Author: Joseph Michael

Researchers have developed a new artificial intelligence system that could significantly extend the lifespan of electric vehicle (EV) batteries by improving how they are charged and managed over time, without slowing down charging speed. The innovation comes from scientists at Chalmers University of Technology, who developed an AI-based charging method that continuously adjusts the charging current based on the battery’s real-time conditions, including its health status and internal chemical behaviour. Unlike traditional fast-charging methods, which can accelerate wear and reduce long-term capacity, this approach is designed to limit harmful effects, such as lithium plating, while still allowing fast charging. The…

The Tanzanian government has launched a major initiative to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its national disaster management systems, signalling a shift toward technology-driven emergency preparedness and climate resilience. The move comes as East Africa continues to face severe floods, droughts, landslides, and other climate-related disasters that have increasingly strained traditional response systems. Officials say the AI-powered framework will improve the country’s ability to predict disasters, process emergency data in real time, and coordinate faster responses before crises escalate into humanitarian emergencies. The initiative is being implemented through the Disaster Operations Centre under the Prime Minister’s Office and is expected…

Nigeria’s digital economy is expanding at a historic pace. Financial technology platforms are processing millions of daily transactions, digital banking adoption continues to accelerate, e-commerce activity is increasing across urban and rural communities, and government services are becoming more digitised every year. This transformation has created enormous economic opportunity, but it has also introduced a new category of risk. Cybercriminals are no longer relying solely on conventional attack methods. Artificial intelligence is now being weaponised to automate phishing campaigns, imitate executives through deepfake audio and video, exploit software vulnerabilities faster, and bypass traditional security systems. In response, organisations are increasingly…

As climate risks continue to intensify across the Asia-Pacific region, Google DeepMind has launched a new accelerator programme to support organisations using artificial intelligence to address environmental and sustainability challenges. The newly announced initiative, called the “Google DeepMind Accelerator: AI for the Planet,” is designed to help startups, researchers, nonprofits, and social enterprises build AI-powered solutions to tackle pressing environmental risks across APAC. According to Google’s official announcement, the programme will focus on supporting projects working in areas such as climate resilience, biodiversity protection, sustainable agriculture, disaster preparedness, energy optimisation, and environmental monitoring. The accelerator comes at a time when…

Talking to AI every day might seem harmless at first. Many people chat with AI assistants like ChatGPT for help with work, entertainment, or even companionship. But spending too much time with AI chatbots can lead to a pattern called AI addiction, where someone feels compelled to use these tools constantly, even when it causes problems in their life. AI addiction can negatively affect mental health by creating emotional dependence, increasing feelings of anxiety and depression, and damaging real-world relationships. Research shows that people who already struggle with mental health issues may be particularly vulnerable to developing unhealthy patterns…

Cisco Systems is cutting nearly 4,000 jobs as part of a major restructuring aimed at shifting more resources toward artificial intelligence (AI), even as the company reported stronger-than-expected earnings and record quarterly revenue. The layoffs, announced as fewer than 4,000 roles globally (less than 5% of its workforce), are part of a broader strategy to reallocate investment toward high-growth areas such as AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, silicon, and advanced networking technologies. In a statement and internal memo to employees, CEO Chuck Robbins said the restructuring reflects the company’s need to “focus on areas where demand and long-term value creation are strongest,”…

Kazakhstan has announced plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its secondary school curriculum nationwide by 2029 as part of a broader push to modernise education and prepare students for a digital economy. The initiative aims to strengthen digital literacy and ensure that students develop foundational skills in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, from an early stage of education. According to government education plans, AI-related learning will be gradually introduced into secondary schools over the coming years, with a full nationwide rollout targeted for 2029. The reform forms part of Kazakhstan’s wider strategy to upgrade its education system and align…

Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong warning about the growing use of artificial intelligence in modern warfare, cautioning that AI-directed military systems could push humanity towards what he described as a “spiral of annihilation.” The Pope made the remarks while addressing concerns over the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence across global security and defence operations. His comments come at a time when governments and military organisations around the world are increasingly investing in autonomous weapons systems, AI-powered surveillance technologies, and machine-assisted combat strategies. According to the Pope, allowing machines to play a greater role in decisions involving war and…

Amazon is embedding generative AI directly into its shopping experience with the launch of a new Alexa+-powered assistant built into the retailer’s search bar, marking one of the company’s most ambitious attempts yet to reshape how consumers browse products online. The feature allows shoppers to ask natural-language questions inside Amazon Search rather than relying on traditional keyword-based queries. Instead of typing short product terms, users can now enter conversational prompts such as “best travel backpack for rainy weekends” or “quiet coffee machine suitable for a small flat”. In testing, the experience felt noticeably closer to interacting with a digital shopping…

Kenya has launched a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Disability Project in partnership with the global technology company Huawei and several local institutions, aimed at improving digital inclusion for persons with disabilities. The initiative was unveiled during the Connected Africa Summit 2026 in Nairobi and brings together government agencies, private-sector players, and disability advocacy organisations to develop AI-powered solutions to address accessibility challenges in education, employment, and public services. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), InABLE, Qhala, Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust…