All-new 2019 Toyota Rav4 Unveiled (photos, Details And Price

All-New 2019 Toyota RAV4 Serves Up a Breakthrough Debut at New York International Auto Show

- Toyota to unveil fifth generation of the RAV4 SUV at the New York International Auto Show on 28 March
- 2.5L Inline-4 and Toyota Hybrid System Powertrains Offering More Power and MPG
- First RAV4 to be built on Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, bringing significant benefits in ride, handling, safety and driver enjoyment. TNGA K Platform with Multi-Link Rear Suspension
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0)
- Debut of All-New Sporty Hybrid Grade, XSE Hybrid
- Standard Entune 3.0 with Wi-Fi Connect and Apple CarPlay Compatibility
- True Off-Road Capabilities with Available Multi-Terrain Select and an Available Toyota-First, Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with Rear Driveline Disconnect

Toyota has revealed the all-new, fifth generation RAV4 SUV at the New York International Auto Show on 28 March, the first RAV4 to be built on a Toyota New Global Architecture platform. The new RAV4 remains true to its impressive heritage as the original pioneer of the SUV segment, making significant advances in powertrain technologies, dynamic performance, intelligent safety provisions and all-round quality.
The robust styling of the new RAV4 expresses the robust and capable qualities that define Toyota’s approach to the latest iteration of the most sold SUV in the world.
An increased ground clearance and wider stance are clear signifiers of the RAV4’s robust character.
The design communicates “go anywhere” sense of fun and adventure that RAV4 ownership can bring, resonating with a target customer base of young families who enjoy life, whether moving around town or heading off to enjoy, sports, leisure or simple sight-seeing in the wide open spaces.
Manoeuvrability has always been a virtue of the RAV4 and this has not been compromised in the new design. In fact, at 4,600 mm long, the new model is only marginally different in length compared to the current model. But while reductions have been made in the front and rear overhangs, 30 mm have been added to the wheelbase, allowing for an even more spacious and comfortable cabin. Luggage space has been increased, too, and has versatility designed-in with folding rear seats, a double load floor and deck side nets. Vehicle width has been increased by 10 mm, to 1,855 mm, which translates into more comfortable and spacious cabin for the occupants.
Innovations in powertrain technologies and driving dynamics
The new RAV4 will be available with two TNGA powertrains, both more fuel efficient and powerful than those deployed in the current RAV4. A new Hybrid electric 2.5-litre powertrain combines fuel and emissions efficiency and quiet operation with more power and greater responsiveness. A new 2.0-litre petrol engine will also be available, with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.
The 2019 Toyota Rav4 should go on sale in Nigeria early next year and the starting price is expected to be in the range of N22m.
What do you think about the ride? Tell us in the comment section.

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University Of Lagos (UNILAG) To Establish Refineries

The University of Lagos, UNILAG, have announced it would soon set up conventional and standard locally-built refineries to boost the nation’s refinery capacity.
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, made this known at the 1st Annual General Meeting, AGM, and 2nd Alumni Lecture of the UNILAG Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association.
According to Ogundipe, the students of the school needed to be exposed to refining process as an institution that produced graduates in Chemical Engineering.
According to him, “Committee has been set up to under-study the process from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
“If you go to some of the universities in Texas, when their students graduate, because they have refineries in their universities they do not need to do certain courses when it comes to professional courses. Engineering has left that level of just setting down and starts computing.
“It is now about turning ideas to realities. It is about producing entrepreneurial skills and developing the skills in the life our students.
“We need to develop our students, all of them have skills that are unique to them, and the skills can help them set up their own businesses in future.
“Most of our students can develop application while some are with different skills. As a Vice Chancellor, faculty by faculty I am going to interact with students to encourage them, to develop their skills and we have already gotten the commitment of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and Bank of Industry, BOI for funds.”

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6 Reasons Why Your Car Loses Power While Driving

Wisdom they say is the application of knowledge, they are times that what we know is not exactly the result of the issues. Sometimes when you accelerate, your car loses power while driving. Usually, the first cause that strikes our head is inefficient fuel. While this can be one reason, there are numerous other factors as well that cause this problem. Sometimes the cause behind this problem can be different for diesel and petrol engine although there are many similarities between the two. AutoReportNG has listed some reasons below...
What Causes Car Losing Power when Driving
There can be numerous offenders slowing down your journey. Here are some of the major causes:

1. Dilapidated Spark Plugs
The combustion of the engine relies on the spark plugs of the vehicle. Their work is to transmit the electrical signal from the ignition coil to the combustion chamber. Once this happens, the spark plugs ignite the mixture of fuel and air. With faulty spark plugs, the electrical signal does not reach to the engine, properly. Thus, your car may not be able to accelerate as desired.

2. Level of Compression
The internal combustion of the vehicle is responsible to generate power to accelerate with the help of cylinder compression. Therefore, if there is a low level of compression in the engine, it will generate insufficient power causing a problem when accelerating. Low compression is also the major cause of improper ignition in the engine.

3. Defective Fuel Pump
If the car has no power when accelerating, it means there is some defect in the fuel pump. A fuel pump supplies fuel in the gas tank for the engine for combustion. Further, it also accommodates the engine’s need by regulating the pressure for the fuel. In case, it has a defect, the acceleration results in poor functioning and hence, the car may not start.

4. Damaged Air Filter
Sometimes, your car losses power while driving due to a damaged air filter. The car’s combustion uses gasoline and air to produce power, where air first goes into the air filter. The filter keeps all the bugs and debris out from entering the chamber. If you have a bad filter, your car will certainly have a problem in driving smoothly.

5. Clogged Exhaust Pipe
An exhaust pipe comprises two filters – the muffler and the catalyst. The role of catalyst is to reduce the pollution emitted from the fumes, while the muffler reduces the noise pollution. Both have their own importance. If either of the pipes has something clogged inside, then the engine will certainly impair and reduce the power it generates.

6. Damaged Ignition Coil
The ignition system has coils that convert power from the battery to ignite the engine. With a damaged ignition coil, the mixture of fuel and air would be inappropriate. Thus, a faulty ignition coil will not produce ignition properly.
By gathering some maintenance tips and doing timely diagnostics for your car, you can easily take care of your priced possession. Although sometimes car losses power while driving, there is nothing to worry too much. Automotive experts can easily handle every kind of small or big car problem. In fact, with proper car service and maintenance, your car will not experience any such problem.
Have a safe driving!

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5 Car Noises You Should Not To Ignore

There are some noises that should not be ignored in a car, a car is like a time bomb, once you ignore the warnings, you are in a serious trouble thereafter. These are 5 of the signs you should not ignore in your car.
1.Chirping or Squealing Sound From a Wheel While Driving
A cyclic chirping or squealing noise coming from the vicinity of a wheel often indicates a wheel bearing or axle bearing that is failing. Usually, the noise will change with the speed of the vehicle, and it may come and go at various speeds. This noise should not be ignored because if the bearing fails, it may cause the wheel to lock up or come loose from your car!
Don't confuse wheel bearing noise with scraping, groaning or creaking noises that may be coming from the brakes. During damp weather, moisture causes the brake pads to swell slightly. This may cause the pads to drag slightly, creating annoying groaning or creaking noises until the pads heat up and dry out.
A clicking noise from a front wheel that is only heard while turning usually indicates a bad outer constant velocity joint that is failing.
2.Metallic Scraping or Grinding Noise When Braking
Brakes sometimes make groaning or creaking noises when the pads are damp, and some types of brake pads (particularly semi-metallic pads) may squeal or squeak when they are cold. But as a rule, the brakes should be relatively quiet when they are applied. If you hear metallic scraping or grinding noises when braking, it probably means your brake pads are worn out and your vehicle needs a brake job now. Don't delay because worn brakes may not be able to stop you vehicle in a safe distance. In fact, if the brakes are that badly worn, there is a risk the friction material that's left on the pads may separate from the backing plate, possibly causing the brakes to fail. Metal-to-metal contact is also very damaging to the rotors.
3.Hissing Sound from Engine Compartment While Driving or After Driving
If you hear a hissing sound from the engine compartment while driving or after turning the engine off, it may mean your engine is overheating and/or leaking coolant from the cooling system. Check the temperature gauge or temperature warning light to see if it indicates an overheating condition. Do not continue driving (especially if you see steam) as severe overheating can damage your engine.
Stop your vehicle and carefully open the hood. Look for any evidence of coolant leaking from the engine, radiator, radiator or heater hoses. If you see steam or smell a sweet odor, it is antifreeze leaking from the cooling system. Do NOT open the radiator or coolant reservoir cap until the engine has cooled down, and do not add coolant until the engine has cooled.
Note: Adding coolant to a leaking cooling system won't accomplish much because the coolant will leak back out. Adding a can of cooling system sealers such as Bars Leak or a similar product may slow or stop a small leak, but a large leak, leaking water pump or hose will continue to leak even with sealer in the system. The leaky part needs to be replaced.
4.Clicking or Tapping Noise from Engine
Engines can produce a lot of noises, but a metallic tapping or clicking sound means your engine may be low on oil or is not developing normal oil pressure. The clicking noise is coming from the valvetrain. If oil pressure is low because of a low oil level in the crankcase or a problem with the oil pump, the hydraulic lifters that open and close the valves may collapse creating an increase in valve lash. This is the noise you hear, and it will be coming from the vicinity of the valve covers on top of the engine.
Stop the engine, let it sit a few minutes (so the oil can run back down into the crankcase), then check the oil level on the dipstick. If low, add oil as needed to bring the level back up to the full mark. Do not overfill the crankcase with oil. Also, check the engine for oil leaks. Old valve cover and pan gaskets, or leaky crankshaft end seals can allow oil to leak out of the engine.
If the noise does not go away, and/or the oil pressure gauge or warning light indicates low oil pressure, it's not a good idea to keep driving your vehicle. Loss of oil pressure can cause extensive and expensive engine damage.
Other engine sounds can also mean bad news. A deep metallic rapping noise can be caused by worn connecting rod bearings and may indicate your engine has reached the end of the road (or will soon!).

5.Exhaust Roar While Driving
If your exhaust system has a leak, you will hear exhaust noise coming from under your vehicle that is loudest when accelerating. The noise by itself won't hurt anything, but it does mean your exhaust system needs repairs (probably a new muffler or pipes). The dangerous part is if the leaking exhaust gases, which contain carbon monoxide, get inside the passenger compartment. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer. It takes only a small amount of carbon monoxide inside the passenger compartment to affect your alertness, ability to concentrate and react to changing driving conditions. As little as 0.08 percent carbon monoxide (that's only 800 parts per million) can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and bring on stupor in two hours. A one percent concentration of carbon monoxide can kill a person in less than three minutes!
You should have your exhaust system inspected and repaired as soon as possible, especially during cold weather when the windows are rolled up and the heater may be recirculating the air inside the passenger compartment. Exhaust components that typically leak include the exhaust manifold gaskets, cracks in the exhaust manifold, exhaust pipe connections, pipes that rust through, and mufflers that rust out.

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2019 Mercedes-amg A45 Gets All-new Engine With 400-plus Horsepower

It was scheduled to launch later in 2018 for the 2019 model year, the A45 is an important product for the Affalterbach-based outfit. As the range-topping member of the A-Class and with the Audi RS3 Sportback breathing down its neck, upping the output to 400-plus German ponies is the natural course of things. For reference, the current generation has 381 PS (280 kW) and 475 Nm (351 pound-feet) to offer.
Tobias Moers told The Motor Report that the engine doesn’t have anything in common with the M133. “We’re developing a brand new engine that is capable of 400-plus horsepower,” he clarified, with Moers adding that the impressive output “doesn’t make sense unless you have driving dynamics equal - I’m not a fan of over-powered cars.”
With the next-generation Focus RS expected to get into the 400s thanks to a mild-hybrid setup, the pressure is on Mercedes-AMG to integrate EQ Boost into the drivetrain of the A45. An integrated starter/generator could give the three-pointed star the edge it needs under acceleration, but that’s not all there is to EQ Boost. The drop in emissions and gain in fuel efficiency should also be taken into consideration.

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5 Factors That Affect The Handling Of Your Vehicle

Handling is a very important factor in cars when it comes to speeding, control and cornering corners.
A car with good handling is fun to drive and gives a good feel to the driver.

A driver negotiating a bend at 90km/h with 2015 Mercedes Benz S550 will have better control, balance and better stability than another driving doing the same with a 2015 Toyota Corolla.
This is so because the S-Class has better handling than the Corolla.
There are so many factors that can affect the handling of your car. As said earlier, handling basically deals with the way your car handle curves and swerving.
You are likely to lose control while driving a car with poor handling. These are some of the things that can make your car perform poorly when it comes to handling.
1. Suspension:
The work of your suspension is to keep the tires on ground at all times even when you go over a bump or something.
If you have problem with your suspension, the handling of your car will be jeopardized.
The suspension should help the car stay on the road.
Do This Simple “Bounce Test” To Know If Your Car Has Suspension Problem
2. Tyres:
Having the wrong tyres on your car will certainly affect handling. Most of the standard tires that come with cars are not large and soft, which are ideal for improved handling. When you want to attain the peak of handling, you go for high performance tyres.
3. Shock absorber:
If you don’t have a good shock absorber, the handling will be poor. Shock absorbers play a very important role in cars; it absorbs energy that your car causes while in motion.
If the shock absorbers are bad, stability as well as handling is affected.
4. Aerodynamics:
Aerodynamics affects your car greatly. The faster your car goes the more downward force it creates.
Cars use this force to increase handling. This is especially important going around turns. There are only a few ways to make your car more aerodynamic. You can add spoilers to the car take off the roof rack (or other racks on top) or also decrease the weight of the car by taking unnecessary things out of the trunk.
5. Weather Condition:
The weather affects the handling of your car. When it rains, it creates a slippery surface, and this can really make the roads dangerous. This will certainly affect the handling of your car.

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The World's First 3D-Printed Vehicle Goes On Sales (video)

We used to think these are fictions and can only happen in movies, but the reality is catching up really fast.
On March 11, 2018, the world's first 3D-printed electric vehicle named LSEV was on display in Shanghai's 3D Printing Cultural Museum. It will be in the market by April 2019.
Designed and produced by XEV Limited and Polymaker, all components of LSEV are 3D-printed and made of innovative material refined from corns. Compared with traditional automobile assembly line, the 3D-printing process can save up to two-thirds of the time. Meanwhile, LSEV is composed of only 57 components and weighs 450 kilograms.
So far, there have been 7000 orders for LSEV from Europe. These LSEVs will mainly be used for post logistics and time-sharing lease

Watch the video below...

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Samsung Unveils New S9 And S9 Plus Phones

The Samsung S9 and S9 Plus phones were unveiled at the Mobile World Conference in Barcelona yesterday.

The S9 has a 5.8- inch screen, runs on the latest Android Oreo operating system and directs most of its extra features to its new variable aperture camera which is designed to maximize low-light photos.

The phone also moves the rear fingerprint sensor below the camera rather than next to it. The standard price of the phone starts from 295,200 in Naira but the prices will vary depending on the carrier store and shipping.

 

The S9 hits stores on March 16 but pre-orders begin on March 2.

Watch the introduction video here.

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Why Toyota Is Nigeria’s No.1 Car Brand

In 2016, Toyota Corolla became the bestselling car in the world with over 40 million units sold. As a Nigerian, it is easy to see the reason behind that figure as you can hardly see 10 cars without counting at least five Toyotas. Toyota has become that commonplace in Nigeria. There are individuals who have sought to use a different car other than Toyota, but many of them keep running back to the car they ignored. Many have sought to find reasons for Toyota’s dominance but always complicate everything when the reasons are quite simple.



1. Toyota Cars are Relatively Cheap

When you compute the cost of owning a Benz or a BMW, you wouldn’t need to be told why Toyota is commonplace in a country whose 70% of its population lives below average wealth. Even the Nigerian Government understands the difference between Toyota and the German machines so they make you pay higher custom import duty on the latter.



2. They are Durable

While Toyota cars are cheap, they are not the only cheap products in the auto market. One of the reasons why they are popular is that they last for a long time. You can literally use a Sienna, Camry or whatever for 10 years   without needing to do any major transformation even if you never bought it brand new.



3. Drivability

You wouldn’t understand this unless you drive a Camry and go on to drive another car in the same class like a  Toyota has a good drivability that makes you feel in control of your world when behind the wheel which is one of the reasons why drivers love buying it again and again.



4. Balance

When a car has a good price and comes with a durable engine, a great movement, and nice exterior design. A Toyota will give you all that you need in good measure without breaking your pocket.



5. Spare Parts

What’s the point in buying a car that you can hardly replace its spare parts when it gets faulty? This is one of the considerations people make before buying a car and eventually settling for a Toyota. The spare parts are ready whenever you want, and at affordable prices. That’s everything a car owner needs when he/she has to replace some car parts.



6.Auto Mechanics

With a Toyota vehicle, you don’t need to look too far to get a mechanic. It is known that mechanics find  the brand easy to disassemble and repair. To them, it is a simple car that doesn’t take much skill to master.That does not mean some mechanics won't mess your Toyota up big time. When you have numerous mechanics that can fix a car, the cost of fixing that car comes down dramatically.



7. Fuel-Efficient

Fuel is expensive, already; using a car that consumes excess fuel could be a bad economic choice if you have to struggle to fill-up. The fuel efficiency of Toyota brands makes them one of the top reasons why they are Nigeria’s No. 1 automobile. However, we are not saying you should go buy a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 and expect it to consume less fuel than a 4 cylinder Volkswagen Jetta.. It will just do you like film trick.



8. Resale value

An average Nigerian who is buying a car today is already calculating how much he/she will sell it 5 years from now. Toyota cars hold their value pretty well and can still put some coins in your account after its entire life span.

Don't forget to like, rate and share.

Also add your opinion and tell us your best car brand in the comment section.

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WATCH:How Man Drives His Ferrari Out Of His House Everyday (Hilarious Video, Photos)

We admire the cars when spotted on the street but we do not know what the owners go through. Check out what the owner of this Ferrari goes through anytime he needs to take the car on a ride.

Tell us in the comment section if you'll still buy this Ferrari over a Mercedes Benz E Class after watching this video.

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7 Possible Reasons Why Your Car Is Consuming Excess Fuel

There are many reasons that can cause your car to consume excess fuel.High fuel consumption simply reveals that your car is not running as efficiently as it should,which also implies that you are losing money because you keep filling up more often.

Here are some possible reasons your car is using too much fuel

1)Incorrect tire pressure
It's also one of the easiest things to correct. Make sure to use the manufacturer's recommended pressure levels stamped onto the driver's side doorplate and not the "maximum pressure" numbers shown on the tire itself.

2)Bad oxygen sensors and Air filters
They can reduce your fuel mileage by up to 20%. The oxygen sensors help keep the proper mixture of air and fuel, and having this off balance can be inefficient. The air filters can get clogged and simply need to be unclogged to fix the problem.

3)Spark plugs
They are responsible for igniting the mixture of fuel and air in your engine. If they misfire, or are working poorly, this can affect your fuel consumption in a negative way.

4)Bad fuel injectors
It is responsible for putting fuel into the engine. If there is a leak, then less fuel will make it to the engine, and then in turn make it run less efficiently.

5)Air conditioner
A lot of fuel can be wasted in powering the system when used frequently.If the weather is not too hot, consider turning off the air conditioner and drive with your windows open. At higher speeds, close the windows to reduce drag.

A.c uses fuel and having the windows down causes drag, which uses up fuel too.Here’s what to do
At low speeds, the fuel used to compensate for drag is less than the fuel used to power your a/c, so open the window.

6)Idling
Idling is when you have your engine on, but you are parked and not moving. Common places where this occurs is when you are trying to warm up your car,while waiting to pick someone up or when stucked in the traffic.30 seconds is enough to warm up the engine.

7)Motor oil
The engine oil can also affect your fuel mileage by up to 12%. You want to use motor oils that are high in reducing friction. Either use a synthetic oil or the oil that the car's manual recommends.

Overall, these are the major reasons why your is consuming more fuel , but the list goes on even further than this.

Do you think you know more?Feel free to add to the lists

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EU reports that Facebook, Twitter not fully complying with consumer rules

The European Commission said Thursday that certain social media companies need to do more to fully comply with EU consumer rules, singling out in particular Facebook and Twitter.

“While Google’s latest proposals appear to be in line with the requests made by consumer authorities, Facebook and, more significantly, Twitter, have only partially addressed important issues about their liability and about how users are informed of possible content removal or contract termination,” the Commission, the EU’s executive arm, said in a statement.

The social media giants had published on Thursday the changes they have made to comply with the demands of European regulators.

Some of those changes include having the right to withdraw from an online purchase; being able to lodge complaints in Europe rather than in California; and the platforms being responsible towards EU consumers in the same way as off-line services.

“I am pleased that the enforcement of EU rules to protect consumers by national authorities is bearing fruit, as some companies are now making their platforms safer for consumers; however, it is unacceptable that this is still not complete and it is taking so much time,” said Vera Jourova, European commissioner for justice, consumers and gender equality.

The European Union’s demands to the US internet giants were made in November 2016 following numerous complaints by consumers in Europe about being hit with fraud and scams when using their websites.

There were also concerns by consumer protection authorities about requesting the removal of illegal content.

The Commission said unlike Google, Facebook and Twitter have not set up deadlines to deal with the requests of national authorities.

“We need a ‘New Deal for Consumers’: EU consumer rules should be respected and if companies don’t comply, they should face sanctions,” Jourova said.

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Operators record 3.69 per cent quarterly growth

Despite losing about 10 million customers in 2017, the last quarter of the year, however, showed that telecommunications operators’ growth performance actually leaped by 3.69 per cent.
 
The Guardian checks showed that the operators, the quartet of MTN, Globacom, Airtel, and 9Mobile, which had their growth contracted in the first three quarters of the year by negative 8.15 per cent; 6.15 per cent, and 2.22 per cent respectively, moved positively to 3.69 per cent in Q4.
 
According to statistics from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), MTN, whose growth went down by 5.25 per cent in Q3, resurrected with 5.25 per cent growth in the last quarter of 2017.  For Globacom, from 0.16 per cent loss in Q3, it bounced back to growth with 2.19 per cent in Q4.
 
India-owned Airtel happened to be the only operator that maintained a fairly stable growth, moving from 1.49 per cent in Q3 to 7.53 per cent in Q4. Apparently due to the challenge of losing majority shareholder over a protracted $1.2billion loan, 9Mobile, formerly Etisalat, has been on a steep fall from 4.54 percentage growth losses to 1.14 percentage losses in the last quarter of the year under review.
 
Further analysis of the statistics showed that Internet penetration increased marginally to 98.3 million in December 2017 against 94.8 million recorded in November, showing an increase of 3.57 million.Airtel, MTN, Globacom earned more Internet subscribers during the month in review, while 9Mobile Internet users dipped.
   
The Data breakdown revealed that MTN gained the most with 2, 642.666 new Internet users, raising its subscription in December to 36,069,697, from 33, 426, 931 in November. Airtel added 911,040 new Internet users in December amounting to 23,985,203 users against 23,074, 163 subscribers in November. Globacom also gained 87,538 new users in December as the figure recorded was 26,997,917 against 26,910,279 in November.In the period under review, 9Mobile however, unlike others, fell by 68,341 Internet users in December, slashing its subscription to 11,407,180.
Meanwhile, speaking from Singapore, the Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, who hailed the new licensing of Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos), assured of them improving Nigeria’s broadband landscape.
 
Danbatta described the move as a key step to ensuring the deployment of infrastructure for the telecommunications sector.Speaking at a panel session of the International Institute of Communications (IIC), and Regional, Telecommunications and Media Forum in Singapore, Danbatta noted that the Commission had to develop innovative solutions to fast-track infrastructure deployment with a view to deepening the nation’s broadband penetration.
 
The board of the NCC had recently issued two additional Infraco licences to Zinox Technology Limited for South East, and Brinks Integrated Solutions Limited for North East, bringing the total number of Infracos licenced so far to four.
 
The NCC boss, therefore, called for the development of human capital that is in tune with the dynamism of the industry to achieve the desired balanced regulatory intervention.
 
“Regulators must consider the idea of having in-house Research & Development units that reach out, and collaborate with researchers, academia in order to align and be abreast of technological innovations and trends,” he explained.
 
Also, in a paper titled: Building Institutional Capacity and Human Capital: How A Regulator Builds Capacity That Fits For Purpose In A Rapidly Moving Environment, Danbatta told the gathering that the NCC would continue to ensure that its institutional structure remained pliable enough to tackle emerging technologies and exigencies of the telecommunications sector.
 
He said the Commission’s performance had attracted the recognition of numerous reputable institutions both locally and internationally, especially in the last two years.

“In 2017, the Bureau for Public Service Reforms, Nigeria reviewed the Commission’s structure, processes, and work culture, scored it a platinum category and recommended it a model for other public institutions in the country to emulate,” he added.

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All You Need To Know About The New Samsung S9

Last month, Samsung announced the unveiling of the new Samsung S9 and S9 Plus at the World Mobile Conference happening at the end of this month in Barcelona. Although there were little or no details about the phone revealed, details have been leaking on the internet for the past couple of weeks.

Photo Credit: Sim-Unlock.net

South Korea’s ETNews has released new information confirming most of these reports ranging from camera specs to internal circuit details.  

First, up the rear-facing cameras – the single-sensor one on the S9 reportedly offers a variable f/1.5 to f/2.4 aperture, with the S9 Plus snapper keeping those same specs but offering two sensors in one camera. This confirms the rumours about the camera specs and should result in the best low-light performance ever.

The screen sizes are reportedly 5.77 inches and 6.22 inches for the S9 and S9 Plus respectively. Although these numbers haven’t been mentioned before, they may be the result of Samsung managing to make the bezels smaller than ever on the display fronts of these devices.

For the front-facing cameras, they’re reportedly pegged at 8MP, though the S9 version includes an iris scanner whereas the S9 Plus version has a separate module for eye scans – there’s no reason given yet, but it’s something to look out for when the official news arrives.

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Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 will return in 2019, packing over 700 horsepower (watch video)

Ford has largely stood on the sidelines of the recent muscle-car horsepower war between Chevrolet and Dodge, but not anymore. One of the most legendary muscle cars, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, will return in 2019 with over 700 horsepower, Ford confirmed at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show.

The GT500 first appeared in 1967, back when Carroll Shelby was still actively involved in developing the souped-up Fords that bore his name. It became an icon in an era full of great muscle cars. Ford revived the name in 2007 for its top performance Mustang. The last GT500, built during model years 2013 and 2014, had a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 that produced 662 hp and 631 pound-feet of torque, as well as a claimed top speed of 200 mph.

The new GT500 will also feature a supercharged V8, but Ford was mum on other details. It will be the most powerful street-legal Ford production car ever, topping the last GT500 and even the 647-hp GT supercar. Ford will need that kind of power to take on its Detroit rivals.

With over 700 hp, the GT500 will beat the 650-hp Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, and could match the 707-hp Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. But the 840-hp Dodge Challenger SRT Demon will probably remain the most powerful American muscle car. Yet just as important as the amount of power is how Ford decides to use it.

The Dodge Demon was built solely for drag racing, but the GT500 will probably be more well rounded. In its announcements, Ford said the new muscle car will “attack tracks” and “drag strips,” indicating a focus on both straight-line speed and handling. The GT500 may be closer in concept to the Camaro ZL1: A very powerful car built with road courses in mind. The Shelby GT350 shows that the current-generation Mustang can make a great track car. Or maybe Ford will just try to deliver the most power per dollar, as Dodge did with the Hellcat.

As is the way with modern car reveals, expect information and teasers about the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 to dribble out over the next year, whipping fans into a frenzy ahead of the big 2019 reveal. Digital Trends will be here to bring you the latest every step of the way.

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Ford Exhibit New Mustang GT500 For 2019 And It’s The Fastest Ever!

Fans of the Mustang series were in for a surprise at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show at Bullitt as Ford surprised those in attendance with a video confirming that the Mustang GT500 is on its way.

2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 coupe

A lot of details about the car are still being kept under wraps, however, it’s been confirmed that the car will pack more than 700 horsepower. The car will take its place right above the Shelby GT350 in the series.

The first time the Shelby Mustang GT500 model was seen back in 2014, it had a 5.8-liter supercharged V8,662 horsepower and 631 pound-feet of torque. Back then the Mustang had a top speed of 202 miles per hour although, with the 700+ announcement, these stats are probably going to change soon.

The car will arrive in 2019.

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technological advancements, Wearable Technology: The Future Of Healthcare

As with everything else in the world, the technological advancements that have been made in the health sector over the past ten years have been tremendous. Decades ago, no one would have thought that devices that can track how many calories you’re burning, measure your heart rate or how much sleep you’re getting will exist, but here we are.


With the rise of new experimental wearable technology that claims to help posture, fix sleeping cycles and even help regulate body temperature, here are a couple of reasons why wearable technology might rule the health sector in the coming years.

Makes users more proactive about health
For a lot of people, healthcare is reactive. Until something is actively wrong or noticed, most people just go about their daily lives in their usual routine.

With wearable technology, your body is under constant monitoring and that could lead to more proactive healthcare. Instead of waiting until something is obviously wrong, users can track and make the necessary adjustments to lifestyle and diet.


Gives health a personal feel
Wearable technology keeps its users constantly engaged and updated with their health status, which gives health a more personal touch. On some level, healthcare can tend to feel external especially if, at that moment, nothing feels or seems wrong.

This feeling also contributes to the reasons why people tend to forget doctors’ appointments, particularly when it’s just a routine checkup. With wearable technology and its constant updates and suggestions, users are involved in their wellbeing all the time and that is a huge advantage.



Can be used to monitor ill and vulnerable patients
This is particularly useful for patients or family members who are ill and need constant monitoring. Wearable technology makes it easier to keep track of their state of health and might be the difference between life and death in times of emergency.

It is also used to monitor kids and aged family members who might not be ill but need to be looked after because of their age group. This helps hospitals and healthcare professionals sleep easy because the number of patients they need to actively monitor at the hospital reduces.


Helps improve safety and reduce risks
Safety is a primary aspect of living a healthy life and wearable technology takes this into account. This applies a lot more to users who are into fitness training because as much as working out is great, it’s also important to know when to relax and take a break.

The devices constantly keep track of the user’s progress at every point and create plans for rests and stop to reduce health risks.


Multifunctional and limitless
With the invention of new devices every day, the functional capabilities of wearable technology are almost innumerable. From general consumer devices to specialised devices tailored to specific needs, there is a wide range of devices in existence today.

Examples include wearable bio-sensors used to monitor heart rate and respiratory rate, devices that continuously monitor glucose levels using a sensor placed under the skin and connected to a smartphone for diabetic patients; electronic smart hearing aids are also becoming popular.

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Five Electronic Gadget Hacks You Need To Know

Like every valuable commodity, electronic gadgets have easily become a part of people’s life. Electronic gadgets can boost your self-esteem, make you cry for joy or weep.

These hacks are bound to change the way you see and handle your gadgets.

Cheap Flights

It would be amazing to know that the secret to obtaining cheap flight lies in your electronic gadget. The simple way to do this is to clear the cookies section and search history in your browser. Viola! You are one step away from flying.

Wet phones

You have probably heard that sun drying helps when a phone falls into water. Did you know that putting it into a bag of rice overnight is a more effective way getting the water out. Rice absorbs the moisture stuck on the phone. By morning, your phone will be as good as it was before the incident Watch your rice, it might get slightly wet.

A Phone Battery In Rice. Photo credit: Pinterest

Tip** If you are paranoid about the rice getting wet, put the rice in a Ziploc, the phone in the middle and seal it. That way, you don’t have to bother so much.

Prolonged Battery Phone Life

Charging your gadget up to 80% or 90% prolongs the battery life of the laptop. Ironically, 100 % reduces the battery lifespan faster. Most gadgets battery are designed to run on 500 charge cycles. Charging it to less than 100 reduces the cycle. For example, a full charge means one charge down. Charging it 50%, allowing it to drain before charging it to 100% means half charge down.

A Battery. Photo credit: Cyber Pursuit

As you continue to use your phone, the lifespan of your lithium battery starts to reduce. To prevent this from happening soon, regularly clean the metal surface of the phone to remove any residue.

Wireless Headphones

You can turn any wired headphone to wireless. All you need is a bluetooth adapter called Jack by Podo Labs. Plug your headphones into this adapter and connect to Bluetooth.

Wired Headphones. Photo credit: Bodeaz

USB Cords

Detangling cords can be such a headache. Thankfully we have tissue paper cardboard. Use the tissue paper cardboard as a case for your USB. Put it in it. It won’t be detangled the next time you want to use it.

USB Cords In Tissue Paper Cardboards. Photo credit: Pinterest

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Apple takes French tax activists to court over store protest

Apple has filed a lawsuit against the Attac activist group after about 100 of its supporters occupied the tech giant’s flagship store in Paris last month, protesting alleged “wide-scale tax evasion” by the firm.

An Apple spokesman told AFP on Thursday that while it respected the group’s right to expression, its recent actions had “put the security of our customers and employees at risk.”

It is seeking 3,000 euros ($3,600) from Attac, or the Association for the Taxation of Financial Transactions and Aid to Citizens, and a court order barring the group from staging further protests in its stores, for which they would face a penalty of 150,000 euros.

Attac staged a sit-in at Apple’s grandiose Opera store on December 2, demanding the US technology giant pay billions of euros the EU says it owes in back taxes.

They blocked the store for several hours on a busy pre-Christmas Saturday, leaving only after they were assured of a meeting with management.

The company said it had met with representatives on December 18 and asked them to refrain from further actions because of security concerns.

“Even if we don’t share their opinion, we fully recognise their right to express it,” the Apple spokesman said.

But Dominique Plihon, a spokesman for Attac France, said the lawsuit was “an attempt to gag Attac and prevent us from holding new citizen actions to condemn tax evasion by multinationals”.

He added that Apple had accused Attac of “vandalism”, though he said the group’s actions “are symbolic, nonviolent, staged openly and with no material damage”.

Attac also protested against the company on the day Apple released its iPhone X globally in November, dumping a load of freshly picked apples as demonstrators carried signs saying “Apple, pay your taxes” in the southern city of Aix-en-Provence.

The same day, its activists gathered in front of the Opera store with a fake birthday cake, wishing “happy birthday to the iPhone” but “a bad birthday to tax evasion” as part of its #ApplePayYourTaxes campaign.

In August 2016, European authorities estimated that Apple owed $14.5 billion in back taxes after it negotiated highly favourable tax arrangements with the Irish government.

Revelations in November from the “Paradise Papers” shed light on Apple’s tax avoidance strategy, which shifted tens of billion of dollars in profits from one tax haven to another.

A trove of documents released by the US-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) suggested Apple transferred funds to the island of Jersey, which typically does not tax corporate income and is largely exempt from EU tax regulations.

Apple has said it follows the law in each country it operates.

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MOVING COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY FORWARD 2018

The Nigerian telecommunications industry, having weathered one of its most turbulent years, is looking at a more stable 12 months where tariff wars will ease out. Also, companies will assemble their merged entities, more customer-centric products and services will emerge; improved availability to foreign exchange, and most importantly, government would do more in the areas of broadband deployment.

The sector, with its four big players, which may shrink to three, is expected to focus on improved quality of service, affordable data provisions, innovative services and other forms of business within the industry keeping the customer in mind.
  
It is also expected that there would be an overhaul of the National ICT inclusiveness strategy to enable cross -platform participation that would engender meaningful development.

Stakeholders, who spoke to The Guardian, are optimistic that the sector would come out of its challenges and make better impact in the year if the Federal Government and its representatives would be keen on putting actions to policies. The President of the Association of Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ATCON), Olusola Teniola, posited that more partnerships in the form of alliances will create a stronger industry better prepared for Fintech Industry 4.0, which can lead the growing but latent mobile money payments system.

Teniola hoped that government would accelerate the licencing of the remaining Infrastructure Companies (InfraCos), and that there should be the immediate non-deviation from the original Nigerian Broadband Plan 2013.

“Every hand on deck is required by all stakeholders in getting us as a nation back on track. Far too much time had been lost in talking about the digital journey and not enough energy has been spent walking on the path to our chosen destiny. I’m hopeful that NCC is fully aware of the challenges and we as an industry look to 2018 to catch up and ensure that every citizen has affordable access to high speed Internet,” he stressed.

Decrying the slow growth experienced last year, the Director-General, Delta State Innovation Hub, Chris Uwaje, said despite the inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI), and meaningful contributions to GDP,  ICT deliverables remain grossly a consumer-centric adventure in form and content. But it is devoid of creative thinking and innovation on multi-layers of national challenges requiring intensive multi-discipline and multi-tasking solutions.

Uwaje said the ICT/Telecoms Ecosystem in 2017, witnessed a declined growth and development not-withstanding the surge of Nigerian youths as Internet subscribers. “The major cause of the decline which was undertaken in furtherance to national security was the regulatory hammer on one of the major Network Service Providers -leading to a distressed disruption of the ICT sector.”

According to him, distressed disruption of the ICT development ecosystem was further registered by the non-appointment of the Board in most ICT MDAs at Federal and State levels.He said these disruptive tendencies contributed to stagnation of ICT companies and loss of jobs -leading to massive migration of the youths out of Nigeria (to Libya for example).Uwaje, who stressed the need to retool national workforce, and automation of all government processes between 2018 and 2020, also called on government to establish at least two ICT Parks, and two special ICT universities with more to follow.

Managing Director, Huawei Nigeria, Kevin Li, advised the Federal Government to begin aggressive investment in broadband in order to boost penetration across the nooks and crannies of the country, since some emerging technologies such as FinTech and AI largely depend on broadband accessibility.Already, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), one of the biggest professional services companies in the world, had predicted that Nigerian businesses would soon begin to incorporate robotic automation into their operations, which is driven by AI and IoTs.The prediction is based on a recent research findings conducted by PwC on Shared Service Centres (SSCs) and Centralised Processing Centres (CPCs) across industries in Nigeria.

From his perspectives, the Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, who stressed that 2017was tough for operators, called for concerted efforts to move the sector forward.For 2018, Ogunsanya hoped that challenges confronting expansion of 4G services would be removed completely. He revealed that Airtel would make 4G services more robust and ubiquitous across the country.

“At Airtel we shall be looking at improving our 4G coverage, especially in underserved areas. We expect that by next year, there would be wider coverage of broadband, because we would need to extend services to education, health, transport, security, among other sectors. The regulator is also working on release of spectrum to aid service providers. We shall come up with more 4G sites. We started in Ibadan recently; we hope to extend it to other areas.”

The Chief Executive Officer, VDT Communications, Biodun Omoniyi, is skeptical about the country’s ability to meet the 30 per cent broadband target.Omoniyi revealed that between 2016 and 2017, Nigeria was only able to achieve one per cent Broadband penetration, saying “which ordinarily should be about five per cent. This means that with one per cent growth, there is huge deficit. That shows that we are not going to make it again.”

However, the VDT boss posited that if the authorities can get more serious with the plan, “something can be achieved this year.”According to him, there should be a shared vision between the Federal and state governments, “if there must be penetration. Most states governments see operators as ‘cash cow’ that they can milked to increase their IGR. I think they must be educated on the dangers in imposing charges and levies on operators. Most of them are not granting Right of Way to operators. Lagos, last granted about two years ago.”

With stakeholders looking at the possibilities of the sector achieving lots this year, Market Analysts posited that some major highpoints for the year would include:
Data is key
In 2017, telecom operators flooded subscribers in the market with data offers, and the New Year is expected to be the same. Data will remain the key focus area for the industry and operators will continue to target higher data usage and deeper penetration of data services.

According to analysts concentrating on data will open up avenues for Internet of Things (IoT), which will eventually be a good growth potential in areas such as home automation, connected cars, healthcare, retail, energy management, among others. “Since connectivity is the backbone for IoT, it is a natural fit for the telcos,” they said.

Telco alliances/takeover.
To retain its customers, operators will offer more data-voice bundled schemes and partner with content developers to drive data consumption through web series and other formats in 2018. Market watchers believed that telecommunications operator that tie-up with content providers will manage to get significant portion of voice-only subscribers to use data services, as more subscribers latch on to data.

  
“In 2018, we can expect more collaborations among mobile phone OEMs and network operators,” they stressed. This month is also expected to produce a new investor for 9Mobile that will take over both its assets and liabilities. The date for the takeover, which was supposed to be December 31, 2017, had to be shifted in order to be able to complete the entire process. The deal is expected to be completed in another two weeks. Already, five bidders are left in the race that is Globacom, Airtel, Helios, Teleology and Smile Communications, respectively. A winner is expected to emerge from the bidders.

New business model may emerge.
Market watchers believe that there will be a push towards newer models of business such as mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). These companies buy telecom services (calling, data, SMS, etc) from existing telecom operators, and provide differentiated services to the subscribers.“MVNOs can penetrate the already competitive market by focusing on value-added services in tier III cities and rural areas,” they stated.

Moving forward, Uwaje is hoping that Nigeria can do much better with knowledge intensive and we’ll organised ICT Ecosystem and productive Economy – especially where the ICT Skill-Sets in the Diaspora are harnessed. However, he said that the nation is yet to fully appreciate the enormity of the New World and strategic imperative of intense ICT intervention as all levels. “The consequences of this neglect may cost the nation huge disaster – recovery investment on retooling our future as late comers to ICT.”

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