Posts in category: Tech News

YouTube is taking a significant step into the gaming world with the broader rollout of its “Playables” catalog. This initiative offers users a collection of lightweight, free games directly within the YouTube app. Initially tested with select users and later available to YouTube Premium subscribers, Playables is now set to reach a wider audience, appearing in the YouTube app and on the Home page.

YouTube’s New Gaming Platform: ‘Playables’

A Game-Changing Move

YouTube’s Playables introduces a unique collection of games that diverges from traditional monetization models seen in app stores. Unlike paid downloads or in-app purchases, these games are free and ad-supported. This strategy allows YouTube to sidestep app store restrictions while offering engaging content to its users. With the integration of AI, questions arise about how this technology might impact YouTube’s ad revenue, traditionally driven by sponsored search links.

The Appeal of Playables

Playables are designed to keep users entertained between their browsing and viewing sessions on YouTube. The game lineup includes popular titles such as Angry Birds Showdown, Words of Wonders, Cut the Rope, Tomb of the Mask, and Trivia Crack. It also features games like Stack Bounce and offerings from Google’s internal incubator, Area 120’s GameSnacks, targeting emerging markets where Android is prevalent.

What to Expect

Currently, the Playables catalog boasts over 75 minigames. Users can save their progress and track high scores, enhancing the gaming experience. While the feature is gradually rolling out, most users can expect to see Playables in their YouTube app within a few weeks.

The Competitive Landscape

Tech Giants in Gaming

YouTube is not alone in expanding into the gaming sector. Netflix has been aggressively building its game library through acquisitions and in-house development. Similarly, Epic Games is leveraging new EU regulations to introduce its game store to European users. Even LinkedIn has ventured into gaming, showcasing a broader trend of tech companies diversifying their offerings to capture more user engagement.

READ ALSO: How Google Leverages YouTube and Search for Advertiser Success

Strategic Implications

These moves reflect a strategic effort to bypass app store commissions and enhance company profits. Netflix, for instance, requires a subscription purchased via its website to access its games, circumventing app store fees. This trend underscores how companies are innovating to retain a larger share of revenue while providing added value to their users.

YouTube’s launch of Playables marks a significant expansion into the gaming industry, offering users a diverse range of free games within the YouTube app. This initiative aligns with broader industry trends as tech giants explore new ways to engage users and drive revenue. As the Playables feature rolls out, it promises to provide an entertaining and seamless gaming experience for all YouTube users.

DIGITAL MARKETING: New tips, resources to grow your business

Google is leveraging YouTube and Search to enhance the capabilities of advertisers, introducing several AI-based features at its recent Google Marketing Live (GML) event. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates and how they benefit advertisers:

Visually Immersive Shopping Ads

Google has launched new visually immersive shopping ads, including Virtual Try-On and generated 3D ads. These features allow businesses to create more engaging and interactive ads, making it easier for consumers to visualize products.

Enhanced Channels for Advertisers

Advertisers can now connect with consumers through Google’s most visually immersive channels: YouTube, Discover, and Gmail. This expanded reach is part of Google’s effort to provide advertisers with more dynamic ways to engage with their audience.

Demand Gen Campaigns

Google’s Demand Gen campaigns, launched last year, help advertisers reach up to 3 billion users monthly. These campaigns are designed to drive demand and conversions. Google plans to expand these campaigns to more advertisers via Display & Video 360 and Search Ads 360, broadening their impact.

YouTube Shorts and New Ad Formats

YouTube Shorts, which boasts over 2 billion logged-in users monthly, now supports new ad formats. These include vertical ad formats, ad stickers to drive actions, and animated image ads automatically created from advertisers’ accounts and Demand Gen product feeds. These features help businesses engage effectively with the short-form video audience.

AI Overviews in Google Search

Google has introduced AI Overviews in Search, which are rolling out in the US with plans for global expansion. These AI-generated summaries appear in search results when they provide value beyond traditional search listings.

Benefits of AI Overviews for Advertisers:

1. Increased Traffic: Links included in AI Overviews receive more clicks than traditional web listings, driving more traffic to advertisers’ websites.
2. Higher Quality Clicks: Users clicking on links from AI Overviews tend to spend more time on the sites, indicating higher engagement.
3. Enhanced User Satisfaction: Users who engage with AI Overviews tend to use Search more and are generally more satisfied with their results.

Ads Integration in AI Overviews

Google will soon test Search and Shopping ads within AI Overviews for US users. Relevant ads will appear in a section labeled “sponsored.” This integration is designed to ensure ads are contextually relevant to both the query and the information in the AI Overview.

No Action Needed from Advertisers

Ads from existing Search, Performance Max, and Standard Shopping campaigns can automatically appear within the AI Overview. Google continues to test and refine these formats, incorporating feedback from advertisers.

READ ALSO: Google Tweaks AI Overview After Search Result Blunders

Google Ads Data Manager

Google is making its Google Ads Data Manager available to all advertisers. This tool allows businesses to consolidate first-party data sources in one place for analysis and activation, streamlining a process that previously took weeks or months.

In summary, Google’s latest updates and AI-based features provide advertisers with more powerful tools and channels to reach and engage their audiences. These advancements not only enhance the advertising experience but also ensure higher quality interactions and better results for businesses

Google announced on Friday that it is taking “swift action” to improve AI-generated summaries of search results following a series of high-profile mistakes that have been widely mocked online. Errors included an AI response incorrectly stating that Barack Obama was the first Muslim US president.

Public Reaction to AI Errors

Users quickly took to social media to highlight and ridicule numerous erroneous “AI Overview” responses. These included bizarre claims such as advocating for eating stones, staring into the sun, and incorrect information about US presidents’ religious affiliations.

A Google spokesperson responded to an inquiry from AFP, explaining that many of the errors came from uncommon queries or were examples that couldn’t be reproduced. They assured the public that swift action is being taken to address these issues according to their content policies, and improvements to the AI systems are already being implemented.

Specific Issues and Actions

One particularly notable error suggested that adding non-toxic glue to pizza sauce would prevent cheese from sliding off—a claim traced back to a child’s Reddit post. This sparked concerns on social media about the AI’s reliability and susceptibility to believing anything found online.

Google clarified that the example involving Barack Obama violated its policies and was promptly removed. The company emphasized that the vast majority of AI Overviews provide reliable information, and that safeguards are in place to prevent harmful content from surfacing.

READ ALSO: Flutterwave: The Sole Africa-Focused Company on CNBC’s 2024 Disruptor 50 List

Recent Changes and Future Plans

Google recently introduced AI-generated summaries at the top of search results pages in the United States. This change, described as one of the most significant in the search engine’s 25-year history, is expected to be expanded to other countries soon, as stated by Google CEO Sundar Pichai.

The introduction of AI summaries comes as Google faces increased competition from AI-powered search engines like Perplexity and persistent rumors that OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is developing its own AI search tool. Additionally, AI-based search functionalities have been integrated into platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, offering users alternative ways to obtain information from the web without using Google.

Despite the recent blunders, Google remains committed to enhancing the accuracy and reliability of its AI-generated search summaries. The company is actively addressing the issues and rolling out broader improvements to ensure that its AI technology continues to provide trustworthy and useful information to users worldwide.

Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payment technology company, has made a significant mark by being the only Africa-focused company on CNBC’s prestigious 2024 Disruptor 50 list. This recognition places Flutterwave among other innovative giants like OpenAI, Stripe, and Monzo, highlighting its remarkable growth and impact in the fintech industry.

Achievements and Recognition

Inclusion on the Disruptor 50 List

The CNBC Disruptor 50 list is celebrated for spotlighting private companies that revolutionize traditional industries with groundbreaking technologies. Flutterwave’s inclusion underscores its innovation, scalability, and resilience, especially in challenging economic climates. This year, the list comprises 50 companies, with 39 primarily operating in the US and others from France, the UK, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Sweden, and Israel.

Climbing the Ranks

Flutterwave first appeared on the Disruptor 50 list in 2021, ranking 21st. In 2024, it has moved up to 14th place, showcasing its rapid advancement in the fintech sector. The dominance of AI companies on the list, with OpenAI maintaining the top spot for consecutive years, further emphasizes the competitive environment in which Flutterwave excels.

Innovative Products and Partnerships

Product Innovations

Flutterwave continues to push the envelope with a suite of innovative products. Its flagship Flutterwave for Business solution equips enterprises with the tools needed to manage and expand operations seamlessly in Africa. The Send App facilitates money transfers for the African diaspora, while the Swap currency exchange solution, developed in partnership with Kadavra BTC and Wema Bank, addresses currency exchange needs.

Strategic Partnerships

Further solidifying its industry leadership, Flutterwave has expanded its collaboration with Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline, becoming the preferred payment partner for its flagship Lagos to London routes. In 2023, Flutterwave also partnered with IATA, the global airlines alliance, as a payments provider for Africa. Additionally, its long-standing partnership with Uber helps the ride-hailing giant scale across Africa with a single payment integration.

READ ALSO: OpenAI Apologizes to Scarlett Johansson, Denies Voice Similarity Claims

CEO’s Vision and Future Goals

Commitment to Excellence

Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, Founder and CEO of Flutterwave, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “We are deeply honored to be acknowledged among the esteemed companies on CNBC’s Disruptor 50 list for 2024. Our mission has always been to empower businesses of all scales, and to be recognized as a disruptor in our field is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team.”

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Agboola emphasized Flutterwave’s commitment to product innovation and enhancing customer experiences. The company’s mission is to become the preferred payments partner for international and multinational enterprises looking to expand in Africa and beyond. “Remaining steadfast in our commitment to innovation and expanding our product portfolio, our overarching mission is to become the preferred payments partner for international and multinational enterprises seeking to extend their footprint in Africa and beyond,” he added.

Flutterwave’s recognition on CNBC’s 2024 Disruptor 50 list is a testament to its pioneering efforts in the fintech sector. Through continuous innovation and strategic partnerships, Flutterwave is poised to lead the way in transforming payment solutions across Africa and the globe.

OpenAI has issued an apology to actress Scarlett Johansson following her reaction to their new synthetic voice, “Sky.” CEO Sam Altman clarified that the voice was not modeled after Johansson’s, amidst growing public speculation and controversy.

The Controversy Unfolds

Scarlett Johansson’s Reaction

Scarlett Johansson expressed her surprise and displeasure after noticing the similarities between her voice and Sky, the new synthetic voice launched by OpenAI. Sky, showcased as part of the GPT-4o technology, was designed to be more human-like, exhibiting playful and dynamic interactions.

Public Perception and Speculation

The voice of Sky quickly drew comparisons to Johansson’s AI character in the 2013 film “Her.” This was compounded by Altman’s cryptic post on social media, which simply stated “her,” fueling further speculation.

OpenAI’s Response

Official Statement

In response to the controversy, Sam Altman released a statement on Tuesday. “The voice of Sky is not Scarlett Johansson’s, and it was never intended to resemble hers,” he said. Altman also mentioned that the voice actor for Sky was chosen long before any outreach to Johansson.

Respect and Apology

Out of respect for Johansson, OpenAI decided to pause the use of Sky’s voice in its products. “We are sorry to Ms. Johansson that we didn’t communicate better,” Altman added, addressing the communication lapse that led to the misunderstanding.

Development of Sky’s Voice

Casting Process

OpenAI detailed the careful selection process for Sky’s voice in a blog post. The company began working on casting voice actors in early 2023, seeking voices that were “timeless” and “approachable.” Five final candidates recorded their voices in San Francisco during June and July, with the voices being incorporated into ChatGPT in September.

READ ALSO: Google Injects $350 Million into Flipkart: Major Boost for Indian E-commerce Leader

Privacy and Authenticity

To maintain privacy, OpenAI did not disclose the names of the voice actors. The company emphasized that AI voices should not intentionally mimic a celebrity’s distinctive voice to avoid confusion and ethical concerns.

Industry Reaction

AI Humanization Concerns

The incident has sparked a broader debate about the humanization of AI. Microsoft VP Yusuf Mehdi emphasized that AI should not be too human-like, asserting that AI should retain clear markers of its artificial nature to avoid misunderstandings.

Disbandment of Risk Team

Amidst the Johansson dispute, OpenAI also confirmed that it had disbanded its “superalignment” group, which was focused on mitigating long-term AI risks. The team members have been reassigned to other projects and research areas within the company.

The controversy surrounding Sky’s voice highlights the complexities of developing human-like AI and the ethical considerations involved. OpenAI’s apology to Scarlett Johansson and subsequent actions demonstrate the company’s commitment to addressing these concerns and maintaining transparency

Google has made a substantial investment in India’s leading e-commerce platform, Flipkart. This move underscores Google’s growing interest in the Indian market and its e-commerce potential.

Google Invests in Flipkart

$350 Million Infusion from Google

Google is investing approximately $350 million in Flipkart, joining other high-profile backers of the Walmart-owned Indian e-commerce powerhouse. As part of this strategic partnership, Google will also provide cloud services to Flipkart, enhancing its technological capabilities.

Major Funding Round Details

This investment is part of a nearly $1 billion funding round initiated by Flipkart in 2023. Walmart spearheaded this round with a $600 million investment late last year, and Microsoft is also among the investors. With this latest injection, Flipkart’s valuation has soared to $36 billion.

Flipkart’s Market Dominance

Leading the Indian E-commerce Market

Flipkart commands a dominant position in India’s e-commerce sector, capturing about 48% of the market. The company serves millions of consumers, especially in smaller cities and towns, and owns Myntra, a prominent fashion e-commerce platform.

READ ALSO: Microsoft Build 2024: Anticipations and Highlights

Competitive Landscape

Flipkart faces competition from major players like Reliance Retail, Amazon, and Meesho. Reliance Retail, operated by Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, is a formidable competitor with its vast retail network and recent $2 billion investment by QIA, ADIA, and KKR.

The Future of Indian E-commerce

Market Growth and Trends

India’s e-commerce market is projected to reach $133 billion by next year. The sector is witnessing the rise of niche players in quick-commerce, social-commerce, and vertical commerce segments. Companies like Blinkit, Meesho, and Nykaa are emerging as strong category-specific competitors.

Google’s Commitment to India

Google, which already reaches over half a billion people in India, sees the country as a critical market. Since announcing a $10 billion investment plan for Indian businesses in 2020, Google has already invested in Jio Platforms and Airtel, further cementing its commitment to India’s digital growth.

Google’s $350 million investment in Flipkart not only boosts the e-commerce giant’s capabilities but also highlights the growing importance of the Indian market. As Flipkart continues to lead and innovate, this partnership with Google will likely drive significant advancements in India’s e-commerce landscape.

Microsoft Build 2024, commencing this Tuesday, follows hot on the heels of Google I/O and Apple’s recent iPad event. This year’s theme, “How will AI shape your future?” sets the stage for a conference heavily focused on artificial intelligence.

What is Microsoft Build?

Microsoft Build is the tech behemoth’s premier annual developer conference in the United States, initiated in 2011. This multi-day event is a hub for keynote addresses by top executives, alongside extensive demonstrations and educational sessions aimed at software engineers and developers.

Keynote Highlights

The keynote speeches at Microsoft Build are significant, often serving as the platform for major product announcements. For the second consecutive year, the event will be held at the Seattle Convention Center, transitioning from its virtual format during 2020-2022.

Anticipations for Microsoft Build 2024

AI at the Forefront

Last year, Microsoft Build introduced the AI assistant Windows Copilot and announced Bing’s integration with ChatGPT. Given this year’s AI-centric theme and the tech industry’s ongoing fascination with artificial intelligence, we can expect more AI-related announcements.

Updates on AI Integration

We anticipate updates on the development of Windows Copilot and its broader integration into Windows 11 and other Microsoft products.

Schedule for Microsoft Build 2024

Overview

Microsoft Build 2024 kicks off on Tuesday, May 21, and spans three days. The event will be accessible both in-person in Seattle and online, ensuring global participation.

Microsoft Build 2024: Day 1

Pre-Show and Imagine Cup World Championship

Day 1 begins at 8:30 a.m. PT / 11:30 a.m. ET with a pre-show and the Imagine Cup World Championship. Now in its 23rd year, the Imagine Cup celebrates student innovators tackling social issues with technology. This year’s finalists include:

• FROM YOUR EYES: An app using AI to describe images for the visually impaired.
• JRE: A slag detection system for steel casting.
• PlanRoadmap: An AI-powered productivity coach for individuals with ADHD.

Opening Keynote

The opening keynote starts at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET, featuring Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, CTO Kevin Scott, and Executive VP Rajesh Jha. This session will delve into AI’s role in transforming developer workflows and enhancing business productivity across industries.

READ ALSO: Microsoft’s Custom Cobalt Chips Set to Launch on Azure Next Week

Breakout Sessions

Following the keynote, breakout sessions will run from 11:30 a.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. ET until 5:30 p.m. PT / 8:30 p.m. ET, providing deeper insights into various technological advancements.

Microsoft Build 2024: Day 2

AI-Focused Keynote

Day 2 opens with the keynote “Next generation AI for developers with the Microsoft Cloud” at 8:30 a.m. PT / 11:30 a.m. ET. This session, led by Executive VP Scott Guthrie and other leaders, will focus on building secure and responsible AI solutions using Microsoft Cloud.

Additional Breakout Sessions

Post-keynote, the day continues with more breakout sessions from 10:45 a.m PT / 1:45 p.m. ET until 6:45 p.m. PT / 9:45 p.m. ET, offering in-depth explorations of new technologies and development practices.

Microsoft Build 2024 promises to be a pivotal event, highlighting AI’s transformative potential in technology and business. With a robust schedule of keynotes and breakout sessions, developers and tech enthusiasts will gain valuable insights into the future of AI and its applications. Stay tuned for exciting announcements and detailed explorations of Microsoft’s latest innovations.

With the Google Pixel 8 series still fresh on the market, anticipation is already building for the next generation: the Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and a potential third model. Although these devices are likely about a year away, development is underway, and early rumors are beginning to surface. Here’s a roundup of the credible leaks and speculations about the upcoming Pixel 9 series.

Expected Release Date

While there aren’t any specific release date rumors for the Pixel 9 yet, past trends suggest an early October 2024 launch. The Pixel 8 was unveiled on October 4, 2023, and the Pixel 7 on October 6, 2022, making an October release for the Pixel 9 highly likely.

Pricing Predictions

Pricing details for the Pixel 9 are still under wraps. For reference, the Pixel 8 starts at $699 / £699 / AU$1,199, and the Pixel 8 Pro at $999 / £999 / AU$1,699. The prices for the Pixel 9 series might stay the same or increase slightly, but they are unlikely to be lower than this year’s models. If a third Pixel 9 model is introduced, it could be priced around $849 / £849 / AU$1,449, fitting between the standard and Pro versions.

The Third Model

One intriguing rumor suggests a third Pixel 9 model that would have a screen size similar to the Pixel 9 but with the enhanced specs of the Pixel 9 Pro. This would mirror Apple’s approach with its Pro line, although without a larger non-Pro option like the iPhone 15 Plus.

Screen Sizes and Design Changes

The leaks about screen sizes are varied. One source claims that the Pixel 9 will retain the Pixel 8’s 6.2-inch display, the Pixel 9 Pro will match the Pixel 8 Pro’s 6.7 inches, and the new third model will have a 6.3-inch screen. However, reputable leaker Ross Young suggests the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro will have larger screens than their predecessors, while another leak points to the Pixel 9 Pro having a smaller 6.5-inch screen. Detailed renders suggest the new models might feature flat rather than curved sides and a redesigned camera layout.

Leaked Dimensions and Renders

The Pixel 9 Pro might measure 162.7 x 76.6 x 8.5mm (increasing to 12mm at the camera bump), similar to the Pixel 8 Pro. The standard Pixel 9 might come with a 6.1-inch screen, slightly smaller than the Pixel 8’s 6.2-inch display, but with overall dimensions of 152.8 x 71.9 x 8.5mm. Leaked photos corroborate these design changes and suggest a triple-camera setup on the back of the Pixel 9. 

Camera and Hardware Upgrades

Early leaks indicate the Pixel 9 will feature a wide and ultra-wide camera, while the Pro models will add a 5x telephoto lens, all with 50MP sensors. The Pixel 9 series is expected to use the Tensor G4 chipset, with all models starting at 128GB of storage. The Pixel 9 might have 12GB of RAM (up from 8GB in the Pixel 8), and the Pro models could have 16GB (up from 12GB in the Pixel 8 Pro).

Potential Battery Specs

Battery details are still unknown, but the Pixel 8 has a 4,575mAh battery, and the Pixel 8 Pro has a 5,050mAh one. The Pixel 9 series might have similar or slightly larger batteries, continuing the trend of incremental increases.

While much of the information about the Pixel 9 series is based on rumors and early leaks, the prospect of new features, design changes, and a possible third model adds excitement for Google’s next-generation smartphones. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the expected launch in October 2024.

Toshiba has announced plans to introduce 30TB+ hard drives to the commercial market by 2025. This leap in storage capacity is made possible through the use of two advanced magnetic recording technologies: Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) and Microwave Assisted Magnetic Recording (MAMR).

Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR)

HAMR technology enhances writing capabilities by heating the disk material with a near-field laser. Despite concerns about its readiness, quality, reliability, and compatibility, HAMR is gaining acceptance among major drive manufacturers. Seagate recently demonstrated the technology’s potential with an experimental test where a Mozaic 3+ HAMR-equipped drive operated continuously for over 6,000 hours without issues.

Using HAMR in combination with Shingled Magnetic Recording (SMR), which increases storage capacity by overlapping data tracks, Toshiba achieved a remarkable 32TB capacity over 10 x 3TB platters.

Microwave Assisted Magnetic Recording (MAMR)

MAMR technology uses microwaves to enhance magnetic recording capabilities. Toshiba pioneered this technology, beginning mass production of the first-generation MAMR drives in 2021. By integrating SMR technology, improving signal processing, and stacking 11 platters, Toshiba has reached a 31TB capacity.

Toshiba’s Dual-Track Approach

Larry Martinez-Palomo, Toshiba’s Vice President and Head of Storage Products Division, stated, “Toshiba is concurrently advancing the development of future generation high-capacity HDDs using both HAMR and MAMR technologies. Mass production of hard disk drives incorporating HAMR will commence after the validation phase is completed. In the interim, Toshiba will continue to satisfy the demand for high-capacity, high-reliability storage devices with hard disk drives employing the field-proven MAMR technology.”

READ ALSO: Seagate Game Drive for Xbox 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD

Looking Ahead

Toshiba plans to begin shipping test HAMR HDDs with capacities ranging from 28 to 30TB in 2025. This move signifies a major step forward in data storage, promising substantial benefits for both commercial and consumer applications.

On Channels Television’s Newsnight program, the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Adesote, detailed the commission’s efforts to enroll every Nigerian in a unified database to streamline national transactions.

Challenges and Progress Since Taking Office

Q: How has the journey been since you assumed office, considering the crucial role of data in national management?

A: It’s been an intriguing journey with its challenges, but we’ve made significant progress. We’ve dedicated substantial effort to advance the commission’s goals.

Q: Facing challenges was expected, but how have you managed them?

A: Interestingly, I excel in challenging environments. We hit the ground running and have been addressing these issues head-on.

Current Enrollment Status and Future Goals

Q: With the critical role of the national identity number (NIN), how many Nigerians have been enrolled so far?

A: To date, we’ve enrolled over 107 million Nigerians, which is a commendable milestone, covering over 50% of the population. We’re focused on increasing this number and have introduced a five-point agenda to tackle the issues raised by Nigerians, such as delayed identity card issuance and difficulties in modifying NIN data. Our goal is to make the process seamless for all Nigerians, including women, children, the disabled, and even those in prisons, ensuring everyone has a digital identity.

Integration of Databases for Efficiency

Q: Many Nigerians face repeated data capturing for different services like driver’s licenses and bank accounts. How are you addressing this?

A: We aim to unify all databases to prevent them from operating in silos. By centralizing data collection, a single foundational identity will serve all needs. This means your information will be used across different services, from driver’s licenses to healthcare and educational programs, ensuring efficiency and reducing redundant data capturing.

Streamlining Processes with NIN

Q: Will this eliminate the need for multiple data capturing sessions?

A: Yes, in two layers. Firstly, your biodata can already be auto-populated using your NIN when you enter it into relevant portals. This reduces the time needed for filling out forms. Secondly, we’re working towards biometric verification. Eventually, NIMC will handle all biometric data, allowing other government agencies to retrieve this information electronically, eliminating the need for repeated capturing, except in specific cases like for children whose data changes as they grow.

READ ALSO: NCC Directs Telcos: Link NIN to Your Number by February 28 or Face Service Bar 

Q: So, for example, the immigration process will be more straightforward?

A: Exactly. By entering your NIN on their portal, your biodata is automatically populated. Any additional required information can be filled in subsequently, saving considerable time. Our ultimate goal is to make biometric verification universal, so all government forms can be populated electronically with existing data, significantly streamlining the process.

Future Enhancements and Digital Identity for All

The NIMC is dedicated to ensuring that every Nigerian is enrolled in the central database, thereby simplifying and enhancing access to various services. By integrating and harmonizing databases across ministries and agencies, the commission is working towards a seamless, efficient, and inclusive identity management system that benefits all citizens.