The Nation Newspaper

Tag: smart phones

  • INEC’s ban on smart phones in polling booths unsettles PDP

    AHEAD of the Osun State governorship election on Saturday and a day after the Independent National Electoral Commission placed a ban on the use of mobile phones and cameras inside polling booths, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday kicked against the directive.

    INEC Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu, who announced the ban on Monday in Osogbo at a stakeholders’ forum ahead of the poll, said the electoral umpire will not allow voters into the booths with their telephones, cameras and any other device that can take pictures.

    The INEC chair said the measure would help to curb the issue of vote-buying and vote-selling which he described as a new strategy adopted by politicians to rig elections.

    He said the decision was reached because of the alarm raised by stakeholders that politicians had adopted ‘see and buy’ as a new rigging method.

    The professor explained the measure was being taken to prevent vote-buying and vote-selling during the Osun governorship poll and subsequent elections.

    Yakubu said: “I wish to now turn to the worrisome issue of vote-buying. Over the years, the Commission has taken several steps to improve our electoral process. Today, malpractices such as ballot box snatching and stuffing, multiple voting, diversion of election materials, hijacking of election personnel, falsification of results and sundry violations of the electoral law have been considerably addressed.”

    But the PDP condemned the decision of the electoral umpire to ban the use of smart phones in polling units.

    Its National Chairman Prince Uche Secondus accused INEC of a surreptitious move to prevent the global community from knowing its plan to rig the 2019 general elections.

    Governor Seriake Dickson’s Special Adviser on Media Relations, Mr. FIdelis Soriwei, as having made the comment yesterday during a meeting with stakeholders from Bayelsa East Senatorial District in Yenagoa.

    Secondus said that it was quite puzzling that the commission would attempt to prevent the use of smart phone, which he described as the easiest means of communication in the society, during elections.

    He alleged that the decision to ban the use of recording devices was the strategy of INEC and the APC to rig the general elections last year.

    The PDP chair argued that the commission by that singular act had sent the country to the dark, primitive era.

    He also restated his opposition of President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal to sign the amended Electoral Act.

    Secondus said: “We have all heard what the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, said about the decision to ban the use of smart phones in the polling units. All over the world, a smart phone is the easiest way of communication.

    “What they have said clearly shows that the commission in connivance with the All Progressives Congress have perfected a rigging strategy for the next election.

    “In fact, INEC has sent Nigeria back to the primitive days.

    “The same plan to rig the 2019 election is responsible for the refusal of the President to sign the amended Electoral Act because the card reader must be used.

    “Our position is that INEC is wrong, there is nowhere in the constitution or in the Electoral Act, where smart phones are banned.

    “INEC, if you throw this country to crisis, you will be held responsible.”

    Secondus said that Nigeria was under siege as the Federal Government introduced an obnoxious suspension of the people right to freedom in the country.

    He lamented that the APC introduced dictatorial tendencies that were worse that the repression witnessed under the military.

    Secondus also accused the Federal Government òf borrowing N11 trillion in three years in spite of the huge amount of money budgeted yearly to run the government.

    He said that the nation’s debt profile hit the highest of all time under the APC-led Federal Government.

    Secondus said: “We have borrowed N11 trillion and you don’t feel the impact of the budget except in Daura.

    “Nigeria has witnessed nepotism that has never been felt this way in this country.

    “The international community is worried about Nigeria. The country is broke; our debt profile has risen to highest level.

    “Nigeria is under siege. Freedom and rights have denied our people. .The country is going through very difficult and trying the moments.”

    Dickson urged the people of the Niger Delta to give the expected support to Secondus in his efforts to lead the PDP to electoral victory next year, describing the PDP as the party of the oil-rich region.

  • How to get the best of your smart phones

    How to get the best of your smart phones

    Experts in Information Communication Technology (ICT) observe that a smart phone features advanced mobile operating system comprising personal computer-like operations and others for efficiency.

    According to them, they come in types and pocket sizes, including Infinix, Samsung galaxy, blackberry, gionee and iphone7pluse, among other types.

    A smart phone also has the ability to place and receive voice calls, create, receive text messages and other popular digital mobile applications.

    Until the advent of smart phones, the belief was that the cellular telephones initially introduced to Nigerian market in the early 2000s had virtually all features expected of a telephone.

    “With useful applications on smart phones in vogue, one can easily have access to varieties of tasks, ranging from photography, games, creative artwork to easy access to social media.

    “Smart phone technology creates expectations for increased and unaltered productivity because they allow us to engage in extreme multi-tasking,’’ Mr Olufemi Ayantuji, an expert in ICT observed.

    Technologists, nonetheless, insist that the efficiency of smart phones depends on how optimally the handlers can manipulate them, observing that smart phones can be used positively or negatively as well, especially by youths.

    However, Mr Joe Okonji, a technologist, said he used smart phones to do business without having to sit in an office.

    He said the use of smart phones could not be overemphasised, observing that it had helped in interactions without the stress of moving from one place to other.

    “With your smart phone, you can do whatsapp chatting and you can go to facebook to get information and a lot of other things, so my smart phone, as far as I am concerned, is my office,’’ he said.

    Similarly, Miss Lydia Ojoma, a 300-level student of Kogi State University, Anyigba, said she used smart phone to do many things, especially in chatting with her friends.

    Mr Ibrahim Lawal, a technologist in Abuja, also said smart phones could perform excellent tasks if the handlers knew much about the applications.

    “Smart phones improve someone educational standard but it all boils down on the utilisation; there is even a new application called Global Position System in smart phones that can be used to get locations when confused.

    However, Ibrahim said his findings had confirmed that more than 60 per cent of smart phone users did not know much about its functions and they either use it wrongly or under-use its potential.

    “For instance, we have the Bible and Quran applications can be downloaded to smart phones and be read at anytime, anywhere to bring the users closer to God and there are also other applications on various immoral activities.

    “In a positive way, it saves me from lot of expenses because I can now do mobile transfer through my phone instead of going to bank to pay; it saves me from standing on queue.

    “It has also help youths like me to make money; for instance I have a blog which fetches me money, so I don’t need to look for job.

    “Look at Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of facebook; he is a rich man through smart phone. So, the phone may be small, functional but the usage makes the difference,’’ he said.

    On her part, Mrs Franca Adegboyega,   a civil servant in Abuja, said that smart phones were good but attention given to them was making youths not to concentrate on their studies.

    According to her, most youths are busy chatting or watching movies and going to sites they ought not to access instead of reading.

    “Smart phones are good but the negative effects on our youths and children are too much as most of them are no longer concentrating on their studies.

    “It would have been better if parents and guardians can monitor their wards to ensure that they make the best use of the phones.

    “Do you know that smart phone can now be used as a remote control for your television sets instead of putting your hands into the couch searching for the remote control?

    “Yes, you just need to download the application; this is what technology has brought to us but it is a two-edged sword — useful and harmful — depending on its applications.

    Apart from these benefits, experts note that while cell phones can only call and text, smart phones can perform more tasks, allowing the users to enjoy multiple ways of communicating.

    According to them, smart phones can give access to e-mail, video calling, video conferencing, and internet connections via social networking sites such as Twitter, facebook and LinkedIn.

    In spite of these multi-tasking, some users insist that most smart phones are not all that smart after all.

    “In fact, many can be downright idiotic; the weakest link is likely its battery, recharging of data and keeping it cool on a regular basis via an application.

    “Also, mind you, the device — smart phone — could be your constant companion for more than one years; so you definitely have to start another settings altogether when you acquire another smart phone,’’ they observe.

    • Olugbami is of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
  • LG stirs smart phones segment

    LG stirs smart phones segment

    The global demand for smartphones, which boast web connectivity, high resolution touch-screen displays and access to application stores is at an all time high.

    In Nigeria the case is not different as it is highly sought after by individuals ranging from corporate executives to housewives who feel the need to be at the top of their game. This is what informed the introduction of the L series II smartphones by LG Electronics, a global leader in mobile communications.

    The L series II consists of the L7 II, L5 II and the L3 II. These uniquely designed mobile devices redefine elegance and performance in an amazing number of ways. All aimed at the budget-conscious consumer, the new Android Jelly Bean phones offer significant improvements on the previous models, including new, rounded and friendly design aesthetics. Overall, they are irresistibly beautiful as well as undeniably brilliant.

    Speaking on this landmark achievement, General Manager, Mobile Communications, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. JS Yoo, said: “LG has a history of pushing the envelope when it comes to style and L Series II builds on this heritage of design innovation. By evolving the sophisticated style and premium features of the original L Series, its sequel is expected to continue the popularity of the L Series around the world.”

    Key features that are present in the L series II phones include the Quickmemo which allows users to use their fingertips to take down and then share handwritten ideas on their phone; Quick Button enable users customize the quick launch of apps like the camera, browser or music player, using a hot key. Safety Care lets users programme 3 options- emergency call forwarding, phone non-usage notice, and my location notice- in the event of an emergency; and the Dual SIM function will benefit those that use their phones for both business and personal reasons, in order to ensure both worlds are kept separate.

    The True IPS (In-Plane Switching) display reveals colors that are true to nature. This occurs because the pixels are aligned so densely, images remain crisp and clear, even when zoomed in. Without over-saturation or eyestrain, you can enjoy accurate colors, sharp text, and dazzling images.

    All three L Series phones are designed in ways that make users feel as incredible as they look. The striking layouts are progressive, timeless, and inlaid with life-enriching innovations.

    The most-classy in the line-up – the L7 II has a 1GHz dual-core processor, 4.3-inch touch screen, 8 Mega Pixel (MP) cameras on the rear with an LED flash; and a 2,460mAh battery which is one of its major strengths, as it is expected to last at least two days without needing a recharge. A sharp improvement from the 5-megapixel camera and 1700mAh battery that existed in the previous version from last year

    The L5 II which comes with a refined designed is a bit bigger, with a 4-inch 800 x 480 display and 1,700mAh battery. It has the same 1GHz dual-core processor as the L7 II, but is still compact and bijou.

    L5II’s 4.0″ display provides superior readability and a spacious viewing experience. It transforms typing and operating the user interface into an easy and enjoyable process with a larger keyboard and expansive screen. In terms of style it is opulently styled with a smart lighting with home button LED and an IPS (In-Plane-Switching) display for optimal viewing; it has a strong resolution that guarantees reproduction of true to nature colours.

    The L5 II contains a battery capacity of 1,700mAh with SIO+ technology, which makes it a high-density battery, maximizing consumer usage time while contributing no additional bulk.

    The smallest of the pack is the LG L3 II. It has a 3.2-inch 320 x 240 display, 1GHz Single-core; HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink packet Access) 7.2. Regarding camera, it has a 3.MP FF 0 and a 1,540mAh battery, and is pretty per functionary to be fair. It has a screen resolution of 800 x 480 pixel.

    With the introduction of the LG L series II phones, LG Mobile has once more indicated its readiness to maintain its proven reputation for producing innovative mobile devices with ultimate speed and functionality that will empower consumers in ways they have never thought possible.

     

  • HP wins award for crime-fighting mobile technology

    HP wins award for crime-fighting mobile technology

    HP’s mobile authentication tool has been awarded a Records and Information Management Awareness (RIMA) Award which recognises information security as a critical aspect of business in Africa.

    The award-winning technology uses a unique code on security labels to tell customers within seconds if ink and toner supplies are genuine HP products or illegal counterfeits. This empowers HP customers to spot suspicious printing supplies – turning smartphones into crime-fighting equipment and deterring criminal gangs.

    Each code can be validated using a QR code reader downloaded as a smartphone ‘app’ or entered into the HP Mobile Authentication website. An invalid response indicates that the product may not be genuine and automatically gives the user instructions on what to do next.

    Responding to the award, Rita Amuchienwa, the Supplies Country Manager, Printing & Personal Systems, English West Africa, said the HP Anti-counterfeiting Programme works hard to protect partners and customers by making it difficult to produce, distribute and sell counterfeits.

    “This recent innovation in labels and packaging is an example of HP using technology to stay one step ahead of fraudsters, especially in Nigeria where counterfeiting is a serious issue. We are honoured that this RIMA award recognises our efforts in this area and celebrates the innovation and authenticity which is integral to our brand and products.”Amuchienwa stated.

    Oyewole Oyedokun, the President, RIMA explained that the Records and Information Management Awareness Foundation  created the awards to promote the proper management and security of records and information.

    “We are delighted to name HP winner of the Mobile Information Management category for its vision in creating a technology which uses information and software to protect businesses from illegal counterfeiting.” he said.

    In HP’s fiscal year 2012, 1.3 million illicit items were confiscated by law enforcers in the Middle East, Mediterranean and Africa regions, supported by HP’s investigations teams. These illegal counterfeit goods are manufactured by criminal gangs and investigation and prevention of this issue take up the valuable time of government officials.

    Counterfeiting is an important issue in Nigeria where fraudsters trick consumers and local businesses into buying sub-standard print supplies using unknown chemicals. According to research conducted by Forrester in 2012, 50 per cent of respondents in Nigeria said they had either been offered or purchased counterfeit or suspect cartridges – the highest number of organisations interviewed in Africa.