fi 7, and M4 Pro/Max chips built on a 3nm process. But will it be enough to take down the competition? Read more
    3. The dark side of legacy IT systems: Burdened by inefficiencies, high maintenance costs, and security risks, outdated IT systems are becoming a major obstacle for businesses. Can they keep up with the demands of AI and machine learning? Read more
    4. Science brings us closer to resurrecting the Tasmanian tiger: Scientists claim to have made a breakthrough in reviving the extinct marsupial, but at what cost? Read more
    5. Elon Musk takes on the tech elite, but what’s behind the drama? The WSJ’s Tech Live event kicked off with a bang, featuring interviews with Reddit co-founder Ried Hoffman, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, and composer Hans Zimmer. But what inspired the controversy? Read more
    6. Tim Cook speaks out on AI silence: Apple CEO Tim Cook is aware they won’t be first to market with AI, but says it’s about being the best. Chilling words, or a bold move? Read more
    7. Autonomous underwater robot goes for a spin: Meet Tethys One, capable of mapping and recognizing new areas, with potential applications in search and rescue, and even weapons detection. Watch the thrilling video here
    8. US proposes curbing AI and semiconductor investment in China: As the tech war rages on, the US wants to restrict investment in China, citing "sensitive technologies." But what are the real motives? Read more

    Stay ahead of the curve with TechCentral’s daily dose of tech news and analysis. Don’t miss our latest article:

    See the software code that helped end apartheid

    And if you missed it yesterday, catch up on the top stories from the past 24 hours:

    … stay tuned for more explosive tech news that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

    Betrayal of the Digital Age: 10 Years of CIO Failure

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    Betrayal of the Digital Age: 10 Years of CIO Failure

    The “Decade of CIO Service” Awards: A Scandalous Celebration of the Same Old Players!

    As the ITWeb Brainstorm CIO Banquet marks its 10th anniversary, the same old guard of CIOs continues to dominate the scene. Louise van der Bank, CIO of AfriSam, and Dr. Stanley Mpofu, CIO of Wits University, were declared the winners of the “Decade of CIO Service” awards, in the enterprise and public sector categories, respectively.

    But let’s be real, these awards are just a formality, a way for the ITWeb Brainstorm to pat themselves on the back for yet another year of perpetuating the same old cliques and circles. The same CIOs, the same companies, the same tired old faces. It’s like Groundhog Day, but instead of Bill Murray, it’s a never-ending parade of IT executives, touting their wares and touting their “innovative” approaches to digital transformation.

    And yet, we still fall for it. We still drool over the “exclusive” event, still marvel at the “limited-edition” CIO awards, still fawn over the “Who’s Who” of the IT industry. But let’s be real, it’s all just a monotony of mediocrity, a celebration of the same old same old, Same old same old.

    The same old faces, the same old companies, the same old tired old ideas. It’s like Groundhog Day, but instead of Bill Murray, it’s a never-ending parade of IT executives, touting their wares and touting their “innovative” approaches to digital transformation.

    So let’s not pretend, let’s not pretend that this is something new, something exciting, something that will change the world. Let’s just accept that it’s the same old, same old, same old, and leave it at that.

    The “Decade of CIO Service” Awards: A Scandalous Celebration of the Same Old Players.

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