OpenAI is reportedly developing new features for its artificial intelligence (AI) bot to challenge Google as the leading search engine.

The company announced it is trialling a search feature that integrates real-time information into its ChatGPT product.

This enhancement would allow the bot to provide up-to-date answers and links in response to user queries.

Currently, the feature is available to a limited number of users in the US.

However, it is expected to be fully incorporated into ChatGPT, which gained widespread attention for AI technology upon its launch in 2022.

Supported by Microsoft, OpenAI has since introduced various tools for coding, video creation, data analysis, and image generation.

The new search tool would also enable users to ask follow-up questions to their initial queries.

“Getting answers on the web can take a lot of effort, often requiring multiple attempts to get relevant results,” the company stated.

“We believe that by enhancing the conversational capabilities of our models with real-time information from the web, finding what you’re looking for can be faster and easier.”

Analysts have long viewed AI chatbots as the future of search, a lucrative area currently dominated by Google.

The announcement led to a nearly three percent drop in shares of Google’s parent company, Alphabet.

Read More: Microsoft reports 8.5 millon windows devices affected by CrowdStrike outage

Other AI companies are also exploring search products, but Google remained the dominant player, controlling over 90 percent of the global market.

The expansion of AI has raised environmental concerns due to the significant energy consumption of these systems.

Additionally, the shift from traditional search results to conversational responses has alarmed news companies that depend on search traffic for audiences and revenue.

OpenAI is collaborating with publishers, including The Atlantic and News Corp, to refine its new search feature.

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Zambia has become the latest country to ratify the Pan-African Constitution of the Africa Information Communication Technology (ICT) Union.

On Monday, Zambia submitted its ratification documents for the Constitution and Convention of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) at the Union’s headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

In a statement issued in Lusaka, Union Programme Coordinator, Alice Koech, said the instruments were received by ATU Secretary General John Omo.

Read More: Czech Republic offers Zambian professionals scholarships to study Infotech, Cybersecurity, others

“ATU extends exclusive benefits to countries that have ratified its foundational instruments, including full engagement in all Union activities, eligibility to vote and run for elections within the Union’s Permanent Organs and the opportunity to nominate candidates for elective roles,” she pointed out.

She mentioned that with Zambia’s ratification, 32 out of the 52 African countries represented by ATU had ratified or acceded to the Union’s Constitution and Convention, which was initially signed by ATU Member States in 1999 and revised in 2014.

Welcoming Zambia’s ratification, ATU Secretary-General, John Omo, said Zambia’s ratification of the ATU Constitution and Convention was a significant step towards reinforcing regional solidarity and cooperation in telecommunications and ICT.

“This milestone underscores the importance of collective efforts in driving innovation and ensuring digital inclusion across the continent,” he said.

Zambia’s Charge d’Affaires in Kenya, Alfred Musemuna, delivered the ratified instruments on behalf of Zambia’s Minister of Science and Technology, Felix Mutati.

Musemuna reiterated that the ratification demonstrated Zambia’s dedication to aligning with continental frameworks that promote technological advancement and connectivity.

“We look forward to active participation in ATU’s initiatives and contributing to its strategic goals,” he said.

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The Czech Republic has offered Zambian professionals 25 scholarships to study Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security.

Czech Ambassador to Zambia, Pavel Prochazka, stated that the European country aimed to help Zambian professionals perfect their skills as Zambia prepared to embrace Artificial Intelligence.

Speaking during a courtesy call on Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, Prochazka added that the Czech Republic seeks to partner with the Ministry to strengthen Zambia’s technical disciplines.

Read More: 1,500 students to converge in Zambia for World Skills Africa Competition in 2025

The scholarships are available for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

Minister Mutati emphasized that Zambia’s priority was on Artificial Intelligence to address challenges such as climate change, drought and scaling up mining production.

“Government also wants the Czech Republic to help in vocational training,” Mutati stressed.

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Around 8.5 million Windows devices globally were affected by the recent CrowdStrike outage, according to a Microsoft blog post by David Weston, the company’s vice president of enterprise and OS security.

These are the first real numbers released by either Microsoft or CrowdStrike regarding the scale of Friday’s outage, which was caused by an update to CrowdStrike’s cybersecurity software that led Windows machines to crash.

Mac and Linux devices were not affected.

Although the number of affected devices was relatively low—less than one percent of Windows machines worldwide—the impact was widespread, affecting banks, retailers, brokerage companies, rail networks, and more, according to TechCrunch.

Read more: Global crash in information technology infrastructure shakes airlines, hospitals, others

Airlines halted flight operations around the world.

“While the percentage of affected devices was small, the broad economic and societal impacts reflect the use of CrowdStrike by enterprises that run many critical services,” Weston wrote.

He did not specify what percentage of Windows devices with CrowdStrike software were affected.

Weston noted that even a single crashed computer could potentially take down an entire network or datacenter.

Although this was not a Microsoft incident, the company had been working with CrowdStrike to address the issue.

Systems may be slow to recover if every affected computer requires a manual fix, but Weston said Microsoft and CrowdStrike have developed “a scalable solution that will help Microsoft’s Azure infrastructure accelerate a fix” and are also collaborating with Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Platform.

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The UK Government has activated its emergency response system, Cobra, following a global IT crash that disrupted NHS services, airlines, train operators, and banks worldwide.

Airports reported delays due to check-in, security, and eGate system failures, while Britain’s largest train company and healthcare providers faced significant service disruptions.

The issue is linked to global cybersecurity firms CrowdStrike and Microsoft.

Read more: Tech ministry moves to strengthen cybersecurity, promote free internet; submits amendment bill

CrowdStrike confirmed that the outage was “not a security incident or cyber-attack.”

A No 10 spokeswoman stated, “The government is working closely with respective sectors and industries on this issue, which is affecting services not only across the UK but also globally.”

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Africa saw a significant decline in blockchain venture funding in the first half of 2024, with investments plummeting by 74 percent compared to the same period in 2023.

A recent report by Swiss blockchain venture capital firm CV VC, released on July 16 and cited by DMR News, documented the downturn.

According to the report, African blockchain ventures secured only $34.7 million in funding during the first half of 2024, a sharp decline from the $135.4 million recorded in the same period last year.

Despite the reduction in funding volume, the number of deals increased by 9% year-on-year.

Read more: Africa Blockchain Centre graduates programmers in first cohort

This suggested a growing interest and activity in the blockchain sector, even amid challenging global economic conditions.

The first half of 2024 has been particularly tough for blockchain ventures in Africa, reflecting broader economic trends worldwide.

However, the increase in the number of deals indicates that Africa may still played a crucial role in the future of blockchain technology.

As stakeholders navigate these turbulent times, the lessons learned and strategies adapted could pave the way for a resurgence in blockchain investments and innovations across the continent.

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The Ministry of Technology and Science has taken decisive steps towards strengthening cyber security and promoting a free internet society by submitting the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Amendment Bill to the Ministry of Justice for drafting.

Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, articulated the government’s rationale behind revising the legislation during his address at the 2024 Lusaka Internet Meet-Up, organized by Bloggers of Zambia.

Speaking through Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary, Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, Mutati underscored the bill’s importance in fortifying Zambia’s legal framework for cyber security.

“The Cyber Security and Cyber Crime Amendment Bill is now under review by the Ministry of Justice and is slated for evaluation by a Parliamentary Committee,” Mutati stated, emphasizing the bill’s critical role in safeguarding Zambia’s cyber space.

Mutati assured Zambians of their freedom to express themselves online, reiterating Zambia’s commitment to an inclusive internet environment that respects democratic rights.

“As a democratic nation, Zambia supports an open internet where citizens can freely share information and exercise their rights,” Mutati affirmed.

The minister also highlighted the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize service delivery across various sectors.

He said the AI’s capacity for enhancing efficiency in agriculture through predictive analytics and personalizing education through innovative learning approaches.

Richard Mulonga, Chief Executive Officer of Bloggers of Zambia, encouraged citizens to take advantage of the government’s digitization efforts, which have expanded access to online services.

Meanwhile, international stakeholders voiced their support for Zambia’s digital agenda. Swedish Ambassador to Zambia Johan Hallenborg advocated for a secure and open internet, emphasizing the protection of digital human rights.

Read More: Kasama youth highlights positive impact, challenges of cyber Security Act on digital rights (video)

“Human rights are universal, whether in the physical world or the cyber space, and must be safeguarded,” Hallenborg remarked.

He also announced plans for Swedish and Zambian Ambassadors to the United Nations to present a Global Digital Compact at the upcoming UN General Assembly. This initiative aims to promote internet security and advance AI technologies globally.

Matthias Reusing, Charge d’Affaires of the European Union, commended Zambia’s strides towards digitalization, highlighting the launch of a digitalization agenda in 2023 and the forthcoming establishment of a new Cyber Security Agency.

“The EU stands ready to support Zambia in achieving its digitalization goals, leveraging our expertise and resources to enhance digital infrastructure and foster a more inclusive digital economy,” Reusing affirmed.

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The Zambia Academy of Science and Dziwa Science and Technology Trust (DSaT) have formalised a partnership to advance research, development, communication and advocacy.

The agreement claimed to focus on capacity building, community engagement, policy advocacy, education, and outreach.

Veronica Mwaba, the DSaT Executive Director Dr. Paul Zambezi, the DSaT Board Chairperso, signed on behalf of his organization and witnessed by Board Chairperson Dr. Paul Zambezi , while Professor Cyprian Katongo, acting President, signed on behalf of the Academy in Lusaka on Tuesday.

During the ceremony, Zambezi noted that much scientific information remained uncommunicated due to restrictions under the current 1996 law.

He indicated the importance of public awareness on scientific research, citing recent outbreaks like COVID-19 and Influenza.

“As you are aware, DSaT was established to advocate for Science and Technology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we played a crucial role in public sensitization and training journalists on effective communication,” Zambezi stated.

Read More: Zambia to digitise 1,000 health facilities by year-end under smart care project

He also announced that the South African National Research Fund, DSaT’s financiers, plan to engage the organization in further sensitization activities related to Science and Technology in Zambia.

Zambezi expressed optimism about the collaboration, noting that the partnership would emulate the success seen with the National Research Fund in promoting Science and Technology.

“We should work very well with the Academy. It’s encouraging to see academies worldwide advancing Science and Technology, and Zambia is progressing,” he added.

Katongo echoed his sentiments, expressing happiness with the agreement, which aligned with the Academy’s mandate.

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Samsung aims to attract fitness and health-tracking enthusiasts with its latest wearable device, the Galaxy Ring, launched at its Galaxy Unpacked event on Wednesday.

The device is part of Samsung’s efforts to enhance its ecosystem with artificial intelligence (AI).

Smart rings, which use tiny sensors to monitor health metrics, have been a niche product, though their recent use by the England men’s football team drew attention, according to the BBC.

Samsung’s entry into the smart ring market marks the largest tech company to do so.

Ben Wood, an analyst at CCS Insight, called the product an “interesting bet” for Samsung, with his company projecting a global market of around four million smart rings by 2025.

Read More:AI revolutionises pregnancy scans in Africa — Guardian reports

“That is a rounding error compared with the 250 million smartwatches expected to be sold,” he told the BBC.

However, some believe Samsung could help popularize smart rings.

“For many consumers, the Samsung smart ring will be their first encounter with such a device, and that top-of-mind awareness makes a huge difference in the long-term,” said Francisco Jeronimo, an analyst at market research firm IDC.

James Kitto, Vice President and Head of Samsung’s mobile division in the UK and Ireland, described the ring’s launch as a “huge moment” for the company.

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More than 1,500 students from across Africa are expected to compete in 20 skills at the World Skills Africa Competition, which Zambia would host in Livingstone next year.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Technology and Science, Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, announced that the hospitality and transport sectors in the tourist capital were expected to benefit significantly from the five-day competition.

Speaking during the commemoration of United Nations Skills Day and the opening of the National Skills Competition in Lusaka, Habeenzu stated that Zambian students would compete in all 20 categories.

He noted that the government accepted to host the competition at the Livingstone Institute of Business and Engineering Studies (LIBES) to boost the tourism sector.

“The event will help the hospitality sector and other related industries to provide services for the 1,500 students who will be competing at LIBES,” Habeenzu stated.

He said that skills development was at the core of the government’s agenda, providing youths with opportunities to gain knowledge and earn a living.

Read More: Over K8 million set aside for skills development in Chirundu District

Habeenzu urged Zambian participants to exhibit good behavior and compete favorably to make the country proud.

World Skills Zambia Programme Manager, Precious Lisulo, said the local secretariat was working diligently to ensure Zambia secures medals at the competition.

“A lot of work is being put in place to ensure that Zambian students are prepared to compete against their counterparts from across Africa next year,” Lisulo said.

She added that a team of experts had already been identified and trained to mentor Zambian participants.

The Ministry of Technology and Science had contracted the Zambia National Service to construct the competition venue at the Livingstone Institute of Business and Engineering Studies.

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