Author: Michael O Oke

Google has launched a major update to Google Maps, integrating an AI-powered assistant feature called “Ask Maps” and introducing immersive 3D navigation. The company says this is the most significant upgrade to Maps in over a decade. The Ask Maps feature, powered by Google’s Gemini AI, allows users to interact with Maps using natural language. Users can ask complex questions such as finding quiet coffee shops with phone charging stations, locating scenic routes, or receiving personalised recommendations. The AI provides detailed, context-aware responses, transforming Maps into a conversational assistant rather than just a navigation tool. In addition, Google has introduced…

YouTube has expanded its artificial intelligence deepfake‑detection tools to include journalists, politicians, government officials and other public figures involved in civic discourse, marking one of the platform’s most significant steps yet in combating synthetic media and identity misuse. The update broadens access to a feature that was previously limited to major creators and entertainment figures. The tool is designed to identify AI‑generated videos that replicate a person’s face or voice without permission, giving affected individuals a formal process to request review and potential removal under YouTube’s privacy and impersonation policies. According to the company, the expansion comes amid rising concerns…

For many young graduates, the fear is palpable: Will AI take our jobs? Will our degrees become irrelevant? Is the future already slipping out of our hands? These concerns are understandable, especially in a country where unemployment and underemployment remain persistent challenges. Yet, despite the anxiety, the AI era is far from a death sentence for Nigerian graduates. In fact, it presents one of the most transformative opportunities of our time. A closer look reveals that AI is not simply replacing jobs; it is reshaping industries, creating new roles, and demanding new skills. Nigerian graduates who adapt, innovate, and position…

OpenAI has announced the release of GPT‑5.4, the latest advancement in its series of large language models, offering enhanced performance and capabilities specifically tailored for professional and enterprise use. The rollout began on 5 March 2026 across ChatGPT, the OpenAI API, and the Codex developer platform. According to OpenAI’s press release, GPT‑5.4 is positioned as the company’s most capable and efficient “frontier model” to date, designed to handle complex real‑world workflows with improved accuracy, reasoning, and tool integration. The model introduces two primary configurations — GPT‑5.4 Thinking for advanced reasoning tasks and GPT‑5.4 Pro for high‑performance, enterprise‑scale workloads. Enhanced Capabilities…

President Donald Trump on Friday directed all U.S. federal agencies to halt the use of artificial intelligence technology developed by Anthropic, escalating a public dispute between the government and the AI company over how its systems may be used. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said he is ordering every federal agency to “immediately cease all use of Anthropic’s technology,” adding that most departments must comply without delay. A six-month phase-out period will apply to the Department of Defence and other agencies still reliant on the company’s products. “We don’t need it, we don’t want…

Nigerian businesses face mounting pressure to deliver exceptional customer service whilst managing operational costs. The explosion of e-commerce, fintech, and digital services across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt has created unprecedented demand for responsive, reliable customer support. Traditional customer service models struggle to keep pace with customer expectations shaped by global digital experiences. Artificial intelligence presents a transformative solution through AI-powered chatbots that promise instant responses, unlimited availability, and significant cost reductions. Yet human agents remain irreplaceable for complex issues requiring empathy, cultural understanding, and nuanced problem-solving. The question facing Nigerian business leaders isn’t whether to adopt AI for customer…

Google has officially unveiled Nano Banana 2 (Gemini 3.1 Flash Image), its latest state-of-the-art AI image model, promising faster generation speeds, sharper outputs and more accessible creative tools for users worldwide. The launch marks a significant step forward in AI-powered image creation, with Nano Banana 2 designed to deliver high-quality visuals in a fraction of the time compared to previous iterations. Built on the Gemini 3.1 Flash Image architecture, the model blends rapid processing with enhanced detail, positioning it as one of Google’s most advanced image generation systems to date. Faster AI Image Generation Speed appears to be at the…

LG Electronics is accelerating the rollout of its AI-enabled smart home ecosystem across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), showcasing cutting-edge connected living technologies first at LG InnoFest 2026 MEA in Abu Dhabi and subsequently at the Mega HORECA 2026 exhibition in Nigeria. At the InnoFest event in Abu Dhabi, LG presented a broad portfolio of AI-driven home innovations tailored for regional markets under its “Zero Labour Home” vision, a seamless smart ecosystem where appliances and devices communicate intelligently to simplify daily life. The lineup included advanced kitchen appliances, AI-optimised laundry systems, adaptive refrigerators and premium TVs with enhanced personalisation…

In a move set to redefine the intersection of academia and digital policy, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Wigwe University have progressed into high-level discussions to form a strategic partnership. The collaboration aims to pioneer localised Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions and drive agricultural innovation nationwide. The talks, held at the NITDA headquarters in Abuja, signalled a shared vision between the federal government and the private institution to move Nigeria from a consumer of foreign tech to a global producer of indigenous solutions. Building “The Nigerian AI” A central theme of the dialogue, led by the Vice-Chancellor of…

As countries race to build digitally skilled workforces, the question arises: should Nigeria introduce free AI training for all adults, similar to the UK model? With rising youth unemployment, rapid digital transformation and increasing global competition, this debate could not be more timely. The UK’s Approach to Free AI Training The United Kingdom has taken significant steps to expand access to digital and AI skills. Through government-backed initiatives such as the Skills for Life programme, partnerships with universities and online training providers, and national digital strategies, adults across the country can access subsidised or free AI and data skills courses.…