Category: Innovation & Technology

GOOGLEPLEX, California (NPA) — Google has announced the release of Android 17, describing it as a major update packed with new features designed to enhance productivity, entertainment, and security. The rollout begins today for Pixel devices, with other eligible Android phones set to receive the update throughout 2026.

According to Seang Chau, VP and GM of Android Platform, “Android 17 is here, bringing a suite of features designed to enhance your productivity, entertainment, security and safety.” He added that select advanced devices will gain Gemini Intelligence later this summer, offering proactive assistance to help users manage daily tasks.

Among the standout features is Bubbles multitasking, which allows any app to be converted into a floating window for quick access. On large‑screen devices, bubbles dock in a dedicated bar, enabling seamless switching and resizing.

Another highlight is Screen Reactions, a tool that lets users record themselves with the selfie camera while capturing their phone screen, making it easier to share reactions over apps, sites, and trending videos without complex setups.

For gamers, Android 17 introduces Foldable Gaming Mode, offering a split layout with gameplay on top and a dynamic gamepad below. The update also improves memory cleanup to reduce frame drops and stutters during high‑definition gaming.

Security has been strengthened with features such as temporary location sharing, selective contact access, and an enhanced “Mark as Lost” option in Find Hub, which locks missing phones with biometrics. Updates to Live Threat Detection and Advanced Protection Mode further guard against suspicious apps and sophisticated threats.

Additional improvements include expanded parental controls, a dedicated assistant volume control, more customisation for dark mode, and app memory limits to boost performance and battery life. Pixel devices also receive exclusive updates through the June Pixel Drop, including real‑time screen reactions, Gemini Omni creative tools, and expanded safety features like Car Crash Detection and Loss of Pulse Detection.

With Android 17, Google positions its platform as more powerful, secure, and creative, aiming to meet the demands of an AI‑driven mobile era.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has accused telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria of shortchanging subscribers and failing to provide transparency in the management of mobile data consumption.

Sowore’s criticism followed remarks by MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, who recently stated that unlimited mobile data plans are largely unavailable globally unless customers are willing to pay significantly higher fees.

Reacting in a statement on Monday, Sowore alleged that the telecom operator was asking Nigerians to consume less data while continuing to charge higher prices.

“MTN’s CEO, Karl Toriola, is essentially telling Nigerians to use less of the data they paid for while continuing to charge them more. That is precisely what many consumers find unacceptable,” Sowore said.

He argued that internet access has become an essential service in modern society and should not be treated as a luxury.

“People buy data for work, education, business, communication, entertainment and daily life. In the digital age, data is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” he stated.

Sowore further called for greater accountability and transparency in the telecommunications sector, insisting that consumers deserve clear information on how data is measured, priced and consumed.

“Nigerians deserve affordable, reliable internet service, fair pricing, and complete transparency about how their data is measured, priced and consumed,” he said.

He urged subscribers who believe they are being unfairly treated to organise and demand accountability from service providers.

“If you believe consumers are being shortchanged, then it is time to organise, speak up and demand accountability,” he added.

The activist also threatened a nationwide protest campaign under the hashtag #OccupyMTN, escalating his dispute with the telecommunications company.

According to Toriola, “unlimited data on mobile networks does not exist anywhere in the world, except you are paying $400 a month.”

He maintained that unrestricted data usage could place excessive pressure on network infrastructure and compromise service quality for subscribers.

Sowore, however, rejected the claim, describing it as misleading and insisting that millions of consumers around the world enjoy affordable, unlimited or near-unlimited internet plans.

The activist accused MTN executives of failing to provide accurate information about global data pricing and availability.

MTN Nigeria has yet to issue an official response to Sowore’s latest remarks as debate over data pricing, network quality and consumer protection within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, where mobile internet services remain critical to business, education and everyday communication, rages on.