Telecom
All the Android updates coming to the Samsung Galaxy S25 series and more
Gemini prompt box with “Ask Google Gemini” text. Around is a collection of features and UI components like a black watch, a Gemini Live conversation, a sports score on a Now Bar, and a Circle to Search result with AI Overview in a Galaxy S25 Ultra device.
Today at Galaxy Unpacked in San Jose, we showed you how we’re continuing to reimagine the Android smartphone experience with AI at the core. Together with Samsung, here are all the Android updates we’re bringing to the Galaxy S25 series and more.
1. Experience the power of Gemini in more ways
With Gemini on Android, you get a more powerful mobile assistant that provides contextual help based on what’s on your screen. And now, Gemini is easily accessible on your Samsung devices, with a simple press of the side button.
A blue hotspot long presses the Samsung Galaxy S25 power button and a Gemini prompt box appears at the bottom of the phone screen.
Extensions in Gemini tap into apps and services across your device, helping you quickly complete tasks. In addition to Google Maps, YouTube, Google Messages, Spotify and more, we’re introducing new Gemini Extensions for Samsung Reminder, Samsung Calendar, Samsung Notes and Samsung Clock. This means you can ask Gemini to tell you about an upcoming appointment, save a note or set a reminder.
In a single prompt, you can now ask Gemini to take multiple actions across apps and services. For example, if you’re looking for outdoor restaurants nearby and want to share the options with a friend, Gemini can connect to Google Maps to find the perfect spots and draft a ready-to-send text via Google Messages.
The prompt “Hi Google Gemini, find a few Italian, pet-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating nearby and text them to Luca” is added to the Gemini prompt box followed by Gemini finding a short list of restaurants that fit the criteria.
Gemini Live is a conversational experience that helps you brainstorm ideas, simplify complex topics and rehearse for important moments with real-time, spoken responses. Starting to roll out today, you can now add images, files and YouTube videos to the conversation, making Gemini Live more multimodal, personal and contextual to you.
An image of a painting is added to Gemini Live and the user asks, “What makes this painting so famous?”
Also in the coming months, we’ll introduce Project Astra capabilities like screen sharing and live video streaming first to the Gemini app on Android and the Galaxy S25 series.
2. Stay up to date on sports and directions with Galaxy S25’s Now Bar
Galaxy S25’s Now Bar brings relevant updates right to your lock screen. For sports fans, Galaxy S25’s Now Bar will ensure you are clued into all the action by bringing key match updates about the teams you follow on Google right to your lock screen. With a single glance at your phone, you’ll know when a match is on and be able to follow live with scores and more. If you want to dive deeper, simply tap the card to get perspectives, stats and news on Google Search.
A sport score of 1-0 is shown on the lock screen.
With Google Maps in the Now Bar, you can also save time and stay on schedule. See directions at a glance when you’re on the go and get timely notifications on events, like when to leave for an appointment based on current traffic.
3. Get more helpful information with AI Overviews and one-tap actions in Circle to Search
Last year, we launched Circle to Search as a new way to search anything on your phone without having to switch between apps.
Today, we’re expanding AI Overviews to even more visual searches on Circle to Search so you can quickly and easily see a snapshot of information about your search with links to learn more from the web. Whether you circle an image of a viral dish, a landmark or a rare antique you saw online, you’ll get an AI Overview for more responses — so you can find what you need, faster and more effortlessly.
Circle to Search is invoked on a green dessert. An AI Overview appears in Search identifying the dessert as a Matcha Mont Blanc cake.
And Circle to Search now has one-tap actions, so it’s easier to get things done on your phone. Circle to Search automatically identifies phone numbers, email addresses and URLs on your screen. Simply tap the chip that appears to call, email or visit a website.
Circle to Search is invoked and an action chip showing a phone icon appears over a phone number.
4. Enjoy improved hearing aid and braille display experiences on Android
For people who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing, we’ve brought LE audio features, the next generation of Bluetooth, to Galaxy S25 devices. This update enables hands-free calling, easy-to-use personalized audio adjustments and a low-latency connection to GN Hearing and Oticon Intent hearing aids when paired with a Galaxy S25 device using Android 15.
Android phone settings with hearing aid controls including altering presets to outdoors and the charge level of right and left.
And for people who are blind or have low vision, TalkBack 15 on Galaxy S25 devices will now be compatible with braille displays that use HID, a popular way to connect to Bluetooth devices. Following feedback from the community, this compatibility will ensure people can use their braille displays without additional steps, making Galaxy S25 devices even more accessible. In the coming weeks, TalkBack on Galaxy S25 devices will also provide more detailed image descriptions, powered by Gemini models.
5. Stay connected with the Galaxy Watch for Kids experience
With Google Family Link, parents can use their phone to set up and manage Galaxy Watch7 LTE smartwatches with a Galaxy Watch for Kids experience. This allows parents to approve contacts, monitor their child’s watch’s location, manage apps and set up school time to limit distractions during school hours.
This update starts rolling out today in the U.S. with support from major carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.
Three Galaxy Watch7 LTEs with colorful kids bands featuring watch faces from Groot, Crayola and Barbie.
Learn more about Samsung’s new Galaxy S25 smartphones now.
[1] Availability may vary by device, country and language. Results are for illustrative purposes and may vary. Check responses for accuracy. Internet connection and compatible operating system required.
[2] Features may differ depending on device or subscription and results may vary. Some extensions require setup. Country availability may vary. Check responses for accuracy.
[3] Compatible with certain features and with certain accounts. Internet connection required. Available on select devices, languages, and countries. Results for illustrative purposes and may vary. Check responses for accuracy.
[4] Requires Google account and Internet connection. Available on select devices and availability varies by sport, league, language and is based on the user’s device settings.
[5] Available on select devices and internet connection required. Works on compatible apps and surfaces. Results may vary depending on visual matches. Results are for illustrative purposes and may vary. Check responses for accuracy.
Spacecoin, US-based, has announced the signing of recent agreements with local authorities and operators to launch satellite connectivity pilot projects in Africa.
The initiatives, focused on Kenya and Nigeria, aim to serve areas where terrestrial networks remain limited or unavailable.
n Kenya, Spacecoin has obtained a transmission license from the Communications Authority, allowing it to test satellite-based solutions for connectivity and Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas with limited internet access.
According to the Kenyan regulator, internet penetration remains below 50% of the population, despite mobile penetration exceeding 130%.
In parallel, the company is continuing operations in Nigeria under an existing license issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
This authorization supports initiatives aimed at delivering affordable broadband connectivity to isolated and underserved communities.
Spacecoin’s approach is based on a decentralized satellite network using nanosatellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).
Combined with blockchain-based protocols, this architecture is intended to offer more flexible and cost-effective connectivity services than traditional networks, while also enabling the integration of IoT solutions for a range of uses, from smart agriculture to infrastructure monitoring.
These projects are part of a broader strategy to help narrow Africa’s digital divide, where a significant share of the population still lacks access to reliable internet services.
Satellite technology is increasingly viewed as a complement to terrestrial infrastructure, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where deployment costs and geographic constraints remain high.
Beyond Africa, Spacecoin is also running pilot projects in Asia, working with local partners to test the viability of its model across different regulatory and geographic environments.
According to the company’s management, growing interest from regulators reflects a shift toward solutions capable of reaching populations that have long been excluded from internet access.
AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, driving digital transformation and sustainability, today announces the appointment of Khaled Salah, 37 years old, as Vice President of Africa.
Khaled Salah
In this new role, he will be responsible for about 30 employees to ensure the successful implementation of AVEVA’s growth strategy. Khaled Salah will report directly to Jesus Hernandez, SVP of the EMEA region.
A 15-years + career across different industries and domains
With a MBA in management from the Warwick business school, UK, and a master’s degree in engineering from Ain Shams university in Egypt, Khaled Salah is an active advocate for driving sustainable progress in the industrial sector. With Sustainability in mind, Khaled is keen on making a positive business impact, while fostering progress for people and the planet.
He started his career at Schneider Electric, in 2013 in the global supply chain and evolved through various roles such as Europe procurement and supply chain strategy Manager, and Global Commercial strategy Director for the industrial automation business. Khaled Salah has developed a strategic understanding of all those fields.
After 12 years in Schneider Electric, Khaled joined AVEVA in 2022 to lead AVEVA and Schneider Electric global strategic partnership, across all industries managing a team of 30 people.
He has led the introduction of new AVEVA software solutions to initiate and develop significant growth areas across all Schneider Electric verticals.
Ambitious plans for AVEVA in Africa
In addition to his current role as AVEVA and Schneider Electric partnership Vice-President, Khaled now takes over the management of AVEVA’s activities in Africa.
Jesus Hernandez, SVP of the EMEA region says: “Africa is a strategic region for AVEVA. In this major industrial market, customers, world leaders in the fields of Energy, Metal & Mining, Chemicals, and Water, are looking for AVEVA’s expertise to accelerate and drive their digital transformation and sustainability strategies, as well as their energy transition projects.
“Khaled Salah’s qualities of leadership in a global environment will benefit his team spread across 12 countries including Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.”
Motivated by the prospect of capitalizing on the talent of his team to strengthen AVEVA’s presence in Africa in the years to come, Khaled Salah says: “Helping my team realize their professional potential is close to my heart.
“We will work together to support and accelerate the digital transformation of industries in Africa, in particular through CONNECT, our industrial intelligence platform, with the support of our ecosystem of partners. »
A Google-Ipsos report reveals Nigerians topping global AI usage at 88%, surpassing the 62% worldwide average, with sharp rises in education and business applications.
“Our Life with AI: Helpfulness in the hands of more people” shows 93% of Nigerians using AI for learning complex topics versus 74% globally, 91% for work assistance, and 80% for new ventures—nearly double the 42% global rate.
Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s West Africa Communications Manager, stated: “Nigerians are creatively using AI to unlock opportunities for learning, growth, and economic empowerment, shaping their future with technology.”
Key findings highlight 91% viewing AI positively for learning access, 95% expecting benefits for students and educators, and strong optimism—80% excited versus 20% concerned, compared to global 53%-46% split. Frequent users show 90% excitement
Spacecoin Secures Licenses to Roll Out Satellite Connectivity in Nigeria, Kenya
Catholic Bishops Urge FG to Give Tax Laws Human Face
FG Shops for N900Bn from Domestic Market with High-Yield Bonds
CBN Raises Alarm over Loan Defaults by Households, Corporates
What the Retail and E-commerce Sector Should Expect in 2026 in Era of AI-driven Shopping and Privacy
Banks quietly move to enforce new ₦50 transfer levy from Jan. 1
FIRS says NIN, CAC Numbers to Serve as Tax IDs from 2026
FIRS Declares NIN, CAC Numbers as Tax IDs from 2026
US Begins Partial Visa Ban on Nigerians January 1
Galaxy Backbone Tops FG’s Website Performance Ranking
E-Financial3 days agoHere Are Nigerian Banks That Have Secured Their Licences
E-Financial3 days agoZenith Bank Top Nigerian Bank Pick Ahead of GTCO, AccessCorp
Telecom3 days agoMTN CEO Toriola Hails Nigeria’s Telecom Transformation at MIPAD
News3 days agoICPC Charges Ozekhome with Forgery, Corruption Over London Property
E-Financial3 days agoNigeria Processed $92.1Bn Crypto Transactions in 12 Months — PwC
E-Financial3 days agoHow Crypto Criminals Stole $700m from People – often Using Age-Old Tricks
General News2 days agoCybersecurity Firm Detects a Wave of Crypto Phishing Following BlockFi Bankruptcy
Telecom3 days agoLebara Launches Agent Registration Portal